Chapter 179: Xiuyuan Has No Time Tomorrow! The Day After? No Time Then Either!!
One afternoon in June 2025.
After a day of TV series promotion activities ended, Yoona was saying goodbye to the lead actors and directors from the film crew on site, with a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
Everyone was laughing nonstop, exchanging pleasantries, their words full of thoughtfulness and care after the hard work.
Yoona slightly bent over, clasped her hands together, and gently bowed to several seniors, her warm smile carrying a touch of humility, “Everyone worked hard, be careful on the way back, stay safe.”
“You worked hard, Yoona, see you next time.” A female writer walked over from behind and patted her shoulder, her smile radiant, eyes full of concern.
Yoona turned back to look at her and nodded lightly, a fresh smile lifting the corners of her mouth, responding, “Yes, thank you writer, everyone worked hard too.”
Her voice was clear and gentle, carrying sincere gratitude.
After saying goodbye, Yoona turned and walked to the parking lot with her team.
With each step, the sunset’s afterglow cast a soft silhouette behind her, her pace light and steady, as if she had completely let go of the day’s fatigue, while the media and fans’ cameras behind her also captured this moment.
Soon after, Yoona got into the car, closed the car window, and was just about to enjoy a moment of quiet.
But before she could fully stretch her muscles, a phone call interrupted her rest.
So she looked down at the screen, and upon seeing the caller ID, Yoona’s brows unconsciously raised, murmuring softly, “Unnie?”
Ever since the last time she went out with Xiuyuan and met Jessica and Kwon Young Il, and that incident happened, the two hadn’t spoken on the phone again, let alone met.
She hadn’t expected Jessica to call her proactively today, which surprised Yoona a bit.
At this moment, the driver in front of the nanny van started the engine, and the car slowly drove out of the parking lot, taking her away from the activity venue side.
Yoona also slid the screen to answer Jessica’s call, “Hello, unnie?”
From the other end of the phone, Jessica’s voice came through the mobile phone, carrying a hint of amusement, “Yoona, what are you doing?”
“Just finished the promotion activity, about to head back.”
Jessica’s tone made Yoona pause for a moment before she answered and then asked back, “Unnie, are you in Seoul?”
“Yeah, just got back. Do you have plans tonight? Want to grab dinner together?”
Yoona was surprised again but readily agreed, “Sure, I just finished work, but I need to freshen up, I have another event tonight.”
“Another event?” Jessica’s tone carried a bit of curiosity.
A while later, in the evening, in a high-end restaurant somewhere in Dragon Hill District.
Jessica, who had arrived early, had already changed into an elegant plaid sleeveless vest to avoid being called a passerby by a certain guy again. Thinking of how Xiuyuan had described her that way on the highway earlier, Jessica felt an impulse to kill.
A few minutes later, Yoona also arrived at the restaurant.
She wore a simple jacket, paired with a solid-color round-neck T-shirt and black shorts, looking both refreshing and capable, the classic black-and-white outfit generous and stylish.
Her rolled-up sleeves looked particularly bold, while her soft curls added a touch of elegance to balance it.
After meeting, the first topic between the two was that previous encounter. Luckily, Jessica didn’t take it to heart and told Yoona not to overthink it.
Yoona smiled, “I’m fine, it’s just Xiuyuan who’s holding a grudge.”
“…” This answer left Jessica speechless, then she curiously asked about the “next event” Yoona had mentioned on the phone earlier.
Yoona, who had been a bit hesitant, thought about how Qiu Li and the others would be there, and after hearing that Xiuyuan had picked up Jessica and Krystal that afternoon, she smiled and explained the upcoming small gathering at the tavern.
Jessica perked up upon hearing this, “Then it should be fine if I join in the fun, right?”
“As long as you don’t mind Xiuyuan rolling his eyes at you or ignoring you, unnie.” Yoona said with a light laugh.
“I’m too lazy to deal with him.” Jessica huffed lightly.
And so, after ending this topic, the two began ordering dinner, and after dinner, they ordered some desserts.
Until the time was about right, they got into the car together and headed to the small tavern.
The scene that followed was just like the one before in the tavern.
The people in the tavern, upon seeing Jessica there too, all turned their attention to her, with Krystal exclaiming in surprise, “Jessica? How did you end up here too?”
“What’s the big deal, you don’t own the place, I’m here with Yoona.”
Jessica, being pressed by Krystal, grabbed her bag, first shot back at her, then narrowed her eyes halfway.
As if warning Krystal that if she kept talking back, she’d see if Jessica wouldn’t hit her.
Luckily, Krystal’s crisis awareness, honed from getting beaten since childhood, gave her a danger alert at this moment.
So after glancing at Jessica’s little gesture, she immediately turned her head away and said no more.
Seeing Krystal wisely shut up, Jessica smiled satisfactorily, then greeted Sweet Eun-jung, Qiu Li, and the others.
Finally, she came to Taeyeon and gave her a slight smile, “Long time no see, Taeyeon~”
Taeyeon gazed at her, and in her mind, the scene from the day before yesterday when she returned to the 2013 apartment and encountered Soo Yeon involuntarily emerged.
The two figures slowly intertwined in her memory, and her emotions became complicated.
“Yeah, it’s been a while. I didn’t expect you to come tonight too, Soo Yeon. I thought you and Xiuyuan weren’t that familiar.”
Just as Jessica was about to answer Taeyeon, Xiuyuan from behind the bar counter spoke first, “Actually, we’re not that close.”
This statement made several people in the room immediately perk up their ears, the atmosphere seeming to tense up instantly, as if anticipating some good drama about to unfold.
Luckily, Jessica had already guessed Xiuyuan’s attitude toward her on the way over, so although she felt a bit annoyed, she wasn’t angry.
Instead, she let out a chuckle, stared at him for a glance, then turned to complain to Krystal.
“Soo Jung, your little friend here is really petty.”
“Then tell him yourself.”
Krystal knew Xiuyuan’s pettiness stemmed from that last incident, and since he hadn’t said anything harsh, she had no intention of smoothing things over for Jessica—after all, Jessica had indeed gone too far in that matter, even if it wasn’t her own idea.
Luckily, at this moment Taeyeon stepped in, “Alright, then Xiuyuan, you play with Ji-yeon and the others. I’ll take Soo Yeon to the sofa, get us some drinks.”
“Pay up.” Xiuyuan responded calmly, taking out the POS machine from the counter, “Card or cash?”
Jessica’s face turned so annoyed that she burst out laughing, “Hey…”
Taeyeon quickly pulled her back, also laughing, “Xiuyuan, didn’t I bring my own alcoholic beverages?”
“Wine glass usage fee, plus ice cubes fee.” Xiuyuan stated calmly.
“Then I want a fee too.” Taeyeon raised an eyebrow.
“You don’t need to, I’m charging the other one.” Xiuyuan pointed at Jessica.
Hearing this, Taeyeon covered her mouth and smiled, “Then this drink is for Soo Yeon, get me a new one.”
This made Xiuyuan glance at Jessica, who looked back at him, and the next second as she was about to pull out her bank card to pay.
But Xiuyuan suddenly said, “Fine, since you’re a member, the sidekick is free.”
Jessica’s eyes widened upon hearing this, “Hey, I have money, card, card…”
Taeyeon was even happier and quickly pulled her along, calling out to Yoona, “Alright alright, Soo Yeon, let’s go sit over there. Yoona, you come too.”
Yoona, who had been standing by watching the drama, smiled faintly, “Yes, unnie, coming.”
Then Krystal followed over too, leaving the bar counter instantly empty.
Big Dragon Cub and Qiu Li quickly seized the chance to sit in front of Xiuyuan, faces full of mischief, asking in a low voice, “Xiuyuan, what’s up, what’s up?”
Luckily Xiuyuan ignored them, just smiling and asking, “A bit of gossip, huh? What do you want to drink?”
“Who can resist eating melon like this.” Big Dragon Cub pursed her lips, then said, “I can’t drink alcohol lately, get me some juice or drink.”
Qiu Li beside her, upon hearing this, immediately smiled excitedly, “Xiuyuan, I can have iced, get me a sparkling fruit drink.”
Then Sweet Eun-jung also came over and ordered a sparkling fruit drink.
After that, this small tavern suddenly split into two teams.
One side was Girls’ Generation on the sofa, the other was T-ara at the bar counter.
Krystal ran between both sides, helping Xiuyuan deliver the prepared alcoholic beverages to the sofa side, then occasionally sitting at the bar counter chatting with Big Dragon Cub, like a jungler wandering freely.
However, Jessica, after sitting for a bit, suddenly noticed a detail.
When she inadvertently glanced at Big Dragon Cub sitting at the bar counter, she was startled: how did Ji-yeon’s skin become so good?
That skin, still fair under the tavern’s dim lighting, maintained elasticity and collagen plumpness, almost making her suspect if she was seeing things.
Jessica, after looking at Big Dragon Cub, suddenly had a thought and turned to Yoona beside her.
During dinner earlier, she had noticed Yoona’s condition and asked about it.
Yoona’s answer was “medical aesthetics,” directly shutting down all her follow-up questions.
But now seeing Big Dragon Cub the same way, Jessica’s gaze inexplicably finally landed on her sister Krystal.
Medical aesthetics is one thing, but when did hairlines start growing hair too?
These new discoveries shocked Jessica, but she had no mind to dwell on them.
After all, she didn’t have enough information or background to interpret these changes; all she could do was put the unexplainable aside for now.
And plan to chat with Big Dragon Cub later to see if she had done similar medical aesthetics, and recommend the place.
Taeyeon had also noticed something similar.
Compared to Jessica, she had a bit more information, so after her gaze swept over those who had taken the great tonic pills, it finally settled on Xiuyuan.
Somewhat suspicious, but not quite certain.
And at this moment, Taeyeon suddenly heard Qiu Li asking Xiuyuan, “Xiuyuan, now that summer’s here, want to go out to sea and play?”
“Huh? Out to sea? Me?”
Xiuyuan, hearing this, subconsciously refused, “I probably don’t have time, gotta watch the shop, work, make money.”
Big Dragon Cub couldn’t help laughing upon hearing this, “That’s a lie, right? It’s only been a month since opening, and formal business days aren’t even a full week, how could you be busy working? Who are you fooling?”
Seeing Big Dragon Cub not believing him, Xiuyuan hurriedly explained, “Who says, I have to tend to the members’ needs. This shop is just a contact point; serving members is my real job.”
Then Sweet Eun-jung, who hadn’t chimed in, finally laughed, “Alright, Ji-yeon, Xiuyuan’s not wrong. His job really is serving members. If you don’t get that, don’t make things hard for him, or he really won’t make money.”
Xiuyuan spread his hands, looking innocent at Big Dragon Cub and Qiu Li, “See?”
At this moment, Taeyeon’s voice came from behind them, “So Xiuyuan, when are you going to serve me? I’m a member too.”
Big Dragon Cub, Qiu Li, and the others all turned back to look, seeing Taeyeon’s gaze passing over them, smiling at Xiuyuan, “Since you just said that, can you save tomorrow for me?”
“Tomorrow?” Xiuyuan was stunned.
Then Krystal’s voice piped up, “Unnie, tomorrow won’t work, Xiuyuan already promised to go see Xiao Taozi with me tomorrow.”
This answer, out of the eight people present, most understood, while the rest looked confused.
Taeyeon frowned slightly and said, “But I have to head out on a concert tour the day after tomorrow, what about the day after?”
As soon as she spoke, Yoona interrupted from the side, “Day after won’t work either, unnie. Xiuyuan promised me we’d make bread for the volunteers the day after, we’ve already planned it. I also have to go to Macau the day after that, no time to wait.”
“Huh? Yoona, do you really have to do it with Xiuyuan?” Taeyeon widened her eyes, full of surprise.
“Absolutely.” Yoona nodded very seriously.
The day-after-tomorrow Macau trip was for two big brand endorsements— if not now to absorb yang and supplement yin, when?
At this point, Sweet Eun-jung at the bar counter was already holding back laughter, because she knew exactly what these two wanted from Xiuyuan.
So she immediately looked at the young boy behind the bar counter, beckoned him over, and smilingly asked after he leaned in, “Scared, Xiuyuan? How about we go out tonight for some late-night snack, like oysters or geoduck clams?”
Hearing this, Xiuyuan immediately straightened up, saying righteously, “Do I need that?”
Then he bent down at once, asking cautiously, “Can it really replenish?”
Sweet Eun-jung burst out laughing upon hearing this.
At this moment, Qiu Li, noticing this, poked Big Dragon Cub’s waist, signaling her to look at the two beside them.
Following Qiu Li’s gaze, Big Dragon Cub’s eyes narrowed slightly, and seeing the two chatting and laughing, she couldn’t help feeling isolated.
【Hyo Min: ?? Ji-yeon, did you get the wrong person???】
Meanwhile, after answering, Xiuyuan cautiously glanced at Krystal and Yoona over there—he knew exactly what they were plotting.
Happy as he was, he also felt a bit worried, really afraid of being drained like an ‘oil field’ by these two women.
Normal back-and-forth, everyone relaxed and having fun, no problem at all.
What he feared was the kind that went straight for the result, ruthlessly extracting oil or picking locks.
Key just inserted into the door lock, and without you even turning, the lock cylinder inside auto-twists, fully automatic unlimited style—who could handle that?
“Xiuyuan~”
While Xiuyuan was imagining various scenarios in his mind, Big Dragon Cub beckoned him too, “Come here a sec.”
“What.” Xiuyuan leaned forward and asked.
“How does one join the membership here exactly?” Big Dragon Cub showed a curious expression.
The moment she heard Xiuyuan say he serves members, no wonder Big Dragon Cub overthought—it was the first thing she thought of the host clubs in Ginza.
But in her view, the young boy in front of her was infinitely better than those hosts.
Whether in looks, figure, build, talent, or that eloquent mouth that could talk and play music, all very good.
Plus that one-of-a-kind physique, it was 99.99% perfect.
The only flaw was probably the lack of free time, not on call.
Hearing this, Xiuyuan first looked at Sweet Eun-jung beside him, who shook her head directly, “Don’t look at me, I fished and won my membership myself—who knows how others joined?”
With Sweet Eun-jung’s words, Qiu Li immediately turned back and curiously asked Taeyeon, “Taeyeon, how did you join Xiuyuan’s tavern membership?”
“Huh, me?”
Taeyeon, who was discussing Xiuyuan’s schedule with Yoona, was stumped by Qiu Li’s question for a moment, not knowing how to answer.
So she looked at Yoona, “Yoona, how did you join?”
“Me? Another member of Xiuyuan’s had a need, so they added me.” The asked Yoona answered very naturally, because her entry point was indeed via Little Deer.
As soon as she spoke, everyone’s gazes refocused on Taeyeon, but she seemed not to have figured out how to continue, so she turned to Krystal.
The stared-at Krystal answered very simply, “Me? Thinking about it, my membership entry was probably related to Jessica. We met Xiuyuan together, chatted with him for a few days, then I joined.”
After saying that, Krystal suddenly laughed, “Right, when I joined, this small tavern wasn’t set up yet—or rather, he didn’t even have the idea then.”
This last sentence from Krystal was said lightly, but when it reached the ears of some attentive listeners, it carried a stinging edge.
Clearly, she wanted to show off knowing Xiuyuan earlier and having a closer relationship.
At this point, Taeyeon, who had thought it over, also answered, “Compared to Soo Jung and Yoona, I don’t have much story—just called Xiuyuan, had him come to my place once, then joined the membership. Right, Xiuyuan?”
At these words, the crowd’s previously withdrawn gazes refocused on Xiuyuan.
Xiuyuan, who had just made himself a watermelon coconut drink, was dumbfounded, “Uh, Taeyeon, don’t put it so vaguely. It was because you were about to cry, so I let you join.”
Xiuyuan’s “cry” was even vaguer, but every member present understood it clearly.
Only Jessica, Big Dragon Cub, and Qiu Li were utterly confused and extremely frustrated looking at them.
Ask outright, and each says they don’t know.
Look with eyes, and each gaze at Taeyeon is so full of story.
That’s not knowing?
Cheating ghosts.
But Big Dragon Cub didn’t care about any stories, directly following up on Xiuyuan’s answer to Taeyeon, teasing, “Xiuyuan, so does that mean crying urgently gets you membership?”
“No, that was Taeyeon’s own issue, not about crying or not—I was just using a metaphor.”
Seeing Big Dragon Cub about to test it herself, Xiuyuan hurriedly stopped her.
However, seeing her already making a face to “try” crying, he quickly added, “Ji-yeon, don’t mess around, rest up first. In a few days, I’ll treat you to fried chicken.”
At this, Big Dragon Cub’s expression instantly turned from cloudy to sunny, smiling, “Alright, we’ll talk about that later.”
In the blink of an eye, aside from Jessica, only Qiu Li was left fighting solo in the tavern.
So she immediately said, “Xiuyuan, what riddles are you and Ji-yeon talking? Why is everyone using this encrypted language?”
Meanwhile, Jessica sitting beside Taeyeon also looked a bit lost.
She had thought coming to the small tavern for drinks this time, even with Xiuyuan there, she could chat happily with Yoona, Taeyeon, Krystal, and others.
However, unexpectedly, right after entering, Xiuyuan teased her a few times, and then in the conversations among them, she couldn’t get a word in.
After that, once they finished chatting, she found herself isolated.
Truly isolated.
At least Qiu Li could still chat about Xiuyuan-related things or pull Xiuyuan in to explain this and that.
But Jessica couldn’t even get Xiuyuan to respond, and even for a glass of water, she needed Krystal to pour it, or she’d go thirsty.
However, as alcoholic beverages were consumed and topics opened up, the tavern’s atmosphere gradually became relaxed and lively.
Teasing and complaints among them had everyone laughing nonstop, especially when Qiu Li pressed Xiuyuan about membership and he deflected with a slice of watermelon, adding even more vitality to the tavern’s atmosphere.
As everyone relaxed under the influence of alcohol, even the usually quiet Sweet Eun-jung started proactively chatting with Krystal, pushing the atmosphere to its peak.
However, Qiu Li was still “dueling” with Xiuyuan.
Her gaze shifted from aggrieved to frustrated, then to annoyed.
Later, her face even flashed with a “pleading, resentful” little expression, but she never got a response from Xiuyuan, who would look around evasively at key questions.
Seeing no luck, Qiu Li stood up, downed the drink in front of her in one go, and turned toward the small stage, “Hmph, then I won’t bother with you, going to play musical instrument.”
Her voice was full of reluctance and annoyance, making Big Dragon Cub and Sweet Eun-jung both laugh out.
Because the two who knew her well understood that if this unnie really ignored someone, she’d probably slam the door and leave.
By the time they finished their eye exchange with Xiuyuan and came back to their senses, Qiu Li was already on the tavern’s small stage, picking up the bass and starting to play proficiently.
Her expression gradually relaxed, the frustration in her eyes seemingly dissipating with the flow of the musical notes.
At this point, Yoona on the sofa looked at her and smiled, standing up too, “I’ll go play for a bit, relax.”
Finally, her steps landed in front of the keyboard, playing a couple of somewhat rusty notes.
As Yoona headed to the small stage, Sweet Eun-jung, not wanting to be left out, stood up and went to the instrument area, “I’ll join the fun too.”
She said, casually picking up the electronic drums nearby and starting to beat them.
In the next few minutes, the atmosphere in the tavern subtly shifted.
Seeing everyone joining this impromptu little band, the remaining few also followed over.
Jessica watched the group gradually head to the stage and couldn’t help feeling a bit tempted, especially seeing Taeyeon roll up her sleeves, so she smiled, “Let’s go check it out.”
Hearing this, Taeyeon immediately went over, heading straight for the microphone.
Everyone in the tavern, except Jessica beside her who could match her, the others were just “accessories.”
Soon, the small stage in the tavern was taken over by the impromptu band, and they began playing various songs freely—some familiar classic pop tunes, and a few of each’s representative works.
With the music’s rhythm, the group originally split into two small teams started playing together noisily, the atmosphere becoming even freer and joyful.
Even Krystal, who hadn’t sung in a long time, came up for half an English song, her voice clear and powerful, instantly igniting the entire tavern’s vibe.
At this point, the only one still sitting in front of Xiuyuan was Big Dragon Cub.
She quietly watched this warm scene, then suddenly turned to Xiuyuan, her eyes carrying a hint of lost smile, “Xiuyuan, do you like the old me or the current me?”
Xiuyuan, who had been enjoying the performance, was a bit stunned by the question but soon answered with a serious tone.
“That’s a tough one. I think the old you was great, and the current you is awesome too. Each phase of you has its unique charm—how can I simply choose? Can’t I like both?”
He spoke sincerely, without any hesitation in his words.
So Big Dragon Cub chuckled upon hearing it, “Slippery.”
Then she looked at him with that teasing gaze and asked, “So do you think my current self counts as unrestrained? Especially toward you.”
This made Xiuyuan laugh even more happily, excitement flickering in his eyes.
“Now we’re talking. From the perspective of someone who’s enjoyed it, I think it’s a strength for Ji-yeon. From the perspective of those who can’t have it, it’s a reason for them to envy me.”
Listening to this answer, Big Dragon Cub looked deeply at Xiuyuan.
Seeing his relaxed and natural demeanor, his eyes full of genuine, fearless appreciation for her, she burst out laughing too, leaning forward and back as if completely charmed by Xiuyuan’s humor.
The band on stage grew even hotter, with Krystal, Taeyeon, Yoona, and others fully immersed in the performance, making the whole tavern even freer and joyful.
After a good while, Krystal turned to glance at Jessica now beside her, a little scheme flashing in her eyes.
After looking around, she suggested, “How about we play a game?”
“What game?”
“So many girls, only one guy Xiuyuan, of course King’s Game.”
Same as always, 7K first, 3K later.
Wait if you can, or read tomorrow if not, no need to wait specially for updates.
PS: Tomorrow after 2 PM, the book is on guide read recommendation, hope all godfathers support, thanks.
