Chapter 249: “krystal? My Woman!!!”
In 2025, inside Jessica’s apartment.
The night gradually darkened, the city lights outside the window slowly brightening, while the room was so quiet that only the crisp ticking of the clock remained.
The air was filled with the cheesy aroma of pizza, yet it couldn’t dispel the lonely desolation.
The last time, Lin Xiuyuan’s sudden appearance had broken this deathly silence, bringing Jessica a nearly illusory interlude.
That dreamlike touch made Jessica unable to truly let go in the countless nights that followed.
But this time, she waited a long time, yet never heard any footsteps.
So Jessica let out a low laugh, her lips carrying an indescribable complexity.
Then she casually picked up a slice of pizza, took a bite, a trace of loneliness flashing in her eyes, like the illusion of being quietly forgotten resurfacing in her heart.
On the other side.
Although Lin Xiuyuan had promised Jung Soo Yeon’s request back in 2013, he didn’t rush to find Jessica.
After dinner, he first sent Jung Soo Yeon back to her residence, then returned alone to the villa in 2025.
Tonight, he didn’t go looking for anyone, instead rarely giving himself a completely quiet time.
He first took a thorough hot shower, letting the warm water wash away the fatigue of the whole day, then casually dried his hair strands and went to the computer room to play games until late into the night, before finally returning to his room and collapsing onto the soft bedding.
The sound of wind outside the window carrying leaves lightly tapping the glass was like a slow lullaby.
Lin Xiuyuan buried his face in the pillow, his breathing gradually slowing, unknowingly falling into deep sleep.
This sleep lasted all the way until noon the next day.
Until a familiar figure quietly slipped into the space of the master bedroom.
“Xiuyuan~ time to get up.”
That familiar voice carried a teasing gentleness, gently waking him from deep sleep.
Today’s Krystal was different from usual; she hadn’t casually thrown on a shirt or T-shirt, but had carefully dressed up.
A soft coffee-colored knit top with a slightly loose fit made her whole person look lazy yet gentle.
On the bottom, a same-color velvet half-skirt swayed gently with her steps, carrying a touch of mature aura.
On her feet were strappy high-heeled sandals, outlining her fair calves in long, clean lines.
The low-key yet highly textured outfit made Krystal look gentle and bright overall.
When she leaned over, a few hair strands slid onto Lin Xiuyuan’s cheek, carrying a faint shampoo fragrance, like an inadvertent tease.
This made Lin Xiuyuan, in his hazy awakening, first see her clear eyes and smiling expression.
In that instant, it was as if the morning light fell between her brows and eyes.
The next second, Krystal leaned closer again, gently bumping her forehead against his. “The sun’s already on your back; how long do you plan to sleep?”
Lin Xiuyuan couldn’t help laughing out loud, lifting his hand to pull her into his arms in one smooth motion.
This sudden action made Krystal let out a light yelp, but her body naturally leaned against his chest.
Her gaze first flashed with a hint of surprise, then added some comfort and pleasure as she softly pressed against him, murmuring in mock complaint, “We really need to get up; it’s already 12. What were you up to last night, up to no good?”
Krystal murmured softly, her tone carrying a bit of reproach, clearly scolding yet without any intention of pulling away.
Lin Xiuyuan chuckled lowly, resting his chin on the top of her head, his voice husky from just waking. “No, last night after having dinner with Sulli over there in ’13, I came back. Probably the weather; it’s almost autumn, so I was extremely sleepy.”
Krystal listened to the explanation by her ear, her lips curving up slightly, a hint of amusement passing through her eyes.
She didn’t ask more, just quietly nestled in his arms like this.
The room quieted down, their breathing intertwining, as if even time slowed by half a beat.
Until Krystal lightly patted his chest and looked up at him with a glance. “About time to get up. Let’s go out for a meal later; eating takeout every day here isn’t sustainable.”
“Sure, sounds good.”
Lin Xiuyuan then sat up with a smile, stretched lazily, and smoothly took her hand to get out of bed together.
He glanced at Krystal’s outfit today, teasing a bit. “Filming in the morning?”
“Yeah, shot some promotional photos, then got lazy to change clothes and came straight over.”
Krystal nodded, then gently spun around. “How’s it look? Nice?”
Lin Xiuyuan nodded, but was a bit curious. “It looks good, but isn’t it hot?”
“It’s okay.”
“Alright then.”
The casual conversation carried an intimate atmosphere.
A little later, after a simple wash-up, Lin Xiuyuan changed into a light-colored shirt and went out refreshed with Krystal.
As the car drove into the city area, the beauty in the front passenger seat casually tucked a hair strand, pointed ahead at a low-key building. “This is the place, Xiuyuan~ I booked it in advance; it’s a Michelin restaurant.”
“Michelin again? Last night your sister and I just had a dud.” Lin Xiuyuan smiled and complained, then looked at the storefront outside the car window.
The restaurant’s signboard at the doorway wasn’t flashy, but the green plants in front were trimmed extremely elegantly; through the floor-to-ceiling window, one could see the warm yellow lighting and simple furnishings inside.
Compared to the “Michelin Future Chinese Restaurant” that Jung Soo Yeon had booked over there in ’13 last time, the atmosphere here was completely different, more like a space carefully curated by a host who understands life.
After being seated, the server brought the menu; Krystal skillfully ordered a few signature dishes: slow-roasted lamb chops with seasonal vegetables, tomato cold soup, olive oil pan-seared sea bass.
Lin Xiuyuan casually added a dessert: honey fig tart.
He wasn’t particularly craving it; he just wanted to see what flavor such a complex materials dessert would combine into.
Pure curiosity.
Not long after, the first appetizer was served.
Refreshing cold soup, perfectly balanced sweet and sour, with bits of green herbs floating on the surface; cool on entry, faintly carrying a herbal fragrance, making one’s appetite surge uncontrollably.
Immediately after, the main event lamb chops were brought to the table.
Sizzling heat mixed with meat aroma and rosemary aura hit the face.
The lamb chops’ outer layer was crispy with a hint of charcoal scent; the blade gently sliced through, pink tender meat and juices seeping out together—the presentation alone made one’s mouth water.
In the mouth, the meat was tender, carrying a unique smoky and herbal flavor, without any gaminess at all.
After just one bite, Lin Xiuyuan nodded in satisfaction. “Mm~ now this is what a Michelin should be like. Even if it’s not about tasting great, at least don’t be a dud.”
Krystal smiled lightly at this, her gaze carrying a bit of small pride. “See? I wouldn’t randomly book like older sister. You have to trust my taste.”
The two ate and chatted, the topics light, the atmosphere gradually relaxing with the progression of the delicacies.
Until the final dessert was served.
The honey fig tart was plated exquisitely, golden tart crust topped with sliced figs glistening with honey light.
After cutting a small piece with a fork and gently putting it in her mouth, Krystal’s gaze lifted as if inadvertently. “Right, Xiuyuan~ what did you and older sister talk about at dinner last night?”
Facing the question from across, Lin Xiuyuan’s hand paused, then he set down his tableware, his brows lightly furrowing.
As if hesitating whether to say.
But in the end, he relayed the three questions Jung Soo Yeon had given him last night.
As soon as he finished speaking, Krystal clearly froze for a moment, then a gleam flashed in her eyes.
She pursed her lips and smiled, a bit excited. “Want me to call her out for you?”
Lin Xiuyuan chuckled in disbelief, shaking his head. “Why are you so eager? I haven’t even decided if I want to ask. Sulli probably saw Taeyeon and Ji-yeon like this and got a bit emotional about herself.”
Their voices weren’t loud, the names mentioned vague, the logic a bit odd, but to outsiders’ ears, it revealed no clues.
Krystal seemed a bit urgent, leaning forward slightly. “Older sister entrusted you; you can’t keep her waiting too long, Xiuyuan.”
If it were anyone else, Lin Xiuyuan would ignore it.
But Jung Soo Yeon… this made him ponder briefly, ultimately not refusing Krystal’s suggestion.
Just then, he glanced at the nearly empty plates on the table and smiled, changing the topic. “But it’s not suitable to have her come to the restaurant now. Let’s switch places later.”
“Sure, let’s go somewhere more relaxed.” Krystal propped her chin thoughtfully, eyes lighting up. “How about the bowling alley? It has air conditioner; after playing, we can have tea and snacks.”
“Up to you.”
So, after finishing lunch, the two leisurely drove to the bowling club.
The air conditioner’s coolness in the club lobby was ample, the air mixed with refreshing tea fragrance and the sweet taste of sports beverages.
Bright lighting flickered at the end of the fairways, crisp sounds of pins falling and laughter rising and falling.
Lin Xiuyuan and Krystal walked in side by side; with the change in environment, their restraint gradually melted away.
Then they picked a remote corner to sit, perfectly positioned to quietly wait for the “third person” to arrive.
The fairway’s smooth wooden surface reflected the lighting, gleaming coldly.
Over here, Lin Xiuyuan and Krystal had just changed into shoes and were chatting softly when a familiar figure suddenly walked in from the entrance.
Jessica wore a white long-sleeved shirt paired with matching casual pants, casual yet neat and crisp.
She casually held a mobile phone in one hand, the other in her pocket, her pace unhurried, appearing exceptionally calm.
The black-rimmed glasses on her nose bridge added a touch of intellectual aura, making her stand out low-key in the lively venue.
Like inadvertently intruding, yet instantly becoming the focus of gazes.
Originally thinking Krystal had just called her out, Jessica’s expression was relaxed at first, her lips carrying an inadvertent smile.
However, when her gaze swept to Lin Xiuyuan beside, that smile imperceptibly paused.
A trace of mild surprise flashed in her eyes, quickly converging into faint calm.
“Oh, Xiuyuan~ Jessica’s here.” Krystal, seeing her, nudged Lin Xiuyuan.
Lin Xiuyuan turned to look at the newcomer, somewhat stunned by her outfit.
“Why call me out so suddenly?”
Jessica walked up, her voice neutral yet carrying some curiosity.
Krystal smiled, glancing sideways at Lin Xiuyuan as if deliberately exposing him. “Actually, it wasn’t me who wanted to call you; it was him who wanted to see you.”
Jessica paused, then turned her gaze to Lin Xiuyuan. She didn’t speak, just her eyes carrying a faint inquiry, as if waiting for his explanation.
Lin Xiuyuan didn’t respond conventionally, but smiled and pointed to the ready fairway beside him. “Since you’re here, how about a few games? Loser answers one question from the winner.”
Though she didn’t know what he intended, as Jessica’s gaze deeply fell on Lin Xiuyuan’s face, seeing his smile with no malice.
After a moment, she pursed her lips in a light smile, saying calmly, “Sure.”
Her smile wasn’t bright, carrying a faintly sharp edge, inexplicably giving Lin Xiuyuan the illusion of seeing Jung Soo Yeon.
Though, these two seemed to be the same person.
As Lin Xiuyuan set up the situation, Jessica quickly changed into shoes, then picked her favorite color from the ball table.
She bent slightly at the waist, movements clean and sharp.
Her long hair naturally fell with her actions, accentuating the cold lines of her profile.
After testing the ball’s feel, Jessica stood at the fairway, first staring down at the pins for a few seconds, then raised her hand, stepped forward, and swung her arm.
Her posture was so graceful, her movements so standard, as if professionally trained.
The bowling ball rolled down the fairway, not fast but extremely steady, ultimately knocking down seven pins cleanly with a “clang.”
Krystal clapped beside her with a smile, unable to resist teasing, “Older sister~ as expected of natural talent; way better than me.”
Jessica’s lips curved slightly, then she withdrew her gaze, glancing at Lin Xiuyuan as if inadvertently.
That smile carried a faint provocation, filling the air with subtle tension.
He, however, looked at her and chuckled. “Ah, it’s started? You were just warming up, right.”
“Hey…”
“Xiuyuan, don’t cheat; I can’t even watch this.”
Seeing Lin Xiuyuan trying to weasel out, Krystal unusually sided with Jessica this time, amusingly complaining about him.
In response, Lin Xiuyuan just smiled, calmly walking over and casually picking a black ball.
Movements casual yet steady.
Release, roll, strike—a series of clean actions hit all the pins.
“Strike!”
As the pins scattered, Krystal’s smile beside abruptly stopped; she turned to Jessica half-jokingly. “Jessica, that was just a warm-up, right.”
Jessica wanted to nod in agreement, but her icy queen pride wouldn’t let her yield; she just turned to Lin Xiuyuan, voice calm yet with undeniable edge. “Ask away; what do you want to know? I can tell you came prepared today.”
“Not asking yet; I’ll bank it. Once I have three questions saved, I’ll ask them all at once.” Lin Xiuyuan smiled and said.
Actually, in his heart, winning or losing didn’t matter.
In Lin Xiuyuan’s view, he stood invincible from start to finish.
It didn’t matter how many he lost; he just needed to win three times to fulfill his promise to Jung Soo Yeon.
As for the remaining rounds and questions? He could handle whatever she asked.
Jessica glanced at him but didn’t refuse, instead picking up a second bowling ball to start the next round.
As the second round began, the atmosphere grew a bit tenser than before.
Jessica switched to a purple ball, gently rubbing it with both hands, as if fully entering the zone.
Her throwing form remained graceful and smooth, nearly every ball steadily knocking down six or seven pins, occasionally even a strike.
Whenever the pins fell, a faint smile would lift her lips, her gaze quietly sweeping toward Lin Xiuyuan, silently conveying pressure.
Lin Xiuyuan was unhurried, casually tossing a beautiful strike.
Unlike Jessica’s sharpness, his movements were more relaxed and casual, as if victory truly didn’t matter.
Krystal sat aside, chin in hands, watching their back-and-forth, occasionally teasing.
“Jessica, your momentum’s like it’s a match.”
“Xiuyuan~ be careful, or if the one next to you wins, you’re in trouble.”
The atmosphere among the three gradually warmed up, collision sounds echoing from the fairway, the air mixing light laughter and subtle competitive sparks.
After several rounds, the score gradually pulled apart.
Lin Xiuyuan had been steadily leading earlier, but in the last two throws, he didn’t use full force, leaving some margin.
Ultimately, Jessica won the second round by a slim margin.
“Won.”
Jessica set down the ball and turned to Lin Xiuyuan.
She didn’t celebrate, but directly threw out her question, voice calm yet with an unavoidable edge. “Lin Xiuyuan, what exactly is Krystal to you?”
In that instant, Lin Xiuyuan’s brows lifted slightly, clearly not expecting this question.
Krystal beside also froze, instinctively widening her eyes, seemingly surprised Jessica would be so direct.
The air briefly stagnated, only distant collision sounds from other fairways in the bowling alley.
Lin Xiuyuan looked at Jessica, silent for a moment, before his lips slowly curved into a faint smile.
“My woman.”
（PS: September giveaway, everyone can join in!!!）
That’s it for tonight; taking a breather to polish the plot.
Still hoping all godfathers vote more~ monthly tickets, subscriptions please!!!
