70: Chapter 70 Big Brother!

In a highly private reception room on the top floor of SM Entertainment, the bustling city view of Seoul lay beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, with the setting sun casting a warm golden glow over the interior. The air was filled with the aroma of top-tier coffee beans, a sharp contrast to the typical tension found in meeting rooms.

Im Yoona sat in a comfortable sofa, her posture seemingly elegant and relaxed, but her beautiful eyes carried an undisguised alertness and scrutiny, firmly locked on the man opposite her.

Jiang Zhiyu.

He was here again.

How many days had it been since that disastrous script discussion? He had asked to meet her again, acting all mysterious, only saying it was about "important progress on the project that needs to be communicated in person."

High-level alarms blared in Im Yoona's mind. Given Jiang Zhiyu's past "illustrious achievements"—the Toilet Theory, the Spinning Theory, the Skittles Vomit Theory, the Weight Crushing Theory, and the rumors she'd recently heard through certain channels (like a laughing IU and Red Velvet's maknae) about the "performance art" he pulled in Red Velvet's dressing room... she really couldn't imagine what "important progress" there could be, other than some shocking new "creative idea" he wanted to force upon her.

"Speak," Im Yoona said, picking up her coffee cup and taking a light sip. Her tone was calm and steady, but every word felt like it was dipped in ice. "Jiang Zhiyu-xi, you didn't go through the trouble of meeting here just to buy me coffee, did you? What do you want to... do now?"

She emphasized the word "now" with particular clarity.

Today, Jiang Zhiyu wore a well-tailored dark gray suit, his hair perfectly in place, with an impeccable smile that sat somewhere between a business elite and a gentle junior. In front of him lay an ordinary-looking kraft paper folder.

Hearing Im Yoona's questioning, he didn't panic at all; instead, he showed an even more sincere, almost apologetic smile.

"Yoona-sunbaenim," his voice was deep and clear, "First, please allow me to express my sincere apologies once again for my ill-considered proposals during the last meeting that made you feel uncomfortable. I was too focused on pursuing dramatic effects and neglected your feelings and your dignity as a top actress."

He bowed slightly, his attitude beyond reproach.

Im Yoona raised an eyebrow, not responding. An apology? This didn't seem like Jiang Zhiyu's style. When things are out of the ordinary, there's bound to be a catch.

Jiang Zhiyu straightened up, placing his folded hands on the table, and continued: "After that meeting, I conducted deep reflections and restructured the direction of the entire project and your character's positioning. At the same time, thanks to some of our earlier... well, controversial creative displays, the project has gained some unexpected attention."

He paused, observing Im Yoona's expression, and said slowly:

"The script for the special episode of 'destined kim hyo-soon', especially the settings related to 'Angel Lim Ying-er', has received... unprecedented enthusiasm and recognition from the investors."

Im Yoona's heart sank a bit. Investors? Enthusiasm? Recognition? Combining those words with Jiang Zhiyu's track record gave her a very bad premonition.

Jiang Zhiyu acted as if he didn't see the storm brewing in her eyes. His smile grew warmer, even carrying a hint of 'I'm here to give you a great gift':

"The investors believe this character has huge potential, and combining it with you, Yoona-sunbaenim, will surely create a phenomenal work. To show the greatest sincerity and support, to ensure the project is produced to the highest specifications, and more importantly... to repay the 'sacrifice' and 'breakthrough' you might make for this role..."

He slowly pulled a brand-new, beautifully bound contract from the kraft folder and gently pushed it toward Im Yoona.

"So," Jiang Zhiyu's voice carried an irresistible allure, "I have decided—our original performance contract can, and must, be renegotiated and revised."

Im Yoona's gaze fell upon the contract.

The cover featured the joint logos of TG Entertainment and SM Entertainment, along with the project name and her own name.

She gave Jiang Zhiyu a suspicious look, picked up the contract, and flipped to the first page.

Habitually, her eyes first scanned for the key clause—the appearance fee.

And then.

Her movements suddenly froze.

Those beautiful eyes, usually agile and smiling, widened abruptly the moment she saw that string of numbers!

A total shock to her system!

She even subconsciously opened her mouth slightly, letting out a faint gasp.

It was a...

A figure far exceeding the fee she had originally signed for.

In fact, it far exceeded her per-episode or per-film fee for any drama or movie she had taken on recently.

Even measuring by her current status and commercial value in the film industry, this number was absolutely top-tier among the top-tier, so generous it was almost... unbelievable.

It hadn't just gone up a bit; it had multiplied several times over!

Im Yoona's fingers holding the contract tightened imperceptibly. She looked up at Jiang Zhiyu in disbelief, her voice filled with shock and suspicion:

"This... Jiang Zhiyu-xi, are you sure you didn't misplace a decimal point?"

Jiang Zhiyu shook his head with a smile, his tone certain: "There's no mistake, Yoona-sunbaenim. This is the recognition of your value by the investors and TG Entertainment, as well as absolute confidence in the prospects of this series."

Seeing Im Yoona's shocked expression, he knew the first step was a success. Money is one of the most direct and effective stepping stones, especially when it's generous enough to make one temporarily overlook other "minor issues."

"Not only that," Jiang Zhiyu struck while the iron was hot, flipping to subsequent clauses in the contract, "Besides the significant increase in the base fee, we've also redrafted the back-end profit-sharing ratios. You will enjoy a share far above industry standards for all derivative income from the series—product placement shares, overseas copyright sales, and peripheral product sales."

He pointed to another clause: "Treatment during filming has also been fully upgraded. Exclusive rest trailers, makeup teams, and wardrobe budgets will all be configured to the highest specifications. The shooting schedule will also fully respect your other commitments with the most reasonable coordination."

Clause after clause, item after item, they were all solid, generous conditions that were impossible to refuse.

Im Yoona browsed through them quickly, her shock gradually replaced by an extreme sense of complexity. Was Jiang Zhiyu... trying to daze her with money? To put her on a pedestal with top-tier resources and treatment?

She put down the contract and looked at Jiang Zhiyu again. The alertness in her eyes, far from decreasing, deepened further. Pies don't just fall from the sky, and especially when it's a pie thrown by Jiang Zhiyu, it likely contains a "bomb."

"The conditions... are indeed very generous." Im Yoona's voice regained its calm, but it was sharper. "So generous that I have to wonder, Producer Jiang, what exactly... do you want me to play?"

She leaned forward slightly, her gaze piercing:

"Is just modifying the entrance method from 'delivering kimchi' to a 'safer' setting worth such a high price? Or is it..."

Her finger tapped gently on that staggering fee figure, emphasizing each word:

"Behind this new contract, does it correspond to... a brand new 'Angel Adventures' script that I can't refuse, but also 'can't look at directly'?"

"For example," Im Yoona's tone carried cold mockery, "The toilet might be gone, but has it been replaced with... a septic tank? Or, you don't need me to personally 'fall in,' but you need me to recite a three-minute poem of praise to a CGI toilet?"

Jiang Zhiyu's smile finally showed a minute flicker under Im Yoona's blunt and accurate questioning. But he quickly adjusted, his smile becoming more sincere, even carrying a hint of "you've misunderstood me" helplessness.

"Yoona-sunbaenim, you're overthinking it." He sighed, looking hurt. "After the last lesson, I've deeply realized that good comedy doesn't need to rely on simple 'physiological embarrassment' or 'bizarre settings' to attract attention. What truly moves people is the charm of the character, emotional resonance, and a carefully designed, reasonable comedic rhythm."

He flipped to the newly revised script outline in the contract appendix (the redacted and purified version, of course):

"Look, these are the core plots for the first five revised episodes. Angel Lim Ying-er's 'clumsiness' and 'bad luck' will be manifested through more grounded, clever misunderstandings and magical blunders. For example, she wants to help Kim Hyo-soon pass a PE exam, but ends up turning the playground into a trampoline park; she wants to cook a good meal for Kim Hyo-soon, but summons a group of dancing ingredients..."

The examples he gave were indeed countless times more normal than the "toilet" and seemed more interesting.

Listening to this, Im Yoona's tense nerves relaxed slightly. These sounded... at least like a normal comedy script.

Jiang Zhiyu observed her expression, knowing the timing was about right. He leaned back slightly, speaking in a heart-to-heart tone:

"Yoona-sunbaenim, I admit, I am a producer who is obsessed with my work and sometimes has... unconventional ideas. But I am also a businessman, someone who wants TG Entertainment and every project to succeed."

His gaze became deep and serious:

"The investors are willing to pay such a high price not because they have too much money to burn, nor because of my flowery talk. It's because they saw this project, they saw the combination of 'Im Yoona playing a clumsy angel,' and the immense market value and potential for success it contains. They are investing in 'inevitable success.'"

"And I increased your fee and treatment not just because of sufficient investment, but because—you are worth it." Jiang Zhiyu's tone was resolute. "Only by ensuring you have no worries and can fully commit can this character truly shine, and this drama reach the heights we all expect."

He looked at Im Yoona, his eyes incredibly "sincere":

"So, please believe in my sincerity, and believe in your own value and judgment. This new contract is the greatest respect and expectation from me and the entire project team for you."

"As for those unpleasant 'past tense' ideas," Jiang Zhiyu made a dismissive gesture, "let them stay in the past forever. What we face now is a high-quality project with ample funding, a professional team, a mature script (after revisions), and one that views you as the absolute core."

He leaned in slightly, his voice low and full of temptation:

"Yoona-sunbaenim, this is an opportunity. An opportunity for you to break through your existing image and leave a classic character in the field of comedy. An opportunity for TG Entertainment and you to create a win-win situation together."

"And the starting point of it all..." His finger gently tapped the open, enticingly glowing new contract.

"Is right in front of you."

The reception room fell silent, with only the subtle changes in the shifting sunset light.

Im Yoona looked at the contract, then at Jiang Zhiyu's face, which was filled with "sincerity" and "expectation."

The massive benefits, the generous conditions, the script direction that sounded much more "normal," and Jiang Zhiyu's almost confessional persuasion (though she didn't believe a single word of it fully)...

Her logic told her that Jiang Zhiyu definitely had another move up his sleeve, and there were surely invisible strings attached to this sweet contract.

But her emotions and professional judgment reminded her that this opportunity was indeed rare, and the conditions were indeed absurdly good. If the script really had "returned to the right path" as he said...

She fell into an unprecedented dilemma.

Jiang Zhiyu didn't rush her, just waited quietly like the most patient hunter.

Finally, Im Yoona slowly raised her head and looked at Jiang Zhiyu, her expression complex and hard to read.

She didn't say she would sign, nor did she say she wouldn't.

She just asked softly:

"Jiang Zhiyu-xi, can you swear on your... well, on the future of TG Entertainment, that the script corresponding to this contract really... completely lacks 'those things' anymore?"

"Especially," she emphasized, "any hints or explicit mentions related to sanitary ware, pipes, and indecent bodily fluids?"

Meeting Im Yoona's gaze, Jiang Zhiyu slowly and solemnly nodded.

He raised his right hand, his expression as serious as if he were taking an oath:

"I swear on the reputation and future development of TG Entertainment that in the officially filmed script, there will be no plots, dialogue, or visual hints involving sanitary ware, pipes, or indecent bodily fluids. Angel Lim Ying-er's 'bad luck' will be limited to safer, more creative magical blunders and everyday misunderstandings."

His eyes looked incredibly clear and firm.

Im Yoona locked eyes with him for a full ten seconds.

Then, she lowered her eyelids, her gaze falling once more on that heart-pounding string of zeros.

A long time passed.

She picked up the pen on the table.

The tip of the pen hovered over the signature line, trembling slightly.

Finally, she took a deep breath, as if making a definitive resolution.

The pen touched the paper.

The signature was complete.

In the depths of Jiang Zhiyu's eyes, a flicker of a successful, calculating smile flashed by, immediately covered by a deeper "sincerity."

He reached out with both hands, took the signed contract, and firmly shook Im Yoona's hand (as a formality):

"Yoona-sunbaenim, I look forward to our cooperation! TG Entertainment and the entire project team will definitely not let you down!"

Im Yoona pulled her hand back, her expression still somewhat complex, but she also seemed to let out a sigh of relief.

"I hope so, Producer Jiang."

She picked up her bag, preparing to leave. Reaching the door, she suddenly stopped and looked back at Jiang Zhiyu, her eyes carrying a final warning:

"Remember your oath, Jiang Zhiyu-xi."

Jiang Zhiyu smiled and nodded: "Of course."

The door closed gently.

Only Jiang Zhiyu remained in the reception room.

He slowly sat back on the sofa, picked up the signed contract, and lightly brushed his fingertips over Im Yoona's elegant signature.

The smile on his face gradually became deep, even carrying a hint of craftiness.

He murmured to himself, his voice so soft only he could hear:

"Of course, I swore that there wouldn't be any in the 'officially filmed script'..."

"But I never said..."

"...that there wouldn't be any in the 'Special Edited Version,' the 'Director's Cut,' or the 'Sponsor-Exclusive Ad Behind-the-Scenes.'"

"After all, as a producer, I have to find a way to 'balance' the financial backer's demand for a 'toilet flushing demonstration' and your 'artistic dignity,' Yoona-sunbaenim."

He put away the contract and walked to the window, looking out at Seoul as the city lights began to flicker on.

Next would be how to cleverly produce the "toilet segment" as "independent, additional, purely commercial special content" and "obtain" Yoona-sunbaenim's "understanding" (or rather, her "helpless acceptance" after the fact).

This would be difficult.

But in Jiang Zhiyu's eyes, a light of excitement flickered.

The harder it was, the more interesting it would be, wasn't it?

TG Entertainment's journey had only just begun. And this "cooperation" between him and Yoona-sunbaenim was destined not to be peaceful.

SM Entertainment, Top Floor Chairman's Office.

The heavy solid wood door blocked out the noise from outside. The air was thick with the smell of expensive cigars (which Lee Soo-man occasionally smoked) and high-end leather furniture, creating an invisible pressure. Beyond the massive floor-to-ceiling windows were the rows of skyscrapers in Gangnam District, highlighting the power and status of the owner here.

Lee Soo-man sat behind a broad desk, holding a document, his brow slightly furrowed. He wore a sophisticated dark suit, his hair perfectly groomed. Despite his age, his eyes remained as sharp as a hawk's, seemingly able to pierce through people's hearts. He was the creator of the SM Empire, the source of countless idols' dreams and nightmares, the true "Godfather."

CEO Kim Young-min sat on the side sofa, his expression serious, carrying a hint of scrutiny and disapproval. He was the actual operator of SM's daily business, more pragmatic, and more focused on the company's practical interests and artist image management.

[part:gemini-3.1-flash-lite]

Jiang Zhiyu stood before the desk, his posture upright, neither humble nor pushy. Today, he wore a black suit more formal than the one he wore when meeting Im Yoona, his hair combed perfectly, and his face wore a look of just the right amount of respect and confidence. He knew that when facing these two big shots, any hint of frivolity or weakness would be fatal.

He had just concisely reported on the preparation progress of the destined kim hyo-soon special episode and the latest investment status, naturally omitting certain "all-too-exciting" details and "technical methods."

Kim Young-min was the first to attack. He set down his coffee cup, his voice not loud, yet carrying unquestionable authority:

"Jiang Zhiyu-xi, regarding this 'angel' role that Im Yoona is set to play, I've heard some... unfavorable rumors."

His gaze was like a torch, staring straight at Jiang Zhiyu:

"It is said that the script involves some... unconventional, one might even say vulgar, settings? For instance, having Im Yoona act out falling into a toilet, and then getting flushed... spinning around?"

He said the last two words with some difficulty, as if merely speaking of this scene tainted the reputation of SM Entertainment's visual pillar.

Jiang Zhiyu felt a slight chill in his heart, knowing the news had indeed reached them. However, he kept his expression unchanged and bowed slightly:

"President Kim, those were all early, immature creative discussions and have been completely abandoned. The official script has been revised and absolutely complies with Im Yoona's image and SM Entertainment's artist management standards."

"Hmph." Kim Young-min snorted coldly, clearly not believing him. "Abandoned? How come I heard that you even personally 'demonstrated' that indecent scene in Red Velvet's dressing room? And it was even filmed?"

They even knew about this? Jiang Zhiyu clicked his tongue inwardly; SM Entertainment's internal intelligence network was truly no joke. He maintained his composure: "That was just an exaggerated, one-sided impromptu performance to help the co-star (referring to Lee Tima) understand the character's 'unlucky' core state; it was not part of the official script. The Red Velvet members were present at the time and can testify that it was just a work discussion."

Lee Soo-man had been listening quietly the whole time and only now spoke slowly, his voice deep and calm, yet carrying greater weight:

"Jiang Zhiyu."

He used a more intimate address, but his eyes held no warmth.

"Girls Generation is the gold-plated brand that SM Entertainment spent countless efforts to build. Im Yoona is one of the most dazzling names on this brand. Her image is not just her own; it is the company's core asset."

He put down the document in his hand, leaned forward slightly, his gaze pressing down on Jiang Zhiyu like a physical force:

"Tell me, a script that has Im Yoona spinning around in a toilet—regardless of whether it was an 'early creative idea'—do you think this is appropriate?"

His tone had no fluctuation, yet every word carried the weight of a thousand pounds:

"This is not just challenging the actor's bottom line, it is challenging SM Entertainment's bottom line, and it is making a joke of the company's core asset!"

Jiang Zhiyu felt his shirt damp against his back. He took a deep breath, met Lee Soo-man's gaze, and spoke with a clear and firm voice:

"Teacher Lee Soo-man, President Kim, I fully understand your concerns and absolutely respect the value of Girls Generation and Im Yoona. Precisely because of this, I must emphasize—those inappropriate settings have already become a thing of the past."

He opened his portable tablet, pulled up the latest revised script summary and character settings (also the sanitized version), and displayed them to the two big shots:

"Please look, this is the revised setting for the angel Lim Ying-er. The core is 'clumsy,' 'kind,' and 'magic always goes wrong but she tries hard to make up for it.' All comedic conflicts are built on safer, more interesting magical mishaps and daily misunderstandings. For example..."

He quickly listed a few examples, such as "turning the classroom into a tropical rainforest," "making stray cats learn to rap," and so on, all of which were creative ideas that sounded wild but were at least not "dirty."

Kim Young-min's expression softened slightly, but he remained full of suspicion: "Even so, this 'unlucky angel' setting carries inherent risks. Im Yoona's image has always been primarily fresh, elegant, and intelligent. Suddenly becoming a clumsy beauty who is always causing trouble... how will the market accept it? Won't it damage her existing fan base?"

Lee Soo-man did not speak, simply tapping his fingers gently on the table, clearly weighing the options as well.

Jiang Zhiyu knew that verbal assurances and a "clean" script were not enough. He needed to bring out something more powerful.

The time had come.

He put away his tablet, his expression becoming increasingly solemn, even carrying a hint of the mystery of "breaking news about to be revealed":

"Teacher Lee Soo-man, President Kim, regarding market acceptance and project risk, I think the attitude of the investors might be the most convincing answer."

"Investors?" Kim Young-min frowned. "Isn't it just your TG Entertainment, plus some ordinary product placements?"

Jiang Zhiyu shook his head and slowly stated a name:

"No, the main investor and the biggest advertising sponsor is—'Han River Home Group' and its strategic partner, 'Jieshi Sanitary Ware.'"

"Han River Home?" Kim Young-min was stunned for a moment, then his expression changed slightly. This was a well-known comprehensive home brand group in South Korea, with strong strength and extensive distribution channels.

"Jieshi Sanitary Ware?" Lee Soo-man's finger tapping on the table also paused. This was a brand with strong momentum in the high-end sanitary ware market in recent years, known for its design and technology.

These two companies were by no means ordinary "advertisers."

Jiang Zhiyu continued, his tone calm but containing power:

"Han River Home Group has taken a fancy to the unique model of the destined kim hyo-soon main series plus special episode and its warm family tone, believing it highly aligns with their brand image, and has decided to carry out large-scale brand placement and joint promotion. And 'Jieshi Sanitary Ware,' as their close partner, has expressed great interest in... well, a certain creative segment in the special episode that was originally quite 'topical.'"

He deliberately emphasized "originally" and "topical."

Kim Young-min's brow furrowed even tighter: "Interest? What interest? Don't tell me they still want to..."

Jiang Zhiyu immediately cut in, blocking his speculation: "No, the Jieshi Sanitary Ware side is very professional; they fully understand and respect the image requirements of Im Yoona and SM Entertainment. Their point of interest is that they hope to use this series and Im Yoona's influence to showcase certain 'core technological advantages' of their latest smart toilet in an innovative, humorous, and completely non-damaging way, such as... powerful flushing and anti-clogging design."

He paused and threw out the key information:

"For this, they are willing to pay a sum... far exceeding the regular advertising placement fee, even enough to cover most of the production costs for the special episode. Furthermore, they promise to mobilize their full channel resources for joint promotion during the series broadcast."

He stated a number.

A number that made even the well-informed Kim Young-min's pupils shrink, and even caused Lee Soo-man to slightly raise his eyebrows.

The atmosphere in the office changed abruptly.

From the previous questioning and warnings, it instantly turned to shock and... calculation.

Kim Young-min subconsciously looked at Lee Soo-man. Lee Soo-man was silent, his fingers tapping the table gently again, but the rhythm had clearly changed.

Jiang Zhiyu struck while the iron was hot: "Teacher Lee Soo-man, President Kim, you two know better than I do what this investment and cooperation means. This is not just money; it is an opportunity to deeply bind SM Entertainment's artist value with top-tier industrial brands and open up a brand-new business cooperation model. 'Jieshi Sanitary Ware' values Im Yoona's unparalleled national favorability and influence; they hope to use this influence to reach a wider consumer group in the most high-end and interesting way."

Watching the changing expressions of the two big shots, he knew the time was right and offered the final and most "considerate" solution:

"Of course, I assure you both, and I have clearly communicated with the Jieshi Sanitary Ware side—Im Yoona herself will absolutely not perform any shots that could damage her image."

"Regarding the 'creative display' of product functions, we will use the highest specification film special effects technology, clever editing techniques, and possible partial body doubles or CGI synthesis to complete it. We guarantee that the final presented effect will be both interesting and perfectly meet the sponsor's needs, while absolutely maintaining the brand image of Im Yoona and Girls Generation."

He concluded, his tone resonant:

"This is a win-win-win situation: TG Entertainment gets sufficient funds to produce high-quality content; Jieshi Sanitary Ware gets unprecedented high-end creative marketing; and SM Entertainment and Im Yoona, while obtaining top-tier remuneration and resource allocation, open up a brand-new field of commercial cooperation and consolidate her status as a 'high-value, highly compatible' top artist."

The office fell into a long silence.

Only the sound of Lee Soo-man's fingers tapping on the table remained, rhythmic and deep.

Kim Young-min's expression remained complex, but the firm opposition in his eyes had clearly wavered, replaced by the glint of weighing pros and cons.

Finally, Lee Soo-man stopped tapping.

He slowly raised his head and looked at Jiang Zhiyu. In those sharp eyes, at this moment, flickered a light of determination that Jiang Zhiyu was familiar with—one belonging to a top-tier businessman after weighing the pros and cons.

He spoke slowly, his voice still calm but carrying a different meaning:

"...The investors are actually Han River Home and Jieshi Sanitary Ware?"

He repeated it, as if confirming.

Then, he nodded slightly, his gaze looking at Kim Young-min, then turning back to Jiang Zhiyu's face:

"This... is indeed unexpected."

"However," he changed the subject, his tone becoming unquestionable again, "Jiang Zhiyu, remember what you said today. Im Yoona's image and SM Entertainment's signboard must not be lost. Those 'technical methods' must be foolproof. If any negative public opinion arises, or if Im Yoona's or Girls Generation's image is damaged..."

He did not continue, but that look already said everything.

Jiang Zhiyu felt a great sense of relief, knowing that this hurdle had been cleared.

He bowed deeply, his tone extremely solemn:

"Please rest assured, Teacher Lee Soo-man, President Kim. I guarantee with TG Entertainment and my professional future that I will handle everything properly."

Walking out of the chairman's office and closing the heavy wooden door, Jiang Zhiyu finally felt that his back was completely soaked.

He leaned against the cold wall and exhaled a long breath.

He looked up at the bright light at the end of the corridor.

He knew that the two biggest mountains to deal with—Im Yoona and the SM Entertainment high-level executives—had been temporarily settled, though the process was tortuous and even involved using some "rhetoric" and "technical promises."

Next... was how to make that "independent advertising clip" seamless and make everyone "satisfied."

He rubbed his temples.

It felt more tiring than writing ten scripts.

But the corners of his mouth couldn't help but curl into an arc.

After all, the game was getting more and more interesting, wasn't it?

Late at night, the light in the TG Entertainment basement was pale, shining on a desk piled with instant noodle cups, cosmetics, wigs, and script drafts, giving a sense of the tragic heroism of fighting alone. Jiang Zhiyu leaned back in his creaky office chair, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the table. On the computer screen was the revised script of the destined kim hyo-soon special episode, and next to it was a small window, repeatedly playing that ridiculous video of him "performing" in the Red Velvet dressing room.

"Im Yoona's side is temporarily stabilized, the SM Entertainment high-level executives have barely nodded, and the money from the sugar daddy sponsor is almost in place..." Jiang Zhiyu muttered to himself, but his brows furrowed tighter and tighter, "But, the 'independent advertising clip'... how can I make it meet the rigid requirement of Jieshi Sanitary Ware to 'showcase product functions,' while absolutely not letting Im Yoona herself get involved, and also... hmm, have a bit of novelty?"

Directly find a body double? Long-shot editing? CGI face-swap? These technical methods are feasible, but it always feels... not "Jiang Zhiyu" enough. Not exciting enough, not "topical" enough, not enough... to get back the face he lost when he was "mocked" by Im Yoona, Kim Taeyeon, and the others!

His gaze swept unconsciously over the bottles and jars of cosmetics on the table, especially a few "magic tools" that could adjust skin tone and blend facial contours. Then he caught a glimpse of a character setting draft on the side about "magic side effects," on which was scribbled: "Magic overload may cause temporary physical age regression..."

A flash of inspiration, like lightning cutting through the pitch-black night sky, suddenly struck his brain!

"Magic decline... leading to the body shrinking?!"

Jiang Zhiyu sat up straight suddenly, his eyes shining shockingly in the dim light.

That's it! Doesn't the angel Lim Ying-er often make magic mistakes? Why can't there be a "particularly serious" mistake that causes her, due to magic disorder, to temporarily revert to... childhood?!

This way...

Jiang Zhiyu's breathing became slightly rapid, his brain running at high speed:

Plot rationality: In magic genres, physical age changes are a common setting, it makes perfect sense! It can be designed so that for Lim Ying-er to help Kim Hyo-soon solve a big trouble (like a truly dangerous magic accident), she overuses magic or a spell goes wrong, causing her own magic to decline and her body to shrink. She recovers after sleeping (or experiencing another magic event). This adds plot twists without permanently changing the character.

Actor problem: Child-state Im Yoona! This requires finding a little girl with a somewhat similar appearance and temperament to play the role. This is much easier and safer to operate than finding an adult body double to act out "falling into a toilet"! For child actors, many actions can be designed to be more cartoonish and safer.

The most critical point is: If it's "child Lim Ying-er" who accidentally falls into a toilet, gets flushed (of course, simulated using special effects and safety measures), and then crawls out in a mess... the acceptance by the audience and public opinion will be much higher! When children make a fool of themselves, people will find it cute and funny, and it won't create a "sense of offense" or "vulgar associations" toward the adult female star. It will also be easier to explain to the SM Entertainment side and the sugar daddy sponsor—look, we used a child actor, it's safe, interesting, and harmless!

And the key to achieving all of this: Jiang Zhiyu's gaze locked tightly onto those cosmetics.

"Makeup master..." he muttered, the corners of his mouth curling into an almost evil arc.

He didn't need to find a child who looked exactly like Im Yoona when she was little (that is rare and hard to find). He only needed to find a little girl with good basic conditions (similar face shape and eye proportions) and a suitable age (6-9 years old). Then, relying on his "superb" (in his own opinion) makeup skills, supplemented by hairstyle, clothing, and expression guidance, it was entirely possible to create a "mini Im Yoona"!

"Genius... I am truly a genius!" Jiang Zhiyu rubbed his hands excitedly and paced in the narrow basement. This idea could not only solve the actor problem for the "advertising clip" but could even add an unexpected chapter full of cuteness and laughs to the main series! "The Story of the Child Angel Causing Trouble," just thinking about it was interesting! However, where to find the person? Where to find such a suitable and obedient (easily fooled) little girl?