Hancheng: There is a door between me and the future

Chapter 230 Kim Tae-yeon: Where to? To see the sea!!! (10,000 words, please subscribe and vote!)
Mid-January 2025.

After an overnight flight, Lin Xiuyuan and his two companions, who were in Georgia the day before, arrived safely in London the next day.

Despite jet lag and travel fatigue, the three of them still looked radiant and ready to embrace this charming city.

As soon as she got off the plane, Krystal received a message from her company, which basically said that she had missed an opportunity for exposure.

Her agency said that many artists flying from the Peninsula to London receive a lot of media attention and traffic at the airport, but she failed to take advantage of this opportunity, which her agent found somewhat regrettable.

On the way to the hotel, Krystal told Lin Xiuyuan and Jessica this information. As a result, Jessica glanced at her rosy and fair face after hearing it.

After pausing briefly, she said with a hint of joking, "According to the card rules on Lin Xiuyuan's side, the royal flush is always played last. Xiujing, in your current state, it will be even more intense when you appear on the day of the finals than when you are exposed now."

Krystal couldn't help but burst into laughter, a relaxed smile playing on her lips. "Wow, Jessica, what have you learned in China? You can even talk about the rules of playing cards?"

As she spoke, she turned to look at Lin Xiuyuan and patted the passenger seat. "Xiuyuan~ Did you hear what she just said? That was a master-level move."

Lin Xiuyuan, who was sitting in front looking at the navigation, turned around and smiled, then glanced at Jessica, "Hmm, it's quite accurate, but who taught you how to play cards?"

"I won't tell you, anyway, I've already learned it."

"How about we play a couple of rounds? Let's bring Soojung along, place a bet, and the loser pays for dinner later."

Jessica perked up immediately, "Sure, I guarantee I'll beat you. You'll be bleeding money then."

"It's okay, anyway, Krystal's paying for me, right, Krystal~"

Faced with Jessica's harsh words, Lin Xiuyuan wasn't worried at all. His offhand reply reminded her of that phone call during their previous conflict, and she rolled her eyes to the sky.

She'd never seen anyone like this who'd become such a gigolo.

Or rather, this guy is the first person to make Krystal so compliant.

Amidst laughter and conversation, the car quickly arrived at the hotel entrance. After entering the hotel, they quickly checked in and then returned to their respective rooms for a short rest.

Although it was already afternoon, Krystal seemed completely unaffected by the fatigue of her journey, standing by the window overlooking the cityscape of London, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"I really want to go out for a walk right now."

Lin Xiuyuan walked to her side and gently advised, "You're too tired today. There's plenty of time tomorrow. Take a rest first."

"Let's go play cards then."

Krystal pouted, her eyes filled with a slightly coquettish mood, and suddenly threw herself into Lin Xiuyuan's arms, wrapping her arms around his neck, her smile as bright as the sun.

Recently, she doesn't know why, but she suddenly likes this intimate gesture, as if she has handed over the whole world to the person in front of her, hanging on him easily and comfortably.

Lin Xiuyuan chuckled and shook his head slightly, "Either is fine, but go check with Jessica to see if she got it yet. I'll go back and get a deck of cards."

"Uh-huh."

And so, after Krystal left the guest room and went to Jessica's room next door, Lin Xiuyuan went back to his apartment from 13, got a deck of cards, and then went over there as well.

A few minutes later, the three people sat around the round table that Lin Xiuyuan had moved to the foot of the bed. There was a deck of cards on the table, and the atmosphere was relaxed yet slightly tense.

Krystal looked at the playing cards, seemingly bewildered. "What game is this? I've never played it before."

"Fight the Landlord." Lin Xiuyuan explained with a smile as he shuffled his cards. "Don't worry, the rules are actually quite simple. Three people are divided into three teams: one is the landlord, and the other two are peasants. The peasants have to cooperate to defeat the landlord."

“Oh, it sounds easy,” Krystal glanced at the playing cards with a hint of doubt in her eyes, “but I have absolutely no idea how to play.”

She frowned, turning her gaze to Jessica, expecting an explanation.

“It’s okay, Krystal, it’s very simple, I’ll teach you.” Jessica was ready and grinned.

As the game began, Krystal did indeed find herself somewhat stretched thin.

She looked at the cards in her hand. Although the cards looked good, she didn't know where to start.

Every time it was her turn, she would frown, her fingers sliding lightly across the deck of cards, hesitant and unsure.

Seeing this, Lin Xiuyuan and Jessica couldn't help but exchange a glance, a slight smile on their lips.

Both of them could clearly sense Krystal's confusion, but they didn't rush to disturb her; instead, they quietly observed her reaction.

Fortunately, it started as a lesson, and later, under Lin Xiuyuan's instructions and Jessica's chaotic commands, Krystal's clever little brain quickly learned the rules.

Then I played two more rounds to get the hang of it. After that, although I played a bit slower, at least I didn't make any more mistakes.

So after figuring out the rules, Krystal finally got into the zone, her eyes becoming more focused. "I understand, so that's how it is."

He then slammed his hand on the table, a confident smile spreading across his face, and looked at Lin Xiuyuan and Jessica. "Are you ready? I'm about to pull off a major comeback. Let's start betting in the next round, the kind where you can raise, just like in Texas Hold'em."

"Oh, is this how you play it? I'm afraid someone will lose and break down."

Upon learning of Krystal's betting rules, Lin Xiuyuan, who was shuffling the cards, smiled and looked at the two of them, or rather, one of them.

Sure enough, Jessica spoke up the next second, "Come on, I'm afraid I'm not Jessica."

Next, Lin Xiuyuan quickly dealt the cards, and after glancing at his own hole cards, he confidently announced...

"Alright, I'm going to be the landlord this round. Everyone, get ready."

He then placed his first bet, speaking casually, "Then, as I just said, the loser pays for dinner tonight."

Jessica and Krystal had already arranged their cards, and upon hearing this, the latter raised first, saying, "I'm going to raise, and take into account the food expenses for the next few days."

Lin Xiuyuan chuckled softly, "Oh, this pool must be quite large. London isn't cheap."

He looked at Krystal, his tone slightly teasing, "And also, Krystal~ I'm the landlord this round, are you sure you and Jessica can beat me?"

Jessica, looking at her strongest hand—the Ace of Spades—clenched her fists tightly, too afraid to speak.

Krystal, the newbie, confidently said yes.

However, what happened next was completely beyond her expectations.

Lin Xiuyuan quickly used his card skills, playing a straight flush followed by a pair, and then a royal flush, instantly taking control of the situation.

Before Krystal and Jessica could even react effectively, Lin Xiuyuan easily left them behind. With a final straight, the first game ended in their defeat.

"That's great!" Lin Xiuyuan said with a smug smile, looking up at the two of them. "I'm going to enjoy a Michelin three-star meal in London for the next few days."

Then, winking, she said jokingly, "Can I make an appointment now?"

"Sure, go ahead and ask, Xiuyuan~ I'm just worried you won't be able to finish it."

Krystal didn't take this argument seriously at all. She would buy Lin Xiuyuan anything he wanted, let alone food.

So, while laughing, he had already begun planning the bets for the second round, saying, "Now it's my turn to set the bets."

She looked at the two of them, her eyes sparkling, "If I win, the loser will reimburse me for all my shopping expenses tomorrow."

"Haha, wishful thinking." Jessica laughed, responding before Lin Xiuyuan could even deal the cards, "Then I'll raise too. If I win, you guys will reimburse me. Xiujing, are you prepared to bear the consequences of failure?"

The so-called reimbursement for shopping expenses is actually not much, no matter how much you shop.

Even Lin Xiuyuan, who was present, could take out a small amount of money from the church fees... well, he should have some. If all else fails, he can collect future church fees.

So everyone just wants that feeling of winning.

As the game began, Krystal was clearly eager to succeed, barely observing her hand and instead thinking about how to trick Jessica.

As a result of playing cards haphazardly, I made a basic mistake right from the start, turning a good hand of cards into a bunch of scattered cards.

Seeing this, Jessica got even more excited, slamming down her cards and betting, smugly declaring that she was going to win...

Lin Xiuyuan unleashed a bomb, followed by pairs, and finished playing all his cards under Jessica's furious, murderous gaze, winning the game with the rookie Krystal.

Krystal, her worries turning to joy, threw herself into Lin Xiuyuan's arms, excitedly shouting, "Oh, Xiuyuan~ you're so great, so amazing, I love you to death, hahaha, I won, Jessica, I won, you have to reimburse us for our shopping tomorrow!"

Jessica, revealing the last card, the two of spades, was furious. She gritted her teeth and said, "The bet was to reimburse you, not this guy."

Krystal smiled smugly, completely unconcerned, "Sure, I'll buy it for Xiuyuan, and Jessica, you can reimburse me, it's the same thing."

A sly smile played on her lips, and her eyes gleamed with triumph.

"..."

Unexpectedly, Jessica had a brain fart in this regard and almost choked on her breath.

He then pursed his lips, suppressing his emotions, and forced a smile, managing not to lose his temper.

Then, in the third round, Jessica set the stakes.

After receiving her cards, she glanced at the royal flush, bomb, and pair, then immediately slammed her hand on the table, making a crisp sound that drew the attention of both Lin Xiuyuan and Krystal.

"Alright, this time it's my turn to say it. The loser has to give an unexpected gift, but it can't be something you buy with money."

After she finished speaking, she couldn't help but glance at Krystal again, as if she had a mischievous thought in mind.

Krystal paused for a moment, raising her eyebrows slightly, seemingly surprised by the sudden bet. "A gift? Unnie, what kind of gift do you want?"

As she asked the question, her voice carried a hint of ease, and a touch of curiosity unconsciously appeared on her face.

However, Krystal seemed to have thought of something, and turned to look at Lin Xiuyuan, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

A hint of anticipation appeared on his face, as if he had thought of something.

Lin Xiuyuan, on the other hand, didn't think he would lose. He glanced down at the cards and then looked at Krystal, "Don't worry, Xiujing, I'll carry you."

However, Lin Xiuyuan, who said those words, did not notice Krystal's slightly excited expression.

As soon as the game started, Jessica's expression instantly became full of confidence. With this hand of cards, she was almost certain of winning the round.

But Lin Xiuyuan displayed card skills that surprised her. He skillfully broke up her pairs and made precise attacks with single cards, gradually putting her in a difficult situation.

Seeing her situation crumble in an instant, Jessica finally couldn't help but frown, her face revealing undisguised frustration. "Lin Xiuyuan, you've gone too far."

"It's just normal playing cards, how is that going too far?"

Lin Xiuyuan laughed as he played another card, calling himself a "little nobody."

Jessica glanced at her cards and had no choice but to continue breaking them up. However, this time she wasn't going to let Lin Xiuyuan pass, so she broke up both kings as well.

Lin Xiuyuan laughed when he saw this, and when Jessica excitedly dropped another bomb, leaving one player against ten to end the match.

Lin Xiuyuan stopped her from playing her card, saying, "Wait a minute, I have a bomb too, Jessica."

Then, he slowly dropped four Aces, which made Jessica furious, as if the situation from the previous game was repeating itself.

Fortunately, Lin Xiuyuan ran out of cards to play and could only pass them to Krystal.

Based on what he just said, with Jessica having only two cards left, Krystal, unless she's completely stupid, should be able to break up her opponent's cards one by one, and then they can win the round smoothly.

Krystal, quite 'naturally', played a pair of four.

That's right, it's one against four.

This completely stunned Lin Xiuyuan. "Hey, Xiujing, look at the girl next to you, she has two cards."

"Ah, oh, I made a mistake." Krystal suddenly realized, a hint of panic flashing in her eyes, and then reached out to take the cards back.

At that moment, Jessica seemed to regain her confidence instantly, frantically throwing out the pair of 10s and excitedly shouting, "No backing down, you're not allowed to cheat!"

Lin Xiuyuan, as if remembering something, turned to look at Krystal, who quickly waved her hand, "I really forgot, Xiuyuan~"

The drawn-out, slightly coquettish tone left Lin Xiuyuan speechless. He could only wave his hand and say, "Alright, winning and losing are common in war. Shall we continue?"

"Let's stop playing now, it's time to go out for dinner, the streetlights are all on."

After packing their things, the three of them went to an Italian restaurant near the hotel and had a simple dinner.

Although the meal was simple, Krystal ordered a bottle of expensive champagne, saying she would take it back to the hotel and enjoy it with Lin Xiuyuan that night. She was still savoring the pleasant experience of being slightly tipsy the night before.

It just angered Jessica. You're using your own money to pave the way for your relationship and build up the atmosphere, aren't you?

Despite her anger, she ultimately paid the bill and went home, true to her word.

After dinner, the three of them decided not to go shopping and instead returned directly to the hotel to rest.

What gave Jessica some comfort was that the soundproofing in this hotel was better than last night, and she couldn't hear those disturbing sounds anymore.

But after realizing she couldn't hear clearly, the silence of the room also made her lose a certain vague sense of connection.

The woman's complex thoughts were laid bare at this moment, with a mix of contradictions and confusion welling up inside her.

The next day, the weather in London was not as gloomy as it had been the day before.

Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains, filtering through the thick clouds, carrying the scent of summer—bright and intense.

The view outside the window is a typical urban landscape, with bustling streets and unique architectural styles intertwined, giving a sense of time travel, as if modernity and history collide here, weaving together the unique charm of this city.

Krystal, who had gotten out of bed early, was in a good mood because she was about to go shopping.

Thinking of this, she turned to Lin Xiuyuan, who was still lying on the bed, and said, "Xiuyuan~ We need to buy a suitable outfit today. Get up quickly, or it will be too late to go shopping."

Amidst the interplay of light and shadow, Krystal stands by the window, wearing a pure white sports vest that clings to her skin. The clean lines perfectly accentuate her sharp shoulders and delicate collarbones, giving her a cool yet vibrant aura.

She wore a pair of flowing pinstripe suit trousers, with classic black and white stripes running vertically across her long legs. The combination of the crisp material and the relaxed trouser lines created a very modern look.

This outfit combines the casual freedom of a sports vest with the rational restraint of striped trousers, showcasing her unique temperament.

A few strands of hair brushed against her cold profile as she turned her face slightly to the side, but her eyes held a hint of tenderness as she looked at Lin Xiuyuan.

"Okay, I'll get up now."

Lin Xiuyuan, who was sitting up behind him, scratched his hair, then looked down at the various hickeys on his chest, and then yawned and asked.

"But I have a question, Soojung. You guys went to the game dressed like that, all old-fashioned, in this temperature... honestly, weren't you hot?"

"With such a good image and so many cameras around, I have to endure the heat," Krystal said with a glint of light in her eyes.

When the two were ready to leave, Jessica chose to stay at the hotel to rest.

Over the years, aside from variety shows and some everyday videos, she has avoided attending formal events with Krystal, as this could subject Krystal to inappropriate comments.

Thinking of this, Jessica watched the two figures leave, her face revealing little emotion.

Despite repeatedly telling herself to relax, her heart was still in turmoil and her thoughts were difficult to calm.

However, she knew that she could only face all of this quietly and bear it silently.

After leaving the house, Lin Xiuyuan, carrying a new action camera he had bought the night before, followed Krystal like an assistant as they arrived at a high-end fashion district in central London, surrounded by coveted brand stores and boutiques.

As a brand ambassador for Ralph Lauren, Krystal naturally headed straight to their store for the Wimbledon finals, where she carefully selected a dress that was both appropriate and full of her unique style.

Stepping into Ralph Lauren's flagship store, the air is filled with the scents of high-end fabrics and perfumes, instantly giving you a unique feeling of being in a world of luxury.

As soon as Krystal entered, her gaze swept across the room and she was immediately drawn to an elegant white dress.

The dress is made of a light and airy material, and its flowing lines and perfect tailoring make her figure even more attractive.

So he smiled and said to Lin Xiuyuan, "Xiuyuan, what do you think of this? Doesn't it suit the Wimbledon atmosphere perfectly?"

Lin Xiuyuan knew Krystal was joking, but he still said truthfully, "If you have a male companion, then this dress is fine. If not, I suggest you take another look."

Krystal gave him a deep look; by taking off the dress, she was clearly making a point at him.

But she also knew that while joking around was fine for now, if it really came down to it, she wouldn't let Lin Xiuyuan appear on camera. It was safer to keep a low profile.

Next, she picked out several clothes of different styles. Originally, she planned to choose one that was unique and eye-catching.

So in the end, her gaze settled on a blue linen vest suit.

The simple design and tailored cut, combined with a refreshing retro-modern feel, perfectly showcase her cool and aloof temperament.

Wearing this outfit, she seemed to have transformed into a woman who was both elegant and charismatic, prompting Lin Xiuyuan to exclaim, "Nice~ Soojung."

After choosing her dress, Krystal couldn't help but turn back to Lin Xiuyuan and ask, "How about this one?"

Her eyes held a hint of expectation, as if seeking his confirmation.

Lin Xiuyuan smiled slightly, "I already complimented you. This outfit really suits you. It's simple yet powerful, showcasing your elegance without being too ostentatious."

A smile flickered in Krystal's eyes as she gazed at herself in the mirror.

He nodded slightly, a satisfied smile on his face, "Then I'll take this one."

After selecting their gowns, they continued browsing through several shops in London's trendy districts, sampling some delicate snacks and desserts, and occasionally stopping to take some street style photos for later use in company promotions.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows. The streets were bustling with pedestrians and lively shops, and Krystal's eyes always held a hint of happiness.

In recent days, she has gradually come to realize that the boy beside her is not just a companion, but has gradually become an indispensable and important part of her life.

Every second they spent together was like an invisible bond, tightly connecting them.

It wasn't until the afternoon that the two returned to the hotel to rest and prepare for the next day's activities.

The next day, the day of the Wimbledon finals finally arrived; the sun was shining brightly and the temperature was just right.

The streets of London were filled with excitement, as if the entire city was preparing for this grand event.

Krystal put on that modern suit and applied a light makeup herself, without needing any help from a makeup artist.

Her makeup, though simple, was just right, perfectly showcasing her unique charm.

The reason is simple: as she rejuvenated, her skin became more delicate and smooth, and her features became more refined and three-dimensional. The radiant spirit she exuded made her beauty shine through naturally.

So even though she did her own makeup, it still radiated an amazing glow.

This startled Jessica, who was standing next to her, who stared at her intently, as if she were amazed by her beauty.

Then, Jessica couldn't help but ask softly, "Soojung, when are you going to ask about that serum you mentioned using? I'm so jealous of you looking like this."

"Ouni..."

Krystal, sitting in front of the mirror, looked at Jessica with a mix of amusement and helplessness in her eyes. "I'll try to ask her."

Actually, she was a little helpless. How could she ask that? She couldn't very well say that after taking it out, she poured it into a glass and made Jessica drink it, could she?

The scene was incredibly bizarre just to think about.

At the same time, since this event is open to the public and the media, it is not appropriate for Lin Xiuyuan and Jessica to appear in public.

So one of them chose to rest at the hotel, while the other went to catch up with a friend.

Around noon, Lin Xiuyuan, who was still fast asleep, was suddenly interrupted by the ringing of his cell phone.

So he reached for his phone and saw that it was a message from Kim Tae-yeon.

The message not only included several unedited photos of Krystal's latest activities, but also warmly inquired about his situation.

Kim Tae-yeon: [Why haven't I seen you?]

Lin Xiuyuan smiled upon seeing the message and replied: "I didn't go; I'm resting at the hotel."

Not long after, Kim Tae-yeon sent another message, mentioning that she had ordered takeout and hinting to Lin Xiuyuan that he wanted to come over and have some too.

Hearing this, Lin Xiuyuan, who had slept all morning, touched his stomach and felt a little hungry. So he got up, washed up, put on the flip-flops he had bought at the LV store yesterday, and went to Kim Tae-yeon's apartment.

As soon as he pushed open the door, Kim Tae-yeon, who was busy arranging takeout boxes, turned to look at Lin Xiuyuan upon hearing the noise and exclaimed in surprise.

"Ah~ so fast, I thought I'd have to wait a while. Please have a seat, I'll be done in a bit."

As she spoke, she skillfully organized the takeout orders, asking, "Would you like something to drink?"

"Cola, please." Lin Xiuyuan sat down with a smile, watching Kim Tae-yeon's busy little figure, and suddenly revealed a relaxed smile, "You're being so helpful for no reason, Tae-yeon."

After saying that, he muttered to himself, "Don't worry, I remember what happened to you."

As Kim Tae-yeon took a drink from the refrigerator, she pouted and said, "Don't talk nonsense. I wasn't planning to rush you this time. I just happened to see Krystal doing things alone and wanted to ask how you were doing."

As she spoke, she took a bottle of Coke from the refrigerator, but stopped abruptly as she was about to hand it to Lin Xiuyuan, seemingly hesitant.

Then, she turned around and got him another bottle of juice.

This amused Lin Xiuyuan. "What? You're not going to give me a drink?"

“I heard from a friend that drinking too many carbonated drinks is bad for men’s health, Xiuyuan, you should drink less of them. Fruit juice or soda water is fine.”

Lin Xiuyuan was stunned for a moment, then laughed, "Now that you say so, I have no choice but to drink it. This stuff isn't as exaggerated as you make it out to be."

He said in an exaggerated manner, then got up and walked to the refrigerator, took out a bottle of Coke, and said with his smile still on, "Really, damn it, I could have not drunk it, but now that you say so, I have to prove it."

Seeing Lin Xiuyuan's somewhat childish reaction, Kim Tae-yeon couldn't help but laugh out loud. "Okay, drink up, I apologize, okay?"

Afterwards, the two casually sat down and began to eat. The atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant as they chatted while eating.

"How's work lately?" Lin Xiuyuan asked casually.

As Kim Tae-yeon pushed the meat and vegetables to the other side, she replied naturally, "It's alright. I'm a bit busy with variety shows and tours, and preparations for the family concert will start soon."

As she spoke, she put down her chopsticks, narrowed her eyes slightly, and then smiled, "But you should know that I haven't had a real rest in a long time, so the next period should be a vacation."

Lin Xiuyuan smiled and shook his head, a hint of emotion in his eyes, "Compared to your side, Xiuyan and the others in 13 were really busy to the point of exhaustion."

"There's nothing we can do about it; it just so happens to be my peak period back then."

Kim Tae-yeon couldn't help but drift into memories, and answered with a slight smile. She took a small sip of water, her eyes filled with nostalgia.

After finishing her sentence, Kim Tae-yeon picked up her drink and poured juice into her glass. Suddenly, she brought up a topic, "By the way, Xiu Yuan, do you know Liu Zhimin from our company?"

"Ok?"

Lin Xiuyuan was taken aback, but did not deny it. "Yes, I know him. How did you know?"

"I heard it from Yoona."

While eating, Kim Tae-yeon spoke casually and nonchalantly, "And I heard she's been making some moves in her private life lately, and there's been a lot of gossip about her online. Members of popular girl groups are always under a lot of media scrutiny, so you'd better be careful."

Lin Xiuyuan smiled and turned to look at Kim Tae-yeon. "Don't mention me by name. We've only met a few times. Are you worried that I'll be cyberbullied or what?"

"I'm worried you're being watched closely, and it'll be troublesome if you get caught." Kim Tae-yeon said, eating her lunch with her head down.

"Don't worry." Lin Xiuyuan looked at Kim Tae-yeon for a long time before laughing.

The two continued eating and chatting, and the topic gradually shifted from Liu Zhimin's private life to other gossip in the entertainment industry.

Then Lin Xiuyuan mentioned the new generation of girl groups that have emerged in recent years. Although their stage performances are good, in his eyes, they are not as distinctive as the second-generation girl groups from 13.

Kim Tae-yeon nodded, a thoughtful look in her eyes. "Actually, the stage design and production quality has improved a lot since then, much better than what we had back then."

Lin Xiuyuan picked up a mouthful of rice, paused slightly, and said with a touch of emotion, "But it doesn't have that kind of vitality. It feels like you'll forget it after watching it. Unlike the stage in 13, which is unforgettable."

Kim Tae-yeon's tone carried a hint of self-deprecation, and her eyes flickered with complex emotions. "I know that, but Xiu-yuan~ what you call vitality is actually the stage we rehearse after pushing ourselves to the limit."

Then, with a soft sigh, he continued, "The kind of stage you're talking about, with its bloody atmosphere, has actually seen cases of fainting, low blood sugar, and nosebleeds after the performance."

"To be honest, if I were to go back to that time and work hard now, I'm not sure I could stick with it. I've been worn down a bit in the last two years."

Her tone carried a hint of weariness and relief, as if saying these words would make her feel a little better.

After hearing this, Lin Xiuyuan looked at her very seriously and said, "In my opinion, if there is one, there will be two. If you were really given the chance to go back to the past, I think you could still persevere."

Kim Tae-yeon was surprised by Lin Xiuyuan's determination, and a smile involuntarily appeared on her lips, her eyes sparkling with warmth.

After a gentle smile, her eyes held a hint of emotion. "The way you put it, I am somewhat touched by what you've said."

The two smiled at each other, and after a brief silence, Kim Tae-yeon suddenly asked in a low voice, "By the way, Xiuyuan~ are you going back to London later?"

Lin Xiuyuan thought for a moment, then waved his hand, "No rush, Xiujing seems to have interviews and events later, probably until tonight."

Kim Tae-yeon nodded, then tentatively asked, "I heard Jessica..."

Lin Xiuyuan interrupted her, responding very bluntly, "I don't know about this one, but she won't get lost."

Seeing Lin Xiuyuan's nonchalant expression, Kim Tae-yeon glanced at him and swallowed back the words she was about to say.

Originally, she wanted to test Lin Xiuyuan's opinion on whether she could have further contact in 2013, but after hearing Lin Xiuyuan's opinion on Jessica, she dared not test him any further.

This little boy not only has a bad temper, but he also holds grudges.

It doesn't seem like it would be a good thing to really anger him.

Yoona's words from a couple of days ago echoed in Taeyeon's mind again, leaving her somewhat silent, but also subtly reminding her of something.

That is... we cannot take advantage of Lin Xiuyuan's retreat.

Although Kim Tae-yeon's thoughts paused slightly, she did not break the silence and instead continued eating her lunch quietly.

Lin Xiuyuan, however, was focused on eating and didn't notice the change in the other person's mood at all.

After finishing lunch, Kim Tae-yeon began clearing the table.

Taking the opportunity, Lin Xiuyuan stood up, walked to the window, stretched, and casually glanced at the scenery outside.

Looking out the window, the sunlight shines through the thin clouds, and the city streets are bathed in a warm golden light.

This meal is a bit of an eyesore.

Then, turning around, he saw Kim Tae-yeon cleaning the table. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Tae-yeon, I'm going back to talk to Krystal about the situation. I'll come back later. Could you order me a milk tea?"

Kim Tae-yeon smiled at him and teased, "You just drank cola, Xiu Yuan~"

"Cola is cola, and milk tea is milk tea."

After saying that, Lin Xiuyuan, having eaten and drunk his fill, left without even bothering to pack his bags, leaving Kim Tae-yeon with a wry smile on her face.

However, she still opened her phone and ordered a milk tea for Lin Xiuyuan, but she wouldn't drink it herself.

……

……

Meanwhile, Lin Xiuyuan, who had returned to his apartment in 2013, did not go to the hotel in London.

Instead, he took out his phone and called Jessica Jung.

After the phone rang twice, Jessica Jung answered it, her voice sounding tired, "Hello, Xiuyuan?"

Hearing her familiar voice, Lin Xiuyuan smiled slightly, "It's me."

At first, Jessica Jung thought it was Sulli calling, but upon hearing this voice, she immediately snapped out of it, and her slightly tired tone instantly became cheerful, "When did you get back?"

"Just now," Lin Xiuyuan replied. "By the way, Xiuyan, what are your plans for today?"

Hearing Lin Xiuyuan's words, Jessica Jung was a little curious, but she didn't ask too many questions and immediately told him about Girls' Generation's schedule.

"There were no team activities today. Apart from me, Sunny, Yoona, Seohyun and I participated in a variety show, and everyone else was either rehearsing or resting at the company."

"Is your squad leader also resting?" Lin Xiuyuan asked with a smile.

"Hmm, I think so, but I think she's probably practicing her vocals at the company."

After responding, Jessica Jung suddenly seemed to remember something, paused, and then asked with a hint of doubt, "Wait, Xiuyuan, what do you mean by this?"

Lin Xiuyuan smiled easily, his tone slightly joking, "No, I just heard that her father's birthday is coming up soon, so I wanted to chat with her."

Jessica Jung on the other end of the phone was clearly taken aback. She first gave a soft "Oh," and then suddenly exclaimed uncertainly, "Birthday?"

"Yes, it's my birthday~"

Lin Xiuyuan said casually, a hint of a smile in his voice, "Alright, since she doesn't have any schedules, you'll probably have to go back to the dorm tonight, Xiuyan~"

Then, as if remembering something, he added, "You said before that you wouldn't discuss it with me, but this time I told you in advance, so you can't blame me anymore."

"..."

Upon hearing the last sentence, Jessica Jung on the other end of the phone immediately understood something, her eyes widened, and she was overjoyed.

After a moment of silence, she looked down at her shoes, took a deep breath, and then flashed a bright smile. "Okay, I got it. Be careful."

"Don't worry," Lin Xiuyuan replied with a smile, then suddenly remembered something and asked, "By the way, Xiuyan, do you have any other properties?"

Jessica Jung on the other end of the phone was taken aback. "Huh?" She didn't understand what Lin Xiuyuan meant.

"By the sea." Lin Xiuyuan smiled.

"Yoona has it," Jessica Jung replied softly after thinking for a moment.

"Wow~ she's really a real estate tycoon," Lin Xiuyuan teased, a relaxed smile on his face.

After half an hour.

Following the address given by Lin Yoona, Lin Xiuyuan drove to the location of the villa.

Although the road conditions were somewhat remote, Lin Xiuyuan knew that with the development of the surrounding land in a few years, this place would soon become a high-end residential area, and housing prices would skyrocket.

Standing in front of the villa, Lin Xiuyuan, after getting out of the car, looked at the simple house in front of him and couldn't help but sigh, "Damn, if I didn't know that Lin Xiaolu hadn't been reborn, I would really suspect that she has a system. How come every property she invests in is so successful?"

After saying that, Lin Xiuyuan went inside to tour the villa.

The decor here is simple and modern, giving the space the feel of a showroom, with every corner neat and tidy.

Apart from being a little dusty, everything else is fine.

It didn't matter, as long as it was useful. With a slight smile, he turned the doorknob and stepped through.

A few minutes later.

Kim Tae-yeon looked at Lin Xiu-yuan standing in front of her with a somewhat confused expression, as if she had just come out of her reverie.

"Where to?" The tone was tinged with confusion.

Lin Xiuyuan looked at her with a relaxed smile, holding the cup of milk tea in his hand. He leaned slightly forward and said in a warm and gentle tone, "Let's go see the sea."

His voice, low and soothing with a light laugh, said again, "Let's go."

Kim Tae-yeon didn't understand what was going on, but she still followed Lin Xiuyuan's footsteps, "Oh, here we come."

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