Hancheng: There is a door between me and the future

Chapter 126 Lin Xiaolu's Plans and Da Longzai's Birthday Gift (Seeking Monthly Tickets and Subscriptions)

While Lin Xiuyuan, Dalongzai, and the others were having a great time in 2025...

Back in 2013, Sulli also met up with Jessica Jung for afternoon tea at a small restaurant on the second floor of a street in Cheongdam-dong.

They arrived early and ordered some snacks and desserts.

When Jessica Jung and Lin Xiaolu arrived, she waved to the two at the door, saying, "Unnie, over here."

After everyone was seated, Lin Xiaolu spoke first, teasingly asking, "What's wrong, Shirley? Didn't we just see each other yesterday? You miss us already?"

Sulli stuck out her tongue, smiled a little embarrassedly, and said, "I had too much fun last night and forgot to tell you guys about oppa."

"What's wrong?" Jessica Jung looked at her.

Then Shirley told Lin Xiuyuan about his promise to go to Japan with her, and looked at Lin Xiaolu with some concern, saying, "If this continues, Yoona unnie, your acting lessons will probably have to be postponed for a while."

Lin Xiaolu, however, didn't take it seriously. "Don't overthink it. We're on tour next, very busy, and probably won't have much time to go."

After saying that, he narrowed his eyes as if he had thought of something, "Besides, if Lin Xiuyuan is here, I can go to Japan to visit you guys, which is much more convenient than going back to Seoul."

As Lin Xiaolu learned more and more about the popularity of the drama "The Heirs", she became even more reluctant to give up on it. Recently, she heard that the news had been released and many TV stations and companies had caught wind of the hit drama and rushed over to get involved.

This made Lin Xiaolu start to get a little nervous. Two months had passed, no more, no less. For the past two nights, her mind had been filled with Lin Yoona's advice to her.

I'm so conflicted every night, and I almost always have insomnia.

Do we really want to experience it?
Jessica Jung laughed and said, "Yeah, it's okay. For now, we don't have anything to do that requires us to go there. We know all the important things we need to know, so we'll just avoid it."

Actually, she shared similar thoughts with Lin Xiaolu, always believing that having grasped Lin Xiuyuan as the key was better than anything else.

So when Shirley heard their answers, she immediately breathed a sigh of relief. "Then I'm relieved. I was worried that I might have gotten in your way earlier."

"No, then Sherry, just keep an eye on him. Don't let his age fool you, he's very impulsive. You'll have to stop him if anything happens."

Perhaps because of the previous fight, Jessica Jung was genuinely shocked, so she made sure to give Sulli another few words of advice.

This precious item cannot be allowed to have any problems; it is the guiding light for their bright future. Their success depends entirely on it.

"Don't worry, unnie, I will." Shirley smiled and nodded.

At this point in the conversation, Lin Xiaolu suddenly asked, "Shirley, when are you going to Japan?"

“I’m thinking of going there next week. My work has mostly stopped recently. I’m currently preparing for the album comeback in July. Apart from rehearsals and recording, I don’t have much work, so I’d like to take about a week to go and see Hara unnie.”

After Sulli finished speaking, Jessica Jung and Lin Xiaolu exchanged a glance.

Both of them had been to 2025 and learned about the situation, so they understood very well what Sulli felt when she wanted to go find Goo Hara.

So, Lin Xiaolu blinked and said with a hint of ulterior motive, "Then why don't you wait for me to come with you? I happen to have some script-related matters to discuss with Lin Xiuyuan, and I can stay there for a few days."

"Ok?"

Jessica Jung was stunned. She knew how busy the second maknae was, so how could he possibly find the time?
Perhaps noticing Jessica Jung's expression, Lin Xiaolu said, "Let's talk to the company about it. Consider it an effort to get that female lead role. I've recently come to understand why idols can't become actors; it's because we simply don't have time to delve into the script."

Speaking of this, her tone couldn't help but show some envy, "Look at Suzy, she stopped working and devoted herself to filming back then, and her company was also willing to make that investment."

Now, after embarking on her acting career, Bae Suzy has basically stopped doing commercial performances except for some team activities and red carpet endorsements. She has been focusing on honing her skills, and with that talent, her acting has improved even more.

"The companies have different focuses."

Jessica Jung, sensing Lin Xiaolu's resentment, sighed softly. Lin Xiaolu then expressed her understanding and said, "But you have to give me some time, right?"

“Okay, then go ask. This drama is really worth it.” Jessica Jung nodded.

Across from her, Shirley chimed in, "Yeah, I recently stayed up all night to watch it. Actually, there aren't many scenes that really require acting skills. The crying scenes and the arguments with the male lead and supporting male characters only require a little bit. As long as you don't make any mistakes, that's fine."

In terms of acting skills alone, Sulli was much better than Lin Xiaolu and Jung Soo-jung. Perhaps it was related to her childhood experiences, but her emotional expression and delivery were superior to those two.

The only pity is that there weren't many good scripts, so it was gradually overshadowed by younger actors.

But it's okay now; she no longer cares about being an actress or an idol.

She just wanted to be happy and live a good life.

"Yes, I know, I've been thinking about that a lot lately," Lin Xiaolu replied softly.

She knew very well that if she could catch this fast train, her future path would be faster and faster with the help of a 'God's-eye view,' and she wouldn't have to wait for the next 'opportunity.'

So all these problems seem to have come full circle back to the advice that Yoona had given her.

The experience-based approach leads to soaring success.

She's supposed to be a good actress, but she doesn't seem to have much acting skill.

Whenever Lin Xiaolu thought about the latter, she felt angry and annoyed.

He was furious with the other person, and also annoyed at his own lack of ambition.

Then, Sulli pulled Lin Xiaolu aside to discuss some topics related to acting, but Jessica Jung couldn't get a word in edgewise, so she just sat there drinking coffee, eating desserts, and thinking about what to do next.

After some time, as Sulli and Lin Xiaolu's conversation grew louder, Jessica Jung interrupted them.

"Alright, alright, let's talk about this back at the bar. You two are about to start arguing, and if we get caught on camera, it'll be on the news again."

"Unnie, we didn't fight, we just had a disagreement."

"That's it."

However, after being interrupted, Lin Xiaolu and Shirley paused their discussion, ate something to replenish their energy, and chatted about some interesting things that had happened recently.

Shortly after, Jessica Jung got up and left early, as she still needed to personally check the design drafts she had brought with her.

She plans to capitalize on her current peak popularity to establish her reputation as a "genius designer," and once she has accumulated enough experience, that will be her time to soar to new heights.

Shirley and Lin Xiaolu stayed behind to discuss their itinerary in Japan, deciding on the specific departure and return dates.

After talking for a while, Lin Xiaolu, unable to make up her mind, simply picked up her bag and stood up. "Forget it, let's go back to the company and talk to oppa and the others. Let's go, Sulli."

Shirley across from them didn't say anything more, and got up to leave the restaurant.

Lin Xiuyuan was completely unaware of these things at the moment.

Right now, he's still at the swimsuit party in 2025, enjoying the ups and downs.

……

……

2025 years.

Mid-level villa.

Lin Xiuyuan, who had just been called out by Da Longzai, hadn't even settled into his seat before Li Juli sent him off to work.

She has a great figure, a sunny appearance, and a clean and pure temperament... so what?

One of the main reasons we invited Lin Xiuyuan to this swimsuit party was that we were short of a barbecue chef.

We can't expect a bunch of bikini-clad women to do it themselves; that's too undignified.

So when Lin Xiuyuan heard this explanation, he immediately looked at the big dragon cub. The cub, feeling guilty, didn't dare to look him in the eye and jumped into the pool, repaying his 'true fan's' support with white waves.

Seeing this, Lin Xiuyuan understood immediately. He chuckled and got up, putting on his slippers and going to the terrace by the pool.

While wiping the water droplets off his hands, he looked at the multi-functional barbecue grill that was clearly newly arrived not far away.

"This thing is a bit complicated..."

As someone from an 'older generation,' Lin Xiuyuan still frowned and muttered something under his breath when faced with this high technology.

Ham Eun-jung, who was standing nearby, had already brought over a pile of meat and marinated ingredients, and had also called on Sunny and Lee Qri to help. The three of them, dressed in cool swimsuits and wrapped in towels, gathered around the stove as if they were watching some major project.

"Xiuyuan, do you know how to use it?"

Sunny squinted at him, casually waving the beer can in her hand.

"Men have a natural talent for this kind of thing."

As Lin Xiuyuan bent down and fiddled with the charcoal fire, he said confidently, "It just takes a little time to figure it out."

She waved her hand again, "Go have fun, I'll call you when it's time to eat." Ham Eun-jung and Sunny smiled and left, either jumping into the pool or chatting with someone.

Only Lee Juri remained standing there, arms crossed, gazing at his retreating figure.

"Xiuyuan, what you're saying sounds a bit like you're trying to be tough, doesn't it?"

"We'll see in a bit. If I can't do it right, I'll get dressed and leave immediately."

He turned around and responded with a smile.

Lee Juri chuckled and glanced at him.

Her gaze fell on his profile, outlined by the sunlight, especially the faint outline of his V-line, and she couldn't help but look away slightly. "Alright, but don't burn it. If it's done well, there'll be a reward."

"What reward?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Xiuyuan immediately looked up at the other person.

Lee Juri's arms were still crossed in front of her chest. When her arms were crossed, her chest was naturally lifted slightly. As she turned slightly to the side and shifted her weight to one leg, her shapely figure was posed in a languid yet provocative pose.

"Let's talk about it when you've baked it well."

Her voice was soft and sweet, with a very long, drawn-out tone that was incredibly alluring.

Looking at her flirtatious expression, Lin Xiuyuan was momentarily at a loss for words. He cleared his throat and coughed, "Then I'll have to do my best to bake them well."

"Then you'd better keep it up."

Lee Juri winked at him, then slowly lowered her crossed arms, brushed a slightly damp strand of hair from her ear, and turned to walk towards the poolside. Her figure swayed in the sunlight, her waist and hip curves incredibly alluring.

Watching that figure disappear into the distance, Lin Xiuyuan grinned, "That woman, she's a real pain."

Then, let's get started.

Fortunately, although this multi-functional grill has incorporated many technological features, its core function remains charcoal grilling.

So as long as Lin Xiuyuan doesn't need those high-tech tools, using it simply as a barbecue grill is no problem at all.

He quickly lit the charcoal fire, glanced at the ingredients and spices beside him, and casually picked up a few skewers of beef to put on the grill, just to try it out first.

He used to have barbecues with family and relatives in the yard during holidays, so he was quite skilled. However, the spices here were different from those in China, so he had to try them one by one.

Just as he was concentrating on flipping the meat skewers, Da Longzai walked over.

She was still wearing that provocative three-point bikini, with a sheer cover-up, walking leisurely, and carrying two bottles of lemon soda in her hand.

"Xiuyuan, has the barbecue started?"

"Let's try it out first."

Lin Xiuyuan, flipping through the beef skewers, replied, then chuckled and complained, "Zhiyan, next time you can just say you need a barbecue chef, don't make me overthink it."

Hearing this, Da Longzai smiled charmingly, pulled up a stool and sat down next to him. Her long legs gleamed faintly in the sunlight, and she handed him a bottle of drink. "You've hit the jackpot, haven't you? We have so many beautiful women here."

"If you put it that way, then you've definitely made a profit."

As he spoke, Lin Xiuyuan also became bolder and glanced sideways at the big dragon cub sitting behind him.

The latter glared at him with a smile, but made no attempt to cover herself up. Instead, she deliberately stretched her body, her curves almost driving people crazy.

As the charcoal fire grew stronger, the skewers of beef that had been placed on it earlier began to sizzle, and a fragrant aroma wafted out, attracting the attention of the people sunbathing in the distance.

However, after seeing that Da Longzai was already sitting with Lin Xiuyuan, they all turned their attention away and started whispering among themselves about the two of them, glancing over from time to time.

Sunny, in particular, learned the whole story of how Lin Xiuyuan and Da Longzai met from Ham Eunjung and Park Hyomin for the first time.

From Li Juli, we also learned about some scenes and circumstances of their subsequent interactions.

So, she finally voiced her curiosity, "So, Ji-yeon has taken a liking to this young man, Xiu-yuan, and wants to try her luck?"

Sunny didn't say she liked him, let alone express any feelings for him.

As a newly divorced woman, all she could think of was recklessness and indulgence, which is why she used the word "taste".

Beside her, Ham Eun-jung didn't respond, but instead looked at the little dragon cub chatting and laughing with Lin Xiuyuan. He seemed to be in much better spirits than before, but his eyes still lacked the sparkle they once had.

"I don't know, maybe so."

Park Hyomin picked up on Sunny's curiosity, glancing at the two over there, "But I don't care, she's so happy right now, as long as that guy isn't too bad."

"Probably not, otherwise Krystal and Yoona probably wouldn't even get close to each other, let alone become members of his little bar." Thinking about how Yoona could ask Kim Tae-yeon to bring the big guy to meet her, Sunny offered a small word of support.

"Well, Xiu Yuan has a good personality, at least he seems alright so far, and he's also a 'true fan' of Zhi Yan, so he shouldn't be considered a bad man."

At the same time, Lee Juri also said a good word for Lin Xiuyuan, and even gave a conclusion, "At most, he just wants Jiyeon's body, but judging from her figure, Jiyeon seems to be more profitable."

"Hahaha, unnie, what kind of conclusion is that? How can you say something like that?" Park Hyomin burst into laughter.

"Absolutely. That physique, the speed at which it strikes—just thinking about it is terrifying."

Ham Eun-jung couldn't stand it anymore and exclaimed, half-laughing and half-crying, "Unnie, please stop talking! They're standing right over there!"

She was worried that if she didn't stop Lee Juri, her unnie would start saying anything.

But Li Juli continued to rant, "What are you pretending for? Take a look at Xiu Yuan's side. I don't believe you won't be tempted."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone looked over.

Lin Xiuyuan stood shirtless in front of the grill, wearing only light-colored casual shorts and black flip-flops.

Sunlight streamed down from the sky, casting a delicate sheen on his slightly tanned skin. The well-defined lines of his shoulders, back, and arms appeared particularly powerful with each flip of the meat slices.

The blazing flames were quietly licking the grill, and the occasional wisps of smoke made his figure appear and disappear.

Sweat slowly slid down his forehead, down his chin, into his collarbone, then meandered along his chest, finally disappearing into the crease between his V-line and shark muscles.

He himself seemed completely unaware, simply looking down and intently turning the ingredients on the grill, his eyes revealing a clear seriousness.

Lee Juri leaned against the parasol, her gaze lingering on her slightly sweaty upper body after she finished speaking.

"Don't you guys think Xiu Yuan's physique is too unfair?"

"Kind of."

"It is indeed very eye-catching."

After a moment of silence, the group nodded in agreement.

After a while, the little dragon returned to the middle of the group, and was immediately surrounded by Park Hyomin and Sunny, who pulled him into the water to start a new round of playful antics.

When they came ashore again, Ham Eun-jung, who hadn't been in the water much, suddenly spoke up, "By the way, Ji-yeon, what kind of gift do you want most for your birthday? Tell us, and let's see if we've given you the right one."

"A gift?"

The little dragon, now draped in a bath towel again, repeated softly, his eyes momentarily unfocused.

After a moment, she smiled, her smile as bright as ever. "Hmm~ Actually, I don't want anything. I'm already very happy that everyone agreed to wear swimsuits and go crazy with me like this."

“How can this be considered crazy? We had a lot of fun too,” Sunny immediately chimed in, her emotional intelligence consistently ahead of the crowd.

“That’s right, that’s right.” Then her screen nodded in agreement.

The comforted little dragon laughed even harder, and out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of the boy in front of the grill. He looked at him for a moment and then smiled.

With a slight smile playing on her lips, she replied softly, "If I had to say what gift I want most, well, it's over there."

Everyone was startled and followed her gaze.

Lin Xiuyuan stood in front of the charcoal fire, sweat dripping down his face, his gaze unwavering, his movements practiced.

The silhouette of the boy outlined by light and shadow is just like the most captivating heat wave in summer.

"I think the birthday present I want most tonight... is him."

　Asking for a monthly ticket!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)