Chapter 152: Three People, Two Embracing, Eyes Locked
Seoul in 2025, around 7 p.m. in the evening.
As the sunset completely sank into the western mountains, nightfall quietly descended, and the entire city began to don a layer of shimmering garb.
The surface of the Han River rippled with gentle lights under the illumination, with pedestrians along the riverside in twos and threes—some jogging, some taking photos, and others maneuvering drones through the unique nightscape of the city, attempting to capture this night view.
As the drone passed through the reflective glass of layer upon layer of skyscrapers, it finally reached the heights near Namsan Tower, capturing a secretive and private high-end restaurant.
This place was located on the hillside near Namsan Tower, with an advantageous terrain.
The restaurant’s design blended Korean and modern minimalist styles, with the private room featuring an entire wall of floor-to-ceiling glass that took in the Seoul nightscape at a glance, as if the whole city was flowing beneath their eyes.
After circling the restaurant, the drone’s final shot captured a Mercedes-Benz slowly pulling into a parking space.
But this scene flashed by quickly, and the drone operator pulled it up to other areas, flying instead toward the direction of Namsan Tower.
Completely unaware of what it had missed.
Because the person who stepped out after the car turned off was none other than Girls’ Generation’s center face, Yoona.
Moreover, after getting out of the car, she smilingly walked to the front of the vehicle, linked arms with the man who had come down from the driver’s seat beside her, and entered the restaurant together with him.
At the same time, in a certain private room inside the restaurant, the lighting was gentle and subdued, with dim yellow lamp shadows reflecting between the wooden dining table and soft cushions, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere.
Lee Ji-eun leaned against the window, wearing a low-key black long skirt, her posture elegant, a faint smile playing at the corners of her mouth.
Big Dragon Cub wore a light gray knit top, her hair loosely pinned up behind her head, occasionally turning to chat softly with Soo Jung beside her, her voice carrying the intimacy and tacit understanding of acquaintances.
Soo Jung, in contrast to the two, seemed somewhat aloof, wearing a striped shirt with loose long pants, as if she had just finished work, her gaze occasionally drifting to the city lights outside the window, her expression revealing a touch of pensiveness.
Just then, the door to the private room was pushed open from outside.
“We’re late, right?” A familiar voice sounded.
The people in the private room all turned to look toward the doorway, where Xiuyuan stood in a crisp white shirt, sleeves slightly rolled up, his aura having shed some of its previous sunny youthful vibe for a more mature, alluring charm.
Beside him was Yoona, who was particularly radiant tonight.
White T-shirt paired with a black hip-hugging skirt, fresh yet capable, generous and appropriate, just like the bright smile that curved at the corners of her lips.
“You finally made it. Xiuyuan, where did you and Yoona older sister go?”
Seeing the two enter, Big Dragon Cub spoke first, her eyes and brows lit with amusement, though her tone hid a hint of teasing.
But such words were meaningful to those who understood, and mere teasing to those who didn’t.
So Xiuyuan didn’t catch it at all and answered very seriously, “Went to deliver some care—took some bread to a community of elderly people.”
“Mm~”
Looking at the earnest Xiuyuan, Lee Ji-eun found it amusing and helped him out after humming in response, “Impressive. Sit down first—want something to drink?”
“Ice water, thanks.”
Xiuyuan replied while scanning the seats, choosing a spot next to Lee Ji-eun to sit.
Yoona also boldly sat right next to him, then smiled at Soo Jung who had just greeted her, “Soo Jung, when did you arrive? How are you faster than us?”
“I took a cab straight after getting off at the station, but I was only a bit earlier than you, older sister.”
As she spoke, Soo Jung tilted her head slightly, peering past Yoona at Xiuyuan over there, and said meaningfully, “Xiuyuan, long time no see.”
“Ah…”
Xiuyuan, who had just been pinned down by her last night, stared at Soo Jung’s calm smile, stunned for a moment before reacting, “Oh, not bad—just a few days, not really that long.”
Yoona beside him seemed to be observing something.
Her gaze quietly fell on Soo Jung’s skin and complexion, retracting imperceptibly after a few seconds, then glancing at Big Dragon Cub across from her.
Then, she slowly lowered her eyes, a flicker of realization and faint excitement passing through them.
It’s real—she was certain.
She glanced sideways with her peripheral vision at Xiuyuan, who was ‘catching up’ with Soo Jung, thought of Lin Xiaolu she had seen today, and her lips unconsciously curved upward.
At this moment, Big Dragon Cub had confirmed the serving time with the restaurant via the in-room intercom, then suddenly leaned forward, beaming as she suggested to Xiuyuan, “Xiuyuan, after dinner, let’s go play tennis.”
“Exercise right after eating?” Xiuyuan looked at Big Dragon Cub with amusement.
“We can rest a bit first. There’s a private tennis court near my apartment—upstairs even, very private, great lighting and atmosphere, really fun.”
Toward the end, Big Dragon Cub openly acted cute toward Xiuyuan in front of everyone, “Come play with me~ I’ve been all work these days, haven’t sweated in ages—since everyone’s here, let’s relax, right, Soo Jung~”
Haven’t sweated?
Xiuyuan glanced at her, then at Soo Jung.
These two were full of lies.
“I’m fine either way.” Soo Jung lifted her gaze to the two, her eyes ultimately landing on Big Dragon Cub’s flushed face, and said, “But Ji-yeon, your complexion has improved a lot lately—much better than at the end of last year.”
At these words, Lee Ji-eun and Yoona’s eyes widened slightly—such strong aggression.
End of last year… wasn’t that when Big Dragon Cub got divorced?
Fortunately, Big Dragon Cub had long since moved past that matter and instead laughed along with Soo Jung’s words.
“Right? I think so too. Thanks to you, Soo Jung—if you hadn’t introduced Xiuyuan to me, where would I get all this good mood? Good mood brings back vitality naturally.”
Sure enough, after Big Dragon Cub finished, Soo Jung, who had just worried she might have gone too far, darkened her face instantly.
Back then, she was only focused on locking this guy in 2025 and hadn’t considered any further consequences.
Knowing the current situation, she never would have introduced any ‘mature woman, married woman’ to this guy.
Actually, Soo Jung had heard the story about locking the bus before and hadn’t thought much of it, even treating it like a joke.
But now, she suddenly understood the core of that story.
At this thought, the word “core” jolted her sanity, and Soo Jung suddenly looked at Xiuyuan.
“By the way, Xiuyuan, how’s the renovation at the tavern going? Haven’t sat there in ages—is it not done yet?”
Facing Soo Jung’s question, Xiuyuan answered straightforwardly, “It’s done—got the call today, but haven’t checked it out yet. Been busy lately.”
The renovation they mentioned was actually adding a small hidden compartment and back door to the tavern, done in taverns across both time-spaces.
Just so that in certain special times, ‘unexpected’ people could hide inside or slip out the back door to the apartment or villa side to lie low, awaiting the next arrangement.
“Then once you’ve checked it, let’s find an opportunity to gather with the members—it’s been a while since we sat down to chat.”
Soo Jung continued, her tone casually shifting as her gaze fell on Yoona, “Older sister, you didn’t make it to the last party—this time you’ll come meet everyone, right?”
Unexpectedly pulled in, Yoona chuckled and nodded with a smile, “Sure.”
Big Dragon Cub across from her glanced at Yoona’s state, found nothing amiss, and turned her gaze back to Soo Jung’s face.
She naturally knew that from the moment Soo Jung stepped into this private room, tonight’s dinner was destined not to be calm.
After all, that rosy complexion, that still delicate and glowing skin even without makeup—Big Dragon Cub was the first to not believe nothing had happened between Soo Jung and Xiuyuan.
And the same thought was quietly forming in Soo Jung’s mind.
Originally just vague suspicions like faint clues, but after seeing Big Dragon Cub’s “well-nourished” face upon entering, she confirmed her judgment was correct.
Thus leading to the earlier series of barbed exchanges.
After all, female competition never picks times, places, or ages.
So when Big Dragon Cub heard the word ‘member,’ she smiled brightly and looked toward the obedient and quiet Xiuyuan, who was like a model student.
“Right, Xiuyuan, have you seen the status I posted lately? I even put the birthday gift you gave me on the platform.”
Her tone carried a smile, the ending drawn out softly, but her gaze was sharp like a knife hidden in the smile, drifting straight toward Xiuyuan.
Though he had already ordered the dishes on the way here, Xiuyuan still pretended to seriously study the menu, as if pondering the “main dish” calories, until hearing Big Dragon Cub call him—his finger paused slightly.
“Ah, yeah, saw it—looks great, fans’ comments are good too. And you telling everyone not to get tattoos, that’s awesome—all very good.”
Xiuyuan looked up, forcing a smile stiffer than crying, his peripheral vision clearly scanning Soo Jung’s reaction rapidly.
But before he could relax, Soo Jung chimed in leisurely, “Speaking of gifts… Ji-yeon, do you know Xiuyuan’s clothing size?”
Her tone was light, but her words were thorny everywhere, “This guy is a natural hanger—I brought him a few pieces from my last business trip to Europe. Every one fit perfectly, the effect even better than a model—maybe he could moonlight as a runway male model.”
At this point, Soo Jung paused, slowly lifting the water cup in front of her and taking a gentle sip.
Her pale fingertips scraped along the rim of the glass cup, then she looked up at the cold sweat beading on Xiuyuan’s forehead, finally softening and adding, “Oh right, Jessica wants some RMB cash from you—see if you can get someone to exchange some for her.”
“RMB? Sure, how much?”
“Not sure—exchange a few tens of thousands for her, should be enough. If not, she can ask you herself.”
Seeing Xiuyuan nod without hesitation, Soo Jung curved her lips in satisfaction.
“Then I’ll go make a call.”
Xiuyuan tossed out the excuse casually, quickly rising and leaving the table to temporarily escape.
Even with the private room’s cool air conditioning and surrounded by fragrant beauties, he felt choked by the atmosphere—stimulating to the point of deadly.
Last night he had sworn to Soo Jung, today she cornered him with Big Dragon Cub—more thrilling than a spy thriller.
Yoona amusingly watched Xiuyuan leave the private room, her fox-like eyes curving slightly, as if enjoying the show.
But she didn’t say anything, instead picking up the menu and leaning toward Lee Ji-eun, “Huh, this restaurant’s lamb chops look pretty good—want to try some, Goo Ri older sister?”
“That’s what I ordered, Yoona.” Lee Ji-eun laughed.
Her gaze flicked a few times between Soo Jung and Big Dragon Cub’s states, the heat and shock in her heart now barely containable.
If the scene were a golf course or the villa from the previous birthday party, she might have already stuck to Xiuyuan, intending to carefully, seriously examine just what kind of guy this boy was.
With Xiuyuan’s departure, Big Dragon Cub and Soo Jung reverted to their previous friend mode, chatting about work back and forth.
Until a few minutes later, when Xiuyuan returned to the private room with the server bringing the food.
Passing behind Soo Jung, he said, “Handled it—tell Jessica to add me on WeChat, I’ll transfer it to her.”
He still had a domestic identity here, so exchanging RMB was simple—just open the domestic bank’s app outside and do a few face scans.
After speaking, he plopped back down, thinking he could finally catch his breath.
Little did he know, the real battle was just beginning.
The trigger was Soo Jung’s reply, “OK, thanks—for gratitude, drop me home tonight, I’ve got some things for you.”
“Ah? No need.”
This time, Xiuyuan wasn’t scared or worried, just felt it unnecessary—after all, most of the money in his account came from Soo Jung.
Who knew the next second, Soo Jung smiled, “I have no car back— what’s wrong with a ride?”
“Soo Jung, I’m on the way—I’ll take you.”
Big Dragon Cub suddenly interjected, her smile brilliant and tone natural, yet firmly interrupting their “solo trip.”
Everyone instantly turned to look at her.
Soo Jung raised an eyebrow, her smile sharp as a knife, “Wow, not surprising from a true love fan’s idol—Ji-yeon, protecting your charge so quickly.”
“No choice—you said it’s true love fan. And Xiuyuan’s been with me so many days, I do feel sorry for him.”
As Big Dragon Cub said this, her gaze turned to Xiuyuan, her tone very affectionate.
Soo Jung chuckled, her tone suddenly gentle as spring breeze, “How you say that… sounds like Xiuyuan’s just an escort?”
She looked at Xiuyuan, her words turning sharply, “Don’t hurt our family’s Xiuyuan, Ji-yeon—he’s very pure, right, Yoona older sister?”
As she spoke, Soo Jung’s lip curve was sweet as honey, yet her tone like a knife tip gently circling Xiuyuan’s neck.
Called out, Yoona played dumb completely, smiling innocently, “Pure? More like youthful, Soo Jung.”
This “I’m just here to eat passerby” attitude was like shoving Xiuyuan straight to the battlefield center with a knife.
If it were the old Big Dragon Cub, she might have jumped.
But now she just smiled faintly and said calmly, “That won’t happen—escort… maybe after escorting, everyone ends up happy.”
Then, her words turned, tone meaningful, “And a few more days is nothing—at least don’t let your emotions be like a light switch, lighting up the moment someone comes—that wouldn’t look good.”
Soo Jung smiled without backing down, her tone cool and precise, “Not quite—I think it depends on who’s flipping the switch. Some press for three years without a light, others take three days to power the whole lamp—impressive.”
As she said this, she didn’t look at Big Dragon Cub but stared straight at Xiuyuan, “What do you think, Xiuyuan?”
As her words fell, the private room suddenly went quiet for a second.
The atmosphere was like a veil gently lifted, revealing the scalding undercurrents beneath.
Xiuyuan felt like he was on a chair of ice and fire.
One side Soo Jung’s casual sarcasm, the other Big Dragon Cub’s needle-hidden smile.
A vein throbbed faintly at his temple, his lips maintaining a strained smile, as if even his expression was about to cramp.
Just as the atmosphere was about to spiral out of control, Lee Ji-eun coughed lightly, finally showing mercy, “Can you let Xiuyuan catch his breath? He looks like he’s breaking a cold sweat.”
“No, just got a bit hot outside—I’ll be fine in a bit, just a bit.”
Xiuyuan waved his hands hurriedly, his tone urgent as if seeking a breathing gap.
Yoona timely stepped in, raising a mild smile to smooth things over, “Let’s eat first—don’t go hungry.”
Under the two older sisters’ mediation, Soo Jung and Big Dragon Cub finally hit pause on their verbal sparring.
One second tense as drawn swords, the next casually sharing the food before them, softly discussing dish tastes and plating colors—the abrupt style shift left Xiuyuan in utter “tea art cultural shock.”
He mechanically shoveled rice while silently pondering: What kind of divine battlefield is this?
However, this temporary “peace agreement” didn’t last long.
And this time, the “warfire” was ignited by Xiuyuan himself.
When Big Dragon Cub picked up knife and fork to cut steak, Xiuyuan instinctively handed her tissues and gestured for her to protect her clothes from splatters.
This small action drew Soo Jung’s meaningful gaze.
Calm, yet laden with depth, like a hunter spotting prey’s flaw.
Seconds later, the second round of clash reignited.
“Ji-yeon, didn’t you say you shot some tattoo stickers? Besides those… how many real ones do you have?”
“Want to know?” Big Dragon Cub smiled back, “Too bad you missed my birthday party last time—otherwise you’d know already. Now… Xiuyuan knows way more than you.”
“Oh, just asking casually. After all, Xiuyuan… he really likes abdominal muscles.” Soo Jung raised a brow with a smile, her tone lightly stabbing over.
“Speaking of fitness and abdominal muscles.” Big Dragon Cub countered instantly, “Haven’t been training ideally lately. Xiuyuan, when will you teach me to get a physique like yours?”
“Ah? I… I’m going to the restroom first.”
Xiuyuan nearly reflexively set down his chopsticks and fled.
With his exit, laughter bubbled from the ladies at the table— the atmosphere seemingly lively, yet each smile hiding needle points.
But not two seconds later, a second person stood.
“Me too.”
Big Dragon Cub rose, movements crisp, a sweet smile on her face, sly light in her eyes.
In the men’s restroom, Xiuyuan was dumbfounded.
Facing his first ‘Shura field,’ his mind was a mess, mechanically shaking water and zipping up absentmindedly.
Then, pushing the door open, he bumped right into Big Dragon Cub.
She leaned at the corridor’s end, soft lighting on her face, her smile carrying teasing calm.
“What’s up? You should’ve told me earlier you and Soo Jung had something going.”
Big Dragon Cub’s eyes curved as she said, “Scared, huh?”
“Uh…” Xiuyuan instinctively wanted to deny but didn’t know where to start.
“Got it—I won’t make a fuss when we go back.” Big Dragon Cub laughed like a kid who got candy, “But you have to promise me one thing.”
“What?”
“Haven’t thought of it yet—promise when I do, say yes or no first?”
She smiled playfully, her voice with undeniable coquetry.
Recalling the private room’s complex atmosphere, Xiuyuan agreed without hesitation, “Okay… sure.”
“Good boy.”
Big Dragon Cub stepped closer satisfied, hugging him naturally, “You ran too fast last night—no more next time, at least leave time for afterglow.”
She spoke softly, face against his shoulder, tone coquettish yet deliberately possessive.
But what she didn’t see was, the moment she hugged Xiuyuan.
Soo Jung stood at the corridor’s end, arms crossed, quietly watching them, a faint smile on her lips, as if she had anticipated this.
She stood there, her silhouette under the bright lights like a still judge, gaze calm yet locking straight onto Xiuyuan’s.
Three people, two embracing, eyes meeting.
Catching up last night’s chapter~ Ten Thousand Daily done, thanks to godfathers’ support and votes.
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Synopsis: Starting by crossing over to a shelved mascot emperor, experience different lives through the Hundred Lives Book, complete tasks for rewards.
Reforging royal glory—our duty!
In the Hundred Lives Book.
I became Wan Dao Sect’s holy son, debating Dao with Miao Lian holy maiden—her Dao heart shattered, sprouting endless green silk.
I became a destitute scholar, saved a white snake—I helped her successfully pass tribulation into the world’s last true dragon, yet she vowed never to let me go lifetime after lifetime.
I became Dragon Spring Sword Sect elder, took a disciple, trained her into the world’s top sword immortal—yet she came to hate me to the bone.
Finally, I seized back power, thinking I had reached the other shore on thin ice.
Then above the imperial capital, ten thousand zhang of dark clouds suddenly split!
A massive white dragon head emerged from the clouds, staring deathly at me.
Wasn’t it supposed to be experiencing lives?
How did they all become real?
