Reboot the heyday

Three days later, at a filming location in Seoul.

Wang Taika's car was parked discreetly outside the film set. He didn't make a big fuss; he simply had his assistant inform Han Hyo-joo's team beforehand.

It's still because of the goldfish's request. Although Wang Taika could handle it with his own connections, it would be a waste of his talents to use them for something like this. So, it's safer to get help from Han Hyo-joo.

Right now, Han Hyo-joo is filming an important indoor scene. Since her career restarted, she has maintained an excellent work ethic. You only realize how important something is after you've lost it.

When Han Hyo-joo heard her assistant whisper that Wang Taika had come to visit the set and was waiting outside, her expression showed a barely perceptible change, but she quickly composed herself.

After filming a few more shots, the job was finally completed.

"Cut! That was great. Hyojoo-ssi, today's filming is finished," the director shouted.

"Thank you all for your hard work!" Han Hyo-joo expressed his gratitude to everyone, and then walked towards his rest area. His steps seemed calm, but his heart was far from being as calm as it appeared.

Although she had been notified beforehand, Han Hyo-joo didn't know why Wang Taika had contacted her. However, her heart was far from at peace. Before this, their interactions stemmed primarily from a successful collaboration with XB Entertainment during a low point in her career. That collaboration had given her a remarkable comeback, returning her to the peak of her career. Therefore, she always felt grateful to the man who had lent a helping hand during that crucial time.

And
A subtle, almost imperceptible feeling of goodwill.

However, all of this came to an abrupt end. Given Han Hyo-joo's family background, she certainly wouldn't agree to have much contact with Wang Tai-ka. Furthermore, Wang Tai-ka was aware of Han Hyo-joo's family's special circumstances, and thus maintained a polite but clear distance, avoiding any private contact beyond necessary work-related interactions.

Wang Taika's "respectful distance" once discouraged Han Hyo-joo, but it also made her find this man more unpredictable and interesting. However, she hadn't reached a point where she felt she had to take the initiative, so the relationship ended there.

The fact that they've suddenly come to us must mean something.

"Unnie, Mr. Wang is outside," the assistant whispered again to confirm.

"Okay, I understand." Han Hyo-joo nodded and gestured to the makeup artist to remove her makeup quickly. Through the window of the rest area, she could vaguely see a car outside that wasn't flashy but had a distinctive license plate.

In fact, many sharp-eyed staff members on set also noticed it, and whispers and curious glances quietly spread.

"Why are there outside cars driving in for the film crew?"

"That's the license plate of that car. It looks familiar. It seems like something special."

"You still remember the license plate?"

"You have to remember the license plates of some important people. Oh, I remember now, it seems to be that one."

"Which one?"

"You wouldn't know this, but this person used to work at XB Entertainment. I used to work at XB Entertainment, so I know him."

"It seems they've come to see Han Hyo-joo, right? After all, someone like him can only be described as coming to see someone."

"Probably, but are they really that close?"

"I heard that Han Hyo-joo and XB Entertainment have worked together before, so they seem to have a close relationship."

"This person personally visited the set; Han Hyo-joo really has a lot of influence."

Han Hyo-joo naturally sensed these subtle whispers and glances. A faint sense of pride and satisfaction rose within her. At her level, visits from ordinary wealthy individuals or producers were not unusual, but Wang Taika's presence carried a completely different weight.

The arrival of someone of this caliber silently demonstrates Han Hyo-joo's connections and status within the industry; it is a recognition that transcends the level of ordinary artists.

As for rumors and such, they'd love to see them.

Han Hyo-joo wasn't exactly a simple person; she had her own ambitions and aspirations. Sometimes, she also had a touch of vanity. This is human nature and not necessarily selfish.

Moreover, Wang Taika was looking for him in the first place.

After removing her makeup and touching up her everyday makeup, Han Hyo-joo changed out of her costume and into casual clothes, a simple and elegant outfit, before leisurely walking off the set.

Wang Taika was leaning against the car, gazing at the filming location in the distance, seemingly lost in thought. Hearing footsteps, he turned around, nodded to Han Hyojoo, and gave her a polite smile: "Hyojoo-ssi, you must be tired from filming. I apologize for bothering you." "Mr. Wang, you're too kind. It's my honor to have you visit the set." Han Hyojoo's smile was gentle and polite, but her eyes held a hint of inquiry: "Although I gave you advance notice, I didn't expect you to be so high-profile. As if you're afraid others won't know you're here to see me."

It sounds like blaming someone, but it actually contains a hint of reproach.

Han Hyo-joo's smile truly possesses a unique charm. Although she's not a stunning beauty, she always has a pleasing and memorable appearance.

Wang Taika did it on purpose; since he was asking for help, he had to show his willingness first. So he deliberately chose a workday to visit the set.

"I have something I'd like to ask Hyoju-ssi for a favor, and I thought I'd drop by while I was at it." Wang Taika got straight to the point, but his tone wasn't urgent. "I wonder if it would be convenient for Hyoju-ssi to find a quiet place to chat for a bit? Of course, it depends on your availability."

Sure enough, this person wanted to ask for a favor. How unusual!

"Can not be done."

Han Hyo-joo refused.

This decisive attitude surprised Wang Taika, who was slightly taken aback.

"First of all, let's change how we address each other. Why should I help you when we're so distant?" Han Xiaozhou laughed. "It's been so long, are we having to be so businesslike?"

Wang Taika was both amused and exasperated, and called out in a somewhat retaliatory tone, "Little Zhou Zhou?"

"Aigoo, no, don't do this," Han Hyo-joo said. "Just call me by my name. You're doing this on purpose. It's really infuriating."

Wang Taika laughed and said, "Alright, then I won't stand on ceremony. Shall we find a place to talk?"

Han Hyo-joo glanced at the time and smiled, "I happen to have some time to rest next. I know a nice restaurant nearby that's quite private. If you don't mind, we can eat there and chat?"

“Okay, I’ll do as you say.” Wang Taika readily agreed and opened the car door: “Please.”

"Thank you." Han Hyo-joo happily got into the car.

Speechless all the way.

Half an hour later, in an elegant restaurant with excellent soundproofing in the private rooms.

The two sat facing each other, a simple meal already served. The atmosphere in the private room was quiet, with only the faint sound of running water from the decorations.

"Oppa, what is it that you need my help with?" Han Hyo-joo asked, curious about what Wang Taika would need her connections to do. After all, Wang Taika's own connections were much stronger.

Wang Taika didn't beat around the bush, briefly explaining the troubles GD encountered in the military, and concluded, "It's nothing serious, just some annoying harassment. I know your family has some influence over there, so if you could put in a good word for him and ensure he can serve his full term smoothly, I would be extremely grateful. Of course, it won't be for nothing; it'll be for XB Entertainment's future projects."

Han Hyo-joo gently raised her hand, interrupting Wang Taika's subsequent words about repaying her. Her face held a knowing smile and a faint hint of amusement: "We've been through tough times together, so there's no point in talking like that. My acting contract is still with XB Entertainment. But GD isn't an artist under XB Entertainment, is he? Why are you so concerned?"

Wang Taika didn't mention the goldfish, but said, "This is a step to win people's hearts. After helping them this time, maybe GD will go straight to XB Entertainment after he comes out."

"You're such a liar. You're not the kind of person who would care about something like this. No matter how amazing he is, you wouldn't care." Han Hyo-joo knew Wang Tai-ka's character well.

Wang Taika smiled and said, "No matter the reason, I still want your family to help. Although I have other connections, it's not appropriate to use them right now."

“I understand, it’s not a difficult task.” Han Hyo-joo’s tone was relaxed, with a composure that came with his background. “However, it will take some time. I remember GD went to the front-line troops, and there are some problems there.”

Wang Taika nodded and raised his glass in a gesture of thanks: "Then thank you very much, I owe you a favor."

"Your favor is very valuable." Han Hyo-joo also raised her teacup and lightly clinked it with his, but her gaze lingered on Wang Taika's face, her smile carrying a hint of cunning and deeper meaning: "More than favors, I'm curious about why you were avoiding me before?"

Han Hyo-joo is by no means a coy person, so she asked directly, her gaze intense, carrying the confidence and probing characteristic of a mature woman.

The air in the room seemed to freeze slightly after she said that. Wang Taika grinned inwardly, and after a moment, he slowly spoke: "Because I'm not a good person."

"Judging from your interpersonal skills," Han Hyo-joo narrowed his eyes, "you're not even human!" (End of Chapter)