Peninsula: Starting with the nation's first love, the white moonlight

In a quiet alley near Hannam-dong, Lee Ji-eun led Lee Lu-ran to a secluded coffee shop.

Pushing open the wooden door, the doorbell rang crisply.

Jazz music was playing in the café, and there seemed to be no other customers. The air was filled with the rich aroma of coffee.

"Ji-eun, you're here? Are you the same as before?"

The coffee shop owner was a middle-aged man with long hair who looked quite like an artist.

When he saw Li Luran following behind Li Zhi'en, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, but he was a smart man and did not ask any questions.

Lee Ji-eun nodded and led Lee Lu-ran into the innermost booth of the cafe with practiced ease.

The two sat down facing each other. Li Luran took off his mask and looked around.

This coffee shop is small, almost one end at a glance. Although there are few people at this time, if someone comes in, they will be easy to spot.

He couldn't help but ask, "Aren't you afraid of being recognized while you're having coffee here, you big star?"

Lee Ji-eun rolled her eyes at him. Her throat was killing her and she didn't want to speak at all.

She took her phone out of her pocket, typed a few lines in the notes app, and then placed the phone in front of Li Luran.

"The owner of this shop used to be a veteran in the independent music industry. Don't worry, he won't say anything out of line. Besides, there's hardly anyone here usually, so you don't need to worry."

"So, what exactly do you want?"

After reading the words on his phone, Li Luran placed the thermos on the table, looked at Li Zhi'en, and solemnly said:

Lee Ji-eun

"I know it was a bit presumptuous of me to come see you today, but there are some things I still want to make clear to you in person."

Li Luran took a deep breath, stood up, and bowed slightly.

"I sincerely apologize for what I said three days ago."

Li Luran lowered his head, his eyes filled with sincerity, and said, "I'm sorry!"

"I'm partly responsible for the way you are today; I'm truly sorry."

Lee Ji-eun didn't speak, but quietly looked at him.

These past few nights, the words Li Luran said that day have been haunting me like a nightmare.

To be honest, she's had a really bad few days, but does she really hate him? Not really. Although he's a bit sharp-tongued, he's telling the truth.

Sometimes, what a person needs most is someone who dares to tell the truth.

However, they are all proud people and will not easily bow their heads.

Faced with this belated apology, Lee Ji-eun had mixed feelings, but in any case, he was the first to bow his head, wasn't he?

Without realizing it, her tightly clenched hands relaxed slightly.

Li Luran continued, "Also, I'd like to explain why I said that back then."

"I'm not trying to attract attention, nor am I trying to show off my professionalism in front of a big star like you."

"I just... I've just seen too many people in this industry overwork their bodies and talents for the sake of so-called self-esteem and to maintain a perfect image in the eyes of outsiders."

"Finally, it fell swiftly like a shooting star."

"Lee Ji-eun, I don't want you to become like that."

"You are a very talented singer."

"You have great musical talent; your highly distinctive voice is a gift from God. So, you don't need to prove anything to anyone."

"I admire your dedication and fighting spirit, but I absolutely do not condone your behavior of gambling with your career."

Inside the coffee shop, the crisp, melodious strains of jazz music filled the air.

Lee Ji-eun lowered her head and listened quietly to Lee Lu-ran's words. Her defensiveness and hostility seemed to be slowly melting away.

She had always thought that Li Luran was just an arrogant troublemaker who, having some professional knowledge, boasted about it everywhere without knowing his own limitations.

However, from what he just said, she could tell that the man in front of her was genuinely thinking of her best interests.

Lee Ji-eun took her phone back, deleted the previous text, and typed out a new message.

I accept your apology.

"Actually, you're right, my voice really is about to give out."

"I'm terrified of losing everything I have now, so I've never dared to stop and have always worked incredibly hard."

"I also want to thank you for pointing out my problems and preventing me from continuing down the wrong path."

Lee Ji-eun let go of her pretense and seemed much more relaxed.

At the same time, she noticed the thermos on the table, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes.

"Also, what's in the thermos?"

Seeing that Li Zhi'en seemed to have relaxed, Li Luran smiled with relief and then opened the lid of the thermos.

A sweet fragrance instantly filled the air.

"This is rock sugar, pear, and white fungus soup. It's very good for your throat to recover. Try it."

Li Luran ladled out a bowl and handed it to Li Zhi'en, saying, "Please try it, Zhi'en-xi, and leave your valuable feedback."

Lee Ji-eun looked at the steaming bowl of white fungus soup, and her stomach, quite uncooperatively, let out a soft protest.

Because of a sore throat and feeling depressed, she hadn't eaten anything all day.

Most importantly, the sweet soup smelled so good that her stomach expressed her truest feelings.

Lee Ji-eun's cheeks instantly burned, and then she glared fiercely at Lee Lu-ran.

But the hostility in her eyes was gone; instead, there was a hint of coquettishness from a young girl.

She took off her mask, picked up a spoon, and began to drink in small sips.

The sweet taste of the pear moistened her parched throat, making her squint her eyes in comfort.

Before she knew it, Lee Ji-eun had already eaten two bowls.

She licked her lips, intending to eat another bowl, but seeing Li Luran's somewhat teasing gaze, Li Zhi'en turned her head away haughtily.

"Hmph! Here you go!"

Li Luran took the bowl, filled it, and said half-jokingly, "How is it? Does it suit your taste?"

"It's...it's alright," Lee Ji-eun replied somewhat insincerely.

Although this guy is a bit annoying, I have to say, this white fungus soup is really delicious.

After drinking it, her throat felt much better, and it didn't hurt as much when she spoke.

The two sat in the coffee shop for over an hour.

Li Luran told her some interesting stories about China, and Li Zhi'en listened quietly, occasionally responding. No one disturbed them, and the atmosphere was surprisingly harmonious.

Just a few hours ago, the two were at each other's throats, but now they seem like two old friends who can talk about anything.

The sky outside the window gradually darkened, and the streetlights on the street came on.

Lee Ji-eun glanced at the time on her phone and then remembered why she had gone out.

"I still need to go to the supermarket to buy some things. Thank you for the soup. I'll be going now."

Lee Ji-eun put her mask and hat back on and prepared to leave. Seeing this, Lee Lu-ran also stood up.

"I'll go with you. You're sick, and it's not convenient for you to go to the supermarket alone."

"Besides, if my apology consists of just this bowl of soup, then it's far from sincere."

Let's go!

After saying that, Li Luran pushed open the door and walked out first.

Lee Ji-eun watched his departing figure. She did not refuse him; on the contrary, the corners of her mouth unconsciously turned up slightly.

This guy who's all bark and no bite isn't actually that bad.