Hancheng: There is a door between me and the future

Chapter 277 Bae Joo-hyun: "You two are dating?" (10,000 words, please subscribe and vote)

The hospital parking lot.

Lin Xiuyuan got into the car, and when he closed the door, there was still a faint smell of disinfectant in the car.

As he started the car, the deep roar of the engine echoing in the cramped space, he looked down to reply to Tian Enjing's text message.

He tapped the screen a few times quickly, and as soon as the humorous emoji was sent, he couldn't help but laugh.

Then he took out his phone, opened his contacts, and dialed Jessica's number.

The phone rang a few times before being answered, accompanied by familiar background noises, as if the television was still on.

"Hello?" Jessica's voice came through, her tone calm, but with a hint of ease at the end, like a canary that had flown out of its cage.

Lin Xiuyuan didn't exchange many pleasantries. He first briefly told her about his situation at the hospital, and then asked, "By the way, Jessica, what would you like to eat for lunch? I can order takeout and have it delivered, or I can just buy some and bring it with me."

There was a brief silence on the other end of the phone, then Jessica laughed, her voice light and cheerful.

"Lin Xiuyuan, what kind of person do you take me for? I'm not a child, and I won't become a stupid idiot who can't take care of himself just because you imprisoned me for a few days. Don't worry, I'll find food myself."

She seemed to pause for a moment, then continued in a slightly sarcastic tone, "Besides, I'm really busy right now. It's all your fault for messing things up with that 'stupid woman' of mine. You've made a mess of everything. Alright, go ahead and do your own thing. Don't call me anymore, just hang up."

Before Lin Xiuyuan could even reply, the call was disconnected.

He stared at the black screen for two seconds, his expression complex, before finally managing a helpless smile.

Just as I was thinking this, I was startled awake by a piercing horn blaring behind me.

Looking in his rearview mirror, he noticed the car behind him honking impatiently. He quickly paid the parking fee, drove out of the hospital parking lot, turned the steering wheel, and drove straight to the restaurant where he had arranged to meet Li Juli.

The restaurant had a strong Japanese atmosphere; the wooden sliding doors exuded a warm woody scent, and warm yellow paper lanterns hung high overhead, casting a soft glow.

The air is filled with the aroma of grilled meat and soy sauce, mixed with the sounds of people talking and the crackling of charcoal, making you feel relaxed as soon as you enter.

Pushing open the door to the private room, Lin Xiuyuan immediately saw the three people already seated.

Lee Qri sat gracefully in the innermost seat, exuding elegance in every gesture; Daeyong, on the other hand, was lounging around, smiling and talking to Park Hyomin.

Several small dishes and teacups were laid out on the table, steaming hot.

"Hey, long time no see, ladies. Sorry to keep you waiting." Lin Xiuyuan walked up with a smile, his tone naturally tinged with a familiar joke. "This meal is on me, don't try to take it from me."

"No, I just arrived not long ago." Lee Juri looked up at him, her voice gentle and with a faint smile.

Lin Xiuyuan glanced at her, then naturally sat down in the recessed area of ​​the tatami mat, took the menu from the side, and casually asked, "Have you ordered yet?"

The little dragon immediately raised its chin, a hint of pride in its eyes, and said with a smile, "Yes, we've ordered everything, and we even ordered barbecue and lobster especially for you. Is that enough? We can add more if needed."

"That's enough, that's enough." Lin Xiuyuan closed the menu decisively and nodded in acknowledgment.

The group chatted idly while waiting for the food to be served.

The conversation naturally turned to the restaurant's specialties, and Li Juli even earnestly recommended a tuna belly sashimi to Lin Xiuyuan.

However, Lin Xiuyuan was not used to eating raw food, so he politely declined.

Not long afterward, the topic naturally turned to him.

After chatting for a while, Li Juli narrowed her eyes, looking at him with a scrutinizing gaze, and said, "Xiuyuan, what have you been busy with these past few days? You're being very mysterious."

Lin Xiuyuan rested his chin on his hand, looking relaxed. "I've been working on my training lately, my schedule is packed, I don't even dare to sleep. I only finished yesterday, so I finally have some free time."

"Training eagles?" Li Juli was stunned for a moment, then took out her phone and searched carefully.

After finding the explanation, she looked up at Lin Xiuyuan in surprise, "What do you mean, Xiuyuan, you raised an eagle? An eagle?"

Lin Xiuyuan blinked and smiled helplessly, "Yeah, I raised a very fierce eagle, and I just finished training it these past two days."

"Wow, amazing..." Lee Juri exclaimed softly, her eyes sparkling, as if she had truly been piqued.

The little dragon cub standing to the side couldn't hold back his laughter. His shoulders trembled slightly, and he glanced at Lin Xiuyuan's serious nonsense out of the corner of his eye, almost bursting out laughing.

The conversation flowed easily, from the absurd explanation of "keeping the eagles warm" to T-ara's recent concerts and work anecdotes. The atmosphere at the table gradually warmed up, filled with laughter and joy, making people forget the passage of time.

Before the tea was finished and the dishes were served, Park Hyomin unexpectedly brought up her past experience of filming videos in Suzhou and Hangzhou.

Lin Xiuyuan listened, then his eyes suddenly flashed, and he took the opportunity to ask her, "How was it? I heard that the influencer incubation process in Suzhou and Hangzhou is like an assembly line. What was your impression of it?"

Park Hyomin was twirling a teacup in her hand. She paused for a moment, then clicked her tongue and raised her eyebrows slightly. "This... how should I put it?"

After a moment's thought, she gave a general account of what she had seen and heard.

Speaking of the professionalism of the short video industry there, its assembly-line operation is even more exaggerated than Seoul's star-making system.

His words were tinged with shock and emotion, and in the end he just shook his head and muttered a summary, "Anyway, it's crazier than I imagined."

Lin Xiuyuan just smiled after hearing this, without asking any further questions or engaging in much conversation with her.

But a more intriguing question was stirring within me.

Just then, the little dragon seemed to see through his thoughts and silently kicked him from under the table.

The movement was very light, but it was like a reminder that pulled Lin Xiuyuan back to the present moment.

He paused for a moment, then pretended to be nonchalant and composed himself.

Before long, the food was served one after another, and the aroma quickly filled the air. The warm yellow light shone on the table, creating a cozy atmosphere.

As everyone ate and chatted, the atmosphere gradually relaxed.

Da Longzai was exceptionally attentive today, not only pouring water for Lin Xiuyuan but also personally picking up his favorite sashimi from his plate and feeding it directly to him.

The intensity and seriousness in their eyes practically screamed "being in the honeymoon phase."

Her appearance startled Park Hyomin, who froze, her chopsticks hanging in mid-air.

Even Lee Juri couldn't help but raise her eyebrows slightly, a rare shock showing in her eyes.

She knew very well that although she also had some ambiguous feelings for Lin Xiuyuan, for the time being, they were still at the level of admiration and observation, as well as sexual desire.

But the little dragon was different; his passion and directness far exceeded what others could pretend not to see.

Sure enough, when Lin Xiuyuan excused himself to go to the restroom, the atmosphere in the private room instantly became awkward.

Park Hyomin immediately turned her head, lowered her voice, and looked at him with scrutiny, "Jiyeon, you've really taken a liking to Lin Xiuyuan, haven't you?"

The little dragon didn't answer immediately, but just looked at her quietly with clear eyes.

That unwavering determination was almost undisguised, which made Park Hyo-min's heart tighten, and the answer was self-evident at the same time.

She couldn't help but sigh, her brow furrowing slightly. "Zhiyan, Lin Xiuyuan is too young. If you're just having a fling with him for the novelty, that's fine. But if you take it seriously... I'm afraid you'll get hurt in the end."

She paused, then added meaningfully, "I always feel that between the two of you, either you have him completely under your thumb, or he's manipulating you completely."

The little dragon smiled, but his eyes and brows held an undeniable seriousness.

The next second she asked back, her voice soft but piercingly direct, "Is it possible that I just like spinning around, unnie?"

Upon hearing this, Park Hyomin froze, as if she had been lightly slapped in the face, yet she was unable to refute it.

The air seemed to freeze for a moment.

Park Hyomin was the first to break down, "Jiyeon, your attitude... Unnie, this is the first time I've ever seen you so invested. Why is that? You've only known each other for a short time, how can you get to this point?"

Li Juli did not interrupt immediately, but her gaze was fixed intently on the big dragon cub.

Compared to Park Hyo-min, she clearly knew more and could vaguely see Lin Xiuyuan's care for the little dragon cub.

Even so, she never expected that the youngest member in front of her would approach relationships with such a passionate and straightforward attitude.

This is no longer just a simple attraction; it's more like a deep-seated, ingrained obsession.

The little dragon was silent for a few seconds before finally speaking slowly.

Her eyes softened like never before, and the corners of her lips lifted slightly. "Unnies, you may not understand. Xiuyuan gave me a new life, a brand new beginning."

Her voice gradually lowered, yet it carried a resounding sincerity.

"It also gave me a chance to redeem myself and a pleasant surprise."

The earnestness with which she said those words moved even Lee Qri, who exchanged a glance with Park Hyomin.

Both of them had a complex mix of confusion and shock in their eyes.

However, the little dragon just smiled lightly, seemingly unwilling to make the atmosphere too heavy, and then said very bluntly, "Or you can just think of it as Xiu Yuan saving my life, so I plan to repay him with my body, it's that simple."

She spoke very softly, but there was not a trace of a joke in her tone.

For her, there were some weighty words that were inconvenient to utter, but the firmness and persistence of her choices were enough to explain everything.

Father or oneself.

When faced with this choice, it's really not a difficult problem for the big dragon cub.

"Offer yourself in return..." Park Hyomin stared in disbelief, her chopsticks dangling in mid-air.

Lee Juri remained silent for a long time, her expression complex, a hint of contemplation flashing in her eyes.

For a moment, the three women in the private room were chatting animatedly, almost forgetting the existence of the outside world.

Under the warm yellow light, the air was filled with the aroma of food and tea, and silence and sound intertwined, as if time had slowed down.

Just then, Lin Xiuyuan came out of the restroom and gently pushed open the corner of the corridor, only to suddenly bump into a familiar figure.

She was a girl dressed casually in a sweatshirt and jeans, without makeup, yet her youthful and bright aura was undeniable.

Her sunny disposition made her stand out.

"Hey? It's you!"

Liu Zhimin, who was the first to spot Lin Xiuyuan, was stunned for a moment, then her eyes lit up and a surprised smile appeared on her face. She raised her hand and waved at him, "Lin Xiuyuan!! What are you doing here?"

Upon hearing the voice, Lin Xiuyuan looked up and was also stunned for a moment, then showed a surprised expression, "Uh, Liu Zhimin??? What are you doing here?"

Seeing the girl again, whom he had briefly met a few months ago and who had gradually become an online friend, Lin Xiuyuan couldn't help but feel a little surprised.

Liu Zhimin smiled, lowered her head slightly, and pointed to the private room at the other end of the corridor. "Our group members are having a get-together here today. We chose this restaurant. I didn't expect to run into you here."

Lin Xiuyuan nodded and casually explained, "I was having dinner with friends, the private room is over there."

A few simple words, yet like an invisible magnetic force, kept Liu Zhimin's gaze fixed on him for a long time.

She carefully examined the boy in front of her. Compared to their brief encounter a few months ago, the impression she had of him had clearly changed significantly.

His features remained delicate, but now possessed a sharper and more unrestrained air.

His sharp and unruly features made people instinctively wary, yet his lips curled into a cynical smile.

Although his facial features haven't changed drastically, they seem to have been subtly refined, making his overall demeanor appear as if it has been re-sculpted, more composed and carefree than before.

What caught her eye even more was that obvious sense of relaxation.

A few months ago, Lin Xiuyuan still had a bit of naivety and restraint, like a college student who was still adapting to society.

Now, his every move is natural and composed, exuding a steady yet agile aura.

In short, in Liu Zhimin's eyes, this change made Lin Xiuyuan look almost brand new. Compared to the last time they met, he was much more handsome.

After looking her over, she couldn't help but chuckle softly, with the straightforwardness and curiosity typical of a young girl, "Lin Xiuyuan, you've become so much more handsome."

Lin Xiuyuan was taken aback by this sudden comment. He then raised an eyebrow and smiled, but instead of responding directly, he said half-jokingly, "Your memory is terrible. It's only been a few months. You haven't changed at all."

Liu Zhimin didn't rush to refute him, but stared at him intently, her eyes filled with seriousness and inquiry. "My eyesight isn't bad."

The two chatted casually for a few minutes, and the atmosphere gradually relaxed. The light and shadows in the corridor slanted across them, slightly lengthening their shadows and bringing them closer together.

Then, as if she had suddenly mustered up her courage, Liu Zhimin looked directly at Lin Xiuyuan and asked, "By the way, when are you free? Let's have a meal together or something. We've been talking about it in messages, but nothing has been decided yet."

Her tone was light, yet it held a hint of anticipation.

Lin Xiuyuan was taken aback for a moment, but did not refuse. He smiled naturally and said, "I have a lot of free time. It mainly depends on how you arrange it. I'm available anytime."

This answer made Liu Zhimin's eyes light up slightly, filled with anticipation and a little bit of eagerness. "Then tonight?"

Her tone was light, but she couldn't hide her nervousness, mainly because she had very limited free time.

Lin Xiuyuan was a little embarrassed. He coughed lightly and shook his head, "Not tonight, I have plans tonight."

Liu Zhimin was taken aback by this, then curled her lips into a smile, her eyes filled with a hint of teasing, and deliberately drew out her words, "Oh ho, you said anytime was fine. Lin Xiuyuan, you men are really big liars."

Lin Xiuyuan didn't argue, he just smiled and replied calmly, "Anything after tonight is fine."

Liu Zhimin looked at him, suddenly laughed, and said decisively, "Then tomorrow at noon."

"Okay." Lin Xiuyuan nodded in agreement.

The conversation ended there, as everyone had dinner plans and it wasn't appropriate to discuss it further.

So they started walking almost simultaneously, preparing to return to their respective private rooms.

Unexpectedly, at that moment, a familiar figure walked out from the other end of the corridor.

The man's aloof demeanor and composed presence stunned Liu Zhimin and Lin Xiuyuan almost simultaneously.

"Long time no see, what are you doing here?" The man spoke first, his tone filled with surprise, but his eyes were fixed on Lin Xiuyuan with a scrutinizing look.

When Lin Xiuyuan looked up at her, a hint of surprise appeared in his eyes. "Bae Joo-hyun?? Wow, I came here for dinner. What are you doing here?"

Then, looking at Yoo Jimin beside her, she said with a smile, "No, this isn't some secret gathering place for your SM family, is it?"

Bae Joo-hyun slowly took a few steps closer, her steps steady and her expression calm, but the glint in her eyes betrayed her surprise and amusement.

After all, this was the third time she and Lin Xiuyuan had met by chance in this kind of setting. Recalling their last meeting and their first encounter even further back, she had to admit that this connection was somewhat mysterious.

So even his eyes couldn't help but flicker.

At the same time, Liu Zhimin, who was standing to the side, naturally recognized the other party as well. She immediately put away her playful expression and bowed slightly to greet him, "Hello, senior."

Bae Joo-hyun politely curved her lips into a smile and nodded in response, but her eyes held a gentle and reserved smile, as if she were secretly observing the two people in front of her and confirming this unexpected little reunion.

Liu Zhimin was initially curious and wanted to ask how the two met, but when she caught the subtle, probing look in Bae Joo-hyun's eyes, she immediately understood.

Then, with a sensible smile, she said softly, "Well then, Xiuyuan, I'll head back now. We'll contact each other another day."

Before turning around, she playfully made a "make a phone call" gesture at Lin Xiuyuan, her eyes flashing with a mischievous light, but she quickly composed herself, regaining her composure, and turned to leave.

The corridor was instantly left with only Lin Xiuyuan and Pei Zhuxuan, the air still carrying a trace of warmth and a subtle tranquility.

Bae Joo-hyun watched Yoo Jimin's departing figure, remained silent for two seconds, then turned her gaze back to Lin Xiuyuan and asked calmly, "You two... are dating?"

Faced with Bae Joo-hyun's sudden question, Lin Xiuyuan simply chuckled and waved his hand, "No, nothing like that."

His smile was clean and confident, without the slightest hint of evasion, which made Bae Joo-hyun reluctant to press him further.

"Then what are you doing here?" Lin Xiuyuan asked casually.

Bae Joo-hyun pursed her lips, her voice calm, "I was having dinner with friends, I didn't expect to run into you."

After saying that, she smiled slightly, as if she felt that the sentence was too ordinary, but then she paused unconsciously. Her eyes flickered, and her emotions seemed to be subtly affected. She asked again, almost as if possessed, "Would you like to sit down and have something to eat together?"

Lin Xiuyuan was taken aback, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

He then gently shook his head, smiling as he declined, "I'm with friends here too, maybe next time. Let's have a meal together sometime when we're free."

"Next time..." Bae Joo-hyun repeated softly, a strange feeling welling up inside her.

Repeated chance encounters led her to develop a strange sense of interest in this man.

In addition, Lin Xiuyuan possessed an increasingly unique and mysterious aura—quiet and relaxed, yet somehow captivating.

She... suddenly wanted to grasp something.

Thinking of this, Bae Joo-hyun didn't hesitate to take out her phone and hand it to him, her voice light but with a rare initiative, "Then, let's add each other as friends." Lin Xiuyuan looked at the outstanding beauty in front of him, his smile a mix of amusement and surprise, but he didn't refuse, "Okay."

The two tapped their phones lightly to confirm the friend request, a subtle warmth filling the air.

"Then I'll head back now." Lin Xiuyuan nodded slightly, turned, and left.

As Bae Joo-hyun watched his figure recede into the distance, a surge of indescribable emotions welled up within her, and even her breathing became soft and shallow.

……

Over at Lin Xiuyuan's private room.

Daeyong, Lee Qri, and Park Hyomin have shifted the topic from their previous seriousness back to reality, discussing the follow-up treatment of Sweet Eunjung's leg problem.

“If we keep dragging this out, or if we keep rehearsing, it might lead to even bigger health problems.” Lee Juri frowned, her tone filled with obvious worry, and she tapped her fingers lightly on the table, as if she were trying to defend this topic.

Park Hyomin shook her head, her tone calm yet firm, "Right now, we can only take it one step at a time. The doctors haven't given us a clear plan yet, so there's no point in rushing things. But I still suggest that Eunjung rest. It's not like we can't go on stage even if we're one person short."

After listening, Da Longzai nodded in agreement, "I agree with that, but the most important thing is for Unnie to keep a stable mindset."

As they talked, they all fell silent, as if each of them was silently pondering how to proceed.

Just then, the door was opened, and Lin Xiuyuan appeared in the doorway.

Upon seeing him, Li Juli blinked first, then teased, "Xiuyuan, if you hadn't come back soon, we would have all rushed to the men's restroom to see if you had fainted inside."

Lin Xiuyuan shook his head, both amused and exasperated, and sat down in his seat. "I ran into two friends and chatted for a while, which made me a little late."

After saying that, he reached for his chopsticks, his movements natural, and rejoined the lively atmosphere of the dinner party.

The aroma, laughter, and soft clinking of glasses filled the private room once again upon Lin Xiuyuan's return.

……

the other side.

When Liu Zhimin returned to her group's private room, she suddenly realized that she hadn't actually gone to the restroom at all.

Faced with the strange looks from the other members, Liu Zhimin could only chuckle twice, pretending nothing was wrong, and hurriedly ran out again.

As soon as he arrived at the restroom, he ran into Bae Joo-hyun.

When the two made eye contact briefly, a polite and slightly probing glint flashed in their eyes. They then nodded to each other, their polite smiles fleeting.

They then passed each other and went their separate ways.

As Liu Zhimin entered the cubicle and closed the door, her heartbeat still carried a mix of pleasure and slight nervousness.

Bae Joo-hyun stopped and took a few steps, then couldn't help but look back at the direction of that cubicle, her eyes slightly narrowed and her expression complicated.

His romantic rumors within the industry are already common knowledge...

Adding to what she had just seen, some thoughts began to emerge.

Lin Xiuyuan and his "senior friends" flashed through her mind, and Pei Zhuxuan, who was not particularly good at handling emotions, suddenly found her thoughts in complete chaos.

Although her name sounds impressive, it's mostly just fluff.

So she pursed her lips, finally looked away, and walked back to her private room with a complicated expression.

Back in the private room, Bae Joo-hyun began to feel somewhat disoriented.

Despite the lively atmosphere and constant laughter from her friends at the table, she seemed isolated in another layer of air, her gaze occasionally drifting to the corner of the table, and she even forgot to pick up the cup beside her.

"Hey, what's wrong? You seem distracted." Her friend across the table noticed something was off and reached out to shake her wine glass.

Bae Joo-hyun paused for a moment, then spoke in a low voice, asking a question that was unusually serious, "How do you understand the phenomenon of a guy surrounded by many beautiful women, and then suddenly having a girl who seems... amorous?"

Her friend raised an eyebrow, a meaningful glint in her eyes. "Isn't it simple? A scumbag and a sea queen, they're hooking up, it's just that you're lusting after me and I'm lusting after you."

Bae Joo-hyun immediately shook her head in denial, "No. The girls around that guy are all...very beautiful, with great figures, so it can't be that reason."

As soon as she finished speaking, her friend burst out laughing, "Oh my, I almost thought you were about to bloom, but it turns out you're not."

"What do you mean?" Bae Joo-hyun paused, raising an eyebrow slightly.

"At least the phrase 'great figure' doesn't apply to you," her friend teased deliberately, her tone flippant yet carrying a hint of harmless flirtation.

"Hey!" Bae Joo-hyun immediately laughed and scolded, reaching out to push her in an exaggerated manner, which made the two of them laugh together.

Laughter echoed softly in the private room, carrying a sense of ease and warmth.

Finally, my friend quickly waved her hand and admitted her mistake, "Okay, okay, just kidding. But seriously, if it's really like you said, maybe it's because that guy is so outstanding that he was chosen?"

“Is it good…” Bae Joo-hyun gently stroked the rim of the glass with her fingertips, but her mind was still on the scene from earlier.

What she sensed was more of a mystery than a sense of excellence.

Whether she was outstanding or not, she had no idea, but this elusive sense of mystery was like a hook thrown at her, slowly raising her curiosity.

She's not usually a person who overthinks things, but she gets easily swayed by mysterious concepts like "fate" and "mystery."

So she sighed softly, gathered her thoughts, and stopped dwelling on the problem.

Let things take their natural course.

……

After an unknown amount of time, Lin Xiuyuan and Dalongzai's lunch finally ended.

Li Juli suggested they sit somewhere else, but Da Longzai interrupted her with, "I need to talk to Xiuyuan about something."

This infuriated Lee Qri on the spot, but due to her status as an unnie (older sister), the maknae (youngest member) of Daeyongzai (a nickname for a young girl), and the presence of Park Hyomin, she felt too embarrassed to argue.

He could only watch helplessly as the little dragon cub, looking completely self-righteous, pulled Lin Xiuyuan away and got into the passenger seat.

Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, both Bae Joo-hyun and Yoo Ji-min's private rooms clearly saw Da Long Zai smiling as he linked arms with Lin Xiu-yuan, a scene so intimate it sparked much speculation.

The friends and members on both sides who witnessed this scene were stunned for a moment, and then their eyes turned gossipy.

"Daebak, is that Park Jiyeon sunbaenim?"

"Oh my god, it's Park Jiyeon, Joohyun, it's Park Jiyeon, and the guy next to her... he's so handsome."

That scene was like pouring a bucket of gasoline into a bonfire of gossip; crazy ideas and exciting speculations almost overflowed from their eyes.

However, Lin Xiuyuan and the dragon cub were completely unaware of all this.

After getting into the car, Lin Xiuyuan looked at the passenger seat and asked, "Zhiyan, where are we going now?"

"Go home." The big dragon cub's eyes were fixed on him, bright and determined.

As the car drove toward her apartment, the hustle and bustle of the city gradually faded away, leaving only the soft sound of their breathing inside.

As soon as he entered the room, before he could even change his shoes, his wrist was grabbed by a pair of slender yet strong hands, and he was almost half-pushed and half-pulled towards the bedroom.

"I've been holding it in for so long because I didn't finish what I did in the bathroom earlier."

The little dragon glanced back at him, its eyes bright, filled with urgency and fervor.

Then the door was slammed shut.

The next second, she collapsed at the foot of the bed, her long hair falling loose, her head drooping slightly, her eyes looking up at Lin Xiuyuan.

This pose is both dangerous and alluring, like a deliberately crafted scene.

"I've practiced this move for a long time." The little dragon curled his lips into a smile, his breath light and suggestive. "Want to try it out?"

Lin Xiuyuan was stunned for a moment, then couldn't help but chuckle softly.

The way the little dragon cub looks now is both bold and straightforward, completely unlike the cold and beautiful goddess on stage.

However, the two soon drew closer to each other, their bodies gradually intertwining, and an ambiguous atmosphere quietly rose in the room, spreading slowly like ripples on water, filling every corner.

(...)
Once everything had calmed down, the sound of running water could be heard from the bathroom.

Not long after, Lin Xiuyuan came out, drying his wet hair. He looked refreshed and relaxed, with water droplets sliding down his hair. The slight dampness added to his casual and natural charm.

Da Longzai was leaning against the bed, lazily turning his head, but his voice carried a hint of inquiry, "Xiuyuan, how is Jessica doing?"

Lin Xiuyuan raised an eyebrow, sat down on the edge of the bed, and replied softly, "It's all taken care of now. She shouldn't be a ticking time bomb anymore; at most, she's just a thorn in my side."

"Oh?" The little dragon blinked, clearly intrigued, a smile and curiosity playing on its lips. "How did you manage that?"

Lin Xiuyuan smiled, but shook his head. "It's none of my business. She probably figured it out herself."

He said that, but the moment he answered, the image of Kim Tae-yeon, who had suddenly appeared yesterday and put a lot of pressure on Jessica, flashed into his mind.

However, he didn't tell the big dragon cub about that complicated situation.

The little dragon was very understanding and didn't press the matter further. He simply patted the bed next to him and said, "Hmm, don't stand there, come and lie down. I'm a little sleepy, so please lull me to sleep before you leave."

Lin Xiuyuan smiled helplessly and obediently lay down.

The little dragon, turning to its side, naturally nestled into his arms, its breathing gradually becoming steady, its whole being as light as a feather.

A gentle atmosphere flowed quietly in the bedroom, the only sound in the quiet room being the two of them breathing, intertwined with a sense of warmth and security.

After the baby dragon fell asleep, Lin Xiuyuan did not leave immediately.

He gently pulled his arm away, put on his clothes, and walked out of the room.

The afternoon sun streamed into the room through the floor-to-ceiling windows, making it warm and bright.

He skillfully searched for ingredients in the kitchen and finally started simmering a nourishing stew in the slow cooker. The rich aroma slowly filled the air, warming the entire space.

After the aroma slowly dissipated, he left a note on the dining table, took it into the bedroom, and placed it under a glass of warm water.

When Da Longzai woke up, it was already late afternoon outside the window. The first thing she saw was the glass of water on the bedside table, and a small note on top of it.

Drink some water to soothe your throat, then go to the kitchen for dinner.

The handwriting is elegant and free, yet it carries a heartwarming warmth.

The little dragon's eyes lit up immediately, and he quickly got up and went to the kitchen. Sure enough, a rich and flavorful stew was slowly bubbling in the stew pot, its aroma wafting through the air.

She paused for a few seconds, smiled slightly, and then subconsciously took out her phone, raised the camera, and took a picture.

Staring at the steaming soup on the screen, she pondered for a moment before finally clicking the send button on the social media platform.

I've recently come to like this.

The text was brief, yet it subtly revealed a feeling that only she herself could understand.

Lin Xiuyuan left Dalongzai's apartment and drove back to the villa.

The afternoon sun was dazzling, and when he pushed open the door and came in, the bright sunlight reflected a large area of ​​light and shadow on the French windows.

On the sofa, Jessica was leaning against a cushion, sunlight shining on her fair profile.

Hearing the noise at the door, she turned her head, her almond-shaped eyes slightly raised. She was holding a peeled apple in her hand and shook it. "The busy man is finally back. Anyone who didn't know better would think you were the idol and I was the unemployed bum who had nothing to do."

The teasing was lighthearted, yet tinged with a sense of melancholy.

Lin Xiuyuan smiled, walked to the sofa and sat down. Just as he was about to speak, Jessica suddenly came over like a puppy, her delicate nostrils twitching slightly as she sniffed him. Her earnest expression was both funny and dangerous.

Before Lin Xiuyuan could react, a small hand slapped him hard on the back.

"You're such a jerk, Lin Xiuyuan." Jessica's voice was tinged with frustration and barely concealed anger. "We've only been apart for half a day, and you went to the hospital to visit a patient, how did you manage to cause such a mess?"

She wrinkled her nose and stared at him as if she had caught evidence.

She wouldn't mistake that scent. The shampoo and shower gel, with their strong floral fragrance, were completely different from the refreshing minty scent they'd been using at the apartment these past few days.

That belonged to someone else, and it was a woman.

Thinking of this, her eyes turned cold, and she decisively asked, "Who is she?"

Lin Xiuyuan merely raised an eyebrow, a faint smile playing on his lips, but he remained silent.

Neither admitting nor denying, they stubbornly remain silent.

Jessica felt even more frustrated and kicked a few times in anger, but not hard; it was more of a venting of shame and anger.

She knew she had no right to pursue the matter, but she couldn't help being so angry that she wanted to vent her frustration.

However, her movements soon gradually stopped.

This morning, after Lin Xiuyuan left, she went into the bathroom alone and accidentally saw herself in the mirror.

For a moment, Jessica was stunned.

The woman in the mirror was clearly the same as before, but her complexion was more radiant than before, her skin was firm and delicate, her features seemed to have been redrawn by light, and all the weariness in the corners of her eyes had disappeared.

It was a long-lost feeling of rejuvenation, as if time had been quietly turned back a little.

She reached out and touched her face, her heart pounding as her fingertips traced her smooth, firm skin.

So that's the reason...

No wonder Krystal and Yoona were able to compromise with Lin Xiuyuan time and time again, indulge him time and time again, and even pounce on him time and time again.

It was only then that she finally understood completely.

Because Lin Xiuyuan is no longer a man who can be "held in one's hands".

Whether it's the boundaries of time or the so-called time portal, he seems to be able to transcend them, bringing about changes that she cannot explain but that are real.

It was her reflection in the mirror that made Jessica's pride and arrogance waver for the first time at that moment.

……

……

"Snowball, are we going back tonight?"

"Let's not go back. It's too much to be a third wheel every day. Let's give some time to Unnie and Oppa. Otherwise, a week will have passed and things will still be the same, then we'll be in trouble."

"That's true, but do you really think unnie would be willing? I feel like the unnie from 25 years ago seems to have a more stubborn personality."

"Who knows? Anyway, we'll just give them space."

"Okay, you know Lin Xiuyuan better than I do, I'll listen to you."

"If you want to know more, Krystal, talk to oppa more. If you're too shy, you can ask Krystal how she feels..."

"Hey, Choi Jin-ri, don't corrupt me."

"Tch~ Coward."

In a film crew in Seoul in 2013.

Krystal glared fiercely at Sulli, who was smiling beside her. She bit her lower lip, wanting to say something and retort.

But no matter how much I thought about it, I couldn't find any reason or excuse.

However, the other person's last words were inexplicably etched deep into her mind.

Some thoughts that were not suitable for children slowly arose.

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(End of this chapter)