Chapter 256: Kim Taeyeon

Inside the bedroom, the voices of Lin Xiuyuan and Jessica rose and fell; one could tell through the door panel that they were bickering and feuding.

In the living room outside, Zheng Xiujing and Xueli, who had originally been by the dining area, exchanged a secret glance and crept toward the door to eavesdrop.

Xueli pursed her lips slightly, as if holding back laughter, while Zheng Xiujing raised an eyebrow, her eyes filled with the "as expected, they're fighting again" vibe of a spectator.

Both of their shoulders were tensed straight, but the corners of their mouths couldn't help but curl upward.

As it turned out, not long after, the bedroom doorknob suddenly turned.

"Click~"

As the door opened, Lin Xiuyuan's figure appeared behind it, his laughter not yet fully settled.

He immediately saw the two little ones at the door, frozen in their eavesdropping stance.

As Lin Xiuyuan opened the door, Zheng Xiujing's heart skipped a beat, her eyes darting hurriedly toward Xueli.

Beside her, Xueli blinked, revealing a "caught in the act" expression, unable to stop herself from pursing her lips in a hidden smile as she greeted Lin Xiuyuan, "Morning, oppa~"

Watching this scene, Lin Xiuyuan laughed helplessly, "What are you two doing?"

"Calling you for breakfast."

As Xueli answered, her gaze uncontrollably bypassed Lin Xiuyuan and landed inside the bedroom.

Jessica was seen slowly rising from the bedside, her long hair scattered over her shoulders, the strap of her camisole pajama slipping slightly due to her movement, revealing a glimpse of her silhouette.

As she lowered her head to pick up her jacket, she looked up, her posture lazy yet exceptionally eye-catching.

This sexy figure made Xueli freeze for a moment; she pursed her lips and quickly averted her gaze.

Zheng Xiujing, who saw this scene from the side, widened her eyes, her face turning awkward instantly, as if she hadn't expected her unni to appear in such an outfit.

Thus, the moment they exchanged glances, they almost tacitly grinned, but quickly held it back, not daring to say anything or laugh out loud.

Lin Xiuyuan, who understood the little thoughts of these two, didn't pay much attention. After walking out of the bedroom, he scanned them casually and asked, "Speaking of which, Zhenli, why did you come over so early? Is there no filming today?"

Xueli, being asked, replied immediately, "The crew is on a unified break today because the first few episodes are finished. Starting tomorrow, this drama will hold a press conference and officially enter the promotional period."

Hearing this, Lin Xiuyuan turned to look at Zheng Xiujing, his gaze carrying a hint of a smile, "Oh? So, this look of Zheng Xiujing's is finally going to be revealed to the world?"

Zheng Xiujing, who had been in a good mood because of the promotion, changed her expression instantly upon hearing this. She immediately rolled her eyes at him, her voice filled with speechlessness, "What do you want to say? Are you going to say I'm fat again? Crystal ball, right?"

"Nah nah nah, I didn't say anything, don't wrong me." Lin Xiuyuan spread his hands and shook his head with a smile.

Watching this situation, Xueli couldn't help but cover her mouth and giggle, and the atmosphere quickly lightened up.

Afterward, the three chatted about the filming situation. In this regard, Zheng Xiujing looked at Lin Xiuyuan very seriously and expressed, "In a while, I'm going over to the 2025 side to watch the original footage of the script. I watched it yesterday, and it's really helpful for filming. No wonder YoonA unni's acting skills skyrocketed so fast."

Lin Xiuyuan nodded, "Sure, I'll open the door for you in a bit."

At this moment, Jessica, who had finished a simple wash in the bedroom, walked out. She had put on a jacket to cover her skin, but her shoulder and neck lines were still faintly visible.

Walking out of the bedroom, her eyes were fixed tightly on Lin Xiuyuan, her tone carrying a hint of provocation, "What about me? I also want to go over and fix the things you messed up. Don't worry, I won't run around."

However, Lin Xiuyuan ignored her words directly and turned to walk into the room to wash up.

This reaction made Jessica freeze for half a second, then she gritted her teeth in anger, glaring fiercely at his back. The resentment in her eyes almost turned into arrows flying over, which made Xueli and Zheng Xiujing watch with amusement.

Just then, Zheng Xiujing, who had suddenly lost her head, added a blow, "Unni, how did you rest last night?"

Jessica, upon hearing this, was instantly furious, "How else? I rested very poorly. Sleeping on the floor was hard as a rock. That guy is really not a man; no matter what I said, he wouldn't give up the bed to me."

Getting the answer, Xueli and Zheng Xiujing looked at each other, unable to hold back their laughter, and burst out laughing.

Jessica's face turned even darker from being laughed at, and she rolled her eyes, but she didn't scold the two younger sisters, only cast her resentful gaze toward the room, loading it all onto Lin Xiuyuan.

Soon, under Xueli's invitation, the three sat around the dining table and set out the breakfast one by one.

The sound of knives and forks clashing and milk being poured into glasses permeated with the warmth of daily life.

When Lin Xiuyuan came out of the bathroom, the timing was just right; the breakfast was already set.

As he sat down, the few of them acted as if nothing had happened, eating and chatting, the atmosphere unexpectedly warm.

On the breakfast table, the aroma of sandwiches and milk filled the air. The few of them lowered their heads to eat, the atmosphere seemingly relaxed but always carrying a hint of secret competition.

After taking a bite of toast, Jessica suddenly turned to look at Zheng Xiujing, "By the way, Xiujing, what kind of drama are you filming here?"

Yesterday, time was too tight, and she could ask too little.

She only learned from Krystal that everyone here seemed to be living quite well, and no messy bad things had happened.

Zheng Xiujing, who was named, raised her head, blinked, then put down the knife and fork in her hand, and said seriously, "It's 'Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo', and I'm playing the female lead."

Speaking of this, the corner of her mouth couldn't help but show a hint of pride.

Then she nudged toward Xueli and smiled, "And Xueqiu, she has transformed from an idol into a screenwriter. Many people were shocked."

Hearing this, Jessica's originally calm expression finally loosened at this moment.

After being stunned for a moment, she looked at Xueli, then turned her eyes to Lin Xiuyuan, who was burying his head in a sandwich.

Her eyes carried a complex emotion, as if she had truly realized for the first time that this man's "Time Gate cheat" could have such a huge change on everyone's life trajectory.

Then she lowered her head slightly and exhaled softly, her expression vaguely carrying a bit more emotion.

Soon, she curiously asked, "Then... what about the others? What are they doing now?"

This time, Xueli took over the topic. After thinking for a while and organizing her words, she said, "YoonA unni snatched the female lead role of Park Shin-hye's 'The Heirs' and is now the most watched rookie actor in all of Seoul. As for Jiyeon unni, her father's illness has been arranged properly, and she also started an investment company with oppa."

She paused when she said this, as if thinking about the wording, before continuing.

"As for Xiuyan unni... she brought back a lot of design drawings from 2025. Relying on those drawings, she has gradually become a cutting-edge designer in the Asian fashion circle. She has already started to be noticed by some brands, and even many brands have approached her, wanting to release joint collections."

"Designer?" Jessica asked subconsciously, her chopsticks stopping in mid-air, "Design drawings?? What does that mean?"

The expression on her face completely spelled "didn't understand," and her eyes went back and forth between the two.

She reacted quickly afterward and widened her eyes instantly, "No, this is plagiarism across time and space."

Facing Jessica's statement, Zheng Xiujing still defended the Zheng Xiuyan of this time a little, so she said cautiously, "Unni, this can't be called plagiarism. This is bringing back the design ideas that have already been verified in 2025 in advance, and then combining them with the popularity here to borrow and achieve success."

Xueli also followed up, "That's right, unni, those designs that may not have been born in the future are brand new and cutting-edge here, how can it be considered plagiarism."

Lin Xiuyuan, who had been listening to all this quietly, also muttered in his heart.

How can the borrowing of scholars and writers be considered plagiarism?

That certainly doesn't count.

And Jessica, listening to this explanation, suddenly had a scene from not long ago flash in her mind.

That was Krystal suddenly asking her for her own product design drawings, so her heart tightened, she turned her head abruptly, stared straight at Lin Xiuyuan, and asked with a questioning tone, "Wait, Lin Xiuyuan, did you and Xiujing take those design drawings of mine and give them to Zheng Xiuyan?!"

Lin Xiuyuan raised his head, swallowed the last bite of the sandwich, his expression so calm it was annoying, and nodded without denying it.

"Yeah, anyway, you've closed down, and those drawings are a waste if left there. Since that's the case, it's better to make use of waste. At least here, those designs of yours can definitely reach a height that 2025 can't reach."

"Lin—Xiu—yuan!" Jessica, angered by these words, almost slapped the knife and fork on the table, her whole face filled with disbelief and anger.

You took it, and you still have to step on me like this.

Xueli and Zheng Xiujing on the side looked at each other, immediately lowered their heads to eat breakfast as if they had a guilty conscience, as if the milk and sandwiches in the bowl were the most important things at the moment, fearing that they would be caught in the war if they were not careful.

Later, when breakfast ended hastily, Jessica didn't say a word, got up directly, drilled into Lin Xiuyuan's room, opened the computer, and began to check some changes in 2013.

Her fingers tapped rapidly on the keyboard, and news about Zheng Xiuyan, Lin Xiaolu, and others gradually appeared on the screen.

Her eyes became heavier and heavier with the pictures of news text, as if she wanted to piece together a brand-new timeline trend as quickly as possible.

On the other side, after cleaning up the dining table, Lin Xiuyuan also opened the Time Gate and sent Zheng Xiujing and Xueli to the 2025 villa.

When sending them over, he also simply instructed Xueli, saying that he would open the door to pick them up again at about the right time.

He wouldn't go over; he had to watch Jessica here.

Xueli and Zheng Xiujing also nodded repeatedly; they were still sensible about this point, and then indicated that the two were just going over to watch the drama, would not run around, and would not call for takeout for lunch, anyway, there was food in the kitchen.

Lin Xiuyuan, who still trusted Xueli very much, closed the Time Gate with great peace of mind, and then looked back at the bedroom.

……

……

At the same time, a large shopping mall in the center of Seoul.

Today, a temporary stage was set up here, and the outside of the square was already crowded with people, with banners, cheering signs, and fluorescent lights appearing one after another.

Fans shouted slogans in unison, holding cameras and mobile phones, just waiting for the moment to see their idols at close range.

The air inside the mall was a bit hot because of the crowd, but the enthusiasm did not diminish at all.

And the Girls' Generation members in the backstage were currently waiting around a long table, and the staff were busy organizing gifts and autograph boards.

Some members were lowering their heads to look at their mobile phones, and some were whispering to each other. Having debuted for many years and climbed to the peak, everyone was very comfortable with this small autograph session.

So the atmosphere was very relaxed, without any excitement or nervousness.

In the corner, Zheng Xiuyan was leaning on the back of the chair, and leaning on her side was Lin Xiaolu.

She tilted her head and said to the other party in a low voice, "YoonA, I always feel uneasy. Xiuyuan and that person are together over there, can he handle it? I almost didn't sleep all night last night, my mind was full of this question, fearing that something would go wrong."

Speaking of this, there was a faint cyan color under her eyes, revealing a trace of fatigue.

Hearing this, Lin Xiaolu was stunned, then chuckled, her tone carrying a bit of laughter, "Unni, you underestimate him too much. At the beginning of the year, didn't he handle you simply? Even you can be handled, shouldn't he be more relaxed when facing the other party now? After all... they are the same person."

Hearing this strange logic, Zheng Xiuyan couldn't help laughing out loud, then turned to look at Lin Xiaolu in front of her carefully.

That exquisite face seemed to have a filter under the light, and every line looked overly perfect.

For this reason, Zheng Xiuyan narrowed her eyes slightly and teased, "So YoonA, you are using yourself as an example to comfort me? That guy handled the big Lin Yun'er first, and now he hasn't let you, this YoonA, go either, right?"

Because this was the first time someone had directly pointed out the "illicit affair," Lin Xiaolu was obviously not used to it, and her cheeks flushed visibly to the naked eye.

After giving Zheng Xiuyan a reproachful look, she whispered, "Unnie, you've gone off-topic. I was clearly trying to clear things up for you, so how did it end up circling back to me?"

Zheng Xiuyan curled her lips and smiled, but did not continue to tease.

At the same time, she suddenly remembered the few words Jessica said when she pointed her out last night, her eyes gradually dimmed a bit, and the smile slowly retracted.

At the same time, in a practice room in another part of Seoul.

The members of TaraN4 were currently organizing their dance steps and pitch, and the atmosphere was as busy as ever. After about ten minutes, the music stopped, and it was halftime.

Park Jiyeon, who stopped rehearsing, immediately pulled Xian Enjing back to the corner, sat side by side on the bench, and each held a water bottle in their hands.

Because Xian Enjing had individual activities yesterday, she missed a lot of news.

So at this moment, she was listening to Park Jiyeon's whispered retelling of the situation about Jessica and Zheng Xiujing yesterday.

Listening to the story being finished bit by bit, she was stunned there, and the water bottle in her hand almost slipped.

"Wh, what?!" Xian Enjing's eyes widened, and her voice couldn't help but rise, "Jiyeon, are you saying... Jessica was really kidnapped by Xiuyuan, and she is still in the apartment here?"

Park Jiyeon nodded, but her expression was not as exaggerated as hers, just smiling curiously, "Well, it's true. I heard that Krystal even thought about letting oppa... do that to Jessica at first. It was only because of Xiujing's appearance that she stopped, otherwise it would really have been..."

Speaking to the end, although Park Jiyeon didn't finish, those who understood, understood.

So Xian Enjing covered her mouth and couldn't recover for a long time, her eyes filled with shock and disbelief, as if she was still trying to digest this news that exceeded common sense.

After a while, she muttered, "Daebak, yesterday's event was big enough. So how does Xiuyuan plan to deal with Jessica now? Your delaying tactic only has one week, right? If Jessica doesn't figure it out by then, something big will happen."

Hearing this worried Park Jiyeon, the smile on her face also retracted a bit, she nodded gently, but her tone was still calm.

"Well, we have all thought about this. But with Krystal there, the most extreme situation should not happen. Now it depends on whether oppa can pull Jessica in, it will only be considered a success if she truly joins the sect."

Speaking of this, she looked at the wall clock and suggested, "Do you want to go over and see later? Anyway, today's rehearsal is not too tight."

However, Xian Enjing thought about it, but shook her head, "I think it's better to give Jessica some private space. Her personality has always been strong. The more it is at this time, the better it will be to let her think clearly quietly. If we go over to disturb the other party rashly, it may only be counterproductive."

Park Jiyeon paused when she heard this, felt it made sense, so she nodded in agreement, "Well, then don't disturb her for the time being, and ask oppa about the situation later."

"Well, talking to Xiuyuan is fine." Xian Enjing replied.

As soon as the words fell, the door of the practice room was pushed open with a "creak," and several graceful figures walked in from outside.

Walking at the forefront was Li Shaoxi, who had successfully become Park Jiyeon's assistant not long ago.

Her appearance instantly attracted the attention of many backup dancers and dance teachers in the corner.

That face, which was unadorned but exquisitely excessive, directly made the new maknae of N4 look dim, and even the gorgeous type like Park Xiaomin was suppressed.

It's a pity that she is still slightly inferior in body proportions, otherwise it would be a crushing level.

You know, ever since Li Shaoxi became Park Jiyeon's personal assistant, the company here has tried more than once to sign her as a trainee.

That condition, which can be seen at a glance to have a future star appearance, is simply too attractive to brokerage companies.

And if this situation were changed to someone else, it is estimated that they would have breached the contract and plunged into the circle long ago.

But Li Shaoxi refused firmly every time.

Mainly because she had just entered society, although she was young, she had experienced many ups and downs very quickly, as well as the beatings of society.

Coupled with the encounter with Lin Xiuyuan, Xueli, and others, and the subsequent "stunning rescue," she had a strong resistance to the vanity of the entertainment industry and the temptation of money.

Of course, all this is still attributed to Lin Xiuyuan giving her a stable income and a decent job.

So it can make her feel more at ease than flashy fame, and the young girl's personality is already tough, so that "contract spirit" of "trusting" her from Lin Xiuyuan is deeply engraved in her bones.

This made Park Jiyeon look at her at this time, and couldn't help but feel a bit of appreciation.

So she waved her hand, called Li Shaoxi to her side, and then asked in a low voice, "Shaoxi, is there any new situation in the chain restaurant recently?"

Li Shaoxi, who heard the question after walking over, also sat beside Park Jiyeon, leaned over, and reported in a low voice.

Although she didn't fully understand these businesses at this time, fortunately, she had a good memory and could clearly relay what she heard.

The speaking speed was steady and the logic was clear.

Park Jiyeon couldn't help but nod with satisfaction, and her mood became more and more cheerful.

At the same time, she also secretly said in her heart: Oppa really found a perfect assistant for herself this time.

……

……

Just like that, another five days passed.

In these five days, Jessica, who had been imprisoned in the apartment, finally pieced together this brand-new 2013 bit by bit with the help of the Internet and scattered information.

Her mood was no longer as chaotic and anxious as it was at the beginning. Although she was still resistant, she at least began to observe calmly.

Compared to the struggle at the beginning, it had become much gentler.

And at night, she no longer needed to sleep alone on the cold floor.

Because as long as Zheng Xiujing had no filming tasks, she would return to the apartment with Xueli, and then the three of them would squeeze into a small room to rest.

Although the big bed was squeezed full, it unexpectedly had a bit more intimacy and warmth.

Except for these two, others almost never came to disturb Jessica again.

It seemed that everyone tacitly gave her a space to be alone, letting her think clearly by herself.

At the same time, everyone was indeed busy.

For example, on the Girls' Generation side, Zheng Xiuyan, Lin Xiaolu, and Kim Ruanruan were either individual activities, team performances, or overseas schedules.

In just five days, they took a plane for three days, becoming true "frequent flyers."

Krystal and Lin Yun'er in 2025 were also busy, one promoting a new work, the other running around at various press conferences. Even the semi-retired Little Dragon Cub began to prepare for the concert.

Everyone was almost idle in the first half of the year, and finally seemed to be fully working in the second half.

Kim Taeyeon had always been free, but she had some concerns.

Worried that her rash appearance would stimulate Jessica to recall some unbearable past, and instead be counterproductive, so she had been holding back and did not come to watch the drama.

It wasn't until the morning of the fifth day that the situation finally changed.

Because she had a performance stage in two days, and she had to prepare for several posters and GG filming later, she needed to connect with Lin Xiuyuan for some support.

Coupled with the fact that she felt that it was actually quite difficult to rely on Jessica to figure it out by herself, at least there must be something to push it.

So she finally plucked up the courage and came to the villa early in the morning to wait for someone.

The air in the early autumn morning already began to carry a hint of coolness.

As Lin Xiuyuan opened the Time Gate from the apartment side, intending to see if there was any information on the mobile phone here, he didn't expect that someone was already waiting for him on the sofa in the living room.

When he saw the familiar casual long coat and the slightly petite figure clearly, the arm holding the doorknob paused slightly, and a look of surprise flashed in his eyes.

"Taeyeon?"

Lin Xiuyuan, who couldn't help but shout, had a hint of incredulity in his tone.

And Kim Taeyeon was originally sitting quietly on the sofa brushing her phone, as if waiting patiently for a long time.

So after hearing the sound, she raised her head immediately. Those slightly smiling eyes lit up instantly after seeing Lin Xiuyuan, as if the light of the morning had been ignited.

Then she raised her hand and waved it gently, the smile on her lips genuine and natural, "Why, are you surprised to see me? Didn't expect it? Scared you?"

"Not that exaggerated."

Lin Xiuyuan laughed, his tone carrying a bit more warmth, "But why did you come over so early? Is there anything you want to find me for?"

"Can't I find you if there's nothing~" Kim Taeyeon smiled first.

Then she continued to say briskly, her tone carrying a hint of joy and shyness that could not be concealed, "But there is indeed something to find you this time. I originally wanted to wait for you to finish your work before coming, but time is a bit too late."

"It's okay, you can find me anytime." Hearing this, Lin Xiuyuan also guaranteed very generously.

Just as the two were talking, a little movement suddenly came from behind Lin Xiuyuan.

Jessica, who was originally sitting on the sofa, walked over, poked her head out from behind him, wearing loose pajamas, her hair still a bit messy, like a kitten that had just woken up.

Then she saw Kim Taeyeon behind the door at a glance, was stunned, and then squeezed out a smile, "Morning, Taeyeon~"

Looking at this Jessica who was full of life, Kim Taeyeon thought that the other party had finished with Lin Xiuyuan, but after touching the other party's face and complexion, she laughed again.

Then she raised her hand and waved it gently, her tone soft, "Morning, Xiuyan, how have you been these past few days."

"Not so good." Jessica complained.

The next second, Jessica pretended to be indifferent and walked out, her steps brisk, as if she couldn't wait to escape the cage.

However, just as she walked to Lin Xiuyuan's side, her head was pressed by him with a hand that was not light or heavy, and pushed back directly in the direction of the sofa.

"Go back."

Lin Xiuyuan's voice was as calm as dealing with a child.

"Ya, Lin Xiuyuan, I haven't appeared for five days, can't you give me some time to report to the team?"

Jessica, who was pressed by someone, shouted very unconvinced, her movements carrying a bit of willful struggle.

A pair of small hands angrily slapped his arm away, and she turned back to accuse the other party with her eyes.

But Lin Xiuyuan was unmoved, as if he had been used to her making trouble these days, and ignored it directly, "Don't make trouble, I said I would trap you for a week, so I will trap you for a week. There are still 2 days, bear with it."

After he finished speaking, he turned to Kim Taeyeon and reached out his hand, signaling her to come in, "Let's go, come in first, let's talk when we get here."

Kim Taeyeon, who had been watching this scene, couldn't help but be amused by this scene.

Then the corners of her eyes curved slightly, and she nodded gently.

She got up and picked up some meals and fruits she bought on the way, crossed the threshold, and walked into this 2013 apartment.

After Kim Taeyeon entered the apartment, her movements were also very natural to put the bag in her hand on the dining table.

Then she clapped her hands, as if announcing that she was "home."

Following that, her gaze inadvertently fell on Jessica, who was sitting on the sofa, holding a cushion with both hands, her expression full of depression.

The way she was just "pressed" back by Lin Xiuyuan was simply like a cow or horse forced to work overtime, wanting to run but unable to run.

"Xiuyan, can't you accept this fact now?"

The other party's resentful expression made Kim Taeyeon couldn't help but ask with a smile, her tone relaxed, and carrying a little teasing.

Facing this question, Jessica rolled her eyes at Lin Xiuyuan, and the sigh was filled with deep helplessness, "I actually accepted it on the second day, but this guy..."

Gritting her teeth, she pointed to Lin Xiuyuan not far away, her voice suddenly raised, her face full of speechlessness and headache, "Lin Xiuyuan, this bastard, keeps not letting me leave, saying something like 'stay a few more days, let me feel it more deeply.' Taeyeon, what kind of logic is this?"

Lin Xiuyuan pretended not to hear while flipping through the things Kim Taeyeon bought, as if this complaint had nothing to do with him.

And Jessica, after finishing speaking, lay lazily on the sofa armrest again, and narrowed her eyes to look at Kim Taeyeon on the side, "By the way, Taeyeon, why are you here this time?"

Kim Taeyeon, who was asked so bluntly, suddenly flickered her eyes, and was a child who was worried about being exposed on the spot, her voice was hesitant and pursed her lips, "Ah... I just... have something I want to talk to Xiuyuan about..."

Halfway through the words, she was embarrassed to continue, and her expression became a bit awkward.

So in order to cover up, she immediately changed the subject and asked, "By the way, have you had breakfast? I bought some things on the way, do you want to eat some together?"

Jessica looked at her small movements and smiled secretly in her heart, as if she had seen through her thoughts at a glance.

But she didn't break it on her lips, "I've already eaten in the morning, let's eat some fruit."

So she got up and turned out some fruit to eat, and the atmosphere in the apartment suddenly quieted down.

A few minutes later, Jessica bit the freshly washed grapes and looked at Kim Taeyeon's hesitant appearance, and couldn't help but feel a trace of curiosity in her heart.

But she still didn't continue to force the question, but suddenly stood up, "That, I'll go back to the room to watch the news, you guys talk."

After speaking, without waiting for the other party to respond, she turned and disappeared into the bedroom, and closed the door gently by the way.

Just like that, in the blink of an eye, only Lin Xiuyuan and Kim Taeyeon were left in the living room.

And Lin Xiuyuan, who hadn't said much, also slowly put down the cup in his hand, his gaze fell on her, his eyes carrying a bit of curiosity, "Taeyeon, do you have anything to say?"

Kim Taeyeon, who was asked by Lin Xiuyuan this time, bit her lip gently, her gaze quickly swept toward the bedroom, and after confirming that Jessica didn't come out, she leaned toward the other party as if she had made up her mind.

Then she bent down, her breathing so light that it could almost brush against Lin Xiuyuan's ear.

Carrying a trace of caution, but also hiding a secret excitement, her lips parted slightly, and she whispered a few words in his ear.

As Lin Xiuyuan finished listening to Kim Taeyeon's statement, his jumping fingers stopped abruptly, and his expression became a bit subtle.

He turned his head and stared at the beautiful shadow beside him with a meaningful look, his shock couldn't be hidden in his tone, "Ah, are you sure you want to play so big?"

Kim Taeyeon, who saw Lin Xiuyuan's expression, also hooked a small pride on her lips, her eyes flickered, and her voice lowered, "Well, it's okay. I think if it succeeds, it's a good thing that kills two birds with one stone."

……

In the bedroom, the light of the computer screen flashed on Jessica's face.

She, who was originally holding her knees in a daze, had her eyes floating on those news pages, but her attention had long since drifted away.

Because from just now, the living room outside was too quiet.

There was no conversation, no sound of the TV, and it was so quiet that it made people's hearts hair-raising.

Jessica frowned, a bit of curiosity arose in her heart, but she was embarrassed to go out and disturb rashly.

So she simply clicked on a variety show and tried to focus her attention on the screen, pretending she didn't care.

However...

Not long after, a strange sound suddenly came from outside the door.

"Rustle rustle..."

Fragmented and intermittent, like the friction of fabric, or the sound of bodies sticking together accidentally.

These outrageous sounds made Jessica's ear tips heat up slightly, her breathing paused, and she subconsciously imagined some... scenes that were not suitable for thinking about at the moment.

"No way..."

Her heart tightened, her throat was a bit dry, and her voice was so subtle that it was almost inaudible, as if she was talking to herself, "Taeyeon shouldn't be that bold, right?"

However, just at this moment, the movement outside the door became clearer.

Mixed with a few vague, seemingly suppressed groans, like sounds overflowing from the depths of the throat, forcibly held down, but instead, it was more seductive.

Jessica was really stunned at this moment, and the pupils in her eyes dilated instantly.

Then she stood up abruptly, her legs were a bit soft, and her heartbeat was rushing to her throat.

Immediately afterward, she walked silently behind the door, her right hand trembling toward the doorknob, and there was even a thin sweat on her palm.

Open, or not open...

The complex mood stopped her movements abruptly at the last moment when her fingertips tightly buckled the cold metal.

The scene that flashed in her mind made her dare not confirm:

——If she really saw a scene she shouldn't see, how awkward would that scene be?

——But if... she really guessed it, how should she speak? It's better to be ignorant and pretend she doesn't know anything.

Thinking of this, Jessica bit her lip, her breathing was rapid, and she was trapped in an unsolvable game.

She was afraid of opening the door, but even more afraid of standing here all the time, letting her imagination torture her.

Her whole face was full of struggle and complexity, both unbelievable and carrying hidden panic.

At the same time, the sound from the other side of the door was still coming in waves, as if pushing her forward, and as if warning her "don't touch."

Those sounds made Jessica's forehead sweat, and she slowly leaned against the door panel, closed her eyes, exhaled gently, and muttered, "What am I afraid of, or what am I looking forward to?"

Over the past few days, she had thought a lot and learned more things.

……

Half an hour ago.

Zheng Xiuyan, who finally had time, also rushed to the apartment from the company today.

After getting off the car, her pace was slightly urgent, and the bag on her shoulder had not been fully put down when she bumped into Xian Enjing, who also rushed over, at the corner downstairs.

The two looked at each other for a moment, were stunned first, and then both showed a tacit smile.

That smile carried a trace of relaxation, and also mixed with fatigue that could not be concealed.

No one mentioned the main business first, just walked side by side to the lobby.

The light at the elevator entrance shone down quietly, reflecting the clear outlines of the two. Xian Enjing broke the silence first and asked in a low voice, "Xiuyan, how do you think Jessica is now?"

Zheng Xiuyan, who was asked, flickered her eyes, paused her steps slightly, and her tone carried a trace of caution, "Didn't Xiujing say that? She has figured out a lot, at least there is no need to worry about the other party messing around again..."

When saying this, she seemed to be comforting herself, her tone sounded softer than usual, but not certain enough.

Xian Enjing nodded, but her fingertips were still unconsciously rubbing the edge of her coat, and her eyes were hidden with anxiety, "Well, that's what it says. But relying on her own consciousness, I still feel that the risk is too great. There must be a hook that can firmly hook her. Otherwise, she may... at any time."

She didn't finish the second half of the sentence, but Zheng Xiuyan had already understood, and her eyebrows twisted gently.

"I know."

She sighed and looked at the direction of the gate, her voice lowered, "But what can be used as that hook? I know her character best, she is prouder than anyone, and more stubborn than anyone. If the hook is too hard, she will definitely break it; if it is too soft, she won't take it in her eyes at all."

The two stopped at the entrance of the long corridor in the lobby, neither of them went upstairs immediately, and chatted for a long time.

Cold wind poured into the corridor from time to time, blowing the broken hair on the temples of the two, and also making the unspeakable anxiety in their hearts clearer.

The moment their eyes crossed, they both read the same thing from the bottom of each other's eyes: helplessness.

So, the two smiled bitterly in unison, and the silence of each other's eyes replaced all words.

"Let's go, let's go up first." Xian Enjing said softly.

"Well."

Xian Enjing nodded, then followed by her side, and stepped into the elevator together.

Ding...

As the elevator door closed slowly, the bright light shone clearly on the worries on the faces of the two.

Soon the two came to the door of the apartment, among which Zheng Xiuyan habitually raised her hand to enter the password, the movement was as natural as if it had been repeated countless times.

But just as her fingers were about to fall, Xian Enjing suddenly reached out and pressed her fingers.

"Wait."

Her movement was not heavy, but carried firmness.

It also made Zheng Xiuyan stunned, and looked back at the other party.

"Ring the doorbell, at least give people some respect, it's not very good to break in directly like this..." Xian Enjing's tone was very gentle, but she had her own views.

Zheng Xiuyan was stunned after hearing this, and her eyes deepened.

It took a long time before she nodded gently and took a half step back.

Watching Xian Enjing raise her hand and ring the doorbell.

The crisp ding-dong sound echoed in the corridor, appearing particularly abrupt.

The two stood at the door holding their breath, both carrying a bit of inexplicable nervousness in their hearts.

The air seemed to solidify at once, leaving only the red light of the doorbell flashing on and off.

Finally, after a long time, a slight movement came from the other side of the door.

As the sound of the door lock appeared, the gate was also slowly opened from the inside.

But the person who appeared was not the one the two had just talked about, nor was it Lin Xiuyuan.

But it was Kim Taeyeon with a flushed face and a strange look at them!!!

"Taeyeon? Why are you here."

"Xiuyan? Enjing? Why are you here."

(PS: Fathers, double period voting, starting today until the 7th of next month, if the target is reached, 5 chapters will be added daily!!!)

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 257 =====