Chapter 65: 64

……

A short while ago.

When Krystal learned that Lin Xiuyuan had pulled Park Jiyeon "into the sect," she was happy, after all, this boy was truly willing to listen to her.

But happy as she was, a faint worry followed immediately, so she switched on "teaching mode."

"Lin Xiuyuan, you can't be like this. Don't just agree to whatever people say. Female celebrities are just ordinary people too, they just wear a layer of halo. What are you panicking for?"

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

"I asked you to 'agree,' but that was me begging you! You need to get this straight: it was me requesting you, not you owing me."

Krystal waved her hand and said earnestly, "You need to have some posture. How can you nod and help so easily? Can you not be love-brained? I can't give you anything here except money, but money can't buy the future, nor can it buy back the past."

The young boy finally understood what she meant. "I wasn't thinking about dating you; I just wanted the money."

"I was speaking metaphorically, metaphorically."

Krystal was almost choked by him, then amused. "Once you choose to help us solve some problems, you will definitely encounter more girl group idols. When that time comes, if they say a few sweet words to you or act spoiled, don't just foolishly nod and agree."

"Refuse directly?" Lin Xiuyuan asked.

"Of course! Why should you agree just because they ask? What do you owe them? Logically speaking, if we really want to discuss it, some people might even owe you."

"What about your sister?"

"Not even her."

Lin Xiuyuan, half-understanding, nodded and took what Krystal said to heart.

Then...

……

"Then, would it be convenient for us to know how many members the tavern has now?"

"Sorry, it's not convenient to disclose."

Lin Yun'er was taken aback. She looked at this young man who had rejected her with a strange expression, a flash of surprise in her eyes.

How long had it been? It seemed like a long time since she had encountered a civilian who recognized her and could refuse her request.

But she wasn't angry; instead, she let out a laugh and even apologized gently, "Oh, sorry, that was a bit abrupt."

Park Hyomin and the others nearby were clearly surprised as well. They had originally thought this young boss looked a bit shy. They hadn't expected him to be able to refuse so decisively at a critical moment, which was somewhat unexpected.

"It's fine. After all, it involves member privacy. If it were you who became members, you certainly wouldn't want your information leaked either."

Facing Lin Xiuyuan's explanation, Dalongzai was the first to speak, defending her "little fan." "If you make such 'empathetic' guesses, then of course we wouldn't like it. But this is actually quite good; it shows it's safe, right, Unnie~"

"Mm-hmm, the way he puts it, I want to become a member here even more."

Seeing that her own maknae had stood up to help him, how could Park Hyomin make things difficult for Lin Xiuyuan? She smiled slightly and brushed past the topic. "Since I can't become a member for now, can I have two more drinks? Consider it compensation."

"Of course, no problem. Please wait a moment."

Watching Lin Xiuyuan return to the bar, Xian Enjing smiled immediately. "A boy with boundaries is indeed more likable than one who only knows how to agree, right, Zhiyan?"

"He didn't say anything wrong either. Who likes having their information leaked?"

The teased Dalongzai looked at Lin Xiuyuan opposite her and continued to speak well of him.

Park Jiyeon was right; it was so rare to meet a fan who had liked her for over a decade like a single day. This was more long-lasting than a husband, so Dalongzai naturally took it to heart.

On the other side, Lin Yun'er quietly observed the interaction between them, a meaningful light flickering in the depths of her eyes.

It seemed there were other stories here.

However, since it was their first meeting, it wasn't appropriate to pry too much.

Therefore, everyone on the sofa, apart from reminiscing about the past, rarely talked about their own recent situations.

Even when they did talk about recent events, it was just about work developments or small complaints.

For example, the "stinky fart" Lin Yun'er smelled when she was surrounded by fans on her last trip back to Huaxia.

Or the GG advertisements placed in subway stations, and so on.

In this regard, the Tara group also had things to say, as they had just finished a fan meeting there last year.

Fortunately, although they were talkative, they were also sensible and knew when to stop.

After about an hour or so, Park Hyomin was the first to speak. "I have to go back."

Li Juli smiled smoothly. "As expected of newlyweds. Understood, let's end the gathering here for today. Shall we meet again when we have time?"

"Mm, I happen to need to go back and rest too; I have a schedule early tomorrow morning." Lin Yun'er also nodded gently.

And so, everyone stood up one after another, preparing to leave.

Seeing this, Lin Xiuyuan's face lit up with joy, but he didn't dare to show it too obviously, so he restrained himself a little.

It was only when Dalongzai came over to settle the bill and asked about the total that he said somewhat embarrassedly, "How about you just pay whatever? Member drinks are free here, the specific price..."

Before he could finish, Park Hyomin hugged Dalongzai and shouted enviously, "Alright, Xiuyuan-xi, stop talking. The more you talk, the more I want to become a member here. Drinks are actually free."

The hugged Dalongzai smiled slightly, then transferred 1 million to Lin Xiuyuan via kakaopay.

"I don't know if this is enough, but this is all I have for now. If you feel it's a loss, remember to tell me, and I'll come back to make it up to you next time."

"It's enough, it's enough. Thanks for your patronage, welcome again next time."

His answer made everyone smile knowingly, and they left the tavern one after another.

Lin Xiuyuan stood at the door watching them off, and only after they had walked far away did he turn and return to the tavern.

Just as he entered, he saw Park Jiyeon lying on the sofa, muttering in a low voice, "Park Jiyeon, you old woman, you just wait for me... you all just wait for me..."

……

……

The day after tomorrow.

In the blink of an eye, the agreed-upon "opening" day arrived.

So early this morning, Sulli climbed out of bed at the "call" of her alarm clock.

After getting up and washing, she originally wanted to do a full face of makeup, but remembering that this "opening party" was a so-called "funeral."

She frowned and simply applied a natural, bare-faced look.

Then she put on the black long trench coat with clean tailoring she had bought while shopping with Zheng Xiujing yesterday, paired with a turtleneck sweater and cigarette pants inside, stepped into patent leather ankle boots, and tied her hair in a low bun.

The whole look appeared simple and restrained, fashionable yet solemn.

Confirming her outfit was correct, she put on sunglasses and walked out of the dormitory.

She hailed a taxi downstairs and headed straight for the tavern.

On the way, Sulli looked at the sunny weather outside the window while browsing the messages in the group.

Today, the 【Jieyou Small Garden】 was exceptionally lively. Lin Xiuyuan had asked everyone early in the morning how their preparations were going, and then Zheng Xiuyan and Park Jiyeon both echoed his message. Sulli also replied after getting up.

Afterwards, there was a bunch of idle chatter, such as "Remember to eat breakfast" but "don't eat too much."

And "It's raining today, pay attention to keeping warm."

But Sulli looked at the clear sky for ten thousand miles outside the car; the temperature was pleasant, where was there any rain?

Carrying a belly full of confusion, Sulli finally arrived at the tavern. Only after getting out of the car and entering did she realize everyone was waiting for her.

"Ah, Unnies, you're so early. Sorry, I'm late."

"It's fine, the timing is just right."

Lin Xiuyuan, sitting on a high stool, stood up slowly. "Well then, let's start the 'opening' now."

On the other side, Zheng Xiuyan and Park Jiyeon, also dressed solemnly, looked deeply at Sulli before nodding.

Then Park Jiyeon came to her side and handed her a black blindfold. "Sulli, you have to wear this first."

"Why?" Sulli was somewhat startled.

"It's a ritual for attending the 'funeral'," Lin Xiuyuan answered from the side.

Sulli, who was already hesitant, almost took a step back, until she saw Zheng Xiuyan smile slightly at her. Only then did she grit her teeth, take the blindfold, and tie it on.

Instantly, the world plunged into darkness, with only the faint sounds and tactile sensations reaching her ears to help her perceive the outside world.

Fortunately, a hand grasped hers in time.

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

Immediately after, Lin Xiuyuan's voice came. "Hold onto me, follow me, I'll take you... to see 'you'."

After these words, the slight tension and unease in Sulli's heart slowly relaxed, and she turned to grip his hand tightly.

Afterwards, following Lin Xiuyuan's guidance, Sulli walked slowly toward the unknown.

Along the way, she could feel his breathing, the subtle pressure in his palm every time he led her, silent yet reliable.

The slow footsteps and his silent companionship made Sulli's heartbeat quicken slightly, as if she were being led into a silent anticipation.

She could clearly feel herself walking out of the tavern, stepping onto a journey, entering a certain place, getting into an elevator, and finally stopping somewhere.

With the sound of a crisp unlocking, an unfamiliar scent rushed toward her.

Her keen auditory nerves heard the roar of rain pouring into her eardrums at this moment.

Where is this? ===== CHAPTER 66 =====