Manager Jingmin drove in silence, while Tianzhu sat beside him, seemingly absorbed in his phone. Of course, as the two won weren't exactly talking in low volu, he couldn't help but overhear many things.
"Ugh, ever since my age crossed 30, my mom won't stop nagging about getting married," Hye-rin groaned, leaning against the headrest. "She's setting up blind dates like it's her personal mission. Which celebrity is marrying at 32 these days? It's fine if they are worth dating, but seriously, all of them looked like hyenas that can't wait to jump on if any opportunity arises…"
Xueli chuckled. "Hye-rin, let's be honest here. Isn't it because their looks aren't up to par for you? After all, you had extrely high standards as far as I know you. Just admit that you are all about the looks."
Hye-rin nodded without hesitation, crossing her arms to her chest. "Of course. Looks are as important as personality. If we weren't beautiful—if we weren't in, say, the top five percent of beauty standards—do you think we'd even have survived in this industry? Without my looks, I wouldn't have been even allowed into the agency, much less debut as an idol. Then, why shouldn't I look for good looks too?"
Xueli humd in agreent, then grinned. "Want to introduce soone?"
Hye-rin made a face. "A guy from the sa industry is fine, but definitely not an actor. Those relationships never last. Too many egos, and too many scheduling conflicts. I'm past the age to look for short-term relationships."
"So, what? A stylist? A choreographer?"
"Maybe. But most stylists are won. And the few male ones are usually foreigners." Hye-rin wrinkled her nose. "Soone with Zhonggou's origins is fine, like even half-Han or half-Goryeo would be better, but a complete foreigner from those other continents? No way. I like a guy with a classy face with a good physique, you know, broad shoulders and all, and he should be able to understand the world of an actress and even fit into such a world. Money is not a thing for . I earn well. Of course, the guy's personality should be all gentlemanly and…" While she was speaking of those things, she was looking for a man, she couldn't help but just give a glance at Tianzhu's back, especially his broad shoulders, although only for a mont before she continued to pay attention to the veteran actress.
anwhile, Tianzhu continued to scroll through his phone as if he were checking out articles, his expression unreadable.
When they finally pulled up to Hye-rin's apartnt complex, she unbuckled her seatbelt and turned to Xueli. "Thanks for the ride."
"Anyti."
Hye-rin leaned forward slightly to nod at Manager Jingmin. "Thanks, Jingmin-oppa." Then, hesitating for the briefest mont, she glanced at Tianzhu. "You too, Tianzhu-ssi."
Tianzhu turned his head just enough to offer a polite nod. Nothing more.
Hye-rin lingered for half a second longer before stepping out of the car and disappearing into the building without another word.
As Hye-rin strolled toward the entrance of her apartnt complex, she flashed a bright smile at the security guard, asking him how his health was today before disappearing inside.
Tianzhu, watching the interaction, leaned back in his seat and remarked, "Hye-rin-ssi seems like a nice person."
From the backseat, Xueli's lips curled into a mischievous grin. "Oh? It looks like soone is interested in soone."
Manager Jingmin nearly choked on his own spit, stealing a glance at Tianzhu in surprise. But Tianzhu remained as composed as ever, rely shrugging.
"I just ant that it's rare for soone from this country's top 0.1% to be so polite to security guards," he said, his tone casual. Then, without missing a beat, he added, "unlike Jiejie."
Xueli blinked, taken aback. "W-What? What do you an?"
Tianzhu glanced at her briefly, then back at his phone. "You don't do that."
Xueli's mouth opened and closed before she quickly retorted, "I do! It's just that I'm always busy, and by the ti I get ho, I'm exhausted, so I don't notice them sotis!"
Tianzhu nodded without looking up. "Sure. I believe you."
Xueli squinted at him. "I do!"
Tianzhu, still focused on his screen, responded flatly, "Yes, yes. I believe you."
A soft flush crept up Xueli's neck. This little brat—
Before he could react, she smacked the back of his head with a firm slap. "Don't tease your elder sister, you punk!"
"Ow. "Tianzhu rubbed the sore spot, turning to face her. Then, with a straight face, he mused, "Jiejie's tomboyish personality hasn't changed a bit. Even after reaching middle age."
Xueli's jaw dropped. "Excuse ?" She looked like she was surprised by his comnt, mildly offended.
Tianzhu, unfazed, tilted his head. "Is it perinopause or sothing?"
A deep blush of embarrassnt spread across Xueli's face. "I am still in my pri, you little—!"
Tianzhu scoffed lightly, hitting back at her right away. "Yeah, right. You're at the doorstep of 50. You are a middle-aged woman, now."
Xueli let out a sharp hiss, raising her hand again threateningly. "Say that again, and I swear—"
Tianzhu, for once, wisely chose silence. But deep inside, he felt warmth spread through his chest.
Nothing had changed between them. Not ti, not distance, not even the weight of adulthood.
And sohow, that made him feel at ho.
*
anwhile, back at Tianzhu's residence;
Vera stretched lazily, her body sprawled across the couch in a way that most would consider uncomfortable, but she found it oddly relaxing.
Her feet were hanging off one side of the sofa, her back against the armrest, and her head tilted upside down, her ssy hair flowing down to the floor.
The room was softly lit, with the television providing a background soundtrack as a music show played. However, Vera wasn't really paying attention to it. Instead, her eyes were fixed on the screen of her tablet, her fingers scrolling lazily through social dia and news updates, occasionally stopping to like a post or leave a quick comnt.
She'd been like this for a while, lounging around and letting the hours pass without much care. If one should describe it simply, she's bored.
Her thoughts were interrupted when the robotic assistant glided silently into the room.
"Young Miss, today's lunch nu includes salmon with quinoa salad, miso soup, and a side of grilled seasoned vegetables, as instructed by Master Qin. Would you like to make any changes or additions?"
Vera didn't imdiately respond. She lazily propped her head up with her hand and glanced at the assistant. The question was a routine one. She hears it every ti. And if she makes any changes, the updated list will go to her dad's email, and she will get a call from him, followed by ten minutes of nagging about how healthy food is good for her body, etc.
"No, thanks," Vera said with a dismissive wave. "Cancel lunch today. I'm heading out."
The robotic assistant paused for a mont, processing her response. Its sensor lights flickered briefly as it acknowledged the change. "Understood, Young Miss. Would you require any assistance with your departure or any other arrangents?"
Vera shook her head, her eyes already drifting back to the tablet in her hands. "No, I'm fine. I've got everything I need."
The assistant tilted its head slightly, perhaps a sign of compliance or maybe just an idle movent. "Reminder: Please ensure you carry your watch with you at all tis for safety and security, Young Miss."
Vera sighed, her voice a bit more playful now. "I know, I know. I won't forget. Or else, my old man will get crazily worried."
The robotic assistant seed satisfied with her response, giving a soft nod as it prepared to exit the room. "Very well, Young Miss. Have a pleasant day."
As the assistant glided out of the room, Vera finally allowed herself to relax again, letting out a contented sigh. She hadn't planned to do much today, but she wasn't in the mood to be cooped up in the house either.
Maybe a walk outside for fresh air?
Nope. It's noon out there. Even if it is December, the sun will still be on the top of her head.
"Hmm… Let's beco a tourist."
Vera pushed herself up from the couch, stretching out her limbs before grabbing her jacket and slipping on her shoes. She didn't need the robotic assistant's reminders, but she grabbed her watch anyway.
Throwing on a hoodie and slinging a backpack over her shoulder, Vera grabbed her phone and headed downstairs.
Vera stepped out of the cab and into the bustling streets of the Gongshu District.
The Dadou Lu Food Street was alive with energy, especially at lunchti, as tourists and locals alike sward the sidewalks. Vera couldn't help but smile as she watched teens from nearby schools gather around, taking in the lively atmosphere.
She wandered the busy streets, her eyes glancing at colorful shop windows showcasing trendy fashion, skincare, and accessories.
But as much as she enjoyed window shopping, sothing else caught her attention—the mouthwatering slls coming from the nearby street stalls, the familiar sll of Goryeo culture foods.
"Ah, tteokbokki… my favorite." Vera thought, her stomach rumbling a little. With a quick glance, she made her decision and walked up to a stall where the steam from the bubbling sauce indicated its spice levels.
"Um…"
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