Hancheng: There is a door between me and the future

Chapter 296 "How did you know I gave Xiu Yuan a ring~" (Please subscribe and vote with monthly tickets)

After Krystal hung up the phone, Jessica stared at the instant noodle cup with only half a bowl of soup left in front of her. She originally wanted to drink a couple more sips of soup, but the information conveyed in the phone call made her feel suffocated and she completely lost her appetite.

Fortunately, the instant noodles were already finished.

She sat on the carpet, leaning against the sofa, lost in thought for a long time.

At this moment, only a warm yellow floor lamp was on in the living room, casting a faint shadow on that slightly aloof profile.

After a while, Jessica Jung reached for her phone and subconsciously opened Lin Xiuyuan's Kakao account. Her finger hovered over the input box for a moment, but then she suddenly remembered that the phone number associated with this account was from China.

It was also made public so that he wouldn't miss important news when he was away for 13 years, and so that his cohabiting partner, Shirley, could also see other information about this account and occasionally report it to her family.

Thinking of this, Jessica Jung frowned slightly, then exited the chat interface. She swiped her finger across the screen and quickly found another contact account.

That was Lin Xiuyuan's alternate number, a local Seoul number, which Jessica Jung had specially set up for him, serving as their initial "secret channel."

Most importantly, Shirley won't check this alternate account's phone.

Initially, the account did belong only to the two of them, but somehow Lin Xiaolu and Park Jiyeon found out about it, and gradually, the existence of this alternate account became no longer a secret within the inner circle.

People usually post any secrets they want to share with Lin Xiuyuan on this account.

However, as of now, it seems that only Krystal Jung, who only recently learned of the situation, is still in the dark.

After opening the chat window on her alternate account, Jessica Jung quickly typed a line of text on the screen with her slender fingers. However, just as she was about to press the send button, she hesitated for a moment, her thumb hovering in mid-air.

My gaze fell quietly on the account's profile picture.

That was a photo she took of Lin Xiuyuan; in the photo, he was sitting behind the bar in a small tavern.

He rested his elbows on the table, his palms supporting his chin, his eyes carrying a hint of laziness and nonchalance, yet exceptionally clear.

After gazing at the photo and remaining silent for a moment, Jessica Jung deleted the emotional text she had just typed and retyped it.

The message has been changed to a few simple yet undeniable words: 【Call me when you get back】

Click to send.

After doing all this, Jessica Jung casually put her phone aside, leaned back, rested the back of her head on the soft sofa cushion, and stared blankly at the ceiling.

What Krystal Jung had just said kept echoing in my mind.

About Lin Xiaolu, about Ham Eun-jung, about her younger sister, and about Jessica...

She then pursed her beautifully shaped lips, a hint of frustration in her eyes, but deeper still, a stubborn refusal to give in easily.

Because what she wanted was never that simple. Although Jessica Jung knew better than anyone that it was almost impossible to make Lin Xiuyuan revolve only around her.

unless……

Unless she could have stopped Lin Xiuyuan in time when he jokingly mentioned the so-called "church" and started establishing that "rule," thus limiting his world to only her, Krystal, and a very few others.

In that case, I might still have a chance to monopolize it.

But where did she get the status, confidence, and courage to make demands of Lin Xiuyuan back then?

Therefore, given the current situation where many powerful figures are rising up, if Jessica Jung dares to show even the slightest intention to possess Lin Xiuyuan, it is estimated that even without Lin Xiaolu's intervention, that little devil Park Jiyeon will definitely be the first to jump out and "fight to the death" against her.

Hmm!? Maybe not even if I try my best.

But it might not be difficult to have one or more PK battles, or even to have a PK battle as soon as you meet.

Thinking about these tangled and complicated relationships, Jessica Jung rubbed her temples in exasperation.

Then I stood up, tidied up the empty instant noodle box, threw it into the trash can, and decided not to think about it anymore. I'll go back to my bedroom and get some sleep first.

These past few days, dealing with the company and the initial contact with CJ had taken a lot of her energy. The moment she returned to her apartment, exhaustion overwhelmed her like a tidal wave.

However, just as she lay down and was about to turn off the light and go to sleep, her phone, which was on the bedside table, rang again.

Thinking that it was Krystal Jung returning to provoke her, Jessica Jung picked up the phone somewhat impatiently.

But when her gaze fell on the name flashing on the screen, before she could even suppress the smile on her lips, the gleam that instantly lit up the depths of her eyes betrayed her inner joy.

"Hey."

So I answered the phone, trying to keep my voice as calm as ever, even with a hint of languor as if I were just about to fall asleep.

Immediately afterward, Lin Xiuyuan's familiar voice came from the other end of the phone, "What's wrong? I just got back and saw your message."

Jessica Jung didn't answer his question directly, but instead took the initiative and invited him, "It's nothing, I just wanted to chat with you for a while. It's hard to talk on the phone, so why don't you come over to my place? Nobody's home right now."

Lin Xiuyuan on the other end of the phone seemed to pause for a moment, while in the background came a very faint, soft laugh belonging to another woman.

Inside the bar apartment, the boy holding his phone turned around and met Jessica's amused gaze.

Then the other person smiled slightly at him, shrugged indifferently, and mouthed that he could decide for himself.

At the same time, Jessica Jung also keenly noticed the brief silence on the other end of the phone, as well as the almost inaudible strange noise.

Perhaps she herself didn't even realize that for a moment she rolled her eyes slightly at the air, along with a mix of displeasure and "I knew it" feeling that swept over her.

He then spoke again, his tone seemingly calm but strangely generous, "Heh, that stupid woman is with you too, isn't she? Fine, then call her over here."

Apple phones are known for their excellent sound quality, so Jessica heard the word "stupid woman" very clearly. Her brows furrowed immediately, and a surge of anger rose within her.

If she hadn't known that the secret had to be kept strictly, she would have immediately grabbed the phone and had a serious "argument" with Jessica Jung to see who was the dumber one.

Lin Xiuyuan, caught in the middle, clearly felt the silent sparks flying from both sides.

So he touched his nose, somewhat helplessly but still agreed, "Okay, I'll come over now. Do you want something to eat? I bought some late-night snacks on my way back, like kebabs or something."

Upon hearing the words "grilled skewers," Jessica Jung immediately deduced that the two people opposite her must have gone out for a night of eating and drinking.

Then, thinking back to how I was just sitting alone in front of the instant noodle cup...

The next second, she smiled and realized that her original intention of just inviting Lin Xiuyuan over to sit and chat had instantly turned into a decision not to let that woman enjoy the spoils all to herself.

She replied in an unusually gentle, even slightly sweet, tone, "Eat~ I'm starving, bring me everything you bought."

Although she had already eaten almost everything, Jessica didn't mind eating a little more so as not to give Lin Xiuyuan the opportunity to enjoy a late-night snack while deepening their relationship. It's just dieting, she's happy to do it.

After hanging up the phone, Lin Xiuyuan didn't linger. He turned around and skillfully led Jessica through several portals connecting different times and spaces.

When he pushed open that familiar door again, he was standing in the living room of Jessica Jung's Seoul apartment 13 years ago, carrying a tempting barbecue late-night snack and several cans of chilled drinks that he had brought back from the streets of Shanghai.

At the same moment, within those few short minutes, Jessica Jung also completed a quick makeover in her apartment bedroom.

She quickly took off her conservative long-sleeved pajamas and pulled out a silk black spaghetti strap camisole from the closet, pairing it with a pair of tight-fitting loungewear shorts.

She originally wanted to change into a more striking and sexy nightgown, but after the thought swirled in her mind, she ultimately gave up on this somewhat deliberate choice.

She then changed into this outfit, which more naturally showcases her youthful energy and beautiful figure.

The silk camisole softly clung to her shapely upper body, revealing large expanses of fair, smooth skin and delicate collarbones.

The tight shorts accentuated her straight and slender legs, and under the living room lights, her fair skin seemed to glow softly.

However, after she finished doing all this, adjusted her expression, and walked out of the bedroom, she immediately saw that familiar yet glaring figure next to Lin Xiuyuan.

Upon seeing the other person's state, Jessica Jung felt as if she was about to grind her back teeth to powder.

Although she had already guessed what was going on, she still felt a tightness in her chest when she saw the other person's appearance in person.

An indescribable mix of bitterness and anger surged into my heart, but at the same time, a subconscious sense of relief also welled up inside me.

Thank goodness I didn't change into that nightgown.

Otherwise, compared to Jessica in front of her, who is radiant and has a full and plump figure, she is not as beautiful.

Even if I wear a sexy nightgown, I don't seem to have much of an advantage given the current physical attributes.

Thinking of this, Jessica Jung's gaze, filled with tangible resentment, shot straight at Lin Xiuyuan, who was standing in the middle.

Complex emotions surged within those beautiful eyes.

There was the frustration of being "betrayed," the inescapable grievance, and the anger of "give me an explanation," all of which at this moment transformed into silent signals, precisely directed at the culprit before them.

So when Lin Xiuyuan received that gaze that was comparable to an X-ray, even though he was mentally prepared, he couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine.

But she could only force a smile and try to distract herself by holding up the bag in her hand. "Xiuyan~ You're still up so late? Come and eat something, it's still warm. How about trying our authentic barbecue?"

Standing to the side, Jessica smiled and turned her gaze to the younger version of herself that was clearly hostile.

And when his gaze swept over Jessica Jung's deliberately chosen tank top and shorts, a knowing yet slightly mocking smile immediately appeared on his lips.

Ha, you little woman, trying to play these tricks on me?
As the same "self," as the self that has grown from 13 to 25, Jessica is all too aware of the meaning behind Jessica Jung's little thoughts and actions at this moment.

This feeling of seeing through everything gave her an inexplicable sense of superiority and amusement.

Just like Jessica Jung looked back at the members from 13.

Especially when she recalled the time when Lin Xiuyuan had "imprisoned" her, and how Jessica Jung had stood by the bed with a scrutinizing and... well, indescribable look in her eyes.

Jessica felt it was time to "repay" the other party a little, that would be fair.

So, while Lin Xiuyuan sat down at the coffee table and bent over setting out the late-night snacks, in a corner where the other party wasn't paying attention, she tilted her head slightly and gave Zheng Xiuyan a clear and unmistakable, provocative look.

And after that provocative look, Jessica felt it still wasn't enough.

So raise your right hand and extend your slender index finger, then use the tip of your finger to glide very slowly and elegantly across your smooth, full, and beautifully shaped jawline.

If Jessica Jung isn't stupid, she should be able to tell what this gesture means.

After all, her current state of rejuvenation is obvious to anyone who isn't blind.

!!!

As expected, when Jessica Jung clearly received the provocation, she immediately clenched her fists at her sides, bit her lower lip so hard that her lips turned white.

Ahhh! ! !
She's so angry!!!

At this moment, Jessica Jung suddenly understood why Park Jiyeon and Daeyong had started a full-blown fight without saying a word when they first officially met.

The one who gets angry at themselves is the one who understands best.

The feeling was like having a hole dug in my heart, both blocked and painful.

On the other side, Lin Xiuyuan quickly arranged the skewers and drinks on the coffee table.

Turning around, I found the two "Xiuyan"s still standing there, their eyes clashing in the air, without moving an inch.

Seeing this, Lin Xiuyuan swallowed hard and cautiously tried to speak, "Xiuyan? Come and eat something."

Upon hearing his voice, Jessica Jung finally took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the turbulent emotions in her heart, turned her head, and glanced at Lin Xiuyuan with an expression that was trying her best to remain calm.

Then he nodded slightly and walked towards the sofa.

Jessica, without needing Lin Xiuyuan to greet her, acted as if she were back home, naturally and even excitedly welcoming him, sweetly requesting, "Xiuyuan~ I want to eat the grilled chicken wings I just ordered, and the rice cakes too~"

Just as Jessica Jung walked to the sofa and was about to sit down, she suddenly stopped, turned her head, and shot a cold gaze at Jessica like a scalpel.

Jessica, however, seemed oblivious, continuing to smile at her.

They even launched an attack!

As if suddenly remembering something extremely interesting, she spoke to Jessica Jung in an innocent tone, "Ah, what did you say? Oh, how did you know I gave Xiuyuan a ring as a gift?"

"A gift?? A ring???"

Upon hearing this, Lin Xiuyuan, who was bending down to pick up chicken wings, froze instantly. His heart skipped a beat, and he closed his eyes in despair.

That's it! The egg is dead!
Standing next to the sofa, Jessica Jung was struck as if by lightning. She turned her head sharply and stared intently at Lin Xiuyuan.

His gaze was fixed on a certain ornament on the guy's finger that reflected the light, his pupils dilated violently, filled with disbelief and an impending storm.

The air in the living room froze completely in that instant, dropping to freezing point.

(End of this chapter)