109: Chapter 109 Whose hand is reaching out?

At night, in Song Tianhao's company, the lights in the practice room stayed on until late at night.

Min Sunye danced for the third, fourth, and fifth time.

Sweat soaked through her practice clothes, her hair clung damply to her face, and her breathing grew heavier, but her movements became steadier.

Ahn Sohee danced along with her, while Dance Instructor Kim Minji provided guidance from the side, occasionally pausing to discuss the details of a certain movement.

Song Tianhao sat at the piano for two hours, watching them dance, occasionally playing a few chords, and recording the rhythm and emotional points where they danced most smoothly.

His phone vibrated several times in his pocket; it was a message from Jang Se-hoon regarding CJ Group, the lawsuit in the USA, and the preparations for next week's concert.

He didn't continue looking at his phone, focusing instead on Min Sunye in the mirror.

"Stop for a moment." Dance Instructor Kim Minji clapped her hands, walked up to Min Sunye, and pointed at her legs. "Your knees here need to be bent a bit more, keep your center of gravity low so the movement has power. You are too tense right now; relax a bit. Think about what the President just said—do whatever is comfortable."

"Yes, Teacher." Min Sunye panted, wiped the sweat from her forehead, and readjusted her posture.

Ahn Sohee handed her a bottle of water. "Unnie, take a break. You've been dancing for three hours already."

"It's okay, I'm not tired." Min Sunye took a sip of water, her eyes fixed on the movements in the mirror. "I think that turn just now could be a bit faster; it would make the transition to the next movement smoother. Dance Instructor Kim Minji, shall we try again?"

Dance Instructor Kim Minji looked at Song Tianhao.

Song Tianhao checked his watch; it was 10:30 PM.

"That's it for today." He stood up and closed the piano lid. "If you keep practicing, you'll be in the hospital tomorrow. Min Sunye, what you need right now is rest, not pushing yourself to the limit."

"But President..."

"There are no buts." Song Tianhao interrupted her, his tone unquestionable. "Dance Instructor Kim Minji, compile the movements you choreographed today; we'll continue tomorrow at 10:00 AM. Min Sunye, Ahn Sohee, go back to the dormitory now, shower, and sleep. That is an order."

Min Sunye opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but seeing the look in Song Tianhao's eyes, she ultimately swallowed her words.

"Yes, President."

"Be safe on the way back." Song Tianhao picked up his jacket and walked out of the practice room.

The hallway was quiet, with only the sound of his footsteps. Jang Se-hoon was waiting at the elevator; seeing him come out, he stepped forward quickly.

"President, about CJ Group..."

"We'll talk about it when we get back." Song Tianhao pressed the elevator button.

The elevator doors opened, and Park Hyomin was standing inside. She was wearing a loose sweatshirt and jeans, her hair tied in a bun, and she was carrying a thermal food container. Her eyes lit up when she saw Song Tianhao, but she quickly noticed Jang Se-hoon behind him, and her expression returned to its usual state.

"President, Sehun Oppa." She stepped into the elevator and stood beside Song Tianhao.

"Coming to the company so late?" Song Tianhao asked.

"Soyeon Unnie made ginseng chicken soup and asked me to bring it to you." Park Hyomin held up the thermal container, her eyes curving into crescents. "She said that the President must have been too busy to eat again."

Song Tianhao glanced at the thermal container but didn't speak. The elevator doors closed, and it began to descend.

"President," Park Hyomin said in a low voice, audible only to the two of them, "is... Min Sunye Unnie okay today? I heard she was in the practice room this afternoon..."

"She's fine now," Song Tianhao said. "What she needs right now is rest, not sympathy."

"I know." Park Hyomin lowered her head, her fingers tracing the handle of the thermal container. "I'm just... a little worried. President, is she really going to be okay for next week's concert?"

The elevator reached the first floor, and the doors opened. Jang Se-hoon walked out first and waited at the entrance. Song Tianhao and Park Hyomin walked out of the elevator side by side and headed toward the parking lot.

"She will be," Song Tianhao said. "She is stronger than you imagine."

Park Hyomin looked up at him; the light from the streetlamp fell on his profile, outlining his sharp features. Her heart skipped a beat, and her fingers tightened unconsciously.

"President..."

"Hmm?"

"It's nothing." Park Hyomin looked away, her ears turning slightly red. "It's just... the family dinner tomorrow night, will you be coming?"

"Yes."

"That... that's good." After saying this, Park Hyomin walked quickly to the car, opened the door, and got in.

Song Tianhao watched her flustered back, a faint arc appearing at the corner of his mouth.

The next evening at 7:00 PM, in a private room at a high-end Korean restaurant in Cheongdam-dong.

The first full-member dinner for the Sky Entertainment family.

The private room was large, in a traditional Korean tatami style, with a long, low table in the center laden with various Korean dishes: grilled meat, kimchi stew, seafood pancakes, Korean beef, beef tartare, soy sauce marinated crab, and over a dozen side dishes.

Cushions were placed on both sides of the table. The six members of T-ara sat on the left, the nine members of Girls Generation sat on the right, and Wonder Girls' Min Sunye and Ahn Sohee sat in the positions closest to the door.

Song Tianhao sat at the head of the table, with Jang Se-hoon sitting beside him. Further down were several important managers and assistants.

The atmosphere was a bit subtle.

Although T-ara and Girls Generation belonged to the same company, they were different girl groups after all, and their daily practice and schedules were separate, so there wasn't much private interaction.

Especially on the T-ara side; Park So-yeon, Lee Qri, and Eunjung all had quiet personalities, Park Ji-yeon was young and a bit shy around strangers, and only Park Hyomin and Jeon Boram were slightly more lively.

On the Girls Generation side, Taeyeon, as the leader, tried hard to liven up the atmosphere, but the other members were also a bit reserved.

Wonder Girls were even more awkward. Min Sunye and Ahn Sohee sat at the very end, barely speaking, just quietly eating their food.

"Um..." Taeyeon cleared her throat and raised her glass. "Today is our first Sky family dinner. Although not everyone is here, I'm very happy to be sitting with everyone. I'll make a toast first, hoping that next week's concert goes smoothly, and I also welcome Min Sunye Unnie and Ahn Sohee to join Sky."

After she finished speaking, she tilted her head back and downed the soju in her glass. Seeing this, the others also raised their glasses, and the atmosphere loosened up slightly.

"Min Sunye Unnie," Taeyeon set down her glass and looked at Min Sunye, "try this grilled meat. It's the shop's specialty and is especially delicious."

As she spoke, she wrapped a piece of perfectly grilled pork belly in lettuce, added some kimchi and garlic, and handed the wrap to Min Sunye.

Min Sunye was stunned for a moment, then quickly accepted it with both hands. "Tha... thank you, Taeyeon."

"Unnie, don't be polite," Taeyeon said with a smile. "From now on, we're family. If you need any help, just say it. Don't be nervous about the concert tomorrow; we'll all be in the audience cheering for you."

"Yeah, Unnie," Im Yoona, who was sitting next to Taeyeon, also spoke up. Her voice was clear and bright, and her eyes curved when she smiled. "I watched the stage video of your 'Nobody' performance; it was super cool! You'll definitely blow the audience away tomorrow!"

"That's right, that's right," Kwon Yuri also leaned in. "Min Sunye Unnie has such style when she dances; I want to learn it too!"

The members of Girls Generation chimed in one after another, and the atmosphere gradually became lively. On the T-ara side, Park Hyomin was also chatting with Ahn Sohee.

"Sohee-ah, what do you usually like to do? I mean, besides practicing."

"I... I like watching movies," Ahn Sohee said softly.

"Really? I like that too!" Park Hyomin's eyes lit up. "What genre do you like to watch? I just watched 'Inception' recently; it was super good! Do you want to go together next time?"

"Ca... can we?"

"Of course! We can also call Park Ji-yeon; she likes watching movies too. By the way, try this soy sauce marinated crab; it's especially fresh..."

As Park Hyomin spoke, she picked food for Ahn Sohee, her movements natural and enthusiastic. Ahn Sohee was a bit reserved at first, but she gradually relaxed and would even smile occasionally.

Song Tianhao watched the scene at the table without speaking, simply eating his grilled meat in a leisurely manner. Jang Se-hoon was reporting work in a low voice beside him.

"President, the tickets for the concert are all sold out, and the price of scalper tickets has increased fivefold. The media has also been taken care of; the three major stations will all be broadcasting live, and online platforms have bought the exclusive broadcast rights. The expected viewership is predicted to exceed ten million."

"What about security?"

"It has been tripled. There will be two hundred security guards on-site, the backstage area will be completely sealed off, and only those with work passes can enter. The fan cheering zones have also been designated, so there won't be any chaos."

"Hmm." Song Tianhao nodded, picked up a piece of grilled Korean beef, placed it on his plate, but didn't eat it.

His gaze swept over the people at the table.

Park So-yeon was pouring tea for Lee Qri, her movements gentle. Eunjung and Jeon Boram were discussing something in low voices with serious expressions. Park Ji-yeon was secretly playing with her phone, but when Eunjung discovered her, she gently slapped her hand, and Park Ji-yeon stuck out her tongue.

On the Girls Generation side, Taeyeon was distributing kimchi pancakes to the members, Jessica Jung was touching up her makeup, and Sunny and Tiffany Hwang were arguing about which brand of facial mask was better.

Kim Hyoyeon and Kwon Yuri were competing to see who could pick up more peanuts with chopsticks, Choi Sooyoung was teasing them, Im Yoona was taking secret photos, and Seohyun was sitting straight, sipping her soup in small mouthfuls.

Min Sunye and Ahn Sohee sat at the very end, quietly eating, but their expressions were much more relaxed than before, and they would occasionally look up to listen to others talking.

It looked very harmonious.

Like a real big family.

The corners of Song Tianhao's mouth turned up slightly.

"President," Jang Se-hoon spoke again, his voice even lower. "Regarding CJ Group... Chairman Lee Jae-hyun called again, saying he wants to meet with you. You can set the time and place. His tone... was very sincere."

"Sincere?" Song Tianhao chuckled softly. "Does the word 'sincere' even exist in Chairman Lee Jae-hyun's dictionary?"

"Then... should I decline?"

"Tell him that after the concert ends, I can give him ten minutes," Song Tianhao said. "The location will be at Sky; tell him to come see me."

"Yes." Jang Se-hoon noted it down.

At this moment, Taeyeon stood up and raised her glass.

"President, I'd like to toast you." Her face was slightly red, unsure if it was from drinking or something else. "Thank you for giving us this opportunity, and thank you... for taking care of us."

She spoke vaguely, but everyone present understood.

Song Tianhao picked up his glass, clinked it with hers, and drank it all in one gulp.

"I also want to toast the President!" Park Hyomin also stood up, her cheeks flushed. "Thank you, President, for saving us from that lousy company, writing songs for us, helping us promote our songs, and letting us stand on stage... anyway, thank you, President!"

After she finished speaking, she also downed her drink.

Seeing this, the others also raised their glasses. The members of T-ara, the members of Girls Generation, and even Min Sunye and Ahn Sohee stood up. Although they didn't speak, the gratitude in their eyes could not be hidden.

Song Tianhao looked at them without speaking; he simply poured another glass of wine and raised it.

"This glass is for you all." His voice wasn't loud, but it was clear. "To your choices, to your perseverance, and to the courage you have to stand here. Perform well at next week's concert; don't let me down."

"Yes!" everyone replied in unison, their voices loud and full of strength.

The atmosphere became completely lively. Everyone started to toast each other, chat, and joke around. Park So-yeon and Jessica Jung were discussing cosmetic brands, Ham Eunjung and Kim Hyoyeon were exchanging dance tips, and Park Ji-yeon and Im Yoona were huddled together watching funny videos on their phones, laughing until they were doubled over.

Even the usually quiet Seohyun spoke a few words, encouraged by Park Hyomin.

Song Tianhao watched this scene, a hint of a smile flashing in his eyes.

"Oh, right," he said, putting down his wine glass.

The table fell silent instantly, and everyone looked at him.

"I've decided on the encore song for tomorrow's concert," Song Tianhao said. "The three groups will perform 'into the new world' together."

As his voice fell, everyone at the table was stunned.

'into the new world', Girls Generation's debut song, held special significance for them. T-ara and Wonder Girls singing this song?

"President, this..." Taeyeon hesitated slightly.

"Is there a problem?" Song Tianhao looked at her.

"No, it's just..." Taeyeon glanced at Min Sunye and Ahn Sohee. "This song is very important to Girls Generation. We are very grateful that you are letting us perform it, but having the members of T-ara and Wonder Girls sing it together, wouldn't it..."

"Wouldn't it what?" Song Tianhao interrupted her. "Do you think they aren't worthy?"

"No, no!" Taeyeon waved her hands quickly. "That's not what I meant. I was saying..."

"Taeyeon," Park So-yeon spoke up, her voice gentle but firm. "The President means that our three groups are one family. Singing the same song is a declaration to everyone that Sky is a whole. I think it's great."

"I think it's great too," Ham Eunjung said. "The lyrics of 'into the new world' are very warm and fit the theme of the family concert well."

"Besides," Lee Qri smiled, her expression elegant. "It is our honor to be able to sing this song with the seniors of Girls Generation."

Taeyeon looked at the other members. Jessica Jung nodded, Im Yoona made an "OK" gesture, and the others didn't object either.

"Then... then it's settled," Taeyeon said, looking at Song Tianhao. "President, we will prepare well."

"Hmm." Song Tianhao nodded. Just as he was about to say something, suddenly, the lights went out.

The entire private room plunged into darkness.

"Ah!" a girl exclaimed.

"What's going on?"

"Did the power go out?"

"President? President, are you there?"

A few panicked questions came from the darkness, but it quickly quieted down. Everyone seemed to be waiting for Song Tianhao to speak.

Song Tianhao didn't speak. He reached into his pocket, pulled out a lighter, and with a "click," lit it.

A small flame danced in the darkness, illuminating half of his face. His expression was calm, without even a hint of surprise, as if he had anticipated the power outage.

"Don't move, everyone stay seated," he said, his voice not loud but very steady.

Everyone at the table quieted down. By the light of the lighter, one could see the varying degrees of panic on everyone's faces. Min Sunye's face was pale, and Ahn Sohee was clutching her sleeve tightly. Taeyeon clenched her fists, and Park Hyomin leaned toward Song Tianhao.

Song Tianhao held up the lighter, stood up, walked to the wall, and pressed the call button.

There was no response.

He frowned, took out his phone, and prepared to call Jang Se-hoon. But just then, he felt a hand grasp his left hand.

The hand was small and soft, with thin calluses on the palm, likely from years of dance practice. The fingers were cold and trembling slightly, gripping him tightly as if seeking a sense of security.

Song Tianhao's movements froze.

He stood where he was, not moving, nor shaking off the hand. The light from the lighter danced on his face, reflecting his deep eyes.

He turned his head, wanting to see who it was, but the light was too dim; he could only see a blurred silhouette and a pair of eyes flickering in the darkness.

Whose hand had reached out?

Min Sunye? She was at the other end of the table, too far away from him.

Ahn Sohee? She was next to Min Sunye, also unlikely.

A member of T-ara? Park So-yeon, Lee Qri, and Ham Eunjung were sitting opposite him; Jeon Boram, Park Hyomin, and Park Ji-yeon were sitting to his left, but Park Hyomin had been at the other end of the table earlier, so it shouldn't be her.

A member of Girls Generation? Taeyeon was sitting opposite him, while Jessica Jung, Sunny, Tiffany Hwang, Kim Hyoyeon, Kwon Yuri, Choi Sooyoung, Im Yoona, and Seohyun were sitting on both sides; all were possible, but none were certain.

The hand was still in his, fingers tightening slightly, as if conveying some message, or perhaps seeking some comfort. Song Tianhao could feel her tension, her unease, and her hesitation.

He didn't speak or move, simply letting her hold it.

A few seconds later, the lights suddenly came on.

The blinding light made everyone squint. Song Tianhao instinctively looked at his left hand; it was empty.

The hand had already let go, so quickly that it was as if it had never existed. He raised his eyes to scan the room; everyone at the table was still sitting in their places, expressions varied, but no one looked at him, and no one revealed any cracks.

It was as if everything that had just happened was merely his illusion.

"President, are you alright?" Jang Se-hoon walked over quickly, his expression grim. "I asked the manager, and they said it was a circuit failure and have already sent people to fix it. This restaurant is a property under the CJ Group, and I think..."

"It wasn't a failure," Song Tianhao interrupted him, his tone cold. "It's someone who doesn't want us to enjoy this meal."

The expressions of everyone at the table changed.

"Does the President mean..." Ham Eunjung asked in a low voice.

"This is the CJ Group playing tricks." Song Tianhao spat out these words, casting a stone into the hearts of everyone at the table.

The atmosphere in the private room instantly became heavy. The warmth and liveliness from just a moment ago vanished, replaced by a tense silence. Everyone looked at Song Tianhao, waiting for what he would say next.

Song Tianhao didn't speak, simply walking to the window and pulling back the curtains.

Outside the window was the night view of Cheongdam-dong, neon lights flickering, and heavy traffic. He watched for a few seconds, turned around, and looked at the candles on the table.

Those were the ambient candles prepared by the restaurant, which hadn't been lit during the power outage. Now that the lights were on, the candles stood quietly on the candle holder—white candles with wax drippings like tear stains.

Song Tianhao walked over, picked up the lighter, and relit the candle.

The candlelight danced, casting a warm halo on the tabletop. He looked at the people at the table, looking at them one by one, his gaze calm but carrying a certain strength.

"Continue eating," he said. "Don't let such a small thing affect your mood."

He said it lightly, but everyone heard the meaning behind his words.

This meal must be finished. This concert must be successful. CJ's provocation must be countered.

"Yes." Taeyeon was the first to respond, picking up her chopsticks, grabbing a piece of grilled meat, putting it into her mouth, and chewing it with great force.

The others also started eating. Although the atmosphere could never return to the ease of before, no one said another word. Everyone ate quietly, occasionally looking up at Song Tianhao, with something more in their eyes.

It was trust, it was reliance, it was a certain unspoken firmness.

Song Tianhao sat back in his main seat, raised his wine glass, and took a sip. His gaze swept over everyone at the table, finally landing on the candle holder.

The candle burned quietly, the melted wax dripping down and solidifying at the bottom of the holder, shaped like a heart.

The dinner ended at 9:30.

Everyone left one by one. Song Tianhao had Jang Se-hoon arrange cars to take everyone safely back to their dorms. He left last, waiting for his car at the restaurant entrance.

The night wind was a bit chilly, blowing on his face with the scent of autumn. Song Tianhao lit a cigarette, leaned against the wall, and watched the traffic on the street.

"President."

A very soft voice sounded from behind him.

Song Tianhao turned around and saw Min Sunye standing at the restaurant entrance. She hadn't left with Ahn Sohee but had stayed behind, and was now looking at him, her expression hesitant.

"What's wrong?" Song Tianhao asked.

Min Sunye walked up to him, head lowered, her fingers twisting the hem of her clothes. Her face was somewhat pale under the streetlights, her eyes very bright—bright with a touch of unease.

"President," she began, her voice very light, with a hint of trembling. "If... if I mess up tomorrow, if I'm on stage and it's like yesterday again, what should I do?"

Song Tianhao looked at her without speaking, simply taking a puff of his cigarette and exhaling slowly. The smoke dispersed into the night, blurring his expression.

After a few seconds, he spoke.

"Then mess it up."

Min Sunye froze, looking up at him.

"It doesn't matter if you mess it up," Song Tianhao said, his voice very calm. "For you, I can afford it."

Min Sunye's eyes widened. She looked at Song Tianhao, as if trying to find a trace of a joke on his face, but there was none.

He was very serious—serious enough to make her nose sting.

"You..." her voice choked up. "You are really overbearing."

Song Tianhao smiled, a very faint smile. He raised his hand and wiped across the corner of her eye with his thumb, his movements very light, his tobacco-scented fingers wiping away the tears that hadn't fallen yet.

"Yes," he said. "So don't be afraid."

Min Sunye's tears finally fell, but she smiled, smiling as the tears kept flowing. She nodded vigorously, wanting to say thank you, but her throat was blocked by something, and she couldn't make a sound.

Song Tianhao withdrew his hand, stubbed out the cigarette, and threw it into the trash can.

"The car is here. Go back now," he said. "Get a good night's sleep. I'll be watching you from the audience tomorrow."

"Yes." Min Sunye nodded vigorously and turned to walk toward the car parked by the side of the road. She opened the door, got in, and closed it. The car started and drove into the night.

Song Tianhao stood where he was, watching the taillights disappear around the corner, and lit another cigarette.

He didn't see that in the shadow around the corner of the restaurant, Ahn Sohee was standing there, motionless. She watched the action of Song Tianhao wiping away Min Sunye's tears, watched Min Sunye get in the car and leave while crying and laughing, and watched the back of Song Tianhao standing under the streetlight smoking.

Her fingers slowly tightened.