The most embarrassing thing they could say right now was, "Is this a lot of money? We'll give it to you!"
Unfortunately, neither of them could come up with an answer.
One US dollar equaled 1,200 Korean won, so thirty million dollars was 36 billion won.
What did 36 billion mean? Lee Seung-gi, a top star for years, had a total net worth of only 500–600 million won. That was all his alone.
Girls' Generation had been immensely popular across Asia. Jiang Hai didn't follow the group, but he knew enough: even after contract renewals, the money was split among nine members. Reports had claimed annual earnings of 30 billion won; divided nine ways and taxed, it was still a significant sum—but still far from 36 billion.
From their rise in 2009 until their public recognition in 2014, they had been a top-tier girl group, financially well-established. Yet now, Jiang Hai had casually asked for 36 billion. They had no idea how to respond. Even if they could scrape it together, they weren't certain they were willing to part with it.
They exchanged a glance, eyes full of helplessness. Was there no way to ease this situation?
"We… we don't have that much money," Kim Taeyeon finally said, gritting her teeth. Jiang Hai smiled, and Cheryl Lee followed his lead, amused.
"You said you have no money and don't plan to do anything. And that's supposed to make Jiang Hai back down? That's hilarious," Cheryl Lee said, glancing at the two women. They were speechless. Li Xihuai's earlier warning rang in their ears: failure wasn't an option.
Their conversation continued in Korean, incomprehensible to Jiang Hai. He simply watched, amused. Even if he understood, he wouldn't have surrendered thirty million just to save face. He wasn't a fan—he didn't care about the prestige of being served by celebrities.
Cheryl Lee had no clue what Jiang Hai was thinking, and Azarina remained silent. If Qi Jie or the others were here, they'd understand, but Cheryl Lee only saw the surface. After all, she wasn't Jiang Hai's partner; she belonged to Pra Walton.
"Ouni…" Lin Yun'er panicked at Cheryl Lee's assertive tone. She glanced nervously at Kim Taeyeon, whispering, "She's not alone. She has a boyfriend—coincidentally, Lee Seung-gi, the man who offended Jiang Hai at the airport. I just want to keep my job, my family safe, and not betray him." Her doe-like eyes glistened with tears.
Kim Taeyeon sighed, her own face pale. She had once had a boyfriend, a hype-driven romance more than love, and now she was alone. If sacrificing herself could protect her career, her family, and Lin Yun'er, she would.
With a determined grit, Kim Taeyeon stepped forward, looking at Jiang Hai and Cheryl Lee.
"I… I can. Please let Yun'er go. She… she has a better future," she said, biting her lip.
"Ouni, no…" Lin Yun'er panicked, grabbing her hand.
"That won't work. Only one of you showed your sincerity. That's not enough," Cheryl Lee said coldly, her calmness sending shivers down their spines.
"If you don't want to, the door is behind you. Jiang Hai won't force you," Cheryl Lee chuckled. The two women realized there was no way out.
After a moment, Lin Yun'er, resolute, stepped forward, removed her coat, and began to unbutton her shirt, eyes glistening with tears. Kim Taeyeon, sensing her resolve, gritted her teeth and followed suit. Jiang Hai stared, stunned.
"I didn't tell them to do this, did I?" he asked Cheryl Lee.
"Uh… I thought you liked them," Cheryl Lee admitted, equally stunned.
"How about I stop them?" Cheryl Lee teased, smiling at the nearly-naked women. Jiang Hai curled his lips helplessly. "I'm just teasing!" he said, though the scene left him dumbfounded.
Thirty million dollars in profit wasn't small change. Cheryl Lee realized she needed to manage the situation carefully to make the effort worthwhile.
The two women now stood before Jiang Hai and Cheryl Lee, covering themselves as best they could, faces flushed. Their years of dancing had given them impressive figures, not unlike the girls in Jiang Hai's manor.
"Now, show your sincerity. Follow my lead," Cheryl Lee instructed. Kneeling in front of Jiang Hai, she demonstrated, swallowing decisively. The two women gasped—this was a first for them, a shocking experience.
"It's your turn!" Cheryl Lee urged after five minutes. Hesitantly, Jin Taeyeon knelt, shame evident, and attempted to follow Cheryl Lee's example. She struggled with the unfamiliarity and gagged slightly. Jiang Hai, fresh from a shower, observed silently.
"Ouni…" Lin Yun'er, seeing her friend's struggle, fought back tears and swallowed, suppressing her gag reflex.
"Move your tongue, don't just sit there. Stop hesitating!" Cheryl Lee commanded. The women shivered but complied.
"How can I let it go? This is thirty million dollars. Enjoy it. Listen to me today; I'll make it worth your while tomorrow," Jiang Hai said reluctantly. Cheryl Lee, realizing her earlier misstep, nodded—now her task was to keep Jiang Hai satisfied.
"We can't back down now. Remember what you promised!" Jin Taeyeon lifted her gaze, determination shining through. With their decision made and actions underway, there was no turning back. Jiang Hai could only stare, unsure how to respond.