Chapter 234: “xiuyuan, Do You Plan To Send Jessica Over?”
2025.
Late at night, in the serene atmosphere, Jessica dragged her suitcase towards the elevator hall of the apartment building, her footsteps echoing in the vast space of the underground parking lot.
Then, as if remembering something, she turned her head to look at the car not far away.
She saw Lin Xiuyuan, who had just helped her with her luggage, already back in the driver’s seat, and Lee Ji-eun had switched to the front passenger seat.
As the car’s engine hummed softly, it slowly drove towards the parking lot exit, and Jessica’s gaze unconsciously followed the car, her mind involuntarily conjuring up some rather intense scenes.
However, after a moment, she lightly shook her head, as if trying to dispel the doubts in her heart, a self-mocking smile playing on her lips.
“It shouldn’t be like that, right? Ji-eun isn’t inexperienced, and this guy isn’t some universally loved item.”
As soon as she finished speaking, Jessica suddenly remembered the face of Lee Ji-eun she had noticed on the way back to Seoul earlier.
That face, which had regained its firm elasticity, its skin as smooth and tender as if it were new.
Although the dim lighting in the car at the time didn’t allow her to observe or examine it closely, the details that flashed by with the passing car lights still left a mark on her heart.
“Forget it, I’m overthinking it.”
Jessica, after shaking her head slightly, sighed softly, gave another self-deprecating smile, and then turned to walk into the building.
However, the small space of the elevator did not bring her the expected quiet; instead, a sudden unease surged into her heart like a tide, leaving her restless.
This made Jessica unconsciously tighten her grip on her suitcase, feeling a vague, elusive sensation in her heart.
At the same time, Lin Xiuyuan’s car had already exited the parking lot and was on the main road.
Outside the car window, the streetlights and neon lights flashed by, casting a glow on his profile.
The car was silent, with Lin Xiuyuan focused on the road ahead, while Lee Ji-eun gently guided him, the car following her navigation towards the apartment.
Along the way, Lee Ji-eun occasionally asked Lin Xiuyuan about his feelings on this trip to Europe, and he always responded concisely with “It was alright.”
After he finished speaking, silence fell again in the car, leaving only Lee Ji-eun’s restless little hands moving erratically.
Soon, the car moved from Jessica’s apartment area to below Lee Ji-eun’s apartment building.
However, Lin Xiuyuan didn’t rush to get out of the car. He turned his body, smiled at Lee Ji-eun’s eyes, and gently held a small hand that was trying to do something more intimate with his right hand.
Lee Ji-eun smiled slightly and blinked her clear, bright eyes, “Let’s go, Xiuyuan~ I’ll treat you to coffee upstairs.”
“Late at night, and you want coffee?”
Lin Xiuyuan replied with a smile, but eventually got out of the car and followed her into the apartment’s elevator hall.
Afterward, the two entered the apartment and went up to the bedroom.
As the two entered the upstairs bedroom, the lights were dim, and the air was filled with a tranquil atmosphere.
“…”
The next morning.
Lin Xiuyuan lay in bed, his eyes slightly closed, quietly feeling the gentle breathing of Lee Ji-eun beside him.
The bedroom was quiet, filled with a warm aura, with only the low hum of the humidifier echoing in the silence, like the lingering remnants of the night.
The morning sunlight filtered through the gaps in the curtains, casting soft light that danced on the white bedsheet, like a layer of golden gossamer, warm and serene.
At this moment, Lee Ji-eun’s eyes opened slightly, and she turned over, her gaze falling on Lin Xiuyuan, who was sleeping soundly beside her.
His face appeared exceptionally peaceful in the morning light, his breathing even and steady.
She couldn’t help but gaze at him quietly, waves of emotion surging in her heart as she recalled the events of the previous night.
It had been a wild and passionate night, which stirred up complex emotions in Lee Ji-eun’s heart.
In fact, she didn’t have deep feelings for this guy, and she knew her feelings for Lin Xiuyuan weren’t profound.
But as Big Dragon Cub had said, prolonged close contact, especially in such an environment and during such activities, inevitably stirs up some slight affection in a woman’s heart.
Lee Ji-eun knew this well, but she couldn’t help but recall that everything that had happened to him since she met Lin Xiuyuan had always been as elusive as a mystery, shrouded in an aura of secrecy.
It always felt like he could never be fully understood, like an unfathomable enigma.
This kind of guy is really not suitable for settling down and living a life with.
But if it’s just for fun…
Thinking this, Lee Ji-eun unconsciously raised her hand and gently stroked her own firm skin.
The premise of playing around is being able to disengage at any moment, and with Lin Xiuyuan, she felt that this was probably impossible to achieve, at least not yet, as she was reluctant to.
While she was lost in thought, a low voice sounded in her ear, “You’re awake?”
Lee Ji-eun trembled slightly, feeling Lin Xiuyuan’s breath no longer that of a sleeping person.
Lin Xiuyuan opened his eyes and happened to see her eyelashes fluttering slightly. With a smile on his lips, he gently asked, “Hmm?”
“Mm.”
Answering with a hum, Lee Ji-eun looked up at Lin Xiuyuan’s handsome face.
The questions that had been swirling in her mind moments ago seemed to be instantly thrown to the back of her mind at this moment.
At the same time, her gaze involuntarily fell on Lin Xiuyuan’s face, then she reached out and gently stroked his handsome features, a satisfied smile appearing on her lips.
“Last night was the best night’s sleep I’ve had recently, Xiuyuan~ According to the descriptions in novels, why do I feel like you’re really like a poppy?”
Lin Xiuyuan smiled, a hint of helpless jest in his eyes, “Don’t say that, I don’t want to be that kind of thing.”
He gently stroked Lee Ji-eun’s smooth back a few times.
Then he turned to look at the room.
The master bedroom’s layout was simple and modern, the bedsheets were pure white, and the room was almost devoid of clutter, reflecting Lee Ji-eun’s consistent preference for minimalist style.
Opposite the large bed was a large window. As the curtains were not fully drawn, the scenery outside could be faintly glimpsed through the gaps in the curtains, showing the distant city landscape and the sunny weather of today.
Noticing Lin Xiuyuan’s gaze, Lee Ji-eun smiled slightly, called out to the smart butler, and then asked the butler to open the curtains.
As the curtains slowly rose, the view outside the massive floor-to-ceiling window was instantly revealed.
This apartment was located on the 30th floor, offering an extremely wide view overlooking the entire Seoul city center.
The distant high-rise buildings, the vehicles speeding along the streets, Namsan Tower under the morning sun, everything was in view, like a beautiful scroll painting.
“The scenery is really nice. This place isn’t cheap, is it?”
Lin Xiuyuan leaned against the headboard, his voice carrying a hint of lazy drowsiness, as if he hadn’t quite woken up from sleep yet.
Lee Ji-eun nodded, her gaze unconsciously returning from the window to the still groggy Lin Xiuyuan on the bed, and smiled, “Well, you could say that. But no matter how expensive, it’s still a place for people to live. So, in my opinion, living comfortably is the most important thing. If it’s not comfortable, no matter how expensive, it’s not a good house.”
Lin Xiuyuan smiled, seemingly not intending to continue the topic.
Seeing that he didn’t speak further, Lee Ji-eun didn’t press the issue either. Her eyes darted, and she suddenly thought of something.
Then she gently turned over, slowly got up, and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window.
Not caring about the boundless spring scenery, she walked across the soft carpet to the window, rested her arms on the glass, and leaned slightly forward, her posture alluring and seductive.
Then she turned to look at Lin Xiuyuan, her eyes filled with a hint of provocation and a smile, “Xiuyuan~ With such good weather, such beautiful scenery, and such a good atmosphere, shouldn’t we do something more?”
Lin Xiuyuan couldn’t help but chuckle, his tone heated, “Tsk tsk, you’ve really stimulated this small-minded guy, Ji-eun~”
Just as Lee Ji-eun had said, the scene before him was indeed very captivating, so Lin Xiuyuan immediately threw off the quilt and came up behind her, his warm body pressed tightly against her back.
Then, slowly, quickly, skillfully, with varying paces, he guided her to begin her yoga session for the new day.
…
…
In the afternoon, backstage during Girls’ Generation’s 2013 activities.
The backstage lighting was dim, in a noisy environment.
At this moment, Lin Xiaolu was being clung to by Kim Soft Soft, her arm tightly linked with the other’s, and she asked with a look of confusion, “Yoona, when is that guy coming? He’s not going to be gone for days, is he? I said why weren’t you guys worried about finding him before, so it turns out you couldn’t find him.”
Lin Xiaolu smiled and gently pulled Kim Soft Soft’s arm, pretending to be mysterious, “Unnie, do you know what you look like right now?”
“What do I look like?” Kim Soft Soft turned her head in confusion, looking at Lin Xiaolu.
“Like a resentful wife waiting for her cheating husband to come home, very angry but unwilling to let go.”
Lin Xiaolu’s voice carried a hint of teasing, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
After Lin Xiaolu finished speaking, Kim Soft Soft immediately rolled her eyes, but couldn’t help but curve her lips, “Come on, Xiuyuan is indeed a good guy, but I’m not looking to date right now.”
“Huh? Unnie, what are you talking about?” Lin Xiaolu’s eyes suddenly widened, clearly not expecting Kim Soft Soft to say that.
Kim Soft Soft raised an eyebrow slightly and retorted, “What, did I say something wrong?”
“There was a 14-year relationship that involved you,” Lin Xiaolu couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow and tease.
A smile appeared on Kim Soft Soft’s face, “As if you weren’t involved.”
“Likewise,” Lin Xiaolu pouted helplessly.
The two engaged in a back-and-forth “mutual harm,” and while the atmosphere was light, it also revealed an unspoken tacit understanding and comprehension.
Finally, both couldn’t help but look at each other and smile, the air filled with an intimate atmosphere.
Then Kim Soft Soft slightly composed herself, turned back to Lin Xiaolu, and asked her original question, “So when is he coming back?”
“I don’t know,”
Lin Xiaolu shrugged, “Normally he would come by every day. It seems he went traveling to London with Soo Jung recently, so I guess we’ll have to wait a few days.”
Kim Soft Soft’s eyebrows shot up, “Soo Jung?”
“Krystal,” Lin Xiaolu casually provided another name.
Kim Soft Soft then sighed softly, understanding dawning on her, “No wonder we need separate names. Otherwise, when talking about people, you wouldn’t know which period they’re from.”
Having said this, she suddenly thought of something, and her tone became lively again.
“Oh right, Yoona, after the schedule is over later, let’s go find Snowball together. Her ‘screenwriter’ status is amazing; she’s always at the TV station and doesn’t come back to the company. I kind of miss her, but I can never find the time to go see her.”
“Sure, Sulli is off today, let’s go over and freeload a meal,” Lin Xiaolu agreed readily in a relaxed tone.
At this, Kim Soft Soft immediately looked at Lin Xiaolu, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, “How did you know? Did Snowball tell you? How come I didn’t know?”
From the night she returned in ’25, Kim Soft Soft had been swamped.
First there were meetings, and then she was fully immersed in work again.
During that time, she only managed to chat with Kim Jonghyun briefly during rehearsals at the company and talk about some “secrets” with Jung Soo Yeon and Lin Xiaolu on the road during their schedules.
Sulli, due to filming matters, hadn’t been coming to company rehearsals much.
So she had very few opportunities to meet with Sulli. Although they exchanged messages on their phones, she didn’t dare to make a call easily.
But even so, she and Sulli had been messaging back and forth for the past two days; how could Lin Xiaolu know this situation earlier than her?
As Kim Soft Soft was puzzling over this, she suddenly saw Lin Xiaolu pat her head, as if remembering something.
“Oh dear, I forgot to add Unnie to the group. We members have a small group chat where we can subtly discuss things, and everyone basically updates their schedules every few days to ensure smooth communication between both sides.”
Upon hearing this, Kim Soft Soft’s eyes narrowed immediately, her face filled with annoyance, “Then hurry up and add me, Lin Yoona!!!”
Lin Xiaolu giggled, as if she had expected Kim Soft Soft’s reaction, “Hehe, I’m adding you now, I’m adding you now.”
2 minutes later.
As soon as Kim Soft Soft joined the group chat named 【Solve Worries Small Courtyard】, a few messages popped up on her screen.
There weren’t many members in the group; including her, there were only six people.
Her joining seemed to pique the members’ interest, and someone immediately started sending messages.
Park Ji-yeon: 【Amazing, Taeyeon Unnie, when did you join the cult?】
Park Ji-yeon: 【Oh my god, what big thing has Oppa been hiding from us these past few days? Why is it that every time he’s quiet, something shocking always happens?】
Join the cult?
Kim Soft Soft was momentarily confused and looked at Lin Xiaolu beside her.
Lin Xiaolu lowered her head and pursed her lips, explaining with a smile in her eyes, “This is something Xiuyuan tricked Ji-yeon into saying back then, and she’s remembered it ever since. Unnie, you should take it as a joke, don’t take it too seriously.”
Then, Lin Xiaolu began to narrate in detail how Lin Xiuyuan had tricked Park Ji-yeon, how this “organization” called 【Solve Worries Cult】 was formed, and its absurd “doctrines.”
Kim Soft Soft was so amused that she burst into laughter, finding these things utterly ridiculous yet undeniably interesting.
She then thought of Lin Xiuyuan and Kim Tae Yeon in 2025, considering how he might use this “future answer” to trick her, and laughed again, “That’s the kind of trick Xiuyuan would pull.”
Looking at Kim Soft Soft, Lin Xiaolu seemed to have thought of something, and smiled, a hint of mischievousness in her eyes.
“Oh right, Unnie, that 【Solve Worries Cult】 actually has a special ‘rule’.”
She paused, her tone becoming somewhat mysterious, “That is, there’s a membership fee to join. Unnie, how much are you planning to pay?”
Kim Soft Soft frowned slightly in confusion, her face a picture of bewilderment, clearly not understanding, “Membership fee? What do you mean?”
Then Lin Xiaolu began to tell Kim Soft Soft everything that had happened with the “fundraising” for Lin Xiuyuan’s two small taverns, and the situation of Big Dragon Cub being “sold” in 2025. Anyway, if she didn’t say it, Kim Tae Yeon would eventually tell her, it was only a matter of time.
And when Kim Soft Soft heard that so many strange things had happened among the members of the small taverns, she was shocked again.
“Oh my, heavens~ Yoona, I’m saying, why weren’t you and Soo Yeon paying much attention to the group’s matters before? So you found something more fun, more interesting, and that could also help your life.”
“It’s quite enjoyable. Compared to the daily idol routine of endless schedules and performances, being with Xiuyuan feels more like real life.”
Lin Xiaolu did not deny this, but instead recalled the trip to Japan, the passionate kiss at that small tavern, and the tug-of-war during the few days in the presidential suite.
Just then, Kim Soft Soft’s phone began to vibrate frantically, not like a call, but more like a message notification.
So she quickly picked it up and her eyes lit up with surprise.
This was because someone had appeared in 【Solve Worries Small Courtyard】.
Sulli: 【Ji-yeon, didn’t I tell you? Did you forget?】
Park Ji-yeon: 【When did you tell me, Jinjin?】
Sulli: 【I said we could invite Taeyeon Unnie to have a few drinks at the tavern next time we meet.】
Park Ji-yeon: 【Is this how you talk about joining the cult?】
Ham Eun-jung: 【Hahaha, you two stop arguing. We can talk more when we see each other later. Don’t say too much random stuff.】
Lin Xiuyuan: 【What’s going on? What are you all talking about so enthusiastically?】
Sulli: 【Oppa~ You’re back?】
Lin Xiuyuan: 【Just got home. Where are you?】
Park Ji-yeon: 【Oppa, don’t move from the apartment, I’m on my way now, I’ll be there immediately.】
Sulli: 【I’m out buying groceries. Ji-yeon and the others said they’re coming over for dinner tonight. Oppa, is there anything you want to eat?】
Lin Xiuyuan: 【Buy some chicken and duck. Let’s make Beer Duck and Spicy Chicken.】
Sulli: 【OK~】
Kim Tae Yeon: 【Can I order, Snowball?】
Under the supermarket lights, Sulli pushed her shopping cart while quickly browsing her phone. Upon seeing Lin Xiuyuan’s message, the corners of her lips curved, her mood clearly becoming happier.
Seeing that Kim Tae Yeon had also left a message in the group, she immediately replied.
Sulli: 【Unnie, what do you want to eat? I’ll see if I can make it.】
Kim Tae Yeon: 【No, I’m just teasing. I’ll eat whatever you make. I’m not a picky eater. I’ll come over with Yoona later.】
Jung Soo Yeon: 【Taeyeon, stop whispering over there. Everyone is watching you. Come to work. We’ll chat after work.】
Lin Xiuyuan: 【Zhenli, give me your location, I’ll go buy groceries with you, it feels like a lot. 】
Ham Eun-jung: 【No need for you to come out, Ji-yeon and I will go. Xiuyuan, you just wait at home. 】
After a few exchanges in the group chat, the dinner party for tonight was quickly decided, and everyone’s mood became relaxed and happy.
Lin Xiuyuan sat on the sofa in the apartment, suddenly thought of something, and continued to type a line of text.
Lin Xiuyuan: 【Should we invite Soo Jung and the others~ 】
Everyone in the group chat were close friends, so they all knew that when Lin Xiuyuan mentioned ‘Soo Jung’, he wasn’t referring to their friends from 2013, but rather those from 25 years later.
So, everyone quickly offered their opinions.
Sulli: 【Invite them, it’s been a while since I’ve seen her. 】
Lin Xiaolu: 【Invite them, I have something else to do. 】
Kim Soft Soft: 【Sure, the time is almost here anyway, we can chat. 】
Ham Eun-jung: 【Let’s invite them. 】
Park Ji-yeon: 【Oppa~ When can you invite me? 】
Jung Soo Yeon: 【Don’t you dare invite me. 】
Lin Xiuyuan: 【Understood, I’ll go invite her. 】
With that said, Lin Xiuyuan, who had just returned to his apartment from Lee Ji-eun’s place and was now here, went back to the apartment again and sent a @everyone message in their private group chat.
It was essentially asking if everyone was free to have dinner together at the apartment tonight.
However, it wasn’t long before several new messages popped up in the group.
Krystal: 【Ah, I’m in LA. It’s morning for me when you guys are eating dinner, so never mind. Next time. 】
Im Yoon Ah: 【I can make it, but I’m out right now. Pick me up in an hour, Xiuyuan~ 】
Kim Tae Yeon: 【Me too, but I’m free anytime. I’m not going out. 】
Sweet Eun-jung: 【I’ll need to be a bit later, Xiuyuan~ I’m still working. Around 7 PM, I’ll just come over and sit for a while. You don’t need to wait for me to eat. 】
Lin Xiuyuan: 【We probably won’t start eating that early. 】
A few minutes later, the time for the dinner party was basically set. Lin Xiuyuan immediately got up and walked towards the door, preparing to pick up Kim Tae Yeon.
In the afternoon, sunlight streamed through the curtains into Lin Xiuyuan’s 2013 apartment, bathing the entire room in a soft and quiet glow.
Lin Xiuyuan sat on the sofa, busy with his phone in the group chat, occasionally pausing to think before typing another message.
On his phone screen, people in the group chat kept responding, and his mood became even more relaxed.
He occasionally looked up at Kim Tae Yeon, who was sitting beside him.
Unlike him, she wasn’t looking down at her phone. Instead, she was intently watching the TV news, which was reporting on Kim Soo-hyun.
The TV announced that Kim Soo-hyun’s career was almost over. The camera and subtitles flickered, and the scene was filled with drama.
As Kim Tae Yeon watched the screen, a faint smile played on her lips, and a hint of relief and satisfaction flashed in her eyes.
This satisfying outcome seemed to give her a sense of inexplicable pleasure when compared to the 25-year-old version of Kim Soo-hyun.
Despite this, she wasn’t completely engrossed in the news; she would occasionally glance down at Lin Xiuyuan’s phone screen.
Seeing the familiar names and messages in the group chat, especially Kim Soft Soft’s iconic avatar, made Kim Tae Yeon’s lips curve into a smile.
“Xiuyuan~ Tonight will be very interesting, won’t it?” she said softly, her voice low and tinged with anticipation.
“Probably will be. More and more people are coming. It feels like tonight is really like a church gathering,” Lin Xiuyuan chuckled lightly, his tone carrying a hint of teasing.
As soon as he finished speaking, the sound of a door lock echoed, and Lin Xiuyuan and Kim Tae Yeon turned towards the entrance almost simultaneously.
A few seconds later, the room door opened, revealing Sulli, Park Ji-yeon, and Ham Eun-jung standing outside.
Having just returned from grocery shopping, they carried several heavy bags filled with various ingredients, clearly preparing for a lavish dinner.
“Yo, thanks for your hard work,” Lin Xiuyuan said with a smile, greeting them, his eyes full of ease and joy.
Sulli flashed a bright smile, “It’s okay, oppa~ Today’s dishes are quite abundant. You should eat more tonight.”
Her tone held a playful hint, clearly indicating her excitement for the dinner.
After speaking, she turned and saw Kim Tae Yeon standing nearby, and smiled again, “Oh, unnie, you came so quickly. I thought you’d be coming later.”
“I had nothing to do, so I came over to hang out. Eun-jung, Ji-yeon, good afternoon.”
Kim Tae Yeon said, nodding slightly at them, a warm smile on her face.
“Good afternoon, unnie~” Park Ji-yeon replied heartily, her tone friendly.
“Long time no see, Tae Yeon,” Ham Eun-jung also smiled, a glint of pleasure from their reunion in her eyes.
After seeing them greet each other, Lin Xiuyuan smiled and took one of the bags, helping them carry it into the kitchen, “So, will I be cooking tonight, or will Zhenli be busy alone?”
Park Ji-yeon chimed in with a laugh, “Oppa~ Eun-jung unnie is the head chef tonight, Zhenli will assist, and I’ll help wash vegetables. You shouldn’t steal our spotlight.”
Hearing this, Lin Xiuyuan couldn’t help but laugh, “I can trust Zhenli and Eun-jung, but Ji-yeon, can you really do it? Don’t mess things up.”
“Hmph, oppa, don’t underestimate me,” Park Ji-yeon put on a proud expression.
“Alright then, I’ll look forward to it,” Lin Xiuyuan replied, a hint of playful amusement on his lips.
After a bit of casual chat, they all went into the kitchen one after another and started getting busy.
Sulli skillfully began chopping vegetables with decisive movements; Ham Eun-jung was by her side, washing ingredients with focus and ease, while Park Ji-yeon busied herself searching for seasonings and various kitchen utensils. A relaxed and happy atmosphere filled every corner.
No one was in a hurry to finish; instead, they enjoyed the process of preparing dinner at a leisurely pace.
Even though it was still early, for Sulli and Ham Eun-jung, the two head chefs, this was the perfect time. No rush, take it slow, occasionally cracking jokes with each other, the atmosphere was exceptionally warm and relaxed.
……
……
While the 2013 apartment was preparing for the evening’s dinner party, in Seoul of 2025, Big Dragon Cub accepted the invitation from Lee Ji-eun and Park Hyomin and headed to the golf course to stretch her body.
However, when she arrived at the clubhouse and saw Lee Ji-eun, she immediately sensed something unusual, so she raised her eyebrows slightly and asked.
“Unnie, when did Xiuyuan come back?”
Park Hyomin, standing nearby, clearly didn’t understand and replied with a puzzled expression, “Ah, Ji-yeon, what are you talking about? What Xiuyuan~ We didn’t invite him.”
Big Dragon Cub chuckled lightly, a deep look in her eyes, “It’s nothing, unnie, you don’t need to know.” She approached Lee Ji-eun, her tone laced with teasing, “Goo Ri unnie, this isn’t very good of you, picking on your seniors like that.”
Lee Ji-eun looked somewhat helpless, her face showing an embarrassed expression, and she quickly explained, “What nonsense are you talking about, Ji-yeon. Last night when Xiuyuan contacted me, I happened to ask him where he was, and he just told me his situation.”
Faced with Big Dragon Cub’s bluntness, even Lee Ji-eun was a little overwhelmed.
After hearing Lee Ji-eun’s explanation, Big Dragon Cub nodded, the corners of her mouth turning up slightly, “Oh, so Xiuyuan just returned to Seoul last night. Then why didn’t he look for me?”
When she said the latter part, Big Dragon Cub’s eyes narrowed slightly; she was a little displeased.
After all, who wouldn’t be unhappy when their cute little puppy wasn’t focused on being affectionate with them?
“He’s probably busy with things since he just got back. Xiuyuan isn’t just some idle punk…”
Before Lee Ji-eun could finish speaking, Park Hyomin, anxious, interrupted her and continued, “Wait a minute. If you’re talking about other things, I can’t really interject, but when it comes to that person’s work, unnie, don’t make excuses. That little tavern of his has barely opened its doors since it started. What kind of work could he possibly have? I think he’s either a punk or some second-generation heir. You two shouldn’t be deceived.”
“Don’t worry, even if we get deceived, it’ll at most be a deception of affection. As for you, unnie, don’t get deceived of your money.”
As soon as she finished speaking, Park Hyomin was playfully retorted by Big Dragon Cub.
Park Hyomin froze, her eyes widening, and then she shook her head, “No way, how could I?”
Lee Ji-eun let out a soft laugh and added, “You know your own situation best, Hyomin. Your current situation is even more absurd than Ji-yeon’s back then. Who gets so overwhelmed with work arrangements right after getting married and before the honeymoon period is even over?”
She paused for a moment, smiled slightly, her eyes holding a hint of complexity.
It’s good if you know you married a finance guy, but if you didn’t know, you’d think you married a gambling addict waiting for you to make money to cover the debts.
Of course, Lee Ji-eun couldn’t say the last sentence out loud.
After all, she didn’t have any evidence at the moment and couldn’t casually comment on someone else’s married life.
In any case, after witnessing the marriages of these two sisters, she had no desire to get married for the time being. The feeling of waking up in Lin Xiuyuan’s arms this morning was also very comfortable. Even though her thoughts were sometimes complicated, it was better than the internal struggle of being married.
Facing the teasing from these two sisters, Park Hyomin felt a sense of bitterness she couldn’t express, so she stood up directly, “Alright, let’s not talk about this anymore. Let’s go play golf while the sun isn’t so strong.”
“Let’s go,” Lee Ji-eun nodded.
Big Dragon Cub also followed, but as she walked, she didn’t forget to ask, “By the way, since everyone’s having dinner tonight, let’s invite Eun-jung unnie.”
“Sure,” Lee Ji-eun replied.
“Of course,” Park Hyomin also responded.
Hearing the replies from the two unnies, Big Dragon Cub quickly took out her phone and sent a message to Sweet Eun-jung.
However, she was probably busy over there and didn’t reply immediately.
So, Big Dragon Cub didn’t just wait. While playing golf with Park Hyomin, she chatted about recent interesting stories.
About half an hour later, after hitting a shot, Big Dragon Cub stopped and took out her phone to check the time. To her surprise, she saw Sweet Eun-jung’s reply.
But seeing it made her unhappy.
Park Hyomin, who had been standing beside her, noticed this and asked with concern, “What’s wrong? What did you see?”
“Eun-jung unnie said she’s busy,” Big Dragon Cub mumbled in disappointment, a hint of resentment in her voice.
“So what if she’s busy? Why are you still throwing a tantrum like this? It’s not a big deal,”
Park Hyomin smiled, her tone carrying a hint of comfort.
Then, in the next second, Big Dragon Cub snorted, “Unnie said she’s going to attend a member’s dinner with Xiuyuan. Hmph, hmph, hmph, unnie, you just said Xiuyuan doesn’t have a job. But look, as soon as he got busy and came back, he’s only thinking about the tavern’s members.”
“Uh… what’s the deal with this tavern membership? How does it even make money?” Park Hyomin, who had been proven wrong, felt a bit awkward and furrowed her brow.
Big Dragon Cub pondered for a moment and shook her head, “I don’t know, I can’t figure it out either. It can’t just be from membership fees, right? What can those fees even do?”
Thinking about the membership restaurants, gyms, and sports clubs she usually joined, Big Dragon Cub truly couldn’t understand what kind of service required such a membership.
Could it be some kind of ‘private’ club???
The image of the Seungri incident suddenly flashed in her mind. Big Dragon Cub’s heart sank, her eyebrows knitted tightly, and a hint of unease flickered in her eyes.
She subconsciously thought about Lin Xiuyuan’s situation these past few days, and it seemed like something was indeed off.
Especially since this cute little puppy, who seemed so innocent, had such a tempting physique and seemed to have a knack for “causing trouble.”
With this thought, Big Dragon Cub lost interest in playing golf and immediately took out her phone to call Lin Xiuyuan.
However, after several attempts, no one answered, which made her frown even more.
Putting down her phone, Big Dragon Cub looked at the sky, where the setting sun was gradually turning golden, but her mood had become exceptionally heavy.
Although she knew everyone had their secrets, her heart was filled with questions at this moment. Should she go and confirm if Lin Xiuyuan was the kind of “scoundrel” or “scum”?
If not, then everything would be fine.
But if he was, then she could no longer stay.
The two cautionary tales of Sulli and Goo Hara gave Big Dragon Cub a deeper understanding of life.
Thinking of them, she couldn’t help but sigh.
She recalled their meeting in 《Heroes Sisters》, it all seemed like a destined encounter, but there wasn’t enough time to draw it to a close.
……
……
……
2013, evening.
When Kim Soft Soft, following Lin Xiaolu and Jung Soo Yeon, arrived at the apartment with a hint of fatigue but also anticipation, an apartment Lin Xiuyuan had passed by several times before but they were visiting for the first time.
As soon as the door was pushed open, lively sounds spilled out.
Laughter and conversations mingled, and the aroma of food filled the air, as if welcoming their arrival.
“Wow, it’s already started so soon?”
Lin Xiaolu walked in from the entrance with a smile, her light steps exuding a sense of freedom. She turned to greet Lin Xiuyuan and Kim Tae Yeon on the sofa, “Xiuyuan, unnie, it looks like tonight’s meal will be very rich.”
“Of course, unnie. Tonight you’ll be eating a lot. We’ve prepared so much delicious food,”
Sulli’s voice came from the kitchen, full of cheerful energy, and her figure peeked out from the kitchen doorway.
Jung Soo Yeon, who was following Lin Xiaolu, entered the living room and saw Lin Xiuyuan sitting on the sofa. She chuckled, “Why so quiet? You didn’t even welcome us when we arrived.”
After teasing Lin Xiuyuan, she turned to Kim Tae Yeon, her eyes filled with tenderness, “Long time no see, Tae Yeon.”
Kim Tae Yeon looked up and smiled, her gaze relaxed and carrying a hint of playful banter, “I was about to get up, but Xiuyuan said it wasn’t necessary.”
“As if you guys wouldn’t walk in,” Lin Xiuyuan also smiled, leaning back on the sofa.
“Now I know what ‘confusing’ means. I thought you were calling me, Soo Yeon~” At this moment, Kim Soft Soft leaned out from behind Jung Soo Yeon and said.
Then she glanced at Kim Tae Yeon on the sofa, a hint of amusement in the corner of her eye, and then exchanged a look with Jung Soo Yeon. Both of them couldn’t help but chuckle.
After saying this, she immediately squeezed Lin Xiuyuan aside and sat next to Kim Tae Yeon, starting to discuss Father Kim’s birthday a few days later.
Although she couldn’t arrange a direct meeting, Kim Soft Soft had come up with a compromise.
That is, on the night of the birthday, when she was getting ready to sleep in her room, she could ask Kim Tae Yeon to contact her father on her behalf and personally say “Happy Birthday.”
After all, their voices didn’t change much, and with the subtle changes in signal transmission, it shouldn’t arouse suspicion.
However, all of this needed to be meticulously arranged.
After all, she would definitely have to return to Jeonju that day. The specific arrangements for the call needed to be thorough, and the phone couldn’t be left here unattended.
If any problems arose, she would need to be present to respond in time, thus avoiding any accidents.
Kim Tae Yeon pondered for a moment, then turned to look at Lin Xiuyuan, a flicker of anticipation in her eyes, “Xiuyuan, can you go directly to that hourly room we used to stay in?”
“Probably can, but I haven’t tried it. I’m worried someone might be staying there.”
Asked by her, Lin Xiuyuan understood what Kim Tae Yeon meant. After thinking for a moment, he felt that it was possible.
Kim Tae Yeon nodded, then pulled Kim Soft Soft over to explain the situation of her previous trip to Jeonju with Lin Xiuyuan.
Kim Tae Yeon still remembered the room number of that hourly room vividly. Although she had only briefly used the restroom there at the time, it seemed like it could be useful again now.
So, in her opinion, on her birthday night, Kim Soft Soft could get a room at that hotel, secure the guest room, and have Lin Xiuyuan take her there.
This way, she could successfully complete the call and also get a glimpse of her father from afar.
Lin Xiuyuan didn’t refuse this, as it was merely a matter of opening a door.
So he nodded slightly, “Sure, it’s just a small matter anyway. As long as you guys arrange it, I can cooperate.”
Jung Soo Yeon, who had been listening beside them, suddenly waved at Lin Xiuyuan. As he leaned closer, she stretched her neck slightly.
The skin beneath her V-neck T-shirt looked exceptionally delicate in the light. She leaned close to his ear and whispered.
“So, Xiuyuan, do you plan to send Jessica over?”
Daily ten thousand words completed. Thank you for your support and votes, godfather.
Monthly ticket exceeded 7K, daily ten thousand words +1.
Daily ten thousand words progress bar report: 79/84. （ 5 more days ）
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