Chapter 256: “get In The Car, Lee So-hee”
In the living room, the air seemed to tremble slightly, stirred by Ham Eun-jung’s earlier words.
Park Hyomin stared at the her in front of her, that is, Ham Eun-jung who said the words that left her stunned for a moment, and a strange sense of dislocation surged in her heart.
That was, the figure in front of her seemed like a completely different person from the familiar older sister in her impression.
She stood there stunned, mouth half-open, unable to squeeze out a word for a long time.
【He’s different】
These four words were like a small hook, firmly stuck in her heart, feeling stranger the more she recalled, even somewhat itchy.
After a long while, she finally spoke softly, her tone carrying some self-comfort and a bit of teasing, “Ha… Eun-jung, your words sound just like a TV series, giving people goosebumps.”
Park Hyomin on the surface tried to put on a disdainful appearance, even exaggeratedly shaking her shoulders, attempting to cover up the subtle emotion that suddenly emerged in her heart.
But the tougher she was with her words, the more complex and curious she felt inside.
Different?
Different where?
Then she quickly searched in her mind: She had seen plenty of handsome guys, encountered a bunch of humorous men, and there were even a few who were gentle and considerate, perfectly shaped like novel characters, speaking sweetly enough to make hearts bloom.
But all of this, the members around her had experienced too.
But what charm did that Lin Xiuyuan have, to make Ji-yeon, Eun-jung, even the self-proclaimed “Ice Queen” Jung Soo Yeon, and Girls’ Generation’s face of the group and center position Im Yoon Ah all willingly run to his side?
Thinking of this, an indescribable sense of isolation surged in Park Hyomin’s heart.
Just like the sisters who usually danced and sang together, talked about everything, suddenly had a common little secret, while she was shut out.
Transparent glass separated her from them, and she could only watch dryly, both longing and helpless.
“Hey, Hyo Min, what are you laughing at?”
Ham Eun-jung noticed the untimely arc of her slightly raised mouth corner and asked puzzled.
“I’m laughing?” Park Hyomin was stunned, how could she have laughed.
But she waved her hand casually, not minding, “I’m not laughing, I just think you’ve all gone crazy one by one. If I were you, don’t go too overboard, sooner or later the media will dig it up and it’ll be trouble.”
“Don’t worry, it won’t.” Ham Eun-jung waved her hand, her expression extremely calm.
Seeing this, Park Hyomin couldn’t help but feel a jolt in her heart.
A man whom Eun-jung trusted so much was rare.
Lin Xiuyuan, huh.
……
At the same time, far away at the bread car TV station, the members of Girls’ Generation finally finished their group schedule.
As the stage lighting slowly dimmed, the piled-up schedule items on the schedule were crossed off one by one, as if the whole world was telling them: finally able to breathe a sigh of relief.
The members each began different life trajectories.
Some went to catch personal activities, some returned to the dormitory to rest and adjust, some chose to go home to reunite with family.
The air still lingered with the tired aura after the stage, yet mixed with a hint of free relaxation.
And Jung Soo Yeon unhesitatingly pulled Sunny along, also calling Kim Soft Soft and Lin Xiaolu, directly getting into the business car, heading straight to the dormitory.
In the car.
Sunny looked at the three figures surrounding her, brow slightly furrowed, with some depression and curiosity, “Are you planning to use me as cover? It feels weird.”
“No, it’s just that the others have work, and Sunny you don’t, so we’re going back to the dormitory together.” Kim Soft Soft spoke first, her tone lightly relaxed yet unable to hide some seriousness.
Then Lin Xiaolu quickly nodded in agreement, “Yeah yeah, older sister, thinking of us like that hurts too much.”
But instead she saw Sunny purse her lips, with a hint of playfulness and smile.
“Hmph hmph hmph, hurts my foot. Your little three-person team is already famous in the group. If not for no one daring to speak up one by one, and you not doing anything too standout, it would have blown up long ago.”
She hummed a few times, but didn’t continue complaining, the atmosphere carrying a light tense sense of ease.
But after humming a few words, she grabbed the nearby Kim Soft Soft, her gaze sweeping toward Jung Soo Yeon and Lin Xiaolu, her expression revealing a hint of probing, “You called me along, not wanting to pull me into the group, is it the small tavern member on Xiuyuan’s side?”
No wonder she said that, mainly recently in chats with Park Hyomin, Sunny had grown increasingly curious about that guy Lin Xiuyuan.
Members of two major girl groups, and Sulli and them, had been leaning toward that guy’s side since the beginning of the year.
If not for both believing their members weren’t the type to be deceived, they might have really called the police.
Kim Soft Soft, Jung Soo Yeon, and Lin Xiaolu exchanged glances, as if silently exchanging information.
After a moment of silence, Kim Soft Soft spoke softly, her tone carrying some seriousness and steadiness, “Sunny, we pulled you along today, actually for two reasons.”
Sunny was stunned, her intuition telling her this wasn’t simple.
So she crossed her arms, leaning on the chair back, “Say it, don’t beat around the bush.”
“First point.”
Glancing at Jung Soo Yeon separated by the front partition, after beckoning Sunny’s head over, she lowered her voice very low, “That’s the issue on Goo Hara’s side.”
“Hara?” Sunny was clearly startled.
As a member of G7, her relationship with Goo Hara wasn’t inseparable, but definitely at the level of good friends.
At this time, the nearby Kim Soft Soft nodded, her tone less lighthearted than usual, more serious.
“Mainly we know some inside information, discovered some scumbags seem not quite clean, and even touching the bottom line of crime.”
Hearing this, Sunny furrowed her delicate brows, “Hara’s friends?”
“Mm~” Kim Soft Soft responded again, “And some people you also know, we’ll tell you, see if you can indirectly probe Hara, or at least inform her about the situation of those scumbags around her. You also be careful, to avoid trouble.”
What they were doing now was actually helping Sulli speed up the progress bar a bit.
Sulli had been too busy lately, and Goo Hara had been staying over in neon without returning, leaving Sulli completely clueless.
So everyone discussed, could have Sunny say a few words, which would be more effective than Sulli saying it alone.
Although the current time was still sufficient, but if they could extricate sooner, better to do it early.
Who knows if dragging on would lead to getting deeper involved.
After hearing this, Sunny sat there stunned, her gaze sweeping back and forth over the three faces, as if digesting the information and weighing credibility.
She opened her mouth, voice low and carrying some surprise, “What? Where did you learn all this?”
However, her first reaction deep down was: Lin Xiuyuan.
Besides that mysterious guy who always seemed able to solve many problems, Sunny couldn’t think of anyone else who could make these three suddenly so “concerned”.
Lin Xiaolu glanced at Sunny, corner of her mouth with a faint smile, but not rushing to answer, “Older sister, you don’t need to worry where we got this info, just know we’re not joking.”
The air in the car instantly fell silent, only the gentle hum of the engine and the night wind outside the window, like drawing a curtain on her question that couldn’t be ignored.
Sunny stared at them dazedly, but waves surged in her heart.
In her impression, these three weren’t the type to meddle in others’ affairs, mostly busy with their own things.
But now they sat in front of her, gazes serious and firm, as if vowing to do something to the best.
And Jung Soo Yeon and Kim Soft Soft exchanged a glance, eyes flashing with a softness, then softly sighing.
Actually, they really weren’t busybodies, but if this matter concerned a living life?
Then it was completely different.
After a moment of silence, Sunny suddenly remembered something, squinting suspiciously, “Right, you said there are two reasons earlier. What’s the second?”
This time Lin Xiaolu immediately smiled, eyes curving slightly, like deliberately teasing, “The second… is related to you yourself, older sister.”
“Me? I? What could it be about me?” Sunny was stunned on the spot, pupils slightly dilating.
Then Kim Soft Soft didn’t beat around anymore, directly throwing out the question, “Sunny, recently has the company talked to you about getting a nose job, and bone shaving to adjust your face shape?”
As soon as the words fell, Sunny felt like pricked by a needle, eyes widening, somewhat shocked why Kim Soft Soft knew this.
But she quickly figured it out, this matter wasn’t confidential, probing a bit would reveal it.
So she nodded, “Mm… yeah, it’s being discussed.”
Just after saying it, she was blocked back by the three almost simultaneously.
“Don’t do it.” Kim Soft Soft spoke first, tone firm, “Sunny, your face shape is already small enough, nose has no issue. If you really go under the knife, that’s self-destruction.”
Immediately Jung Soo Yeon also frowned, tone colder by a few degrees adding, “Yeah, if it’s just minor tweaks I can understand, but bone shaving? Surgery? That’s no small matter. Side effects are very serious, risks high too.”
“Right right,”
Lin Xiaolu in the back seat puffed up indignantly, even speeding up her speech, “Older sister if you do it, it might look good short-term, but who can guarantee no aftereffects? Chewing issues, nerve damage, stiff face, swelling, sagging… these are real, what then?”
The three spoke one after another, bombarding continuously, leaving Sunny’s mind buzzing.
She felt slightly dazed, sitting there stunned, a absurd feeling rising in her heart.
These three, weren’t they quite accepting not long ago?
How suddenly so resistant.
And advising so intensely, as if they had foreseen the worst outcome.
Sunny blinked, subconsciously touching her face, muttering softly: “Your reactions… bigger than mine…”
The car steadily moved through the night, sunlight occasionally spilling through the sunshade onto faces, soft yet tense.
The girls’ conversation flowed one after another, topics jumping yet connected, as if subtle emotions burned in the air.
And among them, the smallest one seemed to become the center of the siege.
Sunny slightly shrugged her shoulders, eyes revealing some helplessness and depression, yet couldn’t help carrying curiosity and vigilance.
Lin Xiuyuan?
Again Lin Xiuyuan.
……
……
Soon, nightfall quietly descended.
In the 2025 villa, a room door was suddenly gently pushed open, Lin Xiuyuan walked out from inside.
Looking back at Krystal and Sulli behind him, his tone carried some care, “Aren’t you going to eat something together?”
Krystal shook her head, gaze gentle with a hint of indulgence, “I’ll accompany Snowball tonight, but you go, just watch my phone for me.”
Sulli also smiled and shook her head, “Does the film crew have something for me, so I can’t disappear too long, oppa you go eat alone.”
Lin Xiuyuan raised his brows slightly, ruffling his hair, with a hint of helplessness.
“Alright then, what do you want to eat, I’ll bring some later.”
“No need, I’m dieting.” Krystal immediately waved to refuse, tone light and self-disciplined.
Sulli shook her head again, with some helplessness and teasing tone, “Oppa I can eat more, I’ve gained several pounds now, no work but still face the camera occasionally.”
So Lin Xiuyuan said no more, nodded, then turned to close the door.
Then took keys and mobile phone, got in the car, heading to the location given by Im Yoon Ah.
What for?
Of course to eat late-night snack, this was arranged by Im Yoon Ah personally coming over in the evening.
Night low, neon flashing roadside, flames on barbecue grills reflecting on the road like dancing light spots.
Air filled with aroma of barbecue and various seasonings, occasionally mixed with faint beer scent, whetting appetite.
Lin Xiuyuan followed navigation to park the car, raising his eyes to see that small barbecue shop.
Doorway hung a slightly worn signboard, photos showing seafood and beef, looking small bourgeoisie and low-key.
Pushing the door in, space not big, yet exuding warm Japanese bar counter style.
Bar counter circled, two or three quiet booth seats scattered, sparse guests around iron plate stoves chatting softly.
Sizzle of barbecue intertwined with beer aura, lively yet not noisy, perfect atmosphere for relaxation.
In the corner booth, Im Yoon Ah was already seated.
Dressed casually, she was fiddling with her mobile phone head down, lighting falling on her face, reflecting a clear cool sheen.
Occasional glances toward the door let her spot Lin Xiuyuan quickly, then called out, “You’re here, Xiuyuan~ this side.”
Lin Xiuyuan nodded, walked to sit beside her, casually put down keys and mobile phone, gaze slightly puzzled looking at her, “Yoona, aren’t you busy with promotions lately, how come you have time to ask me out for late-night snack in the evening?”
Slightly smiling Im Yoon Ah didn’t answer immediately, instead blinking meaningfully: “Me… want to introduce a friend to you.”
Hearing this, Lin Xiuyuan’s brow furrowed slightly, a depth flashing in his eyes.
This one knew his identity and situation, normally wouldn’t easily introduce friends, the previous introduction of Kim Tae Yeon was before knowing.
But now the other party threw this sentence in such an occasion, there must be more to it.
He was about to press for an answer when a slight wind chime sounded at the shop door.
A figure pushed the door in.
That instant, Lin Xiuyuan instinctively looked up, but deep in his mind first flashed another silhouette: Song Hye Kyo.
But focusing again, he realized it wasn’t her, but another equally familiar woman not seen dazzling on screen for a long time: Son Ye-jin.
She wore a simple beige windbreaker, long hair slightly curled, face with no deliberate makeup.
Her features compared to youth had lost some fullness and delicacy, years leaving faint traces at eye corners and jaw, but that naturally emanating temperament still existed.
Rather than a female star’s glamour, it was an elegant woman’s warmth.
Mature, poised, with a bit of alienation polished by time.
Lin Xiuyuan’s gaze involuntarily lingered a few seconds, sighing inwardly: Older, yet still beautiful.
And Son Ye-jin after scanning the shop, upon seeing Lin Xiuyuan beside Im Yoon Ah, also stunned.
She originally thought the person Yoona would introduce was some senior director, screenwriter in the circle, or at least industry personnel.
But this sunny young man before her raised a hint of surprise in her heart.
Though surprised, good manners made Son Ye-jin first greet Im Yoon Ah upon approaching, then under Im Yoon Ah’s introduction, get to know Lin Xiuyuan.
“Mm, older sister, this is Xiuyuan xi, from China, opened a small tavern boss in Seoul.” Im Yoon Ah smiled introducing.
Then turned to Lin Xiuyuan adding, “Xiuyuan, Ye Jin older sister doesn’t need introduction, right.”
“Of course not, national goddess.” Lin Xiuyuan nodded, then smiling extended his right hand, “Hello, nice to meet you.”
Son Ye-jin raised her brow slightly, smile carrying some meaning, also extended her hand to shake his, “Hello, I’m Son Ye-jin.”
Lin Xiuyuan looking at the hand extended before him, corner of mouth curving slightly, reached out to shake it.
After the three sat, server brought beer and menu, oil fire rising from the bar counter grill, aroma diffusing in the air.
Son Ye-jin casually put her windbreaker aside, gaze shifting between Yoona and Lin Xiuyuan, still with some confusion.
After all, she thought Yoona would introduce an intermediary in the business circle, not such an overly young guy.
“Yoona, the friend you mentioned, is him?”
Son Ye-jin raised her brow slightly, tone carrying inquiry, like probing if this young man was as Im Yoon Ah had said before.
Im Yoon Ah first smiled, handed the menu for her to order, then slowly spoke, steering the topic to tonight’s main point.
“Older sister, didn’t you tell me a couple days ago, you wanted some crystal gems lately? But hesitated because prices too high.”
Son Ye-jin was stunned, not expecting Yoona to say this in front of a stranger, subconsciously sipping tea, wanting to speak but stopping.
Her expression still carried vigilance and distrust, just concealed cleverly.
Im Yoon Ah quickly continued, “And Xiuyuan here happens to know some channels in this area, can get better prices than market. Called you to meet today, want you to chat, see if possible to cooperate.”
Lin Xiuyuan sat there, listening to Im Yoon Ah speak, gaze on her.
Inwardly he laughed.
Actually as early as afternoon, she had messaged him, saying a “friend” wanted to buy some things, but didn’t say who specifically.
And detailed clearly: wanted a few gems, crystals etc., but hesitating on price.
Then they communicated, see if could use second-hand dealer method, bring 2013 luxury to 2025 to digest, steady profit.
At the same time in this deal, Im Yoon Ah could earn a favor debt from Son Ye-jin here, killing two birds with one stone, big win.
Only Im Yoon Ah didn’t tell Lin Xiuyuan who then, just said it’d be a surprise.
Until just now, Lin Xiuyuan learned it was Son Ye-jin, indeed a big surprise.
After hearing Im Yoon Ah, Son Ye-jin smiled lightly, fine lines at eye corners outlined in gentle curve under dim light, “Yoona, this you mentioned, not deceiving me, right?”
Im Yoon Ah quickly shook head, grinning raised her water cup, “Older sister, when have you seen me deceive you? I’m thinking, such good opportunity, help you save money, you should thank me.”
Atmosphere gradually livened under her lively tone, with ease and playfulness.
Meanwhile Lin Xiuyuan went with the flow, took out mobile phone, passed sample photos shot at 2013 Seoul counters that afternoon to Son Ye-jin.
Son Ye-jin took Lin Xiuyuan’s phone, looked down at the scrolling images on the screen.
Diamonds, crystals, gems of various cuts, dazzling under dim light.
She showed no strong emotion, just fingertip lightly sliding on screen a few times, occasionally pausing, brows and eyes with scrutiny and restrained calm.
Didn’t say “like”, nor show rejection, just quietly finished looking.
Lin Xiuyuan held his wine glass, expression calm, like an ordinary introducer.
He knew clearly, in this setting any extra eye contact or hint with Im Yoon Ah would alert this senior beside.
So he deliberately stayed restrained, neither looking at Im Yoon Ah nor explaining extra.
Atmosphere after moment’s silence broken by charcoal fire sound from the shop.
Im Yoon Ah naturally shifted topic, ordered some grilled shellfish and beef, proactively served food to the two, topic turning to recent TV series and movie promotions.
The three thus ate and chatted, atmosphere not fervent but not awkward.
By end of late-night snack, alcoholic beverages just tasted lightly, food symbolically ordered some.
When leaving, Son Ye-jin politely said goodbye to the two, got in car and left.
Tail lights gradually receded in night, alley mouth returning to quiet, only night wind gently brushing streets.
Lin Xiuyuan stood roadside, watching a moment, then slowly turned to Im Yoon Ah.
One hand in pocket, other casually swinging car keys, corner of mouth slightly up, with playfulness, “Yoona this move of yours, really calculated finely.”
Im Yoon Ah didn’t evade, lightly exhaled, shrugged her shoulders.
“No way, older sister has some ideas lately, but few in the circle can help her. If I extend a favor now, it’ll go smoother later. And chances to help our side with past info too few, don’t want to pass up.”
Saying this, she glanced at him, tone with some coquettish thoughts, “So Xiuyuan, you won’t blame me for pushing you out, right.”
Lin Xiuyuan didn’t catch her mood, just smiled, turned toward the car, “Blame or not talk later, but tonight, you gotta make it up to me properly.”
Im Yoon Ah stunned a bit, then couldn’t help laughing out, quick steps catching up, “Really? You sure this is making up? Not reward?”
“? ? ?”
Night deep.
Im Yoon Ah who got off midway to buy something, now leaned on front passenger seat back, hand shaking newly bought ice water, and pop rocks in pocket.
Along the way she spoke little, just occasionally turning face, smiling at Lin Xiuyuan’s hand on steering wheel.
Car interior dim, those hands in light shadows appeared slender and strong, stirring unclear emotion in her heart.
Upon returning to apartment, elevator only had them two.
Space cramped, quiet enough to hear breathing.
At this time Im Yoon Ah suddenly leaned closer, like joking yet teasing someone, “Xiuyuan, have you tried outdoor settings? I heard it’s more stimulating.”
Her tone carried provocation, gaze involuntarily dodging, somewhat strong outside weak inside.
But more stunned than her was Lin Xiuyuan.
He after hearing Im Yoon Ah’s words, instantly dumbfounded, quickly grabbed her probing little hand, “Don’t mess around, there’s surveillance.”
So upon entering apartment, Im Yoon Ah immediately tossed her bag on sofa, then flipped pulling Lin Xiuyuan down onto sofa together.
The two thus very close, very close.
Until Im Yoon Ah’s breath lightly puffed on his nose bridge, that intentional unintentional provocation making Lin Xiuyuan hold breath.
Then the other reached hooking his clothes corner, stuffing pop rocks from pocket into his hand, voice low, “Then tonight I’ll properly make it up to you, you recognize this, right Xiuyuan.”
As words fell, no more explanation.
Living room lights turned off, only city lights outside window outlining their tightly pressed figures vaguely.
One night thus slowly passed in desire and tacit understanding.
Next day early morning.
When Lin Xiuyuan opened eyes again, gaze fell on ceiling above.
Room quiet, only faint car horns outside window audible.
Turning head, met Im Yoon Ah’s slightly messy long hair.
Sleeping face peaceful, brows relaxed, with softness completely different from before camera.
……
……
In a certain 2013 coffee shop, early morning sunlight slanted through glass window onto neatly placed coffee table, casting faint light shadows.
Air filled with coffee bean aroma.
But for Lee So-hee, this aroma now like separated by a barrier, unable to penetrate the heaviness in her chest.
Sitting at bar counter, she gripped her work badge, fingertips slightly trembling.
Because today she was fired.
Manager walked to her, face with professional smile yet cold creating distance, “Lee So-hee, you don’t fit the team’s atmosphere, some friction at work, we’ve decided to let you go.”
Lee So-hee’s fingers trembled slightly, nearly crushing the work badge in hand.
Deep breath, she tried keeping calm expression, “But manager, I feel I’ve been trying to adapt, no issues recently.”
Manager shrugged, tone still flat, “Your attitude’s fine, but we value team collaboration more. But understand, coffee shop not just sells coffee, also an atmosphere, you don’t fit in now.”
Then both glanced around simultaneously, gazes on colleagues wiping tables.
Those usually giving her cold looks, today like watching a show, sneaking peeks, some with barely hidden mockery at mouth corners, some simply turning away pretending busy.
“This isn’t my problem.” Lee So-hee muttered softly, voice with helplessness and grievance.
Manager sighed, “No way, society is like this, can’t handle interpersonal relations, can only leave.”
Finished, the other didn’t linger, turned and left this side.
Then, a female colleague always nitpicking walked over, eyes slightly raised, with schadenfreude, “Aiya, finally no need to see your bitter face, shop much lighter.”
Lee So-hee hearing these words, heart sank more.
She knew they wouldn’t say hurtful words outright, but the exclusion and mockery in gazes, actions, words enough to suffocate her.
She tried convincing herself not to care too much, but chest stuffiness nearly stopping breath.
Actually previous work was fine, freshly out of society Lee So-hee adapted work rhythm smoothly, relations with colleagues maintained surface harmony.
But since last time those seniors saw Sulli and Lin Xiuyuan give her contact, things and relations began subtle changes.
Colleagues usually smiling at her started frequent meaningful glances, actions with small provocations and warnings.
“Lee So-hee, shouldn’t you give us the contact too? Even not for ourselves, for team atmosphere.”
“Yeah yeah, Sulli’s number, wonder if can reach Victoria, I like her so much.”
“I like Soo Jung, Krystal too pretty.”
As one colleague spoke first, tone with veiled threat.
Others followed speaking up, each starting their fantasies.
And then Lee So-hee frowned, sternly refused, “Sorry, not convenient.”
“Convenient or not, up to you.” The other shrugged, yet glancing sideways at her, with condescending air.
Thus in following days, others began overt and covert exclusion, workplace bullying.
Table always deliberately left with clutter for her to clean messily, like watching her embarrass.
During prep, always someone sighing or muttering beside: Her again, tiring me out.
Occasionally passed tableware or coffee cup deliberately placed heavy or wrong, making her seem clumsy and weak.
The more Lee So-hee resisted, the more these people felt superior.
No one said hurtful words outright, but cold gazes, deliberate actions, even silence like invisible pressure suffocating her.
Until today fired, those people finally relieved, smiles at mouth corners stabbing her heart like blades.
Looking at these faces, Lee So-hee didn’t beg aggrievedly, but suppressed inner grievance, deeply enduring these few faces.
Then turned leaving coffee shop, silently walking back to dormitory along familiar streets.
This manager still humane, gave her three days to move out of dormitory.
Back to room, tossed backpack on bed, still clutching the firing notice note.
Room dead silent, only bedside clock ticking, clear and piercing, like silent mocking her helplessness.
She sat bed edge, head down, fingers unconsciously rubbing phone screen.
Mind surging with shop’s various small actions, sudden cold gazes, deliberate alienation, overt covert difficulties, each detail pricking like needles.
“Is this society?”
She murmured, voice so low nearly swallowed by herself.
Silent for a while, Lin Xiuyuan’s figure suddenly emerged in Lee So-hee’s mind.
And that sentence he once said: There’s a job waiting for her.
Then a faint light ignited in heart, took out phone, fingers trembling slightly dialing that familiar number.
“Beep beep beep~”
Other end busy tone empty, ringing once after another, yet no answer.
Gripping phone tightly, Lee So-hee’s hope instantly plummeted, as if feeling chest heavily pressed, chill from chest to fingertips.
Whole person sitting on bed staring at screen long unable to speak, eye corners even moist.
Room filled with bright sunlight, but that light seemed unable to pierce heart’s gloom.
Seconds later, she weakly leaned on bedhead, sighed softly.
“Forget it… maybe just joking.”
But a simple action destroyed her job.
However, just as she looked down flipping phone again, preparing to check job info, screen suddenly jumped with familiar number flashing, the one she just called, making her jolt.
Lee So-hee jolted, heart racing instantly, palms sweating, breathing quickening.
“No way…”
Then instinctively clicked answer, voice trembling uncontrollably, “Hello~”
Other end came Lin Xiuyuan’s familiar voice, slightly laughing, “Hello, Lee So-hee, I was busy just now, didn’t notice phone, you calling means you’ve thought it over? Planning to come work here?”
Hearing this, Lee So-hee nearly couldn’t hold tears, bit lip trying steady voice, “Yes.”
……
Afternoon, sunny, sunlight on city streets, whole road warm.
Today’s originally dance practice Park Ji-yeon, pulled out by Lin Xiuyuan, nicely said “get some sun, don’t stay cooped in company or dormitory dazed all day”.
Lin Xiuyuan thought only Park Ji-yeon coming down, unexpectedly Park Hyomin followed behind her.
This small surprise made him glance at Park Ji-yeon, eyes with surprise.
Who knew Park Ji-yeon quick to car window, smiled lightly, said softly, “Oppa, older sister worries you’ll sell me off, so has to follow me out for a walk.”
Immediately, Park Hyomin also to car side, gaze with curiosity and teasing toward Lin Xiuyuan, “What’s wrong, can’t have one more me sunning?”
Lin Xiuyuan smiled, pulled car door, “Didn’t say no, and sunning was joke, have some proper business soon. Hyo Min since came, count as I grabbed a strong laborer.”
Hearing this Park Hyomin eyes lit, hopped lightly onto seat, found comfy spot.
White tender elbow on car window, sunlight on face, squinted smiling, “Sure, what work?”
“Tell later.” Then Lin Xiuyuan started car, slowly drove out parking lot to street.
Sunlight outside car window on the two, warmth making car atmosphere especially relaxed.
Then on way to Lee So-hee’s dormitory, Lin Xiuyuan told Park Ji-yeon about Lee So-hee’s situation, and said this was an assistant he recruited for her.
Park Ji-yeon hadn’t spoken, Park Hyomin a bit dumbfounded, asked, “What’s her education?”
In impression, seemed just a coffee shop waitress.
“High school?” Lin Xiuyuan smiled.
This answer stunned Park Hyomin more: “No way, Xiuyuan, your company not small, how like playing house? Hiring fresh high school grad as assistant, serious? Not joking?”
“I know, but just a life assistant, not manager or supervisor, think it’ll be fine.” Driving Lin Xiuyuan said.
Park Hyomin brow furrowed lightly, about to question more, but nearby Park Ji-yeon spoke first.
Nodding, her tone firm with joy, “Older sister, no need say, I know her, oppa right, life assistant doesn’t need education.”
Park Hyomin stunned, eyes widening slightly, not expecting Ji-yeon to agree so quick, “You agree just like that?”
“Mm, she’s very smart, older sister~” Park Ji-yeon answered, eyes flashing smile, “If no accident, should do well.”
As three chatted back and forth, car soon arrived downstairs Lee So-hee’s dormitory.
Through front car window, Lin Xiuyuan first spotted that familiar figure.
At this time Lee So-hee surrounded by two or three girls roadside, her body leaning back slightly, seeming uneasy.
Those girls’ expressions cold with provocation, instantly feeling unfriendly aura.
Seeing this Lin Xiuyuan brow furrowed slightly, gently stepped accelerator, steadily stopping car before Lee So-hee.
Engine low rumble and sudden headlights stunned those girls.
Their gazes panicked over Lin Xiuyuan, unable to recognize, awkwardly stepping back half.
But gazing at back seat Park Hyomin and Park Ji-yeon, they recognized.
Faces emerging joy next second, Lin Xiuyuan smiling looked at the girl in their midst.
Tone mild, “Get in the car, Lee So-hee.”
Ten Thousand Daily ended, thanks godfathers for support and votes.
Monthly tickets over 3K, Ten Thousand Daily +1.
Ten Thousand Daily progress bar: 91/101.
Beg monthly tickets!! Beg subscriptions!! Beg rewards!! Beg everything!!!
