Hancheng: There is a door between me and the future

Chapter 140 My Reserve 'Male Lead' (Seeking monthly votes and subscriptions)

In the heart of Roppongi Hills in Tokyo stands a 21-story standalone skyscraper, the Grand Hyatt Tokyo, which has been renowned for its luxury since its opening in 2003.

It is considered one of the very few high-end standalone hotels in Tokyo in recent years, alongside the Peninsula Hotel, boasting a prime location and an extraordinary atmosphere.

The hotel is surrounded by more than 200 shops and restaurants, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.

Inside the hotel, there are more than 10 restaurants and bars for guests to choose from.

The seven restaurants, each with its own distinct style, are exclusively operated by the Grand Hyatt Hotel, offering a wide variety of cuisines including French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, sushi, and exquisite desserts.

Over the next few days, Lin Xiuyuan and his two companions will stay in the presidential suite on the top floor of this hotel.

This luxury suite not only features a private outdoor heated swimming pool, but also includes a Japanese garden and tatami tea room. The high ceilings perfectly blend modern and traditional elements, creating a bright, tranquil, and stylish living experience.

Guests can also enjoy full service at the hotel’s seven restaurants, as well as facilities such as a gym, spa, and private sauna.

However, behind all this glamour, what is most eye-catching is its status as Tokyo's first hotel suite equipped with a private pool.

As for the price, it is naturally not cheap either, with room rates reaching one million yen per night.

Lin Xiuyuan, who had just gotten out of the car, looked at Shirley beside him with a hint of heartache after hearing the introduction. Half teasing and half serious, he said, "According to Seoul's calculation method, you should still be a minor, right? After paying for that apartment, where do you find the money to spend so extravagantly, Shirley?"

"Oppa, is this your own algorithm? I'm an adult long ago."

Shirley spoke casually, a smile playing on her lips, "Besides, you underestimate my earning power. I can still make this much money."

Indeed, in earlier years, most of her income went into her mother's and family's pockets, but in the last two years, her income has gone into Shirley's private savings.

Although many people online believe that the coming-of-age ceremony on the peninsula is at age 20, the legal age of adulthood is actually 19.

Therefore, Sulli, who was born in 1994, officially came of age on her birthday, March 29th of this year.

Coincidentally, SM Entertainment's notoriously slow payment cycle came into play at this time.

Payments are usually settled every two or three years, and the most recent settlement was in April of this year.

The timing was perfect; Shirley turned 18 this year, so an income naturally went into her account.

If it had been any earlier, the money probably wouldn't have belonged to her.

That's why she was able to easily buy the upscale apartment next to Lin Xiuyuan's, and even casually book the presidential suite at the Grand Hyatt Hotel for a whole week.

After hearing her explanation, Lin Xiuyuan still felt a pang of regret, "That's still a bit too extravagant."

He knew very well that if it weren't for him, if Sherry had come to Tokyo on her own, she would most likely have just booked a regular single room for a simple rest, and wouldn't have been so extravagant.

At this moment, the three of them were following their private butler into the elevator.

Upon hearing Lin Xiuyuan's attitude, Shirley chuckled lightly, her tone carefree, "It's alright, oppa. Making money is for enjoying life, right? Who knows what will happen next? In your future people's words, I don't want to die before I've spent all my money."

"Alright, stop talking," Lin Xiaolu suddenly tugged at Lin Xiuyuan's arm and whispered in his ear, "I'll pay for the room."

The next second, Lin Xiuyuan laughed out loud, "Alright, thank you for your generosity, Ms. Lu. I'll go upstairs later and see if we have any ingredients. I'll personally mix you a few drinks to express my gratitude!"

Lin Xiaolu, who was walking along, stopped abruptly and looked at the guy next to her with a shocked expression. "Wait, you tricked me?"

"No, no, I'm just trying to save Shirley some money," Lin Xiuyuan said innocently.

"Then my money isn't money?"

Lin Xiaolu was so angry she laughed.

“You earn too much, of course you should spend more.”

After Lin Xiuyuan finished speaking, he quickly quickened his pace, moved closer to Shirley, and excitedly told her the "good news" he had just heard.

Shirley beamed with joy upon hearing this, turning back to give Lin Xiaolu a sweet smile, "Unnie~"

Lin Xiaolu immediately stepped forward, pushed Lin Xiuyuan aside, and affectionately took Shirley's arm. "It's okay, just do as he says. Keep your little savings for yourself. There's no reason for you to spend money like this on me. If Taeyeon unnie finds out when we get back, she'll laugh at me."

Actually, if Shirley hadn't said she had arranged everything, Lin Xiaolu would definitely have been the one to make the move this time.

Now, thanks to Lin Xiuyuan's suggestion, she's happy to take on this expense herself. Anyway, it's not much money, and she's already financially independent.

"We'll talk about that later, unnie, oppa, let's go up and take a look first," Sulli said softly.

The three chatted and laughed as they entered the elevator and followed the butler straight to the top floor of the building.

……

……

As night falls, the Tokyo sky is painted with a flowing, enchanting color by the city lights.

The streets of Roppongi are dazzling with lights, and the bustling traffic is interwoven with a sense of both noise and sophistication. Every inch of the air is filled with the atmosphere of a nightlife about to begin.

It was just past 8 p.m. Tokyo time, and the city was slowly unfolding its nighttime chapter, with neon lights glittering.

In a high-end private residence located in a corner of Shibuya Ward, Goo Hara is standing in front of a full-length mirror, carefully fixing her hair.

Her outfit tonight was casual yet elegant. A black spaghetti strap dress accentuated her graceful curves, while a beige knitted cardigan covered her shoulders, providing warmth without being heavy. The strappy high heels and subtle fragrance made her look like a star about to light up the night.

After confirming her makeup and hair accessories, she picked up her handbag, which she had already packed, and glanced back at the information on her phone.

Shirley: Unnie, I'm almost there. I just arrived at the hotel and am checking in. Let's settle in a bit, and then we'll meet at that rooftop restaurant you mentioned.

Goo Hara smiled and replied, "Okay, I'll head over now. I'll order some appetizers and a bottle of sparkling wine for you guys. Take your time, no rush."

Sulli: The restaurant is right here, so I'm definitely not in a hurry, unnie!
After reading the reply, Goo Hara smiled slightly, greeted the other members, and then left the apartment.
A gentle night breeze carried the coolness unique to early summer as she stepped into the elevator, continuing to reply to messages with her head down.

Downstairs, the taxi was already parked smoothly in front of the door.

As soon as Goo Hara got in the car, she gave the address, "To Roppongi Hills."

The driver nodded as she turned the car around and drove onto the main road, the neon lights outside the window casting flowing spots of light on her profile.

At this moment, at the top of the 21st floor of Roppongi Hills, in a unique presidential suite.

Shirley, Lin Xiuyuan, and Lin Xiaolu looked around and exclaimed in amazement at the unique space.

With their high ceilings, the interplay of light and shadow in the swimming pool, and the panoramic city night view, the group of people who were entering such a place for the first time couldn't help but exclaim "Wow!"

After the tour, the butler left, and Lin Xiuyuan slumped onto the sofa. "I thought it was outrageously expensive before, but now I can understand it a little. Rich people really know how to enjoy life."

"Indeed, it's very luxurious."

Lin Xiaolu gently shook her head, then looked at the person on the sofa, "But speaking of comfort, I actually think your villa is more comfortable. Although it doesn't have a swimming pool or a jacuzzi, the overall atmosphere is not bad."

"So I seriously suspect that guy spent all my money on that house, leaving me penniless when I got there. Oh, no, just a few bills lying there, I was furious."

Every time the villa was mentioned, Lin Xiuyuan would complain about it in a very speechless way, which made Lin Xiaolu and Shirley laugh.

"When I get back, I'll start building a swimming pool right away and remove all those flowers and plants."

"It seems like it could work."

"I don't think it's necessary."

Amidst laughter and joking, the three of them went back to their rooms to pack and prepare before heading to the restaurant where they had arranged to meet Goo Hara.

Soon, the three of them, having packed their things, arrived at the rooftop restaurant called Kasa Sky Dine, led by the butler.

As its name suggests, the restaurant is like a stage of light suspended in the night sky. Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, the city's prosperity unfolds below. On one side, there are twinkling stars and the silhouette of Tokyo Tower, and on the other side, a street scene interwoven with lights. It's as if the entire city of Tokyo is captured in this rooftop.

Goo Hara had been sitting for some time in front of a window booth near the glass railing.

She ordered a bottle of dry sparkling wine from Italy and several light appetizers: delicate cakes, seared foie gras, and thinly sliced ​​sea bream, all presented on a silver tray with an enticing aroma.

However, she didn't rush to make a move, glancing towards the restaurant entrance every now and then. Until the elevator doors dinged, three familiar yet somewhat unfamiliar figures appeared at the restaurant entrance.

"Unnie!"

Sulli spotted Goo Hara immediately, raised her arm high, and strode over to her.

She had just followed the advice of Lin Xiuyuan and Lin Xiaolu and chosen to wear a brown denim skirt. The skirt fluttered with her steps, and the strands of hair at her temples gently swayed, making her look like a lively summer wind chime.

Upon reaching Goo Hara, Sulli stretched out her arms and hugged her, saying, "I'm so glad to see you! It's been so long, unnie!"

Since learning in 2025 that Goo Hara had fallen into a deep abyss of fate because of her death, Sulli's feelings for her older sister have become even more profound.

Especially when she realized that the tragedy, in some unknown corner, might have been related to her, her feelings were enriched with a layer of guilt and respect.

"It's been so long, Jinri." Goo Hara smiled and opened her arms to hug her back, her voice soft and slightly nasal. "You look great today. You've improved a lot compared to your previous outfits."

"No way~" Shirley said with a smile, looking down. "You're the one who's even prettier, unnie."

She looked up at Goo Hara in front of her and said, "It is said that rosy cheeks are good for one's health."

Now the center of KARA, Japan's top girl group, Goo Hara's charm has become increasingly gentle and sweet. Her bright and radiant glow, which remains steadfast despite ups and downs, is captivating.

Lin Xiaolu followed, having changed out of her shirt and skirt outfit and into a dark blue turtleneck dress, exuding a serene and mature aura.

Unlike Shirley, she didn't rush over. Instead, she stood aside and gently called out with a smile, "Long time no see, Hera."

"Long time no see, Yoona unnie~" Goo Hara gave Lin Xiaolu a happy and gentle hug, her eyes instantly filled with familiarity and warmth. "It seems like the last time we met was at the gala at the end of last year. Everyone has been so busy this year."

“Yes, it’s been a long time.” Lin Xiaolu nodded. After learning about the mermaid princess’s later fate, she couldn’t help but be slightly moved when she saw her again. “You haven’t changed at all. You’re exactly the same as I remember you.”

"It's only been half a year, how could anything have changed?" Goo Hara shook her head with a smile, not giving much thought to her slightly meaningful words.

As she spoke, she suddenly noticed Lin Xiuyuan, who was standing behind them and had entered last. She raised an eyebrow slightly, her tone gentle yet tinged with curiosity, "And who is this?"

"Oh, right, I almost forgot to introduce myself."

Shirley's eyes lit up, and she smiled happily, "This is Lin Xiuyuan, my oppa whom I recently met. We're very close. Oppa, this is one of my dearest unnies, Hara unnie from KARA."

Upon hearing this, Lin Xiuyuan immediately smiled politely and extended his hand, "Hello, I am Lin Xiuyuan. I have heard Shirley mention you before, and I am finally meeting you in person today."

"Oh, you make me sound like some legendary figure." Goo Hara chuckled and took his hand, her fingertips cool yet polite. "Nice to meet you, welcome to Tokyo. The friends that Mari brought are all my friends."

"Then I'd better do my best tonight," Lin Xiuyuan replied politely with a touch of humor.

"Don't be too reserved, we're all friends." Goo Hara smiled and offered a seat. "This restaurant is quite nice. Let's have a girls' gathering tonight with a special guest. I've already ordered the appetizers, so let's wait for you to start eating!"

As the group took their seats, the atmosphere immediately became lively.

Sulli and Goo Hara chatted quietly about their recent situations, occasionally exchanging secrets and gossip with light laughter.

Lin Xiaolu sipped her sparkling wine and occasionally chimed in, reminiscing about memories from a few years ago, gradually filling in the gaps in her past.

During this time, Lin Xiuyuan quickly adapted to the situation and occasionally said a few appropriate words, neither trying to steal the limelight nor remaining silent.

Until a phone call came in, he glanced at the caller ID, smiled apologetically at everyone, and then got up and walked to the glass railing to answer it.

"Hey, Jiyeon, what's wrong?"

On the other end of the phone, Park Jiyeon's tone was as light as ever, "Oppa, you've arrived in Tokyo by now, right? Have you eaten yet?"

She used a popular greeting in China in recent years, but Lin Xiuyuan couldn't help but laugh out loud. "Stop beating around the bush, just say it. You must have something to tell me, right? This tone is a bit off."

"Okay." Park Jiyeon paused, a hint of helplessness in her voice, "Then I'll say it."

"Ah."

“Oppa, didn’t you give me a phone number before so I could call and talk to the other party about opening a mala tang restaurant, and also about the company and stuff?”

Upon hearing Park Jiyeon mention this, Lin Xiuyuan became slightly more serious. "Yes, what's wrong? Did they give you a reply?"

"Yes, they just called me back."

"How so?" Lin Xiuyuan's tone was slightly tense.

Park Jiyeon glanced down at the notes she had just written on the table. "They said not to get directly involved in the brand's operations, but to set up an investment company and then invest in their newly established brand headquarters through that company. They would operate the headquarters, and I would just need to provide the capital and wait for the dividends."

"Any other requirements?" Lin Xiuyuan asked.

"For routine appearances and promotions, I and the other members of my group have to show up together, but we are paid separately for each appearance."

Upon hearing this, Lin Xiuyuan raised an eyebrow slightly, "And then?"

"Then he gave me two more options."

At this point, Park Ji-yeon's tone was clearly displeased. "One method was to invest in a few promising restaurant projects according to his plan, then find someone to make the accounts look good. Two months later, we would start fundraising, go public at the end of the year, and then cash out and leave. He even said I was stupid, that I could only make money this way."

When she said that last sentence, her tone was full of resentment, yet also a helpless frustration.

Lin Xiuyuan suppressed a laugh, "And the second one?"

"The second thing is whether your oppa has good judgment and can find a few similar projects. As long as you can provide the funding, the investment company can survive. Otherwise, it's better to take the first path."

As soon as Park Jiyeon finished speaking, Lin Xiuyuan laughed, "Then choose the second one. I have plenty of projects like this, so don't worry."

“That’s what I thought too, so I told them that. After hearing my answer, they were silent for a while, and then gave me two profit-sharing plans. One was that the investment company was mine, so we would split it 70/30, with them getting 70% and me getting 30%, but all I had to do was invest money.”

The same silence fell on Lin Xiuyuan's side.

After a long pause, he spoke up, "And the second one?"

“Oppa, you'll be the major shareholder and chairman of the investment company, and we'll still invest the money, and it'll still be 70/30. But this time, we'll take 70%, and he'll only take 30%.”

"..."

Lin Xiuyuan on the other end of the phone suddenly fell silent. He stood in front of the railing, gazing at the Tokyo night view, and after a long silence, he finally spoke, "I'll get back to you about this later."

Upon hearing this reply, Park Jiyeon looked at the last sentence on the paper, "Oppa, it seems the other party anticipated that you would think this way, so they asked me to pass on a message to you."

"what?"

"I... am a little hesitant to say."

"You say it."

"He said you're an idiot. Ah~ I didn't say it, oppa, he said it, those were his exact words."

"..."

Hearing Park Jiyeon pronounce the word "idiot" so clearly, Lin Xiuyuan was speechless.

Just then, Goo Hara, who was chatting enthusiastically with Lin Xiaolu and Sulli at the dining table, suddenly glanced in his direction with a subtle look in her eyes.

Then she looked at Lin Xiaolu and Shirley beside her, showing a curiosity that she hadn't shown when Lin Xiuyuan was there, "Unnie, Mari, who is this person? Why do you both seem to care about each other so much?"

Her keen eye, honed over years in the entertainment industry, allowed her to instantly detect the subtle emotional fluctuations between the two.

Before Shirley could speak, Lin Xiaolu smiled and seized the opportunity to speak, replying in a light and casual tone.

"That guy is my reserve 'male lead'."

"Ok?"

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(End of this chapter)