Hancheng: There is a door between me and the future

Chapter 227 Kim Tae-yeon and Jessica's "Casual Chat" (10,000 words, please subscribe and vote)

While Lin Xiuyuan and Jessica were traveling in Georgia, Kim Tae-yeon finally woke up from her sleep in her apartment in Seoul.

When she woke up from her warm bed, the first thing she saw was the bright sunlight streaming into the room through the curtains, its soft glow falling on the headboard.

Then he stretched, hugged the blankets with both hands, and recalled his conversation with Lin Xiuyuan last night.

Those scattered words, and the gentleness in his tone when he agreed to her request.

All of this lingered like a beautiful melody, deeply resonating in her heart and bringing waves of subtle emotions.

Thinking of this, Kim Tae-yeon involuntarily rolled around on the bed a few times, a relaxed smile appearing on her lips, and a long-lost joy welled up in her heart.

"That's wonderful, that's wonderful~"

As she whispered to herself, she seemed to feel the warmth brought by that intimacy.

That feeling of pleasure not only made her feel relaxed, but also made her realize that her relationship with Lin Xiuyuan seemed to have quietly grown closer.

After stretching her limbs, Kim Tae-yeon finally got out of bed and headed to the bathroom.

After washing up, the feeling of cleanliness made her feel refreshed, and the emotional exhaustion from last night made her desperately need a good lunch to replenish her energy.

So, after tidying her hair a bit, she prepared to go have dinner with Im Yoona to make up for her hunger that hadn't been there for a long time, and also to chat about the variety show that would be starting in a couple of days.

At noon.

Upon receiving the call, Lim Yoona arrived at the agreed-upon restaurant and saw Kim Tae-yeon already seated at the table.

Seeing her come in, Kim Tae-yeon smiled easily. "Good morning, Yoona. How did you sleep today?"

"Good morning, unnie. I slept quite well." After sitting down, Lim Yoona smiled and looked at her. "But it's strange, why do you ask this as soon as we meet?"

Kim Tae-yeon waved her hand, smiled, and joked easily, "No, it's just that I slept quite well last night, so I was just asking you."

Yoona, who had ordered a soda from the waiter, smiled and said, "No wonder you seem to be in a good mood today, unnie. Is something good happening?"

Kim Tae-yeon, who was also drinking water, took a small sip and her eyes flickered slightly. "Maybe so, but... it feels like everything is slowly getting better."

She paused, turning her gaze from the window back to Yoona. "By the way, let's talk about the recording of the show the day after tomorrow. The scripts are pretty much the same. The main thing is whether there's anything about your movie that needs special promotion."

Then Yoona across from them joined in the conversation, and the two chatted back and forth as the food was served.

Until Kim Tae-yeon suddenly realized what was happening, a strange feeling arose in her heart.

It seems that ever since she met Lin Xiuyuan, her relationship with Lin Yoona, Krystal, and even Jessica has returned to the intimacy of many years ago.

Those long-buried emotions and the tacit understanding among everyone have grown even stronger.

It seems that the barriers imposed by reality have been overcome, and all words and actions are no longer a burden, leaving only easy communication and sharing.

All of this started after she met Lin Xiuyuan.

Thinking of Lin Xiuyuan, Kim Tae-yeon suddenly turned to Im Yoona and asked softly, "By the way, Yoona, do you know where Xiuyuan is playing now?"

Yoona nodded slightly, a smile playing on her lips. "Yeah, Georgia, he mentioned it to me."

She paused for a moment, a hint of amusement flashing in her eyes, "And he also complained to me about Soo-yeon unnie, saying that he didn't know how Jessica suddenly appeared there, and as a result, his travel mood was immediately dampened by half."

Hearing this, Kim Tae-yeon frowned slightly, "Are these two really fighting this badly? Even with Soo-jung as the middleman, things are still like this."

Yoona continued eating with her head down, replying in a relaxed tone, "There was nothing I could do. The two of us had a falling out that time. If it weren't for Krystal, we probably would have never spoken to each other again, let alone met and chatted."

"Yeah, just thinking about the scene you described makes me feel terrible."

Kim Tae-yeon's tone was soft and low, and her brows furrowed slightly without her noticing.

Faced with Yoona's answer, she couldn't help but recall the situation Yoona had mentioned to her before, namely the conflict between Jessica and Lin Xiuyuan at the entrance of the bar.

Although she wasn't there, the sudden confrontation and tension she felt while recounting the story made her feel as if the conflict was right before her eyes.

Seeing this, Lim Yoona smiled and continued, "So, it's already quite remarkable that these two can sit down and have a quiet chat now."

"Speaking of which, Yoona, I asked Xiuyuan a favor last night." Kim Tae-yeon's tone suddenly became somewhat serious.

"Ok?"

This sudden opening statement made Lim Yoona look up at Kim Tae-yeon across from her, wanting to hear what the other had to say.

After listening to Kim Tae-yeon recount what happened last night, she couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief. "Phew~ Unnie, when it comes to feelings, I'm on your side. But when it comes to making rational choices, I think you didn't do the right thing."

Her words were light, yet carried an undeniable sincerity: "You're essentially using your high moral authority to blackmail Xiu Yuan. Have you considered how you would have answered if you were Xiu Yuan when you asked him those questions? Would you have refused? Or agreed?"

Kim Tae-yeon remained silent for a moment, then lowered her head and did not answer immediately.

After a moment, he replied, "I know, so I plan to thank him properly."

After saying that, he straightened his back, as if he was about to say something.

However, Yoona suddenly spoke up, "Don't say anything about repaying me with your body, unnie."

She smiled and shook her head, "There are too many people scrambling for food, so you shouldn't get involved."

Kim Tae-yeon was stunned and didn't know how to answer for a moment. She could only stare blankly at Lim Yoon-a in front of her.

Because the other person's smile conveyed a sense of seriousness.

……

……

While Kim Tae-yeon and Im Yoon-ah were having a lively conversation in 2025, on the other side, in 2013, a young Kim Tae-yeon was also discussing Lin Xiu-yuan with Lin Xiao-lu.

In the backstage waiting room of the TV station, a busy atmosphere prevailed.

Taking advantage of a lull in everyone's attention, Kim Tae-yeon pulled Lin Xiaolu aside and whispered, "Yoona, do you know where Lin Xiuyuan has been these past few days? I called him, but he didn't answer, and his messages said he was busy."

"Unnie, is there something you need from him?" Lin Xiaolu asked curiously, turning to look at Kim Tae-yeon with a hint of inquiry in her eyes.

Kim Tae-yeon smiled slightly and shook her head gently, saying, "Well, it's nothing serious. It's just that he helped me when my car had a flat tire last time, so I was thinking of treating him to a meal if I have time, as a thank you gift."

Lin Xiaolu was aware of this situation, so she showed a look of sudden realization, followed by a warm smile, "Xiuyuan is currently busy handling matters for the tavern's members, so he probably won't have time so soon."

"A pub membership?? To get things done? Seriously, Yoona, what kind of special benefits do you guys offer as pub members?"

Kim Tae-yeon blinked and said thoughtfully, "Whenever something happens, you and Jessica always seem to head straight to the bar, making it seem like Lin Xiu-yuan is some kind of Doraemon, a know-it-all, right?"

When she said this, Kim Tae-yeon's tone was slightly teasing, and her voice revealed a hint of curiosity.

"Haha, if you say that, you're not wrong. That guy really is a know-it-all."

When Lin Xiaolu said this, she was thinking about the AI ​​in 25 years. If you want to ask a question, you can just type it in and you can basically get the answer or advice you want.

Lin Xiuyuan was able to get them to 2025, so calling him a know-it-all is no exaggeration.

After saying that, she chuckled softly, feigning mystery, "Haha, Taeyeon unnie, don't overthink it. As you know, I really can't reveal anything about the membership system."

Kim Tae-yeon was still a little confused, but she didn't ask any further questions.

She kept this curious thought to herself, thinking that she would definitely ask Lin Xiuyuan how to become a member when she saw him again.

……

……

Meanwhile, Lin Xiuyuan, whom Kim Tae-yeon missed in 2013, is now in Georgia in 2025, leisurely enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Sunlight streamed through the thick clouds, and the air was filled with the fresh scent of rain.

The hustle and bustle of the city gradually faded away, and the surrounding environment became quiet and peaceful.

Lin Xiuyuan and Jessica, who had just taken shelter from a light rain under the eaves, quickly walked out of the mall and found Krystal waiting for them.

After the three reunited, they headed towards the hotel to pack their luggage and set off for Mount Kazbekistan.

Along the way, the scenery outside the car window kept changing, gradually transitioning from the hustle and bustle of the city to the lush mountain scenery. The air became increasingly fresh, as if every breath carried the breath of nature.

The distant mountains stretch endlessly, and the streams flow gently through the valleys, sometimes reflecting dappled light and shadow; everything seems so quiet and mysterious.

In the afternoon, the three of them finally arrived at the guesthouse at the foot of Mount Kazbek.

Although the house is called a guesthouse, it is actually a typical European-style residence with a classic and elegant architectural style. The exterior walls are covered with ivy, exuding a strong historical atmosphere.

The guesthouse has a very unique location, with majestic mountains in the distance and a winding stream nearby, its waters gurgling, making you feel as if you are in a tranquil landscape painting.

Moreover, there is a natural hot spring pool in the yard of this house. The hot spring water comes from an underground hot spring source and boils continuously all year round.

According to the owner, the hot spring water here is shared by the entire area, which means that if Jessica and Krystal decide to soak in the hot spring tonight, at least the people in the other rooms will also be able to enjoy the hot spring water after their bath.

This information amused all three of them, yet also struck them as quite unique.

The three looked around, admiring the ancient charm of the building, and quickly checked in. After putting down their luggage, they rested for a while.

After putting my luggage back in the house and resting for a while, I decided to find a place to eat nearby.

"After we finish eating, shall we go for a walk around the neighborhood?" Krystal asked as she packed her luggage, her tone light and cheerful.

Lin Xiuyuan nodded. "Sure, let's go for a walk after we finish eating. The scenery here should be quite nice; it's worth taking a closer look."

Jessica chimed in, "I'm fine with that too. I can take a stroll and relax."

As Lin Xiuyuan listened to their conversation, his gaze immediately turned to the window. "What's fun to do here?"

The fact that he asked this question clearly showed that he was unfamiliar with his surroundings.

Although he had heard of this place, he had never been there in person.

Then Jessica, who had done her research, answered him, "The most famous one is a building called Holy Trinity Church, which is known as 'the church closest to the sky in the world'."

Lin Xiuyuan nodded, but the image of the snow-capped mountains he had just passed by involuntarily surfaced in his mind. "There are still snow-capped mountains. If we could get up early, we should be able to see the beautiful sight of the golden mountains bathed in sunlight."

Although it is already July, which is summer, the snow-capped mountains still exist, only the area covered by snow is smaller than in winter.

After quickly unpacking their luggage, the three decided to have lunch at a nearby restaurant.

The restaurant is located near a clear stream, with spacious outdoor seating, a pleasant environment, and picturesque scenery.

The three of them found a seat by the window, looked out at the scenery, and felt the gentle breeze on their faces.

The menu featured many local specialties. Lin Xiuyuan and Jessica chose several dishes that looked very tempting, while Krystal decided to try an authentic Georgian kebab.

"It's finally a bit more relaxing here, unlike in the city where it's easy to run into people I know," Jessica said softly, letting out a sigh of relief as she flipped through the menu.

"Yes, it really feels very relaxing here, and the air is great." Krystal looked up at the window, a satisfied smile appearing in her eyes.

Lin Xiuyuan remained silent, observing the two of them quietly without picking up his phone to watch any videos.

Only at Krystal's prompting did he pick up the camera and take many beautiful photos of the two people opposite him.

Soon, the meal was served. The three of them enjoyed the delicious food while chatting casually, their conversation ranging from their work to future plans, and then to the fun and relaxing moments they had during their trip.

Although the topic was casual, the relaxed and pleasant atmosphere allowed everyone to deeply enjoy the tranquility of the moment.

When asked about his future plans, Lin Xiuyuan inadvertently glanced at Jessica, who said she was now taking a break from work, accepting events and appearing on variety shows, but not forcing herself to.

Occasionally, I'll hold a fan meeting to see everyone, and the rest of the time I'll use it to travel and relax, or spend time with my parents.

This answer reminded Lin Xiuyuan of Jessica Jung in 2013. She was extremely busy, working tirelessly for her future brand and career, preparing to lay a solid foundation for the future.

This contrasts sharply with the relaxed and carefree lifestyle Jessica is currently living.

The difference between the two is so great that it is too obvious.

"After dinner, which direction should we go?" Krystal suddenly asked. "Wouldn't it be a bit late to go to the church now? Or should we wait until tomorrow morning and see if we can see the mountains bathed in sunlight?"

"Alright, let's take a walk around the town at the foot of the mountain and see the scenery first," Lin Xiuyuan suggested. "Let's relax today and just stroll around and look at the sights."

“Okay, it’s settled then,” Krystal replied with a smile.

The three continued their meal, but when Lin Xiuyuan called out 'Krystal,' Jessica finally couldn't help but ask, "Wait, you all know each other so well, why are you still calling Krystal like that, Lin Xiuyuan?"

"Aren't you the same?" Lin Xiuyuan retorted.

Jessica raised an eyebrow and said with a smile, "We're used to it, and I often call Xiujing by her name too. On the contrary, you're probably called by your name in China."

Lin Xiuyuan didn't answer Jessica's question; he just looked at Krystal.

Krystal, however, got mischievous and instead of explaining for him, quietly watched him, wanting to see how Lin Xiuyuan would respond.

Lin Xiuyuan smiled slightly and said, "This is just a bit of fun between us. It's just that it's not convenient for her to call me by my name. Otherwise, you wouldn't hear her calling me by my name, but rather 'D'..."

Krystal, who had been watching the show with great interest, immediately realized what was happening and hurriedly stood up and leaned over, trying to stop Lin Xiuyuan from continuing, "Xiuyuan~"

She gave him a reproachful look, then turned to Jessica and said, "It's just a name, nothing serious."

Lin Xiuyuan's smile grew even brighter, as if a ray of sunshine illuminated the afternoon.

As their lunch, which could also be called afternoon tea, came to an end, the three packed up their things and prepared to head down to the town at the foot of the mountain, intending to stroll around the town and experience the local lifestyle.

However, before they officially started shopping, they decided to go back to their guesthouse to rest for a while.

After all, they got up early today and had a lot of activities this morning, so they are a little tired. Taking a short rest will undoubtedly give them more energy to enjoy the rest of the day.

So it wasn't until evening that the group finally appeared in the small town at the foot of the mountain.

The afterglow of the setting sun spilled onto the ancient streets, and golden rays filtered through layers of mist, gently scattering across every stone slab, casting a warm veil over the town.

The cobblestone streets are lined with small shops, and a few vendors and leisurely tourists stroll among them, adding a touch of life to this quiet town while maintaining a peaceful and leisurely atmosphere.

“This place is so peaceful, and you can see beautiful scenery every few steps,” Jessica exclaimed as she walked, her eyes occasionally glancing at the winding mountains and ancient buildings in the distance.

“Yes, you can feel the atmosphere of history wherever you go.” Krystal also appreciated the scenery before her. She slowed down her pace and looked down to carefully observe every detail on both sides of the street.

Suddenly, she stopped and pointed to a stall displaying local handicrafts, saying, "The souvenirs here are quite interesting. Xiuyuan, let's go take a look."

Lin Xiuyuan looked in the direction she pointed and saw various exquisite handicrafts displayed on the stall.

So he went over and picked out a few items, saying with a smile, "These things are indeed quite interesting; it would be nice to take some back as souvenirs."

After saying that, he stood in front of the stall and picked out a few handicrafts, and finally bought some local ceramics and silk products as souvenirs of this trip.

Seeing that the two people next to her had also bought ceramics, Jessica reminded them, "These aren't easy to take back, are they?"

Krystal chuckled and looked at Lin Xiuyuan, clearly confident, "Don't worry, with Xiuyuan here, bringing these won't be a problem."

Lin Xiuyuan, however, didn't seem to care and continued selecting his favorite items.

Jessica thought that displaying these trinkets in the small bars of both places might create a unique travel souvenir corner, like collecting stamps to record the memories of each trip. However, seeing the two's perfectly coordinated actions, Jessica couldn't help but feel a subtle mix of emotions.

At the same time, he couldn't help but feel a little dissatisfied, wondering if these two were intentionally isolating him.
As time passed, the sky gradually darkened.

The three decided to find a place to sit down, rest, and enjoy dinner.

Finally, they found a seat at a restaurant in town, where the soft music and warm lighting created a quiet and comfortable atmosphere.

At the dining table, the three enjoyed the food while discussing their experience of the trip.

Sometimes they share photos from their phones, and sometimes they immerse themselves in the peaceful atmosphere around them.

After the meal, we decided to sit in a small bar in town for a while to see what pubs in different places are like, and continue to enjoy this rare moment of relaxation.

……

……

On the same evening, in a restaurant in Seoul, all the members of Tara finally reunited after many days.

Daeyong, Eunjung, Qri, and Hyomin sat around a round table, enjoying their meal and chatting casually about their recent fun and feelings.

Just as everyone was chatting happily, Park Hyomin suddenly raised a question, "I've noticed that you've been taking on more and more activities lately. But unnie, you and Jiyeon both look so much younger now, so why aren't you taking on any more gigs?"

As she spoke, her gaze was fixed on Lee Juri, her eyes filled with a mixture of confusion and curiosity.

In fact, Lee Juri and Daeyong have indeed turned down many event invitations recently. Lee Juri even only accepted after-sales work for a past event.

Da Longzai, on the other hand, hardly participated in any activities, only occasionally making an appearance, and basically only during team performances.

Lee Juri and Daeyongzai exchanged a glance, and then both of them laughed.

They clearly had a tacit understanding beforehand, so they were all on the same side on this issue.

Their unspoken understanding made Park Hyomin even more upset. "Jiyeon, and unnie, please don't laugh. Answer this question. I really don't understand."

Feeling somewhat helpless, yet also a bit gossipy, she felt like she was being strangled to death by her two best friends.

Lee Juri smiled slightly and responded gently, "Actually, it's not that we don't want to accept it, but... we talked about it privately, and considering our situation and pace of life, we decided to keep a low profile."

Her tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable firmness.

Da Longzai nodded in agreement and added, "Yes, we feel that since we're in a good place right now, we don't need to participate in so many public events anymore. Instead, we hope to have more private space and enjoy life."

The reason they don't accept these events is actually quite simple: they don't want Lin Xiuyuan to be potentially exposed to the camera, so they want to protect him.

Otherwise, given their rejuvenated state, they would definitely be the focus of attention.

Although Da Longzai and the others knew that some activities could indeed bring more opportunities and income, they were already financially independent and didn't need so much exposure.

Instead, they value quality of life and physical health, or rather, youthful appearance.

After all they've been through, being able to enjoy this state is what they want most right now.

These words stunned Park Hyomin, who clearly didn't immediately grasp their deeper meaning. "No, what does state and rhythm have to do with being low-key?"

"Haha, Hyomin, just think of us as still young, but we don't want to keep pushing ourselves on this path forever, do we?" Lee Qri replied with a laugh. "Slow down from time to time and enjoy the present."

Sweet Eunjung then interjected, her eyes gleaming with a hint of amusement, "Unnie, I understand, but what you said is a bit much. What do you mean by 'you're still young'? You're clearly way past that age."

"I look so young now." Lee Juri happily gestured to her face. Although she hadn't had any injections for a while, she still looked great.

As Park Hyomin watched the conversation between her sisters, she suddenly realized that she seemed to be isolated, because Eunjung seemed to understand what they meant, but she... was still completely confused.

"What? What kind of riddle are you playing?"

However, this topic came to an end, and Lee Juri and Daeyongzai changed the subject, talking about the recent appearances and activities of second-generation idols, and the atmosphere gradually became relaxed and pleasant.

After a while, Lee Qri got up to go to the restroom, and Park Hyomin followed her.

The remaining two were Da Longzai and Tian Enjing. Da Longzai rarely inquired about the other's filming situation, which surprised Tian Enjing.

"Oh, Jiyeon, I was all prepared for you to ask Xiuyuan the questions, what's going on? I thought you were going to keep worrying about the membership."

You know, a few days ago when Lin Xiuyuan was busy with the 'Kim Soo-hyun' incident, Da Longzai really pestered Tian Enjing, constantly asking all sorts of questions.

They used all sorts of roundabout tactics, self-inflicted suffering, and sarcastic remarks.

So when Sweet Eun-jung came to the dinner party today, she was mentally prepared to be 'interrogated', but she didn't expect that Dae-ryong didn't ask her a single question, which surprised her.

After hearing Tian Enjing's answer, Da Longzai laughed, "Because I suddenly feel like it doesn't matter anymore, as long as Xiuyuan is still here."

These simple yet profound words brought a sense of relief to Sweet Eun-jung, but also left her with some doubts. "Ji-yeon, do you actually have feelings for Xiu-yuan, or are you just after his looks?"

"Unnie, do you think I'm using Xiuyuan as a tool?" The dragon cub's gaze was gentle, yet carried a hint of provocation.

Sweet Eun-jung shook her head. "That's not how it works, it's just that your current attitude makes me a little curious."

Da Longzai blinked and smiled, "Well, at first I was just playing around, looking for a young person to liven things up, and since she's Xiujing's kid, she should be good in every way."

She paused, then said meaningfully, "But after spending more time with Xiuyuan, I suddenly realized that he was really great. At the time, I thought, no wonder so many women like young, strong men. They're young and powerful but don't know how to use their strength. They just keep pounding away. It's so much fun."

"As for what comes next, unnie, you know, there aren't many paths to a woman's heart, but if you dig too many, she'll definitely take it to heart."

"So the effect is only one aspect, but the person is the most important."

Faced with Da Longzai's explanation, Tian Enjing retorted, "What if it had the same effect on someone else?"

The little dragon paused for a moment, then its eyes hardened.

"This assumption doesn't exist, Unnie. How old are we? Why are we still playing with false propositions like children?"

"For people, it's either yes or no, it has to be clear and distinct. But when it comes to things, it's okay to be a little confused, it's okay to be a little confused."

"Alright, I understand what you mean."

The last sentence made Sweet Eun-jung smile with great relief, and she nodded gently.

At this moment, Park Hyo-min and Lee Qri also returned, and the four of them sat around the dining table, continuing their long-awaited conversation, with laughter and chatter filling the entire private room.

……

……

As night deepened over the Kazbek Mountains, the temperature became cool and pleasant as the sun set.

As night deepened, Lin Xiuyuan and his two companions, who had enjoyed a couple of drinks at the tavern, finally returned to their guesthouse and went to their rooms to wash up.

However, this time Lin Xiuyuan did not take Krystal back to the villa to wash up. Instead, he went to get a set of clothes and pajamas for tomorrow and then returned to the guesthouse.

According to Krystal's suggestion, this is a better place to enjoy the mountain night. Washing up here not only allows you to see the starry sky, but also gives you a unique feeling.

Perhaps it's the tranquility and natural atmosphere of the mountains that makes everything more comfortable and relaxing.

Because women need to remove their makeup, Lin Xiuyuan took advantage of this time to quickly finish his shower and then went outside to the living room while Krystal was taking a shower.

I sat on the sofa, boiled some water, brewed a pot of hot tea, and stretched my body, which was a little tired from the day's activities.

Sipping hot tea, feeling the aroma and warmth flowing into his heart, Lin Xiuyuan slowly looked up at the night sky outside the courtyard, then got up and opened the door leading to the courtyard.

A gentle evening breeze carries a mild fragrance, and as night falls, the tranquility of the town further accentuates the serenity of the hot springs.

Just as Lin Xiuyuan was leaning against the door, looking at the night outside that he hadn't seen in a long time, he heard the sound of a door opening, so he subconsciously turned his head to look.

Not far away, Jessica was standing in front of her door, wearing a cool and sexy little camisole nightgown.

Her hair was slightly damp, as if she had just taken a shower, her shoulders were faintly visible, and the light, strappy skirt swayed gently in the wind, exuding a mature and alluring charm.

For a moment, Lin Xiuyuan's heart seemed to beat faster, but he quickly regained his composure.

Although he knew Jessica was much older than Jessica Jung, the maturity and charm she exuded still left him somewhat stunned.

That rich, mellow charm and mature allure was something the young Jessica Jung couldn't match. Even though their previous acquaintance wasn't pleasant, Lin Xiuyuan couldn't help but be momentarily drawn to her.

This is the human instinct to marvel at beautiful things.

Jessica was also somewhat surprised when she saw Lin Xiuyuan, "How did you get here so quickly?"

"You call me a straight man? You don't even think before you speak." Lin Xiuyuan retorted directly after hearing this.

Jessica, instantly understanding, smiled. "No, I didn't mean that. Why are you being so sensitive? Or is it..."

"Shut up." Lin Xiuyuan knew he shouldn't have replied.

Jessica wasn't angry. Instead, she walked to the sofa, picked up a cup, poured herself a cup of hot tea, and took a small sip. The aroma of the tea brought her a moment of relaxation.

"Oh, this tea is really delicious," she said with a smile, but her gaze unconsciously swept over Lin Xiuyuan.

Lin Xiuyuan didn't reply, and Jessica took out her phone to reply to messages.

Just then, Krystal, having finished her shower, came out as well. She casually pulled up her bathrobe and looked at Jessica, "How did you get here so fast?"

"Where am I fast? Think before you speak, Krystal," Jessica said with a smile, taking the opportunity to tease someone a little.

Beside him, Lin Xiuyuan remained silent.

Krystal, judging from the way Jessica looked at Lin Xiuyuan, guessed the strange tone of the sentence, and then laughed, "Looks like you two are having a good chat."

Her relaxed tone instantly eased the already tense atmosphere.

Then he waved his hand again, "Let's go. It's rare to stay in such a beautiful place, we can't waste the hot springs."

At Krystal's suggestion, the three of them went through the door and into the courtyard.

Night had completely fallen, and the entire courtyard was quiet and cozy.

A gentle night breeze carries the scent of earth and flowers, while countless stars dot the deep night sky, shimmering like diamonds.

The fresh air made me feel refreshed, as if all the noise had dissipated with the night.

Krystal and Jessica followed closely behind Lin Xiuyuan, and the three of them lined up to walk into the other side of the courtyard, where the hot spring room was located in a small house.

This hot spring pool is secluded and private, completely isolated from the outside world.

Surrounded by lush vegetation, which swayed gently in the night breeze, a warm atmosphere permeated the surroundings.

The roof is made of transparent glass, allowing you to look up at the starry sky as if you were bathed in starlight. The whole space is filled with relaxation and comfort.

Steam rises gently from the hot spring, reflecting soft light on the water's surface, exuding a warm and pleasant atmosphere.

"finally reached."

Krystal, who was the first to enter, glanced at Jessica from a hidden angle after seeing the hot spring. Without hesitation, she took off her nightgown and walked into the hot spring pool in her underwear, revealing a smug smile. "This hot spring is amazing."

The sight made Jessica's eyes widen, but she didn't know there was something even more shocking to come.

Lin Xiuyuan stood to the side and looked around. He easily took off his shirt, leaving only a pair of loose sweatpants, and walked towards the hot spring pool. His firm and natural muscle lines, slightly outlined under the light, caught the eye of the person behind him.

So when Jessica, who was standing at the door, saw this scene, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes.

Although he had already seen Lin Xiuyuan's physique once, looking at the boy with firm and natural muscle lines again now, he didn't seem to have the physique that a young man his age should have.

Lin Xiuyuan usually dresses so stylishly that even plastic surgeons would assume he just has a normal-looking six-pack. So when Jessica saw this scene, she couldn't help but stop in her tracks, her gaze lingering on Lin Xiuyuan for a few seconds, somewhat shocked.

However, she quickly calmed down, looked down at her slip dress, and a faint smile appeared on her face.

She chose to wear this tank top right after taking a shower, purely for the convenience of soaking in the hot spring right now.

Without hesitation, she walked confidently towards the hot spring, entering next to Krystal. There was a large pool between her and Lin Xiuyuan, who was directly opposite her, so there was nothing ambiguous about it.

"Hmm, the water temperature is just right," Jessica said softly, gradually relaxing and slowly sitting down in the hot spring pool.

"Hot springs are really a great place; they allow you to relax and enjoy a moment of tranquility."

Krystal leaned against the pool wall, stretched her body, looked up at the starry sky, and said with a hint of enjoyment in her eyes, "Sometimes, if you don't travel, you really miss out on too many opportunities to relax."

Lin Xiuyuan nodded, his gaze fixed on the distant starry sky, his eyes somewhat unfocused.

If I follow my own path from 2013, such an enjoyable trip, while not impossible, is not so easy to have, let alone having the famous JK sisters from Korean entertainment company to accompany me to a hot spring.

Jessica adjusted her posture slightly and leaned against the edge of the pool. "Indeed, it's so nice to be able to relax and not be bothered by work and other things anymore."

"So where's your man?" Krystal suddenly blurted out, leaving Jessica stunned.

"Don't say anything discouraging, Krystal Jung," Jessica smiled and replied softly.

"Hahaha."

All three of them laughed, and the atmosphere gradually became relaxed and natural.

Despite the subtle tension between Lin Xiuyuan and Jessica, at this moment, all burdens seemed to be soothed by the warmth of the night sky and the hot spring, and everyone began to relax and chat in a relaxed and pleasant manner.

"By the way, your little bar's members are really mysterious," Jessica suddenly asked, turning her gaze to Lin Xiuyuan.

Lin Xiuyuan paused for a moment, his gaze still fixed on the starry sky ahead. "Well, it's mysterious to outsiders, but those on the inside don't see it that way."

Krystal chimed in, "Jessica, are you curious?"

"Yeah, that's right."

Jessica nodded thoughtfully, this was the first time she had admitted it, "After all, secrets can be very attractive sometimes."

What she didn't know was how deep the smile in Krystal's eyes was when she admitted to this situation.

So she raised her foot to kick Lin Xiuyuan across from her, but the hot spring pool was too big, and she wasn't some giant with legs two meters long, so she couldn't kick him at all, she only kicked a little water.

Seeing this, Krystal said, "Xiuyuan~ did you hear that? Jessica said she's curious."

"Yes, I heard that. It has nothing to do with me. I'm just a shopkeeper."

Lin Xiuyuan, feigning ignorance, had no intention of getting entangled in this topic.

Because he realized that Krystal, that silly girl, was still stuck on her 'crazy' plan and insisted on tormenting Jessica, regardless of whether she wanted to or not.

Besides, he wasn't too keen on it either.

　I couldn't catch up on the chapter I owed yesterday because I was too busy today. Consider it as me taking a day off yesterday.

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(End of this chapter)