Chapter 138: My Reserve 'Protagonist' (Seeking monthly votes and subscriptions)

In the core area of Tokyo's Roppongi Hills stands a 21-story detached high-rise, which is the Grand Hyatt Tokyo, famous for its luxury since its opening in 2003.

It is ranked alongside the Peninsula Hotel as one of the very few high-end detached hotels in Tokyo in recent years, with a superior location and extraordinary aura.

The hotel is surrounded by more than 200 shops and restaurants, bustling and prosperous.

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

Among them, the ones truly belonging to the Grand Hyatt's exclusive operation are 7 top-tier restaurants with different styles, covering French cuisine, Italian cuisine, Chinese cuisine, Japanese cuisine, sushi, and exquisite desserts, everything is available.

In the next few days, the three of Lin Xiuyuan will stay in the presidential suite on the top floor of this hotel.

This luxurious suite is not only equipped with an exclusive outdoor constant-temperature swimming pool, but also comes with a Japanese-style courtyard and tatami tea room. The high-ceiling structural design perfectly integrates modern and traditional, creating a transparent, quiet, and stylish living experience.

Guests can also enjoy the full service of the hotel's 7 restaurants, as well as facilities such as a gym, spa area, and private sauna.

However, behind all this brilliance, the most eye-catching thing is its identity as the first hotel suite in Tokyo equipped with a private swimming pool.

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

Lin Xiuyuan, who had just gotten off the car, felt a bit heartbroken after hearing the introduction and looked at Sulli beside him, half-teasing and half-serious, "According to Seoul's calculation, you shouldn't be an adult yet, right? After paying for that apartment, where do you have the energy to be so extravagant, Sulli?"

"Oppa, is this your own calculation? I've been an adult for a long time."

Sulli's tone was relaxed, her lips raised, "And you underestimate my ability to make money too much. I still have this little bit of money."

Indeed, in the early years, her income basically went into the pockets of her mother and family, but the income of the past two years had entered Sulli's small treasury.

Although many people on the Internet think that the coming-of-age ceremony of the Peninsula is 20 years old, in fact, the legal age of adulthood is 19.

Therefore, Sulli, born in 94, had officially become an adult on her birthday on March 29 this year.

Coincidentally, the payment settlement cycle of the SM company, which had always been delayed, played a role at this time.

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

The timing was just right; Sulli was already an adult this year, so a sum of income naturally entered her account.

If it were earlier, I'm afraid this money wouldn't belong to her.

It was precisely because of this that she was able to easily buy the high-end apartment next to Lin Xiuyuan, and could also wave her hand and stylishly book the presidential suite of the Grand Hyatt Hotel for a whole week.

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

He knew very well that if it weren't for him, if Sulli came to Tokyo by herself, she would most likely book an ordinary single room for a simple rest, how could she be so extravagant.

At this moment, the three were following the private butler in front into the elevator.

Regarding Lin Xiuyuan's attitude, Sulli chuckled after hearing it, her tone free and easy, "It's okay, oppa, making money is for enjoyment. Who knows what will happen in the next second. To use the words of you future people, I don't want to die with money still unspent."

"Alright, stop talking," at this time, Lin Xiaolu beside him suddenly pulled Lin Xiuyuan's arm and whispered, "I'll pay for this room fee."

The next second, Lin Xiuyuan laughed immediately after hearing it, "Alright, thank you Ms. Xiaolu for your generosity. Let's see if there are materials when we go up later, I'll mix a few drinks for you myself to express my gratitude!"

Lin Xiaolu, who was walking along, paused, looking at this guy beside her with a very shocked expression, "No, you're pitting me?"

"How could it be, I'm saving some money for Sulli." Lin Xiuyuan looked innocent.

"Then my money isn't money?"

Lin Xiaolu was really laughed at by anger.

"You guys make too much, of course you have to spend more."

After Lin Xiuyuan finished speaking, he hurried his pace, leaned to Sulli's side, and excitedly told her the "good news" just now.

Sulli laughed happily after hearing it, turned back and smiled sweetly at Lin Xiaolu, "Unnie~"

Lin Xiaolu immediately stepped forward, squeezed Lin Xiuyuan aside, and affectionately held Sulli's arm, "It's okay, just do as he said, keep your little treasury for yourself to spend. There's no reason for me to let you spend this kind of money. If Taeyeon Unnie finds out when we go back, she won't laugh at me."

Actually, if it weren't for Sulli saying she had already arranged everything, this appearance would definitely have been initiated by Lin Xiaolu.

Now, borrowing Lin Xiuyuan's mouth, she was happy to take on this expenditure. Anyway, it wasn't much money, and she had long been financially free.

"Let's talk about these later, Unnie, oppa, let's go up and see first." Sulli said softly.

The three walked into the elevator while laughing and talking, following the butler straight to the top floor of this building.

Night fell, and the Tokyo sky was rendered with a layer of flowing charming colors by the city lights.

The streets of Roppongi were flowing with light and color, and the hustle and bustle intertwined with exquisiteness between the heavy traffic, and every inch of the air was filled with the atmosphere of nightlife about to set off.

Tokyo time had just passed eight o'clock in the evening, the neon was brilliant, and the city was slowly unfolding its night chapter.

In a high-end private residence in a corner of Shibuya District, Goo Hara was standing in front of the dressing mirror carefully organizing her hair.

Her outfit tonight carried a bit of casual elegance, a black spaghetti-strap long dress outlining soft curves, covered with a beige knitted cardigan, neither warm nor heavy, the strappy high heels on her feet paired with the perfume scent that stopped at the right point, the whole person was like a star about to light up the night.

After confirming her makeup and hair accessories, she picked up the handbag she had packed long ago, and looked back at the message on her phone.

Sulli: Unnie, I'm almost ready. Just arrived at the hotel and checking in. Let's pack up, and we'll meet at the rooftop restaurant you mentioned in a while.

Goo Hara's lips curled up, and she replied: Good, then I'll set off now, go over and order some appetizers first, and order a bottle of sparkling wine to wait for you guys, take your time, don't rush.

Sulli: The restaurant is on our side, I definitely won't rush, Unnie!

After reading the reply, Goo Hara smiled slightly, and after saying hello to the members, she walked out of the apartment,

The night wind blew gently, carrying the coolness unique to early summer. She continued to look down and reply to messages while walking into the elevator.

Downstairs, the taxi had stopped steadily in front of the door.

As soon as Goo Hara got in the car, she reported the address, "Go to Roppongi Hills."

The driver nodded while turning the direction into the main road, and the neon outside the car window left flowing light spots on her side face.

At this time, Roppongi Hills, at the top of the 21-story high-rise, inside a unique presidential suite.

Sulli, Lin Xiuyuan, and Lin Xiaolu were looking around, making continuous exclamations at this unique space.

High ceilings, light and shadow intertwined swimming pools, and the entire city night view coming into view, the few people who walked into such a place for the first time couldn't help but "wow."

After visiting a circle, the butler exited, and Lin Xiuyuan was the first to collapse on the sofa, "I felt it was outrageously expensive before, but now I can suddenly understand it. Rich people really know how to enjoy."

"Indeed, so luxurious."

Lin Xiaolu beside her shook her head lightly, then looked at the one on the sofa, "But speaking of comfort, I actually think your villa is more comfortable. Although there is no swimming pool and massage bathtub, the overall atmosphere is not bad."

"So I seriously suspect that guy used all my money on that house, causing me to have no money at all when I went over. Oh, not right, just a few paper bills lying there, simply crazy."

Every time he mentioned the situation of that villa, Lin Xiuyuan complained about this aspect very speechlessly, making Lin Xiaolu and Sulli laugh.

"When I go back, I'll start construction immediately to build a swimming pool and shovel away all those flowers and plants."

"Seems possible."

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

Amidst the laughter, the three also returned to their rooms to pack up and prepare, and headed to the restaurant Goo Hara had agreed upon in a while.

Soon, the three who had packed their things were led by the butler to the rooftop restaurant named Kasa Sky Dine.

The restaurant was just like its name, like a stage of light suspended in the night sky. Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass, the prosperity of the city was laid out under their feet, one side was the starry sky and the silhouette of Tokyo Tower, the other side was the street scene intertwined with lights, as if the entire Tokyo was included in this rooftop.

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

She ordered a bottle of Italian dry sparkling wine and a few light appetizers. Exquisite small cakes, seared foie gras, and thinly sliced sea bream emitted an enticing aroma on the silver tray.

Only she wasn't in a hurry to start, her gaze looking toward the restaurant entrance from time to time.

Until the elevator door rang with a "ding," three familiar yet fresh figures appeared at the restaurant entrance together.

"Unnie!"

Sulli saw Goo Hara at a glance, immediately waved her arm high, and walked over quickly.

She had followed the advice of Lin Xiuyuan and Lin Xiaolu and chose a brown denim skirt to wear. The skirt hem flew with her steps, the hair on her temples brushed gently, the whole person looked like a jumping summer wind chime.

After coming to Goo Hara, Sulli stretched out both hands and hugged her, "Finally saw you, long time no see~ Unnie~"

Since learning in 2025 that Goo Hara had stepped into the abyss of fate due to her death that year, Sulli's feelings for this sister had become deeper and deeper.

Especially when she realized that the tragedy might, perhaps, have something to do with herself in an unknown corner, this emotion also added a layer of guilt and respect.

"Really long time no see, Zhenli." Goo Hara also smiled and opened her arms to hug her back, her voice soft and carrying a bit of nasal sound, "Dressed very well today, made much more progress than previous outfits."

"How could it be~" Sulli lowered her head and smiled coquettishly, "Unnie, you are the one who is more beautiful."

She looked up at Goo Hara in front of her. They all say "red energy nourishes people."

The latest novel is first published!

Now as the center of KARA, the number one girl group on the Peninsula, Goo Hara's temperament was becoming more and more gentle and sweet, that bright light that was firm despite ups and downs, making people unable to look away.

Lin Xiaolu beside her also came over. At this time, she had taken off that shirt and short skirt, and changed into a dark blue turtleneck dress, her temperament quiet and mature.

She didn't pounce over like Sulli, but stood aside, smiling lightly and calling out, "Long time no see, Hela."

"Long time no see, Yun'er Unnie~" Goo Hara hugged Lin Xiaolu happily and gently, a sense of familiarity and closeness surging in her eyes for a moment, "Last time we met seems to be the ceremony at the end of last year, everyone is so busy this year."

"Yeah, it's been a long time." Lin Xiaolu nodded. Knowing this mermaid princess's subsequent encounters, she couldn't help but be moved when seeing the other party again, "You haven't changed at all, exactly the same as in my impression."

"Only half a year, how could anything change." Goo Hara smiled and shook her head, not thinking much about her meaningful words.

Saying that, she suddenly noticed Lin Xiuyuan standing behind them, who walked in last, raised her eyebrows slightly, her tone soft but carrying a trace of curiosity, "This is?"

"Ah, right, right, almost forgot to introduce."

Sulli's eyes lit up, and she smiled happily, "This is Lin Xiuyuan, an oppa I recently met, very close. Oppa, this is one of my closest Unnies, KARA's Hela Unnie."

Lin Xiuyuan immediately smiled politely and stretched out his hand, "Hello, I am Lin Xiuyuan, I have heard Sulli mention you for a long time, finally saw the real person today."

"Yo, saying it like I'm some legendary figure." Goo Hara smiled and held his hand, her fingertips cold but polite, "Nice to meet you, welcome to Tokyo. Friends brought by Zhenli are my friends."

"Then I have to perform well tonight." Lin Xiuyuan responded politely and with a bit of humor.

"Don't be too restrained, we're all friends." Goo Hara smiled and gave up a seat, "This restaurant is quite good, tonight let's treat it as a sister gathering plus a special guest. I've already ordered appetizers, just waiting for you guys to start eating."

As several people sat down one after another, the atmosphere immediately became lively.

Sulli and Goo Hara chatted in low voices about recent situations, laughing and exchanging secrets and gossip from time to time.

Lin Xiaolu occasionally interjected while drinking sparkling wine, talking about memories from a few years ago, filling in the fragments that hadn't been continued in the past little by little.

During the period, Lin Xiuyuan, who quickly adapted to the scene, also said a few decent words from time to time, not stealing the limelight and not being silent.

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

"Hello, Zhiyan, what's wrong?"

On the other end of the phone, Park Zhiyan's tone was as brisk as ever, "Oppa, you've already arrived in Tokyo, right? Have you eaten?"

She used the polite greeting that had become popular in the country in recent years, but Lin Xiuyuan couldn't help but laugh out loud, "Don't beat around the bush, hurry up and say it, there must be something you need from me, right? This tone is not quite right."

"Fine." Park Zhiyan's tone paused, slightly helpless, "Then I'll say it."

"Hmm."

"Oppa, didn't you give me a phone number before, asking me to call and communicate with the other party about opening a Malatang shop? And things like the company."

Lin Xiuyuan, who heard Park Zhiyan mention this, became a bit more serious, "Hmm, what's wrong, did they give you an answer?"

"Hmm, just called me back."

"What did they say?" Lin Xiuyuan's tone condensed slightly.

Park Zhiyan looked down at the notes she had just written on the table, "The other party said, don't directly get involved in brand management, let me set up an investment company, and then invest in their newly established brand headquarters in the name of the company. The headquarters will be operated by them, I just need to invest money and wait for dividends."

"Any other requirements?" Lin Xiuyuan asked.

"Just daily appearances, and publicity, the Unnies in my group and I have to show up together, but it's all calculated separately according to the appearance fee."

Lin Xiuyuan raised his eyebrows slightly after hearing this, "And then?"

"Then he gave me two more choices."

When saying this, Park Zhiyan's tone carried obvious dissatisfaction, "One is to invest in a few catering projects with good prospects according to his method, and then find someone to make the accounts look good. Start financing after two months, go public at the end of the year, and then cash out and leave. He also said I'm stupid, only relying on this method to make money."

When saying the last sentence, her tone was full of unwillingness, but also helpless depression.

Lin Xiuyuan held back his laughter, "What about the second one?"

"The second one is to see if you, oppa, have the vision, and find a few more similar projects. As long as you can supply them, this investment company can survive. Otherwise, it's better to take the first path."

As Park Zhiyan finished this sentence, Lin Xiuyuan laughed, "Then choose the second one, I have many such projects here, don't be afraid."

"That's what I thought too, so I told the other party that. After hearing my answer, they were silent for a while, and then gave me two profit-sharing plans. One is that the investment company is mine, seven-three split, he gets seven and I get three, but I only need to invest money."

The same silence occurred on Lin Xiuyuan's side.

After a long while, he opened his mouth, "What about the second one."

"Let you, oppa, be the major shareholder and chairman of the investment company, we still invest money, still seven-three split. But this time it's us seven, and he only takes three."

"..."

Lin Xiuyuan on this end of the phone suddenly quieted down, standing in front of the railing looking at the Tokyo night scene, and was silent for a long time before saying, "I'll answer you later about this."

Park Zhiyan on that side heard this answer, her eyes looked at the last sentence on the paper, "Oppa, the other party seems to have guessed in advance that you would think this way, so he also asked me to tell you one thing."

"What?"

"I... don't quite dare to say."

"Just say it."

"He said you are a—stupid cunt. Ah~ it's not me saying it, oppa, it's him saying it, original words."

"..."

Listening to Park Zhiyan's clear "stupid cunt," Lin Xiuyuan was speechless.

And just at this time, Goo Hara, who was chatting enthusiastically with Lin Xiaolu and Sulli at the dining table, suddenly glanced at his side, her gaze subtle.

Then she looked at Lin Xiaolu and Sulli beside her, showing curiosity that she didn't have when Lin Xiuyuan was there, "Unnie, Zhenli, who exactly is this person, why do I feel like you guys care about each other so much."

The sharp eyesight trained by years of artist career allowed her to instantly capture the slight emotional fluctuations between the two.

At this time, before Sulli could speak, Lin Xiaolu smiled and snatched the right to speak, answering in a light tone.

"That guy, he's my reserve 'protagonist'."

"Hmm?"

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 139 =====