Hancheng: There is a door between me and the future

Chapter 281 Goo Hara: "You're living together~" OR "I want to!!" (10,000 words to wish everyone a happy Mid-Autumn Festival)

2013 years.

In the afternoon in Seoul, sunlight filtered through a thin veil of clouds, scattering into soft, silvery-white rays.

The wind at the street corner was slightly cool, brushing past the ginkgo leaves that had fallen on the sidewalk, and the subtle feeling of autumn seeped into the air.

The old-fashioned bibimbap restaurant in Apgujeong has wooden tables and chairs that have been worn smooth by time. A small fan in the corner turns gently, carrying the aroma of sesame oil and grilled meat, which is warm and familiar.

Shirley was sitting quietly in a booth by the window.

She was dressed simply, wearing a white shirt under a beige wool coat, with the cuffs slightly rolled up.

A glass of warm water is placed beside me, and my fingertips gently rub the rim of the glass.

Occasionally she would look down at her phone, then occasionally look up towards the door, her expression carrying a hint of anticipation.

Just then, the door was pushed open.

The wind chimes tinkled, and the air seemed to be gently stirred.

That familiar figure walked in.

Goo Hara appeared.

The other person had a high ponytail, with bangs hanging down naturally in front of their forehead, making their face look even more delicate.

The khaki dress she wore had a soft, warm glow under the light, with the cuffs gently gathered, creating a graceful silhouette.

A familiar smile played on her lips.

It's the kind of smile that can put you at ease even through a crowd, a smile that makes you think, "That's the truth!"

Goo Hara walked quickly towards Sulli, her voice filled with undisguised surprise.

"Unnie~" Sulli also stood up with a smile.

The two embraced, the air filled with a faint scent of perfume and the aroma of autumn.

“You haven’t changed at all.” Shirley looked her up and down, her eyes filled with a hint of teasing.

“Of course, I’m someone who has to live in front of the camera,” Goo Hara replied with a smile, her tone as light as ever. “Besides, it hasn’t been that long since we last met.”

As she spoke, she pulled out a chair and sat down, casually tossing her hair back to reveal her long, slender neck.

Then he casually put down his small black bag, unbuttoned his coat, leaned back in his seat, and finally relaxed.

"Ah~ I can finally go back to Seoul and have a normal meal." She sighed deeply, her tone filled with genuine satisfaction. "I was eating boxed lunches and convenience store meals every day over there, and I almost forgot what bibimbap tasted like."

"It can't be that bad, unnie. They have Japanese food, ramen, and yakiniku over there too."

Shirley smiled and gestured to the waiter, "But since you've said that, you must eat more today!"

“That’s different.” Goo Hara flipped through the menu, her tone carrying a hint of disdainful coquettishness.

Shirley smiled, her eyes crinkling into crescents, "Is it because you're a picky eater, unnie?"

"Oh, you little rascal!" Goo Hara laughed as she reached out to pinch her waist.

Shirley was so amused that she bent over, her laughter ringing out so clearly that it drew the attention of the guests at the next table.

After a while of commotion, the two finally calmed down and each ordered their favorite dishes: beef bibimbap, kimchi soup, and a grilled mackerel.

After ordering, the atmosphere gradually softened.

Goo Hara stirred her teacup, the bottom reflecting a soft light. She turned her head to look at Sulli, a slight smile playing on her lips.

"Honestly, Zhenli, if I hadn't seen the news reports the other day, and that your drama was going to air, I wouldn't have believed it..." She paused slightly, her tone tinged with emotion, "You actually became a screenwriter."

"How could I not have thought of this? After experiencing it recently, I feel that screenwriting is not much easier than being an idol."

Shirley laughed softly, her tone slightly teasing.

Goo Hara, holding her chopsticks, squinted and couldn't help but laugh out loud, "That's because you bring Soojung with you every day."

She leaned forward slightly and lowered her voice, "Besides, screenwriting is time-sensitive. Once you're done with this period, you can take a break."

"Unnie, you've probably forgotten that I also have the identity of an idol, haven't you?" Sulli reminded her.

Goo Hara paused for a moment, then looked up at her seriously.

In that instant, the smile in her eyes gradually softened.

“Jinri, you’ve changed a lot.” Goo Hara said softly, her tone filled with an older sister’s tenderness. “You used to not want to mention this identity, let alone run schedules or go on stage.”

Shirley tilted her head, a slight smile playing on her lips, as if intentionally being mischievous, "So, unnie, do you think I've become better or worse now?"

As she spoke, she leaned closer, her eyes sparkling, as if waiting for Goo Hara's answer.

Goo Hara chuckled and shook her head. "The fact that you can ask me this question directly shows that you've really matured a lot."

Her tone softened, but a hint of emotion appeared in her eyes. "I don't know if this is a good thing or a bad thing. It seems like that clingy little one is gone."

As soon as she finished speaking, Shirley chuckled and immediately leaned closer, softly trailing off, "Unnie~ I'm clingy too now~"

"Oh, you..." Goo Hara laughed out loud, swatting away the restless little hand as she laughed. "Stop messing around. I just said that about you, and you haven't changed at all, you little pervert."

The sounds of their laughter mingled with the steam and aroma of sesame seeds from the pot, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Soon, the dishes were served one after another. The sizzling stone pot made a hot sound, and the red oil in the kimchi soup glistened under the light.

The air was lifted by the heat, and a misty haze spread between the two of them, as if through a soft-focus layer.

She had only eaten half of it when Goo Hara suddenly lowered her voice and looked at Sulli with a complicated expression.

"Actually... I recently found out something."

Sherry, who was eating bibimbap, looked up at her with a puzzled expression.

"It's nothing, it's just..." Goo Hara sighed softly, tapping the rim of her bowl with her fingertips, "Some friends I used to hang out with seem to have done something not so clean."

She scooped up a spoonful of rice, then put it down, a slight frown appearing between her brows.

“You know me, I’m not the kind of person who likes to meddle, but I’ve felt something’s been off these past few months.” Her voice lowered. “And it turned out to be true, some people really… went too far astray.”

Shirley didn't speak immediately, but listened quietly. Her eyes were serious, her expression calm, but she breathed a sigh of relief inwardly.

Goo Hara, who was standing next to her, continued talking, even with a slight bitter smile on her lips.

“Sun-kyu, you, and a few other friends reminded me before that those people’s cliques were too chaotic and that I shouldn’t get too involved in some things. At the time, I thought you were making a mountain out of a molehill.”

She paused, then gently shook her head. "Looking back now, I'm glad I listened to that advice."

"So, unnie, what are you planning to do???" Sherry asked softly.

When asked, Goo Hara pursed her lips, regained her composure, and replied, "We're already slowly widening the distance between us."

"It wasn't a sudden break, but we avoided all the occasions we needed to. Anyway, we had a lot of schedules, so there was no need to force ourselves together." She chuckled. "It's just... they've noticed it to some extent, and some people have started to speak with a barb."

"Won't there be any danger?" Shirley frowned subconsciously.

Goo Hara shook her head, her expression still calm. "It's nothing. I didn't do anything. They're not assassins. Besides, they can't touch me. I'm not the kind of person who can be dragged into this easily."

She smiled, her expression revealing a newfound confidence and composure.

That kind of composure only grows after experiencing the stage, the camera, fame, and being surrounded by crowds.

After all, Goo Hara at this time was not the same person she would become later. Although she might not be at the peak of her career in Seoul, she was firmly in the top spot in Japan.

However, fate never gives advance notice.

No one could have imagined that a few years later, her company would suddenly pull a stunt, abandoning the market it had painstakingly built in Japan.

The group's personnel adjustments, reorganizations, and subsequent splits were like an invisible knife, slicing away at the very foundation upon which Goo Hara depended for survival.

When she had to find another way out, the light that had once cheered for her gradually faded away.

Later, she appeared on a so-called "beauty program," her smile still the same on camera, but the story behind it... no one could have imagined that it would end like that.

However, those are all things of the future.

Goo Hara remains the same proud, confident, and charming woman she always was.

She gently shook her head, and a familiar smile returned to the corners of her lips.

"Moreover, during my years in Japan, I've learned quite a few ways to handle the gray areas of interpersonal relationships."

Her tone carried a hint of playfulness, as well as a certain calmness born of experience.

Shirley looked at her, a feeling she couldn't quite describe welling up inside her.

In that instant, she suddenly felt that the Goo Hara in front of her was no longer just the unnie who always smiled and shouted "Jinri-ya," but a woman who still maintained her elegance in the face of storms.

Her gaze softened involuntarily.

A slight ache also welled up in a corner of my heart.

If fate hadn't been so unpredictable, perhaps years later the two would only be separated by tombstones.

“Unnie, you’ve really… become even more amazing,” she whispered.

Goo Hara tilted her head and smiled, a soft light flashing in her eyes, "You're the same, you've grown up."

At that moment, her smile was incredibly gentle, like a ray of sunlight shining through the clouds in autumn.

As she finished speaking, her expression gradually relaxed, and her tone returned to its familiar brightness.

He brushed a strand of hair behind his ear with his fingertips, and a mischievous smile suddenly appeared on his lips.

"By the way, Truth, I have a question for you."

"Hmm?" Shirley put down her spoon, looked up, and had a faint smile on her lips.

Goo Hara looked around, as if afraid someone would hear her, and then leaned closer.

Those smiling eyes held a hint of curiosity. "Didn't we meet that guy in Tokyo last time... what was his name again? Lin Xiuyuan, right?"

Shirley paused for a moment, then softly hummed in agreement.

"Looks like I remembered the name right." Goo Hara smiled, lowering her voice even further. "Back then, he and Yoona were... quite close, weren't they? How are they now?"

As she spoke, she gestured lightly with her chopsticks, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "I've been specifically checking the news here these past few days, but I can't find anything, and nobody in the industry is talking about it. You know those two, right? Tell me, what's their relationship like now?"

Shirley was about to drink her soup when she was startled by these words and almost choked. She quickly coughed twice.

"Unnie, you'll have to ask oppa about this yourself."

After blinking, he spoke softly, as if he were keeping a secret.

"Huh? Ask him?"

Goo Hara paused, her chopsticks snapping in her hand. Her eyes widened, and her voice unconsciously rose a half-octave. "I'm not even familiar with them. We only met once in Tokyo last time. How am I supposed to ask them?"

She wrinkled her nose, like a kitten suddenly teased, her tone tinged with helplessness, yet unable to hide the little thoughts stirred by curiosity.

Shirley finally couldn't help but laugh out loud.

The laughter was crisp and soft, like ice cubes gently colliding in a bowl. Her eyes curved at the corners, and her lips held a mischievous glint.

She put down her spoon, leaned back in her chair, and gently shook her head. "That's easy, unnie. If you really want to ask... just come home with me."

"Go home?" Goo Hara paused for a few seconds, her chopsticks hovering in mid-air, a moment of confusion flashing in her eyes. "What do you mean, go home?"

"It's just going back to my home."

Shirley's smile deepened, her voice soft, yet it seemed to conceal some kind of deliberate intent.

"Why...why do you want me to go to your house?" Goo Hara tilted her head, looking puzzled.

"Because..."

Shirley lowered her head, her fingers lightly tracing circles on the table, the corners of her lips slowly curving upwards, her tone deliberately slow, carrying a hint of slyness, "I'm living with Xiuyuan oppa."

Upon hearing this, the air seemed to freeze completely.

The surrounding noise from the restaurant seemed to suddenly be pulled into the background noise in the distance.

Even the clinking of bowls and chopsticks on the next table sounded muffled and faint.

"W-what did you say?"

Goo Hara froze on the spot, her eyes wide with disbelief as she stared at her as if she had been electrocuted.

She blinked rapidly a few times, her lips parted slightly, and she stammered, "You just said...you and...Lin Xiuyuan...are living together?!"

Shirley nodded gently.

Her expression was unusually calm, without a trace of emotion in her eyes, and even carried a hint of innocent sweetness. "Yes, if unnie comes back with me later, she might run into oppa."

Upon hearing this, Goo Hara's small hand trembled again, and she almost dropped her chopsticks.

"This...this is too much! Are you kidding me?"

"No way."

Shirley rested her chin on her hand, tilted her head slightly, and looked at you with a bright, mischievous smile in her eyes. "Why would I lie to you?"

"But, but..."

Goo Hara was speechless for a moment, her mouth opening and closing repeatedly, her eyes darting around, as if she had been thrown into a panic by the sudden news.

He subconsciously leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms as if trying to give himself some space.

Shirley looked at her flustered appearance and smiled slightly.

The smile was faint, both triumphant and with a hint of gentle mischief.

Actually, she had already anticipated that her unnie would react this way.

After all, in other people's eyes, she is a girl who has not even been in a serious relationship, and suddenly she says that she is living with someone outside the entertainment industry.

It seems like a fantasy from any perspective.

But Shirley didn't explain.

She simply picked up the glass quietly, took a sip of juice, her eyes fixed on the floating bubbles in the glass, a faint smile playing on her lips.

While Goo Hara was still immersed in shock and curiosity, a scene from a certain night before slowly surfaced in Sulli's mind.

……

It was late at night.

The city lights outside the window flickered in the distance, and neon lights dappled into the room through the half-open blinds.

A faint aroma of lemon soda filled the air, and two unfinished drinks sat on the table, their surfaces glistening with tiny droplets of water under the dim light.

In the living room, a variety show was playing on the television, with laughter and playful noises rising and falling.

Shirley nestled at the other end of the sofa, hugging a cushion, laughing for a while but gradually quieting down.

Her gaze was fixed on the television screen, but she didn't seem to be watching the program; her eyes were somewhat unfocused.

Her thoughtful expression made her appear gentle and quiet.

"Oppa."

Suddenly, she called out softly, her voice as if gently enveloped by the night.

Lin Xiuyuan leaned back on the sofa, holding his phone in one hand, his expression as calm as ever. Upon hearing the sound, he immediately turned to look at Shirley, "Hmm? What's wrong?"

Sherry gently bit her lower lip, seemingly hesitating whether or not she should ask.

After a moment, she finally spoke, "Do you think... there's any possibility that Hara Unnie might also go over there?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Xiuyuan's fingers paused slightly. He turned off the phone screen and placed it on the coffee table with a crisp "click".

Then she looked up at Shirley, "If only she could see those people clearly, and understand her own place..."

Lin Xiuyuan, speaking in a low and thoughtful tone, continued, "If it really comes to that, then let's meet and talk."

He didn't say much, but what he did say was enough to leave a lasting impression.

Shirley couldn't help but laugh as she listened.

The smile carried a hint of mischief, and also a sense of relief.

She knew that since Lin Xiuyuan hadn't said "no," it meant there was still a chance.

Moreover, it is a very high chance.

So she turned her head again, her gaze lingering on his profile for a moment, and then asked softly, "Can I tell her... about us living together?"

Lin Xiuyuan was taken aback, clearly not expecting her to ask that.

A moment later, he chuckled and shook his head.

"You, you~" He reached out and gently pinched her fair cheek with his fingertips. "Are you trying to scare or provoke her by having me do this?"

Shirley smiled, her eyes crinkling with laughter.

That smug expression made it easy to see through her little scheme, yet people couldn't bear to expose it.

"Just tell me."

Lin Xiuyuan sighed helplessly, his tone softening with a hint of indulgent affection, "Anyway, it's not like I'll lose a piece of my flesh."

At that moment, Shirley remembered the warmth that flashed in his eyes—it was a mixture of doting and trust.

A warmth spread through my heart, and my smile became even brighter.

She leaned closer, a smile playing on her lips, her voice so low it was almost drowned out by the background noise, "Then I'll really tell you."

"Ah."

……

And now, sitting at the table with bibimbap, she has finally fulfilled her promise to "say it."

Steam rises from the stone pot, carrying the aroma of sesame oil and roasted meat, yet also a subtle tranquility.

Back in reality, Goo Hara was still in a daze.

"So... you're really living with him now?" she asked again, her voice slightly unsteady.

“Hmm.” Shirley blinked, her expression saying, “What’s so strange about that?”

"God..."

Goo Hara finally came to her senses, leaning back with a tone of shock, disbelief, and barely concealed envy.

"You're really too bold, Jinri... Doesn't this count as stealing Yoona's man? Be careful she doesn't retaliate against you."

"Ah, unnie~" Shirley suppressed a laugh, her tone gentle yet tinged with helplessness, "It's not that exaggerated."

"How is it not exaggerated?" Goo Hara got more and more excited as she spoke, slamming her hand on the table, causing her chopsticks to tremble slightly.

"I noticed it last time, the way Yoona looked at Lin Xiuyuan was off! I know that look, a woman's intuition is never wrong. They were doing cosplay together, and eating and chatting so intimately... If it weren't a little interesting, I'd rip my head off for you!"

As she spoke, she couldn't help but laugh, but her tone also carried a genuinely gossipy seriousness.

Shirley rested her chin on her hand, quietly watching her with a slight upturn at the corners of her mouth.

In that instant, she suddenly felt that the excited unnie in front of her was a little cute, and also a little nostalgic.

"So, does unnie still want to ask about oppa's relationship with Yoona unnie?"

Her tone was light, with a hint of laughter at the end.

"I……"

Goo Hara was speechless for a moment, glared at her, and looked like a child who had been caught red-handed.

Then her tone changed, and she couldn't help but complain, "You're like this, isn't that guy a jerk? He's taking advantage of you and still eyeing Yoona?" Shirley gently shook her head, her smile deepening.

"Well, I'm not going to explain that to you. Unnie, if you really want to know, go ask oppa yourself."

Her tone was as gentle as the wind, yet it carried a subtle provocation.

Goo Hara stared at her expression, then suddenly narrowed her eyes, as if she had caught something amiss. "Wait a minute, Jinri... are you setting a trap for me?"

Shirley blinked, feigning innocence, but did not answer.

The two looked at each other for a moment, and then, without prior arrangement, they both burst out laughing.

The laughter carried a teasing tone, yet also an indescribable intimacy.

That's the tacit understanding between sisters, a silent "I understand you" kind of understanding.

The food had long since gone cold, but the atmosphere grew increasingly lively.

"Fine, let's just meet once."

Goo Hara sighed as she picked up a spoon and stirred her food, shaking her head with a smile.
"Although this sounds a bit strange, what can I do? You're my beloved little sister. Sigh, living together... I never expected this."

She muttered to herself, her tone a mixture of curiosity and helplessness.

Shirley simply looked at her quietly, a gentle smile curving her lips.

The wind outside the window swept across the street, stirring up a flurry of fallen leaves that gently tapped against the glass.

The autumn sunlight streamed in through the gaps in the curtains, casting a play of light and shadow on their faces.

At that moment, time seemed to stretch out, and the air was so quiet that only laughter and the light clinking of cutlery could be heard.

Sulli's gaze fell on Goo Hara's smiling face, and she suddenly felt a pang of sadness in her heart.

She knew perfectly well that the girl in front of her was still unaware of how her fate would take a turn for the better.

At this moment, she is still that bright, confident, and gossipy woman with a smile.

To her, this meal was perhaps just an ordinary reunion.

But for Shirley!

At this very moment, some stories are quietly beginning a new chapter.

……

……

25 years.

Lin Xiuyuan gripped the steering wheel with both hands, his expression composed, as if he were gently pressing the vague ambiguity from before into his heart, like the sliver of sunlight fragmented outside the window.

Krystal, sitting in the passenger seat, leaned against the window, a smile playing on her lips, her fingertips tapping lightly on the glass like a child counting the passing train stations.

The faint curve of her lips created a quiet yet subtly ambiguous atmosphere in the carriage.

Soon, the two found a Chinese restaurant that wasn't particularly lively or eye-catching, and parked their car in front of it.

The shop is small, but it's so clean it puts your mind at ease. The wooden tables and chairs have a faint scent of old wood, and there are a few potted plants in the corner. Even the air is filled with the aroma of light tea.

After sitting down, Lin Xiuyuan ordered several home-style dishes almost without hesitation: stir-fried pork, dry-fried green beans, cold beef salad, and a large plate of spare ribs as the last dish.

Apart from the last main dish, the rest were all dishes that could be served quickly but were very tasty.

The steam from the dishes quickly filled the air, releasing a wonderful aroma.

Krystal's Adam's apple bobbed slightly as she watched the dishes being served.

She hadn't eaten since yesterday afternoon, but the moment she sat down, her appetite was completely whetted.

Even though she was really hungry, she didn't eat quickly, but rather slowly picked up food and ate her meal.

Lin Xiuyuan watched her patiently, occasionally putting food into her bowl with steady and delicate movements.

We also talked about Jessica and Jung Soo-yeon, but I didn't dare say too much, who knows if there were eavesdroppers.

"Honestly, Xiujing, your work habits are really strange right now." Lin Xiuyuan said, reaching out to wipe a bit of soup from the corner of her mouth. "Either you're bored out of your mind, or you're busy until dawn. If you keep going like this, don't ruin yourself."

Krystal looked up, a smile in her eyes, "If it were before, I would have been worried."

Then, the corners of her lips turned up, revealing a playful and slightly amused curve. "But after meeting you... I'm not worried anymore. After all, with you around, I can always replenish some of my energy."

Finally, with a soft hum, he muttered a conclusion, "Xiuyuan, you have no idea how fragrant you are."

Lin Xiuyuan, caught off guard by her teasing, raised an eyebrow and chuckled softly, "Eat properly, speak properly, and don't imitate the tone of those female hooligans."

"It's not like you don't like it." Krystal blinked, a mischievous smirk in her voice. "Don't you men all like the 'presentable in public, capable in the kitchen' type? I may not be good in the kitchen, but... a little more flirtatiousness is fine, right?"

After saying that, she picked up a piece of beef, slowly put it in her mouth, but her eyes were fixed on Lin Xiuyuan's face.

A smile was hidden in her eyes, like a moist, lustrous sheen.

The next moment, those legs, clad in black stockings and high heels, quietly stretched forward.

Her smooth toes brushed lightly against the cuff of her trousers under the table, then casually slipped inside.

The sensation of touch made Lin Xiuyuan's waist muscles tense slightly, and he almost dropped the chopsticks in his hand.

So he quickly lowered his voice and said, "Stop fooling around."

Krystal tilted her head back and smiled, her lips pursed, her voice soft with a mischievous glint in her eyes, "I'll do it anyway."

Seeing this, Lin Xiuyuan didn't say anything more, but took a deep breath to hide the fleeting smile in his eyes.

After the meal, the two did not linger in the restaurant.

The sun was shining brightly, and a gentle breeze swept by the street.

As Lin Xiuyuan restarted the car, the cabin returned to silence, with only the low hum of the engine and the rhythmic flow of sunlight through the windshield.

Krystal, in the passenger seat, took off her coat, casually draped it over her knees, leaned back in her seat, and closed her eyes briefly.

A cool breeze from the air conditioner blew out through the gaps in the vents, gently lifting her hair and releasing a faint, sweet fragrance.

As the car slowly drove into the villa's garage, the yard was bathed in the warm glow of the afternoon sun.

Lin Xiuyuan parked the car, turned off the engine, got out, and walked around to the passenger side to open the door for Krystal so she could go back and rest.

Before Lin Xiuyuan could even help open the car door, Krystal in the passenger seat had already unbuckled her seatbelt herself.

Then, with a nimble movement, she pounced on the figure who had helped her open the door, wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, and leaped onto him, hanging on him like a light little animal.

"Hey, hey, hey~ Be careful!"

This sudden action startled Lin Xiuyuan for a moment, followed by a low laugh.

However, Krystal jumped at just the right moment, her body pressed against his chest, her long legs in high heels gently encircling his waist.

His hands were firmly clasped around her thighs and buttocks, supporting her weight, yet his steps remained calm and composed.

The feel of the nylon stockings against his palm, gently rubbing together, with a slight warmth and a delicate smoothness, made Lin Xiuyuan's breath catch in his throat for a moment.

"Get down," he said softly, patting her leg gently. "We're home."

Seeing that she didn't answer, Lin Xiuyuan smiled helplessly again, reached out and gently patted her pert bottom, the movement soft and coaxing, "Xiujing~"

However, Krystal only pressed herself closer, burying her face in his neck, her warm breath carrying her faint fragrance, as if the air itself were sweetened.

Her voice, soft and cheerful, drifted to his ear with her breath, "Carry me inside, I'm so sleepy, I don't want to move."

Lin Xiuyuan turned his head, his gaze sweeping over her temples, a helpless yet indulgent smile playing on his lips. "Are you really sleepy, or are you just being coquettish?"

"If it was done on purpose, would you hug it or not?"

Her smile widened, a hint of smugness in her tone.

My fingers traced circles along his shoulder blade, as if confirming his reality and temperature at that moment.

Lin Xiuyuan didn't say anything more, but sighed. In the end, he stretched out his arm to support her waist, and carried the girl, who was almost hanging on him, slowly towards the courtyard.

Two minutes later, the only sound in the courtyard was the soft friction of shoe soles against the stone slabs, a fragmented sound that carried a certain intimate rhythm.

The rustling of leaves in the autumn breeze seemed to accompany their approach.

Once inside the villa, the glass door closed gently and automatically behind me.

Lin Xiuyuan gently put Krystal down, his movements gentle yet carrying a clear sense of possession, as if he were taking this woman back into his own territory.

But Krystal didn't stay put.

The moment she collapsed onto the sofa, she pulled Lin Xiuyuan along with her, almost dragging him with her entire body.

She leaned against his chest as much as possible, smiling as if it were her right to be pampered, and then suddenly attacked those lips she had longed for for so long.

They kissed the next second.

Her soft lips lightly covered Lin Xiuyuan's lips, carrying a smile and warmth, like a surprise attack that had been planned long ago.

She released him only after a moment, letting their breaths mingle in the air.

There was the warmth of the heater when you first enter, and the faint sweetness of her perfume; even the surrounding air was imbued with an ambiguous scent.

But before Lin Xiuyuan could pull his hand back, Krystal grabbed it again.

He slightly raised his leg and gently hooked it, the touch of the stockings brushing against his forearm, bringing a subtle, teasing sensation.

The movement was neither hurried nor dodging, as if it were a silent provocation.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Lin Xiuyuan chuckled and reached out to retaliate, but Krystal nimbly dodged him.

She lay quietly on the sofa, her head tilted back slightly, her hair falling from her shoulders.

She smiled slyly, as if announcing a small victory.

"Didn't you say you were going to carry me in? Well, I should return the favor."

However, before she could finish speaking, Lin Xiuyuan suddenly reached out and tickled her foot.

"ah--!"

Krystal's screams immediately erupted, and she almost jumped off the sofa, laughing so hard she was shaking.

"Stop it... Xiu Yuan... I'm warning you..."

"warn?"

Lin Xiuyuan raised an eyebrow and smiled as he made another move.

Krystal immediately pounced on him, as if seeking revenge, biting his shoulder, her voice muffled by laughter, "Serves you right for bullying me!!!"

Their laughter and breathing mingled together as they rolled around on the soft sofa.

The light and shadow were gradually broken by their movements, and the sunlight outside the window shone through the gaps in the curtains, making the air feel warm.

The leaves rustled gently in the yard, while inside the house, only intermittent breathing and laughter could be heard.

After an unknown amount of time, Krystal finally leaned against him, and her laughter gradually faded away.

Her head rested on his shoulder, her hair disheveled, her breathing soft.

The light from the window cast a pale golden halo on her profile.

She gently raised her head, her gaze soft and serene, the corners of her lips curving upwards. "Xiuyuan, do you think we... look like a couple?"

Lin Xiuyuan lowered his head, his forehead touching hers, his voice deep and gentle, "It's more than just like that. Couples don't have as many ties and entanglements as we do, don't you think?"

As soon as she finished speaking, Krystal raised her chin, a mischievous smile playing on her lips, her eyes filled with a knowing yet playful gaze.

"Then tell me, between you and Jessica, who made the first move?"

Lin Xiuyuan was both amused and exasperated by her gaze. He reached out and gently tapped her forehead, his tone tinged with helplessness, "You still won't give up?"

"Oh, I'm just curious."

Krystal blinked, her tone sweet and soft, "I really want to know how you managed to win over Jessica. You know, we all thought she only agreed to that 'safety agreement' secret because of you and me. Even if she cooperated, we figured she'd just keep quiet. Who would have thought you'd hit a home run like that?"

When she said "home run," she deliberately lowered her voice, drawing out the last part of her sentence in an ambiguous way.

Lin Xiuyuan was about to reply when she bent down and interrupted him.

Krystal snuggled right into his arms, her movements as nimble as water. With a quick lift of her legs, she gently wrapped her entire body around his waist.

Her long legs, clad in black stockings, clung tightly to him, their curves and warmth pressed together so intimately that it was impossible to breathe.

"Xiuyuan~ Ah~~ Oppa~~ Brother Lin~"

Her voice carried a hint of laughter and coquettishness, with the last syllable as soft as a cat's meow coming from its throat.

"Please just tell me, please."

That voice, that posture, ignited almost every nerve in Lin Xiuyuan's body instantly.

After all, this came from Krystal's lips.

The girl who was cold and aloof in the eyes of others was now limp in his arms, and even the usually composed man couldn't help but lose his composure.

Fortunately, Lin Xiuyuan was no longer the same young Chu Nan he once was. When faced with the temptation of a top-tier succubus like Krystal, he couldn't control his body's instinctive reactions.

However, he managed to suppress his restlessness and excitement by giving that pert buttock a hard squeeze, which gave him a sliver of rationality.

"Don't be silly, I wouldn't dare to say something like that. After all, Jessica clearly told me that it was just a wet dream."

"A wet dream?" Krystal raised an eyebrow, laughing even more heartily. "Tsk tsk... You two really know how to have fun, even turning your dreams into chapters?"

Her words were like warm needles, gently pricking at Lin Xiuyuan's defenses.

The next second, she pressed herself against his chest again, their bodies pressed together, making the air thicker.

Then, under Lin Xiuyuan's wide-eyed gaze, Krystal slowly swayed her hips, her voice low and soft, "But even in dreams, there has to be a order of precedence, right? My dear brother~ why don't you tell me?"

"Should I call Jessica now?"

Unable to contain himself, Lin Xiuyuan uttered a half-smile.

Krystal paused for two seconds, then smiled, her eyes crinkling, her breath gently brushing against his neck, carrying a faint floral scent and a hint of provocation.

“Go ahead and call,” she murmured. “You’ve always wanted to experience ‘call play,’ haven’t you? Just tell me the truth, and I’ll… cooperate with you properly in a bit.”

"When did I ever think about that?!"

Lin Xiuyuan's eyes widened, his face full of righteous indignation, "Xiujing, don't make up stories to slander me!"

Krystal slowly sat up straight, looking down at him with a hint of a smile in her eyes, as if she were scrutinizing her prey.

Are you sure? You really haven't thought about it?

Stared at by those eyes, Lin Xiuyuan suddenly felt a little guilty. He looked away and muttered, "I really didn't say that..."

"So, do you want to?"

Krystal pursed her lips, her voice so soft it was almost sweet, "Answer seriously... I might say yes now while I'm still a bit impulsive. If I wait until this impulse passes, then..."

"think."

Answer without hesitation.

His tone was so straightforward that even Lin Xiuyuan himself was taken aback.

However, a true man can bend and stretch.

It's just a little slander, just accept it.

I, Lin Xiuyuan, accept this stigma.

Krystal stared at him, stunned for a few seconds, and then suddenly burst out laughing.

Then she burst into laughter, leaning on his shoulder and hitting his chest while laughing, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Hahaha, Xiu Yuan! You're really going to make me laugh to death!"

"Who would do something like that? Hahaha, I can't take it anymore, I regret not recording! Your expression just now was absolutely hilarious, so classic... Hahahaha!"

Lin Xiuyuan, looking helpless, supported her back and said, "A man should dare to face his own heart."

“That’s so well said…” Krystal laughed until she could hardly breathe.

"When will we play?" Lin Xiuyuan asked seriously.

"?? Hahahaha??? Hahahaha???"

……

……

Magic City.

The midday sun shone through the half-drawn curtains and streamed into the frosted glass of the hotel bathroom.

Amidst the rising steam, the entire bathroom was shrouded in a hazy mist.

Jessica leaned against the edge of the bathtub, her arm casually draped over the rim, traces of foam still clinging to her fingertips.

Her eyes were closed, her hair was half-wet, and a few strands of hair clung to her fair neck, rising and falling slightly with her breath.

The air was filled with the floral scent of shower gel and the aroma of warm water, creating an ambiguous yet tranquil atmosphere.

She slowly opened her eyes, her gaze falling on the glass opposite the bathtub.

What's reflected isn't anything else, but yourself.
A version of myself whose skin and complexion were so fair and delicate that it seemed somewhat unfamiliar.

Memories flashed through my mind.

From that sudden "kidnapping" to the inexplicable imprisonment, and then to those scenes that she still can't tell whether they are real or fake.

That emotion was no longer simply anger or fear, but a lingering force mixed with absurdity and confusion.

Jessica raised her hand and gently touched the corner of her lips, her fingertips lingering there for two seconds.

It was as if confirming that touch that had long since dissipated, yet still carried a lingering warmth.

"A wet dream?" she murmured, a hint of emotion flashing in her eyes.

She then chuckled softly, a hint of coldness and annoyance in her eyes as she wiped her lips again, "I'll definitely let you try it next time."

After saying that, she leaned back, her shoulders slumping slightly, and the foam slid down her arm and dissolved into the water.

The water gurgled softly, the temperature rose little by little, and the steam shimmered into a golden-white mist in the light.

The eyes in the bathtub were fixed on the ceiling, a bright glint in them.

It was neither anger nor helplessness.

It's more like a kind of alertness triggered by an unexpected event.

She lightly traced circles on the water's surface with her fingertips and whispered, "It's been a whole day, aren't you going to call me, you bastard?"

The voice was soft, yet it was very firm.

It appeared exceptionally clear in the steamy bathroom.

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