Reboot the heyday

Wang Taika's indifferent attitude is the most fatal flaw.

“You’re making a scene because you feel wronged. But have you thought about it? Why does XB Entertainment promote outsiders instead of its own artists? Do you think she’s your goldfish at YG? She’s my daughter.”

A moment of silence fell over the office. Seolhyun's cheeks burned, but this time it wasn't anger, but a feeling of utter shame at being completely seen through.

She instinctively wanted to retort, to maintain the last shred of her pitiful dignity. Her lips moved a few times, but she found herself unable to utter a sound. Every word Wang Taika spoke struck at the most vulnerable part of her heart.

Yes, what reason does he have to hold a grudge against her? And what right does she have to feel wronged? Even if she were to make some requests, Seolhyun herself would feel embarrassed.

Wang Taika has a vast business empire, and AOA is truly just an insignificant speck of dust. The so-called targeting and kicking someone when they're down are just excuses she conjured up to explain her unsatisfactory situation, to make her regret seem more justified, and to give her resentment a target to be projected onto.

That's human nature; it's easy to forgive yourself.

"I..." Xuexuan opened her mouth, her voice dry and trembling slightly. Her straight back slumped slightly, and her do-or-die determination seemed so ridiculous and pale in the face of cold reality and the other party's almost pitying clarity.

Seolhyun took a deep breath, knowing that the initiative was not in her hands, and could only bite the bullet to break the deadlock: "No matter what, as a member of AOA, I also hope to contribute more to the group's success. It's just that some of the recent distribution seems a bit unbalanced. This may affect the group's overall performance and also make it a bit difficult for me to perform."

She phrased it tactfully, but her meaning was clear.

Wang Taika said, "Seolhyun-ssi, let me remind you, your contract isn't with XB Entertainment. This comeback was only agreed to because of our group's friendship and FNC's willingness to cooperate. Naturally, resources are allocated with priority given to artists under XB Entertainment, which is normal and in line with business logic. After all, we've invested real money, and we need to see a corresponding return, don't you agree?"

Wang Taika's words were blunt and cruel, causing Seolhyun's cheeks to flush slightly as she felt embarrassed. Yes, she herself had chosen not to trust XB Entertainment back then, so what right did she have to demand equal resources now?

"I understand." Seolhyun lowered her head, her voice slightly hoarse. "It's just that I believe my abilities and popularity can bring greater value to the group. If..."

Some things I couldn't say; the words of regret stuck in my throat, too difficult to utter.

Wang Taika looked at her like this, but he wasn't particularly moved. He wasn't intentionally trying to suppress Seolhyun; he was simply following basic business principles. Moreover, he understood Seolhyun's initial hesitation and choice, since not everyone dared to take such a gamble as Choa.

Seeing Seolhyun's forced composure, Wang Taika's gaze remained calm. Not bad, at least she didn't stubbornly persist, at least she knew what was difficult to say.

“I have never denied your abilities, Seolhyun-ssi.” Wang Taika finally spoke again, his tone calm and focused on the facts: “Your physical attributes, your stage presence, and even the visual center role you played in your past team are all outstanding assets. The market has already proven that.”

This sudden, emotionless affirmation stunned Seolhyun. She had anticipated various reactions from Wang Taika, but she hadn't expected him to acknowledge her worth so directly.

“However!” Wang Taika changed his tone, his voice still calm: “XB Entertainment is a company, and the core of a company's operation is profit and overall strategy. The restructuring and resource allocation of AOA is the result of a comprehensive evaluation based on market analysis, team response, future development potential, and other factors. It's not a matter of any one person's momentary preference, nor is it a tool to spite anyone.” Of course, this was just a high-sounding excuse. If Wang Taika really liked someone, he would certainly provide them with abundant resources.

Currently, XB Entertainment's internal resource allocation is generally fairer than any other company, as it's entirely based on merit. However, in reality, it also depends entirely on Wang Taika's personal preferences.

Wang Tai paused, tapping the table lightly with his fingertips, each tap seeming to strike Xuexuan's heart: "The current arrangement is because, according to the company's evaluation system, this resource allocation is the optimal solution. It's understandable that you feel neglected and unfair. But from the company's perspective, this is just a normal decision made based on practical interests. You haven't been treated specially, whether for good or bad."

"Finally, as you know, you're not with XB Entertainment, so XB Entertainment's resources have nothing to do with you. It's a very simple principle. So why do you feel it's unfair? It's quite absurd to suddenly have such ideas about controlling other people's resources."

The cold, pure logic of business was more sobering for Seolhyun than any mockery.

"Or do you think XB Entertainment should have begged you to sign with them and then offered you resources so you could have kept waiting for a better price?" Wang Taika shook his head: "You are important, but not that important."

Seolhyun lowered her head. All her previous grievances, anger, and resentment, all the tragic drama that had played out in her heart, were completely deconstructed at this moment. Her pain and struggle, in the eyes of the other party, were perhaps just a routine report about resource allocation that needed a little explanation.

A farce that was directed and acted by himself.

This realization was like a bucket of ice water poured over her head, instantly extinguishing all the chaotic emotions in her heart, leaving only endless embarrassment and exhaustion after regaining her senses. The posture that Seolhyun had mustered up the courage to adopt, and all the convoluted thoughts in her heart, became an utterly ridiculous performance in the face of Wang Taika's almost cold rationality.

Even better, if we stay any longer, all that's left is embarrassment.

Seolhyun took a deep breath and suddenly stood up, the chair screeching as she moved against the floor.

"I understand." Seolhyun's voice was a little tight, and she just wanted to escape from this place that made her feel ashamed as soon as possible: "I'm sorry to have bothered you, Mr. Wang. I lost my composure today."

Seolhyun almost hastily turned around, wanting to leave all the unpleasant memories she had just experienced behind her.

"Wait!" Wang Taika's voice rang out again, stopping Seolhyun in her tracks.

Seolhyun had her back to him, her body stiff, and she didn't turn around.

Okay, now for the humiliation scene. (End of Chapter)