79: Chapter 79 Cao Cao, the Traitor!

The atmosphere in Starship Entertainment's meeting room was completely different from any usual business negotiation. The air was filled with a subtle mix of scrutiny, curiosity, wariness, and an irrepressible sense of excitement. On one side of the long table was the Starship Entertainment team, led by Jang Wonyoung's Manager, including a Content Strategy Director and a Legal Specialist. Wonyoung herself sat quietly beside the Manager, dressed in appropriate casual wear with exquisite makeup, but her slightly pursed lips and the way her eyes darted toward the door from time to time betrayed her inner tension and unease.

On the other side of the long table sat Jiang Zhiyu alone. He wore a simple shirt and trousers and held a tablet in his hand. His expression was composed, even carrying a hint of relaxed pleasure, as if he hadn't come to negotiate a collaboration involving a major image shift for a top-tier idol, but rather to share an interesting idea.

“Producer Jiang, let's skip the pleasantries,” the Starship Content Strategy Director, a capable-looking middle-aged man in his forties, spoke first in a direct tone. “Regarding the intention for the Orion endorsement, we have reached a preliminary confirmation. We are grateful to you and your project for bringing such unexpected attention to Wonyoung. However,” his tone shifted, his eyes becoming sharp, “we need to know everything. What exactly do those so-called 'behind-the-scenes' clips look like? And more importantly, what kind of 'complete story' have you, Orion, and Jieshi Sanitary Ware actually conceived? This concerns Wonyoung's image positioning for at least the next year or two, so we must be extremely cautious.”

Jiang Zhiyu smiled slightly and gently pushed the tablet toward the center of the table. “Director, you are right. The foundation of any collaboration is honesty and a clear vision.” His finger slid across the screen, but instead of playing a video immediately, he brought up a concise PPT outline.

“First, allow me to explain the core concept,” Jiang Zhiyu’s voice was steady and persuasive. “What we are doing is not simple 'parody' or 'attention-grabbing.' We are constructing a highly differentiated, highly memorable 'meta-narrative' for Jang Wonyoung xi that possesses immense space for emotional extension.”

“Meta-narrative?” the Manager repeated with a frown.

“Yes,” Jiang Zhiyu nodded. “Traditional idol endorsements are nothing more than 'pretty, cute, and happy to eat/use our product.' This is safe, but it’s also heavily homogenized. What we unintentionally unearthed and amplified from the destined kim hyo-soon special episode is a more complex and precious quality in Jang Wonyoung xi—the ability to remain sincere and cute even in extremely absurd situations, thereby generating powerful resonance and healing power.”

He paused, observing the reactions of the people opposite him. Wonyoung listened intently, even forgetting her nervousness.

“Specifically regarding the visuals,” Jiang Zhiyu switched the PPT page, showing three keywords: 'Fairytale-like,' 'Harmless,' and 'Emotional Sublimation.' “The behind-the-scenes clips we submitted to TVN and the sponsors for review have been completely stripped of any associations that might cause discomfort. The 'golden toilet' is a magic seat from a fairytale, the 'spinning' is a clean and fun game, and 'eating pie' is a sacred healing ritual. All elements serve a single core—shaping the image of a 'young angel' from a fantasy world who is a bit clumsy but incredibly sincere, longing to integrate into the human world and bring sweetness and cleanliness in a dual sense.”

Only then did he tap the thumbnails of the three videos on the tablet, but he didn't play them; he only showed carefully selected, representative still frames: the innocent angel peeking her small head out of the golden toilet, the angel looking around curiously in a blue light cyclone, and the angel smiling happily while holding an orion pie. Every frame was beautifully shot with warm tones, indeed filled with the texture of a fairytale picture book.

Starship's Legal Specialist looked closely at the images, and his tense expression softened slightly. At least from these stills, there were indeed no vulgarities or damage to her image.

“What Orion values is precisely this 'extreme sense of purity,'” Jiang Zhiyu continued. “That an angel would put in such sincere (even if a bit clumsy) effort for a simple chocolate pie in the human world—this 'pure love' coincides perfectly with the brand spirit of 'pure happiness brought by simple deliciousness' they want to convey. What they want is not just an endorser who eats pie prettily, but a 'story protagonist' who can tell the story of 'eating an orion pie' in a way that is unique, magical, and unforgettable.”

“And what about Jieshi Sanitary Ware?” the Strategy Director pressed. “Their requirements seem more... specific.”

“Jieshi values the innovative expression of the 'cleanliness' concept,” Jiang Zhiyu replied calmly. “Traditional sanitary ware advertisements are inseparable from families, housewives, and powerful stain removal. What we provide is a perspective full of childlike wonder and imagination—'cleanliness' can be a kind of magic, a game, an experience that brings relaxation and joy. The combination of 'young angel and Golden Magic Seat (Toilet)' might seem absurd, but it uses an unprecedented method to soften the functional promotion of sanitary products, making them friendly, interesting, and even... a bit cute. This is extremely valuable for them to expand into the young family market and enhance brand fashion and buzz.”

He looked at Jang Wonyoung, his gaze gentle yet firm: “And the core of all these concepts, Wonyoung xi, is you. It is you who, through your performance, gave real emotion and a cute soul to these absurd settings. It is Orion and Jieshi who saw this unique potential in you to 'turn the absurd into the miraculous.'”

Wonyoung's face turned a bit red again, but this time it wasn't entirely from shame; it was more of a flutter in her heart from being recognized and having a certain trait deep within her analyzed so thoroughly.

“So, what is Producer Jiang's complete plan?” the Manager leaned forward, his tone already carrying deep interest.

“An 'IP-based linkage' spanning film, television, advertising, and online content,” Jiang Zhiyu said decisively. “Using the image of 'young angel Lim Ying-er' from the destined kim hyo-soon special as a prototype, we will perform light adaptations and enhancements to create an independent 'Angel Wonyoung' IP. This IP will simultaneously serve Orion and Jieshi Sanitary Ware—Orion's ad can be 'Angel Wonyoung's Dessert Healing Journey,' and Jieshi's ad can be 'Angel Wonyoung's Clean Magic Classroom.' Both will have a unified style following an exquisite fairytale route, but with different focuses in specific content, not interfering with each other and even linking through clever plot easter eggs.”

“And the starting point and strongest endorsement for all of this,” Jiang Zhiyu emphasized his tone, “are those three 'online spin-off clips' broadcast with the special episode. They will initially show the charm of this image to the public and ignite the first wave of discussion. Subsequently, the formal commercial advertisements will follow, capturing the heat to completely solidify and commercialize the image.”

He paused and threw out the most crucial condition: “As the 'source of inspiration' and 'sole designated performer' of this IP, Jang Wonyoung xi will not only receive two top-tier endorsement contracts, but TG Entertainment and I are also willing to deeply participate in the creativity and production of these two advertisements as 'Creative Consultants' and 'Content Partners' to ensure their quality and tone are highly consistent with the enhancement of Wonyoung xi's image. At the same time, we can discuss a reasonable profit-sharing model for any subsequent derivative income generated by this IP.”

A brief silence fell over the meeting room. The people from Starship were quickly digesting this massive and novel plan. It was high risk—deeply binding a top female idol with a 'toilet' (even a golden fairytale version) was unprecedented. But the potential rewards were also huge—top endorsements from two national brands, a highly recognizable and buzzed-about exclusive IP, and the deep collaboration endorsement of Jiang Zhiyu, a producer who had been on a roll lately.

“We need to see the full versions of those three clips, as well as a more detailed cooperation draft between you, Orion, and Jieshi,” the Strategy Director finally spoke, his tone already softening. “At the same time, we must have the final audit rights for all commercial applications of the 'Angel Wonyoung' IP to ensure it always aligns with Wonyoung's long-term development positioning.”

“Of course,” Jiang Zhiyu agreed readily. “All details can be clarified in the subsequent formal contract. What I brought today is a blueprint, a possibility.” He looked at Jang Wonyoung again, this time asking her directly, “So, Wonyoung xi, what do you think? Are you willing to accept this... somewhat special role that might show you a completely different landscape?”

Everyone's eyes focused on Jang Wonyoung.

She looked up, her gaze sweeping across the faces of the Manager, the Director, and the Legal Specialist, finally landing on Jiang Zhiyu's eyes, which seemed gentle but were actually burning with startling ambition. She remembered the shame of devouring the giant pie and the fear of the golden toilet, but she also remembered the subtle joy of being immersed in the performance, and the feeling of being treated as a unique 'possibility' rather than a mass-produced commodity.

Her heart beat violently in her chest. She knew that behind this door might be an even crazier social death, but it could also be an opportunity for her to truly stand out and be remembered for a long time.

She took a deep breath, no longer dodging, and looked directly at Jiang Zhiyu, her voice clear and firm:

“If... if the final story presented is really as Producer Jiang says—a beautiful, interesting fairytale that can make people feel happy...” She paused for a moment, as if encouraging herself, “I’m willing to give it a try.”

[part:gemini-3.1-flash-lite]

The smile on Jiang Zhiyu's face was finally no longer that calculated composure, but bloomed with a hint of genuine, satisfied radiance.

"Well then," he extended his hand, "happy to be working with you, Wonyoung xi. Welcome to... the 'Angel Wonyoung' fairytale workshop."

Jang Wonyoung looked at his hand, hesitated for a moment, and ultimately extended her own hand, gently shaking his.

The agreement, with countless details yet to be finalized, reached a preliminary consensus in this conference room filled with a subtle atmosphere.

An adventure based on absurdity, yet pointing towards grand commercial ambitions, had officially set sail. And at the center of the eye of the storm was still that young girl who once only wanted to act seriously, but had been pushed time and again by Jiang Zhiyu's "inspiration" into unimaginable situations.

But this time, she was no longer just "being pushed"; she gripped the oars, deciding to steer herself towards that unknown, glittering ocean (perhaps also carrying the scent of chocolate and the fresh fragrance of detergent).

As the main drama of "destined kim hyo-soon" aired its final episode on TVN, earning plenty of tears and praise from the audience and solidifying its status as the "tear-jerking healing masterpiece of the year," the long-awaited "Special Episode"—that rumored parallel world story featuring guest appearances by Im Yoona, Jang Wonyoung, and numerous idol stars, with a completely different style—finally unveiled its mysterious veil.

On the night the first episode aired, the viewership ratings easily surpassed the average level of the main drama, triggering a tsunami of discussion online.

Just as Jiang Zhiyu had anticipated, compared to the main drama which focused on the heavy and warm struggles of a low-income family during the IMF era, the Special Episode took an entirely different path—a through-and-through slapstick comedy.

Im Yoona, playing the "Clumsy Angel" Lim Ying-er, contributed countless comedic moments with her carelessness and arrogance (limited to heavenly theory), which were in stark contrast to her actual image, as well as her shocking lack of common sense about the human world. From falling from the sky and smashing the roof of Kim Hyo-soon's house, to trying to help with magic only to cause various small disasters, to being "punished" by standing in the human world holding a sign that said "I am a bad angel" for not doing her heavenly homework... every plot point precisely hit the audience's funny bone. Im Yoona's own acting style of "trying to be serious but always breaking character" instead portrayed the character's clumsiness and cuteness to perfection.

And the "young angel" played by Jang Wonyoung, although having less screen time than Im Yoona, was a "nuclear bomb of cuteness" every time she appeared. Whether it was hiding in a corner secretly trying out clumsy magic, gazing with star-struck eyes at an orion pie, or that pitiful look of "I didn't mean to, but I'm so scared" after causing trouble, it multiplied the lethality of her already outstanding, cute visuals, rapidly harvesting a large number of "mom fans" and "older sister fans."

Not to mention the surprise guest appearances by members of ITZY, Red Velvet, and Im Nayeon and others, who either played "detective girls," transformed into "bakery sisters," or seriously portrayed "Heavenly Association Special Agents," perfectly integrating into this absurd comedic world while maintaining their own charm, bringing a massive fan base and cross-group buzz to the series.

The audience's reaction was so enthusiastic it was almost boiling over:

"Laughing until I'm pounding the floor! Im Yoona, how do you manage to make such hilarious expressions with such a pretty face!"

"Jang Wonyoung! The young angel is too cute! My blood gauge is empty!"

"I originally came for the main drama, but ended up becoming a fan because of the Special Episode! What kind of god-tier comedy is this!"

"Is Jiang Zhiyu a genius? How could he think of getting so many idols to act in such a nonsensical comedy without it feeling awkward at all?"

"Are the orion pie and golden toilet (even if it's the cartoon version) jokes trying to kill me with laughter? How could they even play it like that?"

"Question! What is that 'young angel spin-off trailer' at the end? 'Angel's Dessert and Cleaning Adventure'? It sounds so interesting!"

The reputation and popularity of the Special Episode grew like a snowball, even driving a second wave of viewership for the main drama. People were happy to discuss the subtle echoes between the two parallel storylines, marveling at Jiang Zhiyu's ability to master two completely different styles for the same subject matter. Advertisers flocked in; not only were the product placements for Orion and Jieshi Sanitary Ware talked about with relish, but other brands also hoped to get a slice of the pie in this "phenomenal comedy."

The names of TG Entertainment and Jiang Zhiyu were once again pushed to the forefront, this time accompanied by laughter and tremendous commercial success.

In the Chinese market, with the help of the cooperation reached earlier with Tencent Video, the main drama "destined kim hyo-soon" was quietly released. Although there was no large-scale promotion, thanks to its high quality and universal themes of poverty, family, and growth, coupled with Lee Tima's natural and moving performance, it quickly accumulated a good reputation among some drama fans and critics, with click counts rising steadily, bringing considerable revenue-sharing income to TG Entertainment.

However, just as Jiang Zhiyu had anticipated, the Special Episode failed to pass the review of the relevant Chinese departments. The reasons were not explicitly stated, but it could be roughly guessed that it was related to "potential guidance issues in some plot settings," being "too absurd and detached from reality," or "individual prop concepts potentially causing inappropriate associations." In short, Chinese audiences could not watch this comedy spin-off, which had sparked heated discussion on the Korean web, through official channels for the time being.

When the news reached Jiang Zhiyu's ears, he was sitting in the newly renovated TG Entertainment President's office, having moved from the basement into a proper office building, looking at the latest quarterly financial report and the avalanche of new partnership invitations flying in.

"Oh, it didn't pass." He reacted calmly, not even looking up from the report showing astonishing profit figures, "It doesn't matter."

Lee Tima (part-time assistant), who had come to report, raised an eyebrow: "President, the Chinese market is so big, isn't it a pity?"

Jiang Zhiyu finally put down the report, leaned back against the comfortable leather chair, hands folded over his abdomen, with an undisguised, almost lazy, satisfied smile on his face.

"Tima," he said in a relaxed tone, "we have already earned enough money. The revenue from the Special Episode in Korea and other overseas regions, plus the revenue sharing from the main drama in China, as well as the soaring company valuation and bargaining power for subsequent projects brought about by the show's popularity... we have completed our initial capital accumulation and have gained a firm foothold."

He pointed to the bustling street scene of Seoul outside the window: "Now, we are sitting here, not in that basement filled with the smell of instant noodles. We have the power of choice now."

"As for the Chinese market," he paused, a merchant's characteristic shrewdness flashing in his eyes, "I had long anticipated the 'content specificity' of the Special Episode. However, the popularity, topics, and the international visibility it raised for artists like Jang Wonyoung are already huge intangible assets in themselves. These 'intangible assets' will radiate into the Chinese market, enhancing the favorability and expectations of the Chinese audience towards them and our other 'safer' projects in the future."

"And," he hooked his lips into a cunning arc, "precisely because the Special Episode was not officially introduced, those Chinese viewers who watched it through 'special channels' and talked about it with relish will instead generate a 'scarce resource' enthusiasm for sharing and desire for discussion. To some extent, this is a more effective, lower-cost form of 'word-of-mouth.' When we launch projects that better meet their censorship standards next time, this group of potential viewers who have been 'left wanting more' will be easier to convert."

Lee Tima nodded, half-understanding; she was more concerned about actual earnings: "So... we really have money now?"

"Of course." Jiang Zhiyu smiled even wider. He picked up an exquisite coffee cup on the table and took a sip—it was no longer instant coffee, but freshly ground. "Next, we can consider bolder projects, provide better treatment for the artists, and even..." He cast his gaze into the distance, as if planning a new territory, "it is time for TG Entertainment to be more than just a studio relying on 'hits' and 'whimsical ideas.'"

The success of the Special Episode was like a shot of adrenaline, not only bringing in real money but also giving Jiang Zhiyu unprecedented confidence and a clear plan for the future path. The small regret brought by the censorship seemed insignificant in the face of huge profits and broad prospects.

He picked up his phone and scrolled through the heated discussions on social media about the Special Episode, especially the crazy praise for "young angel" Jang Wonyoung and "Clumsy Angel" Im Yoona, as well as the curiosity and anticipation for the wonderful combination of "Orion × Jieshi × Angel."

"It seems the 'Angel Wonyoung' IP development plan can be fully launched." He whispered to himself, his fingers tapping rapidly on the screen, starting to contact the persons in charge at Orion and Jieshi, as well as Starship Entertainment's Jang Wonyoung team.

Once the gears of capital start running at high speed, they will not stop easily. And this time, the chips Jiang Zhiyu held were richer than ever before.

He looked at the "destined kim hyo-soon" poster hanging on the office wall—on one side was the resilient side profile of Kim Hyo-soon, played by Lee Tima, in a dim semi-basement, and on the other side were stills of Im Yoona and Jang Wonyoung wearing angel dresses, smiling goofily under the bright sunshine.

Sadness and joy, reality and absurdity, all were in his palm, transformed into a ladder leading to higher places.

"We have money now," he repeated to the air, easily, his smile full of the ambition and composure of a pioneer, "we can play with something bigger."