142: Chapter 142 The Warm Sunshine of the Capital

The next morning, Choi Sulli leaned on the balcony of the guesthouse, taking one last look at the deep blue lake and the blooming azaleas along the shore before reluctantly turning away.

Pouting, she smiled at Liu Zijun, who had finished packing their luggage. "Oppa, are we really leaving?"

Liu Zijun picked up their suitcases, walked over, and ruffled her short hair, his eyes brimming with laughter.

"Mm, if we don't leave soon, Im Yoona and Yejin are going to get jealous."

"Besides, my mom heard we're back in China and wants to see you right away. They've been looking forward to meeting you and Yoona for a long time."

Mentioning meeting Liu Zijun's parents brought a faint blush to Choi Sulli's cheeks; she still felt nervous.

"Oppa! Why didn't you tell me earlier? I... I haven't prepared any special gifts! No, once we get to Lijiang, I have to buy some presents!"

Liu Zijun took her hand, the warmth of her fingertips transferring to his.

"Alright! I'll go with you! Honestly, just you coming will make them incredibly happy."

"Also, that handmade peach ornament you sent them last time? My mom displays it in the most prominent spot in the living room every day, telling everyone it's a gift from her future daughter-in-law."

His words made Choi Sulli's cheeks flush even redder, yet she couldn't help but curve the corners of her mouth, her heart filling with even greater anticipation.

By the time the plane landed at Capital International Airport, it was already evening.

Along the way, in places like the airport, some people recognized Choi Sulli despite her mask and sunglasses, even taking photos, but she made no attempt to hide.

Her world now revolved entirely around Liu Zijun; she felt everything else was unimportant.

This girl had indeed grown much stronger after going through so much.

The evening breeze in the capital carried a slight chill, along with the unique clamor and worldly air of a metropolis, a stark contrast to the tranquility of Lugu Lake.

The driver arranged by Liu Qingmu was already waiting outside the airport. The black sedan drove smoothly along the highway leading to the city center.

Choi Sulli leaned against the car window, curiously taking in the night scene outside—forests of tall buildings, dazzling lights, possessing a sense of grandeur and weight that surpassed Seoul's.

Her eyes full of curiosity, she turned and asked, "Oppa, are we going straight to the restaurant?"

Liu Zijun held her hand and said, "Mm! My parents specially booked a members-only private kitchen in a hutong, saying they want to properly welcome you."

The sedan turned into an ancient-style hutong, where green vines climbed the gray-brick and tile walls.

The entrance to the private kitchen was unassuming. Pushing open the carved wooden door revealed a hidden world inside—pavilions, towers, murmuring streams, with the faint scent of tea and food lingering in the air.

"Jinri! Zijun!"

As soon as they entered the reserved private room, Lin Wanrou immediately stood up to greet them, her face full of a gentle smile.

She wore a simple, elegant linen dress, her hair loosely tied up, her demeanor gentle and graceful.

Liu Qingmu followed behind, also wearing a warm smile, his eyes carefully appraising Choi Sulli, growing more satisfied the more he looked.

Choi Sulli quickly bowed in greeting, her voice soft and sticky, carrying the longing of a long separation.

"Auntie, Uncle, hello, it's been so long!"

Without even glancing at Liu Zijun, Lin Wanrou stepped forward directly, took Choi Sulli's hand, and looked her over carefully.

"Come, sit down quickly, you must be tired from the journey! Our Jinri seems to have lost weight recently, aiyo! Look at my mouth, it's clear our Jinri has become even more beautiful. Did you have fun at Lugu Lake?"

Liu Qingmu, on the other hand, glanced at Liu Zijun before turning back with a gentle smile to invite Choi Sulli to sit.

Liu Zijun shook his head helplessly and took care of himself.

Lin Wanrou's hands were warm and soft, holding Choi Sulli's hand with particular gentleness, which warmed Choi Sulli's heart.

She nodded and said with a smile, "I had a great time. Lugu Lake is especially beautiful. Oppa took me to see the azaleas, and we even rode a pig-trough boat."

Lin Wanrou pulled her to sit beside her and began chattering nonstop about her own plans recently. "Aiya, our Jinri's Chinese is getting better and better."

"Your uncle and I haven't been idle either; we specially signed up for Korean language classes. Now we can manage a few simple conversations."

"We've also finished watching the drama 'To the Beautiful You' you were in. You were so lovely in it, though Auntie felt heartbroken when you cut your hair. Right now, Auntie is watching the drama 'Love Rain' that Yoona is in. I've been listening to your group's new song from earlier this year too."

Liu Qingmu chimed in, "And your group's songs, I have them all saved on my phone, they're really nice to listen to. The young folks around me are shocked when they see it!"

Choi Sulli listened, both surprised and delighted, her eyes sparkling. "Really? Auntie, you even specifically learned Korean?"

Lin Wanrou smiled, her eyes crinkling. "Of course! When our Jinri marries into the family in the future, we can't always rely on Zijun to translate."

"Besides, learning another language is good. I've also been learning to make Peninsula cuisine from my phone. Tomorrow, Auntie will make some for you at home, and you can see if it suits your taste."

Seeing how attentive Lin Wanrou was to her, Liu Zijun couldn't help but feel a lump in his throat.

"Aiyo! Jinri, don't cry, eat, eat!"

"Liu Zijun, are you blind? Don't you know to serve Jinri some food?"

As they spoke, the waitstaff began serving the other dishes. Exquisite cuisine filled the dining table, featuring both Chinese specialties like shredded pork in Beijing sauce and roast duck, as well as specially prepared Peninsula-style dishes.

Lin Wanrou kept putting food on Choi Sulli's plate, muttering, "Eat more, looking at your slim figure, you definitely haven't been eating well outside."

"That silly boy Zijun surely isn't careful about taking care of people. When you come home in the future, Auntie will cook delicious food for you."

Surrounded by Lin Wanrou's warmth, Choi Sulli felt her heart warm again, her eyes slightly reddening once more.

This feeling of being cherished was truly wonderful.

"Thank you, Auntie!"

She picked up her chopsticks and took a small bite of the tteokbokki.

The sweet and spicy flavor was just right.

"It's delicious, even better than the ones from outside restaurants."

Lin Wanrou smiled even more happily and rolled another piece of roast duck for her.

"If it's good, eat more."

"Eat this roast duck wrapped in the pancake, dip it in a bit of sweet bean sauce, add some shredded scallions and cucumber—it cuts the richness and is refreshing."

Sitting to the side, Liu Zijun watched his mother's affection for Choi Sulli and the contented smile on Choi Sulli's face, his eyes filled with tenderness.

He knew his mother genuinely liked Choi Sulli and Im Yoona.

If it weren't for their special status, she probably would have flown to Seoul many times already.

After the meal, Choi Sulli's phone suddenly rang.

She glanced at it and said, "Oppa! It's a call from Older Sister Victoria Song. I'll go take it."

Lin Wanrou waved her hand. "Go on, go on. There's a lounge area outside, take your time."

Choi Sulli quickly stood up, bowed, and then left the private room.

Lin Wanrou smiled. "This Victoria Song is quite good, doesn't disgrace us Chinese women. From what I understand, she genuinely cares for Jinri too."

"It's just that in The Peninsula, there's quite a bit of prejudice against her for being Chinese."

Liu Zijun nodded.