Chapter 262: Im Yoon Ah Swipes Lin Xiaolu’s “affiliate Gold Card”
As the filming progress on Jung Soo Jung and Sulli’s side gradually got on track, the set finally no longer felt as tense as the previous days, with laughter and jokes increasing.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Lin Xiuyuan’s night took on a completely different vibe.
In the rainy night, Jung Soo Yeon was speeding in her car toward the apartment.
Outside the car window, the wipers swept back and forth, and Seoul’s neon lights were stretched into blurry streaks in the rain curtain.
Her fingertips gripped the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles almost white, with an indescribable emotion weighing on her heart, heavier than the damp air outside.
As the car came to a steady stop downstairs at the apartment building, she got out holding an umbrella, stepped quickly into the apartment stairwell in her high heels, the sound of her heels striking the ground piercingly clear in the narrow space. （It is not recommended to drive in high heels; this is just dramatic fiction）
A few minutes later, the apartment door was briskly opened by Jung Soo Yeon.
Entering the living room, she immediately saw Lin Xiuyuan half-reclining on the sofa, holding a glass of water in his hand.
He had obviously just showered, his hair still damp, messily scattered on his head.
Hearing the sound, Lin Xiuyuan was momentarily stunned, looking at the suddenly appeared Jung Soo Yeon, his brows raised in some surprise. “Wow, so soon? I thought you’d be a bit later.”
After all, Lin Xiuyuan’s whereabouts were a bit unpredictable, so Jung Soo Yeon had called him before coming over this time.
Even so, he was still a bit surprised by her speed.
Jung Soo Yeon didn’t answer, walking straight to the sofa and looking down at him, her gaze as if nailing him in place, though her voice was remarkably restrained. “Xiuyuan, you and Yoona… did something happen that shouldn’t have?”
“Yoona?” Lin Xiuyuan subconsciously repeated, as if to confirm he hadn’t misheard.
“Little Deer.” Jung Soo Yeon pursed her lips, adding.
Lin Xiuyuan opened his mouth, not yet able to explain, when a few faint sounds suddenly came from the bedroom.
“Click click,” like someone accidentally bumping into the door.
Then Krystal poked her head out first, her hair slightly messy, her eyes carrying some surprise and curiosity, clearly drawn out by the noise outside.
Right behind her, another slender figure appeared.
The “Im Yoon Ah” Jung Soo Yeon had just mentioned was leaning against the doorframe, a faint smile playing on her lips.
Her clear eyes first swept over Jung Soo Yeon, then landed on Lin Xiuyuan on the sofa. Recalling the question she had just heard, she couldn’t help but nod lightly, inwardly sighing: That silly girl finally did something quite right.
Compared to Im Yoon Ah’s pleasure, Krystal curiously took two steps closer to the sofa, her gaze scanning back and forth between Jung Soo Yeon and Lin Xiuyuan, clearly very interested in this interrogation.
Her lips curved into a grin, her smile rising. “Oppa, do you mean what I’m thinking?”
Jung Soo Yeon didn’t answer immediately, just pursing her lips tightly, as if weighing how to speak.
She had indeed lost a little control just now, but she was angry.
Mainly, all day today, Lin Xiaolu had been hovering around her, occasionally talking about some effect or experience, really frustrating Jung Soo Yeon.
Krystal raised her brows, simply sitting on the single sofa, arms crossed, looking like she was enjoying the show.
Im Yoon Ah slowly walked to the dining table, pouring herself a glass of water, her mood unexpectedly relaxed, even a bit expectant of what would happen next.
She had always felt Lin Xiuyuan would have to face this moment sooner or later.
At this moment, Lin Xiuyuan also set down his water glass, looking at her and lightly coughing. “Ah, last night~ cough cough, last night Little Deer said there was something with the TV series, so we talked all night about the plot and filming issues. Nothing else happened.”
If it were the 25-year-old big sister, Lin Xiuyuan would admit it, but here in 2013, he felt it might be better to deny it firmly.
After all, people here had thinner skin.
So after Lin Xiuyuan denied it, Krystal and Im Yoon Ah burst out laughing first. Those who had experienced it knew the state after getting close to this guy made denial basically impossible.
But as women, they also knew clearly that women just wanted an attitude.
Sure enough, upon hearing this answer, the anger in Jung Soo Yeon’s heart eased a bit, and she was amused yet annoyed by his serious expression.
She glared at him, pouting with a smile. “Seriously, Xiuyuan. If you ever want to get rid of that mouth, tell me in advance, and I’ll cut it off for you.”
“No way, there are still so many delicacies I haven’t tasted.” Lin Xiuyuan reacted quickly, raising his chin with a rogue-like expression.
“True dog.”
Jung Soo Yeon cursed verbally, but her gaze softened.
This light complaint was like a silent declaration that her questioning was over, and the tension in the air gradually dissipated.
Thus, Jung Soo Yeon’s gaze quickly shifted to Krystal and Im Yoon Ah, her tone carrying some curiosity and scrutiny. “When did you two get here? Especially Yoona, aren’t you promoting a movie recently?”
Im Yoon Ah flicked her water cup, her lips curving into a playful smile, exuding a relaxed aura. “Promotion is promotion, but you have to leave some space for life.”
She then leaned forward slightly, picked up the glass on the table and took a light sip, adding, “But I came mainly to check the crystal and jade selections. After chatting with Ye Jin unnie last time, she was quite interested in that design, so I wanted to see the real items first before deciding.”
The matter of meeting Son Ye-jin last time had a follow-up.
With the price being attractive, she was indeed tempted, but even with Im Yoon Ah’s endorsement, she wanted to see the items in person.
So Im Yoon Ah took advantage of having no work tonight to come to 2013 with Lin Xiuyuan.
Jung Soo Yeon felt a flash of happiness for Im Yoon Ah—if this worked out, it would definitely earn her a lot of favors.
Thinking of this, her gaze turned to her sister.
Krystal lounged lazily in the single sofa, hugging a cushion, her tone carrying a big sister’s languidness. “I came to teach Soo Jung. It was supposed to be noon, but the company had an ad meeting at noon, so I had to change it to evening.”
“Teaching?” Jung Soo Yeon immediately perked up, raising her brow at Lin Xiuyuan. “You involved too? Not playing some weird assistant teacher again, right?”
She only knew Krystal had taken over the teaching, not the details, and thought Lin Xiuyuan was involved too, since she’d been busy lately.
Lin Xiuyuan looked a bit exasperated, raising his hands in surrender-like gesture. “How would I dare? I’m not professional, just helping open the door and pour water.”
He inwardly complained that although he’d seen Yoona guide Lin Xiaolu before and learned some basics, he really didn’t dare critique acting like a pro.
“So what’s Soo Jung’s biggest issue now?” Jung Soo Yeon turned her attention to Krystal.
Hearing this, Krystal shifted to a more comfortable position, saying seriously, “Simply put, it’s emotional regulation. Soo Jung here or Little Deer unnie are too young, limited life experience, not enough depth in emotional precipitation. So often they can only rely on surface emotions, can’t convey the depth.”
“Exactly.”
Im Yoon Ah nodded in agreement, fully in professional mode. “Actually, Soo Jung’s line delivery is good, clear enunciation, right rhythm. The issue is emotional delivery isn’t enough, especially body and eyes not matching the lines, so it looks stiff.”
“I think us idols are too conscious of the camera, movements too restrained, expressions afraid of being exaggerated, ending up looking stiff overall.”
Jung Soo Yeon smiled slightly, sharing her own experience. “I had that problem when I first shot TV series.”
Krystal nodded while quickly pulling out her phone to record, her fingertips tapping the screen clearly audible in the quiet living room. “Also the explosive power issue. She needs to learn to find an outlet for emotions, not bottle them up. Later I’ll tell her properly, best with one or two cases to practice.”
Lin Xiuyuan smiled watching them chat animatedly, inwardly marveling that his living room had become a temporary acting coaching class.
Getting excited, Jung Soo Yeon suddenly thought of something and glanced at Lin Xiuyuan. “How about we visit the set again sometime to see the site?”
“Go again?” Lin Xiuyuan shook his head with a smile. “Nah, I’m afraid Soo Jung will get annoyed seeing me later.”
He hadn’t told these ladies about the noon incident. If Krystal knew, it’d just be some teasing.
If Jung Soo Yeon knew, he worried she’d actually hit him.
One sister complex, one brother complex, neither easy to handle.
They chatted more and more enthusiastically, time unknowingly reaching past ten in the evening.
At that moment, Lin Xiuyuan’s phone rang—it was a call from Sulli.
As soon as he picked up, her crisp young girl voice came through. “Oppa, is that teacher free? We’re ready here.”
Krystal nodded lightly upon hearing, put away her phone, got up and went into the bedroom to prepare the video call.
Lin Xiuyuan said a couple things and hung up, about to pat flat the cushion on the sofa to lie down, when he saw Jung Soo Yeon also stand and pick up her jacket. “Then I’ll head out too. Flying to Neon early tomorrow, schedule packed, need to sleep early tonight.”
“Unnie, your schedule so tight?” Im Yoon Ah asked, eyes with some surprise. “I thought we didn’t have much Neon work this year?”
“My personal schedule. A brand store opening there, asked me to do the platform, and shoot a photo spread on the side.”
Jung Soo Yeon stood and stretched lazily, her movements fluid with fatigue, but her eyes still bright and alert, as if reflecting the city’s night lights.
She then turned to Lin Xiuyuan. “By the way, we talked to Sunny about Hara—should be no issue, right?”
Lin Xiuyuan lounged on the sofa, lazily shaking his head, a casual smile on his lips. “You handle it, I have no opinion. Just watch the sizing, don’t expose anything.”
His attitude seemed leisurely, revealing indifference to trivial matters.
Jung Soo Yeon smiled at Lin Xiuyuan, then waved goodbye and left the apartment, heading back to the dormitory.
In a blink, the apartment was left with just Lin Xiuyuan and Im Yoon Ah, the nearby room door closed, Krystal’s voice coming from inside, like confirming the situation on the other end of the network.
Im Yoon Ah watched the scene, her lips curving into a sly arc, like Little Deer Bambi who sneaked some candy.
The next second, she decisively pounced into Lin Xiuyuan’s arms, the movement natural, with a light playful and vibrant feel.
Lin Xiuyuan staggered from her pounce, his arm instinctively wrapping her waist, eyes with surprise and helplessness.
Before he could speak, he felt Im Yoon Ah lift her head slightly, her lips pressing against his.
A passionate and clingy kiss, temperature and pressure just right.
Not rushed, yet enough to accelerate heartbeats.
When they finally parted, Im Yoon Ah’s breathing slightly quick, eyes curved into crescents, biting off the silver thread-like hair tip with pursed lips.
Then like a triumphant child, she nestled back into Lin Xiuyuan’s arms, arms around his neck, gaze provocative and playful. “How’s that? Kissing skills—mine or Little Deer’s better?”
Lin Xiuyuan paused, then chuckled. “Why are you all so competitive? Always asking this kind of question.”
“Oh, that little deer girl asked too?” Im Yoon Ah’s smile widened, eyes sparkling, tilting her head playfully at him. “Yeah, because we’re the same person. Looks like our personalities are exactly alike.”
Lin Xiuyuan stared at her for two seconds, said nothing more, just raised his hand to lightly pat her perky butt, smiling with teasing and helplessness. “Of course you’re better. Wine aged by time—how could it not taste good.”
Im Yoon Ah gave him a coquettish glare. What time precipitation—if she weren’t less worried about looks now.
That line from Lin Xiuyuan, she’d make him see what “settled butt” really means.
But for now, Lin Xiuyuan was good at coaxing her, so Im Yoon Ah smiled happier, rubbing against his shoulder like a cat, then reluctantly sat up straight from his arms.
“Let’s get serious.” She suddenly sobered a bit, brushing back her hair by her ear. “With the crystal and jade situation, since it’s my personal issue and channels, I don’t want to trouble others. Xiuyuan, any suggestions?”
Lin Xiuyuan raised a brow, guessing. “You planning to use your own money?”
“Yeah.” Im Yoon Ah nodded, eyes serious. “You don’t have much cash here, right? Sulli said it’s all invested, won’t get returns till year-end.”
Seeing Im Yoon Ah’s expression, Lin Xiuyuan soon laughed, pointing to the wallet on the nearby coffee table. “Your timing is perfect. One day earlier, I couldn’t help. But now it’s fine—spend freely. There’s a supplementary gold card from Little Deer Bambi in my wallet.”
Im Yoon Ah paused, then her eyes lit up, bursting into laughter. “Wow, too coincidental? Using my own money for my own business—perfect.”
She then squinted suspiciously, asking with interest. “What’s the story? How’d that silly girl suddenly give you the card.”
Lin Xiuyuan leaned on the sofa, gaze on Im Yoon Ah perched in his lap, lips curving up, slowly explaining.
“Yesterday was the Lee So-hee firing incident, so we went to pick her up together, then chatted about buying a car over dinner. Not sure how, but it led to last night’s scene. This morning, she left the card on my bedside, saying it’s protection fee.”
“Wow…” Im Yoon Ah pursed her lips smiling, eyes crinkled with amusement, yet thoughtfully glancing at him. “Looks like your protection fee collection is quite glamorous.”
Lin Xiuyuan spread his hands, expression helpless yet teasing. “No choice, my build’s decent.”
Im Yoon Ah raised a brow, eyes flashing slyness. “Get out, is it the build or you cheating.”
With that, she waved her small hand like a little tyrant, laughing. “Alright, then I’ll go swipe her card.”
Im Yoon Ah finished, then like a coquettish kitten lay back into Lin Xiuyuan’s arms, eyes sparkling at him pleadingly. “But you have to come pick with me.”
“Of course I’ll go with you. How could I let you out alone.” Lin Xiuyuan pinched her cheek, tone amused. “But really going to the brand store? Things there have markup. Private sellers might be cheaper.”
“Nah, we’re not pros. Just buy from the brand store, chalk it up to exchange rate loss. Better than buying fakes and really losing out.”
Im Yoon Ah blinked, patting his chest lightly, looking utterly satisfied.
Lin Xiuyuan nodded, smiling. “Fine, safety first.”
“Mm-hmm.” Im Yoon Ah nodded along, suddenly thinking of something, chuckling lightly, eyes with excitement and amusement. “I’m kinda looking forward to Little Deer’s reaction seeing a big charge on the card, haha.”
“Should be fine, right?” Lin Xiuyuan scratched his head, looking at her helplessly.
Im Yoon Ah leaned closer, voice lower, playful yet earnest. “You using it is fine, but if it’s mine, she’ll be a little miffed.”
With that, she gently nestled into his arms, small hand sliding up his chest ambiguously probing, but soon firmly caught by Lin Xiuyuan.
He said lowly, “Don’t fool around, Soo Jung’s here.”
Im Yoon Ah slowly lifted her head, eyes full of teasing. “That’s what makes it stimulating.”
The living room’s soft lighting stretched their shadows on the carpet, the air still holding the warmth from the recent kiss.
Krystal’s voice from the bedroom played like background music, quietly accompanying, as if the whole world quieted, leaving only this moment’s intimacy and ambiguity.
……
Inside the room.
The computer screen showed an ongoing video call, the light reflecting on Krystal’s face, slightly stern and sharp.
Sitting in the chair, she maintained her usual calm and professionalism.
The voice changer gave her voice an electronic tint, but the cool precision was hard to mask.
Having just finished explaining emotional buildup, as she prepared to switch topics, she heard Jung Soo Jung and Sulli on the other end quietly chatting about that evening’s “exhilarating” filming shot.
“Oh?” Krystal immediately perked up, voice with slight inflection, curious yet scrutinizing. “Soo Jung, what emotion were you channeling for that shot?”
Named Jung Soo Jung instantly tensed, posture stiffening, pursing her lips, seeming embarrassed to say.
Sulli on the video couldn’t hold back, spilling the recent shoot details, even naming Lin Xiuyuan.
Jung Soo Jung froze, instinctively wanting to interrupt, but soon stopped. She was silent for seconds, gaze on her clasped hands, brows slightly furrowed.
Krystal on the other end listened quietly, then narrowed her eyes, lips in a half-smile.
Watching Jung Soo Jung’s tense complex expression on screen, she observed like an unpolished crystal, trying to read the emotional textures.
Moments later, she spoke slowly, voice softer yet irresistibly guiding.
“Tell me, Soo Jung. I want to hear how you got into the emotion.”
Asked twice, Jung Soo Jung exhaled slowly, like pulling the mental images back. “Before shooting, my mind kept thinking about… the emotion the director mentioned. I didn’t quite get it at first, or couldn’t express it, until suddenly I thought of…”
Words halted, she lowered her head, eyes flickering on screen, complex as if self-questioning or inwardly scrutinizing.
Sulli couldn’t help laughing, finishing for her. “Thought of oppa being, and you changed completely. Even the lighting guy said your gaze suddenly shifted.”
Jung Soo Jung didn’t refute, nodding lightly, like acquiescing yet debating herself.
Then she continued lowly. “When the shot started, I thought nothing else, just instinctively wanted to escape. When director called stop, I was still dazed. Anyway, my mind was chaotic then, like no real thoughts.”
“Why such a reaction?”
Krystal, quietly listening on the other end, actually knew, since Sulli had told her, and she’d laughed happily then.
But no help for it; she knew Lin Xiuyuan had rolled with her many times, so looking at the same guy naturally brought instinctive gazes.
Now she tried to coax Jung Soo Jung to say it out, imprinting it on her heart and mind.
After all, from crossing time back to 2013 that first night, Krystal had it clear: others aside, she definitely couldn’t leave this boy.
Whether 2025’s her or the hesitant complex-emotion Jung Soo Jung on screen.
“Why?”
Jung Soo Jung muttered slightly, brows tightly furrowed, struggling to sort her chaotic thoughts.
Her head hurt a bit, unsure how to describe her imagination.
Couldn’t just say “I overthought” and be seen as delusional.
Finally, after hesitating, Jung Soo Jung came up with an explanation.
“Just felt that meeting him makes my emotions more active. His gaze has a story-like feel.”
At this, both Sulli and Krystal on the computer nearly burst out laughing.
As insiders, Jung Soo Jung’s current “cover-up” seemed especially hilarious.
But Krystal didn’t expose her, instead advising. “If so, I suggest Soo Jung you meet Xiuyuan more, interact more. Rare to have someone activate your emotions like that—huge boon.”
“Exactly.” Sulli chimed in from the set.
Only Jung Soo Jung looked puzzled at the tablet. “Ah, really do that?”
“Just a suggestion.” Krystal relaxed slightly, voice mild yet guiding, not pushing too hard.
Jung Soo Jung listened via earphones, bit her lip, eyes flickering.
Propping her chin thoughtfully, she said with complex expression. “So is this good or bad?”
“Good.” Krystal answered firmly, voice cool and resolute. “Being sparked by someone, by a relationship—actor’s most precious resource. Learn to use it, accept it, not fear it.”
But Jung Soo Jung glanced at Sulli, expecting her to play matchmaker again.
This time Sulli quieted, shrugging after the glance. “Choice is yours, Soo Jung.”
Krystal sensed the mood, smiling to add. “No worries, table this. I’ll send some cases later, analyze them. Tomorrow we discuss control techniques.”
Jung Soo Jung nodded, strange glint in her eyes.
Confusion, curiosity, complex emotions intertwined, like a door slightly ajar, tempting her to peek at that unfamiliar yet familiar figure.
……
Next day afternoon, Apgujeong streets bathed in bright sun, warmth filtering through glass onto the parked car body.
Lin Xiuyuan just parked, unbuckled his seatbelt, muttering lowly. “Yoona, you sure this is fine? Mask, sunglasses… still feels off. If recognized, trouble.”
Im Yoon Ah in the front passenger seat adjusted her sunglasses, voice muffled by mask yet smiling. “Relax, not my first time out like this. Low-key is minimal cover for max effect. Wearing a full mask would draw more eyes.”
She waved lightly, adding. “Plus short wig, different makeup. If spotted, just ‘looks like’ at most.”
“If you think it’s fine.” Lin Xiuyuan replied.
Im Yoon Ah pursed her lips, eyes confident. “Relax, this is after many discussions with Soo Jung, Ji-yeon, Taeyeon unnie. Makeup tested rounds, at least fools facial unlock, so should be good.”
In this downtime, the 25-year big sisters weren’t idle.
At least for safe outings in 13, they’d prepped fully on makeup, wigs, cover methods, yielding this perfect result.
“Impressive.” Lin Xiuyuan couldn’t help sighing.
“Think we’re like the little sisters here?”
Im Yoon Ah got out, long legs striding first into the high-end jewelry store, leaving Lin Xiuyuan shaking his head behind.
Store’s cool lights made jade more translucent, atmosphere so quiet breaths seemed amplified.
Soon Im Yoon Ah leaned close to the counter, pointing at a green pendant. “This color too floaty, swap for another.”
Clerk swapped trays; she scanned sharply, shook head lightly. “Luster not moist enough, another.”
Lin Xiuyuan behind frowned, muttering lowly. “Tsk, your expertise is pro-level. Where’d you learn? Should’ve gone private seller, saves money.”
Im Yoon Ah’s lips curved lightly, tone casual yet confident. “Seen a lot, know a bit.”
As clerk fetched new samples, she leaned to Lin Xiuyuan’s ear, whispering. “I’m okay with crystal, but jade… mostly from short videos. Clarity, ice type—tons of pro terms to bluff with.”
“Got it, you’re bluffing them, but they’re pros.” Lin Xiuyuan laughed.
“I bluff convincingly.”
Im Yoon Ah tone righteous. “Anyway, buy two pricey ones later. Don’t know quality, but expensive won’t be bad.”
Lin Xiuyuan spread hands. “Then you’ll pick till closing.”
“No rush, not your card.” Im Yoon Ah looked up, sly smile through mask hiding eye crinkle.
Lin Xiuyuan sighed, flicked her hat brim. “Pick half hour more, then I carry you out.”
Not unwillingness to stay, but time short—Im Yoon Ah had 25-year schedule after, this afternoon just a few hours free, work tonight.
Im Yoon Ah laughed, playfully pushing him. “Stop, clerks watching.”
“Let ’em watch, won’t recognize you.” Lin Xiuyuan smirked, deliberately murmuring ambiguously.
Im Yoon Ah’s heart softened at the tease, eyes curved laughing. “Fine, stay longer, maybe pick one for me.”
“Sure, whatever you like, I don’t mind.” Lin Xiuyuan waved helplessly, reminding. “But heads up—this is Little Deer’s supplementary card. She’ll see the bill.”
“Even better.” Im Yoon Ah grinned like a sly little fox, eyes sparkling. “Using her money to buy myself a gift—perfect. Like cucking her, right, Xiuyuan~”
Lin Xiuyuan choked, half-beat later laughing curse. “Don’t end up like with Ji-yeon, actual offline PK. Can’t stop you then.”
“No prob, let her top me a bit, then I top you back.” Im Yoon Ah smiled, lightly hooking his finger, then turned to browse.
Lin Xiuyuan beside, face full of amused disbelief. “Wow, you said that.”
“What, first time hearing?” Im Yoon Ah turned, brow raised, smile radiant.
Lin Xiuyuan shook head, thinking recent 13-year life lacked such bold talk, no wonder felt off.
After, they picked two decent jades here, then dashed to another specialty store for two crystal chains.
All done, they slowly exited.
Apgujeong street evening breeze gentle, Im Yoon Ah arm-linked with Lin Xiuyuan, whispering. “Nothing I wanted this time. Next, come pick again.”
Lin Xiuyuan raised brow. “Then I charge interest.”
“Charge away, whatever, however.”
Im Yoon Ah looked up, gaze through sunglasses provocative yet ambiguous, deliberately testing his limits.
Lin Xiuyuan nearly lost it, patting her waist lightly. “Others hear that, expose your identity—tomorrow’s headlines. This is 2013, not 2025, Korean Entertainment top-tier Im Yoon Ah.”
“Relax, disguised perfect.” Im Yoon Ah patted sunglasses proudly, tone confident. “No one’ll recognize.”
But words just out, familiar voice from behind, surprised…
“Eh? Xiuyuan?”
Both startled, turning to see Park Hyomin.
She wore sunglasses, carrying a shopping bag, clearly just done shopping.
Her gaze landed on Lin Xiuyuan first, then casually over Im Yoon Ah’s outfit, lips curving curiously.
“What you doing here? With a friend?”
Im Yoon Ah subconsciously adjusted mask, silent, lightly pinching Lin Xiuyuan’s arm as reminder to stay calm.
Lin Xiuyuan inwardly groaned, forcing a smile. “Just browsing, buying stuff.”
He truly hadn’t expected bumping Park Hyomin here.
Park Hyomin raised brow, gaze seriously lingering on Im Yoon Ah seconds, as if peering through disguise, but slight frown showed she saw nothing specific, just familiarity.
Scene not right, so she smiled lightly. “Alright, contact when free.”
She turned and left, leaving ambiguous air hanging.
Im Yoon Ah waited till she was far, then whispered anxiously. “Done for, did Hyo Min recognize me? She hangs with Sunny unnie a lot this time, comes to our dorm drinking often.”
Lin Xiuyuan rubbed her palm, warm and soft, smiling comfortingly. “Scared now? Haha, relax. Her look says no, at most ‘looks like.’ I deny hard, she can’t guess you’re from 25.”
“Xiuyuan, you sure unflappable from experience.” Im Yoon Ah tugged mask, eyes crescented. “But your logic’s ironclad. Who’d guess.”
“Yeah, let’s go. Time to head back, you got work tonight.”
……
However.
Returning from Apgujeong to apartment, Lin Xiuyuan and Im Yoon Ah temporarily forgot the card was tied to Lin Xiaolu’s phone number.
So when the swipe records hit Lin Xiaolu’s phone, she froze.
Lin Xiaolu didn’t feel scammed, just stared shocked at screen, wondering why Lin Xiuyuan suddenly swiped two big amounts—same street area?
Mind flashing questions, her finger hovered over phone screen, hesitating to ask Lin Xiuyuan.
But as she hesitated, another message came—from Park Hyomin.
Park Hyomin: 【Yoona, were you just at Apgujeong?】
Lin Xiaolu read, head tilted puzzled.
Lin Xiaolu: 【Huh? No, I’m at company.】
Park Hyomin: 【Oh, thought the one with Xiuyuan just now was you, similar build.】
Other end, Park Hyomin in her car, mind on recent Lin Xiuyuan and companion, recalling then noting the straight legs.
Then Lin Xiaolu replied.
Lin Xiaolu: 【No, unnie where’d you see Xiuyuan?】
Park Hyomin: 【Apgujeong.】
Sending that, Park Hyomin sensed Lin Xiaolu “catching cheater” vibe, thrilled trembling slightly.
But waiting, only got Lin Xiaolu’s line.
Lin Xiaolu: 【Okay, unnie you probably mis-saw.】
Huh???
What???
That’s it???
Park Hyomin shocked faced. She’d said that much, given last night’s Lin Xiaolu fearing she’d steal Lin Xiuyuan attitude— this reaction?
No way? Didn’t she look like a clown???
But other side.
After replying Park Hyomin, Lin Xiaolu guessed something, pouting, fingers flying on screen.
Seconds later.
Driving back to apartment, Lin Xiuyuan heard message tone.
About to reach, Im Yoon Ah in passenger snatched smiling. “I check, you drive safe, Xiuyuan~”
Then laughed. “Guess who.”
Lin Xiuyuan gripping wheel smiled helplessly. “No need.”
Im Yoon Ah opened screen, bubble jumping: 【Xiuyuan~ saw your swipes, kidnapped by some shameless person?】
Seeing message, Im Yoon Ah laughed.
Laughed again.
Then to Lin Xiuyuan. “Xiuyuan~ Little Deer dummy’s throwing shade.”
“I’m driving.”
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