102: Chapter 102 The Journey Has Just Begun

After the gathering at the Western restaurant ended, the production crew began preparing to depart.

The main PD walked over hurriedly with a walkie-talkie, his face showing a hint of exhaustion that couldn't hide his excitement.

"Everyone, we're heading back to Seoul tonight. I've already arranged for the pick-up shots for when you return to Seoul. Enjoy yourselves in New Zealand for another two days."

The five girls of f(x) looked at each other. Choi Sulli still had a mouthful of steak, her eyes wide and round.

Victoria Song also asked, "PD Yao, leaving so soon? Wasn't the original plan for us to leave together tomorrow morning?"

She subconsciously looked at Liu Zijun, her eyes full of doubt; this definitely had something to do with him.

Han Jaeran explained with a smile, "You have other arrangements later, so the production crew is heading back early to organize the footage. Don't worry, Ji-Jun and I will stay with you."

His gaze swept over Liu Zijun, and the two exchanged a knowing look.

Han Jaeran was very happy; the company had given the girls a vacation, so he could just relax and have fun.

Even though there were five girls, with a tycoon like Liu Zijun around, he could truly enjoy himself.

Krystal Jung held her water glass, her fingertips gently rubbing the rim, saying nothing.

She had also realized that all of this was likely Liu Zijun's arrangement, but she didn't understand why he specifically wanted to avoid the cameras.

Especially that assistant, Kim Ji-yeon, whom she'd seen a few times at the company; she was communicating with Liu Zijun quite often.

Although Victoria Song was the leader, it wasn't appropriate to ask more, so she simply urged, "Then please be safe on the road."

After seeing off the production crew's bus, night had already fallen over Wellington.

Without the cameras following them, the five girls instantly shed their idol burdens and became exceptionally relaxed.

Choi Sulli directly took Liu Zijun's arm.

"Oppa, where are we going next? Without the lenses following us, we can finally have a good look around!"

Liu Zijun rubbed her short hair, a smile in his eyes.

"Since we're in Wellington, naturally I have to take you to experience the city's night view. Brother Jaeran, I'll drive. Let's go for a stroll at Oriental Bay, and then go to Cuba Street for some good food?"

Han Jaeran nodded with a smile, "No problem, I also happen to want to try the local snacks there."

The five girls expressed that they had no problem at all; this was what a real trip was like!

The car drove through the night streets, the neon lights outside reflecting on the girls' faces, which were full of anticipation.

Choi Sulli and Luna leaned against the car window, chirping as they discussed the buildings along the road. Amber Liu was researching food guides on her phone. Victoria Song looked at Liu Zijun with a heart full of doubt. Krystal leaned by the window, occasionally drawn to the scenery outside, a hint of curiosity flashing in her eyes.

They strolled around Oriental Bay and had a cup of coffee; naturally, the girls had to take photos for social media.

Liu Zijun and Han Jaeran became human tools, snapping photo after photo.

Afterward, Liu Zijun drove to Cuba Street.

Cuba Street was indeed bustling. Street performers played guitars and sang folk songs, colorful graffiti walls were full of artistic flair, and the shouts of small vendors rose and fell.

Without the crowds of fans and the focus of the cameras, the girls released their natural instincts to their hearts' content.

Choi Sulli was drawn to a small shop selling handmade candy. She pulled Liu Zijun inside and was dazzled by the colorful sweets.

"Oppa, these peach-flavored gummies look like the ones you brought me. I want to buy more to share with Yoona Unnie and the others!"

This girl still loved candy as much as ever.

Victoria Song was interested in a maori handicraft shop, listening seriously to the owner explain the meaning of each item, and even bought five charms, one for each of them.

Amber Liu and Luna followed Han Jaeran to buy specialty hot dogs. The two ate until their mouths were covered in sauce, not forgetting to tease each other.

Krystal walked alone to a street performer, listening quietly to the song. Once the artist finished, she took the initiative to applaud, pulled out her wallet, and handed over some tips.

Liu Zijun watched from a distance, a faint smile curling his lips.

This cool Little Iceberg finally showed a bit of softness without the constraints of the camera.

Seeing a bar, several of the girls insisted on going in to experience it, and Liu Zijun naturally didn't refuse.

"Joon oppa, your English is so pure; you don't sound like a person from Huaxia at all."

Amber Liu couldn't help but marvel again as she listened to Liu Zijun's conversation with the barmaid.

Liu Zijun smiled.

Luna also marveled, "Yeah! Joon oppa was even speaking French with an uncle the day before yesterday. Joon oppa, exactly how many languages do you know?"

Liu Zijun looked at the girls' curious eyes and said, "Chinese, English, French, Russian, Arabic, Spanish, Japanese, and Korean. I can also do some simple conversational phrases in others."

"Wow! Daebak!"

"Oppa! Are you sure you're not bragging?"

Liu Zijun asked back, "Are languages that difficult?"

Choi Sulli blurted out, "Oppa definitely isn't lying. When I first met oppa, his Korean wasn't proficient, but not long after he came to the company, his conversation became very fluent."

She suddenly looked at Liu Zijun and said, "Oppa, you're so amazing. I feel like an ugly duckling in front of you!"

Liu Zijun rubbed her head in amusement and said softly, "Silly girl!"

Victoria Song suddenly shouted, "Can you not do this in front of us? Otherwise, I'll want to beat both of you."

This made everyone burst into laughter.

The five girls listened to the music and then even went up to sing a song, having a wonderful time.

It was already late at night when everyone returned to the guesthouse, still wanting more.

Just as they entered, Han Jaeran clapped his hands to get everyone's attention.

"I have good news for everyone. For the next five days, the itinerary is entirely up to Ji-Jun. We don't have to rush to schedules or film anything—it's pure relaxation and fun!"

Having received confirmation from Han Jaeran that they had a full five days, the girls were overjoyed.

They had been asking him the whole way, but he wouldn't say. Only telling them now, honestly...

Choi Sulli instantly jumped up and threw herself into Liu Zijun's arms, shouting excitedly, "Wow! Really? Oppa, where are you taking us? Can we go bungee jumping in Queenstown? Or take photos at Hobbiton Movie Set?"

Amber Liu also cheered, "Great! I want to go to a ranch to feed sheep. I didn't get to experience it properly while recording the show!"

Luna hugged Victoria Song's arm, her eyes full of expectation.

"I want to go to the beach to watch the sunrise. I heard the sunrise in New Zealand is super beautiful! We haven't had the chance these past few days."

Victoria Song said with a smile, "No matter where we go, as long as everyone is happy. But pay attention to safety and follow Ji-Jun and Brother Jaeran's arrangements."

Although Krystal didn't speak, a flicker of joy flashed in her eyes. She quietly took out her phone and began searching for attractions around Wellington.

Liu Zijun looked at the cheering girls before him, his heart full of warmth.

"Tomorrow we'll go to a ranch first and stay there for two days. If you find it boring, I'll take you to other places. How about it?"

"Hooray!"

The girls agreed in unison, their smiles as bright as sunshine.

After washing up, the guesthouse gradually grew quiet.

Choi Sulli lay on her bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.

Without the cameras filming, the long-suppressed impulse in her heart grew stronger and stronger.

Seeing that Krystal had fallen asleep,

she quietly got up, stepping barefoot on the soft carpet, her movements as light as a cat's.

Walking to Liu Zijun's door, she hesitated for a few seconds before gently turning the doorknob.

The door wasn't locked; it opened with a twist.

Liu Zijun sat up and looked at her with amusement.

"Little Jinri, do you know you're walking into the lion's den?"

Choi Sulli bit her lip, her face blushing red. She climbed directly onto the bed and slipped under the covers, her voice trembling slightly as she said, "Oppa, I missed you."

Liu Zijun turned around. Seeing her moist eyes and persistent gaze, his heart instantly softened into a puddle.

He raised his hand and gently stroked her short hair, his tone deep and serious: "Silly girl, aren't you afraid your Older Sister Victoria Song will scold you tonight?"

"I'm not afraid anymore. Oppa, kiss me."

Choi Sulli looked up and took the initiative to kiss his lips.

Her kiss was still somewhat clumsy.

Liu Zijun did not refuse. He held her tightly and responded tenderly to the kiss.

The air in the room grew hot.

(Leaving, leaving, the good show is over!)