Chapter 263: Goo Hara

2013.

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

The wind at the street corner carried a slight chill, brushing past the fallen ginkgo leaves on the sidewalk; the essence of autumn seeped shallowly into the air.

In that old-fashioned bibimbap restaurant in Apgujeong, the wooden tables and chairs were worn smooth by time, and the small fan in the corner turned gently, stirring up the warm, familiar aroma of sesame oil mixed with grilled meat.

Sulli sat 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 sat by her hand, her fingertips gently tracing the rim.

She occasionally looked down at her phone, then up toward the entrance, her expression carrying a hint of vague anticipation.

Just then, the door was pushed open.

The wind chime gave a "ding," and the air seemed to be lightly stirred.

That familiar figure walked in.

Goo Hara appeared.

She wore her hair in a high ponytail, with the slanted bangs across her forehead hanging naturally, making her face look even more exquisite.

Her khaki dress glowed with a soft, warm tone under the lights, the sleeves gathered gently, creating a graceful silhouette.

A smile played on her lips—the one Sulli knew so well.

It was the kind of smile that could make anyone feel at ease, even across a crowd. "Zhenli~"

Goo Hara walked over quickly, looking at Sulli, her tone filled with undisguised surprise.

"Unnie~" Sulli smiled and stood up.

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

"You haven't changed a bit." Sulli looked her over, her eyes teasing.

"Of course, I'm someone who has to live in front of the camera," Goo Hara replied with a laugh, 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, taking the opportunity to toss her hair back, revealing her slender neckline.

She then set down her small black bag, unbuttoned her coat, and leaned back in the seat, finally relaxing completely.

"Aigoo~ finally back in Seoul to eat a proper meal." She let out a long sigh, her tone filled with genuine satisfaction. "Eating boxed lunches and convenience store food over there every day, I almost forgot what bibimbap tastes like."

"It's not that bad, Unnie. They have Japanese food, ramen, and BBQ over there too."

Sulli pursed her lips and smiled, reaching out to call the waiter. "But since you say so, you must eat a lot today."

"That's different." Goo Hara flipped through the menu, her tone carrying a playful, dismissive pout.

Sulli smiled, her eyes curving into crescents. "Are you just being a picky eater, Unnie?"

"Yah, you brat!" Goo Hara laughed and reached out to tickle her waist.

Sulli was so amused she bent over, her laughter crisp and clear, causing customers at the next table to glance over.

After a good while of fussing, the two finally settled down and ordered their favorite dishes: beef bibimbap, kimchi stew, and a serving of grilled mackerel.

After ordering, the atmosphere softened.

Goo Hara stirred her teacup, the bottom reflecting a soft glow. She tilted her head, looking at Sulli, the corners of her lips slightly raised.

"Seriously, Zhenli, if I hadn't seen the news reports a while ago, and that drama of yours airing, I wouldn't have believed..." She paused slightly, her tone filled with emotion. "... that you actually became a screenwriter."

"What's so unexpected about that? After experiencing it recently, I feel like being a screenwriter isn't much easier than being an idol."

Sulli laughed lightly, her tone teasing.

Goo Hara held her chopsticks, squinted, and couldn't help but laugh out loud. "That's because you're dragging Xiujing along every day."

She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping. "Besides, screenwriting is time-sensitive. You can rest after this period is over."

"Unnie, you haven't forgotten that I still have an idol identity, have you?" Sulli reminded her.

Goo Hara froze for a moment, then looked at her earnestly.

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

"Zhenli, you've changed quite a bit." Goo Hara said this softly, her tone filled with a sisterly pity. "You didn't even want to mention this identity before, let alone run schedules or go on stage."

Sulli tilted her head, the corners of her lips curling, as if intentionally being mischievous. "Then do you think I've changed for the better or for the worse, Unnie?"

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

Goo Hara laughed, shaking her head. "Being able to ask me that question directly shows you've really matured a lot."

Her tone slowed, but her eyes held more emotion. "I don't even know if this is a good thing or a bad thing. That clingy little thing from before seems to be gone."

As soon as she finished speaking, Sulli let out a "pfft" of laughter and immediately leaned over again, dragging out her words softly. "Unnie~ I'm still very clingy now~"

"Aigoo, you..." Goo Hara laughed, swatting away the restless little hand. "Stop it. I just said you'd changed, and now you're exactly the same, you little pervert."

The sound of their laughter, mixed with the steam from the pots and the scent of sesame, felt warm and cozy.

Soon, the dishes were served one after another. The sizzling sound of the hot stone pot, the red oil of the kimchi stew gleaming under the lights.

The air was lifted by the heat, spreading out in a mist between them, as if separated by a soft-focus lens.

But just halfway through the meal, Goo Hara suddenly lowered her voice, looking at Sulli with a complex expression.

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

Sulli, who was eating her bibimbap, looked up at her in confusion.

"It's nothing, just..." Goo Hara sighed softly, her fingertips tapping the edge of the bowl. "Some friends we used to hang out with seem to have done some not-so-clean things."

Halfway through, she scooped up a spoonful of rice but put it back down, her brow furrowing slightly.

"Zhenli, you know me. I'm not the type to meddle, but I've felt something was off these past few months." Her voice dropped lower. "Later, it was confirmed. Some people really... have gone too far astray."

Sulli didn't speak immediately, just listened quietly. Her eyes were earnest, her expression calm, but she let out a small sigh of relief in her heart.

Goo Hara continued, a bitter smile even playing on her lips.

"Before, Shun Gui, you, and a few other friends warned me that those people's circles were too messy and not to get too involved. At the time, I thought you were all making a mountain out of a molehill."

She paused and shook her head gently. "Now that I think about it, I'm glad I listened."

"So, Unnie, what are you planning to do???" Sulli asked softly.

Goo Hara pursed her lips, her expression returning to calm as she replied, "I'm already slowly distancing myself."

"It's not a clean break, but I'm avoiding the occasions I should avoid. Anyway, I have plenty of schedules, no need to force myself to be with them." She laughed. "It's just... they've noticed to some extent, and some people have started to have thorns in their words."

"Will there be any danger?" Sulli frowned subconsciously.

Goo Hara shook her head, her expression still calm. "It's fine. I haven't done anything, and they aren't assassins. Besides, they can't touch me. I'm not the kind of person who can be dragged down just like that anymore."

She smiled, her expression filled with more confidence and indifference.

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

After all, Goo Hara at this moment was not the her of the future. While she couldn't be called the most popular in Seoul, in Nihon, she was firmly seated on the throne of the world's number one.

However, fate never gives a warning in advance.

No one could have imagined that a few years later, her company would suddenly pull a "crazy move," personally abandoning the market they had painstakingly cultivated in Nihon.

Personnel adjustments, reorganization, and further splitting of the group—everything was like an invisible knife, cutting away the foundation Goo Hara relied on for survival, inch by inch.

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

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

But those were all things of the future.

Goo Hara in the present was still that proud, confident, and charming woman.

She shook her head gently, a familiar smile curling the corners of her lips again.

"And, having spent these years in Nihon, I've learned quite a few ways to handle the gray areas of human relationships."

Her tone carried a bit of playfulness, but also a calmness born of experience.

Sulli looked at her, an indescribable emotion welling up in her heart.

In that instant, she suddenly felt that the Goo Hara before her was no longer just the Unnie who always smiled and called out "Zhenli," but a woman who remained elegant amidst the storms.

Her eyes softened involuntarily.

A corner of her heart ached gently.

If fate hadn't had so many twists and turns, perhaps the distance between the two of them years later would only be the distance of a tombstone.

"Unnie, you really... have become even more amazing." She said softly.

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

At that moment, her smile was extremely gentle, like a beam of light cast through the clouds by the autumn sun.

As her voice fell, her expression gradually relaxed, her tone returning to that familiar brightness.

Her fingertips brushed the hair by her ear, and a mischievous smile suddenly appeared on her lips.

"By the way, Zhenli, let me ask you something."

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

Goo Hara looked around, as if afraid of being overheard, and leaned in closer.

In those smiling eyes, there was a hint of curiosity. "Didn't we see that... what was his name? Lin Xiuyuan, right? When we were in Tokyo last time?"

Sulli was stunned and gave a soft "hmm."

"Looks like I remembered the name right." Goo Hara laughed, her voice dropping lower. "Weren't he and YoonA... quite close back then? How are things now?"

As she spoke, she gestured lightly with her chopsticks, a mischievous smile on her lips. "I've been checking the news here these days, but I haven't seen anything, and no one in the circle is talking about it. You know them both, tell me, what kind of relationship have those two progressed into?"

Sulli was just about to drink her soup when she was startled by this and almost choked, coughing twice.

"Unnie, this question... you'll have to ask Oppa yourself."

She blinked, her tone light, as if holding back a secret.

"Ah? Ask him?"

Goo Hara's chopsticks paused, her eyes widened, and her voice involuntarily rose by half a degree. "I'm not close to him, I only met him once in Tokyo last time. How do you expect me to ask?"

She wrinkled her nose like a kitten being teased, her tone filled with helplessness, yet unable to hide the curiosity stirred up inside.

Sulli finally couldn't help but laugh out loud.

The laughter was crisp and soft, like ice cubes gently clinking in a bowl, her eyes curved, her lips holding a hint of mischief.

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

"Home?" Goo Hara froze for a few seconds, her chopsticks hanging in mid-air, a flash of confusion in her eyes. "What home?"

"My home."

Sulli's smile deepened, her voice soft, yet hiding some kind of intent.

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

"Because..."

Sulli lowered her head, her fingers gently drawing circles on the table, the corners of her lips slowly rising, her tone deliberately slowed, bringing out a hint of vague cunning. "I'm living with Xiuyuan Oppa."

Once these words were out, the air came to a complete standstill.

The noisy restaurant sounds around them seemed to suddenly stretch into a distant background noise.

Even the clinking of bowls and chopsticks at the next table sounded blurred and light.

"You, you said what?"

Goo Hara froze in place, her eyes looking as if they had been electrocuted, staring at her in disbelief.

She blinked rapidly, her lips slightly parted, her voice stuttering. "You just said... you and... Lin Xiuyuan... are liv, living together?!"

Sulli nodded gently.

Her expression was surprisingly calm, without a ripple in her eyes, even carrying a hint of innocent sweetness. "Yes, if Unnie goes back with me later, you might just run into Oppa."

Hearing this, Goo Hara's little hand trembled again, and her chopsticks almost fell to the ground.

"This, this is too exaggerated! What kind of joke are you playing?"

"Not at all."

Sulli rested her chin on her hand, tilting her head slightly, her eyes clear, as if hiding a bit of mischief. "Why would I lie to you."

"But, but..."

Goo Hara couldn't find her words for a moment, her mouth opening and closing, her eyes shifting, as if she had been thrown off balance by the sudden news.

She subconsciously leaned back against the chair, arms crossed, as if trying to give herself some buffer distance.

Sulli watched her flustered appearance, the corners of her lips curling slightly.

The smile was faint, looking both like she had succeeded and carrying a hint of gentle mischief.

Actually, she had long anticipated that Unnie would have this reaction.

After all, in the eyes of others, she was a girl who hadn't officially started dating, suddenly saying she was living with an outsider just like that.

No matter how you looked at it, it sounded like a fantasy.

But Sulli didn't explain.

She just quietly picked up her glass, took a small sip of juice, her eyes falling on the bubbles floating in the glass, the smile on her lips appearing and disappearing.

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

It was late at night.

The city lights outside the window flickered in the distance, neon light filtering through the half-closed blinds, dappling the room.

The air was filled with a faint scent of lemon soda, and two unfinished drinks sat on the table, fine water droplets condensing on the glass, glowing under the dim light.

In the living room, the TV was playing a variety show, laughter and playfulness rising and falling.

Sulli was curled up at the other end of the sofa, hugging a pillow, laughing, but gradually becoming quiet.

Her gaze fell on the TV screen, but she didn't seem to be watching the show, her eyes drifting.

That thoughtful expression made her look soft and quiet.

"Oppa."

Suddenly, she called out softly, her voice as if gently wrapped in the night.

Lin Xiuyuan leaned on the sofa, holding his phone in one hand, his expression as calm as ever. Hearing her voice, he immediately turned to look at Sulli. "Hmm? What's wrong?"

Sulli bit her lower lip gently, as if hesitating whether to ask.

A moment later, she finally spoke. "Do you think... it's possible for Hara Unnie to come over there too?"

Hearing this, Lin Xiuyuan's fingers paused slightly, and he turned off the phone screen and placed it on the coffee table with a crisp "ta."

He then looked up at Sulli. "If she can see those people clearly, see her own position..."

Lin Xiuyuan, his tone slow and deep, continued thoughtfully, "If it really comes to that time, then we'll meet and talk."

He didn't say much, but it was enough to leave one thinking.

Sulli listened and couldn't help but laugh.

The smile carried a hint of mischief and a feeling of relief.

She knew that Lin Xiuyuan didn't say "no," which meant there was still a chance.

And, a quite significant chance.

So she turned her head again, her gaze lingering on his profile for a moment, and suddenly asked softly, "Then can I tell her... that I'm living with you?"

Lin Xiuyuan was stunned, clearly not expecting her to ask this.

A moment later, he laughed out loud, lowered his head, and shook it.

"You, you~" He reached out and gently pinched her fair, tender cheek with his fingertips. "You're trying to use me to scare and stimulate her, aren't you?"

Sulli pursed her lips and smiled, her eyes curving.

That little smug expression made her little thoughts easy to see through, yet one couldn't bear to expose them.

"Go ahead."

Lin Xiuyuan sighed helplessly, his tone softening, carrying a hint of indulgent pampering. "Anyway, I won't lose a piece of meat."

At that moment, Sulli remembered the temperature that flashed in his eyes—it was pampering, and also a kind of trust.

Her heart warmed, and the smile on her lips became even brighter.

She leaned over gently, a smile on her lips, her voice so low it was almost drowned out by the background noise. "Then I'm really going to say it."

"Hmm."

And now, sitting at the bibimbap table, she finally fulfilled that "go ahead."

Heat swirled above the stone pot, carrying the scent of sesame oil and grilled meat, but also hiding a hint of subtle silence.

Back to reality, Goo Hara was still stunned.

"So... you're really living with him now?" She confirmed again, her tone floating.

"Hmm." Sulli blinked, her expression as if saying "what's so strange about that."

"Oh my god..."

Goo Hara finally came back to her senses, leaning back, her tone mixed with shock, disbelief, and a hint of undisguised envy.

"You're too bold, Zhenli... does this count as stealing YoonA's man? Be careful she doesn't give you a hard time."

"Ah, Unnie~" Sulli suppressed a laugh, her tone gentle yet helpless. "It's not that exaggerated."

"How is it not exaggerated?" Goo Hara became more animated as she spoke, slapping the table, making the chopsticks tremble slightly.

"I saw it last time. The way YoonA looks at that Lin Xiuyuan is not right! I understand that kind of look, a woman's sixth sense is never wrong. They were doing cosplay together, and chatting so intimately while eating... If there's nothing going on, I'll twist my head off and give it to you!"

As she spoke, she couldn't help but laugh herself, but there was a genuine sense of gossipy seriousness in her tone.

Sulli rested her chin on her hand, watching her quietly, the corners of her lips rising slightly.

In that instant, she suddenly felt that the excited Unnie in front of her was a bit cute, and a bit nostalgic.

"Then does Unnie still want to ask about the relationship between Oppa and YoonA Unnie?"

Her tone was light, the ending note carrying a hint of laughter.

"I..."

Goo Hara was speechless for a moment, glaring at her, her expression like a child caught in the act.

Then her tone changed, and she couldn't help but complain, "You're like this, is that guy a scumbag? Eating you, while looking at YoonA?"

Sulli shook her head gently, her smile deepening.

"As for this, I won't explain it to you. Unnie, if you really want to know, go ask Oppa yourself."

Her tone was as soft as the wind, yet it carried a light provocation.

Goo Hara stared at her expression, suddenly squinting, as if she had caught something wrong. "Wait a minute, Zhenli... are you setting a trap for me?"

Sulli blinked, feigning innocence, but didn't answer.

The two looked at each other for a moment, and the next second, they laughed out loud in unison.

The laughter carried teasing, and also an indescribable intimacy.

It was the tacit understanding that only sisters have, a kind of "I understand you" unspoken agreement.

The food had long since gone cold, but the atmosphere was becoming more and more lively.

"Forget it, meeting him is meeting him."

Goo Hara sighed while picking up her spoon to stir the food, shaking her head with a laugh.

"Although this sounds a bit off, who told you to be my beloved sister. Sigh, living together... I really can't imagine it."

She muttered to herself, her tone both curious and helpless.

Sulli just watched her quietly, the corners of her lips curling, her smile gentle.

The wind outside the window swept through the street, stirring up fallen leaves, gently tapping against the glass.

The autumn sunlight spilled in through the gaps in the curtains, shining on their faces, one bright and one dark.

At that moment, time seemed to stretch, the air quiet, leaving only the sound of laughter and the clinking of tableware.

Sulli's gaze fell on Goo Hara's smiling face, and her heart suddenly felt a bit sour.

She knew clearly that this Unnie of hers before her didn't yet know what kind of fork in the road fate would take.

At this moment, she was still that bright, confident woman laughing and gossiping.

And this meal, in her view, might just be an ordinary reunion.

But for Sulli!

Certain stories were quietly opening a new chapter at this very moment.

2025.

Lin Xiuyuan held the steering wheel with both hands, his expression composed, as if he had turned all the vague ambiguity from just now into the light and shadow outside the window, shattered by the sun, and pressed it gently into his heart.

Krystal in the passenger seat leaned against the car window, a smile in the corners of her eyes, her fingertips tapping the glass, like a child counting the stations passed.

The vague arc of her lips gave the atmosphere in the car a quiet yet ambiguous temperature.

Soon, the two found a Chinese restaurant that wasn't busy but also not inconspicuous, and parked the car at the entrance.

The shop wasn't big, but it was clean enough to be reassuring, the wooden tables and chairs exuding a faint scent of old wood, a few green plants placed in the corners, even the air mixed with a hint of light tea.

After sitting down, Lin Xiuyuan didn't hesitate and ordered a few home-style dishes: stir-fried meat, dry-fried green beans, cold beef, and finally, a large plate of ribs.

Except for that last big dish, the others were the kind of dishes that could be served quickly but tasted solid.

The heat from the dishes soon filled the air, the aroma mouth-watering.

Watching the dishes being served one by one, Krystal's Adam's apple moved slightly.

Having not eaten since yesterday afternoon, her appetite was completely hooked the moment she sat down.

But even though she was really hungry, she didn't eat quickly, instead picking up food and eating slowly and methodically.

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

During this time, they chatted about Jessica and Zheng Xiuyan, but didn't dare to say too much—who knew if there were ears behind the walls?

"Seriously, Xiujing, your current work state is really a bit strange." Lin Xiuyuan said, reaching out to wipe a bit of soup from the corner of her mouth. "Either you're idle enough to grow mold, or you're busy until dawn. If this continues, don't wear yourself out."

Krystal looked up, her eyes sparkling with laughter. "If it were before, I would indeed be worried."

Then her lips rose, revealing that arc that was both playful and interesting. "But after meeting you... I'm not worried. After all, with you here, I can always replenish some energy."

Finally, she gave a soft hum and concluded in a low voice, "Xiuyuan, you don't know how fragrant you are."

Lin Xiuyuan, caught off guard by her teasing, raised an eyebrow and laughed in a low voice. "Eat properly, talk properly, don't learn the tone of those female hooligans."

"It sounds like you don't like it." Krystal blinked, her tone carrying a hint of mischief. "Don't you men like the type that can 'handle the parlor and the kitchen'? I can't get into the kitchen, but... a little more sexiness, that's fine, right?"

After saying this, she picked up a piece of beef and slowly put it into her mouth, her eyes fixed on Lin Xiuyuan's face.

The smile was hidden in the depths of her eyes, like a moist, incomparable luster.

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

The smooth toe tips brushed lightly against the trouser leg under the table, and then probed in as if nothing had happened.

The tactile sensation of that instant made Lin Xiuyuan's waist muscles tense slightly, and the chopsticks in his hand almost fell.

So he quickly lowered his voice. "Don't mess around."

Krystal looked up and laughed, her lips pursed, her voice carrying a mischievous softness. "I insist."

Seeing this, Lin Xiuyuan didn't speak again, just took a deep breath, hiding the momentary laugh in his eyes.

After the meal, the two didn't stay in the restaurant for long.

The sun was just right, and the wind on the street brushed past gently.

As Lin Xiuyuan restarted the car, the cabin returned to silence, leaving only the low hum of the engine and the flowing rhythm of the sunlight through the windshield.

Krystal in the passenger seat took off her coat, placed it on her lap, and closed her eyes, leaning against the seat.

The cool air-conditioning wind blew through the gaps in the vents, lifting her hair gently, exuding a faint, sweet scent.

And when the car slowly drove into the villa's garage, the courtyard was filled with warmth under the afternoon sun.

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

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

Then, with a light movement, she lunged toward the figure helping her open the door, her arms tightly hooked around his neck, jumping up, the whole person hanging on him like a light little animal.

"Hey hey hey~ be careful."

This sudden movement left Lin Xiuyuan stunned for a moment, followed by a low laugh.

However, Krystal jumped just right, her body pressed against his chest, her long legs in high heels gently wrapped around his waist.

And his hands firmly clasped her thighs and buttocks, supporting her weight, his pace not showing a hint of panic.

The tactile sensation of the nylon stockings rubbed lightly against his palms, carrying a slight warmth and delicate smoothness, making Lin Xiuyuan's breathing stall for a moment.

"Get down," he said in a low voice, patting her leg, his tone gentle. "We're home."

Seeing that the other party didn't answer, Lin Xiuyuan smiled helplessly again, reaching out to pat her buttocks lightly once more, his movements gentle and carrying a hint of coaxing. "Xiujing~"

However, Krystal just pressed closer, her face buried in the side of his neck, her breathing warm, carrying that faint scent on her, as if the air had been dyed sweet.

Her voice slid to his ear along with her breath, light, soft, and smiling. "Carry me in, I'm so sleepy, I don't want to move anymore."

Lin Xiuyuan turned his head, his gaze sweeping past her temples, the corners of his lips curling into a helpless and doting smile. "Are you really sleepy, or are you deliberately acting spoiled?"

"Then if it's deliberate, will you carry me or not?"

She laughed more obviously, her tone hiding a hint of smugness.

Her fingers traced circles along his shoulder blades, as if confirming his reality and temperature at this moment.

Lin Xiuyuan didn't speak again, just sighed, finally extending his arms to steady her waist, carrying the girl who was almost entirely hanging on him, and walking slowly toward the courtyard.

Two minutes later, the only sound in the courtyard was the slight friction between shoe soles and stone slabs, fragmented, yet carrying a certain private rhythm.

The rustling of the autumn breeze through the leaves sounded like accompaniment to their closeness.

Entering the villa, the glass door closed automatically and gently behind them.

And Lin Xiuyuan steadily set Krystal down, his movements gentle yet carrying a clear sense of possession, as if bringing this woman back into his own territory.

But Krystal didn't stay still.

The moment she fell onto the sofa, she used her hands to pull, almost dragging Lin Xiuyuan over with her.

Allowing herself to lean as much as possible against his chest, smiling, as if taking for granted the pampering, she launched a surprise attack on those lips she had been thinking about for so long.

The next second, they kissed.

Those soft, moist lips covered Lin Xiuyuan's mouth lightly, carrying a smile and temperature, like a surprise attack planned long ago.

It wasn't until a moment later that she let go, letting their breathing intertwine in the air.

There was the warmth from just entering the door, and the faint sweetness in her perfume, even the surrounding air was dyed with an ambiguous taste.

But before Lin Xiuyuan's hand could be withdrawn, it was pressed down by Krystal again.

She raised her leg slightly, hooking it gently, the tactile sensation of the stockings brushing across his forearm, bringing out a vague provocation.

The movement was neither hurried nor evasive, just like a silent provocation.

"Hey, what are you doing." Lin Xiuyuan laughed in a low voice, reaching out to counter, but was nimbly dodged by Krystal.

She just leaned quietly on the sofa, her head tilted slightly, her hair sliding from her shoulders.

She smiled cunningly, as if announcing a small victory.

"Didn't you say you were going to carry me in? Then I have to return the favor."

However, before her voice fell, Lin Xiuyuan's hand suddenly reached out and tickled her feet.

"Yah——!"

Krystal's scream exploded immediately, and she almost bounced off the sofa, laughing until she trembled.

"Stop it... Xiuyuan... I'm warning you..."

"Warning?"

Lin Xiuyuan raised an eyebrow and attacked again with a laugh.

Krystal immediately lunged, as if to retaliate, biting his shoulder, her voice blurred in laughter. "Let you bully me!!!"

The sound of their laughter and breathing intertwined, their bodies rolling on the soft sofa.

The light and shadow were shattered bit by bit by their movements, the sunlight outside the window spilling in through the curtain gaps, making the air warm.

The leaves in the courtyard swayed lightly, and inside the house, only intermittent gasps and laughter remained.

I don't know how long it had been, but Krystal finally leaned in his arms, her laughter gradually fading.

Her head rested on his shoulder, her hair messy, her breathing shallow.

The light outside the window spread a layer of pale gold halo on her profile.

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

Lin Xiuyuan lowered his head, his forehead against hers, his voice low and gentle. "More than just looking like one, couples don't have as many ties and entanglements as we do, don't you think?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Krystal raised her chin, the corners of her lips curling into a mischievous smile, her eyes carrying a bit of playful, knowing curiosity.

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

Lin Xiuyuan was left speechless by that look, reaching out to tap her forehead gently, his tone carrying helplessness. "You still won't give up, huh."

"Aigoo, I'm just curious."

Krystal blinked, her tone sweet and light. "I really want to know how you managed to get Jessica. You have to know that all of us thought she was at most recognizing that 'safety agreement' secret for my and your sake. Even if she cooperated, we guessed it would be silent, who would have thought you'd hit a home run directly?"

When she said "home run," she deliberately lowered her voice, dragging the ending note ambiguously.

Lin Xiuyuan was just about to answer, but was interrupted by her leaning over.

Krystal dived directly into his arms, her movements as nimble as water, her legs raised, and the whole person was already gently wrapped around his waist.

Those long legs in black silk stockings tightly clamped him, the curves and temperature pressed tightly without a gap.

"Xiuyuan~ ah~~ Oppa~~ Brother Lin~"

Her voice carried laughter and spoiledness, the ending note as light as a cat's meow from her throat.

"Just tell me, I beg you."

That voice, that posture, ignited Lin Xiuyuan's entire nervous system almost instantly.

After all, this came from Krystal's little mouth.

The girl who was cold as ice in the eyes of the outside world was now a soft ball in his arms, and even a man who usually claimed to be calm had to lose his composure.

But fortunately, Lin Xiuyuan at this time was no longer the little Chu Nan from the beginning. Facing the temptation of a top-tier succubus like Krystal, although his body's instinctive reaction couldn't be controlled.

But the restlessness and excitement on the spiritual level were still suppressed quickly after he gave her buttocks a hard pinch to exchange for a trace of reason.

"Don't mess around, I don't dare to talk nonsense about this. After all, Jessica clearly told me that it was just a spring dream."

"Spring dream?" Krystal raised an eyebrow, laughing even more happily. "Tsk tsk... you two really know how to play, you can even play out chapters in a dream?"

Her words were like needles with temperature, gently poking at Lin Xiuyuan's defense line.

The next second, she pressed into his arms again, the closeness of their bodies making the air a bit thicker.

Then, under Lin Xiuyuan's wide-eyed gaze, Krystal slowly shook her waist, her voice low and soft. "But even if it's a dream, it has to be who comes first and who comes second, right? My good brother~ why don't you tell me."

"How about I call Jessica right now?"

Lin Xiuyuan, who couldn't hold back a bit, threw out a sentence with a half-smile.

Krystal froze for two seconds, then laughed until her eyes curved, the breath she exhaled brushing past his neck, carrying a faint floral scent and provocation.

"Call if you want," she murmured. "Anyway, haven't you always wanted to experience 'call play'? As long as you tell me the truth, I'll... cooperate with you later."

"When did I ever want that?!"

Lin Xiuyuan widened his eyes, full of righteousness. "Xiujing, don't slander me out of thin air!"

Krystal slowly sat up straight, looking down at him from above, her eyes carrying a bit of laughter, as if examining prey.

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

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

"Then do you want to~"

Krystal pursed her lips, her voice so light it could almost drip honey. "Answer seriously... while I'm still a bit impulsive, maybe I can agree to you. If you wait until this impulse passes, then..."

"Want."

An unhesitating answer.

The tone was so crisp that even Lin Xiuyuan himself was stunned for a moment.

But a man should be able to bend and stretch.

Isn't it just a little slander, just accept it.

This little bit of infamy, I, Lin Xiuyuan, accept it.

Krystal stared at him for a few seconds, then suddenly laughed out loud.

Then she laughed until she was leaning back and forth, lying on his shoulder, laughing while hitting his chest, tears almost coming out.

"Hahaha, Xiuyuan! You're really going to laugh me to death!"

"How can anyone be like you, hahaha, no, I regret not recording it, your expression just now was too absolute, too classic... hahahaha!"

Lin Xiuyuan supported her back helplessly. "A man, you have to dare to face your inner heart."

"Well said..." Krystal laughed until she couldn't breathe.

"Then when are you calling." Lin Xiuyuan said earnestly.

"?? Hahahaha?? Hahahaha???"

Magic City.

The noon sun spilled through the half-closed curtains along the frosted glass of the hotel bathroom.

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

Jessica leaned against the edge of the bathtub, her arms resting casually on the edge, foam traces still remaining on her fingertips.

She closed her eyes, her hair half-wet, a few strands sticking to her fair neck, rising and falling slightly with her breathing.

The air was mixed with the floral scent of shower gel and the smell of warm steam, ambiguous and quiet.

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

What was reflected was nothing else but herself~

A self whose skin and blood color were so fair and tender that it felt a bit strange.

In her mind, memories surfaced one by one.

From that sudden "kidnapping," to the inexplicable imprisonment, and then to those scenes that she still couldn't tell were true or false.

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

Jessica raised her hand, gently touching the corner of her lips, her fingertips stopping there for two seconds.

As if confirming that touch that had long since dissipated but still carried residual warmth.

"Spring dream?" She whispered, a flash of emotion in her eyes.

Then she smiled gently, with a hint of coldness and annoyance, touching the corner of her lips again. "Next time, I'll definitely let you try it too."

After saying this, she leaned back, her shoulders sinking slightly, the foam sliding down her arms and melting into the water surface.

The sound of water rippled softly, the temperature rose bit by bit, and the steam blurred into a pale golden mist in the light.

The eyes in the bathtub looked at the ceiling, a bright look flashing in them.

It was neither anger nor helplessness.

It was more like a kind of alertness after being accidentally touched.

Her fingertips gently drew circles on the water surface, and she whispered, "It's been a day, you really don't plan to call me, you bastard man."

The voice was light, but bitten tightly.

It sounded exceptionally clear in the misty bathroom.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 264 =====