98: Chapter 98 Youth is wonderful

SBS, office of the Chief of the Variety Department.

Song Tianhao sat on the guest sofa, opposite him was the variety department chief, Director Kim Sungho, who was in his early fifties and had his hair combed meticulously.

Two cups of coffee sat on the tea table, still steaming.

"President Song, we have reviewed all three of your proposals. The plan for 'The CEO is Watching' is very interesting. Observing various industries from a CEO's perspective is indeed very innovative."

Director Kim Sungho pushed up his glasses, his tone very polite, but his eyes carried scrutiny, "But inviting CEOs from other companies to be guests... that difficulty is not small."

"It is precisely because the difficulty is high that it has value." Song Tianhao picked up the coffee and took a light sip, "If SBS wants to make a national variety show, it cannot just stare at the entertainment industry. The lives of ordinary people, the work of ordinary people, the dreams of ordinary people—this is what the audience really wants to see."

Director Kim Sungho pondered for a moment: "Then what about 'Girl Group War'? Competition-style variety shows are very popular right now. MBC's 'I Am a Singer' has very high ratings, but girl group competition..."

"Girl groups are the current trend." Song Tianhao put down the cup, "Girls Generation, Wonder Girls, KARA, and our company's T-ara, the market has already been cultivated. The audience wants to see the competition between girl groups, wants to see their efforts off-stage, and wants to see the chemistry between them."

He paused and looked at Director Kim Sungho: "Moreover, I can guarantee that both T-ara and Girls Generation will participate."

Director Kim Sungho's eyes lit up.

T-ara and Girls Generation—one is a dark horse in its rising period, the other is a top girl group. If both groups appeared in one variety show, the ratings would basically be secure.

"Then what about 'We Got Married'?" Director Kim Sungho asked, his tone becoming cautious, "For this program, KBS is also doing a similar project..."

"What KBS is doing is imaginary dating; what I am doing is real chemistry." Song Tianhao leaned forward, his voice lowered a bit, "Director, you have seen the ratings for the final episode of 'We Live Together', right? 42%.

What do the audience want to see? They want to see real interactions, subtle emotions, and the things that cannot be hidden in front of the camera."

Director Kim Sungho tapped his fingers lightly on his knee.

"Do you mean... you want to appear in it yourself?" he asked.

"Yes." Song Tianhao nodded, "But I have requirements: I will choose the partner, the production team cannot interfere with our interactions during recording, and I must see the edited version before it airs."

"This..." Director Kim Sungho frowned, "President Song, these conditions are a bit harsh. Variety production has its rules..."

"Rules are made by people." Song Tianhao smiled, the smile very faint, but his eyes very sharp, "Director Kim, SBS is currently lacking a trump card variety show, right? 'Running Man' has just started broadcasting, the ratings are not very stable, and the second season of 'Family Outing' is also in preparation."

He held up three fingers.

"If you agree to my conditions, I can guarantee... within three months, 'The CEO is Watching' ratings will break 20%, 'Girl Group War' will break 25%, and 'We Got Married' will break 30%. If I cannot do it, I will pay double the production costs."

Director Kim Sungho gasped.

This kind of bet condition had never happened in the history of South Korean variety shows.

"President Song, you are..."

"I have confidence." Song Tianhao stood up and adjusted his suit cuffs, "Director, you can take your time to consider. But I have other schedules, so I will take my leave first."

"Wait!" Director Kim Sungho also stood up, "President Song, the conditions you mentioned, I... I need to discuss them with the station manager."

"Good." Song Tianhao nodded, "I will give you three days. After three days, if SBS does not take it, I will go find MBC and KBS. I think they should be interested."

After speaking, he bowed slightly and turned to leave the office.

The door closed, and Director Kim Sungho stood in place, a layer of fine sweat appearing on his forehead.

This young man is too ruthless.

But what he said is too tempting.

Director Kim Sungho picked up the phone and dialed the station manager's number.

7:00 PM, Cheongdam-dong, Sky Entertainment banquet hall.

The crystal chandelier emitted a warm light, and the long table was filled with exquisite food. Grilled Hanwoo, seafood platters, various side dishes, fruits, and rows of champagne and red wine. Soft jazz played in the banquet hall, and the atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant.

All six members of T-ara were present, all wearing beautiful small dresses.

Soyeon was in a lavender tube top dress, which set off her very fair skin; Eunjung chose a black slim-fit dress, looking capable; Hyomin wore a red spaghetti strap dress, bright and moving.

Qri was in an off-white lace dress, gentle and graceful; Jeon Boram chose a pink fluffy skirt, cute and playful; Park Ji-yeon was in a black leather skirt, cool and handsome with a touch of sexiness.

All nine members of Girls Generation were also there.

Taeyeon wore a white shirt dress, simple and generous; Jessica Jung was in a champagne-colored silk dress, noble and elegant; Sunny chose a denim jumpsuit, handsome and casual; Tiffany Hwang wore a sequined short skirt, sparkling; Kim Hyoyeon was in a sports-style outfit, full of vitality.

Kwon Yuri chose a floral dress, fresh and natural; Choi Sooyoung wore a striped suit jacket with shorts, fashionable and sharp; Im Yoona was in a light blue tulle dress, fairy-like; Seohyun was in a college-style dress, obedient and quiet.

In addition, there were three special guests.

Kim Tae-hee arrived, wearing a dark green velvet long dress, her long hair draped over her shoulders, with an outstanding temperament. As soon as she entered, the members of T-ara and Girls Generation all stood up and bowed to greet her.

Son Ye-jin followed closely, wearing a simple white shirt and black wide-leg pants, her hair tied in a low ponytail, with light makeup, but she was still stunningly beautiful. She nodded to Kim Tae-hee and then found a seat by the window.

The last one to arrive was Lee Hyori.

She wore a black sequined suit jacket, with a black tube top inside, black leather pants on the bottom, and a pair of ten-centimeter stilettos. As soon as she entered, the entire banquet hall went quiet for a moment.

"Senior, hello!" Everyone stood up and bowed.

Lee Hyori waved her hand, took off her sunglasses, and her gaze swept around the banquet hall, landing on Song Tianhao.

"Kid, congratulations." She walked over and patted Song Tianhao on the shoulder, "Ratings breaking records, now you are a popular person in the variety world."

"Senior, you are too kind." Song Tianhao smiled and handed her a glass of champagne.

Lee Hyori took it but didn't drink, just shook the glass, looking at the golden liquid in the cup: "I heard you are going to do three fixed variety shows?"

"News travels really fast." Song Tianhao said.

"There are no secrets in this circle." Lee Hyori smiled, leaned in closer, and lowered her voice, "For the second season of 'Family Outing', I will be the fixed MC. Will you be my partner?"

Song Tianhao raised an eyebrow: "Senior is inviting me?"

"What, you don't want to?" Lee Hyori raised an eyebrow.

"I couldn't ask for more." Song Tianhao raised his glass.

The two clinked glasses and drank in one gulp.

At this time, Kim Tae-hee also walked over with a wine glass.

"Tianhao." She smiled, her eyes gentle, "For the second season of 'The Actor's Daily Life', the script is already being written. The director said it will still be the three of us."

"Since sister Tae-hee is inviting me, I will definitely be there." Song Tianhao said.

"Calling me sister already?" Kim Tae-hee's eyes curved, "One week of living together, the relationship has progressed quite a bit."

"It should be." Song Tianhao also laughed.

Son Ye-jin sat by the window, watching this side, not coming over. But she raised her wine glass and signaled to Song Tianhao from afar.

Song Tianhao also raised his glass in return.

The banquet officially began.

Jang Se-hoon acted as the host and gave a brief opening statement, mainly thanking everyone for their hard work during this period and celebrating the great success of the joint-living variety show. Then it was free dining time.

The members of T-ara and Girls Generation were in small groups, chatting, eating, and taking pictures. The atmosphere was very lively.

Song Tianhao was surrounded in the middle.

Hyomin came over with a plate, picked up a piece of Hanwoo, and fed it to his mouth: "Oppa, try this, it's grilled just right."

Song Tianhao opened his mouth to eat it and nodded: "Not bad."

"Oppa, drink some of this soup, it's for sobering up." Taeyeon also brought over a bowl of hot soup, her eyes gentle.

"Thank you." Song Tianhao took it and took a sip.

Qri walked over, holding a tissue, and naturally helped him wipe the corner of his mouth: "You got sauce on you."

"Oh, thank you." Song Tianhao said.

This scene was seen by Kim Tae-hee, Son Ye-jin, and Lee Hyori not far away.

The expressions of the three were very subtle.

"Youth is wonderful." Lee Hyori took a sip of wine, her tone showing no emotion.

"Yes." Kim Tae-hee smiled, but the smile was a bit faint.

Son Ye-jin didn't speak, just looked at Song Tianhao, her eyes very deep.

Halfway through the banquet, the toast session began.

The six members of T-ara came over first, lining up to toast Song Tianhao.

"Oppa, thank you for giving us this opportunity." Soyeon was the first to raise her glass, her tone sincere, "The joint-living variety show let me learn a lot, and also... met many very good people."

"You're welcome." Song Tianhao clinked glasses with her and drank in one gulp.

Eunjung was second: "President, we will work hard on the new album and will definitely not let you down."

"I believe in you." Song Tianhao drank another glass.

Then followed Hyomin, Qri, Jeon Boram, and Park Ji-yeon.

After six glasses of wine, a faint redness had already appeared on Song Tianhao's face.

The nine members of Girls Generation followed.

"Oppa, thank you for always taking care of us." Taeyeon, as the leader, spoke first.

"It should be." Song Tianhao drank again.

Jessica Jung, Sunny, Tiffany Hwang, Kim Hyoyeon, Kwon Yuri, Choi Sooyoung, Im Yoona, Seohyun, one after another.

Nine glasses of wine.

Song Tianhao was already a bit dizzy, but he was still holding on.

At this time, Kim Tae-hee, Son Ye-jin, and Lee Hyori walked over together.

"Tianhao," Kim Tae-hee raised her glass, her smile gentle, "For this week, thank you."

"Sister Tae-hee is too polite." Song Tianhao drank again.

Son Ye-jin raised her glass, didn't speak, just looked at him.

Song Tianhao clinked glasses with her, the two looked at each other, and then drank in one gulp at the same time.

Lee Hyori was the last one.

She didn't take a wine glass, but took a bottle of soju and placed it directly on the table.

"Kid," she said, opening the cap and pouring three full glasses, "These three glasses, I toast to you. The first glass, to your talent. The second glass, to your guts. The third glass..."

She paused, looking into Song Tianhao's eyes: "To your authenticity."

After speaking, she drank three glasses in a row.

The surroundings were quiet.

Song Tianhao looked at those three glasses of wine and smiled.

He also poured three glasses, one after another, and drank them all.

After drinking, he swayed, almost unable to stand steady.

Soyeon and Eunjung hurriedly supported him from left and right.

"Oppa, you've drunk too much." Soyeon said worriedly.

"It's fine." Song Tianhao waved his hand, but his voice was already a bit slurred.

Lee Hyori looked at him and suddenly smiled: "Okay, you have the capacity for alcohol, and you have the guts. Tianhao, for the next season of 'Family Outing', I will be the fixed MC, you will be my partner, is that settled?"

"Okay." Song Tianhao nodded, his eyes already beginning to glaze over.

Kim Tae-hee walked over and said softly, "The script for the second season of 'The Actor's Daily Life' will be ready for you to look at next week. I've also scheduled an appointment with Director Lee Chang-dong; shall we meet next week?"

"Okay." Song Tianhao said again.

Son Ye-jin also walked over, her voice very soft, "Director Lee returns to South Korea next week. The dinner is set for next Wednesday night; I'll send you the location."

"Okay." Song Tianhao replied with the same word.

Three people, three invitations.

The people around them were watching, their expressions varied.

The members of T-ara and Girls Generation exchanged glances. No one spoke, but the atmosphere in the air became subtle.

Song Tianhao leaned against Park So-yeon and Ham Eunjung, looking at the beauties surrounding him with blurry, drunken eyes.

The three "older sisters," Kim Tae-hee, Son Ye-jin, and Lee Hyori, stood before him, their eyes full of hidden meaning.

The six members of T-ara and the nine members of Girls Generation gathered nearby, their expressions complex.

The entire banquet hall quieted down, leaving only the soft background music.

Song Tianhao suddenly smiled; the smile was a bit drunken, but his eyes were very bright.

"I'll take them all," he said. His voice wasn't loud, but it was clear. "I'll accept all three variety shows. And I'll invest in Director Lee Chang-dong's movie."

He paused, sweeping his gaze across everyone's faces.

Then, he looked at Park So-yeon, who was supporting him.

"But tonight..." he said, his voice dropping lower, laced with drunkenness, "So-yeon, take me home."

As his voice fell, the banquet hall became so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.

Everyone's gaze instantly focused on Park So-yeon.

Park So-yeon froze, her entire body stiffening.

The arm she was using to support Song Tianhao trembled slightly, and her face turned red at a visible speed.

Ham Eunjung, who was beside her, was also stunned, but she quickly reacted, let go of his arm, and took a step back.

Park Hyomin bit her lip, her expression complex.

Kim Taeyeon lowered her head, her fingers clutching the hem of her dress.

Lee Qri sighed softly.

The smile on Kim Tae-hee's face faded slightly, but she quickly returned to normal.

Son Ye-jin turned her face away, looking out the window.

Lee Hyori raised an eyebrow, her expression unreadable.

In the corner, a president of a small company muttered, "Song Tianhao really knows how to enjoy life..."

Before he could finish, Lee Hyori shot a cold glance at him.

That gaze was like a knife.

"Do you have the qualifications to enjoy yourself?" she said. Her voice wasn't loud, but everyone in the hall could hear it.

The small company president's face turned pale, and he shut his mouth.

Song Tianhao didn't seem to hear these words; he just leaned against Park So-yeon, his breath carrying the scent of alcohol.

"Oppa, you..." Park So-yeon's voice trembled slightly.

"You know the address of my Villa, right?" Song Tianhao whispered in her ear, "Help me drive."

Park So-yeon's ears turned red, but she still nodded, "I-I know."

"That's good." Song Tianhao smiled, then looked at everyone at the table and raised the glass in his hand.

On the rim of the glass was a faint lipstick mark.

It was left by Park Hyomin when she had secretly taken a sip just now.

Song Tianhao didn't notice; he just held up the glass and said to everyone, "Today... thank you all."

His voice was slow and deep, but every word was clear.

"My glory is only possible because of your support."

After saying this, he downed the drink in one gulp.

Then, his body went limp, and he collapsed onto Park So-yeon's shoulder.

"Oppa!" Park So-yeon quickly steadied him.

Song Tianhao closed his eyes, appearing to have passed out from drunkenness.

The banquet hall was silent.

A few seconds later, Lee Hyori laughed first.

"Alright, let's wrap this up." She waved her hand and picked up her bag and sunglasses, "Song Tianhao has had too much to drink. So-yeon, you take him back. Be careful on the way."

After saying this, she looked at Kim Tae-hee and Son Ye-jin, "You two, shall we leave together?"

Kim Tae-hee smiled and nodded, "Okay."

Son Ye-jin also stood up, took one last look at Song Tianhao, and turned to leave.

Once the three "older sisters" left, the atmosphere in the banquet hall loosened slightly.

Park Hyomin walked over to help Park So-yeon support Song Tianhao and whispered, "Unnie, I'll leave Oppa to you."

"Mm." Park So-yeon nodded, her face still flushed.

Kim Taeyeon also walked over and said softly, "So-yeon Unnie, be careful on the way. Oppa... I'll leave him to you."

"I will take good care of him," Park So-yeon said.

The other members of T-ara and Girls Generation also came over one after another to say goodbye, their eyes filled with concern, worry, and something indescribable.

Finally, only Park So-yeon and the passed-out Song Tianhao remained in the banquet hall.

Along with Jang Se-hoon.

"Ms. So-yeon, the car is ready downstairs," Jang Se-hoon said, handing her the car keys, "The address of the President's Villa has already been set in the navigation. Do you need me to drive you?"

"No need, Se-hoon Oppa," Park So-yeon shook her head, struggling to support Song Tianhao, "I can manage on my own."

"Then... be careful." Jang Se-hoon hesitated, but finally just nodded and turned to leave.

The banquet hall became completely quiet.

Park So-yeon supported Song Tianhao, walking out step by step.

Song Tianhao was heavy, but she gritted her teeth and held him up.

As they reached the elevator and waited, her phone vibrated.

It was a text message from her younger sister: "Unnie, Mom's surgery was very successful, and the doctor said she is recovering well. Mom wants to see the President to thank him in person. When are you free to bring the President over for dinner?"

Park So-yeon looked at the text, her eyes welling up.

She remembered a few months ago, when her mother suddenly fell ill and needed a huge amount for surgery. She tried to get an advance on her salary from the company, but it wasn't nearly enough. It was Song Tianhao who, upon hearing this, paid the money without a word.

Later, when her father was in debt and creditors came knocking, it was again Song Tianhao who stepped in to resolve it.

Her younger sister's tuition was also paid by Song Tianhao.

She owed him too much.

So much that... she didn't know how to repay him.

The elevator arrived, and she helped Song Tianhao inside.

The elevator descended, the mirrored walls reflecting their figures.

Song Tianhao leaned on her shoulder, his eyes closed, his breathing steady.

Park So-yeon looked at him in the mirror for a long time.

Then, she said softly, "Oppa, do you know..."

The elevator doors opened.

She helped Song Tianhao out of the elevator, walked to the parking lot, and found the black Mercedes-Benz.

Jang Se-hoon had already brought the car over, and the keys were in Park So-yeon's hand.

She opened the passenger door, struggled to help Song Tianhao inside, and fastened his seatbelt.

Then she sat in the driver's seat and started the car.

The car drove out of the underground parking lot and merged into the night traffic of Seoul.

Song Tianhao leaned against the seat, appearing to be asleep.

Park So-yeon drove, glancing at him from time to time.

The Villa area in Cheongdam-dong was very quiet.

The car stopped in front of a detached Villa. Park So-yeon got out, walked around to the passenger side, and supported Song Tianhao.

The Villa door had a fingerprint lock; she held Song Tianhao's hand and used his fingerprint to open the door.

She helped him inside and turned on the lights.

The living room was large and clean, but it lacked a lived-in feel, clearly not occupied often.

Park So-yeon helped Song Tianhao to the sofa, trying to get him to sit, but his body went limp, and he collapsed onto the sofa, pulling her down with him.

"Oppa!" Park So-yeon exclaimed, but it was too late.

She was sprawled across Song Tianhao's chest.

Their faces were very close, close enough to feel each other's breath.

Park So-yeon's face turned bright red instantly. She tried to climb up, but Song Tianhao's arm had wrapped around her waist at some point.

"So-yeon..." he said, his eyes closed, his voice hoarse, "My head hurts."

Park So-yeon's heart was pounding like a drum.

"I-I'll get you some hangover medicine..." She struggled to get up.

"Don't move." Song Tianhao's hand tightened, pressing her into his chest, "Just stay... for a while."

Park So-yeon froze, not daring to move.

She could feel the warmth of Song Tianhao's chest, hear his heartbeat, and smell the faint scent of alcohol and cologne on him.

Moonlight spilled in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating his face.

He closed his eyes, his eyelashes long, his nose bridge high, his lips...

Park So-yeon didn't dare to look anymore.

She turned her face away, but her hand was still resting on his chest.

"Oppa..." she said softly, her voice trembling, "Do you know... my mother's surgery fee was paid by you. My father's debt was paid by you. My younger sister's tuition was paid by you."

Song Tianhao didn't speak, seemingly asleep.

Park So-yeon looked at him for a long time.

Then, she reached out and gently traced his brow with her finger.

There was a faint line there, left from frequent frowning.

"In this life..." she said in an even softer voice, like she was talking to herself, "I won't be able to pay it back."

As her voice trailed off, Song Tianhao suddenly opened his eyes.

Those eyes were clear, without a hint of drunkenness.

"Then don't pay it back," he said, his voice very clear.

Park So-yeon froze completely.

Song Tianhao looked at her, his gaze deep.

"Use another way," he said, grasping her hand that was resting on his brow.

Park So-yeon's hand was cool, while his hand was hot.

Their hands were clasped together, the warmth transferring between them.

"Oppa..." Park So-yeon's voice trembled, "You... you weren't drunk?"

"I was drunk," Song Tianhao said, "but not completely."

He looked at her for a few seconds, then slowly sat up.

Park So-yeon was still sprawled in his arms, and with his movement, they shifted into a face-to-face position.

At such a close distance, their breathing intertwined.

Park So-yeon could hear her own heart pounding like a drum.

Song Tianhao looked at her for a long time.

Then, he lowered his head and leaned in.

Park So-yeon closed her eyes.

But the expected kiss did not land.

Song Tianhao just gently hugged her, burying his face in the crook of her neck.

"So-yeon," he said in her ear, his voice low and deep, "thank you."

Park So-yeon was stunned.

"Th-thank you for what?"

"Thank you for bringing me back tonight," Song Tianhao said, "and thank you... for always working so hard."

Park So-yeon's eyes suddenly reddened.

"Oppa..."

"No need to pay it back," Song Tianhao released her and looked into her eyes, "That money, those things, none of it needs to be paid back. I didn't do those things to make you pay me back."

"Then... what was it for?" Park So-yeon asked, her voice choking with emotion.

Song Tianhao didn't answer.

He just looked at her, then gently kissed her forehead.

"For you," he said.

Park So-yeon's tears fell.

But before she could say anything, the doorbell suddenly rang.

Ding-dong—!

The crisp sound of the doorbell was particularly jarring in the quiet living room.

Park So-yeon was startled and quickly got up from Song Tianhao's arms, hurriedly straightening her clothes.

Song Tianhao also sat up straight and looked toward the door.

Who could it be at such a late hour?