Chapter 158: “i’m Thinking About Kim Tae Yeon”
In the June evening, the streetlights began to glow.
The rain had stopped not long ago, and the air was filled with a moist and fresh aura. Puddles of water still remained on the ground at the alley entrance, reflecting the streetlights like shattered mirrors.
A gentle evening breeze, carrying the unique muggy heat of summer and the coolness after the rain, rustled the branches in the villa’s courtyard.
Lin Yoona had just closed the car door and hadn’t yet adjusted her hem when the sound of another car stopping echoed from behind her, followed by familiar footsteps.
“Yoona unnie.”
Krystal’s voice rang out as expected, her tone neither loud nor soft, but like a needle pricking velvet, revealing no emotion.
Looking at her, Lin Yoona wore her usual gentle smile and spoke in a mild tone, “Yah, Soo Jung, you’re here too? I thought you’ve been busy filming your new drama lately.”
“Unnie, aren’t you promoting your new drama too?”
Krystal, taking a couple of steps closer, looked up at her slightly, her gaze sweeping from her face down to the shoes she had just changed into. “I just finished work. Unnie, you look good today, have you been sleeping well lately?”
“Mhmm.”
Lin Yoona raised an eyebrow, her expression unchanged, and casually tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “You know, I’ve always prioritized skincare and proper rest, I can’t let my condition slip.”
“Yes, skincare is indeed important, especially for someone like unnie…” Krystal paused, a slight curve at the corner of her lips, “…who is no longer in her early twenties.”
Lin Yoona’s smile didn’t falter, but her eyes narrowed slightly for a moment. “Yes, as I get older, I understand better how to handle people and things efficiently. I can’t be like a child anymore; trying too hard can be counterproductive.”
The air hung heavy for a brief moment.
The next second, their eyes met, and they both burst into laughter.
“Ah, haha, I guess I can’t talk like this with unnie. It feels so strange.”
Hearing Krystal’s reply, Lin Yoona also chuckled, “It is strange.”
However, after speaking, Lin Yoona looked deeply at Krystal. “Soo Jung, you’ve been hiding things very well. If it weren’t for last night’s dinner, I wouldn’t have been sure about this situation.”
“Unnie, don’t look at me. I only found out later myself. I originally intended to keep it a secret, but then…”
Krystal lowered her eyes, smiled, then looked up at the illuminated lamp in front of the villa entrance, a fleeting, imperceptible calm and smile in her eyes. “But I still need to talk to Xiuyuan properly about this. He probably doesn’t understand the situation yet; it’s a bit too detached from reality.”
“That’s true,” Lin Yoona nodded, as if concluding this round of their exchange. “Let’s go. Sulli is cooking personally today, we can’t keep her waiting too long.”
“Yeah, after all these years, I don’t think I’ve eaten her cooking very often,” Krystal replied softly, her calm tone hiding an unspeakable emotion.
“Everything will be alright,” Lin Yoona glanced at her sideways and gently linked her arm. “Although things here can’t be changed, let’s help Sulli over there live well.”
The two walked side-by-side towards the villa entrance, their footsteps falling on the damp stone path with different rhythms, yet magically maintaining a tacit synchronicity.
The streetlights overhead cast a warm yellow glow, lengthening their shadows into two lines that intertwined yet were always ready to pull away.
“Unnie, were you the one who initiated last night, or was it him?”
“He’s like a block of wood. Did he initiate with you?”
“Same here. I originally just wanted to give him a reward, but I didn’t expect to get carried away afterwards.”
“This thing is more attractive than the Time-Space Door.”
“I was okay, but he got the better end of the deal.”
“Soo Jung, it’s hard to say who got the better end of this. I don’t believe you weren’t tempted.”
“…According to that guy, he seems to have really become a succubus.”
While chatting, they entered the villa’s living room and sat on the sofa for a while.
Suddenly, a door opened, and Lin Xiuyuan poked his head out. Seeing them, he beckoned, “Just arrived?”
“Mm.”
“Just in time. Come over, Sulli has already prepared the meal. Let’s eat.”
A few minutes later.
The aroma of food filled the entire apartment living room.
The dining table was already laden with dishes, their steam rising, carrying the spicy fragrance of chili peppers and the savory scent of the tofu stew, a familiar aroma that quickened one’s steps.
Lin Yoona was the first to sit down, smiling as she looked at Sulli, who was still pacing. “Sulli, I’m really surprised. You can actually cook, and it smells so good.”
Sulli smiled gently. “Since I haven’t had much work lately, I specifically learned from V Ma. I might as well learn a skill while I’m free. Also, oppa often eats takeout, which isn’t good. Me cooking is just right.”
After hearing this, Krystal quietly picked up a piece of tofu, took a bite, and nodded. “It really tastes like V Ma’s. I haven’t seen her in a long time.”
Sulli couldn’t fully empathize with the group’s separation, but she could offer Krystal a hug and then say with a smile, “You used to comfort me, telling me not to overthink things, and now you’re feeling down about yourself? V Ma is fine, you can go see her anytime. Action is most important.”
Lin Xiuyuan, while serving himself rice, chuckled. “Sulli, she’s just teasing you. As far as I know, they met at the beginning of the year, had dinner, and they haven’t stopped chatting regularly.”
“Ah, Soo Jung~ you’ve become bad.”
“Xiuyuan, don’t undermine me.”
Amidst laughter, everyone took their seats.
Warm yellow light spilled onto everyone’s faces, like a soft mist. After the stove fire died down, the room was quiet, only the clinking of tableware and the bubbling of soup floating in the air.
Several pairs of chopsticks moved among the plates, and the steam from the tofu stew enveloped the air, as if the air itself had been simmered into warmth.
Lin Yoona picked up a piece of pork belly and placed it in Lin Xiuyuan’s bowl, smiling. “This is your favorite, right, Xiuyuan? You always order it at the restaurant. Now that Sulli has made it for you, eat more.”
At the same time, Krystal also gave Sulli a piece of tofu and then chatted with her about their recent work.
Light laughter occasionally punctuated the meal, interspersed with brief moments of silence, like a tranquil peace. No one was in a hurry, nor did they interrupt each other; they simply shared a meal casually and leisurely, as if time had slowed down by half a beat.
At this moment, Lin Xiuyuan suddenly brought up the company matters he had discussed with Park Ji-yeon that afternoon.
“By the way, Sulli, Ji-yeon told me about the investment company this afternoon. When did you guys invest without telling me?”
After scooping a spoonful of soup and handing it to Lin Yoona, Lin Xiuyuan slowly said, “And I honestly didn’t expect that you would have already finalized the script issues with the TV station in such a short period of time. That’s too fast.”
Lin Yoona sprinkled some chopped green onions into the soup bowl. The soup was just boiling, she blew on it gently and handed the bowl to Sulli.
Sulli took it, smiled and nodded her thanks, then turned to Lin Xiuyuan, complaining slightly, “When you, Soo Jung, and Yoona unnie were having fun in 2025, you were never here. We didn’t have the time or opportunity to inform you then.”
Saying that, she pursed her lips and smiled, her eyes bright as she looked at Lin Xiuyuan. “Oppa, I’ll be cooking here from now on. You can still order takeout if you want, but don’t blame me for not warning you, the aroma of good food waits for no one.”
As soon as she finished speaking, Krystal exchanged a look with Lin Yoona, as if they shared a silent understanding, and then they both burst into laughter.
“Haha, don’t worry, Sulli,” Lin Yoona said. “I’ll keep an eye on him and force him to come over for more meals.”
“Exactly, exactly. What are you messing around with over there?” Krystal added.
The group continued to chat and laugh about the script.
When Lin Yoona heard that Krystal was cast as the lead actress in “this side’s” version of the script, her eyes widened. “This drama requires weight gain, right? Sulli, Soo Jung, you guys are too ruthless, targeting little Soo Jung?”
“It’s for the role, unnie. It wasn’t just me who decided; Xiuyuan was involved too.”
Krystal immediately refused to take the blame, her eyes darting to Lin Xiuyuan.
Lin Xiuyuan, who was engrossed in eating, was called out and quickly put down his chopsticks, waving his hands with a smile. “Ah, it should be okay, right? Don’t actors always have to do this? Gaining or losing ten pounds without batting an eye.”
“Xiuyuan, little Soo Jung here is primarily an idol.” Hearing his implication, Lin Yoona immediately laughed.
Sulli chimed in, her eyes curving as she laughed.
Only Lin Xiuyuan looked at Krystal, his gaze intense, making her look amused. “Why are you looking at me? You know why I became an actor, right? And you insist on me saying I’m getting old, don’t you.”
“No, let’s eat, let’s eat.” Lin Xiuyuan didn’t dare to take the bait and quickly lowered his head to eat.
At this point, as the conversation turned to this topic, Sulli took a sip of pomelo juice from the table but couldn’t help but re-examine Krystal and Lin Yoona sitting opposite her.
Their skin was in such good condition, so smooth, hydrated, and radiant that even filters wouldn’t dare to be used so heavily. They looked nothing like they did a week ago.
In fact, Sulli had vaguely noticed their change from the moment they met, but she hadn’t felt comfortable asking then.
Now, she could no longer hold back and blurted it out.
“Unnies, you two… have you been secretly doing some high-end project lately? Look at this skin, this complexion, how did it suddenly become so good? And I remember Yoona unnie saying just a few days ago that your sleep schedule was messed up and your face was about to break out.”
Lin Yoona, who was scooping soup with a spoon, paused slightly at her words and turned to look at Krystal, a mischievous smile appearing in her eyes.
Krystal raised an eyebrow slightly, put down her chopsticks, slowly looked up at Lin Xiuyuan, a meaningful curve at the corner of her lips. “Right, Sulli, you noticed too?”
Lin Yoona chuckled lightly, her tone carrying a hint of deliberate mystery. “But we didn’t go to any beauty salons, nor did we get injections or take medicine. We just spent a lot of time with a certain someone, and our physical condition was adjusted.”
Sulli blinked, not quite following. “A certain someone?”
“Xiuyuan.”
Krystal pointed to Lin Xiuyuan beside her, her tone dismissive.
“This person, his body seems to have something… how should I put it, something with ‘strengthening’ or ‘purifying’ properties. Simply put, if you spend a long time with him, you’ll inexplicably… become fairer, softer, younger, and even your sleep quality will improve.”
“Really?” Sulli’s eyes widened, she could hardly believe her ears. “What is this… the legendary living person beauty enhancer?”
“Look at Yoona unnie,” Krystal calmly pointed. “She was complaining about acne just a few days ago, and now? Her skin is so firm that I’m too envious to keep up.”
“Haha, during the SPA just now, Taeyeon unnie kept staring at me and asked if I had changed my skincare products.”
Lin Yoona, chiming in, let out a loud laugh. “I told her I changed my man, and she almost threw the face mask in her hand at me.”
Hearing this, Sulli was at a loss whether to laugh or cry, and turned to Lin Xiuyuan. “Oppa, you’re too amazing… What’s going on with this physical condition?”
However, she was met with Lin Xiuyuan, who looked as confused as she did, speaking a bit blankly and uncertainly.
“No, Krystal, Yoona, you two… are you talking about a sci-fi movie, or are you doing an advertisement? How come I don’t know about my own physical condition?”
“If you spend time together consistently, it might not be that obvious, but try touching it.”
Lin Yoona, sitting close to Lin Xiuyuan, brought her pretty face right up to him and let him touch it.
Lin Xiuyuan, however, looked at Krystal with a hint of guilt.
Krystal, on the other hand, smiled slightly. “Take a look for yourself. Suddenly, I think this is pretty good. You won’t be able to lie anymore.”
Looking back at Lin Yoona, Lin Xiuyuan did notice something odd.
The fine lines around Lin Yoona’s eyes were gone.
So, he poked his index finger into his cheek, then smoothed her eye corner. It was smooth and tender, definitely not due to lighting or makeup.
At this moment, Lin Xiuyuan instinctively looked at Krystal again. She leaned her head over, their eyes meeting.
She even lowered her head slightly and after a while asked, “So, did you notice anything unusual?”
“Your large forehead is gone.”
“Get lost~” Krystal rolled her eyes and playfully retracted her head, feigning anger.
“It’s true, Soo Jung, your forehead grew hair? Amazing, what’s going on?”
Meanwhile, Lin Xiuyuan furrowed his brows, examining Krystal, his mind racing as he began to retrace the various abnormalities of the recent period.
From Krystal, to Big Dragon Cub, and then Lin Yoona’s extreme proactivity last night.
A few seconds later, his expression visibly shifted from confusion to astonishment. His gaze flickered between Lin Yoona and Krystal, as if confirming a terrifying suspicion.
Finally, his mouth slightly agape, he pointed at himself, his voice rising a little. “So, all these changes of yours… are because of me?”
“From your younger brother,” Krystal stated bluntly.
Lin Yoona beside them laughed so hard she leaned back in her chair, her shoulders shaking.
Faced with this undeniable fact, Lin Xiuyuan looked down at himself in disbelief, his voice filled with shock. “WTF, is that real?”
“Of course, it’s real. Otherwise, why do you think my skin condition has been so good lately?” Lin Yoona nodded with a smile. “Haven’t you noticed Ji-yeon has also become fairer and softer recently?”
Lin Xiuyuan stared at her dazedly. “So, Yoona, last night you were aiming for… this?”
“What else? I like you~”
Lin Yoona teased him a little, but the smiling expression and gentle tone didn’t suggest anything other than affection.
Just as the three were chatting animatedly, Sulli remained sitting there, looking utterly bewildered, as if listening to gibberish.
“No, unnie, Soo Jung, oppa, what are you guys talking about? I don’t understand a single word.”
Then, Krystal leaned close to her ear and whispered for a good while.
When Sulli looked at Lin Xiuyuan again, her gaze had changed; she couldn’t quite meet his eyes and had a barely concealed hint of surprise and… scrutiny.
Finally, she exclaimed, “Wow, oppa, if this is true, aren’t you like Tang Monk’s flesh from Journey to the West? Any woman would want to take a bite out of you.”
Lin Xiuyuan: “…”
“No, wait a minute, Krystal, I remember you weren’t like this at first. Wasn’t it…”
“I was wearing an umbrella then,” Krystal, ever the sharp one, replied. “The time I had my period later on, I wasn’t wearing one, and neither was I the night before yesterday, so it had an effect.”
Lin Xiuyuan’s eyes widened abruptly, and he turned to look at Lin Yoona.
She was looking down at her soup, casually saying, “Oh, earlier I went up to your master bedroom to take a look. I thought for something like this… maybe I should experience it directly. And when I tried, I guessed correctly.”
“Holy crap… you two, one calculated more accurately than the other.”
Lin Xiuyuan felt utterly flustered, like a hunted wild resource, his face full of shock. “This, this isn’t right, how could you plot against me like this?”
“Wouldn’t that… easily cause problems?” Sulli asked softly, sounding a bit panicked.
“Compared to this effect, what’s a problem with taking medicine?” Krystal replied with a calm demeanor. “You’re young and don’t understand. You’ll understand when you’re a few years older.”
“What kind of twisted logic is that?” Sulli was amused and exasperated. “Then, according to what you and unnie said, what would the effect be if it were with a younger person? Double the effect???”
“I don’t know, do you want to try?” Lin Yoona looked at Sulli with a smile.
Sulli paused for a moment, her gaze instinctively falling on Lin Xiuyuan.
Lin Xiuyuan quickly raised his hands to interrupt. “Stop! Let’s drop this topic! You’re here, and you’re already assigning me like a tool? Can you give me some time to digest this? My brain is a complete mess right now.”
At this moment, Lin Yoona suddenly seemed to remember something and pointed a finger at the Time-Space Door behind them. “Is it possible… it’s related to that door?”
Their gazes instantly converged there.
Krystal also nodded thoughtfully. “I’ve been watching some popular science videos about anomalous environments lately. They say that some people experience subtle changes in their bodies after staying in special magnetic fields or temporal displacement zones for a long time.”
“Time-space Factor,” Lin Yoona added softly. “It might not be able to maintain youthfulness long-term, but short-term ‘rejuvenation’ is possible. Xiuyuan, you’ve been traveling back and forth, perhaps you’ve carried a part of this ‘special constitution’.”
“Wait… aren’t we in a modern urban drama, not a fantasy setting?” Lin Xiuyuan asked doubtfully. “And you guys travel back and forth frequently too, why are you fine?”
“It’s obvious that you are the owner of that door,” Lin Yoona shrugged. “Besides, the Time-Space Door has already appeared, so this is not that surprising. However, compared to the people in 2013, your physical condition is even more coveted than the Time-Space Door.”
As she said this, Lin Yoona’s eyes genuinely lit up as she looked at Lin Xiuyuan. Having verified the effect, she wanted to see how effective it could truly be.
Then Krystal added, her tone calm but undeniable. “So Xiuyuan, don’t just focus on stealing bites from now on. This isn’t a small issue. It’s fine if a few of us know, but if it gets out, it might cause some trouble.”
“I…”
Being exposed for his “romantic escapades” face-to-face, Lin Xiuyuan’s skin was still a bit thin. He coughed lightly and lowered his head to continue drinking soup, as if that piece of pork belly had suddenly become extremely interesting for research.
Fortunately, the two older sisters finished their conversation and finally let him off the hook, turning to chat with Sulli about Goo Hara’s recent situation.
Sulli mentioned that Hara had been too busy lately and couldn’t get away. However, she would continue to contact her on Kakao and talk with her, and when the time was right, they could discuss things further.
Seeing that Sulli had a plan in mind, Krystal and Lin Yoona didn’t interfere much, offering only symbolic suggestions.
The group then quietly ate their meal, their conversation gradually shifting to some interesting anecdotes and the subtle changes brought about by traveling through the Time-Space Door.
The three became happier as they chatted, while Lin Xiuyuan sat there, his expression complex, looking at Lin Yoona on one side, Krystal on the other, and finally glancing down at himself…
He had no appetite for this meal, feeling like he was undergoing a life reflection education throughout.
The night deepened, and after a short rest following dinner, Krystal got up to leave as she had work the next day.
Seeing this, Lin Yoona also got up, preparing to leave with her.
However, as Lin Xiuyuan opened the door to escort them back to the villa, the two of them noticed that he had no intention of going back with them and remained standing by the apartment.
But when Lin Xiuyuan opened the door, ready to send them back to the villa, the two women noticed that he had no intention of going back with them and remained standing by the apartment.
Krystal squinted her eyes, “Xiuyuan, aren’t you coming to rest?”
“No, no, I have to stay a few days in the new place.”
Lin Xiuyuan waved his hands quickly, using a serious expression as an excuse, but actually wanting to calm down and sort out the strange things in his mind.
As he said this, those playful eyes all turned towards him.
Seeing this, he immediately closed the door and left, his actions so decisive that Krystal and Lin Yoona at the villa were taken aback.
A moment later, Lin Yoona laughed, “Did we scare him?”
“Serves him right, who told him to lie with a straight face when he asked me if I’d done anything wrong before.” Krystal snorted, her tone of voice sounding dismissive, but with a hint of reluctance at the end.
After snorting, she then said with some worry, “He wasn’t too scared, was he? He’s not really going to avoid coming over now, is he?”
“I was just joking, Soojung, you’re taking it seriously.”
“Then he…”
“Do you think he would leave Sulli to live alone?”
“Oh~”
Meanwhile.
At the apartment in 2013, after closing the door, Lin Xiuyuan turned to look at Sulli, who was sitting cross-legged on the sofa, with an embarrassed expression and a guilty smile.
But Sulli didn’t care about that, and immediately said, “Oppa, if Ji-yeon finds out you’re over there… and have something going on with Big Ji-yeon, she’ll probably drag you to the taekwondo gym for some serious practice.”
“Ah, surely not.” Lin Xiuyuan was a bit speechless, “It was her idea in the first place.”
“Didn’t you notice she’s been unhappy lately?” Sulli said with a smile.
Lin Xiuyuan nodded, “A little, which is why I didn’t dare to say anything. It was an accident over there, I didn’t expect Ji-yeon over there to be so wild, I…”
“I understand, Oppa, you’re also a victim. Looking at the expressions of Soojung and Yoona unnie just now, I can tell that age and physical condition are really too important to them.”
After saying this, Sulli looked at Lin Xiuyuan with bright eyes, with some curiosity, “Oppa, why don’t we try?”
“Try my foot, go wash up and sleep.”
Lin Xiuyuan’s face darkened, and he turned and walked towards the small water bar next door, intending to make himself a drink and slowly sort out the situation.
As a result, Sulli behind him said again, “Oppa, I don’t believe you haven’t seen my last movie.”
Lin Xiuyuan’s footsteps immediately stopped, and then he fled into the water bar at top speed, leaving only a string of cheerful laughter echoing behind him.
Half an hour later, Sulli, who had showered and changed into fresh pajamas, appeared obediently at the small water bar.
She walked towards Lin Xiuyuan, who was staring blankly on the sofa, and sat down opposite him with a smile, “Oppa, are you still thinking about what just happened? Do you think unnies were too pragmatic?”
“Not really, if it were me, I’d want to replenish my yang too.” Lin Xiuyuan shook his head and smiled, making a small joke, “But with this situation, I have to be careful even when getting a massage.”
“Ah~ Oppa~”
Sulli couldn’t help but laugh, “With Soojung and Yoona unnie, you still want to get a massage? These two are enough for you to enjoy, not to mention the recently divorced married woman Big Ji-yeon, isn’t that your XP.”
“Just kidding, I’m not thinking about that.”
Lin Xiuyuan smiled faintly and took a sip of his drink, “When it comes to that, let’s just go with the flow. It will happen naturally when the mood is right, forcing it is meaningless.”
“Yeah, Oppa, it’s right for you to think that way, you’re not at a disadvantage anyway.”
Seeing that Lin Xiuyuan’s answer was still so carefree, Sulli felt much more relaxed. She had originally worried that Lin Xiuyuan might be bothered by Krystal and the others’ “scheming,” but hearing him say this, she was relieved.
Since it wasn’t that, she became curious, “Then what are you thinking about, Oppa?”
“I’m thinking about your Taeyeon unnie.” Facing Sulli, Lin Xiuyuan said without any concealment.
He then recounted the conversation he had with Park Ji-yeon at the KTV that day, and his thoughts when Kim Tae Yeon sang 《Father》, finally saying, “I’m wondering if I should help her, but besides this, there doesn’t seem to be any other problem with her. Recently, I’ve suddenly felt that it might not be good to call too many people over.”
“Fortunately, this thought of yours only came recently, otherwise I wouldn’t be here.” Sulli smiled faintly upon hearing this.
“Life and death are different. Kim Jonghyun is being contacted by Little Deer and Sulli. If they slowly look after him, there shouldn’t be any problems. So I’m hesitant about whether to get Kim Tae Yeon to join the cult.”
After listening, Sulli pondered for a moment, and her tone suddenly became firm, “Oppa, when you hesitate about a problem, then don’t do it, otherwise you wouldn’t have this thought.”
“Hmm?”
Lin Xiuyuan made a nasal sound, then couldn’t help but laugh, “Isn’t Kim Tae Yeon your roommate unnie? I thought Sulli you would persuade me.”
“Emotionally, of course I want to help Taeyeon unnie, but the premise is that Oppa himself is willing.”
Sulli looked at him, her tone calm and gentle, “If Oppa refuses, then I will definitely stand by your side. After all… you saved my life.”
Whether it was an illusion or not, Lin Xiuyuan always felt that Sulli had changed completely after that trip to the cemetery.
It wasn’t that she became distant or unfamiliar, but rather a reassuring clarity.
Her eyes were no longer confused, and her demeanor became more confident and calm.
Compared to the naive young girl she once was, she was now more like a grown-up who had gone through a baptism, her heart clear and resolute.
Sulli paused again after saying the previous sentence, “No, it was saving both me and Hara unnie, two lives. So no matter what, I will stand by Oppa’s side.”
“Thank you, Sulli~”
“Hee hee~”
The two continued to sit by the small water bar, sipping their drinks slowly, chatting as time quietly slipped into late night.
When they got up to go back to their rooms, as they reached Sulli’s door, she suddenly stopped and turned to stand in front of Lin Xiuyuan.
With her small hands behind her back, she leaned forward slightly, her smile as gentle as a summer night breeze, “Oppa, I had a very happy night tonight.”
“As long as you’re happy, go rest.”
Lin Xiuyuan responded with a smile, his eyes unconsciously scanning her once before falling back to her feet, always afraid she might fall.
But Sulli suddenly spoke again, “Oppa, do you want to call me Taozi?”
“Hmm? Why?” Lin Xiuyuan was surprised. Sulli shouldn’t have known that he had called Xiao Taozi when he called Lin Yoona at the villa earlier.
“Because… peaches.”
Sulli stifled a laugh, a faint blush rising on her cheeks, her fingers gently lifting the two peach-patterned designs on the front of her pajamas.
Lin Xiuyuan looked at her with a smile, “Hey, you’re teasing me, aren’t you? I’m going to hit you.”
“No, hee hee~”
Sulli, still giggling, turned to open the door. Just as she stepped in with one foot, she suddenly pulled back, turned abruptly, and leaned in, giving him a light peck on the cheek before Lin Xiuyuan could react.
Then she threw a “Oppa~ Goodnight~”
After saying that, she quickly darted into the room, and the door slammed shut.
Leaning against the door, she panted softly, her cheeks burning, a small hint of shyness and palpitation in her irrepressible smile.
Lin Xiuyuan stood there, shook his head helplessly yet tenderly, then turned back to his room. After washing up, he also fell asleep peacefully.
The next morning.
“Knock, knock, knock—”
A gentle yet undeniable knocking sound pierced the quiet air of the room, waking Lin Xiuyuan from his sleep.
“Oppa, get up, breakfast is getting cold.”
Sulli’s sweet and soft voice came from outside the door, with a hint of playful trailing of the end.
Lin Xiuyuan, who rolled over in bed, raised a hand to rub his forehead, yawning in response, “Got it, I’m coming.”
Then he rolled out of bed and walked to wash up with a reluctant gait.
A few minutes later, wearing a simple t-shirt and long pants, he walked out of the room, and his nose was immediately enveloped by a warm and familiar aroma.
Sunlight slanted into the living room, casting a soft glow on the wooden floor. Sulli was already setting breakfast at the dining table.
Fried egg, bacon, French toast, and a small plate of exquisitely arranged fruit slices, she even thoughtfully prepared a cup of honey grapefruit tea.
“Just in time, Oppa, the egg is freshly fried and still hot.” Sulli patted the back of the chair with a smile, “Sit down and eat.”
Lin Xiuyuan walked over and sat down. He picked up the teacup and took a sip. Amidst the rising steam, he looked at the girl opposite him and said with a smile, “If your fans saw this, would I be torn to pieces by their gazes?”
“Then hide well, you can’t be discovered. I wouldn’t bear to see Oppa torn to pieces.” Sulli glanced at him, her tone light but her eyes holding a smile.
“That sounds strange, like an affair.”
“If Oppa likes that setting, I can act it out for you.”
Sulli raised an eyebrow, her tone a little proud, “I consider my acting skills to be slightly better than Yoona unnie’s.”
Lin Xiuyuan laughed, “Why didn’t you say that last night?”
“I wouldn’t dare say it to your face.”
The two chatted intermittently, the atmosphere relaxed and pleasant, and they finished breakfast without realizing it.
Sulli got up to clear the bowls and chopsticks, her movements efficient. While washing the dishes, she didn’t forget to turn her head and say, “Oh right, Oppa, I have to go to the company for rehearsal at noon and I probably won’t be back until tonight. Tonight’s dinner…”
“I’ll go over to 2025, don’t worry, I won’t starve.” Lin Xiuyuan nodded, his tone leisurely.
Ten minutes later, Sulli changed her clothes and got ready to go out. Lin Xiuyuan got up from the sofa and walked her to the door.
Just as Sulli was about to push the door open, she paused again, looked back at him, as if she had something to say but hesitated.
“What is it?” Lin Xiuyuan asked.
“It’s nothing.” Sulli gave a gentle smile, “Oppa, remember to eat lunch.”
After saying that, she gently closed the door.
The room fell silent again.
Lin Xiuyuan stood there for a few seconds, then sighed softly, turned and walked to the storage room next door, gently pushed the door open, and a familiar scent wafted towards him.
It was the air of 2025, carrying the warmth of the summer sunlight and the rhythm of the city.
After arriving at the villa, Lin Xiuyuan first checked his phone for calls and messages. After learning about his ‘special’ constitution last night, he felt that something would happen today.
As expected, there were two missed calls and several messages from Big Dragon Cub on the screen.
Lin Xiuyuan gave a wry smile, his finger hovering above the screen, hesitating whether to call back, but finally put it down.
“Forget it, I’ll wait a bit longer.”
Then he went to the computer room to properly research what the so-called ‘time-space factor’ was.
He spent until noon researching.
During this time, Lin Xiuyuan looked at everything, videos, novels, forums, marketing accounts, and even skimmed through some poorly written papers, all of which he consumed whole.
The conclusion was only one: he didn’t understand, so he decided to give up.
So he opened the game, clicked on the interface, and started clearing his backpack, completely lying flat.
Just as he was about to enter a dungeon, his phone rang.
Thinking it was Big Dragon Cub, Lin Xiuyuan picked it up and was surprised to see the caller ID, “Oh~ Tae Little Soft?”
After thinking for a moment, Lin Xiuyuan answered, “Hello~ Taeyeon.”
“Xiuyuan, are you awake yet?”
Kim Tae Yeon’s lazy voice came from the other end of the phone. She was lying in bed, lazily talking to him while browsing messages and comments on her tablet.
She was wearing a simple camisole, and the sunlight streamed into the bedroom, gently brushing her shoulders, making her fair skin look a little alluring.
Unfortunately, no one could appreciate it.
“Just woke up, what’s up? Why do you, a busy person, have time to call me today?”
Lin Xiuyuan held his phone with his chin, muted the game, and controlled his character to find a safe corner to hide. The equipment in his backpack was good stuff, and he would be heartbroken if he lost it.
“I’m a busy person? You are, aren’t you? It takes days for you to reply to messages.” Kim Tae Yeon retorted with a smile.
“That’s an exception, a special situation.”
Hearing Kim Tae Yeon mention this, Lin Xiuyuan was no longer so direct, so he said, “As an apology, how about I treat you to lunch today?”
Kim Tae Yeon’s eyes lit up on the other end of the phone, “Wow, Xiuyuan, you’ve opened up, who taught you?”
“Are you saying I was a blockhead before? Do you want to eat or not?”
“Yes, why not? But I’ll choose the place, okay?” Kim Tae Yeon said.
“Okay, you pick it.”
Lin Xiuyuan knew she was worried that the restaurant he chose might not be hidden or safe enough, so he decided to save himself some trouble and agreed directly, which also saved him time searching for restaurants online.
And so, in just a few words, lunch was set, and it was the kind of “let’s go immediately” kind of plan.
After hanging up the phone, Lin Xiuyuan was not hesitant. He got up and walked out of the room, picked up the car keys downstairs, got in the car, and drove straight to the location Kim Tae Yeon had sent.
When he arrived at the restaurant, only about 20 minutes had passed, but it took him ten minutes to find a parking space.
Finally, tired of driving around, Lin Xiuyuan found a spot at the entrance of an alley nearby and haphazardly parked his car.
He didn’t care about the fine, he would ask Kim Tae Yeon to reimburse him later.
After parking the car, Lin Xiuyuan followed the address to the restaurant.
This restaurant was located on the rooftop of a building and was a genuine membership-only establishment that did not accept non-member customers.
If Lin Xiuyuan hadn’t mentioned Kim Tae Yeon’s name, he really wouldn’t have been able to get in.
When the waiter heard that he was “Kim Tae Yeon’s friend,” his eyes clearly showed some curiosity, but he didn’t ask any further questions. He respectfully led him to where Taeyeon was and then quietly left.
No photos, no gossip, no extra stops throughout the process. It was obvious that the staff here had all signed various confidentiality agreements.
Upon seeing Lin Xiuyuan’s arrival, Kim Tae Yeon blinked and couldn’t help but laugh and ask, “Hey? Xiuyuan, why are you later than me?”
“Couldn’t find a parking space, I drove around a few times.” Lin Xiuyuan replied with some frustration after sitting down.
When Kim Tae Yeon heard this, she laughed, “Ah, sorry, I forgot to tell you, some of the parking lots here have exclusive parking spaces for the restaurant.”
“It’s okay, if I really get a ticket later, you’ll reimburse me.”
Lin Xiuyuan took a sip of lemon water and scanned his surroundings.
Although it was on the rooftop, private spaces were sectioned off with sun umbrellas. Coupled with the unique decor and soft lighting, the overall atmosphere was exceptionally cozy.
Suddenly, his gaze caught a familiar figure, and he let out a soft exclamation, “Huh, is that…”
Kim Tae Yeon followed his gaze and replied with a smile, “Oh, it’s Joo Hyun. You should know her, right?”
“Yes, I know her.”
Lin Xiuyuan nodded.
He had promised to give her a small gift earlier, but it had been delayed until now.
After speaking, Lin Xiuyuan withdrew his gaze and turned to look at Kim Tae Yeon opposite him, “Taeyeon, have you finished your concert tour? Why do you have time to ask me out for a meal?”
“It’s not finished, it’s just a mid-term break. Can’t I just find you for a meal when I’m free?” Kim Tae Yeon looked at Lin Xiuyuan with interest.
“No, it’s just that I’m a bit curious.”
“What is it…”
Just as Kim Tae Yeon was about to continue speaking, she was interrupted by the ringtone of Lin Xiuyuan’s phone on the opposite table.
Her gaze immediately fell upon the flashing phone screen, and the caller ID was a selfie.
It was very familiar, it was Lee Ji-eun.
Lin Xiuyuan chuckled, gave her an apologetic look, and turned to answer the phone, “Hello, Ji-eun.”
Laughter came from the other end of the phone, tinged with joy, “Xiuyuan, I see you~”
Daily ten thousand completed, thank you to my godfathers for your support and votes.
Daily ten thousand progress bar report: 38/42.
Seeking monthly tickets, seeking subscriptions, seeking subscriptions, seeking rewards, seeking everything!!!!!!!
