89: Chapter 89 Who's better, me or Taeyeon unnie?

The campfire crackled. The night breeze blew, sending sparks flying; they shimmered in the air for a few moments before vanishing.

Everyone's eyes were fixed on Song Tianhao.

Park Hyomin's eyes were incredibly bright as she stared at Song Tianhao, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her shirt. Kim Taeyeon kept her head down, but her ears were pricked up, and she even held her breath.

Lee Hyori leaned back on her cushion, chin resting on her hand, wearing a faint, enigmatic smile. Yoo Jae-suk opened his mouth, wanting to smooth things over but not knowing where to start.

CEO Yang Hyun-suk, Park Jin-young, Kim Jong-kook, Park Ye-jin, Sohee, Yoon Jong-shin, Daesung... everyone was waiting, waiting for Song Tianhao's answer.

This question was too tricky.

Choosing either one would be wrong.

If he chose Park Hyomin, Kim Taeyeon would be hurt. If he chose Kim Taeyeon, Park Hyomin would be sad. Saying both were great would seem perfunctory. Saying neither was good would be courting death.

In front of the variety show cameras, and in the presence of so many seniors and colleagues, this question was practically a bomb.

But Song Tianhao smiled.

He smiled gently and calmly, as if Park Hyomin hadn't asked, "Who is better, me or Taeyeon Unnie?" but rather, "How is the weather today?"

He first looked at Park Hyomin, then at Kim Taeyeon, letting his gaze linger on each of their faces in turn, before finally looking back at the campfire. The firelight danced in his eyes, reflecting a warm glow.

"Taeyeon is like water," he said, his voice not loud, but clear enough for everyone to hear. "Quiet, gentle, seemingly unremarkable, but possessing the greatest strength. Water drips through stone, water can carry a boat, and water can embrace all things.

She came here for the first time today; she was nervous and inexperienced, but she kept trying, never complaining, never giving up. This kind of quiet strength is very precious."

Kim Taeyeon raised her head and looked at him, a strange emotion flashing in her eyes.

Song Tianhao looked at Park Hyomin again.

"Hyomin is like fire," he said, his voice laced with a smile. "Passionate, bright, and infectious. Today, she was the fastest at catching chickens, asked the boldest questions, and laughed the most joyfully.

Fire can warm people and illuminate them, but it needs guidance; otherwise, it will burn itself and burn others. Her passion is precious, but it needs guidance even more."

Park Hyomin pursed her lips; her eyes were still bright, but her expression had become much more serious.

"Therefore," Song Tianhao paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone, "my company needs both water and fire. It needs quiet strength and the radiance of passion. It needs the gentleness to embrace and the courage to charge forward."

He looked at Park Hyomin, then at Kim Taeyeon.

"So, I give both of you a perfect score. But the reasons for the perfect score are different. Taeyeon's perfect score is because she is like water—quiet but strong. Hyomin's perfect score is because she is like fire—passionate but in need of guidance.

You are different, so there is no need to compare, and no need to be compared. Because you are both unique."

He finished speaking.

The scene was silent for a few seconds.

Then, Yoo Jae-suk was the first to applaud.

"Well said!" He clapped vigorously, his expression exaggerated. "As expected of a President! That answer is absolute perfection!"

Yoon Jong-shin also clapped and nodded. "That's right, water and fire—that's a great metaphor. Everyone has their own unique qualities; there's no need to compare."

Daesung joined in the teasing: "President, you're so good with words! I want to sign with your company now!"

Everyone laughed, and the atmosphere instantly relaxed.

Park Hyomin looked at Song Tianhao, the corners of her mouth slowly curling up until her eyes crinkled into crescents.

She nodded vigorously and said loudly, "Oppa is right! I and Taeyeon Unnie are different to begin with!"

Kim Taeyeon also smiled; although it was a bit forced, at least she smiled.

She whispered, "Thank you, President."

Lee Hyori leaned against the cushion, watching Song Tianhao, a meaningful smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. She didn't clap, nor did she speak; she just watched, her eyes filled with appreciation, amusement, and something else that was hard to define.

CEO Yang Hyun-suk and Park Jin-young exchanged a glance, both seeing the same thought in the other's eyes—this young man is not simple.

The truth-telling session ended in a relatively harmonious atmosphere. Yoo Jae-suk announced the sleeping arrangements for the night; because Song Tianhao's team had the highest scores in both the afternoon games and dinner, they won first place and could sleep in the best room.

Park Jin-young's team was second, and CEO Yang Hyun-suk's team was third.

Everyone returned to their rooms to rest.

Song Tianhao's room was the master bedroom, which had an en-suite bathroom and the largest bed. He came out after a shower, drying his hair, when he heard a knock at the door.

"Come in."

The door opened, and Lee Hyori stood there. She had already removed her makeup and was wearing a simple T-shirt and shorts. Her hair was damp, and she looked less sharp and more gentle than she had during the day.

"Sunbae." Song Tianhao put down his towel.

"Can we go inside to talk?" Lee Hyori asked.

"Of course."

Lee Hyori walked in and closed the door, but she didn't walk further in; she just leaned against the wall by the door, watching him.

Song Tianhao also looked at her, waiting for her to speak.

"Next week, I have a concert in Seoul," Lee Hyori began, her tone very direct. "You are coming as a guest."

Her tone wasn't a request; it was a notification.

Song Tianhao was stunned for a moment. "Me?"

"Yes." Lee Hyori nodded. "Sing, dance, or just come on stage and say a few words—anything is fine. It's up to you."

"Why me?" Song Tianhao asked.

Lee Hyori smiled. "Because I want you to."

A very Lee Hyori-style answer.

Song Tianhao also smiled. "It would be my honor, but I have to check my schedule first. If there's a conflict, I might…"

"Then cancel it," Lee Hyori said, her tone brooks no argument. "Not just anyone can be a guest at my concert."

She paused, then added, "Besides, my younger brother is in your company. If you look after him, I'll owe you a favor. This concert will be to repay that favor."

"Younger brother?" Song Tianhao asked, puzzled.

"Lee Chan-hyuk," Lee Hyori said. "He's a trainee at your company; he just joined a month ago."

Song Tianhao remembered. Last month, the company recruited a batch of new trainees, and among them was a 16-year-old boy named Lee Chan-hyuk. He had good dance skills and excellent vocal conditions, making him an A-class trainee. He had noticed him at the time, and because of the surname Lee, he had looked at his file twice, but hadn't thought much of it.

So, he was Lee Hyori's brother.

"I didn't know," Song Tianhao said.

"I didn't tell anyone," Lee Hyori said. "He doesn't want to rely on my connections either. But I'm his older sister, and I know. So, if you look after him, I'll give you the opportunity to be a guest at my concert. A fair trade."

She said it very frankly, without any concealment.

Song Tianhao looked at her for a few seconds, then nodded. "Okay. I will look after him. But regarding the concert guest spot, if my schedule permits, I will definitely go. If not…"

"You will go," Lee Hyori interrupted him, taking a business card out of her pocket and handing it to him. "This is my private number. Once your schedule is confirmed, send it to me, and I'll have my manager contact you."

Song Tianhao took the business card. It was a simple white card with only her name and a line of numbers. But next to the name, a small heart had been handwritten in black ink; it was barely noticeable unless you looked closely.

He looked up, and Lee Hyori had already turned and opened the door.

"Good night, Song Oppa." She waved her hand with her back to him. "You did well today."

The door closed.

Song Tianhao looked at the business card in his hand, then at the closed door, and smiled.

He put the card away and continued drying his hair, but the system's notification sound rang in his mind.

[Variety show debut successful, received widespread acclaim. System reward "Variety Show Resource Network" has been activated. Currently unlocked: Lee Hyori's solo concert guest qualification, SBS "Family Outing" fixed cast invitation (pending confirmation), KBS "2 Days & 1 Night" guest appearance invitation (pending confirmation).]

Song Tianhao paused. Variety Show Resource Network?

He walked to the window and looked at the night scenery outside. The filming location was a small village in Gangwon-do; the night was very quiet, with only the sound of insects and the wind.

The distant mountains outlined a blurry silhouette under the moonlight.

This system always gave him the most suitable things just when he needed them most.

But this time, it seemed it wasn't just the system's doing.

Lee Hyori's invitation was her own decision. That heart shape was also drawn by her own hand.

Song Tianhao smiled, turned, lay down on the bed, and closed his eyes.

Early the next morning, filming continued.

The morning task was to help the village elders harvest cabbage. The three teams put on work clothes and straw hats, busy working in the cabbage fields.

Song Tianhao's movements were very proficient—bending over, cutting the cabbage, and loading it into the baskets, all in one fluid motion. Lee Hyori followed beside him, mimicking his actions, but her movements were clearly clumsy.

"President Song, you even know how to do this?" she asked while cutting cabbage.

"My grandmother taught me," Song Tianhao said. "When I was a child in the countryside, I did all kinds of farm work."

"Your grandmother is so kind," Lee Hyori said, her tone filled with envy. "My grandmother… passed away when I was very young."

Song Tianhao paused and looked at her.

Lee Hyori smiled, a slightly faint smile. "That's why I envy people who have grandmothers."

Song Tianhao didn't speak; he just handed her a bottle of water. Lee Hyori took it, twisted it open, took a sip, and then continued cutting cabbage.

On the other side, Kim Taeyeon and Park Hyomin were in a group together. Neither of them knew much about farm work, their movements clumsy, but they were very serious.

"Taeyeon Unnie, are you tired?" Park Hyomin asked, her forehead covered in sweat.

"I'm okay," Kim Taeyeon said, wiping away her sweat as well, "my lower back is just a bit sore."

"Me too." Park Hyomin straightened her back, pounded it a few times, then looked over at Song Tianhao and Lee Hyori not far away, whispering, "Oppa and Lee Hyori Sunbaenim seem to get along really well."

Kim Taeyeon looked over too, but didn't say anything.

Park Hyomin looked at her, then at Song Tianhao, and suddenly asked, "Taeyeon Unnie, do you think Oppa likes Lee Hyori Sunbaenim?"

Kim Taeyeon's body stiffened for a moment, then she shook her head, "I don't know."

"I think he does," Park Hyomin said, her tone very certain, "Lee Hyori Sunbaenim is so beautiful, so capable, and has a great personality. Oppa must like her."

Kim Taeyeon continued chopping vegetables without responding.

Park Hyomin looked at her and suddenly smiled, "Unnie, are you jealous?"

"No." Kim Taeyeon immediately denied it, but her ears turned red.

Park Hyomin smiled even more happily, "Unnie, your ears are red."

Kim Taeyeon glared at her, "Shut up and get back to work."

Park Hyomin giggled and continued chopping vegetables, but her eyes still drifted toward Song Tianhao from time to time.

At noon, they finished work. Everyone ate a simple lunch, then started packing their luggage, preparing for the return trip.

At three in the afternoon, the convoy left the village and drove toward Seoul.

Song Tianhao, Kim Taeyeon, and Park Hyomin were in one car. The driver was driving in the front, and the assistant was in the passenger seat. Song Tianhao sat on the left side of the back seat, Kim Taeyeon sat in the middle, and Park Hyomin sat on the right.

Not long after the car started, Park Hyomin fell asleep, her head resting on Kim Taeyeon's shoulder. Kim Taeyeon also had her eyes closed, but she wasn't asleep; her eyelashes were trembling slightly.

Song Tianhao looked at the scenery flying past the window, his mind occupied with company matters, Lee Hyori's invitation, and the resource network newly activated by the system.

"President Song." Kim Taeyeon suddenly spoke, her voice very soft.

Song Tianhao turned to look at her.

She had her eyes open, looking straight ahead, not at him, her voice kept very low, audible only to the two of them.

"Does Lee Hyori Sunbaenim... like you?"

Song Tianhao was taken aback for a moment.

Kim Taeyeon turned her head to look at him, her eyes filled with many emotions: nervousness, unease, anticipation, and a little bit of fear.

"The way she looks at you is different," Kim Taeyeon said, her voice even softer, "And she came to find you last night, right? I saw it."

Song Tianhao looked at her without speaking.

The car was very quiet, with only the hum of the engine and Park Hyomin's steady breathing.

"Then do you want me to like her?" Song Tianhao asked suddenly.

Kim Taeyeon froze. She hadn't expected him to ask that in return.

She opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but couldn't get it out. She blinked, and her eyelashes trembled even more violently.

Song Tianhao looked at her and suddenly smiled, reaching out to ruffle her hair with a natural motion.

"Don't think too much," he said, "Get some sleep, I'll wake you when we arrive."

Kim Taeyeon looked at him for a few seconds, then lowered her head, gave a soft "Mm," and closed her eyes.

But she didn't sleep. Her heart was beating fast, so fast she could hear it herself.

Song Tianhao's hand was still resting on her hair, warm and gentle. Then that hand pulled away, but the warmth still lingered in her hair.

She kept her eyes closed, but the eyeballs beneath her lids were moving.

Song Tianhao looked out the window with a smile on his lips.

The car continued driving toward Seoul, toward that bustling and complicated city.

At seven in the evening, the car stopped downstairs at Sky Entertainment.

Song Tianhao woke the two of them up. The three got out of the car, said goodbye to the assistant and driver, and headed upstairs.

The lights were still on in the company, but there weren't many people. The trainees should have finished their classes, and the staff had clocked out; only a few on duty were still there.

Song Tianhao's office was on the top floor, and the three took the elevator up.

"You worked hard today," Song Tianhao said to the two, "Go back and get some good rest. You have a day off tomorrow, and will start practice again the day after."

"Thank you, President Song!" Park Hyomin said happily, but her eyes were still fixed on Song Tianhao, as if she wanted to say something more.

Kim Taeyeon also whispered, "Thank you, President Song," then lowered her head, preparing to leave.

"Taeyeon." Song Tianhao called out to her. Kim Taeyeon turned back.

"You did very well today," Song Tianhao said, his tone very sincere, "Really."

Kim Taeyeon looked at him, and her eyes slowly turned red. She nodded vigorously, then turned and walked quickly toward the elevator.

Park Hyomin watched her back, then looked at Song Tianhao and whispered, "Oppa, Taeyeon Unnie, she..."

"She is tired," Song Tianhao said, "You are tired too, go back and rest."

"Then what about you, Oppa?"

"I still have some things to handle," Song Tianhao said, pushing open the office door, "You go ahead."

Park Hyomin gave an "Oh," but didn't move, standing at the door, watching him walk into the office and close the door.

She stood at the door for a few seconds, then turned and walked toward the elevator. But after a few steps, she stopped again, turned around, walked back to the office door, raised her hand, and knocked.

"Come in."

Park Hyomin pushed the door open and entered. Song Tianhao had just taken off his coat and was about to sit down. Seeing her, he was taken aback, "Hyomin? Is there something else?"

Park Hyomin didn't speak; she walked in front of him, crouched down, and looked up at him.

"Oppa," she said, her voice very soft, "Your knee, it's bruised."

Song Tianhao looked down and only then noticed a large bruise on his left knee, which must have been caused by accidentally bumping into something while working today. He hadn't even noticed it himself.

Park Hyomin took an ice pack out of her small bag—he didn't know when she had prepared it—tore open the packaging, and gently applied it to Song Tianhao's knee.

"I saw it. When you were harvesting vegetables this afternoon, you bumped into a rock," she said, her movements very light and gentle, "I wanted to tell you then, but you were talking to Lee Hyori Sunbaenim, and I didn't feel comfortable interrupting."

The ice pack was very cold, but her hands were very warm.

Song Tianhao looked at her, watching her crouched in front of him, diligently applying the ice pack, and a certain place in his heart softened.

"Thank you," he said.

Park Hyomin shook her head, didn't speak, and continued with the ice pack.

After a while, someone knocked on the door again. "Come in."

The door opened, and Kim Taeyeon stood at the doorway holding a small box in her hand. She saw Park Hyomin crouching in front of Song Tianhao and was taken aback for a moment, but she quickly walked in and closed the door.

"President Song," she walked up to Song Tianhao and handed him the box, "I brought some pain relief patches. Is your... is your knee injured? I saw that your walking was a bit off this afternoon."

Song Tianhao took the box and opened it; inside were several pain relief patches.

He looked at Kim Taeyeon, then at Park Hyomin, and suddenly smiled.

"With you two like this," he said, a smile in his voice, "I'd think I didn't go to film a variety show today, but went to war and got injured."

Park Hyomin looked up, her eyes bright, "Isn't it? 'Fighting a war' with Lee Hyori Sunbaenim."

When she said the words "fighting a war," there was a hint of small jealousy in her tone.

Kim Taeyeon added softly, "And won."

Song Tianhao looked at them, at Park Hyomin crouching before him and Kim Taeyeon standing beside him, and that soft feeling in his heart became even clearer.

He reached out, his left hand ruffling Park Hyomin's hair, and his right hand ruffling Kim Taeyeon's hair. The movements were very natural and gentle.

"Yes, won," he said, his voice very gentle, "Because I have you both."

Both were stunned. Park Hyomin tilted her head back, looking at Song Tianhao with wide eyes, then they slowly curved into crescents, and she smiled.

Kim Taeyeon kept her head down, but her ears turned red, and the corners of her mouth also lifted slightly.

The office lighting was very warm, casting over the three of them as if they were coated in a soft glow.

Outside the window, the night sky of Seoul had sparse stars, but the city was brightly lit with traffic flowing like a loom.

But in this office, time seemed to slow down and quieten.

Song Tianhao withdrew his hand, picked up the pain relief patch Kim Taeyeon had given him, tore off a piece, and applied it to his knee.

"All done," he said, standing up, "I'm really fine now. You two hurry back and rest. Tomorrow is a day off, get a good sleep."

Park Hyomin stood up and nodded, "Then Oppa, you rest early too."

Kim Taeyeon also nodded, "Goodbye, President Song."

The two left the office one after the other and closed the door.

Song Tianhao walked to the window, looked at the night view outside, reached into his pocket, and touched that business card.

Lee Hyori's business card.

He took it out and looked at it in the light. A white card, black text, and that small, hand-drawn heart shape.

He looked at it for a few seconds, then took out his phone, entered the number, and saved it.

Contact name: Lee Hyori.

After saving it, he put away his phone and looked out the window again. The night in Seoul was still long.

But for today, that's enough. He was too exhausted from being tossed about by these women.