Chapter 140: My Backup’s “male Lead”
In the core area of Tokyo’s Roppongi Hills stands a 21-story independent skyscraper, which has been famous for its luxury since its opening in 2003 – the Grand Hyatt Tokyo.
It ranks alongside The Peninsula as one of the few high-end independent hotels in Tokyo in recent years, with a superior location and an extraordinary aura.
The hotel is surrounded by over 200 shops and restaurants, making for a lively and prosperous area.
Inside the hotel, there are more than 10 restaurants and bars for guests to choose from.
Among them, the ones truly exclusively operated by the Grand Hyatt are seven top-tier restaurants with diverse styles, covering French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese cuisine, sushi, and exquisite desserts, offering everything one could desire.
For the next few days, Lin Xiuyuan and the other two will be staying in the presidential suite on the top floor of this hotel.
This luxurious suite is not only equipped with a private outdoor heated swimming pool but also comes with a Japanese garden and a tatami tea area. The high ceiling design perfectly blends modern and traditional elements, creating a transparent, tranquil, and stylish living experience.
Guests can also enjoy the full services of the hotel’s seven restaurants, as well as facilities such as the gym, spa area, and private sauna.
However, behind all this splendor, what is most noteworthy is its status as Tokyo’s first hotel suite equipped with a private swimming pool.
Naturally, the price is also considerable, with housing prices reaching a million yen per night.
After getting out of the car, Lin Xiuyuan listened to the introduction and immediately looked at Shirley beside him with a hint of heartache, half teasing and half serious, “According to Seoul’s calculation, you shouldn’t be an adult yet, right? After paying for that apartment, where do you have the extra funds to splurge like this, Shirley?”
“Oppa, that’s your own calculation, isn’t it? I’ve been an adult for a long time.”
Shirley’s tone was relaxed, with a smile on her lips, “And you underestimate my earning ability too much; I can afford this much.”
Indeed, in the early years, most of her income went into her mother’s and family’s pockets, but in the last two years, her income has been going into Shirley’s private fund.
Although many people online assume the coming-of-age ceremony is at 20, the legal age of majority is actually 19.
Therefore, Shirley, born in ’94, officially became an adult on her birthday, March 29th, this year.
Coincidentally, SM Entertainment’s notoriously delayed payment cycle played a role at this time.
Payments are usually made only once every two to three years, and the most recent settlement was in April of this year.
The timing was just right; Shirley had become an adult this year, so a sum of income naturally found its way into her account.
If it were any earlier, this money might not have belonged to her.
It is precisely because of this that she was able to easily purchase the high-end apartment next to Lin Xiuyuan and then generously book the presidential suite at the Grand Hyatt for the entire week.
After listening to her explanation, Lin Xiuyuan still felt a pang of pain, “That’s still too extravagant.”
He knew very well that if he hadn’t been there, Shirley would likely have booked a regular single room for a simple rest if she had come to Tokyo alone, and wouldn’t have splurged like this.
At this moment, the three of them were following the private butler ahead into the elevator.
Regarding Lin Xiuyuan’s attitude, Shirley chuckled upon hearing him, her tone carefree, “It’s okay, oppa, money is for enjoying, who knows what will happen next second. As you future people say, I don’t want to die with my money unspent.”
“Alright, stop talking,” Lin Xiaolu, who was beside them, suddenly tugged Lin Xiuyuan’s arm and whispered in his ear, “I’ll pay for the room.”
The next second, Lin Xiuyuan laughed out loud after hearing this, “Alright, thank you, Ms. Xiaolu, for your generous contribution. I’ll see if there are any materials up there later, and I’ll personally mix you a few drinks to express my gratitude!”
Lin Xiaolu, who was walking along, paused and looked at the guy next to her with a shocked expression, “Wait, are you trying to trick me?”
“No way, no way, I’m saving Shirley some money,” Lin Xiuyuan said innocently.
“Then my money isn’t money?”
Lin Xiaolu was truly amused by his words.
“You guys earn too much, so you should spend more.”
After saying this, Lin Xiuyuan quickly quickened his pace, went to Shirley’s side, and excitedly shared the “good news.”
Shirley burst into laughter upon hearing this and turned to give Lin Xiaolu a sweet smile, “Unnie~”
Lin Xiaolu immediately stepped forward, pushed Lin Xiuyuan aside, and affectionately linked arms with Shirley, “It’s okay, just do as he says. Keep your little fund for yourself to spend. What reason would you have to pay for this when you’re with me? If Taeyeon unnie finds out when we get back, she’ll laugh at me.”
In fact, if Shirley hadn’t said she had already arranged everything, Lin Xiaolu would have definitely taken care of the expenses this time.
Now, using Lin Xiuyuan as a messenger, she was happy to take on the expense. It wasn’t a lot of money anyway, and she had already achieved financial freedom.
“We’ll talk about this later, unnie, oppa. Let’s go up and take a look first,” Shirley said softly.
The three of them walked into the elevator, chatting and laughing, and followed the butler straight to the top floor of the building.
…
…
As nightfall descended, the Tokyo sky was painted with the city’s lights, creating a mesmerizing, flowing spectrum of color.
The streets of Roppongi were resplendent with light, a bustling and sophisticated intermingling of traffic, with the aura of nightlife about to begin permeating every inch of the air.
It was just past 8 PM Tokyo time, the neon lights were dazzling, and the city was slowly unfolding its chapter of the night.
In a high-end private residence in a corner of Shibuya Ward, Goo Hara stood before a full-length mirror, meticulously arranging her hair strands.
Her outfit for the evening exuded a casual elegance: a black spaghetti strap long dress accentuated her soft curves, layered with a beige knit cardigan that was both warm and unobtrusive. Strappy high heels and a subtle hint of perfume completed the ensemble, making her resemble a star about to illuminate the night.
After confirming her makeup and hair accessories, she picked up her prepared handbag and glanced back at the message on her phone.
Shirley: Unnie, I’m almost there. Just arrived at the hotel and checking in. We’ll tidy up shortly, and then meet you at that rooftop restaurant you mentioned.
Goo Hara’s lips curved upwards, and she replied: Okay, I’ll head over now. I’ll order some appetizers and a bottle of sparkling wine to wait for you. Take your time, no rush.
Shirley: The restaurant is right here, I’m definitely not in a hurry, unnie!
After reading the reply, Goo Hara smiled slightly, then bid farewell to her members and walked out of the apartment.
The night breeze, carrying the cool air of early summer, brushed past her. As she walked into the elevator, she continued to text while looking down.
Downstairs, a taxi was steadily parked in front of the entrance.
As soon as Goo Hara got into the car, she gave the address, “To Roppongi Hills.”
The driver nodded, turned the car, and merged into the main road. The neon lights outside the car window cast flowing patches of light on her profile.
At this moment, atop the 21-story skyscraper in Roppongi Hills, in a unique presidential suite.
Shirley, Lin Xiuyuan, and Lin Xiaolu were looking around, exclaiming in awe at the exquisite space.
The high ceiling, the pool with intermingling light and shadow, and the entire city’s night view unfolding before them—the three, stepping into such a place for the first time, couldn’t help but gasp.
After the tour, the butler excused himself, and Lin Xiuyuan was the first to collapse onto the sofa, “I thought it was outrageously expensive before, but now I kind of understand. Rich people really know how to enjoy themselves.”
“Indeed, it’s so luxurious.”
Lin Xiaolu beside him gently shook her head, then looked at him on the sofa, “But in terms of comfort, I actually think your villa is more comfortable. Although it doesn’t have a pool or a Jacuzzi, the overall atmosphere is not bad.”
“That’s why I seriously suspect that guy spent all my money on that house, leaving me with not a single cent when I went there. Oh, no, just a few bills lying there, I was so angry.”
Every time the situation with the villa was mentioned, Lin Xiuyuan would complain about it with much exasperation, which made Lin Xiaolu and Shirley laugh.
“When I go back, I’ll start building a pool right away and get rid of all those plants and flowers.”
“That sounds like a good idea.”
“I don’t think it’s necessary.”
Amidst their playful banter, the three of them went to their respective rooms to get ready, as they would be heading to the restaurant where they had arranged to meet Goo Hara.
Soon, after getting ready, the trio, led by the butler, arrived at the rooftop restaurant named Kasa Sky Dine.
The restaurant, as its name suggests, was like a stage of light suspended in the night sky. Floor-to-ceiling glass enclosed the space, with the city’s prosperity spread out below. On one side were twinkling stars and the silhouette of Tokyo Tower, and on the other, the bustling streetscape, as if the entire Tokyo had been captured within this rooftop.
And at a windowside booth seat near the glass railing, Goo Hara had already been seated for some time.
She had ordered a bottle of dry Italian sparkling wine and several light appetizers. Exquisite small cakes, seared foie gras, and thinly sliced sea bream exuded an enticing aroma from the silver tray.
However, she did not rush to start eating, her gaze frequently drifting towards the restaurant entrance.
It wasn’t until the elevator doors chimed that three familiar yet somewhat new figures appeared together at the restaurant entrance.
“Unnie!”
Shirley spotted Goo Hara immediately and waved her arm high, quickly walking towards her.
She had followed the advice of Lin Xiuyuan and Lin Xiaolu and chosen to wear a brown denim skirt, the hem of which fluttered with her steps. The strands of hair by her temples gently swayed, making her look like a lively summer wind chime.
Upon reaching Goo Hara, Shirley embraced her with both arms, “Finally, I get to see you. It’s been so long, unnie~”
Ever since she learned in 2025 that Goo Hara had fallen into a abyss of fate due to her passing that year, Shirley’s feelings for this sister had grown even deeper.
Especially when she realized that the tragedy might, possibly, be somewhat related to her from some unknown corner, this emotion was accompanied by a layer of guilt and respect.
“It really has been a long time, Jinjin.” Goo Hara also smiled and hugged her back with open arms, her voice soft and slightly nasal, “You look great tonight. Your styling has improved a lot compared to before.”
“Not at all~” Shirley lowered her head and pouted playfully, “You look even more beautiful, unnie.”
She looked up at Goo Hara before her. They say that “fame nourishes a person.”
Now, as the center of KARA, Japan’s top girl group at Peninsula, Goo Hara’s demeanor was becoming increasingly gentle and sweet. The bright glow of her resilience, despite her past struggles, was captivating.
Lin Xiaolu, who was also present, had shed her shirt and short skirt and changed into a dark blue high-necked dress, exuding a serene and mature aura.
She didn’t rush forward like Shirley, but stood to the side, smiling gently and calling out, “It’s been a long time, Hara.”
“It’s been a long time, Yoona unnie~” Goo Hara happily and gently hugged Lin Xiaolu, her eyes instantly filling with familiarity and warmth. “The last time we met seems to have been at the year-end ceremony last year. Everyone has been so busy this year.”
“Yes, it’s been a long time.” Lin Xiaolu nodded. Having learned about the subsequent fate of this “mermaid princess,” her gaze softened upon seeing her again. “You haven’t changed at all, just like I remember you.”
“It’s only been half a year, how could anything change?” Goo Hara smiled and shook her head, not overthinking her slightly profound statement.
As she spoke, she suddenly noticed Lin Xiuyuan, who had walked in last and was standing behind them. She raised an eyebrow slightly, her tone gentle but with a hint of curiosity, “And who is this?”
“Ah, right, right, I almost forgot to introduce him.”
Shirley’s eyes lit up, and she said happily, “This is Lin Xiuyuan, an oppa I recently met, and we’re very close. Oppa, this is one of my dearest unnies, KARA’s Hara unnie.”
Lin Xiuyuan immediately extended his hand with a polite smile upon hearing this, “Hello, I’m Lin Xiuyuan. Shirley has mentioned you many times, and it’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person.”
“Oh, you make me sound like some legendary figure.” Goo Hara chuckled and shook his hand, her fingertips cool but her demeanor courteous. “Nice to meet you. Welcome to Tokyo. Shirley’s friends are my friends.”
“Then I must behave well tonight,” Lin Xiuyuan replied politely and with a touch of humor.
“Just don’t be too reserved; we’re all friends.” Goo Hara smiled and made a gesture for him to sit. “This restaurant is quite nice. Tonight, let’s consider it a sisters’ gathering with a special guest. I’ve already ordered appetizers, so we’re just waiting for you all to eat.”
As the group took their seats, the atmosphere immediately became lively.
Shirley and Goo Hara chatted in low voices about their recent lives, exchanging secrets and gossip with occasional laughter.
Lin Xiaolu, while sipping her sparkling wine, occasionally interjected, reminiscing about memories from a few years ago, gradually filling in the gaps of their unfulfilled past.
During this time, Lin Xiuyuan, who quickly adapted to the setting, also interjected with appropriate remarks from time to time, not stealing the spotlight nor remaining silent.
Suddenly, he received a phone call. He glanced at the caller ID, offered an apologetic smile to everyone, and walked to the glass railing to answer.
“Hello, Ji-yeon, what’s up?”
On the other end of the phone, Park Ji-yeon’s voice was as cheerful as ever, “Oppa, you’re in Tokyo now, right? Have you eaten?”
She used a common greeting popular in China in recent years, but Lin Xiuyuan couldn’t help but laugh, “Stop beating around the bush, just say it. You must need something from me, right? This tone is not right.”
“Alright.” Park Ji-yeon paused, a hint of helplessness in her tone. “Then I’ll tell you.”
“Okay.”
“Oppa, didn’t you give me a phone number before, so I could contact them about the Spicy Hot Pot matter, and about the company, and so on?”
Lin Xiuyuan, upon hearing Park Ji-yeon mention this, became slightly more serious, “Yes, what happened? Did you get a reply from them?”
“Yes, they just called me back.”
“What did they say?” Lin Xiuyuan’s voice tensed slightly.
Park Ji-yeon looked down at the notes she had just written on the table. “They said not to get directly involved in brand operations. They want me to establish an investment company and invest in their newly formed brand headquarters through the company. They will manage the headquarters, and I just need to provide capital and wait for dividends.”
“Are there any other requirements?” Lin Xiuyuan asked.
“Just routine endorsements and promotions. My group unnies and I have to appear, but it will be calculated separately based on appearance fees.”
Lin Xiuyuan raised an eyebrow upon hearing this, “And then?”
“Then they gave me two options.”
At this point, Park Ji-yeon’s tone was clearly displeased. “One is to invest in a few promising catering projects their way, and then have someone make the books look good. They’ll start fundraising in two months, go public by the end of the year, and then cash out everything. They also said I’m stupid for only being able to make money this way.”
When she said the last sentence, her tone was full of indignation, yet also a sense of helpless frustration.
Lin Xiuyuan suppressed a laugh. “And the second option?”
“The second option is to see if your oppa has vision and can find more similar projects. As long as you can supply them, this investment company can survive. Otherwise, it’s better to go with the first option.”
After Park Ji-yeon finished speaking, Lin Xiuyuan smiled, “Then let’s choose the second option. I have plenty of such projects here, so don’t worry.”
“That’s what I thought, so I told them. After they heard my answer, they were silent for a moment, and then they gave me two profit-sharing plans. One is that the investment company is mine, and it’s a 70-30 split, they take seven and I take three, but I only need to invest money.”
The same silence fell upon Lin Xiuyuan.
After a while, he spoke, “And the second one?”
“They want you, oppa, to be the major shareholder and chairman of the investment company, and we still invest the money, still a 70-30 split. But this time, it’s seven for us, and they only take three.”
“…”
Lin Xiuyuan on this end of the phone suddenly quieted down. He stood by the railing, gazing at the Tokyo nightscape, and after a long silence, he finally spoke, “I’ll reply to you about this later.”
Upon hearing this answer, Park Ji-yeon looked at the last sentence she had just written on the paper. “Oppa, the other party seems to have anticipated your thoughts, so they asked me to convey a message to you.”
“What is it?”
“I… I don’t dare to say it.”
“Just say it.”
“They said you are a – motherf***er. Ah~ I’m not saying it, oppa, they are. It’s the exact wording.”
“…”
Hearing Park Ji-yeon’s perfectly articulated “motherf***er,” Lin Xiuyuan was speechless.
Just then, Goo Hara, who was engaged in a lively conversation with Lin Xiaolu and Shirley at the dining table, suddenly glanced in his direction, her gaze subtle.
She then looked at Lin Xiaolu and Shirley beside her, showing a curiosity that Lin Xiuyuan hadn’t elicited when he was present, “Unnie, Jinjin, who exactly is this person? Why do you both seem to care about him so much?”
Her keen eyesight, honed by years of experience as an artist, instantly detected the slight emotional fluctuations between the two.
At this moment, before Shirley could even speak, Lin Xiaolu cheerfully preempted her, replying in a light, airy tone.
“That guy? He’s my ‘male lead’ in reserve.”
“Huh?”
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