Chapter 257: Lin Xiuyuan Goes To Collect “protection Money”
Roadside.
Lin Xiuyuan’s car made a sharp brake and stopped steadily in front of Lee So-hee, the sound of tires rubbing against the ground sounding exceptionally clear in the quiet afternoon.
Lee So-hee was slightly stunned, as if she hadn’t reacted to the scene in front of her, the bag in her hand hanging in mid-air, her knuckles slowly turning white from gripping too hard.
It wasn’t until the car window rolled down and Lin Xiuyuan’s familiar voice came from inside that she suddenly blinked, pursed her lips as if waking from a dream, her eyes filled with the emotions she had been holding back.
After so many years, it was the first time someone had stood up for her, and the first time someone had come to pick her up.
In that instant, grievance, surprise, and a sudden surge of sense of security all rushed into her chest, making Lee So-hee’s nose tingle.
“Oppa~.”
She responded softly, her voice carrying an unconcealable tremor, both surprised and exceptionally aggrieved.
The few girls surrounding her changed their expressions to something subtle upon seeing this.
They had been looking down on her moments ago, but now their faces were clearly stiff, their gazes quickly exchanging between each other, their expressions showing discomfort and embarrassment.
Having just gotten off work, they clearly hadn’t expected this stinky girl from the countryside to actually have someone picking her up.
Moreover, the person who came had such a strong aura, dressed in casual clothes yet exuding a clean and neat vibe.
Even more fatally, Park Ji-yeon and Park Hyomin from Tara were sitting in the back seat—they were big stars they usually only dared to watch on television.
Although Tara was facing nationwide backlash in Seoul now, it was only within fan circles; most passersby were visual creatures, and beauty was justice.
So they first instinctively felt surprise, but soon noticed that Lin Xiuyuan’s expression didn’t look good, his sense of oppression making them somewhat intimidated.
The girls pushed each other and quietly retreated, afraid that staying longer would make them even more embarrassed.
However, Lin Xiuyuan didn’t spare them another glance; after shouting that sentence, he pushed open the car door and got out.
He walked steadily to Lee So-hee’s side, quickly scanned her body for any obvious marks, then reached out to pick up the suitcase, planning to put it in the trunk.
“Let’s go.” His voice wasn’t loud, but it carried an unquestionable certainty.
“Oppa, I can handle it myself.” Lee So-hee instinctively reached out to grab it, her gaze showing a hint of panic, as if she didn’t dare to trouble others.
“Cut the nonsense, get in the car.” Lin Xiuyuan’s lips curved slightly, his tone carrying a bit of light teasing, yet very reassuring.
When the suitcase was placed into the trunk, it made a muffled sound, as if sealing away all of Lee So-hee’s previous grievances, fears, and helplessness.
Lee So-hee stared blankly at the scene, her heart aching badly, her eyes slightly reddening, her throat feeling blocked, unable to even say “thank you.”
It wasn’t until Lin Xiuyuan closed the trunk and turned back to call her again, “What are you spacing out for? Get in the car.”
That she seemed pulled back to reality, hurriedly wiping the corner of her eye, carefully opening the front passenger seat’s car door and sitting inside.
Her movements were exceptionally gentle.
Meanwhile, the few girls not far away had retreated even further, huddling together whispering, their expressions carrying an indescribable complexity.
There was unwillingness, shame from being slapped in the face, and even a bit of unconcealable envy.
Envy that Lee So-hee had someone stand up for her, that someone like Lin Xiuyuan had come to pick her up.
However, if they dared to look at their own appearance in the mirror and compare it to Lee So-hee’s current red-eyed yet still clean and pretty look, they might understand why Lin Xiuyuan was willing to step in and help her.
Still that sentence: beauty was justice.
Back to the car side.
Lee So-hee’s first reaction after getting in was to sit upright, hands neatly placed on her knees.
Then she turned her head and gave a deep little bow to the two in the back seat, her voice carrying respect upon first meeting big stars, “Hello, I’m Lee So-hee.”
“Hello~” Park Ji-yeon smiled sweetly, her voice carrying a bit of warmth.
“Hello.” Park Hyomin’s smile was more casual, her gaze sizing her up for two seconds, as if confirming that the girl who had just been surrounded was okay now.
Lin Xiuyuan, who had just pushed open the car door and sat down, heard their exchange of polite language and couldn’t help laughing out loud, “I really can’t get used to the formal speech on your side no matter what.”
As he spoke, he started the car, stepped on the accelerator, and left this side, heading towards Tara’s dormitory.
The car was quiet at first, only the low rumble of the engine and the whooshing wind outside the window, sunlight streaming in from the side window, plating everyone’s outlines with a layer of warm light.
Sitting in the front passenger seat, Lee So-hee’s back was ramrod straight, not even daring to breathe too loudly, her fingertips nervously clutching her hem, clearly not yet fully recovered from the earlier scene.
Lin Xiuyuan glanced at her sideways, a faint smile tugging at his lips, breaking the silence, “Don’t be so nervous, we’re not going to eat you.”
Seeing her look over blankly, he paused before continuing, “From now on, you’ll follow Ji-yeon. She sometimes needs someone to help with delivery, coordinating work, arranging trivial matters—basically a life assistant.”
“Life assistant… me?” Lee So-hee was stunned for several seconds, her pupils visibly dilating, as if she couldn’t believe her ears.
“But, Senior Ji-yeon, can I handle it?” She asked cautiously, her voice showing a lack of confidence.
Park Ji-yeon in the back seat was taken aback by the “Senior,” then her lips curved into a smile, her eyes lighting up, as if already imagining future scenes.
She leaned forward, her eyes carrying a bit of pride and smugness, “Oppa didn’t explain clearly. The ‘life assistant’ he mentioned to you isn’t just for my idol identity, but for the company side.”
She blinked, her lips curving up, “I’m not just an idol, you know. I started a small company with Oppa. Usually I’m too busy with schedules to handle affairs, so I just need you to pay attention to information for me.”
“Wow… amazing!” Lee So-hee’s eyes widened roundly, her mouth opening slightly as if to confirm she hadn’t misheard, “This is too incredible.”
Her voice was full of genuine admiration, even her eyes brightened, lightening the atmosphere in the car quite a bit.
Park Hyomin on the other side raised an eyebrow, smiling as she took over the topic, “Xiuyuan, have you thought about where to let her live? She’s not from our company side, no dormitory arranged.”
Hearing this, Lee So-hee quickly spoke up, “It’s fine, anywhere I can sleep is okay.”
Lin Xiuyuan held the steering wheel with one hand, the other casually tapping the car door, his tone casual, “Simple, just rent a place near your dormitory, convenient for her to go to Ji-yeon for work every day.”
As soon as he finished, Park Ji-yeon in the back sat up straight, eyes lighting up, “No need to rent. That office we rented for the company earlier—isn’t it empty? There’s a small suite in the back with a restroom and small kitchen. Perfect for Soo Hee to live in. There’s a computer and landline phone in front too, so if she encounters any issues, she can work right there.”
“Eh? Is that okay?” Lee So-hee’s eyes brightened instantly, her tone carrying unconcealed expectation.
“Of course it’s okay.” Park Ji-yeon smiled and patted her shoulder, her tone softening, “You just do your job well, we’ll handle the rest.”
Hearing this, Lee So-hee felt as if a huge stone had finally fallen from her heart, her previously suspended heart finding its place.
After secretly exhaling, she relaxed completely, her back no longer stiff, even her fingertips slowly loosening.
Right then, Lin Xiuyuan next to her smiled and teased, “Ji-yeon, do all bosses naturally turn into capitalists? You’re making her on call 24 hours a day, no rest.”
“Ah, I didn’t.” Park Ji-yeon was stunned by his words, then huffed annoyedly, slapping the seatback, glaring at Lin Xiuyuan through the rearview mirror, “Oppa, you’re talking nonsense.”
Park Hyomin laughed even more freely, leaning back in her seat, amusedly adding, “Oh my, our Ji-yeon is great at being a boss. Who would’ve thought our little maknae is so capable now.”
Her eyes carried a sly smile as she spoke, clearly in a watching-the-show mentality.
Only the newcomer Lee So-hee sat primly in the front passenger seat like a small animal, even breathing lighter, not daring to laugh aloud for fear of interrupting their conversation.
Lin Xiuyuan glanced at her sideways, seeing her bright eyes full of gratitude, and couldn’t help smiling.
He casually pressed the car window button to let in the outside wind, carrying a bit of late summer early autumn coolness, instantly lightening the car, dispersing the slightly awkward atmosphere.
“Alright, that’s settled then.” He said decisively, his tone like nailing down a new beginning for her.
Lee So-hee leaned back in the front passenger seat, her heart still beating fast, but her lips finally curved up slowly, as if truly feeling for the first time that she could escape her past shadows and start a brand new life.
Following Park Ji-yeon’s directions, Lin Xiuyuan arrived at the company office for the first time.
Since most of the company’s business was overseas, this Seoul branch office was completely empty, a pure shell, exceptionally quiet.
The white floor-to-ceiling window let in the afternoon light, illuminating the spacious space brightly and transparently.
Everything here was neatly cold, the desk holding only one or two files, the computer monitor untouched from start to finish, the air even carrying a faint woody scent.
“Usually I handle overseas company coordination online late at night, so I haven’t used this place much.” Park Ji-yeon explained with a smile as she pushed open the door.
“It’s yours from now on.” She turned back and winked at Lee So-hee, her gaze carrying relief at finally offloading some tasks.
And that small suite Park Ji-yeon mentioned was actually not small at all.
Pushing the door in revealed a one-bedroom, one-living-room, one-bath layout, compact yet not cramped, about thirty square meters, plenty for one person to live comfortably.
The curtains half-drawn, showing reflections of the shopping mall neon downstairs, both quiet and safe.
The kind of commercial-residential building that wouldn’t feel too deserted even at night.
In this segment, Lee So-hee’s eyes grew brighter and brighter, the whole person somewhat excited.
Next was the salary issue.
Lin Xiuyuan didn’t beat around the bush, sitting directly at the desk and saying, “As for a life assistant’s salary, it’ll be Seoul’s average monthly salary, fixed at 5 million after tax. Insurance and bonuses separate.”
As he spoke, he pulled a bank card from his pocket and placed it on the table, “Use this card for the company’s other expenses and Ji-yeon’s daily spending. Just keep good records, I’ll check irregularly. No problem?”
As for Park Ji-yeon and Park Hyomin, they had no opinion on this monthly salary—even in their current low in Seoul, this amount was just the time of one performance.
Lee So-hee was stunned at first, then sat up straight, saying repeatedly, “No problem, thank you Oppa!”
After saying that, she immediately stood up and gave a deep ninety-degree bow, her movement clean and sharp.
Lin Xiuyuan was startled by this and leaned back, waving his hands hurriedly, “What the fck, no no no, don’t bow to me like that—such big bows on my side are for dead people.”
This sentence immediately lightened the atmosphere, Park Hyomin laughing until her eyes curved into crescents, giving Lin Xiuyuan a meaningful look, as if reassessing this guy.
Seeming to think that a man willing to help a girl like this should be fine at heart.
Then, Lin Xiuyuan stuffed the bank card into Lee So-hee’s hand, saying, “Alright, now your first work task.”
“Hm?” Lee So-hee blinked, instinctively taking the card.
“Find a standard contract template and make one for yourself.”
He leaned back in the chair smiling, his tone light yet serious, “Start with three years, five is fine, ten better. Work should be formal, so if we ever kick you out someday, you can still sue us with the contract.”
Lee So-hee was stunned first, then her eyes grew slightly hot.
This feeling of being treated as an equal employee was both unfamiliar and solid for her.
Such straightforward words with a teasing edge made Park Ji-yeon laugh out loud, her laughter carrying a bit of reproach, “Ah, Oppa, who says that to a newly hired assistant?”
She shook her head as she spoke, but her eyes showed gentleness, as if long accustomed to Lin Xiuyuan’s unconventional ways.
Lee So-hee listened to their conversation, pursing her lips.
Perhaps it was this unmasked sincerity and ease that suddenly warmed her heart.
So she gave Lin Xiuyuan a deep look, then stood and walked to the desk.
The computer, untouched since purchase, was turned on by her, accompanied by a soft hum as the screen lit up.
Though just a high school graduate, who hadn’t snuck out of class to an internet cafe in their youth?
The familiar interface made her fingers dance quickly on the keyboard.
Soon, the contract downloaded; she carefully checked every word, made minor format changes, then printed it out, solemnly placing it in front of Lin Xiuyuan with both hands.
Lin Xiuyuan glanced down, confirmed no issues, picked up a pen and swiftly signed his name, then handed it back to Lee So-hee.
The girl took it, also signing her name with slight tension.
At that moment, her gaze held a subtle light, as if this was the first time she truly grasped a “future” key in her life.
Seeing Lee So-hee sign her name too, Lin Xiuyuan casually put his copy in the drawer, clapped his hands, drawing over Park Ji-yeon and Park Hyomin who were chatting nearby.
“Alright,” he announced with a smile, “Ji-yeon, to celebrate the first employee joining our Seoul branch, let’s go out for a big meal.”
Who knew, as soon as he spoke, Park Ji-yeon laughed first, “Oh, perfect timing, Oppa. Yoona unnie and Taeyeon unnie were just saying in the group chat they want to eat with you.”
“Hm?” Lin Xiuyuan was curious, “How do these two have so much free time, no work?”
“??”
Across from him, Lee So-hee, who had been staring blankly at the contract, suddenly looked up, curiosity in her eyes.
She suddenly realized her boss seemed more mysterious than imagined.
The women around him one by one weren’t ordinary: Park Ji-yeon, Park Hyomin, Sulli, and now members of Girls’ Generation…
Could he be some low-key second generation tycoon?
“Who knows.” Park Ji-yeon rolled her eyes, tapping her phone screen, muttering a complaint, “Unnie @’ed you in the group, you never check it.”
The next second, her face flushed red instantly, because Lin Xiuyuan replied, “I’d like to check, but I’m worried you’ll chat about stuff I shouldn’t see—last time the chat history got cleared.”
Park Ji-yeon’s face turned red, she glared at him hurriedly, huffed, and stopped talking, as if afraid to say more and embarrass herself further.
Lin Xiuyuan just smiled lightly at this, no longer teasing her, and said, “Alright then, call them too—more people, more fun. Hyo Min, no objections?”
“I’m fine either way.” Park Hyomin spread her hands, raising an eyebrow with a smile, “Just don’t make it some small team thing.”
Her words seemed to carry a meaningful reminder.
And so, after waiting for Lee So-hee to settle her luggage, they got back in the car, heading straight to the address sent by Lin Xiaolu.
Seoul’s traffic jam situation was still headache-inducing, the car soon stuck halfway.
In a red light gap, Lin Xiuyuan casually leaned against the driver’s seat, glancing at Lee So-hee in the front passenger seat, “Right, Soo Hee, do you know how to drive?”
“Ah, no.” Lee So-hee jumped at being suddenly addressed, shaking her head quickly, her expression tense like a student who did something wrong.
Park Ji-yeon in the back caught Lin Xiuyuan’s meaning and laughed, “Oppa probably wants you to learn driving, to be a driver later.”
“Yeah, that’s the idea.” Lin Xiuyuan nodded, sighing, “Go learn. Company reimburses. I really don’t want to drive anymore—Seoul’s too jammed.”
Hearing this, Park Ji-yeon tilted her head mischievously, “Then once Soo Hee learns, will you buy me a car, Oppa?”
Lin Xiuyuan’s lips curved, “Sure, whatever car you like, I’ll buy it for you then.”
“Wow, Oppa, do you have the money?” Park Ji-yeon blinked, half-joking half-serious.
Lin Xiuyuan, restarting the car, drawled slowly, “I’ll have it after dinner.”
The car went quiet for two seconds.
Lee So-hee and Park Hyomin: ???
This sounded just like gangsters going to collect protection money.
Only Park Ji-yeon was stunned for half a second, then realized, pursing her lips to stifle a laugh, her shoulders shaking slightly as she tried hard not to burst out.
Taking advantage of the red light, she quickly operated on her phone, @’ing Lin Xiaolu and Kim Soft Soft in the group, forwarding Lin Xiuyuan’s “bold words” verbatim, adding a mischievous grin emoji.
Clearly, she planned to have the two prepare “mentally” in advance and watch the show later.
Been busy with trivial matters lately, not much energy, I’ll try for ten thousand daily every other day, really sorry, godfathers!
Monthly tickets!!! Subscriptions!!! Everything!!!
