172: Chapter 172 Krystal Jung is shy

The next morning, Krystal Jung was awakened by the soreness radiating through her body.

As soon as she opened her eyes, a wave of limpness and fatigue washed over her; last night had been a bit too wild, making even the simple act of lifting her hand feel like an effort.

Fragments of last night flashed through her mind instantly: the ambiguous atmosphere, Liu Zijun's burning gaze, and her own uncontrolled descent—each scene was as vivid as if it had just happened.

She sat up abruptly, the thin quilt sliding off her; her cheeks instantly turned a deep crimson, like a ripe cherry.

The spot beside her was already empty, but the lingering body heat still carried a faint, familiar scent that made her heart race uncontrollably.

She hurriedly grabbed her pajamas from the side and put them on, clumsily tidying her messy long hair; in the mirror, her cheeks were flushed.

Her usual cool and aloof demeanor had vanished, replaced by a touch of soft charm.

Krystal Jung took a deep breath, trying her best to calm the surging emotions in her chest, and tiptoed out of the bedroom.

Slight sounds were already coming from the living room downstairs. She walked to the top of the stairs and immediately saw a busy figure in the kitchen.

Liu Zijun was wearing simple white loungewear with his sleeves casually rolled up, focused on frying eggs.

Sunlight fell on his profile, outlining his sharp jawline; even the way he seriously cooked possessed an eye-catching handsomeness.

Hearing footsteps, Liu Zijun turned to look, a gentle smile flashing in his eyes as their gazes met.

"You're awake? Go freshen up, breakfast will be ready soon."

His casual tone made it seem as if everything from last night was just an ordinary dream.

But Krystal Jung felt her cheeks burning intensely. She quickly lowered her head to avoid his gaze and replied in a voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz, "Mm."

She hurried to the bathroom and splashed cold water on her face, finally dampening the heat in her heart a little.

Yet, at the thought of last night's intimacy, her fingers couldn't help but curl, while a thick sense of sweetness bubbled up within her.

When she returned to the living room, Choi Sulli was also walking out of the guest room rubbing her eyes, still wearing the little bear pajamas from last night, her hair messy with the lethargy of having just woken up.

Seeing her, Choi Sulli's eyes lit up, and she greeted her as lively as ever.

"Krystal, morning!"

Choi Sulli showed no sign of anything being amiss, as if last night's events were just a tacit secret between them.

Krystal Jung's cheeks flushed again, and she nodded stiffly at her. "Sulli, morning."

Choi Sulli skipped to the kitchen door, peering at the fried eggs in the pan with a coaxing tone.

"Oppa, what's for breakfast? I'm starving!"

"Fried eggs, sandwiches, and your favorite strawberry milk."

"Go sit and wait, it'll be ready in a moment."

The dining table was soon filled with breakfast: the golden fried eggs had slightly crispy, fragrant edges, the sandwiches were layered with fresh lettuce and ham, and the strawberry milk in cute glass cups glowed with an inviting pink hue.

Krystal Jung sat at the corner of the table, carefully picking up a sandwich and taking small bites. Her eyes would occasionally steal a glance at Liu Zijun opposite her before quickly darting away.

Choi Sulli, on the other hand, had no such reservations, eating the fried eggs in large bites while chattering away.

"The breakfast Oppa makes is just delicious, even more fragrant than at a restaurant!

Krystal, why aren't you eating? Hurry and try this fried egg; it's not greasy at all."

Hearing this, Krystal Jung picked up another fried egg and chewed it in small bites, her heart fluttering like a restless rabbit.

After a moment of silence, she finally gathered her courage, looked up at Liu Zijun, and spoke in a voice so quiet it was almost inaudible.

"Um... about last night, could you... could you keep it a secret for me?"

There was a hint of pleading in her eyes, along with an imperceptible trace of panic.

She knew that once this matter became known, especially to her sister Jessica Jung and Victoria Song, it would definitely cause an uproar.

Liu Zijun paused while drinking his milk and looked up at her.

Sunlight fell on her face, and he could clearly see the apprehension in her eyes and her tightly pursed lips, showing a bit of stubbornness.

He had always been the type to take responsibility for his actions; he had never thought of deliberately hiding what happened last night.

Just like with Son Ye-jin and Im Yoona, he had never intended to hide anything.

But seeing Krystal Jung's cautious appearance and that pleading look in her eyes, his resolve softened instantly.

He knew this girl's personality: cold and hard on the outside, but sensitive and delicate on the inside. For her, taking this step required immense courage.

Liu Zijun set down his milk glass and nodded, his tone gentle. "Alright, I promise you, I won't bring it up of my own accord."

Having received an affirmative answer, Krystal Jung seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. Her tense shoulders relaxed slightly, a trace of relief flashed in her eyes, and she whispered, "Thank you."

Breakfast ended in a relatively quiet atmosphere. Choi Sulli and Krystal Jung packed their things, preparing to head back to the company for their group's follow-up schedule.

When the two of them had changed and were walking to the door with their bags, Liu Zijun suddenly said, "I plan to head to Hong Kong Island today."

Choi Sulli's steps halted, the smile on her face instantly vanishing. As if remembering something, she turned to look at him, her eyes full of worry.

"Going to Hong Kong Island? Is it for Sica Unnie's sake? Is it dangerous?"

Recalling Liu Zijun's previous gunshot wound, she couldn't help but feel worried.

Liu Zijun smiled and reached out to ruffle her hair, his tone light. "It's fine, just going to handle some things and clean up that silly girl Jessica's mess."

"I promised you all that I wouldn't put myself in danger, and I'll definitely keep my word."

Standing to the side, Krystal Jung watched Liu Zijun's composed manner, and the worry in her heart gradually subsided.

Seeing Liu Zijun's back as he was about to turn and pack his things, she suddenly gathered her courage and called out, "Thank you, Liu Zijun... Oppa."

That "Oppa" was a bit awkward, but it carried full sincerity, sounding exceptionally clear in the quiet living room.

She used to call him that out of politeness, but then she changed how she addressed him and hadn't called him that since.

Liu Zijun's movements paused, and he turned to look at her, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, followed by a deep smile.

He strode over to her and ruffled her hair, his fingertips brushing through her soft strands.

"Now you know how to call me Oppa again? When I asked you to before, you didn't have this attitude."

His tone carried a hint of teasing, but without any malice.

Krystal Jung's cheeks flushed once more. She instinctively wanted to dodge his touch but forced herself to endure it.

She just lowered her head, her cheeks burning intensely, and muttered softly, "Ya! Can you stop talking about it?"

Seeing her duplicitous manner, Liu Zijun couldn't help but laugh.

"Alright, hurry to the company, don't be late. I'll handle Jessica's situation; you don't need to worry."

"When I get back, I'll take you out for something delicious."

Choi Sulli nodded quickly and smiled. "Okay! Oppa, you must be careful. Call us anytime if anything happens."

Liu Zijun waved his hand.

The two of them walked out of the apartment and hailed a taxi.

As the car drove away, Krystal Jung couldn't help but look back at the apartment, her heart filled with a mix of emotions.

There was worry for her sister, shyness about last night, and concern for Liu Zijun's trip to Hong Kong Island.

Choi Sulli sat beside her and said with a smile, "Krystal, you were quite impressive last night, much more so than Yoona Unnie."

"Don't worry, as long as Oppa steps in, Sica Unnie's problem will definitely be solved."

Krystal Jung's face turned red instantly, then a slight curve unconsciously formed at the corner of her mouth, and she remained silent.

The car headed toward SM Entertainment Company.

Back in the apartment, Liu Zijun had already packed his simple luggage.

He took out his phone and called Jiang Hongshao, asking her to arrange the itinerary for Hong Kong Island and to pull up detailed information on Kwon Young-il, including his assets, business channels, and the underlying relationships involved.

"Boss, the situation on Hong Kong Island is a bit complicated. Behind Kwon Young-il is mainly Emperor Entertainment Group. Should I have Kim Ji-hee go with you?"

Liu Zijun said calmly, "No need, more people just makes it more troublesome. Just prepare the information and help me contact a lawyer over there on Hong Kong Island. I'll handle the rest myself."

"Alright, Boss, I'll send the information to you as soon as possible."

Hanging up the phone, Liu Zijun picked up his luggage and walked out of the apartment.