Hancheng: There is a door between me and the future

Chapter 152 Three people, two embraced, their eyes locked (Please subscribe and vote with monthly tickets)

Seoul in 2025, around 7 p.m.

As the sun completely disappeared behind the western mountains, night quietly descended, and the entire city began to be draped in a shimmering cloak.

The surface of the Han River shimmered gently under the lights. Pedestrians strolled along the riverbank in twos and threes, some jogging, some taking photos, and others using drones to capture the unique night scene of the city.

As the drone passed through the reflections of glass on the high-rise buildings, it finally arrived at the top of Namsan Tower and captured images of a secluded and private upscale restaurant.

Located on a hillside near Namsan Tower, this place boasts a unique and advantageous location.

The restaurant's design features a minimalist style that blends Korean and modern elements. The floor-to-ceiling windows in the private rooms offer panoramic views of Seoul's nightscape, making it feel as if the entire city is right before your eyes.

The drone circled the restaurant, and its final shot captured a Mercedes slowly pulling into a parking space.

However, the scene only flashed by for a moment before the drone operator pulled it up to another location and flew towards Namsan Tower.

They had no idea what they had missed.

Because the person who got out of that car after it turned off was none other than Yoona, the center and visual of Girls' Generation.

Moreover, after getting out of the car, the other person smiled and walked to the front of the car, took the arm of the man who got out of the driver's seat next to him, and walked into the restaurant with him.

Meanwhile, in a private room inside the restaurant, the lighting was soft and understated, casting a warm glow on the wooden table and soft cushions, creating a tranquil and elegant atmosphere.

Lee Juri sat by the window, wearing a low-key black dress, her posture elegant, with a half-smile on her lips.

Da Longzai was wearing a light gray knitted top, with his hair loosely tied back. He would occasionally turn his head and whisper to Krystal next to him, his voice filled with the intimacy and tacit understanding between acquaintances.

Krystal, on the other hand, appeared somewhat aloof compared to the other two. She wore a striped shirt and loose trousers, as if she had just finished work, but her eyes kept glancing at the city lights outside the window, her expression revealing a thoughtful look.

Just then, the door to the private room was pushed open from the outside.

"Are we too late?" a familiar voice rang out.

The people in the private room all looked towards the door. Lin Xiuyuan was wearing a clean and neat white shirt with his sleeves slightly rolled up. Compared to his previous sunny and handsome youthful vibe, he had a more mature and charming aura.

Beside him stood Yoona, who looked exceptionally radiant tonight.

A white T-shirt paired with a black pencil skirt exudes a refreshing yet capable and elegant style, just like the bright smile that shines through her slightly upturned lips.

"We've finally arrived, Xiuyuan. Where are you and Yoona unnie going?"

Upon seeing the two enter, Da Longzai spoke first, a smile playing on his lips, but a hint of mockery in his tone.

Those who understand these words can grasp their meaning, while those who don't just take them as a joke.

Therefore, Lin Xiuyuan couldn't tell at all and answered very seriously, "I went to deliver love and care, and delivered some bread to some elderly people's community."

"Hmm~"

Seeing Lin Xiuyuan's serious expression, Li Juli chuckled and gave him a helping hand after responding, "You're amazing. Sit down first, would you like something to drink?"

"Ice water, thank you."

While responding, Lin Xiuyuan glanced at the seats and chose a seat next to Li Juli.

Yoona sat down next to him without any hesitation, then looked at Krystal, who had just greeted her, and smiled, "Krystal, when did you get here? How come you arrived even faster than us?"

"I took a taxi right after I got off the train, but I only arrived a little earlier than you, unnie."

As she spoke, Krystal tilted her head slightly, looked past Yoona at Lin Xiuyuan, and said meaningfully, "Xiuyuan, long time no see."

"what……"

Lin Xiuyuan, who had just been suppressed last night, looked at Krystal's calm smile and was first stunned, then immediately reacted, "Oh, it's alright, it's only been a few days, it won't be that long."

Yoona, standing to the side, seemed to be observing something.

Her gaze lingered on Krystal's skin and complexion, then subtly shifted a few seconds later, glancing at the giant dragon cub opposite her.

Then, she slowly lowered her eyes, a hint of understanding and a subtle excitement flashing in them.

It's true, she's sure.

Then, glancing out of the corner of her eye at Lin Xiuyuan, who was catching up with Krystal, and thinking about Lin Xiaolu whom she had met today, she couldn't help but smile slightly.

At this moment, Da Longzai had already confirmed the serving time with the restaurant via the intercom. Suddenly, he leaned forward and suggested to Lin Xiuyuan with great enthusiasm, "Xiuyuan, let's go play tennis after we finish eating."

"Eat first, then exercise," Lin Xiuyuan said, looking at the little dragon cub with amusement.

"You can take a break here. There's a private tennis court near my apartment, upstairs, so it's very private and has great lighting and atmosphere. It's really fun."

Later, in front of everyone, Da Longzai even gave Lin Xiuyuan a little pleading, "Let's go have some fun together, okay? I've been working so hard these past few days, I haven't worked up a sweat in ages. Let's relax while everyone's here, right, Xiujing~"

No sweating?
Lin Xiuyuan glanced at her, then at Krystal.

These two are such liars.

"I'm fine with anything." Krystal glanced at the two of them, her gaze finally settling on the rosy cheeks of the little dragon, and said, "But Jiyeon, your complexion has improved a lot recently, much better than at the end of last year."

Upon hearing this, both Lee Qri and Lim Yoona widened their eyes slightly, sensing a strong aggression.

At the end of last year... wasn't that when Da Longzai got divorced?

Fortunately, the little dragon had already moved on from that incident and instead laughed along with Krystal's words.

"Right, I think so too. It's all thanks to you, Xiujing. If you hadn't introduced Xiuyuan to me, I wouldn't be in such a good mood. When you're in a good mood, your energy naturally returns."

Sure enough, as soon as the little dragon finished speaking, Krystal, who had just been worried that she might be too radical, turned pale.

At the time, we were so focused on locking this guy in 2025 that we never imagined there would be any other follow-up.

If she had known things would turn out this way, she would never have introduced any 'mature woman' or 'married woman' to this guy.

Krystal had actually heard stories about locking buses before, but she didn't think much of it at the time, and even treated it as a joke.

Now, she suddenly understands the core of that story.

Thinking of this, the word "core" seemed to strike her senses, and Krystal suddenly looked at Lin Xiuyuan.

"By the way, Xiuyuan, how's the renovation going at the tavern? It's been a while since I've been there. Is it still not finished?"

In response to Krystal's question, Lin Xiuyuan answered readily, "It's all set up. I just received a call today, but I haven't gone over to check it yet. I've been a bit busy lately."

The renovation they were talking about was actually adding a small hidden compartment and a back door to the tavern; this was a feature that was implemented in both timelines.

The purpose is to allow 'unexpected' people to hide inside or slip away through the back door in certain special circumstances, go back to the apartment villa to hide, and wait for the next step.

"After you've finished your checkup, let's find an opportunity to get together with the members. It's been a while since we sat down and chatted."

Krystal continued, her tone casually shifting as she looked at Yoona, "Unnie, you didn't come to the last gathering, so you should at least come and see everyone this time, right?"

Unexpectedly, Yoona chuckled and nodded with a smile, "Sure."

Seeing this, the dragon cub on the other side glanced at Lin Yoona's condition, and after finding nothing amiss, looked back at Krystal's face.

She knew, of course, that from the moment Krystal stepped into the private room, tonight's dinner was destined to be anything but peaceful.

After all, with that rosy complexion and that smooth, radiant skin even without makeup, Da Longzai would be the first to disbelieve that nothing had happened between Krystal and Lin Xiuyuan.

The same idea quietly took shape in Krystal's mind.

What started as mere speculation became clear after she entered the room and saw the "well-fed" face of the little dragon cub, confirming her judgment.

This led to the series of highly charged clashes that followed.

After all, female competition never picks a time or place, nor does it discriminate based on age.

So when Da Longzai heard the word 'member,' he smiled and looked at Lin Xiuyuan, who was as well-behaved and quiet as a model student.

"By the way, Xiuyuan, have you seen my status updates lately? I put the birthday gift you gave me on the platform."

Her tone was smiling, and her voice trailed off softly, but her eyes were sharp as a knife hidden in her smile, drifting straight toward Lin Xiuyuan.

Although he had ordered the food on the way there, Lin Xiuyuan was still looking down at the menu, pretending to be carefully considering the calories of the "main course," until he heard Da Longzai's shout, at which point his fingers paused slightly.

"Oh, I saw it. It looks really good, and the fans' comments are great too. And your advice to tell people not to get tattoos is also fantastic. Everything is excellent."

Lin Xiuyuan looked up, forcing a smile that looked more like a grimace, while his peripheral vision was clearly scanning Krystal's reaction.

However, before he could even catch his breath, Krystal casually chimed in, "Speaking of gifts... Jiyeon, do you know Xiuyuan's clothing size?"

Her tone was light, but her words were barbed: "This guy is a natural clothes hanger. Last time I went to Europe on a business trip, I picked up a few clothes for him. Every single one fit him perfectly, and he looked even more like a model than the models. Maybe he could work part-time as a male runway model in the future."

Krystal paused at this point, then slowly raised the water glass in front of her and took a small sip.

Her pale fingertips traced the rim of the glass before she looked up at Lin Xiuyuan's forehead, which was visibly sweating. She finally softened and added, "By the way, Jessica asked you for some RMB cash. See if you can find someone to exchange some for her."

"RMB? Sure, how much do you want?"

"I don't know, but if you give her tens of thousands of yuan, that should be enough. If not, let her come to you herself."

Seeing Lin Xiuyuan nod without hesitation, Krystal smiled with satisfaction.

"Then I'll go out and make a phone call."

Lin Xiuyuan casually tossed out this remark, then quickly got up and left his seat, making an excuse to avoid the situation.

Even though the air conditioning in the private room was cool, and even though he was surrounded by beautiful women and their fragrances were irresistible, he felt like he was about to choke on the atmosphere; it was so stimulating it was almost unbearable.

Last night he was making all sorts of promises to Krystal, but today she caught him and his son in the act. It was more thrilling than a spy movie.

Lin Yoona glanced at Lin Xiuyuan, who was leaving the private room, with amusement. Her fox-like eyes curved slightly, as if she were watching a good show.

However, he didn't say anything. Instead, he picked up the menu and moved closer to Lee Qri. "Hey, the lamb chops at this restaurant look pretty good. Qri unnie, would you like to try some?"

"This is what I ordered, Yoona," Lee Qri said with a smile. Her eyes glanced at Krystal and Daeyong a few times, and the burning excitement and shock in her heart were already starting to get hard to contain.

If the scene were a golf course, or the villa where the birthday party was held, she might already be pressed close to Lin Xiuyuan, intending to take a good, careful, and serious look at who this boy really is.

After Lin Xiuyuan left, Da Longzai and Krystal returned to their previous friendly mode, chatting about work.

A few minutes later, Lin Xiuyuan returned to the private room with the waiter who brought the food.

As I passed Krystal, I said, "It's all settled. Have Jessica add me on WeChat, and I'll transfer the money to her."

He still has Chinese citizenship here, so exchanging RMB is easy. He just needs to open a Chinese bank's app and complete a few facial recognition steps.

After he finished speaking, he plopped down back down, thinking he could finally catch his breath.

Little did they know, the real war had only just begun.

It all started with Krystal's reply: "OK, thanks. To show my appreciation, could you drive me home tonight so I can get you something?"

"Huh? No need."

This time, Lin Xiuyuan wasn't afraid or worried about anything; he simply felt it was unnecessary, since most of the money in his account came from Krystal.

The next second, Krystal laughed and said, "I don't have a car to go back, what's wrong with giving me a ride?"

"Soojung, we're going the same way, let me give you a ride."

Da Longzai suddenly interrupted, his smile bright and his tone natural, abruptly cutting off their "solo trip".

Everyone immediately turned to look at her.

Krystal raised an eyebrow, her smile as sharp as a knife. "Wow, as expected of a true fan's idol, Jiyeon, you're quick to protect your idol."

"There's nothing I can do about it. You said you're a true fan. Besides, Xiuyuan has been with me for so many days, so I still feel sorry for him."

When Da Longzai said this, he looked at Lin Xiuyuan with a very affectionate tone.

Krystal chuckled, her tone suddenly becoming as gentle as a spring breeze, "Why does what you're saying make Xiu Yuan sound like a playmate?"

She looked at Lin Xiuyuan, then suddenly changed the subject, "Jiyan, don't hurt our Xiuyuan, he's very innocent, right, Yoona unnie?"

As she said this, Krystal's lips curved into a sweet smile, but her tone was sharp as a knife, gently circling around Lin Xiuyuan's neck.

When Yoona was called out, she simply pretended to be clueless and smiled innocently, "Pure? It's youth, isn't it, Krystal?"

This "I'm just a passerby here to eat" attitude was like a knife that pushed Lin Xiuyuan directly into the center of the battlefield.

If it were the old dragon cub, she would have been furious.

But now she just smiled slightly and said calmly, "No, it's not. Playing with someone... maybe everyone will be happy if we keep playing together."

Then, she changed the subject, her tone seemingly meaningful, "Besides, spending a few more days with them wouldn't hurt. At least don't let your emotions be like a light switch, turning on whenever someone comes along, that wouldn't look good."

Krystal smiled defiantly, her tone cool and precise, "That's not right. I think it depends on who flips the switch. Some people flip it for three years and it still doesn't light up, while others only use it for three days and the whole light is on, that's amazing."

As she said this, she didn't look at the little dragon cub, but stared straight at Lin Xiuyuan. "What do you think, Xiuyuan?"

After he finished speaking, the private room fell silent for a second.

The atmosphere was as if a veil had been gently lifted, revealing a scalding undercurrent beneath.

Lin Xiuyuan felt as if he were sitting on a chair that represented both ice and fire.

On one side is Krystal's understated sarcasm, and on the other is Da Longzai's ruthless cunning hidden in his smile.

The veins on his forehead throbbed faintly, and a forced smile hung on the corner of his mouth, as if even his expression was about to cramp.

Just as the atmosphere was about to get out of control, Li Juli coughed lightly and finally took pity on him, "Could you let Xiuyuan catch his breath first? I think he's about to break out in a cold sweat."

"No, it's just a little hot outside. It'll be fine in a bit, it'll be fine in a bit."

Lin Xiuyuan quickly waved his hand, his tone urgent as if he were trying to find a moment to catch his breath.

Yoona also stepped in at the right time, raising a gentle smile to smooth things over, "Let's eat first, don't go hungry."

With the mediation of the two unnies, Krystal and Daeyong temporarily pressed the "pause button" on their verbal sparring.

One second they were at loggerheads, the next they were casually sharing the food in front of them, quietly discussing the taste and presentation of the dishes. This sudden change in style completely shocked Lin Xiuyuan with the "cultural shock of tea ceremony".

As he mechanically ate his rice, he silently pondered: What kind of battlefield is this?
However, this temporary "peace agreement" did not last long.

Moreover, the "war" that was ignited this time was actually started by Lin Xiuyuan himself.

As Da Longzai picked up her knife and fork to cut the steak, Lin Xiuyuan instinctively handed her a tissue and gestured for her to cover her clothes so she wouldn't get splashed.

This small gesture drew a meaningful look from Krystal.

Calm, yet with a hint of depth, like a hunter spotting a weakness in his prey.

Seconds later, the second round of the battle began.

"Jiyeon, didn't you say you took some photos of temporary tattoos? Aside from those... how many of them are actually real?"

"You want to know?" the big dragon cub replied with a smile. "It's a pity you didn't come to my birthday party last time, otherwise you would have known already. Now... Xiu Yuan knows much more than you do."

"Oh, I was just asking casually. After all, Xiu Yuan... he really likes abs." Krystal raised an eyebrow and smiled, her tone light and sarcastic.

"Speaking of fitness and abs," Da Longzai immediately chimed in, "I haven't been doing so well lately. Xiu Yuan, when are you going to teach me how to get a physique like yours?"

"Huh? I... I need to go to the restroom first."

Lin Xiuyuan almost reflexively put down his chopsticks and fled.

As soon as he left, laughter broke out from the ladies at the table. Although the atmosphere seemed warm, their laughter was so intense it was as if they were holding pinpoint needles.

But less than two seconds later, the second person also got up.

"I'll go too."

The little dragon stood up with clean, swift movements, a sweet smile on his face, but a cunning glint in his eyes.

Inside the men's restroom, Lin Xiuyuan looked completely bewildered.

At this moment, his mind was in complete chaos as he encountered this "battlefield" for the first time. He could only mechanically shake off the water and urinate, and even the action of pulling up his zipper was somewhat absent-minded.

Then, as soon as I pushed open the door, I ran into the big dragon cub.

She leaned against the end of the corridor, the soft light shining on her face, her smile carrying a hint of teasing composure.

"What's wrong? You should have told me sooner that you and Krystal were having an affair."

The little dragon, with its crescent-shaped eyes, said, "Were you scared?"

"Uh..." Lin Xiuyuan subconsciously wanted to deny it, but didn't know where to begin.

"Okay, I won't make a fuss about her when I get back." Da Longzai smiled like a child who had received a treat. "But you have to promise me one thing."

"what."

"I haven't thought it through yet. Wait until I've figured it out before you agree. Just tell me if it's okay or not."

She laughed playfully, but her voice carried an undeniable air of coquetry.

Lin Xiuyuan recalled the complicated atmosphere in the private room and said without hesitation, "Okay... sure."

"So good."

The little dragon took a step closer with satisfaction and hugged him. "You ran too fast last night. Don't do that next time. At least leave some time for tenderness."

She spoke softly, her face pressed against his shoulder, her tone so gentle it sounded like she was being coquettish, yet also carried a hint of deliberate marking.

But what she didn't see was that the moment she hugged Lin Xiuyuan...

Krystal stood at the end of the corridor, arms crossed, watching them quietly with a faint smile on her lips, as if she had expected this scene.

She stood there, her silhouette under the bright lights like a still judge, her gaze calm, yet meeting Lin Xiuyuan's eyes directly.

Three people, two embracing, their eyes meeting.

　Adding to last night's chapter~ The daily 10,000-word chapter is finished. Thank you for your support and votes, godfathers.

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　　Synopsis: The story begins with the protagonist transmigrating into the body of a fictional, mascot-like emperor. Through the Book of a Hundred Lifetimes, he experiences different lives and receives rewards for completing tasks.

　　It is our responsibility to restore the glory of the royal family!
　　In the Book of Centuries.

　　I became the Holy Son of the Wan Dao Sect and debated with the Holy Maiden Miao Lian. As a result, her heart was broken and she grew thousands of black hairs.

　　I became a down-and-out scholar and saved a white snake. I helped her successfully overcome the calamity and transform into the last real dragon in the world, but she said that she would never let me go in this life.

　　I became an elder of the Longquan Sword Sect, accepted a disciple, and trained her to become the world's number one swordsman, but she hated me to the core.

　　Finally one day, I took back the power, and I thought I had reached the other side, walking on thin ice.

　　As a result, dark clouds suddenly opened up in the sky above the imperial capital!

　　A huge white dragon head poked out from the clouds and stared at me.

　　Isn’t it said that it’s good to experience life?
　　Why did everything become real?

　　
　
(End of this chapter)