Reboot the heyday

Actually, the relationship between Wang Taika and Han Chae-young is quite subtle.

Han Chae-young tilted her head and looked at Wang Tai-ka's lowered eyes, but a subtle and indescribable bitterness rose in her heart.

Although the atmosphere between the two is very gentle, like a casual afternoon chat between ordinary friends or family, it feels somewhat powerless when considering their relationship.

A strange, bittersweet feeling—that's probably what it feels like.

The last time they met was in Wang Taika's bedroom. The curtains weren't fully drawn, and the night view streamed in through the gaps, reflecting off his sweaty back.

Han Chae-young remembered biting his shoulder and muttering strange things, while he just chuckled and became even more aggressive.

Even after it was over, Wang Taika didn't get up immediately; his arm was still around her, his heavy breathing resting on the crook of her neck. For a fleeting moment, Han Chae-young had the illusion that their relationship might be more than just one based on guilt, reality, and a little bit of habit.

They've been together for quite a while now, said a lot of awful things, and done a lot of awful things. Shouldn't things be different now?
But once separated, time acts like an invisible eraser, gradually wiping away the intimacy born from physical intimacy.

It was as if there was a reset button at any time. Although they hadn't seen each other for a while, the two of them were now facing each other again, with a large coffee table between them. Wang Taika had become polite and respectful again, while she could only passively revert to being Han Chae-young, who needed to carefully consider her tone and manners.

Wang Taika was very polite, completely different from the beastly behavior he displayed in bed. But the more different he was, the more hypocritical he seemed. He barely even looked at her now, focusing on drinking his soup, his gaze only politely falling on her face when they chatted.

It seemed that all those countless entanglements, body heat, and breaths in the night were just her own illusions.

It seems that only through constant closeness can that intimate state be maintained. Just last time we were so close, but now we're acting all serious and distant again.

Ultimately, it's because Wang Taika's feelings for Han Chae-young were rather shallow, which is why they became quite estranged after not seeing each other for a while.

Han Chae-young was well aware of all this. She used to think it was fine this way, but now she felt a little uncomfortable.

Han Chae-young tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her fingertips touching her slightly warm earlobe. She maintained her gentle smile as she handed over a tissue.

"Drink slowly, be careful of the heat."

"Okay, thank you." Wang Taika took the tissue and wiped his mouth, then glanced at his phone as if remembering something: "Another artist is coming over later to discuss some things. I probably won't be able to stay with you for long."

"Work is more important." Han Chae-young nodded, but a slight thought flickered in her mind. She glanced discreetly at the closed office door, as if she could foresee the awkward situation that might arise later.

But Han Chae-young did not ask any further questions.

What right did she have to ask? There was never any promise of "exclusivity" between them. In the beginning, it was more like a tacit alliance.

Han Chae-young needs a stable and strong protection, and a life free from the worries of economic fluctuations. Is Wang Tai-ka trying to resolve his guilt, or is he simply lustful?

Wang Taika's relationships are too intense and heavy, consuming most of his emotional capacity, which is why the emotions he can give to her are always so shallow.

If the connection is lost for a period of time, it needs to be re-warmed up, and sometimes even requires physical contact to re-confirm the connection. Once separated, the temperature cools down rapidly.

Han Chae-young is not an ungrateful person. This arrangement is practically perfect in reality. She enjoys a free, respected, and comfortable life, and a man who isn't unpleasant, and even quite attractive at times. Many marriages don't offer this kind of benefit. Wasn't her decision to retire from the entertainment industry and get married precisely for this kind of life? Han Chae-young doesn't shy away from her pursuit of material comforts. On the contrary, an excessive pursuit of the spiritual world is what erodes one's ability to perceive happiness.

But people are still made of flesh and blood. After spending so much time together, getting used to Wang Taika's presence, seeing his rare, relaxed side without any sharp edges, and feeling his unquestionable possessiveness and warmth in intimate moments, it's inevitable to feel a slight sting when faced with this clear and polite awkwardness now.

The immense sense of powerlessness that arises when facing someone whose emotional responses are extremely unstable and difficult to control.

"What have you been busy with lately?" Han Chae-young casually started a conversation, trying to bring her thoughts back from a bit of a daze.

At the same time, Wang Taika asked, "What have you been busy with lately?"

The two exchanged a smile, not because they were on the same wavelength, but because they both felt the atmosphere had cooled down.

"What could I possibly be busy with? I took on two endorsements and shot a few photoshoots, all easy jobs." Han Caiying said calmly, clearly lacking any ambition in her career: "I occasionally go shopping with friends and visit exhibitions. I live a pretty leisurely life."

Wang Taika thinks this is great: "It's wonderful. When I'm thinking about work, my career is going smoothly, and I'm producing influential works. Now I'm not interested in working, so I can do things I like without any worries."

Han Chae-young paused, her fingers unconsciously tracing the texture of the sofa armrest. Her voice remained soft, but seemed to carry a different meaning: "Sometimes, after a long period of leisure, I feel that the house is a bit too quiet. Especially at night, looking at the lights outside the window, I feel... well, the liveliness belongs to others."

This was said subtly, even with a hint of self-deprecating humor.

Wang Taika wasn't stupid; of course he understood the metaphor. However, a complex emotion welled up inside him, because he still felt a sense of guilt towards Han Chae-young.

The misunderstanding at the beginning inadvertently dragged Han Chae-young into her life. At first, she was fearful, aggrieved, and even resigned to her fate as if she were sacrificing herself. But as they spent more time together, she discovered that he was not the devil she had imagined. On the contrary, he was quite reliable in some ways, and she gradually calmed down.

Han Chae-young is intelligent, sensible, and never competes for anything; she's like a quiet orchid. She even manages to occupy a unique and somewhat aloof position within Wang Taika's complex and chaotic network of relationships.

At least everyone who knows Han Chae-young wouldn't want to create any conflict with her. This alone proves how unique her position is.

Wang Taika couldn't completely ignore what had happened in the past, so he always felt that Han Chae-young had definitely compromised and that deep down she must hate him. Therefore, Wang Taika respected her, took care of her, and provided her with material security and a semblance of respectability, but also subconsciously maintained a distance.

Don't say Wang Taika is being pretentious. Put yourself in his shoes. Without God's perspective, would you believe that such a beautiful wife has almost ruined her family?

Wang Taika could understand the hints, but he doubted whether they were truly sincere.

Han Chae-young turned her head to look at him, her still beautiful eyes filled with a gentle smile, but also with a hint of barely perceptible helplessness: "There were many things I wanted to learn before, and now I have the opportunity to try them all. I've learned flower arranging, and I've traveled to many places. Sometimes, the excitement is endless, and maybe I've gotten tired of seeing it all. Now I'm starting to crave a little bit of real warmth."

Wang Taika said, "That makes sense. Everyone wants to feel the real temperature. Yes, that's good."

Han Chae-young had no choice but to come closer, wrap her arms around Wang Taika's neck to prevent him from escaping, and breathe softly into his ear.

"I want to have a child with you." (End of Chapter)