Chapter 372: Goo Hara's Proactive Volunteering (Seeking Monthly Tickets and Subscriptions)

On the bed.

After Park Hyomin discovered that Lin Xiuyuan hadn't actually left, but was waiting at the entrance to watch her live-streamed embarrassment, a mix of shame from being teased and the awkwardness of her plan being exposed rushed to her head instantly.

"Yah!!!"

She shouted almost reflexively, no longer caring about image or restraint, and grabbed a fluffy, soft pillow from beside her, throwing it with force at the man leaning against the wall who was laughing with such unbridled arrogance.

"Lin Xiuyuan, you jerk!!!"

The pillow traced an arc through the air; it wasn't fast, nor did it have any lethality.

So Lin Xiuyuan, standing there, just chuckled, tilted his body slightly, and easily dodged the attack.

Then, looking at Park Hyomin sitting on the bed with a pout, he knew the joke should stop here.

So he didn't walk into the room, but instead turned and walked toward the door.

Only, before leaving, he dropped one last tease, "Alright, alright, knowing you're a repeat offender at running up tabs is enough. Get some rest early. I'll send you the bill tomorrow; remember to reimburse me, Xiaomin-i."

"Get lost!" Park Hyomin was both angry and amused, grabbing another pillow as if to throw it, but Lin Xiuyuan had already nimbly slipped out the door.

Next came a clear "click" of the door opening, followed by a door-closing sound that was much more solid than the previous one.

"Bang."

This time, Park Hyomin dared not trust someone based on sound alone.

She hurriedly kicked off the quilt, and with her feet still wrapped in black silk stockings, she jumped off the bed in one motion.

Her soft soles stepped onto the thick carpet, and on tiptoes without a sound, she carefully moved to the junction of the bedroom and the entrance, poked half her head out, and quickly scanned the area.

The entrance was empty, the door was tightly shut, and that detestable figure was indeed gone.

"Huu————"

Only then did Park Hyomin completely exhale, her tense shoulders slumping down.

Afterward, for the sake of safety, she went to the door and meticulously carried out security measures.

First, she gave the knob lock on the inside of the door a "click" to lock it tight, then hooked the safety chain onto the door.

After doing this, it still didn't feel like enough; she picked up a clean Glass Cup from the cabinet at the entrance, carefully stood it on the door handle, and placed a metal tray underneath.

This way, if someone tried to open the door from the outside in the middle of the night, the sound of the cup falling should be enough to wake her.

After finishing this entire safety routine for women living alone, Park Hyomin finally let out a long-held breath of frustration.

At this moment, the lingering effect of the alcohol mixed with the tense and exciting confrontation from just before, making her head feel increasingly dizzy and her temples throb.

Feeling this, Park Hyomin very decisively turned around and jogged a few steps, then, as if giving up resistance, threw herself straight onto the soft, large bed.

She buried her face in the fluffy bedding, letting out a muffled groan.

Don't look at how she had been pretending to sleep in the lounge and on the way back, appearing to be in complete control.

In reality, nearly a bottle of red wine each was no small amount for her; after all, the lingering effect of red wine is truly very long-lasting.

So if Lin Xiuyuan had delayed for another ten minutes or so at the lounge, or dawdled a bit longer on the way back, under the dual attack of alcohol and fatigue, the person pretending to sleep would likely have fallen completely asleep without knowing it, turning the act into reality.

And at this moment, the effect of the red wine finally dispersed completely, wrapping around Park Hyomin's brain and limbs like a warm tide, leaving her feeling lazy all over.

She didn't even have the strength to get up and change into pajamas, so she just stayed in that oversized suit and silk stockings, pulled the quilt over herself haphazardly, and fell into a deep sleep.

Meanwhile, in the room next door, after Lin Xiuyuan returned to his own equally quiet yet empty guest room, he did not rest immediately.

He still carried the smell of alcohol and a faint scent of food, mixed with the base notes of perfume left behind when Park Hyomin got close, which made him feel somewhat unrefreshed.

So he planned to take another shower to wash away these messy scents before getting a good night's sleep.

But before that, he first had to solve one problem, which was to return to the Apartment in Seoul to get a clean set of pajamas and underwear.

Thinking of this, Lin Xiuyuan didn't dawdle; he simply gripped the door handle, pushed the door open, and stepped out.

The next second, he was already standing inside the familiar Apartment in Seoul.

It was early morning here, the sky outside the window was already beginning to brighten, and a cold morning light filtered into the Living Room.

Lin Xiuyuan, having just stood steady, hadn't even had time to close The Gate when he heard a "creak" of a door opening.

He saw Goo Hara rubbing her sleepy eyes as she walked out of the bedroom, wearing a set of pajamas.

Strictly speaking, it was an oversized light gray T-shirt, the length just covering the base of her thighs, with a simple pair of cotton athletic shorts underneath.

This outfit was simple to the point of being casual, but worn on the petite and well-proportioned Goo Hara, it strangely presented a pure and cute girl-next-door vibe.

Especially since she was bleary-eyed at the moment, her long hair tied loosely in a low ponytail, with a few strands hanging by her cheeks, adding to her languor.

At the same time Lin Xiuyuan saw Goo Hara, she also discovered him; those eyes that were still a bit hazy lit up the instant they saw the visitor, like stars being ignited.

A surprised smile bloomed on her face, and her voice, still husky from just waking up, was full of energy, "Oh~ Xiuyuan, long time no see."

Lin Xiuyuan, who had turned to close The Gate, walked over, looked at the youthful-looking Goo Hara who seemed like a college freshman in the morning, and smiled, "It's only been a few days, how can it be that exaggerated."

After saying this, he continued to ask, "Hela, when did you get back to Seoul? How come I didn't know."

"The plane landed just last night." Goo Hara walked to the island in the open Kitchen, poured herself a glass of water, and answered while drinking, "It's almost the end of the year, isn't it? The major TV stations' music festivals and award ceremonies are all starting to prepare, so I had to come back to get ready for the stages and schedule." As an active artist, the end of the year is often one of their busiest times.

At this moment, perhaps hearing the voices in the Living Room outside, Sulli followed behind Goo Hara and poked her head out.

Upon seeing Lin Xiuyuan, a sweet smile immediately appeared on her face, and she walked out.

She was wearing a two-piece set of long-sleeved pajamas covered in very cute cartoon animal patterns; the velvet texture looked very warm.

Her hair was draped loosely, her bare face was clean and clear, and she looked like a small, warm, and harmless animal that had just woken up.

"Oppa, good morning!" Sulli greeted him with a crisp voice.

"Morning."

Lin Xiuyuan first responded to Sulli, then his gaze involuntarily drifted to the bright sky outside the window, and thinking about how he had just come from the late night in Siena, he couldn't help but sigh, "But it's night over in Siena, and deep night at that; this ridiculous jet lag really has me a bit confused."

At this time, Sulli and Goo Hara, who had moved closer, both keenly smelled the lingering scent of alcohol on Lin Xiuyuan.

The two spoke almost simultaneously to show their concern.

"Did you just finish drinking?" Goo Hara frowned slightly, leaned in to sniff, "Red wine?"

"Oppa, shall I heat up a cup of Milk for you to sober up?" Sulli was more direct.

Facing the natural concern of the two, Lin Xiuyuan felt a warmth in his heart, but he still shook his head. "No need to trouble yourselves. I'm just back to grab a set of clean clothes, then I'll go over, take a shower, and sleep. I was tossing and turning over there until midnight; if I don't hurry up and rest now, I reckon it'll be dawn soon."

Hearing this, Goo Hara blinked in confusion. "Isn't it more refreshing to take a hot shower? Won't that make you even less sleepy?"

"

After all, sometimes when she was tired, she really was too lazy to shower and would just go straight to sleep.

"That may be so," Lin Xiuyuan smiled, speaking with a tone reflecting his regional habits, "but after a shower, my whole body feels refreshed, and I sleep more comfortably. It's a habit we've had since childhood over there; if I don't wash up, I just feel awkward."

As a child who grew up in the Guangdong and Guangxi region, showering before bed was a daily routine almost carved into his bones.

Understanding the situation, Xueli didn't try to persuade him otherwise, but instead walked thoughtfully toward Lin Xiuyuan's bedroom, saying as she walked, "Then Oppa, you sit on the sofa and rest for a moment; I'll go get your clothes."

Having grown accustomed to this attentive care from Xueli, Lin Xiuyuan nodded and did not refuse.

He then sat down comfortably on the sofa and took the opportunity to stretch a big yawn, his bones emitting a slight

"crackling" sound.

Only then did he look at Goo Hara, who had followed him and sat by his side, and asked as if chatting, "Hela, how long can you stay now that you're back in Seoul? You won't have to fly to Tokyo again in a few days, will you?"

Goo Hara, sitting with her legs tucked, hugged a cushion and shook her head.

"It shouldn't be that rushed anymore. This year's fixed schedules and promotional activities in Tokyo are basically all finished. What's left is mainly some scattered commercial performances, and I must attend the big year-end Red and White Song Battle. So for the next two months, my work focus should mostly be in Seoul, which is convenient for rehearsals and attending various year-end events."

After finishing, her eyes sparkled, and she didn't forget to ask about the matter she cared about most.

"By the way, Xiuyuan, how is the search for the new base going?"

Right now, Goo Hara was truly looking forward to the development of the new base, clearly yearning for the idea of skiing and soaking in a Hot Spring on a snowy mountain one second, and surfing and sunbathing on a beach the next.

However, Lin Xiuyuan shook his head, looking somewhat helpless.

"There's no progress for the time being. The situation in Europe and America is not quite the same as here in East Asia; it's too troublesome to find a suitable and safe property. Jessica and Krystal have visited a few places to look at houses these past few days but weren't very satisfied, so I'm afraid this matter will have to be shelved for now and reconsidered later."

After hearing this, although Goo Hara was a little disappointed, she didn't find it too surprising.

After all, finding a house, especially one that meets the special requirements of people like them, was never something that could be rushed.

So she quickly adjusted her mood and instead actively volunteered, "Then, wasn't it mentioned before that we were planning to add another Hot Spring villa with a private bath in Nihon? Xiuyuan, how about you let me handle the selection this time? I also want to go see it in person and pick one that everyone likes."

The villa purchased last time was mainly selected by Xian Enjing, and this time Goo Hara clearly wanted to participate, or even take the lead, to choose one she liked herself.

"That's fine, if you like, go take a look." Lin Xiuyuan agreed readily, but then thinking of something, he looked at Goo Hara, his tone carrying a serious exhortation.

"However, don't pay for the house out of your own pocket like last time. Once you've picked one, let me know; whatever amount is needed, let the members of the Church donate a little each—it's fair and reasonable."

Feeling this unique thoughtfulness from Lin Xiuyuan, the smile on Goo Hara's face became even brighter.

Nodding and sticking out her tongue, she replied, "Got it, got it. Last time was a special case; it won't happen this time. I'll definitely report it to you, Mr. President, first!!"

Seeing this, Lin Xiuyuan was also very satisfied and nodded with a smile.

At this moment, Xueli had already walked out of the bedroom, carrying a paper bag in her hand, inside which was a set of clean loungewear and underwear neatly folded.

She walked up to Lin Xiuyuan and handed him the bag. "Here, Oppa. I got you that gray set; it's comfortable to wear."

"Mm-hmm." Lin Xiuyuan took the bag and stood up.

He looked at the dawn outside the window, then at the two girls who looked exceptionally fresh and cute in the morning light, and suddenly a thought occurred to him. "How about this: do you two want to come over there with me now to experience the magical feeling of the time difference as it switches instantly from day to night, and take a look at Siena at night while you're at it?"

Goo Hara thought about it but still shook her head; mainly, she didn't want to disturb Lin Xiuyuan's rest.

"Forget it, forget it. Going over in the middle of the night, it's pitch black and there's nothing to see, and it would delay your sleep. Let's wait for another chance when it's daytime over there."

Xueli also nodded. Compared to sightseeing, she was more concerned about Lin Xiuyuan's situation. "Oppa, are you guys in Italy about to head back to Seoul?"

"Yes, leaving tomorrow," Lin Xiuyuan replied.

"Then we'll go play when you return to Seoul; it's not like a day or two makes a difference," Xueli said with a smile.

"Alright, it's a deal then." Lin Xiuyuan didn't insist further.

Carrying the bag with his clothes, he waved at the two. "Then I'll head over first. You two should also take a nap or have some Breakfast."

"Goodnight, Oppa—oh wait, good morning!" Xueli corrected him playfully.

"Get some good rest," Goo Hara also waved.

Lin Xiuyuan smiled, walked to The Gate once more, opened it, and disappeared into the morning light of the Apartment.

After returning to the Jiudian room in Siena, Lin Xiuyuan walked into the bathroom immediately. As the warm water flowed, it washed away the last trace of alcohol and fatigue, and also took away the slight sense of disorientation brought by the time difference between the two places.

After washing away the dust of the world and changing into clean, soft pajamas, he lay down on the comfortable large bed.

Almost as soon as he closed his eyes, he was completely submerged by deep sleepiness.

And this sleep was exceptionally deep.

By the time Lin Xiuyuan regained consciousness, he had been awakened by a rhythmic, continuous knocking on the door.

The rainy and foggy weather of the past few days outside the window had turned into a sunny day, and sunlight was peeking through the gaps in the curtains.

After waking up, a groggy Lin Xiuyuan reached for his phone and saw that it was already noon.

At this moment, Park Hyomin's voice came from outside the door again, carrying a hint of urgency. "Xiuyuan, are you up yet?

If you don't get up, we're going to miss the flight."

Hearing this, Lin Xiuyuan finally woke up completely, hurriedly responded, and rolled out of bed.

Then he quickly washed up, changed into his clothes for going out, and simply packed his personal items from the room into his suitcase.

When he opened the door, Park Hyomin was already dressed and waiting outside.

She was wearing a travel-style casual dress, a hat, and a mask, revealing only her eyes, and she looked quite energetic.

Only when she looked at Lin Xiuyuan did her eyes still retain a bit of last night's awkwardness and reproach, but mostly urgency.

The two behind them didn't say much, just tacitly dragged their luggage downstairs to check out.

Then they boarded the private car the Jiudian had reserved for them in advance to head to the Florence Peretola Airport.

They didn't speak on the way and arrived at the airport smoothly.

After a while, Lin Xiuyuan pushed the luggage cart with both their suitcases and walked with Park Hyomin into the bustling departure hall of the airport.

However, just as he habitually glanced at the huge electronic flight information display hanging high up, preparing to look for the counter for their flight to Dubai, his footsteps suddenly came to a halt.

His gaze swept back and forth, carefully scanning the dense, constantly scrolling list of flight information several times over.

From the international flight area to the domestic flight area, and from the airlines with Arabic characters to the airlines of Europe—

Soon, his brows began to furrow.

After a moment, he stopped walking completely and called over Park Hyomin, who was sitting on a suitcase ahead of him, leisurely scrolling through her phone, "Xiaomin."

"Hmm?" Park Hyomin looked up, looking a bit confused.

Lin Xiuyuan pointed at the screen overhead, his tone filled with obvious doubt and uncertainty, "Are you sure we are flying to Dubai from this airport?"

Upon hearing this, Park Hyomin also instinctively looked up at the giant display screen.

Her gaze followed the constantly updating stream of information, searching for flight details to Dubai, but those three letters (DXB) never appeared.

One minute passed.

Two minutes passed.

Her expression slowly shifted from initial ease to confusion, finally freezing into a stiffness that signaled something had gone terribly wrong.

On the screen, whether for flights about to depart or those hours away, there was truly no information to be found for any direct flight to Dubai.

"This is impossible—" murmuring to herself, Park Hyomin jumped off the suitcase, hurriedly picked up her phone to unlock the screen, and began searching for the electronic ticket already saved on her device.

She intended to check her email or the airline's app itinerary.

Lin Xiuyuan stood to the side, watching her increasingly ugly expression, and already had an ominous premonition in his heart.

Finally, when Park Hyomin stopped her searching, she looked up at Lin Xiuyuan, her face a mix of extreme embarrassment.

She then tugged at the corners of her mouth, squeezing out a sheepish smile that looked worse than crying, and said in a voice as low as a mosquito's hum, "I'm sorry, Xiuyuan, it seems we looked at the wrong airport."

Lin Xiuyuan, who had already had a premonition, closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and asked, "Then which airport is it?"

With a mournful face, Park Hyomin spat out the name of another city, her voice very, very small.

"Barcelona—"

On the other side.

Dalongzai and Li Juli in Rome also appeared at Rome Fiumicino Airport and boarded the plane to Dubai without any mistakes.

They were completely unaware that those two in Siena were currently staging a journey of mishaps.

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