Brian Bennett said calmly, “The other one is Lee Soo-man, right? Your relationship isn’t actually as tense as it appears to outsiders. At least when it comes to the overall development of SM, your goals are aligned. With Lee Soo-man helping you, your pressure isn’t as overwhelming as people might imagine.”

　　Lauren Carter exclaimed, “I heard that Ben Bennett made a huge name for himself in America. Lauren was skeptical at first, but today I finally see that geniuses really do exist.”

　　Brian Bennett waved his hand, “No need for those empty words. Do you still think they should go to China and face another Black Ocean?”

　　Lauren Carter replied, “Since Ben Bennett knows the positive effects of the Black Ocean, why not make use of it? To be honest, even if the Chinese didn’t plan the Black Ocean, we at SM would have done it ourselves.”

　　The nine girls outside the door shuddered, their hands and feet turning cold.

　　Nine people’s pain and confusion, nine people’s heartbreak and despair, countless nights afraid to turn off the lights, countless nights waking up from nightmares, numbing themselves with relentless practice, comforting each other in their arms, struggling to make it to today—only to find out that all of this was just a bargaining chip in someone else’s hand?

　　Reality is so harsh that when these dream-filled girls reach out, they’re left battered and bruised.

　　Tyler looked at them with a hint of sympathy in his eyes.

　　Brian Bennett sighed, “Don’t you think this is too cruel for nine underage girls?”

　　Lauren Carter looked at him oddly, “Ben Bennett showing such tenderness? That’s not what I’ve heard about you.”

　　“You’ve heard I’m a playboy, right? That I’ve fooled around with countless celebrities.” Brian Bennett said coolly, “Actually, there are a few in Girls’ Generation who are really my type. It’s not like I’m not interested.”

　　Lauren Carter clapped and laughed, “Which one caught Ben Bennett’s eye? Why not tell me?”

　　The girls outside turned pale as they listened.

　　Ashley Carter clenched her teeth tightly, or else she would have cried out.

　　Emma Clark’s eyes lost their innocence, brimming with tears, about to fall.

　　Jessica Reed and Tiffany Baker both stared blankly.

　　Molly ThompsonHannah CarterJulia Grant wore mocking expressions.

　　Grace Howard’s eyes were completely lifeless; this kind of thing nearly shattered her worldview, leaving the upright girl utterly disheartened.

　　Rachel Cooper was expressionless, curious to hear his answer.

　　Brian Bennett quickly gave his answer: “You need to understand something. I do have a lot of women, but I’ve never used despicable means. So, no matter how interested I am in them, the premise is that I see them as beautiful women—at the very least, as people.” Brian Bennett said coldly, “But you? You treat them as tools to achieve your goals—nine hammers, nine ladders—completely ignoring their souls.”

　　The nine girls’ eyes gradually brightened. These words, which weren’t even pleasant to hear, felt at this moment like a holy hand reaching down to pull them out of the abyss of despair. Even the bystander Tyler hadn’t expected such harsh words to bring the girls a sense of being valued, protected, and redeemed. Of course, with Tyler’s intelligence… cough, cough.

　　Ashley Carter whispered, “Let’s go, they should be coming out soon.”

　　The girls returned to the practice room, all feeling a bit weak in the knees. They looked at each other, exchanging helpless, bitter smiles. It felt as if those five minutes eavesdropping by the wall had lasted fifty years.

　　“Brian OPPA… is a good person.” Jessica Reed said softly, “I’m going to his fan club to boost activity. From today on, I’m his die-hard fan!”

　　Grace Howard took a deep breath and said firmly, “Yes, I’ll go buy his posters.”

　　Julia Grant chuckled, “He said he’s interested in a few of us, you know. Maybe it’s you two, die-hard fangirls!”

　　Grace Howard blushed, a bit flustered, while Jessica Reed protested, “Hey! It should be you, my Black Pearl!”

　　Hannah Carter put on a heartbroken face, “Sigh, I guess I have no hope. It must be our visual, Yoon.”

　　“Do you really have to fangirl at a time like this? Is this the time for that?”

　　“Sigh…” Emma Clark sighed softly, “Will the president cancel the plan to send us to China?”

　　Everyone fell silent. Molly Thompson spoke calmly, “No. Brian OPPA is still an outsider. As for this family concert plan, my uncle… he already signed off on it.”

　　“Your uncle?” Everyone looked at her.

　　“Yeah, his name is Lee Soo-man.” Molly Thompson said calmly, as if talking about a stranger.

　　The girls fell silent, glancing at each other, then Ashley Carter pounced, “Hey! Molly Thompson! No wonder you were able to cut in line back then!”

　　“Hey! If it weren’t for me, you’d be the shortest! You should be thanking me!”

　　“Hey! Are you all just going to stand there and watch?”

　　Rachel Cooper looked sympathetic, “A showdown between the two shorties—we’ll stay out of it…”

　　The two shorties shouted in unison, “Choi Big Mouth, are you looking for trouble?!”