Reboot the heyday

This kind of feeling towards a group is hard to understand unless you are the one involved.

Just like only when you graduate from university can you truly understand the meaning of parting. The bittersweet feeling can only be understood through experience.

Wang Taika didn't know how to begin, because Yuri had already gone quite deep, revealing a bit of her inner thoughts. These kinds of things are usually only said after drinking.

But Yuri blurted it out without drinking. This at least proves that Yuri trusts Wang Taika a lot. She must have been holding these words in for a long time.

Since you've already spoken, then speak your mind.

Yuri said, "Oppa, do you know why you haven't heard anyone else say things like what I'm saying today? It's because they're popular! Because they're even more popular. Even if Girls' Generation is gone, they can still have solo activities, be MCs, actresses, and singers. What about me? If Kwon Yuri doesn't have Girls' Generation, she'll have nothing."

Yuri spoke with exceptional candor, even revealing her somewhat calculating side to Wang Taika. It wasn't a glamorous declaration, but it was undeniably real.

Moreover, beneath these utilitarian motives lies a deep-seated, inseparable affection for the group.

Wang Taika looked at her; under the light, Yuri's expression held a hint of stubbornness, yet also a touch of vulnerability. He understood what she meant. She wasn't trying to be a peacemaker, but rather, in her own way, trying to maintain something that was so important to her.

Looking at it this way, it's somewhat ironic.

Wang Taika nodded: "No matter what, it's not easy for you to say these things. Who would willingly admit to being ordinary? But actually, you're already quite extraordinary. After all, you're still Girls' Generation."

“Sometimes I wonder, if I had Jessica’s popularity, what would I choose? What would I do? Maybe I would be even more greedy than her, who knows?” Yuri shook her head: “I would definitely be more greedy.”

This amused Wang Taika: "But even if you were greedy, things wouldn't have turned out like this. You're Quan Xiaodai, she's Chunka. You're just silly, but she is..."

Stupid, well, that's the meaning, even if it wasn't said explicitly.

But why wasn't it stated explicitly? Wang Taika has always been known for his uninhibited behavior.

The answer will be revealed in a moment.

“Since you’ve thought it through, then do it.” Wang Taika’s voice softened, carrying a hint of encouragement that was barely perceptible: “Don’t think too much about the outcome, just have a clear conscience. In this kind of thing, actions speak louder than intentions.”

"Thank you, Oppa." Yuri smiled. Wang Taika hadn't commented on the purity of her motives, only offering simple affirmation. This attitude made Yuri feel even more at ease.

“However,” Wang Taika changed the subject, with a hint of teasing, “don’t be so self-deprecating. Who said you have nothing after leaving Girls’ Generation? I’ll get you some film and television resources later, how about that?”

Yuri laughed: "Actually, I really wanted to refuse with my own dignity and say that I wanted to succeed through my own efforts. But, Oppa, you know I'm actually quite pragmatic."

"Hahahaha!" Wang Taika was amused and burst into laughter.

After saying this, Yuri felt a little embarrassed. She had just been living off a man and was still too proud to admit it, so she quickly tried to save face: "But no matter what, I will give it my all. I am Yuri, I'm not so easily defeated!"

“Yes, yes, our Quan Xiaodai is the strongest.” Wang Taika readily agreed, a smile in his eyes.

The atmosphere relaxed again. Yuri looked at Wang Taika, feeling grateful. Today's conversation not only brought them closer but also released and released many emotions that had been building up inside her.

“Oppa.” Yuri spoke again, her tone much lighter: “After this filming is completely finished and we return to Seoul, when you have time, I’ll treat you to a meal, okay? To formally express my gratitude.”

Wang Taika raised an eyebrow: "Aren't you afraid I'll stand you up this time?"

Yuri snorted, "Hmph! Compared to before, shouldn't I have a bit of the right to be willful now? Oppa, if you stand me up again this time, I'll... I'll go to the entrance of XB Entertainment and hold up a sign to protest! Saying you're untrustworthy!"

Wang Taika said, "I don't work there." "It's okay, the most people who know you are there." Yuri pouted, "Yeah, why would I hold up a sign to protest? I'll just rent a car, one of those with a display screen, and go to protest."

"You're all about those fan tropes, right?" Wang Taika laughed heartily at her joke. "Fine, for the sake of my reputation, I'll definitely go to this dinner. This time, I won't go back on my word."

"It's a promise!" Yuri held up her pinky finger: "Pinky promise!"

"That's so childish. No, who did you learn that from? Does Korea do that too?" Wang Taika looked at her somewhat childish gesture, shook his head with a laugh, and then playfully extended his little finger and hooked it with hers.

They parted their fingers, looked at each other, and smiled.

Wang Taika said, "I mean what I say. As for the resources, someone will arrange them for you later. I can't guarantee they'll all be top-notch, but they won't be anything rubbish either. I definitely won't let you have any free time."

Yuri was delighted, noticing one of Wang Taika's strengths: once he made a decision, he would immediately put it into action. Although he could sometimes seem impulsive and act on a whim, when it came to important matters, he didn't need to be urged, which was reassuring.

What I fear most is when someone promises something one minute, then slowly dawdles and changes the subject, as if they've forgotten about it. This leaves me feeling uncertain and anxious.

But I'm too embarrassed to bring it up myself, since I'm asking someone for a favor, and urging them would make me seem mercenary. But when it comes to matters of mutual interest, who wouldn't be anxious?

Wang Taika said to Yuri, "Girls' Generation can do without anyone, but it also can't do without anyone. Don't think that you're finished if you leave Girls' Generation, that there's no one to back you up. Even if Girls' Generation disbands one day, it's okay, I'll take over!"

"Hey!" Yuri glared at him reproachfully, but the corners of her mouth couldn't help but turn up.

Actually, it's not impossible.

This doesn't even need any foreshadowing, after all, Yuri's curiosity about Wang Taika isn't new, but she's never had the chance to get close to him all these years.

At first, Yuri looked down on Wang Taika at all. One was a food deliveryman, the other a cameraman, and the other a PD. But later, Wang Taika stood too high and couldn't see Yuri anymore.

If it weren't for that mess with Girls' Generation, Wang Taika and Yuri wouldn't have had such a heart-to-heart moment. So, does that mean Taika actually did something good?
Oh, there's something else. Wang Taika said that "stupid" is stupid, but he didn't say the word "stupid" out loud, he didn't say it explicitly. Given Wang Taika's uninhibited personality, why didn't he just say it directly?
Because, this is happening in front of Yuri.

Wang Taika was about to reveal it, but suddenly stopped. This was because he suddenly realized that Yuri's identity could potentially change. And once that changed, some things could no longer be said.

It's not that things have already changed, but rather that they might "could" change in the future. As for how they might change, it's hard to say. After all, they might not change at all.

But if things change, then they are all close female friends. It's not right to talk about one person behind another's back in front of another.

Look, just from this incident, you can see how perceptive Wang Taika is about "balance," and how shameless he is.

That's why Wang Taika tentatively used the word "takeover," which can be interpreted as either a business or something else. The ambiguity was intentional.

What's even more remarkable is that Yuri didn't refute it. Regardless of the aspect, regardless of whether it was a misunderstanding or not, that reproachful and angry look was definitely not out of dislike.

This scumbag's maneuvering was so smooth and seamless; Wang Taika didn't even think before he executed it. After all, womanizing and flirting are his perverse hobbies.

After Yuri left with a smile, Wang Taika realized that he seemed to have made a big decision unintentionally!
Of course, the real culprit is Wang Taika. After all, if he had even the slightest bit of reluctance, this whole operation wouldn't have gone so smoothly.

After all, Yuri is quite pretty; it's only natural.

However, I still feel a little regretful. (End of Chapter)