Hancheng: There is a door between me and the future

Chapter 179 Xiu Yuan is busy tomorrow! The day after tomorrow? He's busy the day after tomorrow too!! (Please subscribe and vote!)
One afternoon in June 2025.

After a day of promotional activities for the drama, Lim Yoona was saying goodbye to the main cast and director on set, in a warm and relaxed atmosphere.

Laughter filled the air as everyone exchanged pleasantries, their words brimming with consideration and care after their hard work.

Yoona bowed slightly, put her hands together, and gently bowed to the seniors. Her warm smile carried a hint of humility. "Thank you all for your hard work. Be careful on your way back."

"You've worked hard, Yoona. See you next time." A female writer walked up from behind and patted her on the shoulder with a bright smile and eyes full of concern.

Looking back at the other person, Lim Yoona nodded slightly, a fresh smile on her lips, and replied, "Yes, thank you, writer. Everyone has worked hard too."

Her voice was clear and gentle, filled with sincere gratitude.

After saying goodbye, Lim Yoona turned around and walked towards the parking lot with her team.

With each step, the afterglow of the setting sun cast a soft silhouette behind her. Her steps were light yet firm, as if she had completely let go of the day's fatigue. The cameras of the media and fans behind her captured this moment.

Shortly after, Lim Yoona got into the car, closed the window, and was just about to enjoy a moment of peace and quiet.

But before she could even stretch her muscles, her rest was interrupted by a phone call.

So he glanced down at the screen, and when he saw the caller ID, Yoona's eyebrows twitched involuntarily. He murmured softly, "Unnie?"

Since the last time Lin Xiuyuan went out to meet Jessica and Quan Ningyi, and that incident happened, the two of them haven't spoken on the phone, let alone met.

Unexpectedly, Jessica called her today, which surprised Yoona.

At this moment, the driver in front of the van started the engine, and the car slowly drove out of the parking lot, taking her away from the event venue.

Yoona swiped the screen to answer Jessica's call, "Hello, unnie?"

Jessica's voice came through the phone, tinged with amusement, "Yoona, what are you doing?"

"We just finished a promotional event and are heading back."

Jessica's tone made Yoona pause for a moment, and after answering, she immediately asked, "Unnie, are you in Seoul?"

"Yeah, I just got back. Do you have plans for tonight? How about we grab some dinner together?"

Yoona was surprised again, but she readily agreed, "Sure, I just finished work, but I need to pack up, I have another show tonight."

"The next one?" Jessica asked with a hint of curiosity.

After a long time, in the evening, in a high-end restaurant in Longshan District.

Jessica, who had arrived earlier, had changed into an elegant plaid sleeveless vest to avoid being mistaken for a stranger by some guy again. Thinking about how Lin Xiuyuan had described her that way on the highway, Jessica felt an urge to kill someone.

A few minutes later, Yoona also arrived at the restaurant.

She wore a simple jacket over a plain round-neck T-shirt and black shorts, looking both refreshing and capable. The classic black and white combination was elegant and stylish.

The rolled-up sleeves exude a powerful aura, while the gentle curls add a touch of elegance to balance it out.

Upon meeting, the first topic of conversation between the two was their previous encounter. Fortunately, Jessica didn't take it too seriously and told Yoona not to worry about it too much.

In response, Lim Yoona smiled and said, "I'm fine, it's just that Xiu Yuan holds a grudge a bit."

"..." Jessica was speechless at this answer, and then asked curiously what Yoona had mentioned on the phone about the next event.

Originally a little hesitant, Lim Yoona thought about Lee Qri and others being there, and after hearing that Lin Xiuyuan had picked up the two sisters Jessica and Krystal in the afternoon, she smiled and told them about the small gathering at the bar later.

Jessica became interested as soon as she heard that, "Then it shouldn't be a problem if I go over and join in the fun, right?"

"As long as you don't mind when Xiuyuan rolls his eyes at you or ignores you, that's fine," Lim Yoona said with a light laugh.

"I can't be bothered with him," Jessica scoffed.

And so, having ended the conversation, the two began ordering dinner, and afterwards ordered some dessert.

When it was almost time, they got into the car together and headed to the tavern.

What happened next was exactly the same as what had happened in the tavern earlier.

When Jessica appeared in the pub, everyone turned to look at her, with Krystal exclaiming in surprise, "Jessica? What brings you here?"

"What, you won't let me? I didn't take your spot. I came with Yoona."

When Krystal pressed her for answers, Jessica simply picked up her bag, retorted, and then half-closed her eyes.

It seemed to be a warning to Krystal that if she dared to talk back, she would just have to see if she would hit the other person.

Fortunately, Krystal's sense of crisis, honed from being beaten as a child, gave her a warning at this moment.

So after noticing Jessica's subtle movement, she immediately turned her head away and didn't say another word.

Seeing Krystal wisely shut up, Jessica smiled with satisfaction, and then greeted Sweet Eunjung, Lee Qri, and others.

Finally, he approached Kim Tae-yeon, smiled slightly at her, and said, "It's been a long time, Tae-yeon~"

As Kim Tae-yeon looked at her, the scene of meeting Jessica Jung when she returned to the apartment in 2013 two days ago involuntarily came to mind.

The images of the two slowly intertwined in her memory, and her emotions became complicated.

"Yeah, it's been a while. I didn't expect you to come tonight, Xiuyan. I thought you and Xiuyuan weren't very familiar with each other."

Just as Jessica was about to answer Kim Tae-yeon, Lin Xiuyuan, who was behind the bar, spoke first, "Actually, we're not that close."

These words immediately made the people present perk up their ears, and the atmosphere seemed to tense up instantly, as if they were expecting some good show to begin.

Fortunately, Jessica had already guessed Lin Xiuyuan's attitude towards her when she arrived, so although she was a little depressed, she didn't feel angry.

Instead, she chuckled, glanced at him, and then turned to Krystal to complain.

"Jung Soo-jung, you're such a stingy kid."

"Then you should tell him."

Krystal knew that Lin Xiuyuan's stinginess stemmed from what happened last time, and since he hadn't said anything particularly hurtful, she didn't intend to smooth things over for Jessica. After all, Jessica had indeed gone a bit too far in that matter, even if it wasn't her intention.

Fortunately, Kim Tae-yeon stepped forward at this moment, "Alright, Xiu-yuan, you can play with Ji-yeon and the others. I'll take Xiu-yeon to sit on the sofa and get us a drink."

"Pay up," Lin Xiuyuan replied calmly, taking out a POS machine from the counter. "Card or cash, please?"

Jessica's face turned so angry that she burst out laughing, "Oh..."

Kim Tae-yeon quickly pulled her back, and laughed at the same time, "Xiuyuan, didn't I bring my own drinks?"

"There's a fee for using the glasses, and also for the ice," Lin Xiuyuan said calmly.

“Then I’ll charge you too.” Kim Tae-yeon raised an eyebrow.

“You don’t need it, I’ll take the other one’s.” Lin Xiuyuan pointed to Jessica.

Hearing this, Kim Tae-yeon covered her mouth and laughed, "Then I'll give this one to Jessica, give me a new one."

These words made Lin Xiuyuan glance at Jessica, who looked back at him as well. The next second, she was about to take out her bank card to swipe it.

But Lin Xiuyuan suddenly said, "Fine, since you're a member, your followers are free."

Upon hearing this, Jessica's eyes widened. "Wow, I have money! Swipe my card, swipe..."

Kim Tae-yeon was even happier, so she quickly pulled her aside and called over Im Yoona, "Okay, okay, Jessica, let's come and sit down. Yoona, you come too."

Yoona, who had been watching the show from the sidelines, smiled faintly and said, "Yes, unnie, you're here."

Then Krystal followed, and the bar was instantly empty.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Da Longzai and Li Juli quickly sat down in front of Lin Xiuyuan, their faces full of mockery, and asked in a low voice, "Xiuyuan, what's wrong? What's wrong?"

Fortunately, Lin Xiuyuan ignored them and simply asked with a smile, "A bit gossipy, huh? What would you like to drink?"

"Who can resist watching the drama unfold?" Da Longzai pouted, then said, "I can't drink alcohol lately, so give me some juice or a beverage."

Upon hearing this, Li Juli immediately smiled and excitedly said, "Xiuyuan, I can have something iced, how about a sparkling fruit drink?"

Then Sweet Eun-jung sat down and ordered a sparkling fruit drink.

And just like that, this small tavern was suddenly divided into two teams.

On one side are Girls' Generation on the sofa, and on the other side are Tara on the bar.

Krystal ran back and forth, helping Lin Xiuyuan deliver the mixed drinks to the sofa, and then occasionally sitting at the bar chatting with Da Longzai, a kind of freelance jungler.

However, after sitting for a while, Jessica suddenly noticed a detail.

That is, when she glanced at the big dragon sitting on the bar, she was shocked: How come Jiyeon's skin tone has become so good?

Her skin, still fair and supple under the dim lights of the tavern, retained its elasticity and plumpness, almost making her wonder if she was seeing things.

Jessica glanced at the big dragon cub and suddenly had a thought, turning to look at Yoona next to her.

She noticed Yoona's condition while they were eating and asked her what was wrong.

Yoona's answer was "cosmetic surgery," which effectively shut down any further questions she might have.

But now that she saw that the big dragon cub was the same, Jessica's gaze inexplicably drifted to her younger sister Krystal.

Cosmetic procedures are one thing, but when did hair start growing along the hairline?

These new discoveries shocked Jessica, but she had no time to think about them.

After all, she didn't have enough information or background to interpret these changes, so all she could do was put aside the things she couldn't understand for the time being.

I plan to talk to Da Longzai later to see if he has also had similar cosmetic procedures, and maybe recommend a place for him.

Kim Tae-yeon was also found to have been infected.

Compared to Jessica, she had more information, so after her gaze swept over the group of people who seemed to have taken stimulants, it finally settled on Lin Xiuyuan.

I have some doubts, but I'm not quite sure.

Just then, Kim Tae-yeon suddenly heard Lee Qri look at Lin Xiuyuan and ask, "Xiuyuan, now that summer is here, how about we go out to sea for a trip?"

"Huh? Going out to sea? Me?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Xiuyuan instinctively refused, saying, "I don't think I'll have time. I need to stay at this shop to work and earn money."

Upon hearing this, Da Longzai couldn't help but laugh. "You're lying, aren't you? It's only been a month since we opened, and we haven't even been officially open for business for a week. How could we possibly be busy working? Who are you trying to fool?"

Seeing that Da Longzai didn't believe him, Lin Xiuyuan hurriedly retorted, "Who said that? I have to protect the needs of my members. This store is just a contact point; serving my members is my real job."

Then, Tian Enjing, who hadn't said a word until now, finally laughed. "Okay, Zhiyan, Xiuyuan is right. His job is to serve members. You don't understand this, so don't make things difficult for Xiuyuan, or he really won't make any money."

Lin Xiuyuan spread his hands, looking innocently at Da Longzai and Li Juli, "See?

At that moment, Kim Tae-yeon's voice came from behind them, "So Xiu-yuan, when are you going to serve me? I'm a member too."

Da Longzai and Li Juli turned around to look, only to see Kim Tae-yeon's gaze pass over them and she smiled at Lin Xiuyuan, "Since you just said that, can you leave tomorrow's time for me?"

"Tomorrow?" Lin Xiuyuan was taken aback.

Then, Krystal's voice came out, "Unnie, tomorrow won't work. Xiuyuan has already promised to go with me to see Xiaotaozi tomorrow."

Of the eight people present, more than half understood this answer, while the rest were completely bewildered.

Kim Tae-yeon frowned slightly and said, "But I'm leaving for my tour the day after tomorrow, so how about the day after tomorrow?" Before she could finish speaking, Lim Yoona interrupted her, "The day after tomorrow won't work either, unnie. Xiu Yuan promised to make bread for the volunteers the day after tomorrow, we've already talked about it, and I also have to go to Haojiang the day after tomorrow, so I don't have time to wait."

"Huh? Yoona, do you really have to do this with Xiuyuan?" Kim Tae-yeon's eyes widened in surprise.

"Absolutely." Yoona nodded very seriously.

The day after tomorrow I'm going to Macau for endorsements of two big brands. If I don't take advantage of this opportunity to replenish my yin energy, when will I ever get another chance?
At this moment, Sweet Eun-jung, who was sitting at the bar, couldn't help but laugh, because she knew very well why these two were looking for Lin Xiuyuan.

So she immediately looked at the young man behind the bar, waved to him, and asked with a smile after he came closer, "Are you scared, Xiuyuan? How about we go out and get some late-night snacks tonight, like oysters and geoduck?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Xiuyuan immediately straightened his back and said with an upright expression, "Do I need these?"

Then she immediately bent down and asked cautiously, "Can it really be repaired?"

Sweet Eun-jung burst out laughing after hearing this.

At this moment, Lee Juri, who noticed this, poked the little dragon in the waist, signaling her to look at the two people next to her.

Following Li Juli's gaze, Da Longzai's eyes narrowed slightly. Seeing the two figures chatting and laughing, she couldn't help but feel isolated.

[Park Hyomin: ?? Jiyeon, are you sure you're not mistaken? ???]

At the same time, after answering, Lin Xiuyuan immediately glanced cautiously at Krystal and Lin Yoona. He knew perfectly well what they were up to.

While I was happy, I was also a little worried. I was afraid that these two women would drain me dry like an 'oil field'.

If you're talking about normal matches where everyone can interact easily and enjoyably, then there's absolutely no problem.

What I fear most are those who go straight for the result, resorting to drastic measures like oil extraction or lock picking.

The moment you insert the key into the lock, the lock cylinder automatically rolls up without you even having to turn it. It's fully automatic and has no limits. Who could stand that?

"Xiuyuan~"

Just as Lin Xiuyuan was filling in various thoughts in his mind, the big dragon cub in front of him waved to him, "Come here for a second."

"What?" Lin Xiuyuan asked as he stepped forward.

"How exactly do you become a member here?" Big Dragon asked with a curious expression.

The moment she heard that Lin Xiuyuan was a service member, it's no wonder that Da Longzai had wild thoughts. The first thing that came to her mind was the male escorts in Ginza.

However, in her opinion, the young man in front of her was infinitely better than those male escorts.

Whether it's her looks, figure, physique, talent, or even her eloquent mouth, she's quite remarkable.

Finally, add that unparalleled physique, and it's 99.99% perfect.

The only drawback is probably the lack of flexible hours; you can't be available whenever you need to.

Upon hearing this, Lin Xiuyuan immediately looked at Tian Enjing, who had just been showing off. The latter shook her head and said, "Don't look at me. I won this membership myself by fishing. Who knows how others joined?"

As soon as Eunjung said that, Qri immediately turned around and asked Taeyeon with some curiosity, "Taeyeon, how did you become a member of Xiuyuan's bar?"

"Ah, me?"

Kim Tae-yeon, who was discussing Lin Xiuyuan's schedule with Im Yoon-ah, was momentarily at a loss for words when faced with Lee Qri's question.

Then he looked at Lim Yoona and asked, "Yoona, how did you join?"

"Me? I'm another member of Xiuyuan. They added me because they needed me." When asked, Lin Yoona answered very naturally, because her opportunity to join was actually because of Lin Xiaolu.

As soon as she finished speaking, everyone's attention returned to Kim Tae-yeon. However, she seemed unsure how to continue, so she turned to look at Krystal.

When Krystal was being watched, she gave a very simple answer: "Well, if I think about it carefully, the reason I became a member should be related to Jessica. I met Xiuyuan through her, and after chatting with Xiuyuan for a few days, I became a member."

After saying that, Krystal suddenly laughed, "By the way, when I became a member, this little bar hadn't even been set up yet, or rather, he didn't even have the idea."

Krystal spoke those last words lightly, but they stung the ears of some with ulterior motives.

Clearly, this person wanted to show off that they had known Lin Xiuyuan for a long time and had a closer relationship.

At this moment, Kim Tae-yeon, who had already thought it through, also answered, "Compared to you guys, Soo-jung and Yoona, I don't seem to have had as many issues. I just called Soo-won and asked him to come to my house. Then I became a member, right, Soo-won?"

Upon hearing this, everyone's gaze, which had previously been withdrawn, once again focused on Lin Xiuyuan.

Lin Xiuyuan, who had just made himself a watermelon and coconut drink, was dumbfounded. "Ah, Taeyeon, don't be so vague. It's because you were almost crying that I let you join."

Lin Xiuyuan's use of the word "cry" was more general, but it was understood by all the members.

Only Jessica, Da Longzai, and Li Juli looked at them with utter confusion and frustration.

When you ask them, they all say they don't know.

Look closely; every gaze directed at Kim Tae-yeon tells a story.

Is this called not knowing?
What a liar.

But the little dragon didn't care about any stories. He went straight to Lin Xiuyuan's answer to Kim Tae-yeon and teased, "Xiuyuan, does that mean as long as you cry in distress, you can become a member?"

"No, that's Taeyeon's own problem, not whether she cries or not. I was just using it as a metaphor."

Seeing that the little dragon was about to test the law, Lin Xiuyuan quickly stopped her.

However, seeing that Da Long Zai was already showing signs of preparing to "try" to cry, he quickly added, "Ji Yan, don't be silly, get some rest first, I'll treat you to fried chicken in a few days."

Upon hearing this, the dragon cub's expression immediately brightened, and he smiled, "Alright, we'll talk about this later."

So in the blink of an eye, besides Jessica, only Lee Qri was left fighting alone in the bar.

So she immediately asked, "Xiuyuan, what kind of riddles are you and Zhiyan talking about? Why is everyone using these encrypted languages? You guys are all like that."

Meanwhile, Jessica, sitting next to Kim Tae-yeon, also seemed a little confused.

She originally thought that even with Lin Xiuyuan present, she would be able to have a pleasant chat with Lin Yoona, Kim Tae-yeon, Krystal, and others at the bar.

However, she didn't expect that she would be teased by Lin Xiuyuan as soon as she entered the door, and then she couldn't get a word in edgewise during the conversation between the group.

After that, as the group finished talking, she realized she was being isolated.

They were truly isolated.

At least Li Juli could still talk about Lin Xiuyuan, or get Lin Xiuyuan involved to explain this and that.

Jessica couldn't get Lin Xiuyuan to do anything, and even getting a glass of water required Krystal to pour it for her, otherwise she wouldn't be able to drink any water at all.

However, as they drank more and the conversation flowed, the atmosphere in the pub gradually became more relaxed and lively.

The banter and teasing kept everyone laughing, especially when Li Juli pressed Lin Xiuyuan about the membership situation, only to be brushed off with a slice of watermelon by Lin Xiuyuan, which added even more energy to the atmosphere of the bar.

As everyone relaxed under the influence of alcohol, even the usually quiet Eun-jung started to chat with Krystal, and the atmosphere gradually reached its peak.

However, Li Juli is still "battling wits" with Lin Xiuyuan.

Her gaze shifted from aggrieved to depressed, and then to angry.

Her face even flashed a pleading, resentful expression, but she never received a response from Lin Xiuyuan. Whenever the other party brought up the key issues, he would start looking around.

Seeing that there was no chance, Li Juli stood up, downed the glass of wine in front of her in one gulp, turned and walked towards the small stage, "Hmph, then I won't talk to you anymore, I'm going to play my instrument."

His voice was full of resentment and annoyance, but it made Da Longzai and Tian Enjing laugh.

Because the two of them knew each other well, they knew that if their unnie really ignored them, she would probably just slam the door and leave.

After the two finished exchanging glances with Lin Xiuyuan and came to their senses, Li Juli was already standing on the small stage of the tavern, picked up her bass, and began to play skillfully.

His expression gradually relaxed, and the gloom in his eyes seemed to dissipate with the flow of the musical notes.

At this moment, Lim Yoona, who was on the sofa, looked at her and stood up with a smile, "I'll go play for a while and relax."

Finally, she stepped onto the keyboard and awkwardly tapped a couple of keys.

As Yoona walked towards the small stage, Eunjung, not wanting to be left out, got up and headed towards the instrument area, saying, "I'll join in the fun too."

As she spoke, she casually picked up the electronic drum next to her and started playing it.

Over the next few minutes, the atmosphere in the tavern underwent a subtle change.

Seeing everyone joining the makeshift band, the remaining members followed suit.

As Jessica watched the group walk toward the stage, she couldn't help but feel a little longing, especially when she saw Kim Tae-yeon roll up her sleeves. So she smiled and said, "Let's go, let's go take a look."

Upon hearing this, Kim Tae-yeon immediately walked over and headed straight for the microphone.

Everyone in the pub, except for Jessica who could rival her, was just an 'accessory'.

Soon, the small stage in the tavern was occupied by a makeshift band, and the group began to play various songs at will, some of which were familiar classic pop songs, as well as a few of their own representative works.

As the music played, the people who were originally divided into two small teams started to play together in a lively atmosphere, making the atmosphere more free and joyful.

Even Krystal, who hadn't sung in a long time, came up and sang half an English song. Her clear and powerful voice instantly ignited the atmosphere of the entire bar.

At this point, only Da Longzai remained sitting in front of Lin Xiuyuan.

She quietly watched the heartwarming scene before her, then suddenly turned to look at Lin Xiuyuan, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "Xiuyuan, do you prefer the old me or the current me?"

Lin Xiuyuan, who was enjoying the performance, was momentarily stunned when asked the question, but quickly answered with a serious tone.

"That's a good question. I think you were great before, and you're great now too. You have your own unique charm in every stage of your life. How can you simply choose one? Can't you just like them all?"

He spoke sincerely, without the slightest hesitation in his words.

So when the little dragon heard this, he couldn't help but laugh and say, "Slippery."

Then she looked at him with a slightly teasing gaze and asked, "So, do you think I'm being unrestrained right now? Especially in this regard, towards you?"

Lin Xiuyuan laughed even harder, a hint of excitement flashing in his eyes.

“That makes sense. From the perspective of someone who has already enjoyed it, I think it’s an advantage for you, Jiyeon. But from the perspective of someone who can’t have it, it’s a reason for others to be jealous of me.”

Hearing this answer, Da Longzai gave Lin Xiuyuan a deep look.

Seeing his relaxed and natural demeanor, and the admiration in his eyes for her authenticity and fearlessness, she burst into laughter, laughing so hard she bent over backwards, as if she was completely moved by Lin Xiuyuan's humor.

The atmosphere on stage grew increasingly heated, with Krystal, Kim Tae-yeon, Lim Yoon-ah, and others fully immersed in their performance, making the entire bar more free and joyful.

After a while, Krystal turned her head and glanced at Jessica, who had come to her side, a hint of something flashing in her eyes.

After looking around, she suggested, "How about we play a game?"

"what game?"

"With so many women and only Xiuyuan as a man, it's definitely a game of kings."

　As usual, here's the 7K first, I'll write the 3K later.

　　If you can wait, then wait; if you can't, you can watch it tomorrow. There's no need to specifically wait for updates.

　　P.S.: Also, there will be a reading guide and recommendations in the book after 2 PM tomorrow. I hope all my godfathers will support it. Thank you.

(End of this chapter)