Chapter 292: Ham Eun-jung’s “edging” For Sweet Eun-jung
After Lin Xiuyuan and Ham Eun-jung bickered for a while, the atmosphere in the apartment became a bit strange and amusing.
Lin Xiuyuan tried his best to play the ostrich, wishing he could shrink himself into his phone screen.
Ham Eun-jung stared intently at him with a gaze mixed with frustration, scrutiny, and a hint of unwillingness.
Meanwhile, Sweet Eun-jung, the “culprit,” watched the two of them with leisurely composure, a playful smile on her lips, as if enjoying a drama closely related to herself.
A moment later, Ham Eun-jung seemed to realize that glaring at Lin Xiuyuan wouldn’t yield any results. Annoyed, she shot him a look and turned her gaze back to Sweet Eun-jung.
Or rather, her gaze focused on her injured leg, and she tried to make her tone sound purely concerned, “So, with your condition, did the doctor say roughly when you’ll be able to recover completely?”
Sweet Eun-jung, upon being asked, casually replied, “I don’t know. Normally, it takes a hundred days to heal tendons and bones, but now…”
Shifting her tone, her gaze once again became ambiguous, and she lightly swept her eyes towards Lin Xiuyuan, who was trying hard to minimize his presence beside them, drawing out her words meaningfully, “It seems I don’t have to wait that long now~”
“Ahem…”
Startled by her gaze and tone, Lin Xiuyuan’s throat tightened, and he almost choked on the juice he had just taken a sip of. He quickly grabbed the beverage can and took another large gulp.
The cold, sweet and sour liquid slid down his throat, but inexplicably, it flashed back to his mind the previous afternoon, to some even more “sweet and sour” amorous scenes.
The lips from that time… the taste seemed to be about the same as now.
Ham Eun-jung, sitting right between the two, watched the silent, almost tangible tension flowing between them. Angrily, she bit her lower lip and couldn’t help but retort sarcastically.
“Hey~ are you two done? Do you want me to give you some space right now? Your gazes are practically sticking together, can’t you tell? Am I just air to you?!”
“Cough cough cough!” This time, Lin Xiuyuan was genuinely choked and coughed violently, waving his hands quickly.
At the same time, he swiftly withdrew all his exposed emotions and put on a “I am very serious” face again.
Sweet Eun-jung, on the other hand, smiled like a cat that had stolen cream. She also waved her hands, her tone carrying a sense of “having the situation under control” with composure, “No rush for that. Anyway, Xiuyuan should be quite free these days, right?”
“Hmm? Why do you say that?” Ham Eun-jung asked subconsciously, her attention slightly diverted.
Then she only heard Sweet Eun-jung analyze like she was listing treasures, “Look, Soo Jung and Yoona are either busy filming or at film festivals and promotions. Taeyeon seems to be actively collecting songs, possibly preparing for a comeback, and I heard she has new program recordings too, her schedule is packed. So they don’t have much time to ‘bother’ Xiuyuan.”
Although Ham Eun-jung didn’t know much about the schedules of these people in 2025, after listening, she thought for a moment and continued to press, “What about Ji-yeon and the others? They should have some free time, right?”
Ji-yeon here, due to Xiuyuan fighting with their maknae from 2013, is basically known among the members.
“They’re even busier. The concert is approaching, and the rehearsal intensity is so high, they probably collapse into sleep the moment they get back to the dorm. How could they have the energy for anything else?”
Hearing this, Ham Eun-jung felt a mix of emotions.
She almost blurted out her complaint: So your leg injury is really “timely”~ It happened right in this lull, to “monopolize” him, is that it!!
However, Ham Eun-jung ultimately swallowed her words, only scrutinizing Sweet Eun-jung with an extremely complex gaze of disbelief and disdain.
She truly didn’t expect that her future self would have such a… “green tea” side.
This dejected thought flashed by, and Ham Eun-jung decided not to dwell on the topic that was upsetting her.
Turning her head back to Lin Xiuyuan, who had finally recovered his breath, she asked about something that piqued her curiosity, “By the way, Xiuyuan, what’s the situation with Jessica right now? You haven’t told us in detail.”
Similar to Lin Xiaolu before, the people from 2013 only knew about the Jessica incident from Lin Xiuyuan’s vague “handled it” in the group chat; they were completely unaware of the specifics.
In response to Ham Eun-jung’s question, Lin Xiuyuan’s answer was largely the same as what he told Lin Xiaolu, stating with a calm tone.
“It’s temporarily stabilized. We’ll deal with the remaining issues later. We can’t really lock her up or anything, that’s not realistic. If we ruin her career, she’ll definitely drag us down with her.”
At this moment, Sweet Eun-jung also joined the conversation, seemingly very concerned. She directly asked, “Xiuyuan, what are your thoughts on Jessica? You must have a plan.”
Lin Xiuyuan rubbed his temples, a look of genuine exhaustion and confusion on his face, “I don’t know. We’ll take it one step at a time. I really didn’t think too much about it at the time. In my opinion, plans can never keep up with changes.”
This “let it rot” answer caused Ham Eun-jung and Sweet Eun-jung to exchange glances.
They both saw a hint of amusement in each other’s eyes, and… a trace of imperceptible envy.
Taking it one step at a time.
For them, as idols who needed to carefully consider every step, weigh the pros and cons, and even look three steps ahead before taking one, this was simply a luxurious and bold way of life.
Especially after experiencing that almost devastating online anti-fan wave, both of them deeply understood that every word and action they took had to be repeatedly considered.
The slightest mistake could lead to eternal damnation, with no chance for regret.
Afterward, Ham Eun-jung steered the conversation towards the upcoming concert in Seoul.
Her tone carried obvious worry, “I heard the online atmosphere there isn’t very good. Are you guys really okay going there this time?”
Sweet Eun-jung’s expression was calm upon hearing this, even with a hint of knowing detachment.
“Frankly, this performance is just a commercial ‘gig’. The businesses there are paying enough, and they also want to use this opportunity to attract our fans for tourism and spending. So, everyone doesn’t need to worry too much. Ji-yeon, Hyo Min, Goo Ri, and I have all discussed it. Besides the necessary performances and rehearsals for a few days there, we basically won’t leave the hotel and will try to minimize unnecessary outings. As soon as the performance ends, we’ll head straight back, without any further delay.”
Sweet Eun-jung’s tone was calm and pragmatic as she said this, clearly having made thorough plans and psychological preparations, which somewhat reassured Ham Eun-jung.
However, seeing Sweet Eun-jung looking so composed, even managing to “steal some leisure time” to flirt with Lin Xiuyuan, that awkward feeling in Ham Eun-jung’s heart subtly resurfaced.
Fortunately, Lin Xiuyuan’s phone rang at this moment, breaking the slightly stagnant atmosphere in the living room.
He glanced at the caller ID, it was Jessica.
As if grabbing a life raft, he immediately stood up and said to the two Eun-jungs on the sofa, “It’s Jessica calling. You two chat, I’ll go in and talk to her for a bit.”
Without waiting for a reply, he quickly walked into the adjacent bedroom with his phone, closing the door behind him.
In the living room, only Ham Eun-jung and Sweet Eun-jung were left.
They looked at each other, and the air became awkward again.
This time, before Ham Eun-jung could speak, Sweet Eun-jung broke the silence first, her tone carrying the understanding and reassurance of someone who had been through it.
“I know what you’re thinking, but I don’t think you need to overthink it. You don’t need to have any psychological burden about my situation. I was already quite curious about Xiuyuan’s, and I was quite envious of Ji-yeon and the others’ state. So, this leg injury is just an opportunity, or rather, a trigger. Even without this injury, this day would have come sooner or later.”
As she said this, she looked earnestly at her younger self, “But you are different. You’re only in your early twenties, at the peak of your career and appearance, full of energy. You don’t have to be ‘impatient’ like us. Just take your time, or find a romance.”
“Nonsense!” As soon as Sweet Eun-jung finished speaking, Ham Eun-jung couldn’t help but softly scoff, then directly retorted, “No one is a fool. We all understand that from the moment we knew about this door, we’ve basically been a community of shared future with Xiuyuan. So what normal romance can we even talk about?”
She then looked at the room door Lin Xiuyuan had just closed, frowning slightly.
“After all, who can guarantee that while dating, they won’t get carried away and reveal the secret of the Time-Space Door? After I found out about the situation, I was constantly worried about this problem. Later, after I learned about Xiuyuan’s special ‘constitution,’ I finally relaxed. At least his ‘rejuvenating’ effect, which is almost irresistible to women, feels even crazier and more indispensable than the Time-Space Door itself.”
Sweet Eun-jung also smiled at this, even mockingly lowering her voice and replying with a hint of fatalism.
“Every cause has its effect. Without the influence and modification of the time-space factors from the Time-Space Door, Xiuyuan’s body might not be able to produce this miraculous effect. The two are complementary.”
As she said this, she suddenly thought of something and asked with a hint of gossip, “By the way, you just said that Yoona from 2013 has already ‘made a move’?”
The now calm Ham Eun-jung nodded, her tone somewhat complex, “Yes, and I feel like from the beginning, Yoona’s gaze towards Xiuyuan was not quite right. I guess the older Yoona from 2025 is advising her behind the scenes.”
Sweet Eun-jung’s eyes curved into crescent moons when she heard this, “Then, shall I give you some advice too? Teach you some ‘experience’…”
“No thanks~” Ham Eun-jung immediately cut off what sounded like suggestive words, a flicker of awkwardness crossing her face, “I don’t have time to think about these things right now. Starting next week, I’ll be flying to Japan to join the older sisters and then heading directly to China for a tour. I’ll probably be busy until the end of the year without a moment’s rest.”
Hearing Ham Eun-jung’s schedule, Sweet Eun-jung expressed understanding but also gave a very practical suggestion, “Then you can find a suitable city in China and rent or buy a place there, a permanent one. This way, Xiuyuan can set an ‘anchor point’ there, and it will be much more convenient for you and Ji-yeon to travel back and forth, without always relying on Seoul.”
Ham Eun-jung pondered for a moment, “I’ve thought about that, but we’ll see how things go when we get there before deciding on the specifics.”
While the two of them were discussing the future and anchor points in the living room, they were unaware that Lin Xiuyuan, who had just entered the bedroom, was also discussing almost the same topic with Jessica over the phone.
In the bedroom, Lin Xiuyuan, who had entered earlier, casually closed the door and paced around the room idly. He also answered the phone, saying in a relaxed tone, “Hello~ Jessica.”
“Mhm~ Lin Xiuyuan.” Jessica’s clear and unique voice came from the earpiece, with a hint of imperceptible anticipation, “I sent you photos and information for a few apartments in Magic City last night, didn’t you look at them? Which one do you think is better?”
Knowing this, Lin Xiuyuan explained, “I’m looking. I was busy with something last night and didn’t get around to it. I went back to my hometown this morning and just returned to the apartment. I’m looking at them now.”
As he spoke, he held the phone between his shoulder and hand, freeing his hand to pick up the photos and albums of Sweet Eun-jung on the wall. He continued, “But I think these few are pretty good. Actually, you don’t need to go for luxury, the key is that privacy and security must be good, other things don’t matter.”
Facing Lin Xiuyuan’s somewhat perfunctory but clear core statement, Jessica seemed to pout on the other end of the phone but still said, “Then I’ll decide for myself. I’ve picked one I think is quite good and settled it. But when are you coming over?”
Lin Xiuyuan thought about the timing, “Sure, I’ll come over after you’ve got everything sorted out on your end.”
However, Jessica’s efficiency was clearly high, and her tone carried a hint of urgency, “The current rental process is very fast. I can sign the contract and get the keys this afternoon, and after a quick cleaning by an aunt, it’ll be done.”
Hearing the somewhat impatient tone on the other end, Lin Xiuyuan keenly caught something and couldn’t help but smirk, teasingly remarking.
“No way, Ms. Jessica, we’ve only been apart for a few days? You miss me that much already?”
If it were any other time, Jessica would probably have retorted stubbornly.
But at this moment, she was silent for a moment on the other end of the phone. Then, with a frankness bordering on directness, she softly but clearly admitted, “Yes, I’ve indeed tasted the sweetness and now I finally understand why men and women alike prefer the young.”
This sudden direct hit caught Lin Xiuyuan off guard. He stood there holding his phone, stunned for a long time, before coming back to his senses with a wry smile.
Then he rubbed his nose, as if he could feel the faint heat from Jessica’s forced composure coming through the phone.
“Alright…” he finally sighed in compromise, calculating the time in his mind, “I still have some things to take care of here, I can’t get there until tomorrow at the earliest.”
“Then tomorrow,” Jessica immediately confirmed, her tone with unquestionable decisiveness, “I’ll book your flight.”
After the call ended, Lin Xiuyuan put down his phone and looked out at the bright sky with a helpless smile.
The “newly acquired” leg injury here was waiting for him, and the “old love” was already urging him to get to work, not to mention the “original wife” from 2013.
As expected, life shuttling between different times and timelines was truly never idle.
After ending the call with Jessica, Lin Xiuyuan rubbed his slightly throbbing temples and pushed open the bedroom door to walk out.
In the living room, the previous subtle atmosphere had dissipated, replaced by a home-like peace.
Ham Eun-jung and Sweet Eun-jung were sitting side-by-side on the sofa, holding the remote control, browsing through the TV program guide, seemingly selecting a movie to watch.
“Eun-jung, are you planning to go back later?” Lin Xiuyuan asked Ham Eun-jung, confirming.
Ham Eun-jung didn’t look back, her gaze still fixed on the screen, and naturally replied, “No rush. I’m off today anyway, and I can slack off for the next few days and relax.”
At this moment, Sweet Eun-jung also turned her head, a gentle smile on her face, and invited Lin Xiuyuan, “Xiuyuan, why don’t you stay here tonight and have dinner with us?”
Lin Xiuyuan shrugged indifferently, “No problem. I’ll just order takeout alone if I go back.”
He was also happy to have company here, especially these two pleasing-to-the-eye Eun-jungs.
Finally, Ham Eun-jung settled on a movie titled 《The Witch》.
The film’s tense and stimulating rhythm and the protagonist’s cool fight scenes quickly captivated her. She watched intently, unable to take her eyes off the screen, and couldn’t help but exclaim, “This movie is interesting, the action choreography has a lot of impact.”
Sweet Eun-jung turned her head to her and smiled, “You like it? I actually know who produced and distributed this movie. Do you want me to ask about the casting process and standards back then? If you and Yoona get a chance to try out, it would really be a stroke of luck.”
This suggestion made Ham Eun-jung’s eyes light up; she was clearly tempted.
Although her idol career was busy, she always harbored ambitions and expectations for an acting career.
“Really? Then please ask for me,” she said, her tone showing a rare dependence and anticipation towards Sweet Eun-jung.
This also made Sweet Eun-jung smile happily.
And as a movie quietly ended in the dimly lit living room with focused gazes, the end credits began to roll.
Lin Xiuyuan also stretched, stood up from the sofa, “Alright, the movie is over. It’s time to solve the problem of sustenance. What are we having for dinner? I saw the refrigerator doesn’t have much left.”
“It’s not convenient to go out recently, so I haven’t replenished it much,” was Sweet Eun-jung’s reply.
“It’s okay, I’ll go down to the supermarket and buy some vegetables. It’s not a big problem,” Lin Xiuyuan said, preparing to leave.
“Wait a moment.”
But Ham Eun-jung suddenly called out to him and stood up as well, her expression serious as she said, “I’ll cook tonight. One of you is injured, and the other’s cooking skills aren’t great, so just wait to eat what’s prepared.”
She deliberately emphasized the word “skills,” glancing playfully at Lin Xiuyuan.
Lin Xiuyuan, upon being named, didn’t overthink it and immediately raised his hands in surrender and support, “I don’t mind. If someone is volunteering to take over the kitchen, how can I object? Sitting and waiting to eat is one of life’s great pleasures.”
Then he grinned and put his phone back in his pocket, “Chef, just give me any ingredients you need!”
Ham Eun-jung didn’t hesitate and quickly listed a few dishes she wanted to make and the ingredients needed.
After writing them down, Lin Xiuyuan went straight to the supermarket downstairs.
Not long after, he returned with two large bags full of fresh ingredients. After placing them on the kitchen island, his task was complete.
The rest was entirely left to the two Eun-jungs inside.
Although Sweet Eun-jung’s foot injury restricted her movement, she insisted on sitting on the high stool by the island, helping to pick vegetables and pass plates, while chatting casually with Ham Eun-jung, who was busy at the stove.
From recent interesting stories to past memories, laughter occasionally echoed in the kitchen.
The once somewhat cold apartment, filled with the hum of the range hood, the clatter of spatulas, and the collaboration and conversation of two similar figures, was instantly filled with a warm, homey atmosphere.
Lin Xiuyuan, enjoying his leisure, sank back onto the sofa in the living room and started playing on his phone.
He occasionally chatted casually with Yoo Jimin and Bae Joo Hyun, but most of his attention was focused on the detailed photos and information of the apartment that Jessica had sent.
Because after ending their previous call, Jessica had finally chosen a two-bedroom unit in Platinum Bay.
Although it didn’t sound like many rooms, it was over 150 square meters, with an open view and a grand layout, more than enough for their needs.
The monthly rent, a six-figure sum, was the price for the top-tier privacy and security that Lin Xiuyuan had emphasized on the phone, though he did mutter a few words about it being a bit expensive.
However, Jessica replied in her message, “Problems that can be solved with money are not problems. Just take a few more advertisements.”
And just as Lin Xiuyuan was continuing to discuss with Jessica how to meticulously check the new apartment for hidden cameras and other security details…
Suddenly, Sweet Eun-jung’s voice called out from the kitchen, “Xiuyuan~ Stop playing on your phone, it’s time to eat.”
“Oh, coming,” Lin Xiuyuan quickly replied, then quickly typed a message to Jessica on his phone.
【 Okay, Jessica, it’s getting late. You should go eat too, don’t go hungry. There are no other issues. 】
Far away in Magic City, Jessica, who had just finished a day of running errands, stood by the floor-to-ceiling window of her new apartment, admiring the dazzling night view.
Upon seeing this simple yet caring message, her lips curved upwards unconsciously.
In the past, she might not have thought much of it.
But after going through some things, at a time when emotions and hormones were ignited, such an ordinary reminder felt warmer than any sweet words.
Although she was getting older and had experienced much reality and hardship, Jessica’s deep-seated desire for romance and tenderness had not been completely extinguished.
“Got it, I’ll go in a moment,” she replied, put down her phone, bent down to pick up the jacket draped on the sofa, and put it on neatly.
Then, looking at the shimmering waves of the Huangpu River and the brilliant lights of the Oriental Pearl Tower outside the window, she whispered to herself, “Going out to eat, and maybe pick out a ‘gift’ for that guy.”
A flicker of anticipation flashed in her beautiful eyes, as if she could already see the expression on someone’s face when they received the “gift.”
And in the apartment in Seoul, under the warm lighting, three dishes and one soup were already placed on the dining table, emanating a rich aroma.
Lin Xiuyuan, putting down his phone, walked towards that warm glow, and also towards the two people waiting to dine with him.
In this apartment full of life, the three of them sat around the dining table, enjoying a dinner prepared by Ham Eun-jung, filled with thoughtfulness, in a relaxed and happy atmosphere.
After dinner, they moved to the living room sofa and chatted for a while longer, until the nightfall of Seoul completely enveloped the sky outside the window, and the neon lights twinkled.
Seeing that it was getting late, Lin Xiuyuan, after discussing with Ham Eun-jung, got up and escorted her back to 2013, directly to her apartment, saving her the trouble of driving or taking a taxi back.
Soon, the scene shifted.
“Alright, safe arrival,” Lin Xiuyuan said with a smile to Ham Eun-jung in her apartment’s living room, preparing to leave.
At this moment, Ham Eun-jung’s voice came from behind him, calling him to a halt, “Xiuyuan ah.”
“Hm?” Lin Xiuyuan, already gripping the doorknob, turned around, looking at her with a hint of confusion.
Ham Eun-jung, with a playful and slightly vengeful smile on her face, said, “You’re rushing back in such a hurry, aren’t you planning to go back and do something ‘naughty’ with the other person?”
She was naturally referring to Sweet Eun-jung.
Lin Xiuyuan keenly sensed the little thought behind her words, so instead of answering directly, he retorted, “So, Eun-jung, do you want me to go, or not?”
Faced with this counter-question, Ham Eun-jung just looked at him quietly, her tone carrying a hint of teasing, “As compensation for making me feel unsettled and a little ‘awkward’ today, I’ll let you leave her hanging for a few days, make her ‘hungry,’ is that okay? Xiuyuan, you’re not also ‘hungry,’ are you?”
Upon hearing this, Lin Xiuyuan burst into hearty laughter and nodded cooperatively, saying.
“I’m fine with that, I can be abstinent anytime. I’m just worried that your other half might overthink it, and if she gets angry because of you, you can’t blame me for not comforting her.”
“You can rest assured about that,” Ham Eun-jung said triumphantly, wagging her finger, “I’ve already left her a ‘notice’.”
“Hm?” Lin Xiuyuan was genuinely surprised.
……
Meanwhile, inside Sweet Eun-jung’s apartment in ’25.
Sweet Eun-jung, who was originally curled up on the sofa, looking a bit down due to her leg injury making movement difficult, yet harboring a hidden anticipation for the “story” that might unfold tonight.
Her gaze unintentionally swept across the coffee table, and she suddenly noticed a folded note had appeared on it at some point.
So, she got up and curiously picked it up to unfold it. She saw it was in her own handwriting, which was incredibly familiar, and it also contained a sentence that instantly made her want to laugh and cry:
【 Don’t think about it. I’m not letting Xiuyuan go back tonight, and not tomorrow either. You should rest well for two days, consider it ‘interest’ to compensate for my emotional distress today. After a few days, I won’t care what you do to me.】
After reading these short two lines, Sweet Eun-jung was stunned for a moment, then angrily let out a few “Ahs.”
She wanted to complain but didn’t know where to start. In the end, all her emotions turned into a sigh of helplessness and amusement. She mumbled in a low voice, “Ah, Ham Eun-jung, you stingy person, I really…”
……
Returning to Ham Eun-jung’s apartment in 2013.
After Ham Eun-jung finished recounting the content of the note she had left with a hint of smugness, Lin Xiuyuan couldn’t help but burst into laughter again.
Then he nodded and readily agreed, “Alright, since it’s ‘interest,’ I’ll definitely cooperate obediently. It’s a good thing I can go back and get a good night’s sleep tonight; I have to rush to Magic City early tomorrow morning.”
“Go to Magic City? Why?” Ham Eun-jung didn’t know about Jessica’s situation and asked casually.
Lin Xiuyuan then briefly explained that Jessica had rented a place in Magic City and wanted him to go help “anchor” it and check out the new environment.
After hearing this explanation, Ham Eun-jung was happy at first, and then she brought up the idea that she and Sweet Eun-jung had discussed earlier: for their team’s future activities in China, they also hoped Lin Xiuyuan could help set up temporary “anchor points.”
Where there’s one, there are two, so Lin Xiuyuan naturally had no objection, “No problem. I’ll set up anchors for both ’13 and ’25. Just let me know when you’ve finalized things on your end. I can rush over anytime from here; it’s very convenient.”
“Okay, then it’s settled,” Ham Eun-jung nodded.
Then, as if she had suddenly made up her mind, her eyes flickered, and she gently beckoned Lin Xiuyuan over.
“What’s wrong?” Lin Xiuyuan didn’t understand, but he still stepped forward as instructed, stopping about half a meter away from her.
However, the moment he stopped, Ham Eun-jung suddenly took a step forward, quickly cupped his cheeks with both hands, stood on her tiptoes, and pressed her lips against his.
A very brief kiss.
Like a butterfly flitting over a flower petal, a dragonfly skimming the water’s surface.
With a hint of probing, a trace of curiosity, and an indescribable impulse to verify something.
The warm and soft sensation on his lips broke apart as quickly as it touched, so fast that Lin Xiuyuan almost thought it was an illusion.
Before he could react, Ham Eun-jung had already quickly retreated to her original position, as if the bold action had exhausted a lot of her courage.
But her body’s instinct was to subconsciously purse her lips that still carried his scent, her cheeks flushing a faint red. She looked at the somewhat stunned Lin Xiuyuan with feigned composure, explaining in a deliberately casual tone.
“Don’t overthink it, Xiuyuan. It’s nothing. I just suddenly wanted to taste what it is about ‘that one’ that likes you so much.”
After saying that, she saw Lin Xiuyuan’s eyes begin to move, as if he wanted to step forward.
So she immediately extended her hand, firmly blocking the space between them.
“Wait!” her voice trembled slightly, yet was exceptionally clear, “Don’t you make a move, Xiuyuan~ We stop here for tonight.”
Lin Xiuyuan looked at Ham Eun-jung, who, despite being shy, was trying hard to maintain control, and couldn’t help but chuckle. He obediently stopped his movement.
He nodded and replied in a gentle tone, “Okay, I’ll listen to you. Am I really leaving now?”
“Mm,” Ham Eun-jung softly replied.
Lin Xiuyuan then said no more, turned, twisted the doorknob, and left the apartment.
As the room door clicked shut, separating them from the outside world, Ham Eun-jung’s taut nerves finally relaxed abruptly.
She slumped back into the dining chair behind her as if all her strength had drained away, fanning her hot cheeks with her palms, exhaling a long, deep breath to release the pent-up stuffiness in her chest.
Her heart was still pounding, as if the palpitation brought on by that brief kiss was far more intense than she had anticipated.
Back in the villa in 2025, Lin Xiuyuan still remembered to call Sweet Eun-jung.
As soon as the phone was connected, he heard Sweet Eun-jung’s resentful, drawn-out complaint from the other end, “Aish~ Xiuyuan!! That stingy person! How could she do that!!”
Lin Xiuyuan, suppressing his laughter, comforted her with kind words, and then casually mentioned his plan to go to Magic City to see Jessica tomorrow.
When Sweet Eun-jung heard this, her original resentment intensified, almost bursting through the roof.
Although she was very displeased, she knew that important matters took precedence. She stopped bothering Lin Xiuyuan and just cared enough to remind him, “Alright, then be careful when you go. And remember to tell me immediately when you get back.”
As for why immediately, adults understood.
So Lin Xiuyuan agreed, “Got it, don’t worry.”
After hanging up the phone, he walked directly towards the computer room. For a rare moment of leisure, he embarked on a long-neglected e-sports journey, fighting on the virtual battlefield until the early morning hours before reluctantly shutting down the computer and heading to the master bedroom to wash up and sleep.
It wasn’t until the next morning that he was awakened by a hurried mobile phone ringtone.
Groggily reaching for his phone, he didn’t even open his eyes to look at the screen, so naturally, he didn’t see the name “Jessica” flashing.
“Hello…”
“Lin Xiuyuan, are you up? I’ve sent you the flight information, don’t be late.”
Jessica’s clear, slightly urgent voice came through the earpiece, instantly dispelling Lin Xiuyuan’s sleepiness.
He instinctively responded, “I’m up, I’m up, I’ll leave in a bit.”
After saying that, Lin Xiuyuan rubbed his eyes and sat up, looking at the bright, sunny sky outside the window. Resigned, he sat up, stretched his arms long, and let out a big yawn.
After a simple wash-up, he went downstairs, grabbed his car keys, got in the car, and drove straight to Incheon Airport.
With a smooth journey, he easily boarded the flight to Magic City.
After several hours of flying, the airplane landed smoothly at Pudong International Airport.
As passengers began to disembark, just as Lin Xiuyuan turned on his phone before exiting the jet bridge, Jessica’s call came in again.
“You’ve landed?” Her voice came through the earpiece, and the background noise was very quiet.
“Yeah, just landed. Are you coming to pick me up?” Lin Xiuyuan guessed as he walked with the crowd.
“I’m in section D of the P2 parking lot, space number D-117. Just come find me directly.”
Jessica, always efficient, didn’t waste words, and even the information she provided was so clear and precise that it made Lin Xiuyuan laugh.
“Okay, got it.”
Thanks to the Any Door, Lin Xiuyuan didn’t check in any luggage. He only had a backpack slung over his shoulder, with a simple change of clothes and some essentials inside as a cover.
This saved him the trouble of waiting at the baggage carousel. Following the “Parking Lot” signs inside the airport, he briskly took the elevator down.
Walking through the spacious and brightly lit airport parking lot, Lin Xiuyuan’s gaze was inevitably drawn to his surroundings.
As this was his first time leaving Seoul to go overseas in the year 2025, returning to his home country, he actually felt a bit emotional.
The domestic infrastructure and development speed are completely different from how they were in ’13. It’s impressive.
Although he was still inside the airport, the intelligence of the facilities and the demeanor of the people coming and going already showed a completely different appearance.
Lin Xiuyuan, who didn’t have a bad sense of direction, found parking space D-117 without much effort.
There, a sleek, stylish, dark green New Energy Vehicle was parked quietly.
At the same time, the driver’s side door opened, and Jessica, who had already spotted him, got out of the car.
She was dressed very casually today, wearing a loose white knitwear paired with slim-fitting jeans. She had on sunglasses that covered half her face, and her long hair was casually let down, yet she still exuded star quality.
Looking at the seemingly light backpack on Lin Xiuyuan’s shoulder from afar, Jessica’s lips curved up. As he approached, she asked with a hint of teasing, “Just this much luggage?”
Lin Xiuyuan patted his backpack and said matter-of-factly, “Yeah, I’m not planning to stay long. Besides…”
He paused, his tone carrying a meaning only they both understood, “If I really need anything, I can just go back and get it, right?”
Upon hearing this, Jessica was stunned for a moment, then realized what he was referring to, and couldn’t help but shake her head with a sigh, “Your ability is too much of a cheat. Even cheating wouldn’t dare to be this blatant.”
Her tone was a mix of envy and disbelief.
“Let’s get in the car first,” she said, then pulled open the driver’s door and gestured to Lin Xiuyuan.
Lin Xiuyuan nodded, walked around to the front passenger seat, and got in.
The interior space was very spacious, and the high-tech central screen and simple interior design made him curious, “Is this the car you bought?”
Jessica, beside him, had already fastened her seatbelt and shook her head, “It’s rented.”
Hearing this, Lin Xiuyuan immediately understood and made a zipper-pulling gesture over his mouth, indicating he understood.
Seeing his gesture, Jessica smiled slightly, then nodded, and started the vehicle.
The quiet electric drive system produced almost no noise, smoothly driving the car out of the parking space and merging into the highway traffic towards the bustling city center of Magic City.
The scenery outside the car windows rapidly receded. Intersecting overpasses and skyscrapers in the distance outlined a magnificent city skyline.
Although some sensitive topics were not convenient to discuss in the car, there was still a lot they could talk about.
“How are the work arrangements for the next few days?” Lin Xiuyuan started with a safe topic.
“Tomorrow there’s a brand event to attend, and the day after tomorrow I’m scheduled to chat with people from a studio here about live broadcast details…” Jessica replied while intently watching the road, “But I’m free this afternoon and evening.”
“That’s perfect,” Lin Xiuyuan smiled. “Can you take me to experience the delicious food in Magic City? Or visit some Master Chef restaurants, is that okay?”
“I’m fine with either,” Jessica’s tone became more relaxed, but she still couldn’t elaborate much, “But let’s go back first and then talk.”
“OK~ Anyway, I’ll follow your arrangements.”
“Mm.”
Daily Ten Thousand words completed. Thank you to my Godfather(s) for your support and votes.
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