49: Chapter 49 So cold, so cold, so cold, so cold...

This was more than just producing a variety show. It could potentially become an excellent platform for him to observe, test, and even "polish" SM Entertainment's existing artists, trainees, and even some staff members.

Under the rules of a game, one's truest self is often exposed.

At the same time, it could satisfy the cravings of certain people (like those in Girls Generation) for an extension of "the kings card" game, channeling their "destructive power" into the program.

Moreover, if operated correctly, this show could very well become a window for SM Entertainment to showcase its "humanity," "innovation," "internal vitality," and even its "talent cultivation culture," with value far exceeding that of an ordinary entertainment variety show.

A rough but subversive concept quickly took shape in Jiang Zhiyu's mind.

He did not immediately agree to the director, only saying: "I need some time to conceptualize."

Returning to his apartment, Jiang Zhiyu locked the door and took that "otherworldly phone" out of his most hidden safe.

He turned it on, bypassed the complex verification, and found the folder storing [SM Entertainment Weekend Special].

He quickly browsed through several classic project outlines, rule settings, and highlight clips.

Those familiar sounds of laughter, wails of agony, and ingenious "mutual sabotage" designs from another world made the corners of his mouth lift involuntarily.

Borrow, but it must be localized, SM-ified.

He opened his computer and created a new document. He typed the title:

[ [SM Entertainment Weekend Special] Concept Proposal (Draft) ]

I. Core Philosophy:

Break down the barriers between departments, groups, and seniors/juniors. Under carefully designed game rules, showcase the truest, most interesting, and most contrasting sides of SM Entertainment family members (artists, key trainees, specially invited staff). Use "games" as a blade to dissect talent; use "challenges" as fire to temper synergy. It is a variety show, but more importantly, an alternative "team building" and "talent observation window."

II. Program Format:

Seasonal, 6-8 episodes per season. Each episode will have an independent theme (such as "The Vocal Department's Trap," "The Acting School's Improv Hell," "The Dance Machine's Brain Challenge," etc.), or a continuous storyline (such as "Searching for the Lost 'S.M. Star'"). Each episode will invite 6-8 fixed/guest stars, covering SM Entertainment family members from different departments, age groups, and popularity stages.

III. Core Features (Borrowing and Improving upon the TG Mode):

High-Intensity Immersive Games: Combine multiple elements such as music, performance, dance, deduction, physical fitness, and intellect to design complex games with SM Entertainment characteristics. The rules are rigorous, but "creative destruction" within the rules is encouraged.

"Indiscriminate" Challenge Environment: In front of the game rules, seniors, juniors, idols, producers, and staff are temporarily "equal," relying entirely on strength (and luck). Famous scenes where the youngest member commands a great senior or a trainee "sabotages" a top idol may occur.

"the kings card" Element Integration: A simplified, improved version of the "Mission Card" or "Privilege Card" system can be introduced into the program to increase strategic maneuvering and uncertainty, but without involving mandatory real-world orders (to avoid legal and ethical risks).

In-depth Behind-the-Scenes Reveals: During game intervals or special segments, naturally integrate the daily work scenes, training routines, and creative processes of various SM Entertainment departments to satisfy fan curiosity while demonstrating professionalism.

"Observation Room" Reactions: Set up an "Observation Group" composed of other SM Entertainment artists who could not participate in that episode's recording (such as some members of Girls Generation, Super Junior, etc.) to provide real-time reactions and commentary, increasing interaction and humor.

IV. Pilot Season Concept:

Theme: [New Generation VS Legendary — SM Internal Skill Exchange Battle]

Content: Invite aespa (Kim Minjeong and others), some members of Red Velvet, some members of Girls Generation (such as Im Yoona, Sunny), some members of NCT, as well as well-known vocal teachers, dance teachers, and producers within the company (including the proposer himself) to conduct cross-generational and cross-disciplinary skill learning and challenges.

For example: Have Red Velvet teach Girls Generation the dance to a new song, have NCT's main dancers learn opera singing techniques from vocal teachers, have Jiang Zhiyu perform a dark adaptation of a children's song under limited conditions, etc. Various sudden tasks and games will be interspersed throughout the process.

V. Expected Effects:

Create a brand new variety IP with exclusive SM Entertainment characteristics.

Strengthen the "SM Entertainment family" concept and enhance internal cohesion and fan belonging.

Provide a platform for artists to showcase diverse charms and unearth potential variety sense.

Showcase the professionalism and culture of SM Entertainment to the public in a relaxed and interesting way.

Potentially spark unexpected inspiration for cross-disciplinary collaborations in music, performance, etc.

VI. Risks and Safeguards:

Risks: Scale control (the boundary between jokes and offense), artist image management, game safety, and subtle relationships that may be triggered by internal competition.

Safeguards: Requires an experienced PD team to work with Jiang Zhiyu to control it; set clear rules and safety contingency plans; communicate fully with participating artists beforehand; pay attention to balance in post-production editing.

After finishing this draft, Jiang Zhiyu revised it repeatedly to ensure it had the "soul" of the TG essence while wearing a "skin" that fit the variety environment of SM Entertainment and the Earth.

He knew well that once this proposal was submitted, it would likely trigger a new round of fierce debate within SM Entertainment. Supporters would see its huge innovation potential and marketing value, while opponents would worry about its uncontrollability and the impact on the existing artist management system.

But that was exactly what he wanted—a "new game" that was weighty enough, interesting enough, and had enough room for control.

He clicked send, sending this [SM Entertainment Weekend Special Concept Proposal (Draft)] to the Music Director, and carbon-copied it to Lee Soo-man's secretary office.

After doing all this, he leaned back in his chair, gazing at the heavy night outside the window.

If this proposal passed, then this massive entertainment empire, SM Entertainment, might welcome an unprecedented internal "weekend carnival" designed by his own hands.

And Lee Tima... if she knew this inspiration came from TG Entertainment's "weekend special," what would her expression be?

The corners of Jiang Zhiyu's mouth curled up again into that familiar, cold, and expectant smile.

Games always seem to get bigger the more you play them.

The Earth version of the "TG Entertainment weekend special"... would it be a success?

He would wait and see. And the top brass at SM Entertainment would likely suffer from insomnia tonight because of this.

After the proposal was sent out, Jiang Zhiyu did not fall into the anxious waiting common to most people. Instead, a near-cold calmness surged in his heart, along with a hint of... anticipation.

That [SM Entertainment Weekend Special] concept proposal draft, like a stone thrown into a deep pool, would inevitably stir up waves within SM Entertainment. And Jiang Zhiyu had already cast his gaze toward the "specific areas" those waves might reach.

His fingers tapped lightly on the desk, his eyes deep, a signature cold and playful arc hanging at the corners of his mouth.

"Variety shows..." he muttered to himself, his mind conjuring up those faces that had recently frequently "passed by," "bumped into," and "enthusiastically supervised" him during his time as a "slave."

Im Yoona. That face that always wore a sweet, innocent smile, yet whose eyes were full of craftiness and insight, keen on recording his "dark history," and even "adding fuel to the fire" in front of Lee Tima.

The other members of Girls Generation (especially Sunny). That look of watching the fun without fear of it getting too big, eager to join "the kings card" game, and even having started internal trials and attempting to reach out with their "claws" toward him.

The five members of Red Velvet (especially Yeri and Joy). The scenes of them "passing by" to watch the evaluation during the "Snow White" period, giggling when he was "borrowed" by Kim Minjeong and the other two by Lee Tima, and casting looks mixed with curiosity, awe, and a hint of schadenfreude at him on various occasions.

Even... Bae Joo-hyun. That woman who was always cold and calm, but whose eyes became more complex and unfathomable after he revealed his true feelings (looking through her at Baek Ji-xin). She might be the quietest one, but that silent gaze and the subtle emotions that occasionally leaked out made Jiang Zhiyu feel... she was more worth "observing."

These faces, along with what they represented—the watching of his "embarrassing moments," the enthusiasm for "the kings card" game, and that undisguisable intention to "participate" or "tease" him—quickly connected and fermented in Jiang Zhiyu's mind.

A clear and "evil" plan gradually took shape.

If... if the [SM Entertainment Weekend Special] could really be approved, and he had enough say to plan the content of the first episode or even the first season...

Then, he could completely, legitimately, and all at once, include these "onlookers" and "potential troubles" into the program!

Not as simple guests, but as "players" under the game rules he carefully designed.

Imagine this:

Have the forever elegant Im Yoona, with perfect expression management, struggle in extreme games that require physical strength, intelligence, and even the sacrifice of her image.

Have Sunny and others, who are keen on gossip and "persecuting" others, personally experience the feeling of being "played in the palm of one's hand" by complex rules and unexpected situations.

Have Red Velvet, especially those lively, mischievous members who are both afraid of and curious about him, expose their truest (and possibly most "broken") reactions and interactions in front of the camera.

And Bae Joo-hyun... if he placed her in a situation where she had to drop her cold shell and compete or cooperate fiercely with others, what kind of side would it bring out?

More importantly, he, Jiang Zhiyu, would no longer be the passive character who was watched and "used." He would become the rule-maker, the controller of the game, and even the "referee" or "spoiler" hidden behind the scenes.

He could design the most devious game segments and watch them rack their brains; he could throw out the most unexpected reversals and appreciate their caught-off-guard expressions; he could cleverly apply pressure under "fair" rules, guiding them to expose sides of their personalities usually hidden...

This was not just making a variety show. This was a grand and elegant—revenge (and observational experiment).

Transforming the "frustration" and "unhappiness" he had accumulated recently into creative "entertainment content." At the same time, satisfying their desire for "games," though the method might be a little different from what they imagined.

"In IU's variety show, I was just a player forced into it." Jiang Zhiyu's eyes flashed with a dangerous light. "But this time, if it succeeds, I will be the one... holding the game rules."

"RV, Im Yoona, Girls Generation..."

His fingertips lightly brushed over these names on a virtual document he had specially marked, titled "Reference List for Potential Guests for the First Episode."

Then, he laughed in a low voice, a sound that seemed somewhat chilling in the quiet room.

"Good."

"It is decided that it will be you all."

It was as if a hunter had finally locked onto their favorite prey, or as if a chess player had placed a key piece.

He picked up a pen and quickly wrote a few keywords on a sticky note:

[Im Yoona: Elegance Collapse Test]

[Girls Generation (Sunny and others): Gossip Energy Recycling]

[Red Velvet (Full Group): Excavating the Other Side Beyond 'IRACEBETH']

[Bae Joo-hyun: Cold Mask Pressure Test]

[Game Core: High-intensity mixed challenges related to music/performance, complex rules, 'accidents' as the norm.]

After writing it, he looked at these words and nodded with satisfaction.

Next, it was just waiting for feedback on the proposal, and... how to perfectly package this "selfish motive" into the high-sounding reason of "creating a wonderful variety show for the SM Entertainment family."

He needed a more detailed, more persuasive, and also "lethal" specific project plan. This required time, and a more precise grasp of SM Entertainment's internal personnel and resources.

But Jiang Zhiyu was not in a hurry. Fishing required patience, and he knew that the fish had already shown enough interest in the "game" bait.

He picked up his phone and turned to Im Yoona's chat interface. The last conversation stopped a few days ago, where Im Yoona sent a "zombie rabbit" sticker (obviously teasing Lee Tima), followed by a sentence: "Oppa, take us to play 'the kings card' game next time~ (Starry eyes)"

Jiang Zhiyu looked at this message, the arc of his mouth deepening.

He typed his reply slowly, word by word:

[There will be a chance.]

[Perhaps, there will be a bigger 'game' waiting for you all.]

[At that time, don't regret it.]

Sent.

Then, he turned off the screen and tossed the phone aside, as if he had just completed a trivial matter.

Outside the window, the night deepened. The silhouette of the SM Entertainment building loomed in the lights, like a huge chessboard waiting to have new rules injected into it.

And Jiang Zhiyu, this chess player who had just "turned the tables" and held two new cards—the "kings card" and the "variety proposal"—had already quietly made his move, waiting for the wind to rise.

Revenge? No, that was too shallow.

This is called—creative problem solving, and finding enjoyment in the process (along with potential commercial value).

Red Velvet and Im Yoona were likely still immersed in the simple joy of "watching Jiang Zhiyu's antics" and "wanting to play with the kings card," completely oblivious to the fact that they had already become "special guests" in someone's grand (and devious) plan.

The storm would perhaps, in a way they never expected, gently (?) sweep them into its midst.

Jiang Zhiyu's "evil plan" had officially begun. And the "lucky ones" who would bear the brunt of it were still completely in the dark.

A few days later, inside a medium-sized meeting room at SM Entertainment.

The first official planning meeting for the "SM Entertainment Weekend Special Concept Proposal" was held here. The attendees were few, but they carried significant weight: the Music Director, the core head of the Planning Department, a representative from the Publicity Department, and the presenter, Jiang Zhiyu. Unexpectedly, Lee Soo-man's secretary was also in attendance as an observer, which undoubtedly signaled the attention of top management.

The first half of the meeting was uneventful. With a calm and organized presentation, Jiang Zhiyu once again articulated the core philosophy, unique advantages, and expected value of the proposal. He steered clear of descriptions that felt too much like "TG Entertainment," instead focusing on its significance for showcasing the SM Entertainment family culture, uncovering the diverse charms of the artists, and exploring innovative variety show formats.

The Music Director and the head of planning listened attentively, occasionally raising questions regarding budget, execution difficulty, artist cooperation, and risk management. Jiang Zhiyu responded to each one; while he didn't promise "zero risk," the solutions and contingency plans he proposed appeared well-considered, demonstrating that this was no mere whim.

Just as the meeting atmosphere was becoming serious and the discussion was deepening, the meeting room door was gently knocked on, then pushed open.

"Excuse me~" A sweet, slightly cautious voice rang out.

It was Im Yoona. She was dressed in a fresh, light-colored casual outfit today, her long hair tied in a ponytail. She wore a perfect "curious junior passing by" smile, though her eyes nimbly scanned the room, finally resting on Jiang Zhiyu for a moment as her smile deepened.

"Yoona, why are you here?" the Music Director asked, looking somewhat surprised.

"Ah, Director-nim, everyone, I'm sorry to intrude." Im Yoona bowed slightly, her smile impeccable. "I heard the company was discussing a new variety show proposal, and it sounded... quite interesting? As it happens, I've been considering some content directions for my personal channel recently, so I wanted to sit in and learn a bit. Would that be alright?"

Her excuse was perfectly reasonable, her demeanor sufficiently humble, and combined with her status as the face of Girls Generation and her consistently good reputation, she was difficult to refuse.

The Music Director glanced at Jiang Zhiyu, then at Lee Soo-man's secretary (who nodded slightly), and said, "Alright, find a seat, listen quietly, and don't disrupt the meeting."

"Nae! Thank you, Director-nim!" Im Yoona immediately found a seat in the corner, took out a notebook and pen, and assumed the air of an earnest student.

However, her presence—and the look she cast at Jiang Zhiyu after sitting down, a gaze that was both smiling and not, filled with the implication of "I'm here to see what you're up to" and "Is this the 'bigger game' you promised me?"—instantly shifted the subtle atmosphere of the meeting room.

Jiang Zhiyu's expression remained unchanged as he continued his presentation, but he sneered inwardly: Sure enough, the fish smelled the bait and came.

The meeting moved on to the discussion of specific segment designs. When discussing the format for the pilot episode, Jiang Zhiyu unveiled a core segment he had conceived—the key vehicle for his "evil plan."

"To reflect the core philosophy of 'skill exchange' and 'breaking the mold,' while also increasing the show's dramatic conflict and watchability," Jiang Zhiyu said, pulling up a simple slide to illustrate, "I've envisioned a segment, temporarily titled—'Impromptu Stage: The Audience's Whim'."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the room and lingering for a second on Im Yoona's face, which was filled with curiosity.

"The segment's framework simulates a small-scale concert. One or more performers take the stage, ready to sing or perform."

"But the key is this—the 'audience' (comprised of other guests, special judges, or even fan representatives participating via video link) can, once the performance begins, issue various 'capricious demands' at any moment—demands that are completely unrelated to, or even diametrically opposed to, the performer's established act!"

He began to provide examples, his tone calm, but the content left everyone present—save for Im Yoona (whose eyes were growing brighter)—somewhat stunned:

"For example, if a performer is singing an emotional ballad, the audience can demand: 'Switch to the chorus of "Gee" immediately, and perform it in an operatic style!'"

"Or, if a performer is doing a powerful dance routine, the audience can demand: 'Keep the dance moves exactly as they are, but you must wear the sweetest, shyest expression of first love on your face!'"

"Or again, if a performer is singing a sweet love song, the audience can demand: 'Make the most disgusted face possible, use the most disdainful tone, and continue singing the rest of the love song!'"

With every example he gave, the collective intake of breath in the meeting room grew more audible. This... this was essentially a public execution! And the highest level of "social suicide" challenge!

"Once a demand is deemed reasonable (by the main MC or a rule arbiter), the performer must immediately and unconditionally attempt to execute it!" Jiang Zhiyu emphasized. "It tests their ultimate on-the-spot adaptability, performance skills, mental fortitude, and... their sense of humor and willingness to 'play along.'"

"And... what if they can't do it, or if the execution is terrible?" the head of planning couldn't help but ask, their voice sounding a bit dry.

The corner of Jiang Zhiyu's mouth curled into a faint, almost cruel arc:

"Any performer who fails to meet the 'audience's' demands, or whose execution is deemed unsatisfactory (determined by a vote from the on-site panel)—"

He deliberately slowed his pace, ensuring every word was clearly heard:

"will face a 'punishment'."

"The punishment is: wearing our specially designed 'abstract meme' mask." He pulled up a concept image displaying several extremely exaggerated, distorted, and hilariously demonic stick-figure expressions, such as the "subway old man looking at a phone," "confused black man," "distorted laughing-crying face," and "I'll just watch you act cool," among others. Once made into masks, the effect would be even more terrifyingly funny.

"Once the mask is on, the performer cannot take it off. They must continue with the rest of the performance, and they may even earn 'Center' status—which means becoming the primary target for 'special attention' (i.e., more difficult demands) from the other 'audience members' for the next segment."

"The entire process is designed to create extreme contrast, comedic moments, and unexpected stage chemistry."

As his voice faded, the meeting room fell into a dead silence.

The Music Director clutched his forehead. The head of planning's mouth hung open. The representative from the Publicity Department stared into space, as if calculating the magnitude of the public opinion tsunami that might be triggered if this segment were to air.

Only Im Yoona in the corner, far from being frightened, covered her mouth with her hand, her shoulders beginning to shake suspiciously. Her doe eyes sparkled with astonishing brilliance! This was too exciting! Too fun! This segment was practically tailor-made for "pranking people" and "watching people make fools of themselves"! She could almost picture the chaotic, hilarious scene if Sunny Unnie, Yuri Unnie, or those Red Velvet girls were subjected to such demands! Of course, if she were the one asked... cough, cough, she would definitely handle it perfectly! (Mysterious confidence)

Moreover, these rules... faintly echoed the "absolute orders" and "accepting the consequences of a lost bet" of "the kings card," but packaged within a variety show segment, it seemed much more "reasonable."

The look she directed at Jiang Zhiyu was filled with amazement and... an even deeper interest. This Oppa was truly full of "mischief"! She approved of this proposal with both hands and feet! It would be best if they put her up there to "play" in the very first episode!

Jiang Zhiyu naturally received Im Yoona's undisguised, excited, and "malicious" gaze. He could even imagine her currently plotting how to "prank" her teammates or how to "elegantly" rise to the challenge.

However, Im Yoona seemed to feel that eye contact alone wasn't enough. After a brief moment of shocked silence, she suddenly raised her hand. Her face bloomed with an incomparably sweet, innocent, and even slightly adoring "white lotus" smile, and she spoke in her voice that was sweet enough to kill:

"Director-nim, everyone, I think Producer Jiang's segment design is truly... absolutely, amazing!"

She deliberately emphasized the words "absolutely amazing," looking at Jiang Zhiyu with sparkling eyes, as if he were a genius who had discovered a new world.

"This not only tests an artist's professional skills but also unearths the super interesting, contrasting charms that we don't usually get to see! The audience will absolutely love it!" Her tone was full of agitation. "And, I think this segment is particularly well-suited for our SM Entertainment family atmosphere. We're all close, we know how to have fun, and it will definitely produce so many laughs and iconic moments!"

As she spoke, she winked at Jiang Zhiyu, her gaze clearly saying, "Oppa, I get you! I support you! Hurry up and get this segment started! I want to play! And I want to watch others play!"

Her "innocent," "fully supportive," and "eager" demeanor, combined with what she said, made the mood of the executives present even more complicated. Even the face of Girls Generation was so optimistic (and eager to try)? Could it be... that this seemingly outrageous segment really possessed some magic they had failed to see?

Jiang Zhiyu watched Im Yoona's "evil white lotus" smile and listened to her adding fuel to the fire, clearly hoping to stir up trouble with her "support." The veins on his temple throbbed, ever so slightly.

He remembered clearly: it was this very face, which appeared so innocent, that had "passed by" to mock him when he was "enslaved," and had "piled on" when he was confronting Lee Tima. Now, she was putting on a "I understand you best, I support you most" act, when in reality, her mind was entirely filled with "how to prank people" and "how to have fun."

A strong impulse, something akin to a "face-breaking" urge (only in his imagination, of course), instantly surged in Jiang Zhiyu's heart. He truly wanted to see what would happen if he forced the first "test subject" slot of this segment onto the brightly smiling Im Yoona, and then had the people off-stage demand that she "sing 'Gee' in the tone of the fiercest gangster boss" or "give the cutest wink while performing taekwondo kicks." Would her perfect, smiling face crack?

This thought quickly transformed the annoyance he felt at Im Yoona's interference into a deeper sense of "anticipation" and "calculation."

Very well, Im Yoona. Since you are so "supportive" and so "eager to play," then in my "SM Entertainment Weekend Special," I will certainly reserve a... most "spectacular" spot just for you.

He suppressed the "violent" thoughts churning within him (his expression control was perfect) and returned a similarly "gentle" (yet cold-eyed) smile to Im Yoona, nodding. "Thank you for your support, Senior Yoona. This segment truly requires artists like you—who possess both solid skills and a great sense of entertainment and adaptability—to really bring it to life."

It sounded like a compliment, but to Im Yoona, it somehow sent a slight chill down her spine. However, her excitement quickly overwhelmed that strange feeling.

The meeting didn't reach a final decision on the spot, but it was clear that Jiang Zhiyu's bold, bordering on insane, "Impromptu Stage: The Audience's Whim" segment had left a deep impression on everyone. The opponents worried about the risks, while the supporters (like Im Yoona and some of the younger planners) saw the potential for a massive hit.

As Jiang Zhiyu left the meeting room, he brushed past Im Yoona, who was smiling sweetly with eyes full of excitement.

Their gazes met once more. Jiang Zhiyu's eyes were calm and placid, yet they seemed to say, "Just wait." Im Yoona's smile remained bright, as if responding, "Bring it on."

A new "war" (or perhaps, a carnival of mutual "persecution") sparked by the variety show proposal seemed to have quietly taken root.

The terrifying power of the "abstract meme" masks, along with the absurd imagery of "singing 'Gee' while dancing to 'Nobody'," were already vividly playing out in Jiang Zhiyu's mind.

Who would be the first to wear the mask? Jiang Zhiyu felt that on his list of candidates, a certain name with an overly "white lotus" smile could be moved up a little.