176: Chapter 176 T-ara saw something they shouldn't have seen

The arrival gate at Incheon International Airport was bustling with people.

Jessica Jung followed behind, her long black dress replaced by a simple white shirt and jeans.

Her long hair was tied in a low ponytail, shedding the charm of the cocktail party for a more refreshing and capable look, though a trace of complex emotion still lingered in her eyes.

Stepping out of the arrival gate, the car sent by Jiang Hongshao was already waiting outside.

Sitting in the car, Jessica Jung watched the streetscape receding rapidly outside the window, while Liu Zijun's words from last night—"Someone has already thanked me on your behalf"—echoed repeatedly in her mind.

She turned her head to look at the man beside her, who was resting with his eyes closed; her lips moved, but in the end, she didn't open her mouth to ask.

That answer was like a tiny thorn pricked into her heart, leaving her both curious and inexplicably apprehensive.

The car drove smoothly into the underground parking lot of SM Entertainment. Liu Zijun was the first to get out, opening the door for Jessica Jung.

"Go on up. Jiang Hongshao is already waiting in the conference room; the agreement is ready."

Jessica Jung nodded and followed him into the private elevator.

The moment the elevator ascended, she caught the scent of him, and remembering the intimacy of last night, a blush unconsciously crept onto her cheeks.

She quickly looked away, pretending to stare at the reflection on the elevator wall.

In the conference room, the other eight members of Girls Generation had already arrived. Lee Soo-man and Jiang Hongshao sat at the head of the table, which was laid out with thick stacks of agreement documents.

As Liu Zijun and Jessica Jung entered, everyone's gaze focused on them.

There was curiosity, concern, and a faint, hard-to-detect scrutiny.

Jiang Hongshao spoke first, her wine-red curls meticulously styled.

"The agreement has been drafted. Everyone, please take a look first."

The documents were distributed to everyone, with the core terms clear and concise.

Jessica Jung's brand, BLANC & ECLARE, could use the collective image and related tags of Girls Generation for promotion within compliance limits.

However, 20% of the brand's shares had to be split among the other eight members at 2.5% each. SM Entertainment would receive 10% of the shares and priority agency rights for future collaborations to balance the interests of all parties.

Kim Taeyeon looked at the terms and turned toward Liu Zijun with some surprise.

"Isn't this a bit too biased toward Sica?"

After all, Jessica Jung had originally bound the group's brand to her own without permission. Now, not only was she exempt from breach of contract liability, but she could also retain promotional rights.

The fact that the members would even receive share dividends was a result that exceeded expectations.

Leaning back in his chair, Liu Zijun said in a flat tone, "The brand is Jessica's life's work; everyone has seen her hard work."

"But Girls Generation is a whole, and everyone's rights should be respected."

"This distribution ensures that Sica's efforts aren't in vain while allowing everyone to share the results."

"SM also gains corresponding benefits. It's a three-way win."

"Of course, if any of the rest of you have plans to start a business, as long as it doesn't affect the group, we can operate the same way!"

Looking at the terms on the agreement, Jessica Jung's eyes grew slightly warm.

She knew that this outcome was entirely due to Liu Zijun's maneuvering behind the scenes.

If not for him, she might have already faced massive liquidated damages and the fate of being terminated by the company, let alone saving her brand.

She looked up at Liu Zijun, her voice carrying a hint of a sob.

"Thank you, everyone. And thank you, Liu Zijun."

Sitting to the side, Im Yoona saw the gratitude in Jessica Jung's eyes. A complex emotion rose in her heart, but she still nodded.

"Since it's arranged by oppa, I have no objection."

The other members also expressed their agreement; after all, such a result was beneficial to everyone with no downsides.

One by one, they signed their names on the agreement. The sound of pens scratching across paper signaled that the storm that had lasted for several days had finally subsided.

Once everyone had left, Jessica Jung stood there, her doubts deepening.

She looked at his back and pondered secretly: Who exactly would thank him on her behalf? Could it be... Krystal?

The moment the thought appeared, she gritted her teeth. If that were the case, she would have a bone to pick with Liu Zijun.

A few days later on the weekend, Liu Zijun and Krystal Jung sat in a secluded cafe near Hongdae. The window seat was surrounded by greenery, offering excellent privacy.

Krystal Jung was wearing a light blue dress. She held an iced latte, taking small sips, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush.

"Oppa, why did you suddenly ask me out?"

Her voice was very soft, carrying a trace of shy uncertainty.

Since that night, the number of times they had met privately could be counted on one hand. Every time they were alone, her heart raced.

Liu Zijun looked at the shyness beneath her cold exterior, a gentle smile curling at the corners of his mouth.

"Lately, you and Sulli have been busy with group schedules and haven't had a good rest. I wanted to take you out to relax."

"And, there's something I wanted to say to you privately."

Krystal looked up at him, her eyes full of curiosity: "What is it?"

"The matter with your sister's brand has been resolved. You don't have to worry about her anymore."

"Focus on preparing for the comeback, and your studies."

Krystal's heart warmed, and she nodded gently.

"I understand. Thank you, oppa."

She knew very well that a fire cannot be wrapped in paper; perhaps one day everyone would find out.

But at least for now, she wanted to enjoy this secret sweetness.

The two chatted casually, from the group's schedule to the upcoming start of university. The atmosphere was warm and cozy.

Krystal would occasionally be amused by Liu Zijun's jokes, her cool face breaking into a brilliant smile like the warm sun after an iceberg melts, exceptionally moving.

Meanwhile, on the street outside the cafe, two figures were browsing with great interest.

"unnie, look at that accessory shop! The bracelets inside look really nice!"

Park Ji-yeon, wearing a white T-shirt and denim shorts, pulled Park Hyomin's arm with full energy, her eyes sparkling.

Park Hyomin, in a pink dress, smiled and nodded: "Okay, let's go take a look."

Just as they were about to enter the accessory shop, Park Ji-yeon's gaze inadvertently swept across the cafe window, and she instantly froze in her tracks.

She pulled Park Hyomin's arm and lowered her voice, her tone full of surprise.

"Hyomin unnie, look! Isn't that Joon oppa and f(x)'s Krystal?"

Park Hyomin looked in the direction she pointed. Through the gaps in the greenery, she clearly saw the two sitting across from each other in the cafe.

Liu Zijun was looking at Krystal tenderly, while Krystal had a shy smile on her face. The atmosphere between them was exceptionally intimate, clearly not that of ordinary friends.

"It really is them!"

Park Hyomin was also a bit surprised, a trace of complex emotion flashing through her eyes.

Seeing the intimate way the two were acting, a sudden sense of urgency surged in Park Ji-yeon's heart.

She remembered Lee Ji-hyun's previous initiative toward Liu Zijun, and seeing that even the cold Krystal had already taken action, she couldn't help but stomp her foot.

"unnie, look! Even Krystal has taken the initiative. If we don't strike soon, T-ara really won't have a chance!"

Her personality had always been straightforward and bold; if she liked something, she would fight for it.

She had already felt that Liu Zijun was handsome, capable, and gentle to those around him—the ideal of ideal types.

She had only been held back by the presence of Choi Sulli and Im Yoona and the lack of a good opportunity, but seeing more and more people revealing their feelings for him, she could no longer hold back.

Park Hyomin looked at Park Ji-yeon's urgent expression, then back at the two in the cafe, and nodded gently.

She actually had a good impression of Liu Zijun as well. He had cleared T-ara's name, provided them with the best resources, and looked after them in every way. It was hard not to be moved by such a man.

Just as Lee Ji-hyun had said, spending a night with Liu Zijun wouldn't be a loss.

It would be a way to thank him for his care and would also put her own mind at ease.

Some women would give a lot just for a single role, and Liu Zijun had given them a second chance at life.

"Ji-yeon, you're right. We'll go back and discuss a plan with Lee Ji-hyun unnie. we can't be passive anymore."

"Even though Elder Brother Liu Zijun has Senior Sulli and Senior Yoona by his side, I originally thought it was just the two of them.

But look now, Joon oppa isn't exactly staying put either. Perhaps we have a chance too."

Park Ji-yeon immediately got excited, her eyes gleaming with a sly light.

"Exactly!"

"We can create more opportunities to meet oppa, like inviting him to dinner after the next practice, or finding excuses to ask him questions. Anyway, we can't just sit and wait for death!"

Park Hyomin was amused by her lively manner.

She nodded and said, "Alright, we'll think of a way together. However, we shouldn't be too obvious, lest we cause him to feel repulsed."

"Don't worry, unnie, I know what I'm doing!"

Park Ji-yeon patted her chest, her eyes full of fighting spirit.

She had already started calculating in her mind what to say and do next time they met to get Liu Zijun to notice her.