Chapter 150: Next Up, The Harem Battle Arrives
2025.
Inside Im Yoon Ah’s apartment.
The next morning, sunlight filtered through the half-open curtains into the living room, softly shining on the carpet and coffee table, casting a warm glow.
Im Yoon Ah, who had only gone to sleep in the early morning last night, woke up quite early today, unsure if it was due to her biological clock or if she had set an alarm.
Anyway, around nine o’clock, she walked out from the bedroom.
Wearing loose pajamas, her hair in a tousled, freshly woken state, her bare face carried the laziness and relaxation unique to mornings.
As soon as she pushed open the bedroom door, a warm aroma hit her face.
It was the scent of bread, familiar and soft, with a faint sweet fragrance.
Im Yoon Ah paused her steps, instinctively looking toward the kitchen, where golden-brown bread still sat on the island grill rack, neatly arranged—the care evident at a glance.
After glancing at the kitchen, she quickly turned her gaze to the living room.
On the comfortable sofa, Lin Xiuyuan, whom she had ‘threatened’ to come up last night, was now fast asleep.
His side-lying figure had the blanket loosely wrapped around him, one arm draped outside, head buried in the pillow, hair disheveled.
Last night’s teasing thoughts and the earlier torment were now completely washed away by sleepiness; his peaceful sleeping appearance resembled a heroic warrior who had faced a ‘dire’ omen yet completed some adventurous trial.
Seeing this, Im Yoon Ah said nothing and did not wake Lin Xiuyuan.
Instead, she tiptoed over, squatted down in front of the sofa, and gazed curiously at the boy before her, her lips curving with a hint of irrepressible smile.
Her smiling gaze slowly moved from Lin Xiuyuan’s crown, forehead, to the faint dark circles under his eyelashes, and saw his mouth slightly upturned, as if having a pretty good dream.
In the quiet living room, only the ticking of the wall clock and the faint rhythm of Im Yoon Ah’s heartbeat could be heard.
She just quietly watched him, suddenly feeling that this young boy, though reckless, cheeky, and occasionally silly, looked quite handsome when seriously making bread last night and when playing golf before.
A long time passed.
Im Yoon Ah slightly raised her hand, gently smoothing the hair on his forehead, her movements extremely light and slow, afraid to disturb his sleep.
Then she murmured softly, “Not even that handsome to shake heaven and earth, yet so likable.”
As the words fell, perhaps sensing something, Lin Xiuyuan’s nose twitched slightly, making a vague sound, but he did not wake.
Im Yoon Ah smiled faintly, stood up gently, glanced back at the bread in the kitchen, her heart softening as well.
She walked into the kitchen, took a piece of bread, tore off a corner, and took a light bite.
Soft, glutinous, sweet; cooled down, the texture was fresher than right after baking, though less warm, the taste was about the same.
“Nice skills. Looks like I need to call you over more often.”
Chewing the bread, Im Yoon Ah amusingly turned to look at the sleeping boy on the sofa, her lips curving up.
Another long while passed.
Lin Xiuyuan, woken by the sounds nearby, groggily opened his eyes and found himself on the sofa, last night’s memories slowly resurfacing.
The dream he had just been having seemed not fully dissipated, and the light before him was a bit glaring, making him squint slightly and rub his forehead.
Suddenly, a crisp laugh broke his daze.
He looked down and saw Im Yoon Ah sitting on one side of the sofa, focused on the television, seemingly watching some funny variety show.
Compared to last night’s pajamas, she now wore a simple white T-shirt and sweatpants, legs on the sofa, quiet and relaxed.
“Yo, you’re finally awake.” Im Yoon Ah turned her head with a smile, greeting happily upon seeing his eyes open. “How was your sleep last night? Why didn’t you call me to get up and eat the freshly baked bread?”
Lin Xiuyuan was a bit stunned, looking at her leisurely appearance, and after a moment said, “Are you sure if I called you, your morning grumpiness wouldn’t burn me? And why did you get up so early?”
Im Yoon Ah blinked, raising her brows with a smile. “I have a habit of waking early, not morning grumpiness. What’s wrong, did you mix me up with Soo Jung or Jung Soo Yeon?”
She said, turning to point at the wall clock. “And look at the time yourself; it’s not early anymore.”
Sitting up and casually running a hand through his messy hair, Lin Xiuyuan then checked the clock, seeing the hour hand past 11.
He glanced at the bread prepared in the early morning, its faint aroma wafting over, making his stomach, starved after a whole night of exertion, rumble instantly.
“Big sister, I went to sleep in the early morning… no, I only slept then; isn’t it normal to get up now?”
“Who’re you calling big sister? Say it again?”
Im Yoon Ah, who had just been smiling, instantly darkened her face, glaring at him with feigned anger.
Lin Xiuyuan, belatedly realizing, quickly raised his hands in apology. “Ah, sorry, sorry, I misspoke. I’m going to the bathroom.”
Hearing this, Im Yoon Ah dropped her expression, rolled her eyes at Lin Xiuyuan, and said, “There’s a toiletries bag prepared for you in the bathroom. Go.”
She then pointed toward the second bedroom. “And there’s a set of clothes prepared over there. See if you want to change; if so, you can shower inside. If not, up to you. Hurry up, don’t dawdle.”
Lin Xiuyuan nodded, got up, and walked into the bathroom to freshen up.
Standing before the mirror, he checked himself; his face still somewhat tired, but better than when heading to the airport last night.
He also glanced at his T-shirt, dirtied from making bread, hesitated, then left the bathroom and went into the second bedroom.
Moments later, he came out and looked at Im Yoon Ah in the living room. “Can I ask a question?”
“Spit it out.” Im Yoon Ah smiled.
“Why does your apartment have men’s clothes? Don’t tell me…”
Before Lin Xiuyuan finished, a pillow flew from her side but, due to the distance, missed him and fell to the floor.
Along with it came Im Yoon Ah’s speechless retort. “These are unisex style clothes, oversized. You get it? Don’t worry, all unworn.”
The next second, Lin Xiuyuan’s laughter rang out. “What a shame; it’d be better if they were ones you’d worn.”
“Hey, Lin Xiuyuan~”
Im Yoon Ah, who rarely said Lin Xiuyuan’s full name, was amused and annoyed this time.
Lin Xiuyuan, after saying that, hugged the clothes and ducked back into the bathroom.
Soon, when he emerged again, he had finished freshening up.
Casually adjusting the collar of the white shirt, Lin Xiuyuan said curiously, “Yoona, this shirt is a bit big; it’s not your usual style for going out, right?”
Im Yoon Ah, originally flipping through TV channels on the sofa, looked up instinctively at the sound.
Then, she was a bit stunned.
Lin Xiuyuan walked out from the bathroom, hair softened by steam, not fully dry, slightly damp against his forehead, some strands hanging by his ears, making his face look even fresher and cleaner.
He wore the so-called “unisex” white shirt, hem a bit long covering part of the waistband, sleeves casually rolled up twice, revealing slender forearms, exuding a casual yet sharp youthful vibe.
A sunny aura hit head-on.
If asked when a man looks most handsome, this moment just after a shower would top most people’s answers.
After all, right after showering, the face has that natural flush, like a fresh-from-the-oven warmth.
Just like Lin Xiuyuan now, simply standing there quietly, his youthful energy and the white shirt brightened the entire living room atmosphere.
Even Im Yoon Ah, used to seeing handsome guys, couldn’t help smiling. “Looks good, Xiuyuan. Your features aren’t that strikingly handsome, but they’re full of boyish atmosphere.”
Lin Xiuyuan chuckled lightly. “At my age now, I can barely count as a boy still.”
A young college student, right in his prime.
Im Yoon Ah paused, then rolled her eyes. “My slightly improved mood just vanished. Can’t you avoid mentioning age?”
At this moment, Im Yoon Ah was a bit like Krystal before, able to formally face age and aging.
But after learning about the 2013 parallel dimension and seeing her younger self, she couldn’t handle it.
“Ah, sorry, sorry.”
Lin Xiuyuan, smiling as he said it twice, straightened his cuffs, then added softly, “But this is my first time wearing a pure white shirt. Before, it was mostly T-shirts; I barely had any shirts, and those were various other styles.”
“I think it looks great.” Im Yoon Ah glanced again at Lin Xiuyuan standing there, smiling faintly.
Lin Xiuyuan didn’t respond, just turned to check the living room clock, realizing it was now noon.
Sunlight streamed through the curtains outside, the air filled with warmth.
“Time’s not early; I’ll head out first, need to check on things.”
After speaking, Lin Xiuyuan stretched lazily, walked over to pick up his phone on the coffee table, planning to leave.
However, just as he approached, Im Yoon Ah stopped him. “Why so rushed? You’re here; you should at least eat lunch before going back.”
“Huh?”
Lin Xiuyuan was stunned; he wanted to refuse, so he said, “Need to check the 2013 side first; what if someone’s looking for me? Better not disappear a whole day.”
“Then I’ll go with you; back is fine too.”
With that, Im Yoon Ah stood up. “Wait a sec; I’ll go change.”
Now Lin Xiuyuan couldn’t refuse, so he stood there watching Im Yoon Ah turn and enter the master bedroom.
Minutes later, she emerged without changing her top, just swapping sweatpants for tight flared jeans that accentuated her figure—perky hips and long legs, eye-catching.
Noticing Lin Xiuyuan’s focused gaze, Im Yoon Ah smiled easily, adjusted her clothes, walked to his side, and headed to the entryway first.
“Let’s go; ready.”
Lin Xiuyuan looked at her graceful back, followed her out of the apartment.
Outside, the sun was perfect, streets lined with shady green trees.
A car slowly drove out from the residential area’s underground parking lot, heading toward Gangnam District.
……
Meanwhile, in another apartment in Seoul.
Sunlight seeped through curtain gaps, casting mottled shadows on the wooden floor.
Big Dragon Cub, who had battled with Lin Xiuyuan until midnight last night, finally woke from deep sleep.
But after freshening up, standing before the bathroom mirror looking at herself, she paused for a few seconds.
Her skin looked brighter than on the plane yesterday, as if regaining moisture, glowing finely.
Her eyes, slightly tired before bed last night, now clear, with softness at the corners.
“Hm?”
With a surprised sound, Big Dragon Cub instinctively raised her hand to touch her cheek.
Smooth, firm; skin condition unbelievably good, even she could hardly believe it.
“This is too exaggerated…”
Muttering softly, Big Dragon Cub then recalled Lin Xiuyuan’s “youthful energy” from last night.
Followed by the absurd talks and guesses with Lee Ji-eun, she finally raised a brow suspiciously. “Could it be… this nourishment thing is real?”
Her complexion was much rosier than before, not fake white from makeup foundation, but a healthy flush from deep within.
Like after hot soup, or intense, heart-pounding “exercise” at high temperature, naturally emerging color.
Thinking of something, Big Dragon Cub stepped back, her full figure in the mirror.
In the mirror, even in a loose T-shirt, she couldn’t hide the post-sleep laziness and allure.
Faint red marks lingered on her neck, like vines had wrapped around it at night, faintly visible.
Big Dragon Cub, tilting her neck to touch her collarbone, bit her lip, inexplicably recalling Lin Xiuyuan’s hot eyes close up last night, and the scorching heat of his breath on her collarbone.
Though muttering softly with amused regret, “Shouldn’t have let him go pick up Yoona last night.”
Then she turned and left the bathroom, steps light as if injected with vitality since yesterday, radiating an indescribable brightness.
Even the refrigerator door’s reflection in the kitchen showed Big Dragon Cub humming a tune, face full of joy.
But after seeing the empty fridge inside, she hesitated, closed the door, smilingly picked up her phone nearby, and dialed a number.
Seconds later, the call connected; Lee Ji-eun’s voice came through. “Hello, Ji-yeon, what’s up?”
“O-ne, have you had lunch?”
“Not yet. Want to eat together? I just heard a restaurant’s pan-seared steak is pretty good.”
Big Dragon Cub’s question made Lee Ji-eun instantly understand her maknae’s intent, smilingly inviting and sharing the location.
So, Big Dragon Cub, getting the location, quickly changed clothes in her room, then stepped out of the apartment with cheerful steps.
But just before leaving, she suddenly returned to the master bedroom. “Oops, almost forgot my medicine.”
After a bit, having taken her medicine, Big Dragon Cub headed downstairs, got in the car, and drove straight to the restaurant agreed with Lee Ji-eun.
Soon after, in the restaurant.
Afternoon sunlight streamed through floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating exquisite wooden tables and chairs and white porcelain plates; aromas of various foods wafted in the air.
Lee Ji-eun, who arrived early, was scrolling her phone and sipping lemon water while waiting for Big Dragon Cub.
Soon, a familiar figure entered with light steps.
“O-ne~”
Entering the restaurant, Big Dragon Cub waved lightly, smiling as she sat before Lee Ji-eun, eagerly saying before even opening the menu, “O-ne, I’m really hungry this time; slept in a bit late today.”
Lee Ji-eun stared at Big Dragon Cub from the moment she saw her, stunned.
“What’s with your skin today?”
Putting down her phone, Lee Ji-eun stared straight at Big Dragon Cub’s face, even boldly poking her cheek lightly. “How’d it suddenly get so fair and bright again? Wasn’t like this when landing last night. Did you get water light injection this morning?”
“No way; I just said I just got up.” Big Dragon Cub dodged with a wry smile. “Haven’t even done makeup yet.”
“You sure?” Lee Ji-eun still incredulous.
After exclaiming, she suddenly thought of something. “Xiuyuan?”
“Uh…” Big Dragon Cub’s eyes flickered, she sipped the lemon water before her, then smiled.
In the adult world, silence without denial equals admission.
Lee Ji-eun looked shocked, then leaned back in her chair, deep in thought. “Real or fake? It actually works?”
“Maybe.”
Big Dragon Cub said seriously, even looking down at her hand, feeling her skin smoother.
Seeing her reaction, Lee Ji-eun pondered again, expression complex.
Muttering to herself, “So… Xiuyuan is… what? Walking youth power bank? Human anti-aging spring? Or…”
“Come on, not that magical; just feeling more spirited. It faded before too.”
Big Dragon Cub rolled her eyes, brushing it off, pushing the menu over. “O-ne, order quick; I’m really hungry.”
And at this time.
The time-space door connecting to 2013 was opened by Lin Xiuyuan again.
Back at the villa first, after a short rest, he brought Im Yoon Ah back to the past time-space to get food.
But shortly after returning to the 2013 apartment side, a phone bell rang.
And this call wasn’t from a mobile phone, but a landline.
————————Divider————————
2013.
Apartment.
When Im Yoon Ah followed Lin Xiuyuan’s steps back into this apartment, she suddenly found the scene before her eyes completely different from what she saw a few days ago.
A faint woody fresh scent mingled with warm yellow lighting, creating a soft atmosphere.
Standing at the doorway, she gazed in slight shock at the renewed layout.
“What’re you spacing out for? I told you before; it’s been renovated.”
Seeing Im Yoon Ah’s surprise, Lin Xiuyuan turned to her, lips curving slightly. “Come on, let me show you around the new base.”
As he spoke, Lin Xiuyuan began touring with Im Yoon Ah.
“Like I said before, this actually knocked through the neighboring apartment; now the whole space is replanned into a 3-bedroom 2-living-room layout, with two master bedroom suites.”
Gazing at the much more spacious living room, Im Yoon Ah nodded lightly, then looked at the floor-to-ceiling windows there, connected to the other apartment’s living room into one bright glass wall, taking in the full street view outside.
The living room adopted a minimalist style overall, light wood furniture with warm gray-white carpet, sofa and coffee table area naturally dividing the guest space.
Beside the balcony was an open reading nook, a comfy chaise with a row of low bookshelves, seemingly prepared for someone who loves basking in sunlight.
Through the living room was the hallway connecting the two bedrooms.
The first master suite near the inside had abstract oil paintings on the walls, warm wood flooring throughout, curtains open to a small balcony, bathroom with bathtub and dry-wet separation, neat and comfy.
Also hiding girly details, like neatly placed skincare products and a stack of unorganized scripts.
The other suite was cooler in style, minimalist modern, Lin Xiuyuan’s own room, clean and tidy, styleless.
Seeing this, Im Yoon Ah suddenly asked, “Looks good, but from this setup, Sulli really plans to move in?”
Knowing the situation, Im Yoon Ah was more curious about the truth of this than the room changes.
“Yeah, after coming back yesterday, she’s been moving stuff bit by bit like ants.”
Seeing Lin Xiuyuan’s casual answer, Im Yoon Ah worried a bit. “Aren’t you worried about getting found out?”
Facing her concern, Lin Xiuyuan brought her back to the living room, pointing at the two entryways by the door.
“This is the original entrance; the other is the connected neighbor door. Both kept now; I’ll exit this side, Sulli that side, directly avoiding the gossip you’re worried about.”
Finished, Lin Xiuyuan smiled and continued, “Come, I’ll show you the neighboring living room.”
Then he opened a sliding door, instantly a starkly different atmosphere hit.
The space style unlike the warm home before, clearly more like a private bar corner.
Low-saturation dark green walls with warm gold track lights created a dim yet non-oppressive glow.
Against one wall, a custom wine cabinet full of various liquors, whiskeys, and sake; limited editions from Japan, France, even local Korea, safely placed, glass reflecting soft light.
Room center: an L-shaped stone bar counter, dark gray rock texture top, sleek and textured, edges with hidden light strips glowing faintly.
Behind the bar, an embedded sink and bartending tool rack, clearly designed for both utility and mood.
Seeing Im Yoon Ah stunned, Lin Xiuyuan laughed. “Want a drink? Just say; I’ll mix for you.”
Then winked lightly, like transforming into a bartender.
Three retro high stools before the bar, and nearby a small leisure sofa area.
Low coffee table and soft carpet around a vinyl record player with bass audio system; the space perfect for light drinking, curling up for music, or chatting.
After scanning, Im Yoon Ah gave her impression.
“Pretty atmospheric place. You turned the apartment into Tavern 2?”
“Sometimes too lazy to go out, so play here. Villa renovation too much hassle, so modded this apartment.”
Lin Xiuyuan smiled, closed the sliding door last, fully separating the small space without abruptness.
Just as Lin Xiuyuan planned to show Im Yoon Ah more details, a phone bell rang crisply: “ding-a-ling~”
Hearing the familiar yet retro ring, Im Yoon Ah whipped toward the landline at the entryway, surprised. “No way, Xiuyuan, when did you install this? Total antique.”
“Like you?”
Lin Xiuyuan blurted it out, regretting instantly.
Meeting Im Yoon Ah’s quiet gaze, he grinned sheepishly, hands up in apology. “Sorry, sorry, joking, joking.”
Then he walked to the phone, escaping danger while picking up and explaining, “This is what Sulli and Soo Yeon insisted on installing; said if phones off, can still call this.”
“Makes sense; villa side could use one too.”
“That side has wireless charging; no need.”
After, Lin Xiuyuan picked up the receiver. “Hello~”
“Lin Xiuyuan, you awake?”
The familiar voice made Lin Xiuyuan glance back at Im Yoon Ah still looking around, puzzled reply. “Oh, just woke up a bit ago. What’s up?”
“You’re at the apartment now, right? I’ll come find you.” Lin Xiaolu’s voice from the other end, tone eager.
“Wait, have you eaten?”
Facing Lin Xiaolu’s rush, Lin Xiuyuan quickly asked.
The other side seemed unprepared for the question, silent two seconds, then replied, “No, just left the company.”
Lin Xiaolu, now by her car, face beaming, thinking of the news she just learned; the first person she wanted to tell wasn’t Kim Tae Yeon or Jung Soo Yeon, but the boy on the phone.
“Then find a place to eat; chat over food?”
Lin Xiuyuan’s care delighted Lin Xiaolu again; she nodded lightly. “Sure, where? My treat.”
“Hm~”
Everyday four hard questions: where to eat, what to eat, where to play, what to play.
So Lin Xiuyuan, caught off-guard, asked, “Any recommendations?”
At this point, Im Yoon Ah, somehow beside him, smiled faintly. “I know a private cuisine spot; wanna try?”
Lin Xiaolu on the phone tensed at the voice. “Why’s she there too?”
Im Yoon Ah smiled to speak again, but Lin Xiuyuan signaled her silent, shrugged, turned to continue touring the new apartment.
Lin Xiuyuan told Lin Xiaolu, “She’s here for food.”
“That crazy woman; not enough food her side?”
Lin Xiaolu, hoping for a two-person date, annoyed now that it was ruined.
“Hey~”
Though Im Yoon Ah quiet, didn’t mean she wasn’t eavesdropping; hearing Lin Xiaolu dare jab her, she was ready to retort.
Luckily Lin Xiuyuan quickly said, “I’ll book that private cuisine then; send you the address soon.”
“Got it.” Lin Xiaolu paused, then pivoted. “Or dump her back there.”
“Lin Xiaolu!!!”
“Hung up; see you soon.”
The other end hung decisively.
Beep beep beep…
Lin Xiuyuan set down the earpiece, turned to the pouting Im Yoon Ah charging over, wryly. “Don’t glare; I didn’t say those.”
“No, Xiuyuan, what’ve you two been up to these days? How’d she get so bold suddenly?”
Facing Im Yoon Ah’s question, Lin Xiuyuan naturally wouldn’t mention the stop-and-go game with Lin Xiaolu, innocently replying, “No idea; her voice sounded happy just now, probably good news.”
“Then let’s go; I wanna see if she dares say that to my face.”
Finished, Im Yoon Ah smirked, casually tying her long hair high, revealing her fair neck, into a youthful playful ponytail.
Seeing this, Lin Xiuyuan chuckled, asked for the private cuisine address, sent it to Lin Xiaolu.
Finally, on the way out, he took Im Yoon Ah to a normal storage room, letting her pick a mask to wear out.
Hearing the explanation, she nodded approvingly. “True, wearing a mask out is weird, but better than getting recognized. Great idea, Xiuyuan.”
Then she picked a Japanese fox mask, put it on, looked at Lin Xiuyuan. “How’s it look?”
High ponytail with fox mask, plus her alluring figure; saying not good-looking would be a lie.
So Lin Xiuyuan nodded, openly left with Im Yoon Ah.
Though downstairs some passersby glanced at masked Im Yoon Ah, they just swept past and hurried on, no second thoughts.
Soon, Im Yoon Ah in the back seat removed the mask excitedly. “Xiuyuan, see? They didn’t recognize me.”
“Normal, right? But when we eat later, scan the private room with the detector first, then you take it off.”
“Mm, got it; also reverse-lock the room door.”
“Yes, bit of hassle, but for safety…”
“For safety, shouldn’t we eat at home?”
“…”
Chatting along, Lin Xiuyuan drove Im Yoon Ah quickly to the private cuisine she mentioned, Chinese style.
Seeing the restaurant hidden in an alley, Lin Xiuyuan curiously asked how Im Yoon Ah knew it.
“During mask period, bored, went out for drives occasionally, stumbled on this restaurant. Later learned they moved here for their kid, opened it out of boredom; just last year.”
“How do you remember so clearly?” Lin Xiuyuan laughed, parking the car.
From the back seat, Im Yoon Ah, re-masking at the last moment, rolled her eyes. “Opened 2012, end of the world; who forgets?”
Lin Xiuyuan smiled after hearing, led her into the restaurant, chatted briefly in Chinese with the elderly couple; originally no private rooms, but the old man generously made one on the spot for the rare fellow townsman.
Their enthusiasm embarrassed Lin Xiuyuan a bit.
So he quickly helped tidy a stool-storage room, set a table in the middle, simply completing the private room.
By then, Lin Xiaolu from the earlier call unknowingly stood beside Im Yoon Ah, watching oddly.
“What’s this?”
Tilting her head at Im Yoon Ah’s faint smile, voice neutral. “Setting up private room. You’re fast; thought you’d chat secretly with Xiuyuan first, make me wait.”
“What secrets you two got.” Lin Xiaolu scoffed.
But just as she laughed, next second she couldn’t; Im Yoon Ah replied.
“Like how comfy he slept at my place last night, and the bread tasted great; gotta have him make it again next time.”
“You two slept together last night?”
Lin Xiaolu startled; if not inconvenient to unmask, she’d have grabbed to check the expression under it.
Seeing her reaction, Im Yoon Ah guessed something, deliberately smiled meaningfully. “Yo, so worked up; after one trip, you think Xiuyuan’s yours?”
The words left Lin Xiaolu speechless; presidential suite days flashed, her glance at Lin Xiuyuan now with resentment.
But he oblivious, after setting the table, turned to the two beauties. “Come sit; told the old man to bring his specialties: four dishes one soup, enough?”
“Enough; not too hungry.” Im Yoon Ah stepped forward smiling.
“Mm, enough; have rehearsal afternoon, can’t eat too full.” Lin Xiaolu followed.
Minutes later.
With the three seated in the private room, Lin Xiuyuan scanned with the 2025 anti-surveillance device, then reverse-locked the door.
Only then did Im Yoon Ah slowly remove the fox mask, smiling faintly at Lin Xiaolu beside her. “Long time no see, Lin~Xia~lu classmate.”
Lin Xiaolu glanced, ignored her, still stewing in frustration.
Instead turned to Lin Xiuyuan, smiling. “Lin Xiuyuan, I got pulled for an audition this morning.”
Audition?
The word made Lin Xiuyuan and Im Yoon Ah instantly think something, both looking at Lin Xiaolu; seeing her happy ease, they exchanged glances.
“Wasn’t it two months?”
“Pushed by pressure, huh.”
Lin Xiuyuan just surprised, Im Yoon Ah confidently guessed, Lin Xiaolu nodding.
With that nod, Im Yoon Ah excitedly asked, “So this reaction means you succeeded?”
Lin Xiaolu, originally just wanting to share with Lin Xiuyuan, finally answered Im Yoon Ah. “Mm, Kim Eun Sook writer and the SBS TV station producer both thought great, and while I was calling, they already communicated contract details with the company.”
“You got it?”
Lin Xiuyuan shocked. “What the fck~ Your acting skills skyrocketed.”
Lin Xiaolu gazed softly at him, smiling. “What do you think?”
Then Im Yoon Ah interjected. “Yo, throwing flirty looks; Xiuyuan, what happened in Tokyo those days?”
Suddenly spotlighted, Lin Xiuyuan looked around, then sipped his monk fruit tea, playing ostrich.
Seeing this, Im Yoon Ah got it; these two definitely had something, just not telling her.
So her smile grew more alluring, gaze more teasing.
Like discovering a fun secret, planning to slowly deconstruct and savor.
……
……
Meanwhile.
In 2025 Busan.
Krystal, rushing overnight, finally finished the shoot, had her assistant buy the fastest flight or train ticket back to Seoul; no time for slow travel.
So long without seeing Lin Xiuyuan; last time and last night just quick meets, no proper chat.
Tonight, must have a night talk!!!
Same thought for Lee Ji-eun and Big Dragon Cub.
After lunch, they went to an SPA for relaxation amid scents, chatting tonight’s plans.
Midway, Lee Ji-eun suggested, “Tonight call Xiuyuan out too? Been a while since I saw him.”
Wanted to sit and chat properly, observe how he nourished Big Dragon Cub so incredibly.
Big Dragon Cub didn’t refuse, still reminiscing last night’s passion.
Once out, he can’t escape.
All this, Lin Xiuyuan unaware.
He was in 2013, eating with Im Yoon Ah and Lin Xiaolu, striving to maintain surface peace.
If he knew, he’d probably not return to 2025 soon.
Because the upcoming situation.
Was more deadly than last night’s marathon… harem battle!!!
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