93: Chapter 93 The First Night at the Villa

At 8:00 AM, two black vans were parked in front of the Sky Entertainment building.

Park Hyomin and Kim Taeyeon stood by the cars, each dragging a suitcase with various bags piled nearby, containing clothing prepared for Song Tianhao as well as their own belongings.

Park Hyomin wore a white hoodie with jeans, her hair tied in a high ponytail, looking fresh and sharp.

Kim Taeyeon wore a grey knit sweater and casual pants, with black-rimmed glasses, giving her a gentler aura.

But the atmosphere between the two was anything but gentle.

"I saw the passenger seat first." Park Hyomin placed her hand on the car door.

"But Oppa said assistants should sit in the car behind us." Kim Taeyeon pointed to the car behind them.

"That's for the staff!"

"We are the staff, Hyomin xi."

"You—!"

"What are you arguing about?"

Song Tianhao's voice came from behind.

He was wearing a dark grey shirt today with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, carrying only a simple travel bag, looking more like he was going on an outing rather than filming a week-long variety show.

"Oppa!" Park Hyomin immediately let go of the door and stood up straight.

"Oppa." Kim Taeyeon greeted him obediently as well.

Song Tianhao looked at them, then at the two cars, and said to the driver, "Let them ride in my car, either the passenger seat or the back seat is fine. The car behind is for the production crew."

"Yes, President."

Park Hyomin shot a triumphant glance at Kim Taeyeon, then quickly pulled open the passenger door and hopped in.

Kim Taeyeon didn't argue with her, silently putting her luggage into the trunk before getting into the back seat.

The car started and drove towards the suburbs of Seoul.

On the way, Park Hyomin kept trying to start a conversation.

"Oppa, what is the Villa like? Is it big?"

"I heard the production team prepared thirty cameras, so what will we do when we shower?"

"Have Kim Tae-hee sunbaenim and Son Ye-jin sunbaenim arrived yet? How should we address them?"

Song Tianhao leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes to rest, only occasionally responding with a "Hmm."

Kim Taeyeon sat next to him, looking quietly out the window, her fingers tapping lightly on her knees—a small nervous habit of hers.

The car drove for about forty minutes before entering a high-end Villa complex in Seongbuk District.

It was far from the city center, with a quiet environment, and individual Villas hidden among the trees, offering great privacy.

Finally, the car stopped in front of a white three-story Villa.

Several cars were already parked in front of the Villa, including the production team's equipment vehicles and two that looked like private cars.

Cameras were set up in the yard, and staff were making final adjustments.

Song Tianhao got out of the car, and Park Hyomin and Kim Taeyeon hurriedly followed, scrambling to grab their luggage.

"President Song, welcome, welcome!"

A middle-aged man wearing a baseball cap walked over quickly. He was the show's PD, surnamed Lee, in his forties, with eyes that crinkled into slits when he smiled.

"PD Lee, thank you for your hard work." Song Tianhao shook his hand.

"It's no trouble at all, it's our honor to have you three here." PD Lee said, looking at the two girls behind Song Tianhao, "Are these two guests as well?"

"My assistants, Park Hyomin and Kim Taeyeon." Song Tianhao introduced them briefly, "They are responsible for taking care of our daily needs this week."

Park Hyomin and Kim Taeyeon quickly bowed to greet him.

PD Lee's eyes lit up: "Members of T-ara and Girls Generation? Oh my, welcome, welcome! However..." He lowered his voice, "President Song, although our show records daily life, there is a basic script framework. As for assistants, there might not be too many shots..."

"That's fine." Song Tianhao said, "They are just here to work."

"That's good, that's good." PD Lee rubbed his hands together, "Shall we go inside? Kim Tae-hee xi and Son Ye-jin xi have already arrived and are familiarizing themselves with the environment."

The group walked into the Villa.

The Villa's interior was decorated warmly with a natural wood style and excellent natural lighting.

The first floor had an open-concept living room, dining room, and kitchen; the second floor had bedrooms and a study; the third floor had a terrace and a gym.

The red blinking lights of cameras could be seen everywhere—hidden cameras were attached to corners, ceilings, and even the refrigerator.

There were already people in the kitchen.

Kim Tae-hee was wearing light beige loungewear and an apron, chopping vegetables at the counter.

Her knife skills were very skillful, the carrot strips cut thinly and evenly—not at all like the "delicate chaebol heiress who never lifts a finger" stereotype.

Son Ye-jin was next to her, wearing a light blue shirt and white trousers, washing vegetables.

With the sound of rushing water, her profile looked focused, a few stray hairs falling by her ears, making her look gentle and domestic.

Hearing the commotion, both turned their heads simultaneously.

"You're here?" Kim Tae-hee spoke first, her knife not stopping.

"President Song, Hyomin xi, Taeyeon xi, welcome." Son Ye-jin turned off the faucet, wiped her hands, and smiled.

Park Hyomin and Kim Taeyeon quickly bowed: "Hello, sunbaenims!"

"No need to be so formal." Kim Tae-hee put down her knife and untied her apron, "We're basically roommates this week, just call us Unnie."

Son Ye-jin also nodded: "That's right, relax. Although there are many cameras, they are just filming our daily lives, so being too stiff isn't good."

Although she said that, Park Hyomin and Kim Taeyeon were still a bit nervous.

The two women in front of them were top actresses in South Korea; their national popularity and status were not something idols who had debuted not long ago could compare to.

Song Tianhao set the luggage aside and walked to the kitchen edge: "Do you need help?"

"No, it'll be done soon." Kim Tae-hee said, "We'll just have a simple lunch today. The production team has arranged a task for tonight—we have to cook dinner together."

Son Ye-jin added: "The PD said dinner is the first official filming segment, meant to showcase our cooking skills and teamwork."

"Then what can I do?" Song Tianhao asked.

"You can be responsible for washing the dishes." Kim Tae-hee said naturally, "Ye-jin and I will cook, you wash the dishes, fair right?"

Son Ye-jin also smiled: "Very fair."

Song Tianhao nodded: "Alright."

Park Hyomin muttered quietly on the side: "Oppa wouldn't know how to wash dishes..."

Kim Taeyeon tugged at her sleeve, signaling her not to speak.

But Kim Tae-hee heard it, turned to look, and raised an eyebrow: "What did Hyomin xi say?"

Park Hyomin froze, quickly waving her hands: "No, nothing! I was saying... Oppa will surely wash the dishes very clean!"

Kim Tae-hee laughed, a playful glint in her smile: "Is that so? Then I'll have to supervise carefully later."

Lunch was indeed simple; Kim Tae-hee made bibimbap, and Son Ye-jin made soybean paste stew.

The four sat at the dining table. Park Hyomin and Kim Taeyeon originally wanted to stand, but were pressed into their seats by Song Tianhao's hands on their shoulders.

"This week, you two are also considered family members." Song Tianhao said, "Sit and eat."

Park Hyomin and Kim Taeyeon exchanged a glance, then carefully picked up their chopsticks.

The atmosphere at the dining table was quite harmonious.

Kim Tae-hee was good at chatting, moving from recent movies to food, and then from food to sports.

Son Ye-jin spoke less, but every time she opened her mouth, she could join the conversation perfectly.

Song Tianhao didn't speak much, but when asked, his answers were always appropriate.

Park Hyomin and Kim Taeyeon spent most of their time with their heads down eating, only speaking occasionally when asked.

After the meal, Song Tianhao got up to clear the dishes, really intending to wash them.

"Oppa, let me do it!" Park Hyomin stood up immediately.

"I'll help too." Kim Taeyeon also stood up.

Song Tianhao glanced at them: "Sit down. An assistant's job does not include this."

"But—"

"No buts."

Park Hyomin pouted and sat back down reluctantly.

Kim Taeyeon also sat down, but her eyes kept fixed on the kitchen direction.

Kim Tae-hee and Son Ye-jin exchanged a glance; neither spoke, but there was a tacit understanding in their eyes.

In the afternoon, the production team gave some free time for the guests to familiarize themselves with the environment and unpack their luggage.

Song Tianhao's room was on the second floor; it was a guest room—not big, but clean and tidy, with a private bathroom.

Park Hyomin and Kim Taeyeon's room was next to his, a double room with two single beds.

While unpacking, Park Hyomin whispered to Kim Taeyeon while hanging clothes in the closet: "Did you see? The way Kim Tae-hee sunbaenim looks at Oppa."

Kim Taeyeon's hands paused while folding clothes: "What kind of look?"

"Just that... very interested look." Park Hyomin lowered her voice, "And Son Ye-jin sunbaenim, although she doesn't talk much, she has been observing Oppa."

Kim Taeyeon pushed up her glasses: "It's normal for sunbaenims to be curious about Oppa, right? Oppa is young, a Best Actor, and a company president."

"It's not just curiosity." Park Hyomin shook her head, her tone a bit urgent, "I'm a woman, I can feel it. They have... that kind of intention towards Oppa."

Kim Taeyeon was silent for a few seconds, then continued folding clothes: "So what? Oppa isn't just ours."

These words were spoken very softly, but Park Hyomin could hear the emotion behind them.

She turned to look at Kim Taeyeon; Kim Taeyeon had her head down, her bangs covering her eyes, making her expression unreadable.

"Hey," Park Hyomin walked to her side and nudged her shoulder, "You wouldn't happen to..."

"Wouldn't what?" Kim Taeyeon interrupted her, putting the folded clothes into the closet, "We are just assistants, just do our jobs. Don't overthink anything else."

Park Hyomin looked at her, wanting to say something, but ultimately didn't.

Only, a complex light flashed in Park Hyomin's beautiful eyes.

At 5:00 PM, the production team notified them that the dinner filming segment was about to begin.

In the kitchen, Kim Tae-hee and Son Ye-jin had already changed into clothes more suitable for cooking.

Kim Tae-hee wore a dark blue apron, and Son Ye-jin wore a pink one; the two standing together made for a pleasing sight.

"Tonight's menu is spicy braised chicken, seafood pancake, kimchi stew, and a few side dishes." Kim Tae-hee announced, "I'm in charge of the main dish, Ye-jin is in charge of the soup and pancake, and President Song..." She looked at Song Tianhao, "You are in charge of prepping and washing the dishes afterwards."

Song Tianhao nodded: "Alright."

"Then what about me? What about me?" Park Hyomin raised her hand.

"You two," Kim Tae-hee looked at her and Kim Taeyeon, "are responsible for setting the table, and also... don't cause trouble."

Park Hyomin: "..."

Kim Taeyeon pursed her lips to suppress a smile, tugging at Park Hyomin's sleeve to signal her not to talk back.

Filming officially began.

Three camera angles were set up in the kitchen, and VJs were following them for filming.

Kim Tae-hee tied her apron, took ingredients out of the refrigerator, and moved with agility.

Her technique for handling the chicken was very professional—deboning, slicing, marinating—all done in one smooth motion, not at all like a beginner.

Son Ye-jin was on the other side preparing the ingredients for the seafood pancake: shrimp, squid, and green onions, all chopped neatly.

She was very focused while making the soup, frowning slightly when tasting it, then adding something else.

Song Tianhao was indeed helping out.

When Kim Tae-hee said, "Pass the soy sauce," he passed the soy sauce; when Son Ye-jin said, "Help me get a bowl," he got a bowl.

Most of the time, he leaned against the kitchen counter, watching the two of them bustle about.

The scene looked very harmonious, even a bit heartwarming.

But the incident happened very suddenly.

While setting the tableware, Kim Taeyeon accidentally bumped into the kimchi soup that Son Ye-jin had just finished and left on the side of the stove to cool.

"Bang—!"

The soup bowl fell to the ground and shattered, splashing hot soup everywhere.

Everyone was stunned.

The camera immediately turned to focus on Kim Taeyeon.

Kim Taeyeon's face went pale, and she stood there at a loss, her lips trembling: "I, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to, I..."

Son Ye-jin looked at the mess on the floor and was silent for two seconds.

Then she looked up and smiled at Kim Taeyeon: "It's okay, we'll just remake it."

Her smile was very gentle, and her tone was calm.

But Song Tianhao, standing next to her, clearly saw the coldness that flashed through her eyes.

That coldness in Son Ye-jin's eyes disappeared quickly, so fast it seemed like an illusion. She turned around, took ingredients from the refrigerator, and began to remake the soup.

Kim Tae-hee also walked over and patted Kim Taeyeon on the shoulder: "Are you hurt? Watch out for the shards."

Park Hyomin hurriedly brought a mop and a rag to clean up.

The atmosphere in the kitchen changed subtly in that instant.

Song Tianhao glanced at Son Ye-jin, then at Kim Taeyeon, said nothing, and just squatted down to help pick up the shards.

Dinner was finally ready before seven o'clock.

The spicy braised chicken was fragrant, the seafood pancake was golden and crispy, the kimchi soup was steaming hot, and there were several plates of exquisite side dishes. The five of them sat around the dining table, with cameras filming from various angles.

"Thank you for your hard work." Kim Tae-hee raised her glass, which contained juice. "Cheers to our first collaborative dinner."

"Cheers." The others also raised their glasses.

After clinking glasses, they began to eat.

Kim Tae-hee's spicy braised chicken was indeed well-made, the chicken tender and not dry, with just the right level of spiciness. Son Ye-jin's seafood pancake was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the kimchi soup was rich in flavor. Even the side dishes were seasoned to be quite refreshing.

Park Hyomin ate a few bites and couldn't help but praise: "So delicious! You seniors are amazing!"

Kim Taeyeon nodded as well, but didn't speak, just eating quietly.

Halfway through the meal, Kim Tae-hee suddenly put down her chopsticks and looked at Song Tianhao.

"President Song, there is a question I've always wanted to ask."

Song Tianhao looked up: "Please, go ahead."

"In your company, with so many female artists," Kim Tae-hee rested her chin on one hand, looking at him with a smile, "and they are all young and beautiful, working together every day... have you ever felt your heart flutter?"

Once the question was asked, the dining table went quiet.

Even the staff nearby held their breath.

Park Hyomin and Kim Taeyeon stopped their chopsticks at the same time and looked at Song Tianhao.

Son Ye-jin also put down her soup spoon, looking over with a calm expression.

Song Tianhao picked up his water glass and took a sip, his movements unhurried.

Then he set down the glass, looked at Kim Tae-hee, then at the camera, and spoke slowly.

"I have."

These two words were said very lightly, but they were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake.

Kim Tae-hee raised an eyebrow.

Son Ye-jin's eyes flickered.

All the staff at the scene gasped.

Song Tianhao continued, his tone calm: "When I see them shining on stage, when I see them persevering despite being injured, when I see them moved to tears because of a little help from me, I feel my heart flutter."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Park Hyomin and Kim Taeyeon, who were staring at him intently.

"But that kind of feeling," he said, "is a president's appreciation for an artist, an older brother's care for a younger sister, it is..."

He paused again, then looked at the camera and smiled.

"The love of family for family."

When his words fell, the dining table was silent for a few seconds.

Then Kim Tae-hee clapped.

"Perfect answer." She said with a smile, her eyes curving into crescents. "As expected of President Song, your emotional intelligence is truly high."

Son Ye-jin also chuckled: "How cunning. You dodged the question."

Song Tianhao also smiled: "I'm telling the truth."

"Is that so?" Kim Tae-hee leaned forward, her elbows resting on the table, looking at him. "Then let me ask another question: In your opinion, between me and Ye-jin, who is more like your type?"

This time, even Son Ye-jin was stunned for a moment, clearly not expecting Kim Tae-hee to be so direct.

Everyone's gaze focused on Song Tianhao again.

Song Tianhao looked at Kim Tae-hee for two seconds, then picked up his chopsticks, picked up a piece of spicy braised chicken, put it in his mouth, and chewed slowly.

After swallowing, he picked up a piece of seafood pancake and tasted it.

Then he put down his chopsticks and said very seriously: "The type of woman I like is one who cooks well."

Kim Tae-hee: "..."

Son Ye-jin: "..."

Song Tianhao tasted the kimchi soup again and nodded: "Both are delicious."

He looked at the two of them and blinked: "So maybe... I like both?"

Kim Tae-hee burst out laughing.

Son Ye-jin couldn't help but laugh, shaking her head: "Really..."

Song Tianhao looked at the camera and asked very sincerely: "PD-nim, can this part be broadcast? If not, I can say it again."

In the monitoring room, PD Lee said excitedly into the walkie-talkie: "Broadcast it! It must be broadcast! Don't cut a single word!"

At the dining table, the atmosphere became relaxed again.

But something had already changed.

After dinner, according to the production team's arrangement, there was a "Truth Game" segment. The five of them sat on the living room carpet with an empty wine bottle in the middle; whoever it pointed to had to answer a question.

The first one it pointed to was Kim Taeyeon.

The questioner was Kim Tae-hee: "Taeyeon-xi, since your debut, what has been your most unforgettable moment?"

Kim Taeyeon thought for a moment and said in a low voice: "It was the first time we won first place. Standing on stage, looking at the fans below, listening to their cheers... At that moment, I felt that all the hard work was worth it."

Park Hyomin nodded from the side, clearly resonating with this.

The bottle continued to spin and pointed to Son Ye-jin.

The questioner was Park Hyomin, who was a little nervous but still gathered the courage to ask: "Senior Son Ye-jin, when you won the Blue Dragon Film Award for Best Actress, what was your feeling?"

Son Ye-jin smiled, her tone gentle: "Very excited, but even more grateful. Grateful to the director, grateful to everyone in the crew, and also grateful to the audience who have supported me all along. The award is an affirmation, but also a responsibility."

The answer was very appropriate and very official.

The bottle spun a few more rounds, and some trivial questions were asked.

Then, it pointed to Song Tianhao.

The questioner was Kim Tae-hee again.

She looked at Song Tianhao, her eyes bright under the lights: "President Song, if you had to choose between career and love, which would you choose?"

Song Tianhao looked at her and countered: "What about you, senior?"

"I asked first."

"Then I will answer first." Song Tianhao said, "I choose career."

"Why?"

"Because only with a career can you protect love." Song Tianhao said calmly, "If you don't even have the ability to protect it, love is just a castle in the air."

Kim Tae-hee looked at him for several seconds, then smiled: "That makes sense."

She didn't press further.

The game continued, but the subsequent questions were much milder. They asked about Park Hyomin's dreams, Kim Taeyeon's hobbies, and what books Son Ye-jin had been reading recently.

At ten o'clock, the filming ended.

The staff withdrew, leaving only the fixed cameras still working. The Villa became quiet, and the five of them returned to their rooms to wash up and rest.

After showering, Song Tianhao changed into loungewear and walked to the second-floor balcony to get some air.

The night wind was a bit chilly but very refreshing. The Villa area was very quiet, with only the occasional sound of cars from afar. There weren't many stars in the sky, but the moon was bright.

He stood there for a while and heard footsteps behind him.

Song Tianhao turned around and saw that it was Kim Tae-hee.

She had also changed her clothes into a loose silk shirt and trousers, holding two glasses of wine in her hand. She handed one to him.

"Can't sleep?" she asked, walking to the railing next to him and leaning on it.

"A little." Song Tianhao took the wine glass; it was whiskey, with ice.

Kim Tae-hee took a sip of wine, looking at the night view in the distance, her profile looking very soft in the moonlight.

"The answer just now," she suddenly spoke, not looking at him, "was it sincere?"

Song Tianhao also took a sip of wine: "What do you think, senior?"

Kim Tae-hee turned to look at him, her eyes looking like they were covered in a layer of mist in the moonlight.

"I think..." she said slowly, "you are lying. But you lied beautifully."

Song Tianhao didn't speak.

Kim Tae-hee tapped his wine glass, the glasses colliding with a crisp sound.

"This week is still long, President Song." She said, her voice very light, but every word was very clear. "I'll be waiting to see your sincerity."

After saying that, she tilted her head and finished the wine in her glass, then turned and left.

The balcony became quiet again.

Song Tianhao watched her back disappear behind the door, then continued to look at the night view.

After a while, there were more footsteps.

This time it was Son Ye-jin.

She had also changed into pajamas, a light blue silk nightgown, with a thin jacket over it. She didn't speak, just walked to Song Tianhao's side and stood shoulder to shoulder with him, looking at the night view in the same direction.

There was a fist's distance between the two, and neither spoke.

The moonlight poured down, lengthening their shadows and casting them on the balcony floor.

Inside the Villa, the red light of the fixed camera flickered quietly in the corner, faithfully recording this scene.

In the monitoring room, PD Lee stared at the screen and said excitedly to the screenwriter: "Look at this shot! This composition! This atmosphere! This love triangle! It's amazing! The ratings tomorrow are definitely going to explode!"

The screenwriter was frantically taking notes, muttering: "Kim Tae-hee taking the initiative, Son Ye-jin quietly accompanying, Song Tianhao remaining calm... This is even more exciting than a TV drama!"