Reboot the heyday

My dear dad!
Just kidding, just kidding.

Wang Taika said helplessly, "Many people say that. Fine, you're right, I accept it."

Han Hyo-joo laughed, her eyes crinkling. The feigned probing atmosphere from before vanished, replaced by her gentle and warm demeanor: "Alright, I won't tease you anymore. Leave GD's matter to me. I'll contact him as soon as possible and make sure things are quiet on his end."

"Thank you." Wang Taika raised his glass again, this time with even greater sincerity.

"It's nothing." Han Hyo-joo clinked glasses with him, took a sip of tea, and then naturally changed the subject, chatting about recent anecdotes in the industry and her experiences filming, her tone relaxed and cheerful.

Han Hyo-joo gives off a rather unique vibe; she's very approachable, like the girl next door. Normally, this kind of description is used to describe female idols, especially those who are very young and have just debuted. But Han Hyo-joo always manages to give off this feeling, even regardless of her age.

Wang Taika has worked with many actresses, most of whom seem to favor an elegant and sophisticated image. Han Hyo-joo, however, is a rare exception; she always seems to exude a youthful and vibrant aura.

After thinking it over, perhaps it's because she comes from a really good family, so she's never really suffered. That's why she's different from those female celebrities who have struggled their way up from the bottom. Her eyes always have that innocent, clear look of someone who hasn't experienced hardship.

Why "Little Innocent"? Because Wang Taika knew that Han Hyo-joo was definitely not that kind of innocent person. But she wasn't hypocritical either; rather, she knew when and how to treat whom.

Anyway, it's quite a contrast, and quite interesting.

This time, Han Hyo-joo didn't bring up those past events. Instead, she acted like an old friend she hadn't seen in a long time, sharing snippets of her life, occasionally complaining about the actors she worked with, and reflecting on the changes in the industry.

Last time, the growing distance between the two was ultimately due to Wang Taika's avoidance of discussing Han Hyo-joo's family situation. But now it's different; Wang Taika's identity has changed again, and it keeps changing. Many people and things that were once considered to be kept at a distance have suddenly become less frightening.

Wang Taika thought Han Hyo-joo would ask, but she didn't.

Han Hyo-joo was just chatting casually, her words and actions were elegant and appropriate, and she had just the right amount of friendliness, neither too enthusiastic to make people uncomfortable, nor too cold.

"Fine, I won't ask then." Wang Taika relaxed and chatted along with her, occasionally making a sarcastic comment that made Han Hyo-joo cover her mouth and chuckle.

As they chatted, Han Hyojoo suddenly rested her chin on her hand, tilted her head slightly, blinked, and asked in an innocent yet curious tone, "Oppa, do you think I look better in this state than when I was tense and working so hard?"

Her shift in demeanor was incredibly natural; in an instant, she transformed from an elegant and intellectual mature woman into a slightly naive and charming young woman with clear eyes, as if she were genuinely asking a simple question about appearance.

It's worth mentioning that Han Hyo-joo is exactly twenty days younger than the leader of f(x). So calling Wang Taika "oppa" is perfectly fine for her.

But from the moment they met, her way of addressing him was always very distant. The same "Oppa" sounded only like a coquettish tone here.

Wang Taika knew she was feigning innocence; this woman was quite clever, but her demeanor was indeed... very interesting. Unlike the mischievous "acting" of a goldfish, Han Hyo-joo's "acting" was more natural, carrying a kind of effortless cunning and charm.

Damn it, as everyone knows, Wang Taika really falls for this!
"You're pleasing to the eye, how could you not?" Wang Taika nodded with a smile, his tone full of sincere praise: "You're great as you are now. You know what you want, you can enjoy the process, and you're in control. Compared to the way you used to be, with that kind of desperate spirit, you're much more charming now."

Han Hyo-joo, unsure whether it was true or false, simply said, "It's a lie!"

Wang Taika said helplessly, "Of course, maybe, a little, um, pretentious."

"Still a lie." Han Hyo-joo really knows how to turn the tables; here she went and denied it again, then said, "Actually, you like it this way, right?"

Wang Taika shrugged: "More than that."

Han Hyo-joo was genuinely amused by Wang Taika's shamelessness and said, "I thought you were more composed. It seems I was overthinking it; you're actually quite superficial. But that's fine, I'm good to be myself."

This is like a riddle, isn't it? Basically, it means that Han Hyo-joo is actually a cheerful person, but she thought Wang Taika preferred someone more reserved, so she didn't show it much.

Anyone else who heard this would probably be moved. But Wang Taika wasn't. Of course, Wang Taika knew that what Han Hyo-joo said was true; this more relaxed state was Han Hyo-joo's true personality. But Wang Taika remained skeptical about the reason behind Han Hyo-joo's previous composure.

How should I put it? A white lie.

However, Wang Taika is a master liar, so Han Hyo-joo's trick failed.

But it must be said that Han Hyo-joo is really amazing, because what she just said is the highest level of lying: using the truth as a lie.

It's true that Han Hyo-joo has always had this kind of personality, but her composure back then was definitely not for Wang Tai-ka. At that time, her career was at a low point, and her family was also affected; it would be strange if she were lively.

Ultimately, however, it's a flattering lie, so it's not really offensive.

Therefore, Wang Taika readily agreed: "Actually, both composure and liveliness are aspects of you, and both are good. It would have been even better if you could combine them, wouldn't it?"

The praise wasn't particularly lavish, but coming from Wang Taika, it hit the nail on the head, and Han Hyo-joo clearly appreciated it. Her eyes brightened even more, but she deliberately gave a soft "humph," turned her head away, and said in a slightly sarcastic tone, "Really? I thought some people thought I was too powerful and troublesome, and wanted to stay far away from me. After our last collaboration, I couldn't get through to someone on the phone anymore, you know?"

Finally, let's get to the main point.

Han Hyo-joo steered the conversation back, but this time in a half-joking, half-complaining way, subtly offering him a way out while maintaining an undeniable firmness. She was reminding Wang Taika of his previous rudeness and testing his current attitude.

Wang Taika looked at her profile, which was feigning a huff, and knew this was another performance by her. But this time, he didn't look away.

Because times have changed.

Wang Taika put down his chopsticks, leaned back slightly, and looked at Han Hyo-joo with a calm yet unprecedentedly firm gaze: "The past is the past."

Han Xiaozhou turned around, met his gaze, and waited for him to continue.

"Don't look forward, look back." Wang Taika's voice wasn't loud, but every word was clear: "It won't happen again."

Han Hyo-joo's defiant expression froze slightly, a hint of genuine surprise flashing deep in her eyes. She felt that Wang Taika wouldn't reveal his true intentions so quickly.

"Really?" Han Hyo-joo asked subconsciously, her voice much softer than before.

Wang Taika smiled confidently, not to show off, because he was already very powerful: "In the past, I did have to be very careful. Dealing with people with military backgrounds was difficult to handle, and I was afraid of causing trouble, so choosing to keep my distance was the simplest and safest way."

Han Hyo-joo nodded. It was the truth, and she understood. That was why she wasn't angry about what happened last time.

“But now, I can stand in front of anyone without any worries. I can make friends with whomever I want, have meals and chat with whomever I want, without having to worry about anyone’s feelings or background. I have enough strength to maintain the boundaries I want.”

Are these words arrogant?
A little.

But more than anything, it's the absolute confidence and control that comes naturally from someone in a position of power. Because Wang Taika isn't actually showing off; he's simply stating a fact.

Wang Taika used to try to avoid contact with Han Hyo-joo's family background. But actually, not long after, Wang Taika no longer needed to worry about it. In fact, Wang Taika only realized this belatedly.

That's what you call domineering! Ah, it feels so good to show off! I feel completely refreshed!
Han Hyo-joo looked at Wang Taika as if she were seeing him in a completely new light. She then lowered her eyes slightly to conceal the turmoil within them, and when she looked up again, her face had regained its gentle and charming smile, only this time, it held a more genuine radiance.

"Then we must keep in touch, Oppa?" Han Hyojoo picked up her teacup and offered it to him. "I'm not very good at remembering things. If you lose contact again, I might get really angry."

Wang Taika laughed heartily: "Whether it's a series or parallel connection, we'll definitely keep in touch!" (End of Chapter)