Hancheng: There is a door between me and the future

Chapter 65 "Where is this?"

……

Not long ago.

When Krystal learned that Lin Xiuyuan had recruited Park Jiyeon into the cult, she was happy, since the boy was actually willing to listen to her.

But as happy as he was, a sense of unease followed, so he switched to "teaching mode".

"Lin Xiuyuan, you can't do this. Don't just agree to whatever people say. Female celebrities are just ordinary people, they're just wearing a halo. What are you panicking about?"

These words left Lin Xiuyuan, who was eating snacks at the time, completely dumbfounded. "What the hell? Hey, Krystal, wasn't this what you asked for? Now you're turning the tables on me?"

“I’m asking you to ‘agree,’ but that’s me begging you! You need to understand that I’m asking you, not that you owe me.”

Krystal waved her hand and said seriously, "You need to have some dignity. How can you just nod off and help so easily? Stop being so love-struck. I can't give you anything except money, but money can't buy the future or bring back the past."

The young boy finally understood what she meant. "I don't want to date you. I just want the money."

"This is a metaphor, a metaphor."

Krystal almost choked on his words, but then she was amused by them. "Once you choose to start by wanting to help us solve some problems, you'll definitely meet more girl group idols. When they say a few nice things to you or act cute, don't be silly and just nod your head in agreement."

"Simply refuse?" Lin Xiuyuan asked.

"Of course! Why should you agree to their request the moment they ask? What do you owe them? Logically speaking, some people might even owe you something."

"What if it were your sister?"

"I can't do it either."

Lin Xiuyuan nodded, seemingly understanding but not quite, and kept Krystal's words in mind.

then……

……

"Could we please find out how many members the tavern currently has?"

"I'm sorry, it's not convenient to disclose that."

Lim Yoona was taken aback, looking at the young man who had rejected her with a hint of surprise in her eyes.

It's been so long since she's encountered a stranger who knows her and could refuse her request.

But she wasn't angry. Instead, she chuckled and gently apologized, "Oh, I'm sorry, that was a bit abrupt."

Park Hyo-min and the others standing nearby were also clearly surprised. They had initially thought the young boss seemed a bit shy. They hadn't expected him to refuse so decisively at such a crucial moment, which was somewhat unexpected.

"It's okay, after all, it involves member privacy. If you were a member, you certainly wouldn't want your information to be leaked either."

Faced with Lin Xiuyuan's statement, Da Longzai spoke first, defending her 'little fan', "We definitely don't like your 'putting yourself in our shoes' kind of speculation, but it's good that it means it's safe, right, unnie~"

"Hmm, now that he said that, I'm even more eager to become a member here."

Seeing that even her maknae (youngest member) had stood up for her, Park Hyomin was not about to make things difficult for Lin Xiuyuan. She smiled slightly and changed the subject, saying, "Since I can't join the membership for the time being, can I have a couple more drinks to make up for it?"

"Of course, no problem, just a moment."

Seeing Lin Xiuyuan return to the bar, Ham Eun-jung smiled immediately, "Boys with principles are definitely more likable than those who just agree with everything, right, Ji-yeon?"

"They're wrong too. Who likes their information being leaked?"

The teased little dragon looked at Lin Xiuyuan across from him and continued to speak well of him.

Park Jiyeon is right. It's so rare to meet a fan who has liked you for over a decade. This is even more devoted than a husband, so naturally, Da Long Zai cherishes her.

Meanwhile, Yoona was quietly observing their interaction, a meaningful glint in her eyes.

It seems there are other stories behind this.

However, since it was our first meeting, it wasn't appropriate to ask too many questions.

So, apart from reminiscing about the past, the people on the sofa rarely talked about their current situation.

Even when they talk about their recent situation, it's nothing more than some work-related developments or a few minor complaints.

For example, when Yoona returned to China and was surrounded by fans, she smelled that stinky fart.

For example, advertisements placed in subway stations, etc.

Tara members also have something to say about this, after all, they just held a fan meeting there last year.

Fortunately, although they were talkative, they were also punctual and knew their limits.

About an hour later, Park Hyomin spoke first, "I have to go back."

Lee Juri smiled and said, "You really are newlyweds! I understand. Let's stop here for today and get together again next time."

"Yeah, I need to go back and rest too, I have a schedule early tomorrow morning." Yoona nodded slightly.

And so, everyone got up and prepared to leave.

Lin Xiuyuan's face lit up with joy upon seeing this, but he didn't dare show it too obviously, so he restrained himself a bit. It wasn't until Da Longzai came over to pay the bill and asked about it that he said somewhat sheepishly, "How about just give me something? Drinks are free for members here. As for the exact price..."

Before she could finish speaking, Park Hyomin hugged the little dragon and exclaimed enviously, "Okay, Xiu Yuanxi, stop talking! The more you talk, the more I want to become a member here. The drinks are free!"

The little dragon being hugged smiled slightly, and then transferred 100 million to Lin Xiuyuan via KakaoPay.

"I don't know if this is enough, but this is all I have. If you feel you've lost out, remember to tell me, and I'll make it up to you next time."

"That's enough, thank you for your patronage, and please come again next time."

His answer brought a knowing smile to everyone's faces, and they left the tavern one after another.

Lin Xiuyuan stood at the door and watched the group leave. Only after they had gone far away did he turn around and go back to the tavern.

As soon as I entered, I saw Park Jiyeon lying on the sofa, muttering under her breath, "Park Jiyeon, you old woman, you just wait... you all just wait..."

……

……

The day after tomorrow.

Before we knew it, the agreed-upon "opening" day arrived.

So this morning, Shirley got up early as the alarm clock 'called' her.

After getting up and washing up, she originally wanted to put on a full face of makeup, but then she remembered that this "opening party" was actually a so-called "funeral".

So she frowned slightly and simply applied a bare-faced makeup.

Then she put on the well-tailored black trench coat that she had bought with Krystal Jung while shopping yesterday, paired with a turtleneck sweater and cigarette pants, patent leather ankle boots, and her hair was tied in a low bun.

Her overall appearance is simple and restrained, stylish yet solemn.

After confirming that her attire was correct, she put on her sunglasses and left the dormitory.

I hailed a taxi downstairs and headed straight for the bar.

On the way, Shirley looked out the window at the bright sunshine while browsing messages in the group chat.

Today, the "Relief Garden" was unusually lively. Lin Xiuyuan spoke up early in the morning to ask how everyone's preparations were going. Jessica Jung and Jiyeon Park echoed his message, and Sulli also replied after getting up.

Then came a lot of small talk, such as "Remember to eat breakfast" and "But don't eat too much."

There's also a message: "It's raining today, remember to keep warm."

But Shirley glanced out the car at the clear blue sky and pleasant temperature; there was no sign of rain.

Filled with questions, Shirley finally arrived at the tavern. After getting out of the car and going inside, she found that everyone was waiting for her.

"Oh, unnie, you guys are here so early. I'm sorry, I'm late."

"It's alright, the timing is perfect."

Lin Xiuyuan, who was sitting on a high stool, slowly stood up. "Let's start the 'opening' now."

On the other side, Jessica Jung and Jiyeon Park, who were also dressed solemnly, looked at Sulli deeply and then nodded.

Then Park Jiyeon came up to her and handed her a black eyeband, saying, "Sulli, you have to put this on first."

"What?" Shirley asked, somewhat taken aback.

“Attending the 'funeral' ceremony,” Lin Xiuyuan replied from the side.

Sulli, who was already somewhat hesitant, almost took a step back. It wasn't until she saw Jessica Jung smile at her that she gritted her teeth, took the eye bandage, and put it on.

In an instant, the world was plunged into darkness, with only faint sounds and touches remaining to allow her to perceive the outside world.

Fortunately, a hand caught her in time.

It was a warm palm, with distinct knuckles and slightly cool fingertips.

Then came Lin Xiuyuan's voice, "Pull me along, follow me, I'll take you... to see 'you'."

After those words, Shirley's initial tension and unease gradually eased, and she instead gripped his hand tightly.

Afterwards, guided by Lin Xiuyuan, Shirley slowly walked towards the unknown.

Throughout the journey, she could feel his breath, the subtle pressure in his palms as he guided her, silent yet reliable.

His slow footsteps and silent companionship made Shirley's heart beat faster, as if she were being drawn into a quiet anticipation.

She could clearly feel herself leaving the bar, embarking on a journey, entering a certain place, taking an elevator, and finally stopping somewhere.

With a crisp click of the lock opening, a strange aura wafted over.

At that moment, the sensitive auditory nerves heard the roar of rain pouring into their eardrums.

where is this?
(End of this chapter)