99: Chapter 99 What I Care About Are You

The doorbell rang again.

Ding-dong!

The crisp sound echoed through the silent living room.

Park So-yeon froze on the sofa. She panicked and tried to pull her hand back, but Song Tianhao gently held her wrist down.

"Don't move," he said, his voice soft but brooking no refusal.

Park So-yeon looked at him, a flash of panic in her eyes.

Song Tianhao stood up, adjusted his shirt collar, and walked toward the door.

Through the peephole, he saw two people standing outside.

Park Hyomin and Kim Taeyeon.

Both were dressed in simple casual clothes; Park Hyomin in a white T-shirt and jeans, and Kim Taeyeon in a gray hoodie and sweatpants. They were bare-faced, their hair tied back in casual ponytails, looking as if they had rushed out the door.

Park Hyomin was carrying an insulated bag, and Kim Taeyeon was carrying a paper bag.

Song Tianhao raised an eyebrow and opened the door.

"Oppa!" Park Hyomin's eyes lit up when she saw him, but the next second, her gaze drifted past Song Tianhao to see Park So-yeon sitting on the living room sofa, and she froze.

Kim Taeyeon saw her too; the smile on her face stiffened slightly, but she quickly returned to normal.

"Oppa..." Park Hyomin's voice stuttered as her gaze darted between Song Tianhao and Park So-yeon. "We... we came to bring you breakfast and some hangover soup. You drank too much last night..."

She held up the insulated bag in her hand.

Kim Taeyeon also said softly, "Oppa, we were worried about your hangover, so we made some soup and porridge."

Song Tianhao looked at them, then turned back to glance at Park So-yeon on the sofa.

Park So-yeon had already stood up, her face pale, her fingers unconsciously clutching the hem of her skirt.

The atmosphere was subtle.

"Come in," Song Tianhao said, stepping aside to make room at the door.

Park Hyomin and Kim Taeyeon exchanged a look and walked inside.

There were three pairs of slippers in the entryway. Park Hyomin and Kim Taeyeon changed their shoes and walked into the living room.

Park So-yeon stood by the sofa, looking a bit at a loss.

"Soyeon unnie is here too," Park Hyomin said, forcing a smile as she placed the insulated bag on the coffee table. "What a coincidence."

"I... I was just dropping Oppa off," Park So-yeon said in a soft voice. "Oppa was drunk last night, so I drove him home."

"Is that so?" Park Hyomin nodded, but her eyes remained fixed on Park So-yeon.

Park So-yeon was still wearing the lavender strapless dress from last night, her hair was a bit messy, and her makeup was slightly smudged. As for Song Tianhao, his shirt was wrinkled, and his hair was also disheveled.

Anyone looking at them would think something was wrong.

Kim Taeyeon lowered her eyes, placed the paper bag on the coffee table, took out several food containers, and opened them one by one: seafood porridge, kimchi, fried eggs, and hangover soup.

The aroma wafted out.

"Oppa, eat something," Kim Taeyeon said softly. Her voice was calm, but her fingers trembled slightly.

"Hmm." Song Tianhao sat down on the sofa and looked at Park So-yeon. "Soyeon, you sit down too. Let's eat together."

Park So-yeon hesitated for a moment, then shook her head. "Oppa, I should go. I have practice this morning..."

"Sit down," Song Tianhao said again. His voice wasn't loud, but it carried an unquestionable tone.

Park So-yeon bit her lip and sat down at the other end of the sofa, keeping some distance from Song Tianhao.

Park Hyomin sat down next to Kim Taeyeon. The four of them were gathered around the coffee table, and the atmosphere became even more awkward.

Song Tianhao, however, was very natural. He picked up the spoon Kim Taeyeon had brought, scooped up a spoonful of porridge, and tasted it.

"It tastes good," he said.

Kim Taeyeon's eyes lit up slightly. "I—I made it."

"Hmm, you've improved," Song Tianhao nodded, then looked at Park Hyomin. "What about yours?"

Park Hyomin hurriedly opened the insulated bag and took out a thermal container. "This is hangover soup, a recipe my mom taught me. It's very effective."

She poured a bowl of soup and handed it to Song Tianhao.

Song Tianhao took a sip and nodded. "Hmm, delicious."

Park Hyomin smiled, but it was a bit forced.

Song Tianhao looked at Park So-yeon again. "Soyeon, you eat something too."

"I'm not hungry..." Park So-yeon said quietly.

"Eat even if you aren't hungry," Song Tianhao said, pushing a bowl of porridge in front of her. "You didn't eat much last night either, and you drove me home. Thank you for your hard work."

Park So-yeon looked at the bowl of porridge, then at Song Tianhao. Finally, she picked up the spoon and started eating in small bites.

The four of them ate breakfast in silence, with only the faint sound of spoons hitting bowls.

Sunlight from outside shone in, falling onto the coffee table and onto the four of them.

Park Hyomin would steal glances at Park So-yeon, then at Song Tianhao, wanting to say something but holding back.

Kim Taeyeon kept her head down, focusing on sipping her porridge, but her ears were slightly red.

Park So-yeon was eating absent-mindedly; her spoon almost dropped onto the table several times.

Song Tianhao, however, was very composed. He finished his bowl of porridge leisurely, drank a bowl of hangover soup, and then wiped his mouth.

"There's something I need to tell you all," he began.

The three women looked up simultaneously.

Song Tianhao put down his napkin and leaned back against the sofa.

"Starting next month, I will be a regular on three variety shows," he said, his tone as calm as if he were talking about the weather.

Park Hyomin and Kim Taeyeon exchanged a look, and Park So-yeon also put down her spoon.

"Which three?" Park Hyomin asked.

"The first one is 'The CEO is Watching'. It's a new SBS project that I planned. It observes the workplace lives of various industries from the perspective of a CEO, and I will be a regular host," Song Tianhao said.

"The second one is 'Running Man'. It's a new SBS variety show hosted by Yoo Jae-suk, and I will be a regular guest."

Upon hearing 'Running Man', Kim Taeyeon's eyes lit up. "Yoo Jae-suk sunbaenim's show? Oppa, you're going to be a regular?"

"Yes, it's already been settled," Song Tianhao nodded.

"Then what's the third one?" Park So-yeon asked softly.

Song Tianhao paused and looked at the three of them.

The sunlight shone on his face; his expression was calm, but there was an unfathomable emotion in his eyes.

"The third one," he said, his voice clear, "is 'We Got Married'."

When he finished speaking, the living room went silent for a few seconds.

The spoon in Park Hyomin's hand dropped onto the table with a "clatter."

Kim Taeyeon was also stunned, her eyes widening slightly.

Park So-yeon froze completely, her spoon suspended in mid-air.

"'We... We Got Married'?" Park Hyomin repeated, her voice trembling. "That... virtual marriage variety show?"

"Yes," Song Tianhao nodded.

"Who is Oppa going to marry?!" Park Hyomin blurted out, her voice a bit loud.

After asking, she realized she had lost her composure, her face turning red instantly, and she hurriedly lowered her head.

Kim Taeyeon also looked at Song Tianhao, her lips pressed tightly together, her fingers clutching the hem of her clothes.

Park So-yeon didn't speak, but her breathing became a bit rapid.

Song Tianhao looked at them, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.

"It's just a show," he said, his tone very light. "'We Got Married' is a virtual marriage, not a real marriage."

"B-but..." Park Hyomin looked up, her eyes watery. "But it's still a marriage show. You have to pretend to be a couple with a female guest, live together, and there's even a possibility of... having intimate scenes..."

She spoke a bit hurriedly, her voice trailing off.

Kim Taeyeon added softly, "Besides, this show has high ratings, and the audience will take it seriously. Oppa, your popularity is at its peak right now; if you participate in this show, the fans will..."

"What will the fans do?" Song Tianhao asked.

"They'll... many people will be heartbroken," Kim Taeyeon said quietly.

"Does that include you too?" Song Tianhao asked, his gaze sweeping across their faces.

The living room fell silent again.

Park Hyomin bit her lip and said nothing.

Kim Taeyeon lowered her head and also said nothing.

Park So-yeon looked at the porridge on the table; it had already gone cold, but she held her spoon, motionless.

Song Tianhao smiled.

He picked up the teapot, poured himself a glass of water, and took a slow sip.

"'We Got Married' is just a show," he said again. "The partner hasn't been decided yet. The production team gave me a list of candidates and asked me to choose."

"Who is Oppa going to choose?" Park Hyomin asked immediately.

Kim Taeyeon also looked up, staring intently at Song Tianhao.

Park So-yeon also looked over.

Song Tianhao put down his glass, leaned forward, rested his elbows on his knees, and looked at them.

"Who do you think is suitable?" he asked in return.

The three of them were stunned.

"H-how would we know..." Park Hyomin said quietly.

"Then just give it a try," Song Tianhao said casually. "Soyeon, who do you think is suitable?"

Park So-yeon was called out and shuddered.

"I... I don't know," she said in a soft voice. "Oppa's affairs, Oppa should decide for himself..."

"I want to hear your opinion," Song Tianhao looked at her.

Park So-yeon bit her lip and was silent for a few seconds before saying quietly, "If... if it's just for the show's effect, you should choose a popular sunbaenim, or an actress who generates buzz..."

"Be specific," Song Tianhao said.

Park So-yeon thought for a moment and said, "Jun Ji-hyun sunbaenim, or Song Hye-kyo sunbaenim, and also... Kim Tae-hee sunbaenim, Son Ye-jin sunbaenim. These people are popular, have good images, and if they partner with Oppa, the buzz will be very high."

"Hmm, that makes sense," Song Tianhao nodded, then looked at Park Hyomin. "Hyomin, what do you think?"

Park Hyomin lowered her head, her fingers twisted together.

"I... I think Soyeon unnie is right," she said with a muffled voice. "Choosing a sunbaenim is better, at least... at least you won't be gossiped about."

"What kind of gossip?" Song Tianhao asked.

"Like saying the President... is sleeping with company artists or something," Park Hyomin said quietly.

Song Tianhao raised an eyebrow. "Do you think that if I choose any one of you, there would be that kind of gossip?"

Park Hyomin stopped talking.

Kim Taeyeon spoke softly. "Oppa, actually... the production team gave you a list of candidates, right?"

Song Tianhao looked at her.

Kim Taeyeon looked up, staring into his eyes. "Oppa just said that the production team gave you a few candidates for the President to choose from. Is there... anyone from our company on that list?"

This question was very sharp.

Park Hyomin and Park So-yeon both looked at Song Tianhao.

Song Tianhao looked at Kim Taeyeon for a few seconds and smiled.

"Yes," he said.

"Who?" Park Hyomin asked immediately.

Song Tianhao didn't answer. Instead, he picked up his phone, unlocked the screen, opened a document, placed the phone on the coffee table, and pushed it toward the three of them.

"See for yourselves."

Park Hyomin picked it up first, and Kim Taeyeon and Park So-yeon leaned in to look as well.

On the screen was a document titled "Candidates for Female Guest on 'We Got Married'," followed by several names and photos.

The first, Jun Ji-hyun. The photo was a red carpet shot of Jun Ji-hyun, bright and moving.

The second, Song Ji-hyo. The photo was a variety show screenshot of Song Ji-hyo with a bright smile.

The third, Kim Tae-hee. The photo was a still of Kim Tae-hee from a drama, with a gentle temperament.

The fourth, Son Ye-jin. The photo was a movie poster of Son Ye-jin, with clear eyes.

The fifth, Im Yoona. The photo was a group photo of Girls Generation, with Im Yoona standing on the far side, but her smile was bright.

The sixth, Park So-yeon. The photo was a stage photo of T-ara, with Park So-yeon singing, her expression focused.

The seventh, Park Hyomin. The photo is a screenshot from a T-ara MV, with Park Hyomin wearing a red dress, looking sexy and charming.

The eighth, Kim Taeyeon. The photo is from a Girls Generation performance stage, with Kim Taeyeon holding a microphone, her gaze resolute.

The ninth, blank. No name, no photo, just a codename "A".

Park Hyomin's fingers trembled as she scrolled down, and when she saw her own name, she froze.

Kim Taeyeon also saw her own name, and her breath hitched.

Park So-yeon stared at her own photo on the screen, her lips slightly parted.

"Th-this is..." Park Hyomin's voice trembled.

"The candidate list," Song Tianhao said. "Given by the production team. The first four are actresses, the next four are artists from our company, and the last one is... anonymous."

"What does anonymous mean?" Kim Taeyeon asked.

"It means someone signed up voluntarily but requested anonymity," Song Tianhao said. "The production team doesn't know who it is either, only that the person has great qualifications, high popularity, and... specifically requested to be paired with me."

"Specifically requested?" Park So-yeon repeated softly.

"Yes." Song Tianhao nodded and put his phone away. "So, I have three choices now. First, choose a senior, which is safe but might lack chemistry. Second, choose any one of you, which brings buzz but will lead to gossip. Third, choose that anonymous person, which is mysterious but with unknown risks."

He paused and looked at the three of them.

"Who do you think I should choose?"

The three of them didn't speak.

The living room was very quiet, with only the ticking of the clock on the wall.

After a long while, Park So-yeon spoke first.

"Oppa," she said, her voice very soft but firm, "You should choose a senior."

Song Tianhao looked at her.

Park So-yeon looked up at him, her eyes glistening, but her expression was very serious.

"Choose Senior Jun Ji-hyun, or Senior Kim Tae-hee. They are popular and have good images. If you pair up with them, it will be good for your image, Oppa."

She spoke quickly, as if reciting lines, "Besides, they are actresses with rich Acting experience, so they can act more naturally on the show. We... we are still young and inexperienced, and might hold you back, President."

After she finished, she lowered her head, her fingers tightly gripping the hem of her skirt.

Park Hyomin looked at her, then at Song Tianhao, her mouth opening as if to say something, but in the end, she didn't.

Kim Taeyeon remained silent, and after a long while, she said softly, "I agree with Soyeon unnie's opinion. Oppa is currently in a career upswing and needs a partner who can help you, not... not a partner who might bring trouble."

Song Tianhao looked at them for a long time.

Then, he smiled.

"Oh," he said, his tone unreadable.

He stood up, walked to the window, and turned his back to the three of them.

The sunlight shone in from outside the window, casting a golden outline around him.

"You are right," he said, his voice calm, "Choosing a senior is the safest bet. Senior Jun Ji-hyun is popular, Senior Song Ji-hyo has a great sense for variety shows, Senior Kim Tae-hee has a good image, and Senior Son Ye-jin has great Acting skills. No matter who I choose, it's the best choice."

He turned around and looked at the three of them.

"However," he said, his voice very soft, "I want to choose you."

The three women looked up at the same time.

Song Tianhao walked back to the sofa, sat down, and looked at them.

"The show 'We Got Married' will be filmed for three months. In those three months, we will have to meet every week, live together, pretend to be a married couple, and act like we are in love in front of the camera," he said, speaking slowly, "If I choose a senior, that's just work. But if I choose you..."

He paused.

"If I choose you, it won't just be work anymore," he said, his gaze sweeping across their faces, "Do you understand what I mean?"

Park Hyomin's tears fell.

Kim Taeyeon's eyes also turned red.

Park So-yeon bit her lip, her fingers turning white from gripping so hard.

"But... but if that happens, the fans will..." Park Hyomin said, choking back tears.

"I don't care about the fans," Song Tianhao interrupted her, "What I care about is you."

He reached out and gently wiped the tears from Park Hyomin's face.

"Hyomin, are you willing?" he asked.

Park Hyomin looked at him, tears streaming down her face, but she nodded vigorously.

"I am willing," she said, her voice choked but firm.

Song Tianhao looked at Kim Taeyeon again.

"Taeyeon, what about you?"

Kim Taeyeon looked at him for a long time, then nodded gently.

"As long as Oppa doesn't mind..." she whispered.

Song Tianhao finally looked at Park So-yeon.

"Soyeon." He called her name.

Park So-yeon looked up, her eyes full of tears.

"Oppa..." her voice trembled.

"What I said last night, I meant it," Song Tianhao looked at her, his gaze very gentle, "You don't need to repay me. The money, those things, you don't need to repay any of it. But if you really want to repay me in another way..."

He paused.

"Then join me in filming the show for three months, how about that?" he asked.

Park So-yeon's tears finally fell.

She nodded vigorously, unable to speak.

Song Tianhao smiled, reached out, and gently patted her head.

"Then it's settled," he said, his tone lightening, "I'll talk to the production team. I'll submit all three of you, and as for who gets chosen in the end, it will depend on the production team and the audience's reaction."

"All, all three of us?" Park Hyomin was stunned.

"Yes." Song Tianhao nodded, "The partners on 'We Got Married' aren't set in stone. If the ratings are good, partners can be swapped. So, all three of you have a chance."

He paused and added, "However, while the show is airing, you must keep it a secret. To the outside world, you are just my artists, and I am your President. Understand?"

All three of them nodded.

"Alright, breakfast is finished, it's time to go to the company." Song Tianhao stood up, "We have a new album planning meeting this morning, T-ara's new song demo is out, and the next comeback for Girls Generation also needs to be prepared. Also, over at SBS, the proposal for 'The CEO is Watching' needs final confirmation, and the recording time for 'Running Man' has been set."

As he spoke, he picked up his coat.

"Go change your clothes, I'll see you in the parking lot in half an hour."

"Yes." The three of them stood up at the same time.

Park So-yeon was still wearing last night's dress, looking a bit troubled.

"Wear mine," Song Tianhao said, taking a white shirt and a pair of sweatpants from the closet, "They might be a bit big, but it's better than the dress."

"Th-thank you, President." Park So-yeon took the clothes, her face turning red.

Park Hyomin and Kim Taeyeon exchanged glances, neither of them speaking.

Half an hour later, in the parking lot.

Song Tianhao drove, Park So-yeon sat in the passenger seat, and Park Hyomin and Kim Taeyeon sat in the back.

The car drove out of the Villa area and merged into the morning rush hour traffic.

The car was very quiet, no one spoke.

Park Hyomin looked at the scenery outside the window, her fingers unconsciously picking at her bag strap.

Kim Taeyeon kept her head down, playing with her phone, but her eyes were unfocused, clearly distracted.

Park So-yeon sat in the passenger seat, wearing Song Tianhao's white shirt with the sleeves rolled up several times, and the pants were long, with the cuffs rolled up too.

She sat bolt upright, staring straight ahead, but her ears were very red.

Song Tianhao drove, very focused.

Suddenly, his phone rang.

It was automatically connected via the car's Bluetooth, and the caller ID displayed "Director Kim of SBS".

Song Tianhao pressed the answer button.

"Director Kim, good morning."

"President Song, good morning." Director Kim Sungho's voice came from the other end, his tone very polite, "Sorry to bother you, regarding the matter of you being a fixed cast member on 'Running Man', we have already discussed it internally, and in principle, we agree to your joining, but..."

"But what?" Song Tianhao asked.

"But there is a condition," Director Kim Sungho said, "Yoo Jae-suk recommended you, and the production team is very satisfied, but the station's higher-ups hope you can also appear on 'We Got Married' simultaneously, and..."

He paused.

"And, Jun Ji-hyun specifically requested you to be her partner CP."

As the words fell, the car fell into silence.

Park Hyomin looked up abruptly, staring at Song Tianhao.

Kim Taeyeon also looked up, her phone slipping from her hand and falling onto the seat.

Park So-yeon's body stiffened, her fingers gripping the seatbelt tightly.

Song Tianhao's expression didn't change, and he asked calmly, "Senior Jun Ji-hyun requested it?"

"Yes," Director Kim Sungho said, "Jun Ji-hyun saw your variety show about living together, became very interested in you, and took the initiative to contact the production team, saying she hoped to be paired with you. The station thinks this is a great hook; a fake marriage between the Nation's Goddess and the Baeksang Best Actor will definitely explode in ratings."

Song Tianhao was silent for a few seconds.

"Director Kim, I remember saying that I would choose the partner," he said, his tone very light.

"Yes, you did say that," Director Kim Sungho said quickly, "But Jun Ji-hyun is a top actress after all, and her joining would be a huge boost to the show. Also, her specifically requesting to pair with you shows she thinks highly of you. President Song, this is an opportunity."

Song Tianhao didn't speak, just looked at the road ahead.

The car was very quiet, and the static from the other end of the phone could be heard.

In the back seat, Park Hyomin bit her lip, her eyes turning red.

Kim Taeyeon lowered her head, her fingers pinching the hem of her clothes.

Park So-yeon looked out the window, her profile somewhat blurred in the morning light.

"President Song, what do you think?" Director Kim Sungho asked tentatively.

Song Tianhao spoke, his voice very calm, "Director Kim, I need to consider it."

"Consider? President Song, this is Jun Ji-hyun we're talking about, so many people want to work with her but don't have the chance..."

"I know," Song Tianhao interrupted him, "But I need time. I will give you an answer this afternoon."

"...Alright then." Director Kim Sungho sighed, "Please do it as soon as possible. Jun Ji-hyun is waiting for news too."

"Hmm."

The call ended.

The car became even quieter.

After a long while, Park Hyomin spoke softly, her voice choked with emotion, "Senior Jun Ji-hyun... that is the Nation's Goddess..."

Kim Taeyeon said softly, "Oppa, you should agree to it. Pairing up with Senior Jun Ji-hyun will be helpful for your career."

Park So-yeon didn't speak, just looked out the window, her fingers tightly digging into the leather on the inside of the car door.

Song Tianhao glanced at them through the rearview mirror.

Then, he said calmly, "It's just work."

But when his gaze met Park So-yeon's in the rearview mirror, a flash of complex tenderness crossed his eyes.

Park So-yeon also saw that trace of tenderness and was stunned.

The car continued driving forward, heading toward the Sky Entertainment building in Cheongdam-dong.

Sunlight shone through the car window onto the faces of the four people.