162: Chapter 162 Lin Yoona's Unresolved Issues

Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows of Tokyo Airport, sunlight soaked the horizon, the sunset glow gilding the bustling city with a halo.

Liu Zijun's gaze remained locked on the bouncing Im Yoona beside him, a lingering smile on his lips.

Im Yoona's long hair was tied into a refreshing high ponytail, the ends swaying gently with her steps.

Just as they stepped out of the arrivals gate, she was recognized by a few fans holding support signs in the airport, and low exclamations of surprise rose and fell.

She bowed politely to the fans, her eyes sparkling with hard-to-conceal excitement. It wasn't until they got into the car provided by the brand she endorsed that she said excitedly, "Oppa, look! I didn't expect to have so many fans waiting for me in Japan. Am I not amazing?"

Liu Zijun raised his hand to tidy her stray hairs ruffled by the wind, saying in a doting tone, "Our Im Yoona is so excellent, people will like you wherever you go."

The car drove through the streets of Tokyo. Skyscrapers and quaint Izakayas passed by the window, and neon lights flickered on one after another, outlining the city's unique prosperity and romance.

Im Yoona leaned against the car window, looking at the scenery along the way, turning her head from time to time to share what she saw with Liu Zijun.

"Oppa, look at that building, the shape is so special! And the cherry blossom trees by the road—even though it's not the flowering season, the branches look great too."

Her chirping manner was like a lively little bird, completely devoid of the dignity on stage or the refinement in front of the camera, showing a few more bits of unmasked innocence.

Liu Zijun listened to her patiently, occasionally responding.

He knew that Im Yoona had some small emotions hidden in her heart lately. Choi Sulli's donation incident had kept the "junsulli cp" popularity high. She didn't say it, but she always wanted to achieve something herself.

By the time they arrived at the filming location, it was already afternoon.

The studio was brightly lit, the spotlights had already been adjusted, and the staff were busy setting up the background boards.

Im Yoona changed into a long white lace dress, the hem swaying gently with her movements.

The makeup artist had given her exquisite makeup, with tiny glitters adorning the corners of her eyes, making her look like a moonlight elf that had fallen into the human world.

When the spotlight suddenly focused on her, Liu Zijun subconsciously held his breath.

Under the lights, Im Yoona seemed to be endowed with new vitality; her already delicate features became even more three-dimensional against the light and shadow.

Her skin was so fair it was almost transparent, and her long eyelashes cast faint shadows under her eyelids.

She slightly raised her chin, her eyes clear and firm, possessing both the agility of a young girl and a hint of a mature woman's charm.

Following the photographer's instructions, she changed poses, her skirt flying; every look and every movement was just right.

Liu Zijun leaned against the wall in the corner, unable to take his eyes off her.

He had seen the radiant Im Yoona on stage, and the Im Yoona who acted spoiled and threw tantrums in private.

But at this moment under the spotlight, she had shed her dependence and cuteness toward him, showing the professionalism and composure of an artist. That kind of charm emanating from her bones was irresistible.

During a break in filming, Im Yoona saw Liu Zijun's gaze and playfully made a finger heart at him, then ran over quickly, fine beads of sweat on her forehead.

She leaned in close to him, her voice carrying a hint of unnoticeable pride, and her breath carried a faint scent of perfume.

"Oppa, how did I perform just now? Was I very beautiful?"

Liu Zijun reached out to wipe the sweat from her forehead, his fingertips inadvertently touching her warm skin, causing a ripple in his heart.

He said seriously, "Very great. Under the spotlight, you are especially beautiful and especially alluring."

Im Yoona's cheeks instantly flushed red, and she gave him a playful punch.

"Oppa, why are you being so direct!"

Though complaining, her eyes were filled with smiles.

The filming continued until eight in the evening.

Im Yoona was so tired she leaned against the seat, barely able to keep her eyes open, but she still forced herself to say, "Oppa, I heard there's a very famous Hot Spring Inn nearby. Let's go soak in the hot springs and relax."

Liu Zijun naturally wouldn't refuse her request.

The car drove for more than half an hour and arrived at a Hot Spring Inn hidden halfway up a mountain.

The inn was in a typical Japanese style, with wooden buildings paired with bamboo forests and stone lanterns in the courtyard, quiet and elegant.

The owners were a kind old couple. Upon seeing them, they warmly led them to the reserved courtyard.

The courtyard featured a private outdoor hot spring, surrounded by bamboo. Moonlight filtered through the gaps in the bamboo leaves and fell onto the water's surface, creating shimmering waves.

Im Yoona excitedly ran into the room and changed into a Yukata. The lotus-pink Yukata made her skin look even fairer, with a touch of lazy beauty.

She was the first to step into the hot spring pool. The warm spring water washed over her skin, and most of her fatigue instantly dissipated.

"Wow, so comfortable!"

She closed her eyes, leaning comfortably against the rocks by the pool, letting out a satisfied sigh.

Liu Zijun walked in after changing into a black Yukata. Seeing her enjoyment, a slight smile touched the corners of his mouth.

He slowly stepped into the hot spring pool, maintaining an appropriate distance from her; otherwise, he didn't know how long this hot spring session would last today.

The steam from the hot spring was dense, blurring their outlines, and the air was filled with a faint scent of sulfur.

Im Yoona lay in the hot spring pool and unknowingly fell asleep.

Liu Zijun approached and looked at this beautiful woman, unable to resist kissing her forehead gently.

He reached out and gently held her hand.

Her hand was warm and soft.

"Yoona, everyone has their own shining points. Choi Sulli's kindness, Yejin's gentleness—your hard work and talent are equally worthy of being noticed by oppa!

You don't need to compare yourself with anyone. You are you, the one and only Im Yoona."

"Yoona! It turns out that at some point, I became unable to leave you!"

"I know what's on your mind. You're a strong-willed girl who wants to rely on her own strength to win everyone's recognition.

I have always supported you. Whether it's your career or your dreams, I will always be your strongest backing."

Im Yoona's eyes turned slightly red. She suddenly opened her eyes, squeezed Liu Zijun's hand back, and leaned her head gently on his shoulder.

Her voice carried a hint of a sob: "Oppa, thank you. During this time, I sometimes feel very aggrieved. Clearly, we love each other too, but we are always overshadowed by the sweetness between Choi Sulli and you."

"I also want to appear openly in front of everyone with you, but for Choi Sulli, her whole world is you, and now she only has you."

"Whenever I think of this, I can't bring myself to truly get angry with her."

"Compared to Yejin Unnie, I'm afraid you'll think I'm being unreasonable!"

Liu Zijun gently patted her back, comforting her: "Silly girl, in a relationship, no one overshadows anyone else. Our relationship doesn't need to be proven to anyone. The three of you are equally important in my heart!"

"In fact, many times I feel I've let any one of you down because I can't split myself into three and give you all the same amount of love."

"So, Yoona, forgive my selfishness."

Im Yoona kissed the corner of his mouth and said, "Oppa! It's okay. This is actually quite good. Choi Sulli is someone we all need to protect!"

Liu Zijun kissed her back and smiled, "Yeah! I will always protect you all!"

Im Yoona threw her whole body into Liu Zijun's embrace and whispered, "Oppa! I want you!"

Liu Zijun gently picked Im Yoona up.

The steam from the hot spring rose in curls, enveloping the two figures in a haze.