Chapter 21

Silence!

Behind the bar, it was dead silent!

Tae Yeon, Tiffany, and Sulli stared at the figure that entered, all of them losing their voices. Sulli had even forgotten her nervousness!

How could it be him?

How could it possibly be him?

When Park Ji Hoon saw the "We Got Married" production team, he stopped and looked around, clearly searching for something, extinguishing the last hope in the hearts of the three girls.

Wearing black casual pants and a red down jacket, his hair was neatly combed, but it was either time for a new hairstyle or a haircut. His slightly long hair gave off a sense of decadence. Through the down jacket, one could see that he was only wearing a loose round-necked sweater inside, with his neck exposed, not afraid of the cold! The sleeves of the sweater were a bit long, extending out from the cuffs of the down jacket.

After some time apart, his physique had become much more robust, especially his shoulders, which were noticeably broader than before.

Although his overall appearance was good, with a mature and handsome look, compared to his former delicate appearance, it felt as if he had become a different person!

"Hasn't she arrived yet?" After scanning the area and not seeing his "wife," Park Ji Hoon couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief. It was impolite to make a woman wait for a man.

Hearing his voice, Tae Yeon, Tiffany, and Sulli finally snapped out of their shock.

What should they do?

Tiffany and Sulli looked at Tae Yeon simultaneously—her expression was indescribable, as if she was enveloped in an unusual aura. Her fingers, gripping the counter, had turned slightly blue from the force, and her eyes were fixed, as if solidified, staring at the person in the hall!

At that moment, Sulli had an impulse to quit the show. However, such a decision was not up to her, especially since the filming had already started. If she proposed such an idea, she would likely anger MBC immediately!

She had to tough it out.

Initially, she had planned to hide and observe her "husband" first, and perhaps play a small prank on him for being late. But unexpectedly, it turned into this awkward situation.

When Park Ji Hoon heard the commotion, he turned his head, and his expression instantly froze, unable to control it!

How could it be her... and the others?

Tiffany had intended to pull Tae Yeon, but was also dragged up by her force.

Park Ji Hoon couldn't help but squint his eyes and glance at the production team. If it weren't for the long plea and the current need to be cautious... he would definitely have asked the production team to change the pairing or even quit himself!

The production team also noticed the subtle tension between the two sides but couldn't understand what was happening.

"Senior Park Ji Hoon, hello!" Sulli bowed and greeted him. At this moment, she had regained her "strong heart," knowing that any mishap would affect both sides.

Tae Yeon and Tiffany also bowed in greeting. In front of so many staff and cameras, they couldn't be impolite. This was the plight of an idol, often having to live with a mask.

However, their faces couldn't possibly improve, stiff as if they were wearing masks, their bowing movements and voices as rigid as zombies.

After a moment, Park Ji Hoon forcibly suppressed all his emotions, bowed slightly, and apologized, "I'm sorry for being late." It was too late to back out now!

His "soft" personality only showed in trivial matters. Resilience was his true nature!

"It's okay," Sulli quickly waved her hand, understanding the feelings of the two seniors and knowing that she was the main character.

Park Ji Hoon was taken aback.

How could it be her? I thought it would be Tiffany!

"We're leaving first!" At this moment, Tiffany tightly held Tae Yeon's hand and said. She couldn't stay any longer, afraid of losing control of her emotions. Moreover, Tae Yeon's current state was a cause for concern.

"Ah!" Sulli, who had been calm just a moment ago, couldn't help but let out a soft exclamation, looking at the two with a pitiful expression. Being alone with Park Ji Hoon and having to treat him as her "husband," she would rather... eat a hamburger! She was so nervous that she had forgotten that their presence would make things even more awkward.

"Thank you for your hard work," Park Ji Hoon suddenly stepped forward and said politely, like a caring husband.

Tae Yeon's body trembled slightly.

Tiffany secretly glared at him and forcefully pulled Tae Yeon away.

In an instant, only the two of them were left, and Sulli became nervous again, her hands clasped in front of her, standing straight as if in punishment.

After watching Tae Yeon and Tiffany's backs disappear, Park Ji Hoon turned his gaze to the unique little girl in front of him.

Wearing a dark blue coat, black tight pants, and high boots, her slightly curly hair was tied into a high ponytail, and she carried a backpack. Her oval face still had a hint of baby fat, her eyes filled with innocence, looking at him with nervousness and restraint.

A bitter smile appeared on his lips.

Even if he thought of all the female entertainers in the industry, he would never, ever have imagined that his "wife" would be her! She was still a child!

Moreover, he thought he would no longer have any connection with Girls' Generation, but fate had it otherwise...

"Senior, hello!" Unexpectedly, Sulli's eyes were very sharp, noticing the fleeting bitter smile on his lips, she mustered up the courage and spoke up.

No matter what, as a girl, seeing a man make such a face when "marrying" her, how could she not be bothered?

"Call me 'OPPA'!" Park Ji Hoon's words startled the "We Got Married" staff. Was he being too forceful?

Sulli pouted, seeing his calm expression, she reluctantly called out, "OPPA!" She was somewhat angry. Not to mention other things, just being blocked by him on the phone was enough to make her upset. If it weren't for the show, she definitely wouldn't call!

"Um." Park Ji Hoon responded, turned, and said, "Let's take a walk outside."

"Outside?" Sulli asked in surprise. Her anger was replaced by awkwardness.

"At this time, walking together on the street will be a unique experience," Park Ji Hoon turned back and said, looking at her.

"Okay, thank you, OPPA!" Sulli was somewhat moved by his words. She reminded herself that this was a show, and she had to be sincere!

"Let me carry your backpack." He extended his arm.

"No, thank you, OPPA, I can carry it myself," Sulli quickly said.

"It's fine, consider it my punishment for being late," Park Ji Hoon said calmly.

"Thank you." Sulli handed him the backpack. After all, they were friends for two years, and despite the awkwardness, there was a sense of familiarity.

"Heavy!" Park Ji Hoon's arm sank involuntarily when he took the backpack with one hand.

"Be careful, OPPA!" Sulli quickly said. She had anticipated this, but Park Ji Hoon's arm steadied instantly, and he easily slung the backpack over his shoulder.

She blinked in surprise. Without preparation, he could still react so quickly and with such stability... When did he become so capable?

"Let's go!" With the backpack on, Park Ji Hoon walked out first.

His personality had become much more assertive!

It was nearly midnight, the surroundings were quiet, but the lights were bright, and many shops were still open.

However, as soon as they stepped out, a cold wind hit their faces, and something seemed to fall on their faces, instantly turning into a cool, damp sensation.

It was snowing!

In the blink of an eye, it had started to snow lightly, the snowflakes dancing like fairies in the light, falling in the most beautiful poses.

"Ah—" Sulli sighed softly. On one hand, she was looking forward to the feeling Park Ji Hoon had described, and on the other, she was kind-hearted, feeling sorry for him—afraid it would disrupt his plans, after all, there was no script.

"We can only wait for the next time." Park Ji Hoon, looking at the dancing snowflakes, was momentarily lost in thought, then turned to Sulli.

"Um." Sulli nodded, shivering involuntarily. It was cold!

"Want to have some late-night snacks?" Park Ji Hoon asked. He didn't know if this little girl had a rule against eating late-night snacks before midnight.

"Okay, thank you, OPPA." Sulli nodded, no longer as nervous as before. After all, they were familiar, and the awkwardness was suppressed.

The two of them got into the car prepared by the production team.

After getting in, the first thing Sulli did was to fasten her seatbelt and remind Park Ji Hoon to do the same. Her tone was firm, with a gentle assertiveness!

Park Ji Hoon had a faint sense of concern for her.

After telling the driver the address, he looked around and took a blanket from the car, placing it over Sulli's legs, then asked, "Is there anything you want to ask?"

"Thank you, OPPA!" Sulli, as if suddenly remembering something, opened her backpack and took out a diary.

Park Ji Hoon blinked, this little girl was truly unique. She seemed carefree, but his awkwardness was not much less than hers, especially with a sense of caution.

"Do you like reading, OPPA?" Sulli asked after opening the diary. Although they were good friends, he was Tae Yeon's boyfriend, so she didn't know much about him.

"I've read more books than you!" Park Ji Hoon's lips curled slightly, with a hint of pride. He knew this little girl loved reading!

"Really?" Sulli looked at Park Ji Hoon with disbelief. Among the entertainers she knew, few liked reading.

"Come to my study sometime, and you'll see all the books I've read!" Park Ji Hoon said. Through several moves, the only thing he never parted with was his books.

"Okay!" Sulli agreed readily.

Indeed, this was the easiest way to get along with her.

"Second question!" Sulli felt much more relaxed, playfully reminding him, then asked, "Who do you respect the most?"

Park Ji Hoon's eyes narrowed slightly, as if trying to hide his emotions.

"Your life mentor?" Sulli clarified.

"Mom!" Park Ji Hoon answered calmly.

"Mom?" Sulli asked, somewhat surprised. In Korea, few people regarded their parents as objects of respect.

"Um." Park Ji Hoon nodded, "She saved my life!"

"Ah?" Sulli found it strange but didn't feel comfortable asking more. She had heard from Tae Yeon that his mother had passed away.

"Does Sulli respect Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon?" Park Ji Hoon asked, casually setting the tone for their relationship.

"Yes!" Mentioning this name, Sulli became lively, the awkwardness lessening, and she didn't notice his intimate address.

While chatting about Ban Ki-moon, Park Ji Hoon secretly worried about what his "married life" would be like.

She was truly a rare girl!

"Cough!" Finally, when the topic of Ban Ki-moon ended, Park Ji Hoon cleared his throat and asked, "Can I see what's in your backpack?" He had been curious about this for a long time! An entertainer carrying a backpack larger than a student's was rare.

"Oh." Sulli nodded good-naturedly, opening her backpack without any shyness.

The first thing was a book!

"Let me see." Park Ji Hoon took the book from her hands, looked at the title, and his lips twitched.

"Who Can't Replace Your Life."

"OPPA! Can I ask you a few questions?" At this moment, Sulli's eyes sparkled, and she suddenly asked.