350: Chapter 328: It seems like everyone who subscribes to Bubble is crazy; they must be fans of SM Entertainment~

The private room door was pulled open again, and Im Yoona appeared at the entrance, carrying a hint of a hurried aura.

"Unnies! Sorry, sorry, there was a bit of a traffic jam on the way, and work finished a bit late!" She apologized with her hands pressed together while taking off her shoes to enter. She had clearly rushed over directly from the set today; her face still bore a bit of exhaustion from filming, but her makeup was complete, she was wearing a decent cocktail dress, and her hair was meticulously styled, showing how much she valued this gathering.

"Yoona is here!"

"Our big star female lead has finally arrived!"

"Sit down, sit down!"

Amidst a flurry of warm greetings and teasing, Im Yoona was surrounded by her sisters and sat in the well-deserved main seat (the center position specially left vacant). Seohyun also immediately restrained the slightly eager expression she had while "discussing the plot" with Lee Tima just now, returning to her gentle and dignified Unnie appearance, nodding with a smile to Im Yoona. Tonight, Im Yoona was the absolute protagonist.

Once Im Yoona was settled, took the hot towel handed over by the server to wipe her hands, and adjusted the hem of her clothes that had been pressed by her coat, she seemed ready to officially blend into the party atmosphere—

The "judgment panel" led by Sunny immediately launched an attack!

"Ya! Im Yoona!" Sunny slapped the table (lightly, of course), a "caught you" smirk hanging on her face. "You! As the protagonist of tonight's celebration banquet, you actually arrived last! Making so many of us Unnies wait for you! Does this make sense?"

"Exactly, exactly!" Yuri immediately chimed in. "The rules can't be broken! If you're late, you have to accept the punishment!"

Hyoyeon counted on her fingers, her eyes bright. "According to the old rules, it starts with three glasses! But... today is to celebrate you filming a movie, it's of great significance, so..."

Sooyoung followed up in perfect sync, "So each of us will toast you one glass! How about it? Fair, right!"

"Unnies~!" Im Yoona immediately used her trump card, cupping her face with both hands, her doe-like eyes blinking, making a classic aggrieved and coquettish expression, her voice trailing off. "I just rushed back from Ulsan~ The road was really jammed, and I'm still hungry. If I start drinking right away, I'll get dizzy~"

This aegyo tactic's lethality had somewhat diminished for the Girls Generation sisters as they grew older, but it was still effective. Soft-hearted smiles appeared on both Tiffany and Seohyun's faces.

However, Sunny was clearly iron-hearted (or rather, had planned this for a long time). "Aigoo, it's precisely because you just came back from a hard day on set that you need a drink to relax! Come on, come on, stop talking!"

Just as Im Yoona tried to use an even more pitiful gaze to seek help from the other Unnies, her peripheral vision subconsciously and almost instinctively drifted toward the person who controlled almost everything on set and made her feel incredibly at ease (though he often annoyed her)—Jiang Zhiyu.

Her eyes carried a hint of a plea for help, a hope of "Oppa/President, hurry up and say something."

Jiang Zhiyu received her gaze. He put down his teacup, that gentle smile still on his face, but the words he spoke made Im Yoona's face drop instantly:

"Yoona Noona as the nominal protagonist of today's dinner and having rushed here from an important shoot, it is indeed a bit inappropriate for her to be late. It is also perfectly reasonable for the seniors to demand a penalty drink."

Im Yoona: "!!!"

She widened her eyes and looked at Jiang Zhiyu in disbelief. Her gaze shifted from hope to annoyance and accusation in an instant, and her cheeks puffed up unconsciously, like a betrayed hamster.

Jiang Zhiyu! You're actually not helping me?! And you're kicking me while I'm down?!

"Haha! Did you hear that, Yoona!" Sunny laughed triumphantly. "Even your President said so! Hurry up, pick up your glass!"

"Exactly! Even the President has spoken; Yoona, you have no excuse now!" The others also joined in the commotion, and the atmosphere in the private room instantly became more "sinister."

Im Yoona was isolated and without help, seemingly about to be "attacked by everyone." She bit her lip, intending to struggle a bit more or simply act shamelessly, when Sooyoung, who had been a bit unhappy earlier because she sought help from Jiang Zhiyu, added more fuel to the fire:

"Oh? Yoona, were you looking at President Jiang just now? Trying to find the President as a backer to reject the Unnies' kindness?" She deliberately straightened her face. "Because of this 'seeking help' behavior, you've hurt the Unnies' feelings! Now the punishment is upgraded! You have to have a drink with every one of us! Starting with me!"

"Right! One glass for each person!"

"Who told you not to trust your Unnies and go to the President instead?"

"The President is the director, not your Manager; he can't manage our sisters' gathering!"

The sisters chirped in one after another, putting Im Yoona directly on the spot.

Kim Taeyeon sat to the side, watching the maknae being besieged so pitifully (though mostly faked), and then looked at the culprit Sunny's look of wanting to see the world in chaos; her brows furrowed slightly. She knew these sisters had no sense of moderation when they started acting up, and Yoona might have filming tasks tomorrow...

She was about to speak, wanting to smooth things over by saying "just a gesture is fine" or "let Yoona eat something first"—

Jiang Zhiyu, who had been watching in silence as if he were an outsider, suddenly moved.

He reached out and took the clean glass in front of Im Yoona that hadn't been filled with wine yet, then took the soju bottle and poured a small half-glass with a fluid motion. Then, he picked up the cup of tea in front of him that he hadn't really touched (it had long since gone cold) and raised them together.

His voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears, carrying an unquestionable gentle power:

"Yoona Noona is the female lead of my movie and also a very important partner of mine." His gaze swept over the seniors present, his smile still appropriate. "She worked hard filming today, so her being late is excusable, but the seniors' rules cannot be broken either."

He paused and slightly raised the soju glass in his hand:

"How about this: I'll drink this first round of 'penalty drinks' for her. Consider it me, as the director, thanking all the seniors on behalf of my female lead for your constant care and support."

After saying that, without waiting for a reaction, he tilted his head back and drained that small half-glass of soju in one gulp. His movements were crisp, and his expression didn't change.

The private room fell silent for a moment.

Im Yoona stared at him blankly. The annoyance from just now vanished instantly, replaced by a complex emotion; somewhere in her heart felt slightly warm.

The others were also stunned for a moment, and then—

"Ooh~~~!!!"

"Starting to protect her so soon?!"

"President Jiang is so handsome! So responsible!"

"As expected of a director, already starting to protect his own actor?"

Even louder cheers erupted, more enthusiastic than before, and their gazes became even more suggestive.

Sunny's eyes lit up even more, and she laughed inwardly: Ho~ Jiang Zhiyu, I didn't actively look for trouble with you, and you actually dare to deliver yourself to my doorstep? Shielding Yoona from drinks? Good! Very good! I was just worried I had no reason to get you drunk!

She immediately seized the opportunity and shouted loudly, "The President shielding the actor from drinks? How bold! However..." She deliberately elongated her tone. "In our place, the rules for shielding someone are different! How could three glasses be enough?"

Yuri immediately understood and clapped her hands with a smile. "Right, right, right! You have to show sincerity! How about this: we'll go clockwise first, and President Jiang will have a drink with each of us! After finishing that, we'll go around counter-clockwise once more! How about it? Fair, right?"

"Fair!"

"Agreed!"

"Go for it, President!"

The sisters instantly turned their guns, and all "firepower" and points of excitement were concentrated on Jiang Zhiyu, who had "jumped out" voluntarily.

Kim Taeyeon swallowed the words that were at the tip of her tongue. Looking at Jiang Zhiyu, who was surrounded by everyone's teasing but still wore a smile as if he had been prepared long ago, and then at Im Yoona beside him, who was clearly relieved but whose eyes were glued to Jiang Zhiyu...

She silently picked up her water glass and took a sip.

The "penalty drink crisis" originally aimed at Im Yoona had, because of Jiang Zhiyu's intervention, instantly evolved into a "war of attrition" against him personally.

And the culprit, Sunny, seeing this "unexpectedly smooth" development, had a smile that almost reached her ears.

Plan successful! Jiang Zhiyu, if I don't knock you down tonight, my name isn't Lee Soon-kyu!

—

Lee Tima sat next to Jiang Zhiyu, holding a small glass of juice, her big eyes sparkling as she watched this "siege drama" before her, her little face full of excitement from watching the show. She even secretly pulled out her phone from her bag, wanting to record the "heroic posture" of her Oppa being plied with alcohol (but was stopped by a look from Jiang Zhiyu and desisted sullenly).

First round, clockwise.

Jiang Zhiyu held his refilled glass, starting from the eldest, Hyoyeon, then Yuri, Sooyoung, Tiffany, Seohyun, Sunny (who had specially arranged herself in a later position to build up strength for the final blow), and finally Kim Taeyeon.

Facing every senior, Jiang Zhiyu maintained impeccable politeness. When clinking glasses, the rim of his glass was slightly lower, and he would say "Senior, please look after me" or "Thank you, senior, for your support," then crisply tilt his head back to drink it all. Soju, beer, and even the foreign liquor that Sunny had mixed in on a whim—he accepted them all without a change in expression.

His movements were smooth and natural, without the slightest hesitation or refusal, as if what he was drinking wasn't alcohol but just plain water. Even after several glasses, his eyes remained clear, his speech remained lucid, and even his sitting posture hadn't relaxed in the slightest.

Soon, the first round ended.

Everyone stared at him intently, hoping to see even a hint of a flush or swaying.

However, Jiang Zhiyu just picked up his water glass, took a sip of water unhurriedly, and then said softly to Lee Tima beside him, "Go help the seniors grill the meat," as if those seven or eight glasses of alcohol just now were just an appetizer.

"Wow... President Jiang, your alcohol tolerance is pretty good!" Hyoyeon was somewhat surprised.

"A real dark horse!" Yuri also exclaimed.

Second round, counter-clockwise.

This time, the pressure seemed a bit greater. But Jiang Zhiyu still dealt with it calmly. Starting from Kim Taeyeon (when he raised his glass, Kim Taeyeon's gaze was complex, her lips moved, and in the end, she just lightly clinked with him and said in a low voice, "Drink less"), then Sunny (who tried to create pressure with even more enthusiastic and exaggerated toasting words and a larger glass), Seohyun, Tiffany... all the way back to Hyoyeon.

Two rounds, nearly twenty glasses of different types of alcohol consumed.

Jiang Zhiyu sat there, and besides his eyes appearing a bit brighter than before (perhaps a reflection of the lights?), his face was still clean without a trace of a flush, his breathing was steady, and he could even accurately pick out the grilled but slightly charred meat slices Lee Tima had cooked and set them aside, reminding her to watch the heat.

Everyone: "..."

He can drink that much?!

Sunny's heart skipped a beat; she felt her "get-him-drunk plan" had hit a snag. Was this guy a reincarnated wine vat?

Just as the atmosphere was a bit stagnant, with everyone marvelling at Jiang Zhiyu's immense capacity and Sunny pondering the next wave of attack, Jiang Zhiyu took the initiative to raise his glass.

His face carried a perfectly timed, sincere smile suitable for a celebratory occasion, and his voice was gentle yet clearly heard throughout the room:

"Alright, the jokes end here. Today's protagonist is Yoona Noona, and it's also to celebrate our movie's smooth filming and wish for future success."

His gaze swept across everyone, finally landing on Im Yoona, giving her a slight nod.

"Thank you to all the seniors for coming and for your support. I propose that everyone together, for Yoona Noona's breakthrough, for the future of the crab, and for our rare gathering—"

He raised his voice slightly:

"Cheers!"

This proposal was perfectly reasonable, instantly pulling the drinking, which had been a bit mischievous and experimental, back onto the right track. Everyone also realized they had played a bit too much and stood up one after another, raising their glasses.

"Cheers!"

"Wishing Yoona's movie a big hit!"

"Wishing the crab high box office sales!"

"For Girls Generation!"

The crisp sound of clinking glasses rang out, and the atmosphere became harmonious and enthusiastic once again. Everyone tilted their heads to drain the alcohol (or drinks) in their glasses, and then sat down again amidst laughter, finally turning their attention to the grilled meat on the table that had begun to sizzle and release a rich aroma.

Kim Taeyeon sat back in her seat, taking small sips of the water in her glass. Her gaze drifted toward Jiang Zhiyu from time to time. Since Jiang Zhiyu had taken the initiative to shield Im Yoona from the drinks, she had some inexplicable emotions in her heart. She wanted to say something to him, like "don't drink so fast," or "thank you for taking care of Yoona," or even ask "are you okay?"...

But when the words reached her lips, they were blocked by a certain strange reserve and pride. He was a junior (though his ability and status had long since surpassed that), she was a senior, and in this kind of setting, wouldn't it seem too caring to say these things? Besides... he looked perfectly at ease and didn't seem to need her worry at all.

She hesitated like this several times, and in the end, she just silently ate the perfectly grilled meat that Lee Tima had placed on her plate, listening to the lively chatting around her.

As for Jiang Zhiyu, after successfully defusing the opening "crisis" and guiding the atmosphere, he seemed to relax completely. He was no longer the target of a siege but had instead become one of the most active communicators at the table.

[part:gemini-3.1-flash-lite]

He chatted with Hyoyeon and Yuri about fitness, discussed fashion and beauty with Sooyoung and Tiffany (he could actually hold his own on those topics!), and even exchanged a few thoughts with Seohyun about a recent play.

His range of topics was broad, his attitude sincere, and he always managed to pick up on what others said and extend it into interesting discussions, making everyone feel included.

More importantly, through tacit coordination and simple instructions, he and Lee Tima, who had been dispatched to the "opposite" grill to handle the barbecue, almost completely controlled the "grilling rights" for the dinner.

Lee Tima acted like a little head chef, carefully watching the heat and flipping the meat slices.

Jiang Zhiyu was responsible for "quality control" and "coordination," occasionally reminding her, "This piece is ready, give it to Taeyeon Noona first," "Grill that slice for another five seconds for Yoona Noona, she likes it a bit crispy," "No spicy sauce for Sunny Sunbae's portion"...

The siblings, one working with their hands and the other giving directions, worked in seamless harmony to ensure that the small plates in front of everyone were always filled with perfectly grilled meat that suited their individual tastes.

This invisibly greatly enhanced the comfort and flow of the dinner, allowing Jiang Zhiyu's presence to permeate every corner of the gathering in a gentler, more practical way.

Sunny had not completely abandoned her "drinking scheme."

After everyone was eating and drinking and the atmosphere had become harmonious again, she began to launch "attacks" at every opportunity.

One moment it was, "President Jiang, that last glass was to toast the movie, this one is a personal toast to thank you for taking care of Yoona!" and the next it was, "Come, come, come, let's celebrate our first private dinner being so fun, let's have another!"

Jiang Zhiyu still accepted everything, smiling every time he raised his glass, clinking glasses and drinking cleanly and decisively, without the slightest hesitation or bargaining.

But in the intervals, he would naturally use serving chopsticks to pick up food for Lee Tima or refill his own tea, perfectly managing the rhythm.

Kim Taeyeon's gaze gradually shifted from initial hesitation and slight awkwardness to undisguised worry.

She watched Jiang Zhiyu drink glass after glass; although his expression remained unchanged, that was real alcohol!

Her brows furrowed tighter and tighter, and several times she almost couldn't help but speak up to stop Sunny or tell Jiang Zhiyu directly, "Stop drinking."

As the guest of honor tonight, Im Yoona naturally couldn't completely escape the sea of alcohol.

Her Unnies celebrated her "successful transformation" and "acting leap," with endless reasons, so she could only smile and respond, ending up drinking quite a bit.

Her cheeks soon flushed with a rosy hue, and her eyes became a bit hazy, but she tried hard to stay sober, glancing toward Jiang Zhiyu from time to time with concern and a trace of reliance she hadn't even noticed herself.

As for Seohyun, she was relatively the quietest one at the table.

She drank a little wine symbolically, spending most of her time eating in small bites with her eyes somewhat unfocused.

Her mind was already filled with the historical political drama script that Lee Tima had casually described earlier.

An aristocratic young lady... regicide and usurpation... being selected as a royal concubine... a deadly game with a young emperor... mutual affection or a fight to the death...

Every keyword swirled, combined, and extended in her mind.

The more she thought about it, the more she felt that the story's framework was exquisite, the conflict intense, and the character relationships complex and fascinating; it was exactly the transformation work she had dreamed of.

The script in Jiang Zhiyu's computer... Lee Tima could recite it casually... This meant the story already had at least a mature prototype!

And it was very likely a TG Entertainment project, or at least a subject Jiang Zhiyu was paying attention to!

Seohyun's heart pounded.

While dealing with the occasional teasing from her Unnies, she observed Jiang Zhiyu and Lee Tima out of the corner of her eye.

She was waiting for an opportunity, a moment to discuss the "story" more naturally and deeply with Jiang Zhiyu, and especially with Lee Tima.

The barbecue continued, and glasses were raised frequently.

A dinner party that was superficially filled with laughter but actually rife with undercurrents (worry, calculation, desire, probing) was entering its middle phase.

Sunny looked at the still rock-steady Jiang Zhiyu, then at Im Yoona, who was already slightly tipsy and ready to be targeted, and her eyes rolled as a new "battle plan" began to form...

As for Kim Taeyeon, watching Jiang Zhiyu drink another "special mixed drink" handed to him by Sunny without batting an eye, she finally couldn't sit still anymore.

Kim Taeyeon watched as Jiang Zhiyu had barely touched his chopsticks after sitting down, being "besieged" glass after glass, with the meat on the plate in front of him almost getting cold.

When another round of toasting reached her sitting on the other side of Jiang Zhiyu, seeing Sunny's eager look, ready to come up with some "innovative drinking method," she finally couldn't hold back.

"Alright, alright," Kim Taeyeon's voice was not loud, but it carried a rare, leader-like tone of restraint. She looked at Sunny, then swept over the other members who were equally excited, "We came here today to celebrate the smooth filming of Yoona's movie, to be happy for Yoona, not to specifically get Jiang Zhiyu drunk."

She paused, her tone slightly softening but still firm, "Let him eat something too, he's had enough to drink."

The private room went quiet for a moment.

"Oh my~ Is our Taeyeon feeling sorry for him?" Yuri was the first to react, immediately teasing with a smile.

"Exactly, exactly, the leader knows how to care for people!" Hyoyeon also winked and made faces.

"Zhiyu, look how much our Taeyeon cares about you!" Sooyoung joined in the teasing.

Kim Taeyeon's cheeks flushed again, but she feigned composure and glared at them, "Yah! What are you saying! I'm afraid if he really gets too drunk, he'll delay Yoona's filming tomorrow!"

This reason was high-sounding, and the others couldn't say anything more; they joked around for a few more sentences, finally calling a temporary truce and putting their attention back on food and chatting.

Jiang Zhiyu turned his head to look at Kim Taeyeon, who was close at hand.

Because of the seating arrangement and the previous toasting, the two were sitting much closer than usual.

He could see her slightly reddened ears and the layer of calmness she was trying hard to maintain on her face.

His lips curled up slightly, revealing a sincere, grateful smile, and he lowered his voice so only the two of them could hear, "Thank you, Noona."

His breath brushed past her ear, and Kim Taeyeon felt a pleasant scent mixed with a faint smell of alcohol wash over her.

That scent seemed to have changed a bit from the pure "fruity sweetness" in her impression, leaning more towards a crisp, herbal fragrance like cedar or grass after the rain, but it was still unique, and even... more attractive.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she looked away unnaturally, muttering in a low voice, "...Hurry up and eat."

Jiang Zhiyu smiled and followed suit, picking up his chopsticks to tackle the piece of Hanwoo on his plate that was almost cold.

Sunny watched this scene from the side, her mental abacus clicking away.

Kim Taeyeon's sudden "protectiveness" disrupted her plan to keep pouring drinks and then pull out the "Lemm contract" for him to sign while Jiang Zhiyu was slightly tipsy.

However, she wasn't without gains.

At least she had figured out Jiang Zhiyu's limit—it was unfathomable!

Sunny thought through gritted teeth that this guy was simply a bottomless pit!

It seemed the "drunken signing plan" would have to be re-evaluated, or she would have to change her approach...

After three rounds of drinks, most of the barbecue on the table had been consumed, and everyone had eaten their fill.

The topic naturally shifted from anecdotes about the film crew to a more personal and practical direction—recent personal development and future plans.

As Girls Generation, they had long since reached the top, and now it was more about maintaining their activity, enjoying life, and exploring personal fields.

But clearly, those sitting here were not just thinking about "staying active."

They had accumulated enough wealth and fame and were eager to find new challenges and investment opportunities to make money grow, or at least, to find more interesting things to do.

And right in front of them sat an excellent "potential stock" and "window of opportunity"—Jiang Zhiyu, and TG Entertainment behind him.

TG Entertainment's growth speed was obvious to all, and its unique "content + technology + capital" positioning, as well as its simultaneous efforts in music, variety shows, film and television, and even technology integration (virtual idols, VR), all showed huge room for growth and foresight.

Of course, this aggressive multi-line strategy also brought an obvious problem—short-term capital pressure.

This didn't mean TG Entertainment's capital chain was about to break, but that rapid development inevitably required continuous, massive investment, and money was never enough to burn.

Especially in the context of a major production like the movie "the crab," and the simultaneous preparation of multiple new projects.

Several people at the table exchanged glances, their minds becoming active.

What if... Jiang Zhiyu was willing to accept external investment?

The most ideal scenario would, of course, be like IU, becoming an investor in a specific project, where risks were controllable, returns were expected, and one could catch the TG Entertainment express and participate in the production of high-quality content.

For example, investing in the next TG Entertainment movie, or that variety show that sounded so exciting, "(G)I-DLE Bear Kids Battle"?

Going further, if one could, like IU, exchange investment for some customized content (such as a script or variety show tailored for oneself), that would be even more perfect.

Of course, some had secretly fantasized about deeper cooperation, such as directly buying shares in TG Entertainment, becoming a partner, and sharing in the company's future growth dividends.

However, everyone knew that given Jiang Zhiyu and Kim Soo-yeon's absolute control over TG Entertainment and TG's current upward momentum, this possibility was minimal.

But one still had to have dreams; what if?

In any case, investing more in TG Entertainment's projects and strengthening ties with TG was equivalent to opening the door to more possibilities for the future.

This consensus was quietly formed in the hearts of the several "rich" Unnies.

And among them, Seohyun's expectations were clearly the highest.

Her mind had long since flown to the historical political drama script that Lee Tima had casually woven.

In her view, that was not just a good story, but more likely a high-quality film and television project that had already entered TG Entertainment's vision, or was even already in preparation!

If she could participate in the investment, or even fight for that "ambitious aristocratic young lady" role...

Thinking of this, Seohyun's heart beat a little faster.

She was not an impulsive person, but with the opportunity right in front of her, she knew how to take the initiative.

Having observed for so long, she felt the time was right.

So, in the gap when everyone was talking about a film investment topic, Seohyun picked up the glass of soju in front of her that she had barely touched, stood up, and toward Jiang Zhiyu's direction, said in her usual gentle but clear voice:

"President Jiang, I'd like to toast you. Thank you for taking care of Yoona Unnie, and I wish the filming of "the crab" smooth sailing and a huge box office success."

Her actions were appropriate, and her reasons were sufficient.

Although Jiang Zhiyu hadn't had much contact with Seohyun, he had a good impression of her as the "upright maknae," and thinking this was just a normal polite toast, he picked up his glass and responded gently, "Seohyun Sunbae, you are too kind, thank you."

The two clinked glasses from a distance (Seohyun specifically walked over a bit) and drank it all in one gulp.

However, others at the table, especially the Unnies who understood Seohyun's personality, smelled something unusual in this seemingly ordinary action.

Seohyun taking the initiative to toast? And toasting Jiang Zhiyu alone?

One must know that Seohyun was always low-key at the drinking table and rarely took the initiative to strike, let alone toast a male junior/collaborator she wasn't particularly familiar with alone.

She was an extremely pragmatic person with clear goals; things she took the initiative to do often had clear interest considerations or specific demands behind them.

Was she... eyeing Jiang Zhiyu, or some TG Entertainment project?

This realization made Kim Taeyeon, who was sitting on the side, feel a strange tug in her heart.

She looked at Seohyun's dignified and beautiful face, looked at her focused and serious eyes when toasting, and then looked at the young man opposite, who even after drinking so much, remained calm, elegant, and had an undeniable radiance...

A familiar, dark, evil thought filled with strong possessiveness and anxiety, like an undercurrent on the seabed, surged up uncontrollably again, almost breaking through the calm facade she was struggling to maintain.

Yoona was one thing... but now even the maknae...

Was he really that good? Everyone wanted to get close to him?

TG Entertainment's projects... investment... did that mean in the future, whoever invested, he would have to have "in-depth cooperation" with them?

Then what about me? What am I?

These chaotic, paranoid, and even somewhat ridiculous thoughts rampaged in her mind.

She felt a wave of irritation and suffocation, subconsciously wanting to drink something to suppress this emotion.

Without looking, she reached out and picked up the glass in front of her that she hadn't touched much, which she thought was warm water, and took a big gulp—

"Cough, cough! Cough—!!"

The pungent, stimulating liquid, mixed with the strange taste of various alcoholic beverages, rushed into her throat, choking her into violent coughing, tears instantly bursting out as she embarrassedly spat all the liquid from her mouth back into the cup.

"Yah! Lee Soon-kyu!!" Kim Taeyeon, with a flushed face, looked angrily at the culprit while coughing.

The glass in her hand was not warm water at all! It was clearly the terrifying mixed drink that Sunny had secretly concocted, known as the "Century Great Fusion"! Somehow, it had been swapped by that bastard Sunny!

Sunny wore a look of "innocence" and "surprise," quickly handing over a tissue: "Ah! Taeyeon! I'm sorry, I'm so sorry! I grabbed the wrong one! I thought it was my glass!"

She was apologizing with her mouth, but in those eyes curved into crescents, was there even a shred of remorse? It clearly read, "Serves you right, who told you to interrupt my drinking plan and protect that kid."

Kim Taeyeon was so angry her teeth itched, but she couldn't really lash out in front of Jiang Zhiyu, so she could only glare fiercely at Sunny, take the tissue to wipe her mouth, and curse Lee Soon-kyu ten thousand times in her heart.

This little interlude temporarily diluted the subtle atmosphere from before, but it also left Kim Taeyeon feeling even more agitated.

She watched Jiang Zhiyu, who was surrounded by everyone and seemed to have started discussing some investment topic again, and then looked at the glass of mixed drink in front of her that she had spat into, which symbolized "calculation" and "chaos"...

A deep sense of powerlessness and an even stronger urge to do something to break the status quo began to spread in the depths of her heart.

(Seeing Jang Wonyoung makes me think of the time she had a water bottle on her head in the novel, am I beyond saving?)

[ 13:30 - Seventh Selfie ]

Lunch is over, training is finished. Karina stands at the entrance of the practice room and takes a photo facing the sunlight. The sun is brilliant, and her shadow stretches long on the ground.

Click.

Bubble caption:

"Training is over. Going home. The sunlight is so nice. Will you walk with me? Although you can't really accompany me, you can look at my photo and walk with me. I look at the sunlight in the photo, and you look at me on your phone. It counts as walking together, right?"

Sent.

[ 14:00 - Seventh Reply Video ]

Karina sits in the car on the way home, talking to the camera. The sunlight from outside the car window shines in, dancing on her face.

"On the way home. Training went very smoothly today. The teacher praised me for improving quickly. I said it's because someone is waiting for me. Someone is cheering for me. Someone is thinking of me. That's why I have motivation. That's why I can dance better. The teacher asked who it is. I said it's a secret. I won't tell you. I'll only tell you. You are my secret. My favorite secret. My most precious secret. The secret I least want to share."

She reaches out towards the sunlight, letting the light leak through her fingers.

"Look, the light. Doesn't it look like you? Warm, bright, always by my side. Although I can't touch it, I can feel it. I feel that you are there. I feel that you like me. I feel that you are thinking of me. I am thinking of you too. Always thinking of you. Every minute, every second. Thinking of you forever. Thinking of you infinitely."

Video ends.

Sent.

[ 14:45 - Eighth Selfie ]

Karina arrives home, and the first thing she does is rush to the window to take a picture of the sky outside. The afternoon sunlight is just right, shining on the building opposite, and the glass reflects the light.

Click.

Bubble caption:

"I'm home. Afternoon sunlight. Isn't it pretty? Is it the same color on your side? Whether it's the same or not, it's the same sun. The same sun shines on you and me. So we are together. Under the same sun. In the same world. At the same time. Thinking of the same person. You are thinking of me, and I am thinking of you. Perfect."

Sent.

[ 15:30 - Eighth Reply Video ]

Karina has changed into loungewear and is curled up on the sofa. Today's loungewear is that milky white cotton set, so soft and fluffy, making her look even more huggable.

"Good afternoon. I'm home. The whole afternoon is yours. What do you want to do? Chat? Sure. Watch a show? That works too. Stare into space? Even better. Anyway, as long as I'm with you, anything is fine."

She buries her face in a throw pillow, her voice muffled.

"Do you know, up until now today, I've thought of you five times. Twice in the morning, twice during training, and once just now. There's still the afternoon, so I can think of you even more. I'll definitely reach today's goal of eight times. Maybe I can even exceed it. Is there a reward for exceeding it? It doesn't matter if there isn't. Anyway, I think of you voluntarily. I don't need a reward."

Video ends.

Sent.

[ 16:00 - Ninth Selfie ]

Karina stands up and walks to the window, taking a photo of the outside. The sunlight shines in at an angle, casting light and shadows on the floor.

Click.

Bubble caption:

"The sunlight is shining in. Look at the shadow on the floor. That's my shadow. Although you can't see me in person, you can see my shadow. If you see the shadow, it means you've seen me. Right? Nod if it's right. Nod even if it's not. If I say it's right, then it's right."

Sent.

[ 16:30 - Ninth Reply Video ]

Karina sits in the sunlight, her whole body feeling warm. She squints, like a cat basking in the sun.

"I'm basking in the sun. Are you doing it too? If not, go do it now. Let's bask together. Although we aren't together, basking in the sun at the same time counts as being together. Right? Sunlight has Vitamin D, which is good for the body. And there's Vitamin Me, which is good for the mood. When you bask in the sun, remember to add a little bit of me. It'll make it even more comfortable."

She stretches.

"So comfortable. I want it to be like this forever. Basking in the sun with you. Doing nothing, just basking. Basking until the sun goes down. Basking until the moon comes out. Basking forever. Forever, forever, forever."

Video ends.

Sent.

[ 17:15 - Tenth Selfie ]

Karina walks to the kitchen, opens the fridge, and takes a photo of the ingredients inside—eggs, green onions, kimchi, tofu, pork belly, zucchini, bean sprouts, rice cakes. Today I'm making kimchi pork belly fried rice.

Click.

Bubble caption:

"Making kimchi pork belly fried rice for dinner. Do you love fried rice? Even if you don't, you have to love it. Because I made it. I will make it so delicious that you'll fall in love with it. Once you fall in love with it, you'll love me even more. Because I made it. The logic is perfect. Right?"

Sent.

[ 18:00 - Tenth Reply Video ]

Karina records a video while frying rice. The rice in the pan sizzles, and the aroma of kimchi seems to waft through the screen.

"Frying rice. Smells so good. Can you smell it? If you can't, never mind. When you come over, I'll make it for you every day. Kimchi fried rice, tuna fried rice, shrimp fried rice, ham fried rice. I know quite a few, don't I? Actually, I only know these few. But I can learn. For you, I'm willing to learn anything. If I can't learn it, I'll keep learning. Until I know how. Until I can make delicious food for you. Because I like you. Because I like you, I want to make delicious food for you. Seeing you happy when eating the food I made—that's when I'm happiest."

She tastes a spoonful of rice and nods with satisfaction.

"Hmm, delicious. You'll definitely like it. You'll know when you come and taste it. Even if you don't like it, you have to. Because I made it. Everything I make is good. I'm a good person too. So you have to like me too. Always like me. Love me forever. You aren't allowed to change. If you change, I'll cry. If I cry, you have to comfort me. Comforting me takes time. Spending time makes you like me more. So, going around in a circle, you still like me. So just like me directly. It's easier."

Video ends.

Sent.

[ 18:45 - Eleventh Selfie ]

Dinner is ready. Karina sets out the fried rice, kimchi, and water, and takes a photo. The fried rice is golden yellow, the kimchi is red, and it looks very appetizing.

Click.

Bubble caption:

"Dinner is ready. I'm showing you before I start eating. Seeing it means you've eaten it. So you're full now too. You're welcome. Next time, just treat me to a real meal. When? In 13 days. After the concert. We'll go eat together. What do you want to eat? I'll invite you. You pay. Fair, right?"

Sent.

[ 19:30 - Eleventh Reply Video ]

Karina finishes eating and lies on the sofa to digest. The sky outside isn't completely dark yet, and you can see a bit of the sunset's afterglow.

"Finished eating. So full. I don't want to do anything now, just lie here. I just want to talk to you. If we don't talk, that's fine too, just staying like this. As long as you're here, it's fine. If you're here, I feel at ease. If I'm at ease, I'm comfortable. If I'm comfortable, I want to sleep. But I can't sleep yet, I still have to talk to you. Talking is more important than sleeping. You are more important than sleeping. You are the most important. Most important, most important. More important than anything."

She turns over, lying on her stomach on the sofa, her legs kicking in the air.

"Do you know, how many times have I thought of you today? I counted. Up until now, nine times. I've already exceeded the goal of eight times. There's still tonight, so I can think of you even more. Today's goal has become ten times. Do you think I can do it? Nod if I can. Nod even if I can't. Anyway, I can. I have confidence in myself. I have even more confidence in you. Because you are worth thinking about ten times, twenty times, one hundred times, infinitely many times a day."

Video ends.

Sent.

[ 20:15 - Twelfth Selfie ]

It's dark, and Karina walks to the window to take a photo of the night view outside. There are many stars tonight, and the Namsan Tower lights are on.

Click.

Bubble caption:

"Tonight's stars. So many. One, two, three, four, five... can't count them. Isn't it like the number of times I think of you? Can't count them. Too many. There are too many, so I won't count them. Anyway, it's just a lot, a lot, a lot. So many I can't count. So many I can't hold. So many they overflow. I'll give the overflowing part to you. Did you receive it? If you did, reply to me. If you didn't, receive it carefully. Receive my heart, receive my love, receive my longing. All of it is yours."

Sent.

[ 21:00 - Twelfth Reply Video ]

Karina has finished showering, changed into pajamas, and is curled up on the sofa. Today's pajamas are a pink fuzzy style, looking like a little rabbit.

"Today, March 7th, is almost over. Time passes so quickly. How many times did I think of you today? I counted. Twelve times. Two more than the goal of ten. Impressive, right? If it's impressive, praise me. If you praise me, I'll work harder. Working harder means I can think of you more. More means infinite. Infinite means forever. Forever means always, always, always. Always, always, always means forever, forever, forever. Forever, forever, forever means I love you, I love you, I love you."

She yawns, her eyes a bit unable to stay open.

"No, I'm a bit sleepy. But I still have to say goodnight to you. I can only sleep after saying it. If I don't say it, I won't sleep peacefully. If I say it, I can sleep well. Once I sleep well, I can continue thinking of you tomorrow. So, saying goodnight now. Goodnight, my poop scooper. Goodnight, my sun. Goodnight, my favorite person. Goodnight, goodnight, goodnight."

Video ends.

Sent.

[ 21:45 - Thirteenth Selfie ]

Karina lies in bed, with only her face showing. She raises her phone and takes a picture of herself buried in the blanket with only her eyes visible.

Click.

Bubble caption:

"In bed. Getting ready to sleep. Today's weather: Sunny, 6 to 13 degrees. Tomorrow's weather: Sunny to cloudy, 5 to 12 degrees. A little colder. Remember to dress warmly. I checked the weather forecast specifically to tell you. Because I'm worried you'll be cold. Worried you'll catch a cold. Worried you won't be comfortable. So you have to listen to me. Dress warmly. Eat well. Sleep well. Because you are mine. I have to take good care of my things. If you can't take care of yourself, leave it to me to take care of you. I'll take care of you. Take care of you for a lifetime. Take care of you forever. Take care of you infinitely."

Sent.

[ 22:00 - Thirteenth Reply Video ]

Karina is almost asleep, her voice dazed, eyes unable to stay open.

"Tomorrow... Sunday... you can rest... I'm resting too... Can talk to you all day... Are you happy? Nod if you're happy... Nod even if you're not... Anyway, I'm happy... Because I can talk to you... Can keep talking... Keep talking, keep talking... Until the sun goes down... Until the moon comes out... Until forever..."

She turns over, burying her face in the pillow.

"Goodnight... Goodbye March 7th... Hello March 8th... I'll miss you even more on March 8th... Miss you more every day... Miss you more forever... Infinite loop... Infinite love... Infinite, infinite, infinite... Oh right... Tomorrow's weather... Sunny to cloudy... 5 to 12 degrees... A little colder... Remember to dress warmly... I'll check... If you don't dress warmly, I'll be angry... If I'm angry, you have to comfort me... Comforting me means you have to think of me more... Thinking of me more means liking me more... So, going around in a circle, I still like you... So just like me directly... Easier..."

The voice gets quieter and quieter, finally leaving only the sound of breathing.

Video ends.

Sent.

[ 22:15 - Last Text Reply ]

Before turning off the lights, Karina uses her last bit of strength to send a message:

"March 7, 2026, the twelfth time thinking of you. I love you. Goodnight. Tomorrow's weather is sunny to cloudy, 5 to 12 degrees, a little colder. Remember to dress warmly. I will be thinking of you. Always thinking of you. Thinking of you forever. Thinking of you infinitely. Infinitely, infinitely, infinitely. Goodnight."

Sent.