97: Chapter 97 Anonymous Confession

6:30 AM. Sunlight filtered through the white sheer curtains of the living room, casting warm spots of light on the floor.

Song Tianhao had already packed his luggage; a simple black suitcase stood in the entryway. He was wearing a simple white T-shirt and gray sweatpants, his hair still slightly damp—obviously having just taken a shower.

Kim Tae-hee and Son Ye-jin were also up, both dressed in loungewear.

Kim Tae-hee wore a pale pink silk robe, while Son Ye-jin wore light blue cotton pajamas, her hair tied loosely behind her head.

A simple breakfast was laid out on the living room table: sandwiches, milk, and coffee. It was the last day of the homestay, and the production team had arranged a simple farewell segment.

"Everyone, have a seat." PD Lee's voice came from behind the camera. He looked in good spirits today, though his eyes were a bit dark, clearly from staying up late last night. "This morning's recording is very simple: it's the 'Anonymous Confession' segment."

"Anonymous Confession?" Kim Tae-hee picked up her coffee and blew on it gently.

"Yes." PD Lee explained, "Everyone write a letter to anyone you want to thank or have something to say to during the homestay. Don't sign your name; mix them together, then draw and read them. After reading, guess who wrote it. There's a small reward for guessing correctly."

Son Ye-jin frowned slightly: "Must we read them out loud?"

"You can just read a portion if you feel it's too private." PD Lee said, "But we hope the three of you can share as much as possible. After all, this past week, the three of you have gotten along... with great chemistry."

There was a clear hint of a smile in his tone as he said the last few words.

Song Tianhao exchanged glances with Kim Tae-hee and Son Ye-jin, but none of them spoke.

Staff handed over stationery and pens. It was that kind of exquisite beige stationery with faint patterns, and the pens were black fountain pens.

Song Tianhao took the paper and pen and sat down in the corner of the dining room. Kim Tae-hee chose the sofa, while Son Ye-jin went to the single chair by the window.

The living room was very quiet, with only the rustling sound of pen nibs scratching across paper and the occasional sound of pouring water.

Song Tianhao held his pen, looking at the blank stationery, pausing for about a minute.

Then he began to write.

How should he write a letter to two seniors?

Words of gratitude were too official, and words of deep affection were too overstepping. He thought for a moment and decided to write down his most genuine feelings.

Twenty minutes later, all three had finished writing. The letters were folded, placed into three identical white envelopes, sealed, and left unsigned.

PD Lee put the three envelopes into a cardboard box, shook it a few times, and then placed it on the coffee table.

"Who wants to go first?" he asked.

"I'll go first." Kim Tae-hee said, reaching naturally into the box to pull out an envelope. She tore it open, pulled out the stationery, and unfolded it.

After reading two lines, her expression changed slightly—it was a very subtle change; her eyebrows lifted slightly, her lips pursed, and then she continued reading.

After finishing, she was silent for a few seconds, then looked up at Song Tianhao.

"It's for me." She said, her voice very soft, "I'll read it."

She cleared her throat and began to read:

"To Tianhao:"

As soon as the first sentence came out, Song Tianhao straightened his posture.

Kim Tae-hee continued reading, her voice steady, though a slight tremor could be detected if one listened closely:

"You are more real than I imagined. So real that it's frightening, because the most real things are the easiest to make one's heart flutter. But you are the sun, and the sun should not be possessed. So, I only borrowed your light for a week. Thank you for this week. Someone who wanted to be an older sister but failed."

She finished reading.

The living room was quiet enough to hear one's own heartbeat.

Song Tianhao looked at Kim Tae-hee, and Kim Tae-hee looked at him, then she smiled—a smile that was a bit bitter, but very gentle.

"I wrote it." She said, placing the stationery gently on the coffee table, "For Tianhao."

PD Lee gasped behind the camera. If this segment aired, the ratings would explode!

Son Ye-jin sat quietly, her fingers gently stroking the side of her coffee cup.

"It's my turn." Song Tianhao said, standing up to pull the second envelope from the box.

He tore it open and pulled out the stationery.

Seeing the opening, he paused.

Then he began to read, his voice very steady, but lower than usual:

"To both seniors:"

"Thank you for your gentleness and sharpness. I learned a lot this week, but the most precious thing is realizing that even award-winning actresses can burn instant noodles, be afraid of the dark, and space out in the middle of the night. You aren't goddesses; you are living, lovely women. I'm very glad to have met you. A substandard younger brother."

He finished reading.

Kim Tae-hee's eyes were slightly red, but she quickly blinked and smiled: "This must have been written by you."

"Mm." Song Tianhao nodded, folded the letter, and looked at Son Ye-jin, "Senior guessed correctly. What's the reward?"

"The reward is..." PD Lee had just started when Son Ye-jin suddenly said:

"There's another letter."

Everyone looked at the cardboard box.

There was indeed another envelope inside.

"Strange," PD Lee frowned, "There were clearly only three just now... Wait, who put this in?"

He looked at the staff, but they all shook their heads.

Son Ye-jin had already stood up, walked over, and taken that envelope from the box. The envelope was light blue, different from the white envelopes provided by the production team.

She tore it open and pulled out the stationery.

At just one glance, her expression changed.

Her fingers tightened slightly, and the stationery trembled gently in her hand.

"What's wrong?" Kim Tae-hee asked.

Son Ye-jin didn't speak, just looked at the letter for a long time.

Then she looked up at Song Tianhao, her eyes filled with complex emotions: surprise, being moved, and something else.

"This letter..." She began, her voice somewhat hoarse, "is for me."

"Are you reading it?" PD Lee asked cautiously.

Son Ye-jin shook her head, clutching the stationery tightly: "No, I'll keep it... and read it myself."

Song Tianhao looked at her and suddenly understood something.

That letter was another one he had written last night.

He hadn't intended to hand it in, but somehow it had gotten mixed in.

He remembered clearly what was written in the letter.

Besides words of gratitude, there was one sentence: "Senior, the way you look when you space out is beautiful. So beautiful it's like a painting; I dare not look too long, for fear of desecrating it. But I will remember, always remember."

And, tucked inside the stationery was a dried cherry blossom petal.

It was from the day they were sketching under the cherry blossom tree; a petal had fallen on Son Ye-jin's hair, and he had quietly picked it off and kept it in his pocket.

Now, that petal was on the stationery in Son Ye-jin's hand.

"It's my turn." Son Ye-jin said, walking to the box—it was already empty, but she took a letter out of her pocket; it was a white envelope provided by the production team.

She tore it open and read:

"To Tianhao and Tae-hee: Thank you for taking care of me this week. I don't talk much, but I've kept it all in my heart. I hope there will be a chance in the future to eat instant noodles together, draw together, and space out in the middle of the night together. A quiet roommate."

She finished reading and looked at Song Tianhao and Kim Tae-hee: "I wrote it."

"Guessed right." Kim Tae-hee said with a smile, though her eyes were still red.

All three letters had been read.

The living room fell quiet again, but this silence was different from before; the air was permeated with something warm and soft.

"Well then," PD Lee started, his voice also softening, "the homestay segment ends here. Do the three of you have anything you want to say to each other?"

Kim Tae-hee stood up first and walked over to Song Tianhao.

She looked at him for several seconds, then opened her arms.

"Let's have a hug." She said, her voice very light, "Consider it a farewell."

Song Tianhao stood up and hugged her gently.

It was a very light hug, separating as soon as they touched.

But as they separated, Kim Tae-hee whispered in his ear: "Next time we collaborate, I'll wait for you to ask me."

Song Tianhao nodded: "Okay."

Then it was Son Ye-jin's turn.

She also walked over and hugged Song Tianhao gently.

Her hug was even lighter than Kim Tae-hee's, like a feather.

As they separated, she whispered in his ear: "I'll keep the letter safe. As for a return gift... I'll give it to you when I think of one."

"Okay." Song Tianhao said.

Son Ye-jin took a step back, looked at him, and smiled. The smile was very faint, but something was flickering in her eyes.

Park Hyomin and Kim Taeyeon came down from upstairs, carrying their suitcases. They had already packed their things and were standing in the entryway, waiting quietly.

"Well then," Song Tianhao picked up his suitcase, "we're leaving."

"Take care on the road." Kim Tae-hee said.

"Goodbye." Son Ye-jin said.

Song Tianhao nodded and led Park Hyomin and Kim Taeyeon out the door.

Outside, the production team's car was already waiting. Jang Se-hoon was standing by the car; seeing him come out, he quickly opened the car door.

Before getting into the car, Song Tianhao looked back once.

Kim Tae-hee and Son Ye-jin were still standing at the door, the sunlight spilling onto them like a gilded edge.

They were waving.

Song Tianhao waved back, then got into the car.

The car door closed, the car started, and gradually drove away from the house they had lived in for seven days.

It was very quiet in the car.

Park Hyomin and Kim Taeyeon sat in the back row, and Song Tianhao sat in the passenger seat. Jang Se-hoon was driving; he glanced at Song Tianhao in the rearview mirror, wanting to say something, but ultimately didn't open his mouth.

The car drove onto the main road and merged into the traffic.

"President," Park Hyomin said suddenly, her voice very soft, "what... was written in Senior Son Ye-jin's letter?"

Song Tianhao glanced at her in the rearview mirror.

Park Hyomin's eyes were very clear, just curious, with nothing else.

"I don't know." Song Tianhao said, turning his head back to look out the window, "What I wrote was 'Thank you for taking care of me, let's keep in touch'."

"Liar." Kim Taeyeon said softly, her voice not loud, but very clear, "You wrote three pages of paper; I saw it. You stayed up all night writing it."

Song Tianhao paused.

He didn't deny it.

Park Hyomin pursed her lips and didn't press further, just reached out and gently held Song Tianhao's hand, which was resting on the armrest of the seat.

Her hand was small and soft, but she held it very tightly.

Kim Taeyeon also reached out and held his other hand.

Two hands, one on the left and one on the right, warm and firm.

Song Tianhao didn't speak, just held them back.

The car continued to drive, passing through the streets of Seoul, heading towards Star Entertainment.

When they returned to the company, it was already ten in the morning.

Song Tianhao let Park Hyomin and Kim Taeyeon go back to the dormitory to rest, while he himself went to his office.

Just as he sat down, PD Lee's call came in.

"President Song!" PD Lee's voice was so excited it almost cracked, "The ratings are out! Guess what the highest was?"

"How much?" Song Tianhao asked, while opening his computer.

"42%!" PD Lee almost shouted, "The peak instantaneous rating was 42%, average rating 31%, breaking all records in South Korea's variety show history in recent years! The station manager just called personally to say they want to give you a special award! Advertisers have blown up the station's phone lines, and the naming rights fee for the next season has already tripled!"

Song Tianhao smiled: "Congratulations."

"It should be congratulations to you!" PD Lee said, "You are the golden signboard of the variety world now! No, the golden signboard of the entire entertainment industry! I heard that three television stations have already contacted your manager, wanting to invite you to be a fixed MC..."

"I know." Song Tianhao said, "Thank you, PD, you've worked hard this week."

"Not hard at all, not hard at all!" PD Lee said quickly, "It's my honor to work with you! Um... President Song, next time there's a chance, shall we work together again?"

"Okay." Song Tianhao said.

Hanging up the phone, the official ratings report sent by the production team, as well as the cooperation invitation for the next season, had already arrived in his computer mailbox.

He scanned it roughly and then closed it.

His phone vibrated; it was a text message.

The first one was from Kim Tae-hee: "This program will air next week; remember to watch. Also, my younger brother's transfer procedures are done, and the permanent contract is signed. Thanks. I'll treat you to a meal next time; no refusing."

Song Tianhao replied: "Okay, I've noted it."

The second one was from Son Ye-jin: "I read the letter. The petal is very beautiful; I made it into a bookmark. Also, Director Lee Chang-dong's new movie is looking for investors; I mentioned you to him, and he's interested. I've sent the script to your email; care to take a look?"

Song Tianhao replied: "Thank you, Senior, I'll look at it right away."

The third message was from Lee Hyori: "Kid, you're on fire. But don't get cocky, or I'll beat you up. Also, I have a concert next month, want to be a guest? Sing 'Ten Minutes', just like last time."

Song Tianhao laughed and replied: "Sure, send me the time."

After replying to the message, he leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes for a moment.

Then, remembering something, he picked up his phone and opened the system interface that only he could see.

[Hidden Mission: King of Variety Shows]

[Content: Become a fixed cast member on three top-tier variety shows within three months]

[Reward: 5% of SBS shares]

[Progress: 0/3]

5% of SBS shares.

That was no small amount.

He opened his eyes and pressed the intercom.

"Tell the Planning Department Director to come over," he said.

Five minutes later, a man in his early thirties wearing black-rimmed glasses hurried into the office: "President, did you call for me?"

"Sit," Song Tianhao said. Once the man sat down, he spoke directly: "Contact SBS, MBC, and KBS. I want to launch three fixed variety shows. Go talk to them in person and tell them this is something I want to do."

The Planning Director's eyes widened: "Three? At the same time?"

"Yes," Song Tianhao said. "I've already thought of the names. One is called 'The CEO is Watching', an observation-style variety show where I, as a CEO, observe the work status of different industries, inviting different artists as guests each episode."

The Planning Director hurriedly took notes.

"The second is called 'Girl Group War', a competition-style variety show where I invite girl groups from major companies to PK, with me as the producer and judge."

"The third..." Song Tianhao paused, "is called 'We Got Married'."

The Planning Director's pen stopped, and he looked up, expression shocked: "President, you want to go on a marriage variety show?"

"Yes," Song Tianhao nodded, his fingers tapping lightly on the desk, "but I will choose the partner myself."

"This..." the Planning Director hesitated, "for marriage variety shows, the partner is usually arranged by the production team, and there are confidentiality agreements—nothing can be revealed before airing..."

"I know," Song Tianhao said. "You go talk to them. There is only one condition: I decide the partner. If they don't agree, we won't do the project."

The Planning Director looked at Song Tianhao's expression and knew this wasn't a discussion; it was an order.

"Yes, I will handle it immediately." He stood up and hurried out of the office.

As the door closed, Song Tianhao leaned back in his chair and looked out the window.

Across the Han River, the buildings of the three major broadcasting stations glittered in the sunlight.

SBS, MBC, and KBS.

The three major giants of the South Korean television industry.

And he was going to cooperate with all three simultaneously to produce three fixed variety shows. If this news got out, the entertainment industry would likely be shaken to its core.

His phone vibrated again.

This time it was Yoo Jae-suk.

"Tianhao," Yoo Jae-suk's voice was filled with smiles, "I heard your homestay show ended? The ratings broke records, congratulations."

"Thank you, Hyung," Song Tianhao said.

"There's something I want to discuss with you," Yoo Jae-suk said. "'Running Man' is going through a revamp and adding fixed members. Do you want to join? Jun Ji-hyun, Song Ji-hyo, and... many people you'd want to see are there."

Song Tianhao raised an eyebrow.

'Running Man', SBS's ace variety show, and Yoo Jae-suk was inviting him personally.

"When?" he asked.

"Filming starts next month," Yoo Jae-suk said. "But the intensity is quite high, once a week, so be mentally prepared."

"Okay," Song Tianhao said, "but I have one condition."

"Go ahead."

"I want to bring someone with me," Song Tianhao said.

Yoo Jae-suk paused: "Bring someone? Who?"

"You'll know when the time comes," Song Tianhao said. "Can you agree to that?"

There was silence on the other end of the phone for a few seconds, then Yoo Jae-suk laughed: "You kid... fine, I agree. But they have to be reliable and not hold us back."

"Rest assured," Song Tianhao said.

After hanging up, he looked at the computer screen. His email already contained the script sent by Son Ye-jin, as well as Director Lee Chang-dong's contact information.

Director Lee Chang-dong, a top-tier director in South Korea whose works have won Cannes awards.

Such a great director reaching out to him was due to Son Ye-jin's recommendation.

He opened the script and began to read.

It was a story about the struggle for survival of small people at the bottom of society—very dark, very realistic, but also very profound.

The investment would be significant, but the returns could be staggering.

More importantly, if he could collaborate with Director Lee Chang-dong, his status in the film industry would be completely cemented.

As he was reading, the office door was knocked on.

"Come in."

Park Hyomin poked her head in. She had already changed into practice clothes and still had sweat on her face: "Oppa, Qri Unnie said she wants to treat everyone to dinner tonight to celebrate the end of the homestay. Are you going?"

Song Tianhao checked the time—3:00 PM.

"Yes," he said. "Has the location been decided?"

"Yes, at that BBQ restaurant in Cheongdam-dong, the one we go to often," Park Hyomin said, her eyes sparkling. "Taeyeon Unnie said she contacted Girls Generation, and they're all coming tonight."

"All of them?" Song Tianhao raised an eyebrow.

"Yes!" Park Hyomin nodded vigorously. "Hyoyeon Unnie said she wants to perform the new dance she learned, Yoona Unnie said she's bringing a cake she baked, and Sooyoung Unnie said she's bringing her boyfriend... ah, no, she said she's bringing her prized red wine."

Song Tianhao laughed.

"Alright, I got it," he said. "You all go back to practice, I'll be there at six."

"Okay!" Park Hyomin closed the door happily.

The sound of her footsteps faded away.

Song Tianhao looked back at the computer screen, but this time he didn't look at the script; instead, he opened a folder.

Inside the folder was the schedule for T-ara and Girls Generation for the next three months.

T-ara was preparing for their new album. The title track was already decided: 'Bo Peep Bo Peep', featuring a cute and sexy style, with a comeback expected next month.

Girls Generation was preparing for their Asian tour, with the Seoul leg scheduled for the month after next; tickets had already sold out instantly.

Both groups were on the rise, but they were also facing immense pressure.

Especially T-ara. Although the ban from their original company, CCM, had been broken by him, the underhanded suppression wouldn't stop. If the new album didn't perform well, all their previous efforts might be in vain.

Although Girls Generation was already a top-tier girl group, S.M. Entertainment had an extremely strong desire for control, and the contract terms were harsh; the nine girls were actually having a very difficult time.

He needed more bargaining chips. More resources. More connections.

Therefore, 'The CEO is Watching' had to invite the CEOs of major companies as guests to build connections.

'Girl Group War' needed to be built into a phenomenal variety show to provide an exposure platform for T-ara and Girls Generation.

'We Got Married'... for this, he had other plans.

As for 'Running Man', that was a national variety show, a guarantee of exposure and reputation.

Four variety shows, plus the film investment with Director Lee Chang-dong, and the SBS shares obtained after completing the system mission.

It was enough. At least, for now, it was enough.

He turned off the computer and stood up to walk to the window.

Outside, the sky over Seoul was very blue, and the sunlight was beautiful.

From the direction of the practice rooms downstairs, faint music and the laughter of girls could be heard.

That was his girl groups practicing.

That was his kingdom, being built bit by bit.

His phone vibrated again.

This time it was a message from Jang Se-hoon: "President, SBS has replied. They agree to the 'The CEO is Watching' project but require you to personally participate in the planning. MBC is very interested in 'Girl Group War' but hopes to add a boy group competition segment. As for KBS... it's a bit troublesome; they have objections to the partner self-selection clause in 'We Got Married' and say they need to hold a meeting to discuss it."

Song Tianhao replied: "Tell KBS, if they don't agree, we won't do it. Proceed with the other two projects first. I want to see the complete planning proposals by next week."

"Yes."

After replying to the message, he looked downstairs.

Park Hyomin and Kim Taeyeon were coming out of the practice room. Both were wearing sportswear, their hair tied in ponytails, smiling on their faces, not sure what they were talking about.

Under the sunlight, their young faces were shining.

Song Tianhao watched, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.

Then he turned, picked up his jacket, and walked out of the office.

In the hallway, he happened to bump into Park So-yeon and Ham Eunjung coming out of another practice room.

"President!" The two greeted him hurriedly upon seeing him.

"How is practice going?" Song Tianhao asked.

"Very well!" Ham Eunjung said, wiping off sweat. "The choreography for the new song is almost done; Hyomin and Jiyeon are learning very quickly."

"That's good." Song Tianhao nodded. "Don't be late for the dinner tonight."

"We won't!" Park So-yeon said with a smile. "Since the President is treating us, we will definitely arrive early!"

Song Tianhao smiled and continued walking towards the elevator.

The elevator door opened, and inside stood Kim Taeyeon and Jessica Jung.

"President." Kim Taeyeon's eyes lit up slightly when she saw him.

Jessica Jung also nodded in acknowledgment: "Hello, President."

"Going to practice?" Song Tianhao walked into the elevator.

"Yes, we just finished vocal lessons," Kim Taeyeon said, then hesitated for a moment and asked softly, "President, was the... homestay successful?"

Song Tianhao glanced at her.

Kim Taeyeon's expression was natural, but there was a hint of nervousness in her eyes that she couldn't hide.

"Successful," Song Tianhao said. "The ratings broke records."

"That's good." Kim Taeyeon breathed a sigh of relief and smiled.

Jessica Jung watched from the side without saying anything, but her gaze shifted between Song Tianhao and Kim Taeyeon, then she nodded with understanding.

The elevator reached the first floor, and the door opened.

Song Tianhao walked out, with Kim Taeyeon and Jessica Jung following behind him.

In the lobby, Im Yoona and Choi Sooyoung were sitting on the sofa resting; seeing them, they hurriedly stood up.

"Hello, President!"

"Sit," Song Tianhao waved his hand. "Remember to come to the dinner tonight."

"We will definitely come!" Im Yoona said with a smile. "I baked a cake, you must try it, President!"

"Okay," Song Tianhao said, then looked at Choi Sooyoung. "I heard you're bringing red wine?"

Choi Sooyoung's face flushed red: "How did you know, President... ah, it must have been Hyomin who told you!"

Song Tianhao smiled, didn't answer, and walked straight out of the company entrance.

Outside, the car was already waiting.

Jang Se-hoon was in the driver's seat; seeing him come out, he quickly got out to open the door.

"President, where to now?" Jang Se-hoon asked.

"To SBS," Song Tianhao said as he sat in the car. "I have an appointment to discuss matters with the Variety Show Bureau Chief."

"Yes."

The car started and drove towards Yeouido.

Song Tianhao leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes.

Many images flashed through his mind.

Kim Tae-hee smiling in the morning light, Son Ye-jin lost in thought under the cherry blossom tree, Lee Hyori shining brilliantly on stage, Park Hyomin and Kim Taeyeon leaning in his arms in the room, the girls of T-ara and Girls Generation sweating in the practice room... and that cherry blossom petal, tucked in a letter, held in Son Ye-jin's hand.

He opened his eyes and looked out the window.

The streets of Seoul were bustling with traffic and hurried pedestrians. Everyone was rushing for their own lives. He was too.

But what he wanted was more than just a life. What he wanted was a kingdom. A kingdom that could protect the people he wanted to protect, a kingdom that could give them glory and freedom. And tonight's victory banquet was just the beginning.

His phone vibrated—a system notification: [Hidden Mission "King of Variety Shows" accepted, countdown started: 89 days, 23 hours, 59 minutes]

Song Tianhao glanced at it and turned off the screen.

The car drove onto the Han River Bridge, and the river surface sparkled in the sunlight.

Across the river, the SBS building was getting closer.

He adjusted his suit tie, and his eyes became sharp.