Chapter 277: Bae Joo Hyun: “are You Two Dating?”
At the hospital’s parking lot.
Lin Xiuyuan slipped into the car, and when he closed the car door, a faint scent of disinfectant still lingered in the car.
While starting the car, with the engine’s low roar echoing in the confined space, he lowered his head and finished replying to Sweet Eun-jung’s text message.
His fingers quickly tapped the screen a few times, and after sending that humorous emoji package, he couldn’t help but smile himself.
Then he pulled out his mobile phone and casually opened the contacts to dial Jessica’s number.
It rang a few times on the other end before connecting, with familiar background noise, as if the television was still on.
“Hello?” Jessica’s voice came through, calm in tone, but with a subtle lightness at the end, like a canary that had flown out of its cage.
Lin Xiuyuan didn’t chat much, first simply informing her of his situation at the hospital, then smoothly asking, “By the way, Jessica, what do you want for lunch? I can order takeout to send over, or buy it and bring it directly.”
There was a brief silence of two seconds on the other end, then Jessica laughed out, her voice light and a bit happy.
“Lin Xiuyuan, what do you take me for? I’m not a child, and I’m certainly not some idiot who can’t take care of herself after you imprisoned me for a few days, waiting to be served. Don’t worry, I’ll find food myself.”
At this point, she seemed to pause, then continued in a slightly mocking tone, “Besides, I’m very busy right now, all because of you and that ‘idiot woman’ of yours messing around, turning my affairs into a mess. Alright, you do your own thing, don’t call to bother me, hang up now.”
As soon as her words fell, before Lin Xiuyuan could respond, the call was already disconnected.
He stared at the darkened screen in a daze for two seconds, his expression complex, ultimately just curling the corner of his mouth into a helpless smile.
As he was thinking, he was startled awake by a harsh horn blaring from behind.
Glancing at the rearview mirror, he saw the car behind impatiently honking at him, so he quickly paid the parking fee, drove out of the hospital parking lot, turned the steering wheel, and headed straight to the restaurant he had arranged with Lee Ji-eun.
The restaurant had a strong Japanese atmosphere, with wooden sliding doors exuding a warm wood scent, and warm yellow paper lanterns hanging overhead, casting a soft glow.
The air was filled with the aroma of barbecue and soy sauce, mixed with voices and the light popping of charcoal fire, making one feel relaxed the moment they entered.
Pushing open the private room door, Lin Xiuyuan immediately saw the three people already seated.
Lee Ji-eun sat gracefully in the innermost seat, her every gesture elegant; Big Dragon Cub lounged lazily, propping her cheek while smiling and talking to Park Hyomin.
Several side dishes and tea cups were placed on the dining table, with steam rising gently.
“Hey, long time no see, ladies. Sorry to keep you waiting.” Lin Xiuyuan walked up with a smile, his tone naturally carrying a familiar teasing, “This meal’s on me, no fighting me for it.”
“No, we just arrived not long ago.” Lee Ji-eun looked up at him, her voice gentle with a faint smile.
Lin Xiuyuan glanced at her, then naturally sat down in the sunken tatami area, taking the menu from the side and casually asking, “Have you ordered?”
Big Dragon Cub immediately lifted her chin, her gaze carrying a bit of small pride, smiling as she said, “Yeah, we ordered, and we specially ordered barbecue and lobster for you. Is that enough? If not, add more.”
“Enough, enough.” Lin Xiuyuan decisively closed the menu and nodded.
The group chatted idly while waiting for the food.
The topic naturally turned to the restaurant’s specialties, and Lee Ji-eun earnestly recommended a tuna belly sashimi to Lin Xiuyuan.
But Lin Xiuyuan wasn’t used to raw food, so he politely declined.
Soon after, the topic naturally shifted to him.
After chatting for a bit, Lee Ji-eun narrowed her eyes with a hint of scrutiny, “Xiuyuan, what exactly have you been busy with these past few days? So mysterious.”
Lin Xiuyuan propped his chin, looking completely relaxed, “I’ve been tiring out the eagle lately, schedule packed full, didn’t even dare sleep until yesterday when it was finally done, so now I have time to come out.”
“Tiring out the eagle?” Lee Ji-eun was stunned, then pulled out her mobile phone to seriously search it up.
After finding the explanation, she looked up at Lin Xiuyuan in surprise, “What does that mean? Xiuyuan, did you raise an eagle? A hawk?”
Lin Xiuyuan blinked, smiling helplessly, “Yeah, raised a very fierce hawk, just tamed it these past couple days.”
“Wow, amazing…” Lee Ji-eun exclaimed lightly, her eyes sparkling as if genuinely intrigued.
Beside her, Big Dragon Cub was already holding back laughter, her shoulders shaking slightly, glancing at Lin Xiuyuan’s deadpan nonsense, nearly bursting out laughing.
The topic thus extended lightly, from the absurd explanation of “tiring out the eagle” to T-ara’s recent concert and work anecdotes, the atmosphere at the dining table gradually warming up with laughter and cheer, making one forget the passage of time.
Before the tea had gone through three rounds and the dishes were gradually served, Park Hyomin unexpectedly steered the topic to her past experience filming a video in Suzhou and Hangzhou.
Lin Xiuyuan listened, his eyes suddenly flashing, smoothly pointing to her, “How was it? I heard the internet celebrity incubation process there is like an assembly line. What did you think?”
Park Hyomin was twirling her tea cup, stunned for a moment, then clicked her tongue, her brows slightly raised, “This… how to put it.”
She thought for a bit, then roughly shared some of her observations.
She talked about the professionalization of the short video industry there, the assembly line operations, even more exaggerated than Seoul’s idol system.
Her words carried shock and emotion, finally just shaking her head and summarizing softly, “Anyway, crazier than I imagined.”
Lin Xiuyuan just smiled after hearing it, didn’t press further, nor engage in much exchange with her.
But deep down, he had an even more curious question stirring.
Just then, Big Dragon Cub seemed to read his mind, quietly stretching her foot under the table to kick him.
The action was light, but like a reminder pulling Lin Xiuyuan back to the present.
He was slightly startled, then pretended as if nothing happened, reining in his expression.
Soon, the food arrived one after another, the aroma quickly filling the air, warm yellow lighting shining on the dining table, reflecting a cozy scene.
Everyone ate and chatted, the atmosphere gradually relaxing.
Big Dragon Cub was especially attentive today, not only proactively pouring water for Lin Xiuyuan, but also picking up her favorite sashimi from her plate and bringing it directly to his mouth.
The fervor and seriousness in her gaze almost screamed “honeymoon phase” on her face.
Her demeanor stunned even Park Hyomin, her chopsticks hovering in mid-air.
Even Lee Ji-eun couldn’t help raising her brow slightly, a rare shock in her eyes.
She knew clearly that while she harbored some ambiguity toward Lin Xiuyuan, it was still at the stage of appreciation, observation, and sexual impulse.
But Big Dragon Cub was different; that fervor and straightforwardness far exceeded what others could pretend not to notice.
Sure enough, after Lin Xiuyuan excused himself to the restroom, the atmosphere in the private room instantly became subtle.
Park Hyomin immediately turned her head, lowering her voice, her gaze scrutinizing, “Ji-yeon, you’ve really fallen for Lin Xiuyuan, haven’t you?”
Big Dragon Cub didn’t answer right away, just quietly looking at her, her gaze clear.
That firmness was almost undisguised, making Park Hyomin’s heart tighten, the answer self-evident.
She couldn’t help sighing, her brows furrowing slightly, “Ji-yeon, Lin Xiuyuan is too young. If you’re just playing a young, cute boy romance for novelty, fine. But if you’re serious… in the end, I’m afraid you’ll get hurt.”
She paused, then added a meaningful sentence, “I always feel like with you two, either you’ll pin him down tight, or he’ll toy with you completely.”
Big Dragon Cub pursed her lips into a smile, but her eyes and brows carried an undeniable seriousness.
The next second, she countered lightly, yet piercing straight to the heart, “Is it possible that I just like spinning around, unnie?”
As her words fell, Park Hyomin froze, as if lightly slapped yet unable to retort.
The air instantly grew stagnant.
Park Hyomin was the first to break, “Ji-yeon, this attitude of yours… unnie’s seeing you this invested for the first time. Why? How long have you even known each other to reach this point?”
Lee Ji-eun didn’t interject immediately, but her gaze intensely fixed on Big Dragon Cub.
Compared to Park Hyomin, she obviously knew more and could vaguely see Lin Xiuyuan’s care for Big Dragon Cub.
Even so, she hadn’t expected this maknae to face emotions with such fervent straightforwardness.
This was no mere heartbeat; it was a persistence deep to the bone.
Big Dragon Cub was silent for a few seconds, finally speaking slowly.
Her gaze showed unprecedented softness, lips gently curving up, “Unnies, you might not understand. Xiuyuan gave me a new life, a brand new start.”
Her voice gradually lowered, yet carried a resounding sincerity.
“And a chance to make up for my mistakes, with a surprise.”
The seriousness in her words moved even Lee Ji-eun, who exchanged a glance with Park Hyomin.
Complex doubt and shock emerged in both their gazes.
But Big Dragon Cub just smiled lightly, unwilling to let the atmosphere grow too heavy, then stated bluntly, “Or you can just think of it as Xiuyuan saving my life, so I plan to marry him in return. That’s it, simple.”
She said it lightly, but her tone held no hint of joke.
For her, some weighty words were inconvenient to voice, but her chosen firmness and persistence said it all.
Father or herself.
When facing that choice, it really wasn’t a dilemma for Big Dragon Cub.
“Marry him in return…” Park Hyomin was dumbfounded, her chopsticks suspended in mid-air, tone incredulous.
Lee Ji-eun remained silent for a long time, expression complex, a flicker of contemplation in her eyes.
For a moment, the three women in the private room chatted animatedly, almost forgetting the outside world.
Under the warm yellow lighting, the air filled with food and tea aromas, silence and voices weaving together, as if time slowed down.
Just then, Lin Xiuyuan came out of the restroom, gently pushing open the corner door along the corridor, only to suddenly spot a familiar figure.
It was a young girl in a casual hoodie and jeans, bare-faced yet unable to hide her youthful vibrancy.
Her sunny aura made her figure stand out.
“Eh? It’s you!”
Yoo Jimin, spotting Lin Xiuyuan first, was stunned, then her eyes lit up with a surprised smile, waving at him, “Lin Xiuyuan!! What are you doing here?”
Lin Xiuyuan looked up at the sound, equally stunned, then showing surprise, “Uh, Yoo Jimin??? What brings you here?”
Seeing this girl he had briefly met months ago and gradually become online friends with, Lin Xiuyuan felt some surprise too.
Yoo Jimin smiled brightly, slightly lowering her head, pointing toward the private room at the other end of the corridor, “Our group members are having a dinner party here today, chose this restaurant, didn’t expect to run into you.”
Lin Xiuyuan nodded, casually explaining, “I’m eating with friends too, private room’s over there.”
A few simple words, yet like invisible magnetism, kept Yoo Jimin’s gaze lingering on him.
She carefully sized up the boy before her; compared to their brief meeting months ago, the impression in her mind had clearly changed a lot now.
His features still refined, but with added sharpness and casualness.
That sharp, unrestrained edge instinctively alerted one, yet his lips curved in a slightly cynical arc.
Though his facial lines hadn’t changed much, they seemed subtly polished, as if his entire aura had been recarved, appearing more calm and free-spirited than before.
What brightened her eyes even more was that evident sense of relaxation.
Months ago, Lin Xiuyuan still carried some youthful awkwardness and restraint, like a university student adapting to society.
Now, his every move was poised and natural, with a steady yet lively presence.
In Yoo Jimin’s eyes, this change made Lin Xiuyuan almost brand new, way handsomer than last time, by more than a notch.
After looking him over, she couldn’t help laughing softly, with a girl’s straightforward curiosity, “Lin Xiuyuan, you’ve gotten so much handsomer.”
Lin Xiuyuan was caught off guard by the sudden compliment, then raised his brow with a smile, not addressing it directly, instead half-jokingly saying, “Your memory must be bad. It’s only been a few months, what change?”
Yoo Jimin didn’t retort hastily, just staring seriously at him, her gaze earnest and probing, “My eyesight’s fine.”
They chatted casually for a bit, the atmosphere easing, corridor lights and shadows slanting on them, elongating their shadows and drawing them closer.
Then Yoo Jimin seemed to muster courage, looking straight at Lin Xiuyuan, asking, “By the way, when are you free? Let’s grab a meal or something. We’ve always talked about it online but never set it.”
Her tone was light, hiding some expectation.
Lin Xiuyuan paused but didn’t refuse, smiling naturally, “My time’s very free, mainly depends on your arrangement. I’m good anytime.”
This answer lit up Yoo Jimin’s eyes with expectation and a touch of eagerness, “Then tonight?”
Her tone cheerful, yet unable to mask some nervousness, mainly because her free time was so limited.
Lin Xiuyuan felt a bit awkward, coughing lightly and shaking his head, “Not tonight, got plans tonight.”
Unexpectedly, Yoo Jimin paused, then curved her lips, her gaze teasing, deliberately drawing out her tone, “Oh ho, said anytime, huh. Lin Xiuyuan, you men are such big liars.”
Lin Xiuyuan didn’t argue, just smiled faintly, “Anytime after tonight.”
Yoo Jimin looked at him, suddenly laughing, decisively saying, “Then tomorrow noon.”
“Sure.” Lin Xiuyuan nodded in agreement.
The topic ended there, as both had dinner arrangements and shouldn’t chat more.
So they both started walking back to their respective private rooms.
Unexpectedly, at that moment, a familiar figure approached from the other end of the corridor.
The person’s cool aura carried a steady presence, stunning Yoo Jimin and Lin Xiuyuan almost simultaneously.
“Long time no see, what are you doing here?” The person spoke first, tone surprised, gaze steadily on Lin Xiuyuan with a hint of scrutiny.
Lin Xiuyuan looked up into her eyes, surprise emerging, “Bae Joo Hyun?? Wow, I’m here eating. What about you?”
Then glancing at Yoo Jimin beside him, he said amusedly, “No way, is this an SM family dinner secret spot?”
Bae Joo Hyun slowly approached a few steps, strides steady, expression composed, but a subtle glow in her eyes betraying surprise and amusement.
After all, this was their third chance encounter in such settings; recalling their last meeting and the even earlier first encounter, even she had to admit the fate was oddly wonderful.
Her gaze flickered involuntarily.
Meanwhile, Yoo Jimin beside naturally recognized her, immediately dropping her playful demeanor, bowing slightly in greeting, “Hello, senior.”
Bae Joo Hyun politely curved her lips, nodding back, her gaze carrying mild, restrained amusement, as if quietly sizing up the two while confirming this unexpected reunion.
Yoo Jimin was originally curious and wanted to ask how they knew each other, but catching the faint probing depth in Bae Joo Hyun’s glance at her, she instantly understood.
Then sensibly smiled lightly, speaking softly, “Then Xiuyuan, I’ll head back first. Talk later.”
Before turning, she playfully made a “call me” gesture to Lin Xiuyuan, eyes twinkling mischievously, but quickly composed herself into quiet poise and left.
The corridor instantly held only Lin Xiuyuan and Bae Joo Hyun, the air carrying lingering warmth and subtle quiet.
Bae Joo Hyun watched Yoo Jimin’s retreating back, silent for two seconds, then turned her gaze to Lin Xiuyuan, asking flatly, “You two… dating?”
Facing Bae Joo Hyun’s sudden question, Lin Xiuyuan just chuckled lightly, waving it off, “No, nothing like that.”
His smile clean and confident, without evasion, leaving Bae Joo Hyun unable to press further.
“Then what are you doing here?” Lin Xiuyuan smoothly countered, tone casual.
Bae Joo Hyun pursed her lips, voice flat, “Eating with friends, didn’t expect to see you.”
After saying it, she herself smiled slightly, as if finding the words too ordinary, but unconsciously pausing, her gaze flickering with subtly stirred emotions, impulsively adding, “Want to sit and eat something together?”
Lin Xiuyuan paused, surprise flashing in his eyes.
Then he gently shook his head, smiling politely, “I’m here with friends too. Next time. Let’s grab a meal when free.”
“Next time…” Bae Joo Hyun repeated softly, an indescribable feeling rising in her heart.
One encounter after another, making her develop a curious attention toward this man.
Plus Lin Xiuyuan’s increasingly unique mysterious aura—quiet, relaxed, yet captivating.
She… suddenly wanted to grasp something.
Thinking this, Bae Joo Hyun unhesitatingly pulled out her mobile phone, handing it to him, voice flat yet with rare proactivity, “Then, add friends?”
Lin Xiuyuan looked at this outstanding beauty before him, smiling with amusement and surprise, not refusing, “Sure.”
They lightly tapped phones, confirming the friend request, a subtle warmth filling the air.
“Then I’ll head back first.” Lin Xiuyuan nodded slightly and turned to leave.
Bae Joo Hyun watched his back fade away, a surge of indescribable emotions, her breathing even growing slightly heavy.
……
At Lin Xiuyuan’s private room.
Big Dragon Cub, Lee Ji-eun, and Park Hyomin had pulled the topic from earlier seriousness back to reality, discussing follow-up for Sweet Eun-jung’s leg issue.
“If it keeps dragging or rehearsing, it might leave bigger problems.” Lee Ji-eun frowned, tone clearly worried, fingers lightly tapping the table as if venting for the topic.
Park Hyomin shook her head, tone calm and firm, “Can only take it step by step now. Doctors haven’t given a clear plan yet; rushing won’t help. But I still suggest Eun-jung rest. Missing one person won’t stop going on stage.”
Big Dragon Cub nodded too after hearing, “I agree, but most importantly, unnie’s mentality needs to stay steady.”
As they spoke, they all fell silent, each silently pondering next arrangements.
Just then, the door opened, Lin Xiuyuan appearing at the doorway.
Seeing him, Lee Ji-eun blinked, then teased, “Xiuyuan, if you didn’t come back, we were about to storm the men’s restroom to check if you passed out in there.”
Lin Xiuyuan shook his head with a wry smile, sat down at his seat, “Ran into two friends, chatted a bit, delayed some.”
He picked up chopsticks, movements natural, seamlessly rejoining the lively meal.
The private room’s aromas, laughter, and gentle clinks of cups filled the space again with his return.
……
Meanwhile.
When Yoo Jimin returned to her group’s private room, she suddenly realized she had gone out to the restroom… but never actually used it.
Facing the members’ odd gazes, Yoo Jimin laughed awkwardly twice, pretending nothing happened, and hurriedly ran out again.
Right at the restroom doorway, she ran straight into Bae Joo Hyun.
Their brief eye contact flashed with politeness and subtle probing, then they nodded in greeting, polite smiles fleeting.
They brushed shoulders, heading opposite ways.
Yoo Jimin entered a stall, heart still racing with thrill and slight tension as she closed the door.
Bae Joo Hyun paused, took a few steps, then couldn’t help glancing back at the stall direction, eyes narrowing slightly, expression complex.
This senior’s dating rumors were well-known in the industry…
Plus the scene she just saw, some ideas began faintly emerging.
Lin Xiuyuan flashed in her mind, along with his “senior friends”; Bae Joo Hyun, not adept at handling emotions, had her thoughts instantly tangled.
Though her name suggested a big shot, it was mostly hype.
She pursed her lips, finally withdrawing her gaze, expression complex as she returned to her private room.
Back in the private room, Bae Joo Hyun grew somewhat distracted.
Though her friends’ laughter rose and fell around the table in a lively atmosphere, she felt isolated in another layer of air, gaze drifting to the table corner, even forgetting the cup beside her.
“Hey, what’s up with you? Looking all spaced out.” Her friend across noticed, shaking her wine glass.
Bae Joo Hyun paused, then spoke lowly, rarely serious, “What do you think it means when a guy has lots of beautiful women around him, and suddenly another seemingly… affectionate girl appears?”
Her friend raised a brow, eyes meaningful, “Simple? A scumbag and a player hooking up, just you crave me, I crave you.”
Bae Joo Hyun immediately shook her head denying, “No. The beauties around that guy are all… very pretty, great figures. Shouldn’t be that reason.”
Her friend burst out laughing, “Whoa, I almost thought you were blooming. Turns out not.”
“What do you mean?” Bae Joo Hyun paused, brow slightly raised.
“At least ‘great figure’ doesn’t apply to you.” Her friend teased deliberately, tone flippant yet harmlessly playful.
“Hey!” Bae Joo Hyun laughed and scolded, pushing her hand exaggeratedly, making both laugh.
Laughter echoed lightly in the private room, carrying ease and warmth.
Her friend finally waved hands admitting fault, “Alright alright, just joking. But seriously, if it’s like you said, maybe that guy’s just excellent, so he gets pursued?”
“Excellent…” Bae Joo Hyun’s fingertip lightly rubbed the cup rim, mind on the earlier scene.
What she sensed more was mystery, not so-called excellence.
Whether excellent or not, she didn’t know, but that elusive mystery was like a hook cast to her, slowly heightening her curiosity.
Normally not one to overthink, she easily got hooked on abstract things like “fate” and “mystery.”
So she sighed lightly, reining in her thoughts, no longer dwelling.
Thinking to let things flow naturally later.
……
Some time later, Lin Xiuyuan and Big Dragon Cub’s lunch finally ended.
Lee Ji-eun suggested changing venues to sit more, but Big Dragon Cub cut it off with “I have something with Xiuyuan.”
This infuriated Lee Ji-eun on the spot, but due to her unnie status, Big Dragon Cub’s maknae role, and Park Hyomin present, she couldn’t bring herself to compete.
She could only watch Big Dragon Cub righteously pull Lin Xiuyuan away to the front passenger seat.
Through the floor-to-ceiling window, Bae Joo Hyun and Yoo Jimin’s private rooms clearly saw Big Dragon Cub smiling as she linked arms with Lin Xiuyuan, the intimate scene sparking imagination.
Friends and members from both sides seeing this were stunned, then their gazes turned gossipy.
“Wow, that’s Park Ji-yeon senior, right?”
“Oh my, it’s Park Ji-yeon. Joo Hyun, it’s Park Ji-yeon. That guy beside her… so handsome.”
That scene was like pouring gasoline on gossip flames, wild ideas and stimulating guesses nearly spilling from their eyes.
But Lin Xiuyuan and Big Dragon Cub were oblivious.
Once in the car, Lin Xiuyuan looked to the front passenger seat, “Ji-yeon, where to now?”
“Home.” Big Dragon Cub’s gaze fixed straight on him, bright and firm.
As the car headed to her apartment, the city’s clamor faded, leaving only their breathing sounds inside.
Just inside the door, before he could change shoes, his wrist was gripped by those slender yet firm hands, half-pulled toward the bedroom.
“The thing from the restroom earlier, I’ve been holding back too long.”
Big Dragon Cub glanced back at him, eyes bright with urgency and heat.
Then the room door slammed shut.
Next second, she fell back onto the bed foot, long hair splayed, head slightly drooping there, gazing upside-down at Lin Xiuyuan.
This pose both dangerous and alluring, like a deliberately staged scene.
“I’ve practiced this move a long time.” Big Dragon Cub curved her lips, breath ambiguous and soft, “Want to experience it?”
Lin Xiuyuan paused, couldn’t help a low chuckle.
Big Dragon Cub’s current look was bold and straightforward, nothing like the cool goddess on stage.
Soon, they drew close in each other’s breaths, bodies entwining, intimate atmosphere quietly rising in the room like rippling waves, filling every corner.
（……）
When all settled into calm, the sound of pattering water came from the bathroom.
Soon, Lin Xiuyuan emerged towel-drying his damp hair, looking refreshed and relaxed, water droplets sliding from his tips, the slight wetness adding casual natural charm.
Big Dragon Cub half-reclined on the bed, lazily turning her head, voice probing, “Xiuyuan, how’s the situation with Jessica?”
Lin Xiuyuan raised a brow, sitting on the bed edge and replying softly, “Handled it. She shouldn’t be a time bomb anymore, at most a prickly steel needle.”
“Oh?” Big Dragon Cub blinked, clearly intrigued, lips curving with smile and curiosity, “How’d you handle it?”
Lin Xiuyuan pursed a smile, shaking his head, “Not my business. Probably figured it out herself.”
Though saying so, as he answered, Kim Tae Yeon’s figure suddenly flashed in his mind—the one who appeared yesterday, giving Jessica super pressure.
But that complexity, he didn’t tell Big Dragon Cub.
Big Dragon Cub understandingly didn’t press, just patted the bed beside her lightly, “Mm, don’t stand, come lie down. I’m sleepy, coax me to sleep before you go.”
Lin Xiuyuan smiled helplessly, obediently lying down.
Big Dragon Cub sidled naturally into his arms, breathing evening out, light as a feather.
Gentle atmosphere quietly flowed in the bedroom, the quiet room left with their breathing, weaving warmth and sense of security.
Once Big Dragon Cub was asleep, Lin Xiuyuan didn’t leave immediately.
Gently withdrawing his arm, he dressed and left the room.
Afternoon sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling window, warm and bright.
He skillfully rummaged in the kitchen for ingredients, finally simmering a nourishing stew in the stewing pot. Rich aroma slowly spread, warming the space.
When the aroma wafted, he left a note on the dining table, placing it under a cup of warm water in the bedroom.
When Big Dragon Cub woke, it was already late afternoon outside the window. Her first glance caught the bedside water cup and the small note under it.
【Drink some water to moisten your throat, then go to the kitchen for food.】
Handwriting free and easy, yet carrying thoughtful warmth.
Big Dragon Cub’s eyes lit up, quickly heading to the kitchen. Sure enough, the stewing pot bubbled with a richly flavored stew, aroma hitting her.
She paused seconds, pursed lips smiling, instinctively pulling out her mobile phone to snap a photo with the lens.
Staring at the steaming soup bowl on the screen, she pondered, finally tapping send on the social platform.
【Lately hooked on this】
Caption short, subtly revealing a mood only she understood.
Lin Xiuyuan left Big Dragon Cub’s apartment, driving back to the villa.
Afternoon sun brilliant; as he pushed open the door, bright sunlight reflected vast light and shadows on the floor-to-ceiling window.
On the sofa, Jessica hugged a cushion, leaning sideways, sunlight on her fair profile.
Hearing the door, she turned, almond eyes raised, holding a peeled apple, shaking it, “Big busy person’s finally back. Outsiders might think you’re the idol, and I’m the idle bum.”
Teasing light, yet laced with frustration.
Lin Xiuyuan smiled, sat on the sofa edge, about to speak when Jessica suddenly leaned in like a puppy, slender nose twitching, sniffing him up and down. Her serious look both funny and dangerous.
Before Lin Xiuyuan reacted, “smack,” a small palm solidly hit his back.
“You’re such a scumbag, Lin Xiuyuan.” Jessica’s voice frustrated, with undisguised anger, “Just half a day apart, you visit a patient at the hospital, and manage to stir up trouble?”
She wrinkled her nose, staring like she caught evidence.
That scent, she wouldn’t mistake. The intense floral shampoo and shower gel smell was completely different from the fresh mint used at the apartment these days.
It belonged to someone else—a woman.
Thinking this, her gaze chilled, firmly pressing, “Who is she?”
Lin Xiuyuan just raised a brow, lips in a half-smile, stubbornly silent.
Neither admitting nor denying, shamelessly keeping quiet.
Jessica felt more stifled, kicking his legs a few times in anger, though lightly, more embarrassed venting.
She knew she had no standing to question, yet couldn’t help fuming.
But her actions soon slowed.
Because this morning after Lin Xiuyuan left, she entered the bathroom alone and caught sight of herself in the mirror.
That instant, Jessica froze.
The woman in the mirror was still her, but her complexion fuller with vitality than recently, skin taut and fine, contours like relit by light, eye-corner fatigue all gone.
A long-lost rejuvenation, as if time quietly rewound a bit.
Touching her face, fingertip gliding over smooth taut skin, her heart pounded.
So… that’s the reason.
No wonder Krystal, Im Yoon Ah and others kept compromising with, indulging, even throwing themselves at this guy Lin Xiuyuan.
That was when she finally fully understood.
Because Lin Xiuyuan was no longer a man “holdable in hand.”
Be it time limits or so-called time-space door, he seemed to transcend them, bringing changes she couldn’t explain yet real.
And that mirror self first shook the pride and arrogance in Jessica’s heart.
……
……
“Snowball, heading back tonight?”
“Nah, being third wheel every day is too much. Give unnie and oppa some time. If a week passes and nothing changes, we’re in trouble.”
“True, but do you really think unnie would agree? Feels like 2025 unnie’s even more stubborn.”
“Who knows, just give space anyway.”
“Fine, you know Lin Xiuyuan better, your call.”
“Soo Jung, if you want to know more, chat more with oppa. If too shy, ask Krystal about her feelings…”
“Hey, Choi Jin Ri, don’t corrupt me.”
“Tch~ scaredy-cat.”
In a certain film crew in 2013 Seoul.
Jung Soo Jung glared fiercely at the smiling Sulli beside her, biting her lower lip, wanting to retort.
But racking her brain, she found no reason or excuse.
Yet that last sentence oddly imprinted deep in her mind.
Some not-for-kids thoughts slowly rose.
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