Chapter 127: Teasing? Or Some Other Play?
Villa backyard.
Just after Big Dragon Cub said that sentence, the poolside suddenly went quiet for two seconds.
Meanwhile, Xiuyuan finally flipped the last batch of pork belly, and with a sizzling sound, the fat began sliding down the grill net, intertwining with the charcoal fire to release an enticing aroma.
Then he shook the grill tongs in his hand and shouted toward that side, “It’s almost done grilling, we can start eating.”
His voice wasn’t loud, but it was clear and strong, carrying a refreshing youthful energy.
In an instant, everyone’s gazes and attention were drawn over by that call.
“Coming, coming!”
Sunny was the first to jump up, moving so fast that water splashed everywhere from her feet.
Lee Ji-eun also stood up, lifted the bath towel draped over her waist, and walked over gracefully, her steps exuding confidence and charm.
Big Dragon Cub, meanwhile, acted as if nothing had happened, lips pursed in a smile, draped in her bath towel, leisurely following behind.
The remaining Park Hyomin and Ham Eun-jung wisely put on bathrobes, afraid of getting cold or catching a cold.
By the time everyone gathered around the grill, the aroma had already come rushing over overwhelmingly.
“Oh… you’re really something, Xiuyuan.”
Sunny, arriving first, said this while unceremoniously grabbing a beef skewer and chomping down. After one bite, she gave him a thumbs up. “This taste is different from what we had before; it’s really flavorful.”
“Of course.”
Abroad, as a son of China, Xiuyuan still had to proudly carry the flag for their homeland’s food and culinary skill.
Then he casually wiped the sweat from his forehead, not noticing that his hand smeared some charcoal ash on his face too.
Lee Ji-eun happened to be standing right next to him, so she reached out and wiped his face directly, while asking, “Xiuyuan, how do you grill it? The materials and spices are the same, but ours before didn’t taste this good.”
That fingertip, carrying a faint fragrance, brushed across his cheek, making Xiuyuan pause for a moment.
But he quickly recovered and answered, “Just grill normally. For meat, force out the fat first; for veggies, grill out the moisture, then brush on the sauce and grill slowly.”
At this point, Xiuyuan noticed Lee Ji-eun’s bewildered expression, so he changed his tone. “Forget it, it’s hard to explain. Just think of it as culinary skill.”
As soon as he said this, everyone around laughed.
Even Lee Ji-eun laughed in mock annoyance. “What? Hey, Xiuyuan, are you saying I wouldn’t get it or learn it?”
“Your reaction tells me yes.”
Xiuyuan didn’t see any issue, responding straightforwardly.
Then everyone laughed even harder, and Xiuyuan got his arm slapped hard a few times. It started as teasing, but it let Lee Ji-eun feel the rock-hard muscles, her eyes widening in shock.
“Wow, your muscles are so…”
Just as Lee Ji-eun’s hand was about to reach up, Big Dragon Cub grabbed it from the side and laughed, “Okay, that’s enough, older sister. Any more and it’s sexual harassment.”
Sunny, who was eating skewers, joined in the fun. “No way, let me check the goods too.”
“Hey, what do you mean ‘check the goods’?” Xiuyuan said helplessly, protesting verbally but not moving an inch.
The sunlight was blazing, and his abdominal lines were more tantalizing than the charcoal fire or skewers in front of them.
His abs were distinctly defined, blending a young man’s leanness with muscle, the V-line trailing from his waist into the edge of his shorts, drawing plenty of close-up gazes.
Sunny mischievously touched them, even whistling appreciatively. “Ahh, no good, I need to grab my phone and take a pic to send to Taeyeon and the others for appreciation.”
With that, she turned and ran back to where she’d been lying, grabbing her phone.
Her Duang Duang movements were even more intense than the romance brain girl Xiuyuan had known before, nearly stunning him with her gaze.
Until Big Dragon Cub smilingly put hands on hips to block his view, pursing her lips in a sneaky smile as she gazed at him, making Xiuyuan withdraw his eyes.
After glancing at her figure for comparison, he lowered his head to focus on grilling the skewers in hand.
Meanwhile, Lee Ji-eun, whom Big Dragon Cub had just grabbed, took advantage of the diverted attention to help herself.
Her index finger lightly tapped his abs, sliding back and forth a couple times, as if seriously inspecting. “Tsk, these muscle textures—truly befitting a barbecue master.”
Sunny, back with her phone, directly opened the camera and snapped away at Xiuyuan’s abs. “It’s really impressive, especially the clear lines without any messiness like others have.”
“That’s enough, you guys.”
As the two “wolves” got closer, even seeming tempted to touch his waistline, Xiuyuan finally couldn’t take it, taking a deep breath.
It made Ham Eun-jung and Park Hyomin, eating nearby, laugh. Luckily, Big Dragon Cub stepped in. “Alright, alright, older sisters, stop teasing him. His face is all red.”
But even as she said it, the next second she leaned in herself, pressing her body lightly against his and joining the teasing without hesitation.
She held a skewer of barbecued meat, smiling as she dangled it by his lips. “Here, Xiuyuan, have a bite. Consider it your reward.”
Xiuyuan froze, about to say something, but Big Dragon Cub shoved the skewer right into his mouth.
Then she leaned even closer, the soft touch of her chest against his firm biceps, her warm and ambiguous breathing brushing his ear. “Tasty?”
“Tasty…” Xiuyuan mumbled, his ears turning red enough to smoke.
Everyone burst into laughter.
“Hey, that’s enough from all of you.”
Finally, Ham Eun-jung couldn’t stand it, clapped her hands, and helped Xiuyuan stop the group. “Keep this up and the meat will burn; then we won’t eat.”
Xiuyuan seized the chance to escape, quickly distributing the stack of skewers, then patted the charcoal ash off his hands. Glancing at his state, he said helplessly, “Uh, if you’re not swimming anymore, I’ll go soak for a bit.”
Covered in sweat plus smoky smell, with that taut nerve, Xiuyuan hadn’t felt this disheveled in a long time.
All the big sisters present could see right through the young man’s thoughts, scanning him with amused eyes before chorusing, “Go ahead.”
He didn’t say more, took a deep breath, turned toward the swimming pool with decisive steps, no hesitation.
Under everyone’s gazes, he reached the pool edge and leaped in without a second thought.
“Splash!”
A huge splash erupted, sunlight shattering into layers of light spots on the ripples, his bare back tracing an elegant arc through the water.
Xiuyuan surfaced, shook the water droplets from his hair, and let out a long exhale.
Whew~
Finally relaxed. Damn, they’d teased him way too hard just now; a few more minutes and he really might not have held steady.
With Xiuyuan gone from the grill, Ham Eun-jung quietly took over, placing some popular veggie skewers on the grill, chatting while occasionally minding them. This scene didn’t look at all like when Lee Ji-eun had said they lacked a barbecue master.
It left Xiuyuan in the pool a bit dazed, as if he’d seemed out of place from the start.
But he didn’t dwell on it; the thought flashed through his mind and passed.
Then he splashed around a bit before floating on his back, gazing at the bright blue sky overhead, his mood lighter than ever.
……
……
Meanwhile, Kim Tae Yeon, who had just confirmed performance details with her vocal coach, sat in a chair relaxing her throat after singing for over an hour—only she with her mature range could handle it without wrecking her voice.
After all, she wasn’t some physiological freak like Jessica.
Bored during the break, Kim Tae Yeon pulled out her phone to browse the social platform and check comments.
But as soon as she picked it up, she got several messages from Sunny and opened them.
She instantly froze, even pressing the phone closer to her eyes, murmuring unconsciously, “Oh my god~”
In the photo, the sunlight was perfect.
The gentle afternoon light sprinkled on the water surface, refracting into rings of fine golden light, dyeing Xiuyuan’s half-wet golden hair even more brilliantly.
Hair tips drifted lightly with the water flow, clinging to his forehead and neck, water ripples sliding over his chest and abs, the muscle lines faintly visible in the water’s light and shadow, profoundly sculpted.
Sunlight outlined a soft golden edge on his shoulders and collarbones, mingling with the pool’s coolness, wrapping him in an ambiguous atmosphere between boy and man.
After zooming in on details for a few looks, Kim Tae Yeon swiped to the next.
The following photos were all close-up abs shots, injecting thick vitality into the previously tired Kim Tae Yeon.
The same photos were sent to Im Yoon Ah’s phone.
She, busy at home on her computer helping Lin Xiaolu with some materials, paused. “Dyed his hair?”
Then she jolted, frantically texting Sunny for more pics, best if focused.
Because she seemed, maybe, possibly to see someone unable to keep the gun in check.
Still not satisfied, she pulled out her phone to call Xiuyuan.
Unfortunately, no answer.
After hanging up, staring at Xiuyuan’s little golden hair on screen, memories surged, reminding her of her own limited-edition golden hair, so she smiled softly.
……
……
At the grill, laughter and teasing continued.
A light breeze blew, rippling the water and making the beautiful women around drape on outer clothes.
Only Xiuyuan still lazily floated on the surface, like a golden little beast—clean, relaxed, and especially enticing.
Lee Ji-eun leaned by the pool, holding a beverage, her gaze unconsciously on the boy stretching in the water, sighing softly, “Hyo Min, don’t you think Xiuyuan looks really delicious?”
Park Hyomin, behind her, glanced at the water upon hearing this.
“No matter how delicious, he’s Ji-yeon’s birthday cake. Don’t even think about it, older sister.”
“When it’s my birthday, I want to eat this kind of cake too. Hyo Min, you’re in charge of this.”
As Lee Ji-eun said this, Park Hyomin behind her was dumbfounded. “Huh? Where am I supposed to find one for you, older sister?”
Then suspiciously, “Wait, older sister, are you serious? There are plenty of young guys out there.”
“Sure, but he needs to be sunny and clean, good at bartending, golf, barbecue, swimming, with abs, humorous talk…”
Before Lee Ji-eun finished listing, Park Hyomin waved to call stop. “Stop, older sister, you’re just naming the guy in the pool.”
Lee Ji-eun fired back mercilessly, “You’re the one who called him Ji-yeon’s birthday cake first. I thought you could find me a new one.”
“Fine, older sister, on your birthday, I’ll invite this one over as your body cake.”
Park Hyomin, thinking it was just banter, said it firmly, but Lee Ji-eun whipped around with a full smile and seriousness, even hooking her pinky. “Really? Pinky promise then?”
“Huh?”
Older sister, you’re serious?
A bit later, after soaking in the pool and swimming a few laps, Xiuyuan emerged from the back door, slipping into the villa while few noticed.
So when Big Dragon Cub finished eating and looked at the pool, the little blondie inside was gone.
“Huh, where’s Xiuyuan?”
“He seemed to sneak back inside.” Ham Eun-jung, who had taken his spot, laughed.
“Jeez, not even eating anything.”
Big Dragon Cub muttered, not blaming him for leaving, just worried he hadn’t eaten enough.
Then Ham Eun-jung continued laughing, “Don’t worry, he ate more than us—a whole plate of fried rice.”
At this point, Park Hyomin came over with her phone, arm around Big Dragon Cub. “Ji-yeon, wanna check out the birthday event your fans set up? Lots of people posting site pics on the platform.”
“I saw, older sister.”
Big Dragon Cub glanced at the screen photos, thought a moment, set down her skewer. “Then I’ll go make an appearance. Be back soon to cut cake with you all.”
“You drank; can you drive?” Sunny worried.
“Have Xiuyuan drive her. He didn’t drink.” Lee Ji-eun chimed in.
Everyone agreed it worked.
So Big Dragon Cub went back to the villa, to Xiuyuan’s room door, even knocking this time to give him face.
A quick response from inside: “Coming.”
Door opened; Xiuyuan fresh from a shower in new clothes, toweling his hair. “Ji-yeon?”
“Why not out playing?” Big Dragon Cub smiled.
“You all play; I’ll rest. Didn’t sleep well last night.”
Xiuyuan wasn’t excusing; he’d slept past four then had an early eight a.m. class—he was truly beat.
But Big Dragon Cub didn’t know, so she smiled. “In that case, come out with me. I drank; can’t drive.”
“Sure, where to?”
“Let’s go.”
Soon, Big Dragon Cub, after showering upstairs, blow-dried her hair, changed into dark clothes, ready to head out.
About to leave, she noticed the small gift box grabbed from the car earlier, eyes lighting up, lips curving in sly amusement.
Then she squatted to open it properly, took off her top, and began her creation.
So when Xiuyuan saw her again, it was those familiar tattoo patterns on her hands, his eyes widening slightly. “Ji-yeon, what’s this?”
“Looks good?”
Big Dragon Cub smiled, crossing arms over chest, ponytail swishing cutely with her movement.
Xiuyuan nodded lightly, smiling. “Looks good.”
“Let’s go, quick trip and back—we’ve got cake to cut later.”
“Then I won’t come back later?”
“No.”
Facing Xiuyuan’s excuse, Big Dragon Cub halted, turned, pointed at him. “You have to be there tonight, or I’ll really get mad, Xiuyuan.”
Xiuyuan looked at her eyes with faint red veins, paused, then smiled in compromise. “Fine, fine, coming. Let’s go.”
“That’s more like it.”
Big Dragon Cub, still happy now, suddenly sneezed several times hard not long after getting in the car.
“Caught a cold?”
Xiuyuan, gripping the steering wheel, glanced over, grabbed a tissue from the console, and handed it. “Probably that gust earlier; you weren’t dressed warm enough.”
Big Dragon Cub took the tissue, wiped her nose, then smiled at Xiuyuan. “We dressed light; as a guy, you weren’t happy seeing that?”
To this, Xiuyuan calmly said, “If it’s on a foundation of good health, sure I’m happy—big win. But if it leads to getting sick, no happiness there.”
The words were ordinary but heartwarming, inexplicably warming Big Dragon Cub.
Car AC wasn’t high, but the atmosphere was unexpectedly warm.
After wiping, Big Dragon Cub tossed the tissue into the front holder, tilted her face to study Xiuyuan, lips curving in a little fox-like arc. “Where’d you learn that line? Starting to flirt now.”
Xiuyuan gripped the wheel, eyes ahead. “You misheard; that’s normal care.”
“Look, your ears are red.”
Big Dragon Cub leaned closer laughing, very close, her breath lightly puffing his cheek. “Not feeling a bit sorry for me already, since I’m catching a cold?”
Xiuyuan’s jaw tightened slightly; to make the true love fan persona more real, he replied lowly, “A bit. And Ji-yeon, you’re too close—driving here, dangerous.”
“How am I dangerous?”
Big Dragon Cub played dumb, voice soft as could be, with a seductive lilt, like deliberate acting cute.
Her elbow propped on the passenger door, half-turned watching him, a bit regretting the loose T-shirt she’d worn out.
This time Xiuyuan didn’t reply, just gripped the wheel tighter.
Big Dragon Cub smiled faintly, leaned over again, her finger quietly tapping lightly at the edge of his shorts on his thigh—like accidental, like probing.
That touch like an electric jolt; Xiuyuan stiffened, luckily braking in time, then sighed in relief. “Ji-yeon, stop fooling around—really dangerous.”
“Who’s fooling?” Big Dragon Cub feigned innocence, wide sparkling eyes on him.
Xiuyuan turned to stare, breathing heavier.
Eyes locked, the car air seeming to freeze for half a second.
Moments later, Big Dragon Cub’s lips slowly curved up, as if savoring the reaction she wanted, leisurely leaning back. “Xiuyuan, think my cold could spread to you?”
“We didn’t do anything; how could your cold spread to me?”
Xiuyuan, driving again, replied softly.
Then Big Dragon Cub bit her lip laughing. “So how do you think a cold spreads to others—hug, or kiss?”
“No idea.”
“Tell me, Xiuyuan.”
“I’m still young; I don’t know.”
“Then I’ll teach you.”
“…”
“Hahaha”
Finally, Big Dragon Cub’s bell-like laughter rang in Xiuyuan’s ears, carrying an indescribable ambiguity and sweetness.
Driving Xiuyuan sighed deeply inside.
Today, he’d truly been teased enough by these big sisters.
But if Big Dragon Cub knew his thoughts, she’d probably tell him straight: Xiuyuan, you think this is teasing? This is foreplay!!!
Ten Thousand Daily ended; thanks to godfathers for support and votes.
Then average subscription breaks 5000, Ten Thousand Daily +1.
Ten Thousand Daily progress bar: 20/35.
Next, something to discuss with godfathers: this book hits bestseller recommendation tomorrow. You’ve seen the decent scores; as a newbie, I’ve got ideas for a green badge, grinding Ten Thousand Daily.
But Korean Entertainment is niche, small circle, traffic won’t be great.
So to make sales data look good during recommendation, hope godfathers give newbie a little support tomorrow.
Those with money, toss some; those with votes, cast some—push this book’s sales rank up the overall list tomorrow.
Because this affects the next recommendation, better footing!!
So, please, fellow godfathers—thanks!!!!
