Hancheng: There is a door between me and the future

Chapter 187 That Phone Call... (Please Subscribe and Vote for Monthly Tickets)

In the restaurant.

When Da Longzai saw the shocked look in Jessica's eyes, he found it both amusing and a little proud, and then greeted her.

Good afternoon, unnie~

Good afternoon, Jiyeon.

After Jessica nodded in response and sat down, her gaze lingered on the two people next to her.

No matter who it was, their complexion and health looked radiant, giving people a refreshed feeling, which made her unconsciously furrow her brows.

Even though she was full of questions, Jessica was too embarrassed to ask, so in the end, she could only pick up the menu and start ordering.

"What would you like to eat?" Jessica asked, flipping through the menu.

"Order whatever you like, I can't eat too much." Krystal shook her head, her tone relaxed. "I'm going to the gym later."

"Me too, unnie, I need to get my abs in."

The little dragon laughed, his tone more relaxed and playful than before, as if not only his state of mind but also his spirit had returned to youth.

Da Long Zai's words piqued Jessica's curiosity: "Krystal has a schedule, so dieting and exercising is normal. Jiyeon, why are you so concerned? Just exercise, why are you so fixated on abs?"

"It doesn't necessarily have to be abs, the main thing is to train your glutes, squeeze them tight, some people will like that more." Da Longzai said bluntly without any hesitation.

Jessica was completely stunned, while Krystal gave the little dragon a meaningful look, snorted inwardly, and said nothing. She just thought that she would have a good chat and do something with Lin Xiuyuan when he came back...

After ordering, Jessica finally couldn't help but ask, "Jung Soo-jung, did you ask me out today just for a meal, or what?"

"I need your help with something, I forgot to mention it last time." Krystal smiled slightly.

"What is it?" Jessica asked curiously.

"It's nothing really, Jessica, since you've closed your shop now, could you give me a copy of those design sketches from before?"

Faced with Krystal's question, Jessica was taken aback at first, then looked at her with confusion, "You don't do this, so what do you want it for?"

Krystal smiled slightly, with a hint of helplessness, "I'll use it to study."

Then he thought to himself: I can't possibly say that Jessica Jung was too lazy to draw design drafts in 13 and wanted to buy in bulk directly from you, can I?

If that's really the case, it would be a bit like killing someone's spirit for Jessica, who just closed her shop.

After listening, Jessica raised an eyebrow slightly and asked softly, "What are you going to study? You're not planning to...?"

Krystal quickly waved her hand, "No, Jessica, don't think too much. I have no intention of starting a business. I just want to take a look. Anyway, you're no longer of any use to me, so let me learn from you."

If the computer in their Seoul apartment hadn't been missing these files, Krystal wouldn't have bothered asking Jessica; she would have just copied them herself.

Jessica gave Krystal a long look, then said, "I'll talk to you about that later."

Then, she turned to the big dragon cub and asked with a smile, "Ji-yeon, how have you been lately?"

The little dragon, who was drinking water, didn't expect Jessica to ask such a question. He chuckled and said, "What? Unnie, we just met not long ago, why are you asking this?"

“I didn’t have a chance to ask at the bar last time, but today is the perfect time,” Jessica replied casually.

The two then started chatting about recent events, including their busy work schedules and everyday life.

During the conversation, Krystal occasionally chimed in to talk about her schedule, creating a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

However, the topic suddenly shifted, and Jessica inadvertently brought up the other members of Tara.

"By the way, Jiyeon, are the rest of Tara resting? I noticed that only Eunjung is filming," Jessica asked thoughtfully.

"That's roughly it. Everyone's semi-retired, and we only get together occasionally when we have some commitments or gatherings." Da Longzai nodded and responded softly.

Jessica seemed slightly touched by Da Longzai's answer and chuckled, "Actually, this is quite good. Everyone can rest well, go out and have fun, and travel. I'm thinking about the same thing now."

"Traveling? Qri unnie has already gone out to play. Actually, I wanted to go too, but unfortunately I have an interview to give tonight." Da Longzai's tone revealed a hint of regret.

When Jessica heard Da Longzai say that Li Juli had gone out to play, she was a little curious, "Where did she go? We just met a few days ago."

"Unnie, didn't you know? Qri unnie went to the Maldives with Xiuyuan."

These words left Jessica completely stunned.

Li Juli and Lin Xiuyuan...are they going on vacation? Or to the Maldives?
Thinking of this, Jessica immediately looked at Krystal next to her, who shrugged and said, "Why are you looking at me? It has nothing to do with me."

"Why did Lin Xiuyuan come along too?" Jessica asked curiously.

"Just want to relax. Staying in Seoul all day is pretty boring," Krystal replied naturally.

Then Da Longzai nodded and sighed, "Yeah, Xiu Yuan said it's his first time traveling abroad... Ah, I should have known better than to accept this trip, I also want to go to the Maldives."

"Why don't we give them a call and see what they're up to?" Krystal suddenly became interested.

"For Qri unnie?" the dragon cub asked in surprise.

Krystal shook her head. "Never mind, let Xiuyuan call."

The two hit it off immediately, and Krystal pulled out her contacts to make the call.

At this moment, Jessica spoke up for someone, saying, "What if they're not awake yet?"

"It's already noon here. With a four-hour time difference, it should be morning by now. You should be up."

"That's right, that's right, go ahead and hit him, Soojung."

The little dragon also laughed.

……

……

The Maldives.

In the Maldives mornings, the lingering warmth of breakfast still permeates the air as time passes.

Li Juli and Lin Xiuyuan did not rush to go out for sightseeing, but instead sat leisurely on the living room sofa, enjoying the tranquility of the moment.

The curtains in the corner of the sofa were gently lifted by the sunlight, casting dappled light and shadow, as soft as a dream.

Suddenly, Li Juli turned slightly to the side, getting even closer, and her elbow lightly touched Lin Xiuyuan's arm, deliberately not moving away.

A teasing smile played on her lips as she looked at him through the sunlight streaming through the window, her gaze carrying an undeniable allure.

"Xiuyuan, don't you think this morning was a little short of perfect?"

Lin Xiuyuan glanced at her lightly, a helpless smile appearing on his lips. "You really know how to enjoy yourself. You just finished breakfast and you're already trying to make the atmosphere even more lively, aren't you?"

"I'm just going with the flow," Li Juli said with a smile, gently touching Lin Xiuyuan's thigh. "Why don't you cooperate? Maybe it will be even more perfect."

Cooperate?

Lin Xiuyuan silently repeated the word in his mind, his body unconsciously turning over and pinning Li Juli beneath him, a hint of teasing in his eyes, "For example, what kind of style do you like?"

Lee Juri smiled slightly, puffed out her chest, raised her eyes slightly, and asked in return, "Is it a raging storm or a gentle breeze?"

Lin Xiuyuan responded softly, "Mm."

Upon hearing this, Li Juli's fingers gently moved to Lin Xiuyuan's waist, slowly wandering as if guiding something.

Then she chuckled softly, "Xiuyuan, didn't I tell you last night? Don't worry about me, just think about yourself. I like everything."

Feeling the touch of her fingers, Lin Xiuyuan's Adam's apple bobbed slightly.

Suddenly, he grabbed her wrist and pinned her to the back of the sofa.

Lee Juri gave a soft hum, and with the movement, the shoulder strap of her nightgown slipped down slightly, the morning light of the Maldives falling right on her collarbone, casting a gentle shadow.

"Did you get some rest last night?"

Lin Xiuyuan asked with a smile, his voice carried on the gentle lapping of waves, coming through the sliding door.

Lee Juri immediately rubbed her knee lightly against the creases of his pajama pants, the shadow cast by her eyelashes resembling a fluttering butterfly. "Rest? What you're saying is really... I was just a little dizzy from the protein last night..."

Before she could finish speaking, the doorbell rang, breaking the silence.

The two froze simultaneously. The butler's voice pierced through the door, carrying a greeting with a basket of tropical fruits, "Sir, Madam, your fruit has been delivered."

Lin Xiuyuan, panting, propped himself up, only to see Li Juli suddenly grab his collar and gently bite his earlobe. "What's the rush? Let them wait."

As soon as she finished speaking, she threw the cushion at the doorbell switch, and the smart system immediately switched to a blue light indicating "Do Not Disturb".

Lin Xiuyuan noticed that she had unbuttoned two of her clothes at some point. Just as he was about to say something, a flock of birds suddenly flew past the window, their chirping marking the start of their morning exercise.

Outside the door, the butler seemed to have noticed the situation inside. He calmly placed the fruit at the door and then slowly withdrew.

After a while, the private beach outside the yard was kissed inch by inch by the tide.

Inside, as Li Juli whispered, the scent of peaches from her breath slowly rose to Lin Xiuyuan's Adam's apple. Just as Lin Xiuyuan's hand slid over her softness, preparing to lift her delicate body, Li Juli suddenly bit his earlobe and chuckled softly, "Xiuyuan, your phone is vibrating, aren't you going to check it?"

"Let it wait."

Hearing the same words, Li Juli was unusually happy. Suddenly, she let out a muffled groan and bit Lin Xiuyuan's shoulder.

……

"No one answered?"

Krystal looked at the phone that had been hung up naturally, somewhat surprised, and then very naturally thought, "Is he still not awake?"

"Can you sleep this long in the Maldives?"

The little dragon said with a doubtful tone.

After all, Li Juli went there with Lin Xiuyuan, so how could she possibly resist "digesting" Lin Xiuyuan, this "tonic pill"?

So she took out her phone and dialed Li Juli's number again.

……

At this moment, they are in a villa on Vila Island in the Maldives.

Lee Juri was lying on the sofa, gazing unsteadily out the window, trying to regain some composure from the vast blue sea.

However, the raging storm behind her made her mind increasingly confused.

The air was thick with an undeniable humidity and heat, making the skin feel sticky and each breath heavy. It was as if the whole person was trapped in a warm and intense wave, unable to extricate themselves.

She gently gripped the back of the sofa, trying to stay awake.

But the scene before me was already somewhat blurry, my thoughts drifted away with the sea breeze, and I felt every inch of my body falling toward relaxation, unable to resist it.

Just then, Lin Xiuyuan's voice came from behind, "Juli, your phone seems to be vibrating."

"Leave it alone."

"That won't do, I'm really looking forward to seeing that."

After Lin Xiuyuan finished speaking with a smile, Li Juli suddenly took a deep breath, and then gasped for air two seconds later.

Immediately afterward, the coolness of the phone pressed against her back, and Lin Xiuyuan then said, "It's Zhiyan calling."

Lee Juri's already limp body trembled violently upon hearing this, goosebumps instantly covering her entire body.

"Don't answer, Xiuyuan, please."

Li Juli is very clear about her current state; she is not capable of handling this kind of game at the moment.

But Lin Xiuyuan's laughter, and Da Longzai's teasing "Hey, Unnie," made her vision go black.

Helpless, Li Juli could only bite her cherry lips, turn her head away, her shame and anger overflowing, and glare fiercely at Lin Xiuyuan.

……

At a restaurant in Seoul.

After the phone rang for a few seconds before being answered, Da Longzai called out softly. A few seconds later, Li Juli's voice came from the other end of the line, "Hello?"

Her voice was hoarse, low and soft, seemingly carrying a hint of dazedness from not being fully awake.

Although Lee Juri tried her best to control her emotions, a sense of weakness and helplessness still silently surfaced at that moment.

This tone surprised Da Longzai, who asked with a hint of doubt, "Qri unnie, why are you taking so long to answer the phone? Are you guys still sleeping?"

Krystal, on the other end of the phone, sensed something was amiss and her eyes widened instantly.

Lee Juri on the other end of the phone narrowed her eyes and gave a slight smile.

Even though her body still felt weak and powerless, she forced herself to regain some clarity, controlling her speaking speed and tone, "We... just woke up, Jiyeon, why did you suddenly call? Is something wrong?"

However, she tried to keep her tone calm to mask the shock of being in a different world.

But the vibrations behind her and the voice on the phone continued to provoke her sensitive nerves, causing her to unconsciously furrow her brow and exhale a few breaths.

"No, I just wanted to ask you, unnie, is it fun in the Maldives?"

Da Longzai's words carried a hint of sarcasm, seemingly breaking Li Juli's silence.

After a brief silence on the other end of the phone, Li Juli suddenly chuckled softly.

She looked out the window at the sea, trying to calm herself down. "It's a lot of fun. It's a pity you're not here, Jiyeon. It would have been even more fun if the two of us were together."

These words made Da Longzai in the restaurant tense up. She quickly looked up at Krystal and Jessica across from her and found that the two of them were listening quietly.

"There's nothing I can do, it's work. Let's talk about it next time."

Whether the little dragon didn't realize the inappropriateness of his words or sensed the reaction, he quickly changed his tone and said with a smile, "Since you're still resting, I won't disturb you any longer. Let's talk another day."

Then hang up quickly.

……

Maldives.

"Hmm~"

After hanging up the phone, Li Juli readjusted her posture.

However, I still felt tired and weak, as if I had lost all support in the sea breeze, and suddenly became fragile and uncontrollable.

Then, with a charming look in her eyes and a hint of anger in her watery eyes, she tossed her phone aside and looked at the boy in front of her, saying, "Don't do this again next time. I think Jiyeon has already figured it out."

Lin Xiuyuan slightly raised his hands, making an "innocent" expression, with a hint of mockery and helplessness in his eyes, "It has nothing to do with me, I didn't do anything."

His relaxed tone carried a hint of jest, yet it also subtly revealed an undeniable excitement and mischief, as if he were truly innocent.

Lee Juri gave a soft hum and turned her body slightly to the side. In that instant, her body seemed to become heavier again.

Her movements were somewhat sluggish as she gently pinched the armrest of the sofa with her fingertips, trying to use it to support her body. However, her muscles still felt sore, as if even this simple movement was challenging her strength.

"You're the one who's comfortable, but I've been dragged down by you."

Lee Juri lowered her head, a hint of coquettishness and playful smile on her lips, her voice soft yet carrying a trace of reproach.

However, his eyes sparkled with tenderness and a smile, while also containing a hint of ambiguous flirtation.

Then, Lee Juri smiled slightly, lowered her head gently, and felt her body gradually sink into a languid state, as if everything around her was surrounding her, and she could only let that soft feeling devour her.

This made Li Juli unconsciously move closer to Lin Xiuyuan, her eyes no longer showing the anger they had before, but instead filled with a relaxed and gentle light.

"Look at the smug look on your face,"

Upon seeing Lin Xiuyuan's smug smile, Li Juli couldn't help but laugh as well. "Tell me in advance next time."

Her words still carried a hint of reproach, but her smile revealed her acceptance and enjoyment of the joke.

Then she stopped pretending to be strong and leaned her whole body on Lin Xiuyuan's shoulder.

At this moment, Li Juli was weak and powerless, like a ship waiting to be hit by waves in a stormy sea. It seemed that only by relying on Lin Xiuyuan could she feel a sense of security.

……

Simultaneously.

In a restaurant in Seoul, after hanging up the phone, Da Longzai was cursing Lee Juri in his heart: "Why did you answer the phone? Just do your own thing!"

She hadn't realized what was happening when they were talking, but she instantly understood after hanging up the phone.

Fortunately, the two sisters across from us were not unreasonable people. After Da Longzai hung up the phone, the atmosphere at the dinner table did not stay on this topic.

Instead, they quickly switched to discussing the food at lunch and some beauty and skincare topics.

After lunch, Da Longzai went to the beauty salon to get his hair and makeup done because he had other plans for the evening.

After she left, only Jessica and Krystal remained at the table.

Now Jessica could speak freely, and her first words were, "So your man is playing around with other women in the Maldives, Krystal..."

Krystal retorted, "Then Jessica, why don't you fly over to Vila Island now and keep an eye on him for me?"

"What are you looking at?"

"Look at what Lee Juri has become."

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(End of this chapter)