96: Chapter 95 Hey!

When the eight members of Girls Generation walked into the main recording area under the guidance of staff, their faces were a complex mix of "prepared for the worst" and a faint "waiting for a good show." Carrying their colorful (but essentially turtle shell) backpacks, they were surprised to find that the four younger sisters of aespa had already arrived.

Moreover... their looks instantly balanced the psychological state of the Girls Generation seniors, who had previously felt they had sacrificed enough. They even felt a sliver of sympathy and relief.

The four members of aespa—Karina, Winter, NingNing, and Giselle—were wearing the same colorful sweatshirts as Girls Generation, printed with Squirtle patterns. However, what they carried on their backs wasn't the detachable turtle shell backpack.

Instead... it was a one-piece soft vest covering the entire back with three-dimensional turtle shell protrusions!

The vest was green, and the shell part was stuffed full, even featuring simulated turtle shell textures. When worn, the wearer looked like a truly anthropomorphic, upright-walking Squirtle. It was much more "immersive" than the Girls Generation backpack style, and much more... charmingly naive (or rather, shameful).

The four members of aespa had clearly adapted (or become numb) to it for a while, but when they saw the Girls Generation seniors enter—especially seeing that the seniors were only wearing "turtle shell schoolbags" on their backs—their faces couldn't help but show envy and a little grievance of "why is it worse for us?"

NingNing whispered to Winter: "Unnie... why are our 'turtle shells' sewn onto our clothes?"

Winter said with a bitter face: "I don't know... maybe Producer Jiang thinks our 'AE' concept needs to be more 'integrated'..."

Karina tried her best to maintain her composure as a leader, but the tips of her ears were already red. Giselle, as usual, had little expression, only silently pulling at the turtle shell vest that made her movements slightly inconvenient.

On the Girls Generation side.

"Pfft—" Kwon Yuri was the first who couldn't hold it in and let out a laugh, but she quickly covered her mouth and put on a sympathetic expression, "Oh my, the poor kids..."

Tiffany also widened her eyes, looking at aespa and then back at the backpack on her own back that could at least be taken off at any time. Suddenly, her equipment looked a hundred times better: "Wow, luckily we don't have to wear that... it looks so hot and inconvenient to move in, right?"

Choi Sooyoung also clicked her tongue and shook her head: "Producer Jiang is indeed more ruthless towards his own artists."

Kim Hyoyeon was a bit gloating, but mostly found it funny: "Now it's balanced. Our backpacks seem pretty good?"

Seohyun seriously observed aespa's turtle shell vests and commented: "Considering game safety, the one-piece vest might be less likely to fall off during intense activity, but the comfort and heat dissipation are indeed not as good as the backpack style."

Sunny pushed up her sunglasses (the boss's vibe cannot be lost) and curled her lip: "It seems that even the ordinary members of our 'Commando Unit' are divided into grades. The aespa girls are 'Elite Squirtles,' and we are 'Logistics Squirtles'?"

As the leader, although Taeyeon also felt that aespa's look was more "impactful," she still stepped forward proactively and greeted them with a gentle smile: "Hello, kids of aespa. This outfit... is quite special."

Im Yoona's gaze swept over the four faces of aespa, who were ashamed but trying hard to act as if nothing was happening, finally landing on the 3D turtle shells behind them. A hint of amusement flashed in her eyes, but it was more of a subtle resonance of "fellow sufferers in the same boat." Her understanding of Jiang Zhiyu's "wicked taste" was refreshed once again.

At that moment, the lights in the venue brightened, and a cheerful yet slightly comical game BGM played. On the other side of the field, a figure came running onto the stage.

It was Jiang Zhiyu.

He was wearing sportswear today for easy movement, with an incredibly bright and harmless smile on his face, holding a cartoon-styled megaphone (also in the shape of a Squirtle).

He ran to the center of the field, first waving enthusiastically at the four members of aespa (receiving four gazes mixed with resentment and helplessness), then turned to Girls Generation. His smile became even brighter as he spoke loudly through the megaphone:

"A warm welcome!! To our legendary, beautiful, and forever vibrant Girls Generation seniors!!! Welcome to the recording site of the 'Fight, ae!' special—'squirtle water gun battle'!!!!"

His voice spread throughout the venue through the megaphone, filled with passion and... a hint of hard-to-conceal excitement for "causing trouble."

The eight members of Girls Generation looked at his smiling face, then heard the full program name that was still bursting with shame, and saw the two (?) aespa juniors with miserable looks behind him. Suddenly, they felt that today's "social gathering" probably wouldn't be as "relaxed" and "returning to the original intention" as written on the invitation.

Im Yoona looked at Jiang Zhiyu, maintaining a perfect idol smile on her face, but her hand behind her back had already quietly tightened around her water bottle filled with her "specially selected ammunition" (a mixed fruit and vegetable juice with a subtle color and "unique" taste).

Jiang Zhiyu seemed to feel "killing intent" from a certain direction. His smile remained unchanged as his gaze swept the field, especially flashing with a satisfied light when he saw the colorful turtle shell backpacks on the Girls Generation members and the out-of-place sunglasses on Sunny's face.

"It seems everyone has changed into the 'combat uniforms' we carefully prepared! Very good! Now, before we officially start our 'squirtle water gun battle,' let me reiterate today's tenet: friendship first, competition second, and joy above all else!" Jiang Zhiyu raised the megaphone. "I hope the Girls Generation seniors and aespa juniors can all have fun, release stress, and create your own unique 'wet body'... ah no, 'refreshing' memories!"

"Now, please, team members from both sides, check your respective 'ammunition'! Prepare—to enter the battle zone!"

With his command, the staff quickly divided the field into two areas, with a wide "spray lane" and scoring targets in the middle. Girls Generation and aespa respectively walked to their preparation areas and began final checks of the "liquid ammunition" they had brought.

On the Girls Generation side, everyone took out their prepared water bottles and drink bottles. Water, sports drinks, juices... there was a wide variety.

Im Yoona unscrewed her strangely colored water bottle, from which wafted a complex scent of spinach, cucumber, lemon, and more. Her smile remained unchanged, but her gaze became even more "determined" as she looked at Jiang Zhiyu, who was explaining something to aespa across the field.

Jiang Zhiyu seemed to sense something and turned back just in time to meet Im Yoona's gaze. His smile froze for a tenth of a second before becoming even brighter. He even waved at her and mouthed: "Fighting! Yoona-xi!"

Im Yoona replied with an even sweeter smile and silently mouthed back: "Just you wait."

A "squirtle water gun battle" that was nominally a "senior-junior social gathering" but actually filled with undercurrents of "revenge" and "mischief" was about to officially start in the TVN studio in the most childish yet highly anticipated way! Whether Jiang Zhiyu could escape unscathed would become the biggest suspense of this episode (without exception).

With Jiang Zhiyu's command, the lights and sound effects at the recording site changed again, becoming more "combat" oriented. On the big screen, a cartoon-style background introduction animation lit up, accompanied by Jiang Zhiyu's mock-serious narration:

"On the mysterious Squirtle Planet, in order to resist the upcoming 'Drought Season' (made up by Jiang Zhiyu), the great Squirtle Commando Unit decided to strengthen the water gun spraying skills of all members! Today, under the leadership of the wise and mighty Boss Sunny (camera cuts to Sunny pushing her sunglasses with a cool face), a unique water gun skill drill will be held within the Commando Unit!"

The animation switched to a scene where four "little Squirtles" from aespa jumped in to join.

"At the same time, the newly established and promising 'AE Squirtle Squad' (aespa) has also been invited to join this training to exchange skills and progress together with their seniors!"

The animation ended, and a comical yet hot-blooded BGM sounded in the venue.

Jiang Zhiyu walked to the center of the field with the Squirtle megaphone, a troublemaking smile he couldn't suppress on his face:

"Now, then! Please welcome the Supreme Commander of our Squirtle Commando Unit—Boss Sunny! Step forward and conduct the grouping for this skill drill!!"

"Boss Sunny! Boss Sunny!" Jiang Zhiyu even took the lead in clapping, prompting the staff to join in the cheering.

The other members of Girls Generation and the four from aespa all turned their gazes toward Sunny. Kwon Yuri, Choi Sooyoung, and others were holding back laughter, clearly finding Sunny's "Boss" status and Jiang Zhiyu's exaggerated acting both annoying and hilarious.

Sunny, however, wasn't shy at all; instead, she got very into character. She adjusted the sunglasses on the bridge of her nose (ensuring they were at the coolest angle) and walked over to Jiang Zhiyu with a swaggering gait (mimicking a mob boss), casually taking the Squirtle megaphone from his hand.

She cleared her throat and used the megaphone to address her teammates (and aespa), intentionally lowering her voice to mimic a big-shot tone:

"Ahem. Listen up, you lot!"

Girls Generation members: "..." (holding back laughter)

aespa members: "..." (nervous and curious)

"The purpose of today's drill is to check if you've been slacking off and if your water gun (spitting) skills have improved!" Sunny talked nonsense with a straight face. "For the sake of fairness and to promote interaction between new and old members, I, the Boss, have decided to conduct mixed grouping!"

She paused, her gaze sweeping over her seven teammates and the four aespa juniors, quickly calculating the variety show effect and potential chemical reactions in her head.

"First group!" Sunny pointed to the lineup. "Taeyeon!"

Kim Taeyeon didn't expect to be called first and was stunned for a moment, but she still stood up straight cooperatively.

"You, take..." Sunny's gaze circled the four aespa members, finally landing on the most composed-looking Karina. "Karina from the AE Squad! The two of you are a group! Taeyeon is experienced, and Karina has a solid foundation. A powerful combination—let's see how far you can spray!"

Taeyeon and Karina looked at each other, both seeing a hint of helplessness and resignation in the other's eyes, but they still nodded and stood together.

"Second group!" Sunny continued. "Yuri! And... Winter from the AE Squad!"

Kwon Yuri has a lively personality, and Winter seems shy but might go crazy when playing; this combination has potential. Kwon Yuri smiled and waved to Winter, who walked over a bit shyly.

"Third group! Sooyoung! Take NingNing from the AE Squad!"

Choi Sooyoung is bold, and NingNing is outgoing and lively, with no major language barriers (NingNing's Korean is good), so it's expected to be full of highlights. Choi Sooyoung grabbed NingNing by the shoulder with a "Sis has your back" look.

"Fourth group!" Sunny looked at the remaining members. "Hyoyeon! You're in a group with Giselle from the AE Squad!"

Kim Hyoyeon has strong dance skills and good stamina, while Giselle is relatively quiet but has good athletic nerves. This combination's physical energy and potential for "doing big things quietly" are worth looking forward to. Kim Hyoyeon gave Giselle a fighting gesture.

"Fifth group!" Sunny looked at Tiffany. "Fany-ah, you're with the maknae (Seohyun)! Let the two of you who care most about your image experience what it means to 'disregard image'!"

Tiffany and Seohyun looked at each other, both revealing a "just as expected" bitter smile. These two are indeed the ones in the team who care more about image management; having them play a water spraying game has an inherent contrast charm.

"Sixth group—" Sunny dragged out her voice, her gaze landing on Im Yoona, who was standing a bit further away and "locking on" to Jiang Zhiyu with a sweet smile. "Yoona!"

Im Yoona withdrew her gaze and looked at Sunny.

A hint of cunning flashed in Sunny's eyes behind the sunglasses: "You, and our Squirtle Planet's specially invited 'Technical Consultant' and 'Drill Commander'—" She paused intentionally to create suspense, then suddenly pointed the megaphone at Jiang Zhiyu, who was watching the show nearby:

"Producer Jiang Zhi Yu are in a group!!"

"Pfft—!!" Several people on the scene couldn't help but burst out laughing.

The smile on Jiang Zhiyu's face instantly froze: "...Huh??? Me???"

Im Yoona was also stunned for a moment, but then her smile became even brighter and more "kindly-aggressive." She nodded to Sunny and said in a light tone: "Yes~! Boss arranged it so well! I will definitely consult 'Consultant Jiang' properly on 'spraying techniques'!"

She articulated the words "spraying techniques" particularly clearly.

Jiang Zhiyu: "..." He suddenly had a very bad premonition. Was Sunny using public office for private revenge? Absolutely, right?! Just because he made her the "Boss" to take the blame (though he gave her sunglasses), she assigned the most dangerous "Blackened Yoona" to him?!

"Boss is wise!!" Kwon Yuri immediately started cheering.

"This combination is amazing!!" Choi Sooyoung clapped.

"Yoona, 'guide' Producer Jiang well!" Tiffany also shouted with a laugh.

Even the four girls from aespa couldn't help but snicker, their gazes toward Jiang Zhiyu filled with sympathy (and a little bit of expectation?).

Sunny looked at the effect she created with satisfaction, threw the megaphone back to Jiang Zhiyu, and clapped her hands: "Grouping complete! Everyone to your positions! Prepare—to start your 'spraying'!"

Jiang Zhiyu held the megaphone, looking at Im Yoona, who had already automatically teamed up with him and was smiling at him, then at the other combinations who were already rubbing their hands and eager to try. He could only bite the bullet and squeeze out a professional smile:

"O... Okay! Then, grouping is complete! Please, members of each group, go to your designated launch positions! 'squirtle water gun battle—Mixed Team Competition,' Round One: 'Fixed Point Bullseye Sniper Battle,' is about to begin! The target is the scoring ring directly in front. The combination that sprays the furthest and hits the highest number of rings wins! Now, prepare 'ammunition'!!"

A "Squirtle Planet Internal Skill Drill" carefully planned (messed up) by the "black-hearted boss" Sunny, filled with the flames of revenge (Yoona's group) and unknown laughs (other groups), officially kicked off its absurd and exciting prelude! And for Jiang Zhiyu, who was forced to team up with the "Final Boss" Im Yoona, could his "waterproofing plan" still be smoothly implemented?

The grouping was complete, and each group member stood before their respective "launching positions." In front of them was a clear "spray lane," at the end of which hung targets with scoring rings, accompanied by a ruler to measure the spray distance. Each person also had a uniform paper cup provided by the production team to hold their "ammunition."

Although the game's setting was childish and embarrassing, and the grouping was full of Sunny's mischievous intent, when it actually came time to puff out their cheeks and "pfft—" spray water in public, both the battle-hardened Girls Generation and the newly baptized aespa from the ae training camp found it hard to let go. Everyone fiddled with their paper cups a bit awkwardly, looking at one another, none wanting to be the first "childish ghost."

Especially in the group with Tiffany and Seohyun, the two looked at their paper cups with expressions as solemn as if they were researching some profound academic topic. Kim Taeyeon and Ji-min were also whispering to each other, seemingly building up their psychological resolve. The other groups were much the same, with a hint of awkward yet funny atmosphere permeating the air.

Just then, there was movement from Im Yoona's group.

With an impeccable sweet smile on her face, Im Yoona picked up the paper cup in front of her but didn't go to the public water bucket nearby. Like a magic trick, she pulled out a self-prepared water bottle from her hoodie pocket—one with an eerie color and a unique scent (noticeable if one was close)—and carefully poured some dark green, viscous liquid into the paper cup.

Then, she turned around, holding the paper cup filled with the unidentified liquid in both hands. With light steps, she walked over to Jiang Zhiyu, who was standing to the side, pretending to study the competition rules while secretly observing everyone's reactions.

"Producer Jiang~" Im Yoona's voice was sweet and soft as she handed the paper cup right under Jiang Zhiyu's nose. "Everyone seems a bit shy and can't quite let go. How about... you give us a demonstration first? You are the commander-in-chief and my partner, after all!"

Her eyes were clear and innocent, and her smile was sincere enough to melt an iceberg. Anyone looking at her would think she was a dedicated idol who respected her PD and was actively promoting the game's progress.

However, as Jiang Zhiyu's gaze scanned back and forth between that cup of dark green liquid—which was even slightly emitting suspicious bubbles—and Im Yoona's flawless smiling face, the alarm in his heart instantly reached the highest level.

'Shit! This woman definitely has no good intentions! There's definitely something wrong with this cup of stuff!'

He was almost certain that the taste of this "special ammunition" was definitely more "thrilling" than it looked. Letting him drink it and then spray it out as a demonstration? This was simply a public execution plus the murder of his taste buds!

But under the watchful eyes of the crowd and with the cameras pointed at him, and with Im Yoona's "sincere" invitation, if he refused directly, it would not only make him look petty and irresponsible but would also ruin the show's atmosphere. That would play right into Im Yoona's hands—she might just be waiting to see his embarrassed refusal!

In a flash, Jiang Zhiyu's mind worked rapidly. Face it head-on? No, that taste might exceed human endurance. Refuse? Also no.

Suddenly, he had a bright idea. A smile even brighter than Im Yoona's appeared on his face, one that even carried a bit of "gratitude" and a "you're so kind" vibe.

"Oh! Our Yoona-xi is so thoughtful! Indeed, as the PD and partner, I should lead by example!" As Jiang Zhiyu spoke, he "readily" took the cup of unidentified liquid.

His movements were without hesitation, even carrying a sense of tragic heroism (though well-disguised by his smile). The moment he took the cup, his fingers imperceptibly adjusted the angle slightly to ensure the camera wouldn't capture the overly eerie details of the liquid.

Then, under the gaze of everyone (including a somewhat stunned Im Yoona), Jiang Zhiyu took a deep breath. As if tasting some divine nectar, he brought the paper cup to his lips and tilted his head back—

*Gulp.*

He took a large swig.

The moment the liquid entered his mouth, Jiang Zhiyu's body stiffened for a fraction of a second.

What a complex taste that was! The rawness of spinach, the coolness of cucumber (?), the sourness of lemon, the irritation of mint, and maybe a bit of... spicy wasabi?? Along with an indescribable, eerie sweetness and carbonation that felt like a mixture of various multivitamin effervescent tablets! All the flavors exploded and collided in his mouth, rushing straight to the top of his head!

Jiang Zhiyu's face turned green at a speed visible to the naked eye.

It wasn't an adjective; it really turned green! It was a facial color distortion brought about by a complex expression of shock, pain, disbelief, and desperate endurance!

"What... what is this?!!!" He squeezed these words out through his teeth, his eyes wide as he looked at Im Yoona.

Im Yoona had already stepped back two paces, her hands behind her back. Her face still wore that innocent sweet smile, but the cunning and triumphant light in her eyes was almost overflowing: "It's a special 'Energy Fruit and Vegetable Juice,' Producer Jiang! It replenishes vitamins and refreshes the mind—perfect for today's exercise!"

Energy Fruit and Vegetable Juice my foot! This is clearly an "Avengers Special Laxative"! (Jiang Zhiyu roared inwardly.)

The terrible taste in his mouth was still rampaging, irritating him to the point that tears were almost coming out. Jiang Zhiyu knew he had to get this stuff out immediately, right now! And he absolutely couldn't suffer this loss for nothing!

He suddenly turned around, faced the spray lane, puffed out his cheeks, and forcefully concentrated the terrible mixture in the front of his mouth. His eyes "fiercely" locked onto—Im Yoona, who was standing behind him to the side, smiling like a flower!

'Want to prank me? Don't think you're getting away either!'

Jiang Zhiyu steeled his heart, gathered his lung capacity, exerted force from his waist, and stretched his neck forward, making a standard "Squirtle water gun" spray preparation move, aiming directly at Im Yoona!

"Pfft——————!!!"

A jet of water mixed with dark green residue and spit flew toward Im Yoona's face with startling initial velocity and... an indescribable scent!

However!

It was as if Im Yoona had anticipated it!

The moment Jiang Zhiyu turned to build up power, she was like a graceful deer, nimbly sliding to the side and skillfully hiding behind Sunny, who was watching the scene with great interest! The movement was smooth and natural, as if rehearsed countless times.

"Oh my!" Im Yoona even let out a feigned cry of alarm, hiding herself completely.

*Splosh!* That jet of water containing Jiang Zhiyu's "blood and tears" and "fire of revenge" ultimately sprayed uselessly onto the empty ground, splashing a small wet patch and emitting an eerie scent of fermented vegetables and fruit (?).

As for Sunny, she pushed up her sunglasses and gave a "boss-style" mocking smile to Jiang Zhiyu, who was frozen in place with "failed plan" and "my mouth is so bitter" written all over his face:

"Consultant Jiang, your aim isn't very good. It seems you need more practice."

"Hahahahahahaha!!!" Earth-shattering laughter erupted from the entire venue.

The other members of Girls Generation were doubled over with laughter, and the four aespa girls were also covering their faces, their shoulders shaking. The staff members were even more flushed from holding back their laughs.

Jiang Zhiyu stood there, the nightmare-like taste still lingering in his mouth. Looking at Im Yoona, who poked her head out from behind Sunny and made a face at him, he experienced for the first time in this "variety show battlefield" what it meant to "go for the wool and come back shorn," and... the terrifying dominance of a "blackened maknae."

The game hadn't even officially started, and Producer Jiang had already lost a round, paying a painful (taste-wise) price. And this "squirtle water gun battle" was destined to become even more unpredictable and... "fragrant" because of the mutual harm between the "frenemy partners" Jiang Zhiyu and Im Yoona.

Jiang Zhiyu wretchedly spat out the last bit of those damn "Energy Fruit and Vegetable Juice" residues and took the mineral water handed to him by a staff member holding back laughter to rinse his mouth vigorously. His face was still a bit green. Meanwhile, the "culprit" Im Yoona had already stepped out from behind Sunny, her face restored to that signature pure and harmless smile, as if she wasn't the one who had almost been attacked by a "biochemical water gun" just now.

Jiang Zhiyu glared fiercely at Im Yoona, cursing in his heart: 'Damn you, Im Yoona! This grudge is personal now!'

The laughter on site finally subsided a bit, but the air was still filled with joy (for everyone else) and the eerie fruit and vegetable smell that wouldn't leave Jiang Zhiyu's mouth.

Just then, the "Squirtle Boss" Sunny pushed up her sunglasses and walked to the center of the field again with a boss-like stride. She cleared her throat and tapped her palm with the Squirtle megaphone (which had returned to her hands at some point), drawing everyone's attention.

"Quiet!" Sunny shouted with feigned majesty, though she herself almost couldn't hold back a laugh.

The crowd gradually stopped laughing and looked at this boss, who was one of the "instigators."

Sunny's gaze scanned back and forth between the "plastic partners" Jiang Zhiyu and Im Yoona, a look of deep distress appearing on her face:

"Look! Look! What is this!" Sunny pointed at the two with the megaphone. "Our Squirtle Commando Unit is a sacred collective of unity, love, and mutual assistance! We are a powerful force gathered together to resist the drought season (!)"

She paused, her tone becoming heavier: "But now! At the critical moment of our training! Within our ranks! There has actually appeared such a malicious—internal conflict!"

Jiang Zhiyu: "..." (I was the one who got pranked, okay!)

Im Yoona: "..." (Smile, keep smiling.)

"Consultant Jiang! Member Yoona!" Sunny pointed the spearhead directly at the two. "One of you is an experienced commander-in-chief, and the other is a rising member with infinite potential. You should have been examples of working together and winning glory for the team! But what are you doing? One used an unidentified liquid to ambush a partner, and the other tried to use a 'biochemical attack' to retaliate against a teammate! This kind of atmosphere absolutely cannot be encouraged!"

Sunny's words were powerful, and combined with her sunglasses and feigned serious expression, she really did have the air of a "boss giving a lecture." The Girls Generation members all showed expressions of watching a good show, and the aespa girls also widened their eyes, curious about how things would develop.

"To maintain the purity and combat effectiveness of our commando unit," Sunny's tone shifted as she announced a "brilliant" decision, "this boss has decided that before the official team competition begins, the two of you will first engage in an internal—'House Cleaning and Atmosphere Purification' special match!"

"Internal match?" Jiang Zhiyu and Im Yoona were both stunned.

"That's right!" Sunny nodded and pointed to the center of the field. "The two of you, right here, right now, immediately, will have a one-on-one 'Squirtle Water Gun Duel'! The rules are simple: each person gets a cup of 'ammunition' (you can choose your own), stand at a set distance, and spray each other! Whoever gets sprayed in the face first, or whoever can't hold it and admits defeat first, loses!"

"The loser," a mischievous curve hooked Sunny's lips, "will not only have to accept a 'small punishment' proposed by the winner but will also have to unconditionally follow the winner's commands in the upcoming team competition! This includes but is not limited to 'drawing fire,' 'acting as a human shield,' 'being responsible for comedy,' and so on!"

As soon as this proposal came out, the whole place was in an uproar again!

A one-on-one water gun duel! And it's Jiang Zhiyu versus Im Yoona! This was simply the most anticipated scene of this episode! What was that little interlude just now? This is the main event!

"Boss Sunny is brilliant!!!" Kwon Yuri was the first to jump up and cheer.

"Yes, yes, yes! Internal problems solved internally!" Choi Sooyoung also chimed in excitedly.

"Yoona! Fighting! Spray Producer Jiang into a drowned rat!" Tiffany waved her fist.

"Producer Jiang! Fight back! You can't lose to a junior!" Kim Hyoyeon also joined the heckling.

Even aespa's NingNing whispered to Kim Minjeong, "Wow, the seniors play so hard..."

Kim Minjeong nodded, her eyes full of anticipation.

Jiang Zhiyu and Im Yoona looked at each other. In Jiang Zhiyu's eyes was the flame of "must avenge the previous humiliation," while in Im Yoona's eyes was the eagerness of "I'll take you on."

"What? Don't you dare?" Sunny provoked. "Or is Consultant Jiang afraid of our member Yoona?"

Jiang Zhiyu bit his teeth. Although he knew Sunny was just stirring up trouble for fun, things had come to this. If he backed down, he wouldn't be able to survive in TG Entertainment (and the entire Korean entertainment circle) anymore!

"Let's do it!" Jiang Zhiyu took a new paper cup from a staff member, walked to the water bucket, and filled it with clear water—he didn't want to taste anything strange ever again.

Im Yoona also gracefully picked up a new paper cup, but she didn't go for the clear water. Instead, she took out her bottle of "special Energy Fruit and Vegetable Juice" again and poured more than half a cup. The dark green liquid sloshed in the paper cup as if silently proclaiming its power.

The two stood at the designated "duel positions" on either side of the field, about three meters apart. A line was drawn on the ground between them.

Sunny, acting as the referee, stood in the middle, having fished out a small whistle from somewhere.

"Both sides ready—" Sunny raised the whistle.

Jiang Zhiyu and Im Yoona both took a mouthful of "ammunition" in their mouths, puffed out their cheeks, and locked onto each other with sharp eyes. Jiang Zhiyu's expression was serious, as if facing a great enemy; Im Yoona still wore a smile, but her eyes were equally focused.

The whole venue held its breath. The members of Girls Generation and aespa didn't blink, for fear of missing any detail. The staff also tightly focused their cameras on the two.

*Tweet—!!!*

The whistle sounded sharply!

The first climax of "Fight, ae! Special Episode"—the "Jiang-Yoona Internal Conflict Purification Battle," officially began!

At Boss Sunny's command, Jiang Zhiyu and Im Yoona each stood before their launching positions, about five meters away from a standee of a comical villain Squirtle. There was a distance between them, but their gazes met in mid-air, crackling as if they could emit sparks.

Rules? Victory or defeat? Points? Requirements?

None of those were important in the minds of Jiang Zhiyu and Im Yoona at this moment!

Jiang Zhiyu had only one goal, crystal clear: revenge! Revenge for that cup of "Energy Fruit and Vegetable Juice" that had made his soul leave his body, revenge for Im Yoona's "all according to plan" cunning smile, and revenge for her making him look like a fool in front of everyone!

Im Yoona's goal was also exceptionally pure: counterattack! Counterattack against Jiang Zhiyu's despicable act of trying to spray her in the face just now, counterattack against his usual endless stream of "wicked taste" projects, and even more so, to make him deeply realize the serious consequences of provoking a "blackened maknae"!

This was a duel that had transcended low-level fun (?) and sublimated into the level of personal grievances!