Peninsula: A Max-Level Forward's Leisurely Life

As soon as the door closed, the bar immediately became quieter.

Lee Ji-eun pushed her wine glass forward and sat up straight. Her previous smiling, amused demeanor had faded considerably, but her eyes became more serious, clearly indicating that this was not just a casual chat.

Li Chixun glanced at her, not surprised at all.

"Are you interrogating me?"

"More or less." Lee Ji-eun nodded, without beating around the bush. "I have to make it clear first, Peach's condition is already unstable. I'm usually a pretty good-tempered person, but when it comes to her, I get really annoyed and I keep a close eye on things, so don't think I'm being nosy."

Lee Chi-hoon leaned back on the sofa, still holding the low-alcohol wine glass in his hand, looking relaxed and unpretentious.

"That makes sense. If her friends didn't ask me anything when they met, I would be worried for her instead."

Lee Ji-eun paused for a moment, feeling a slight sense of relief.

Okay, at least he's not the kind of guy who pretends to be unhappy right away.

She raised her hand and made a gesture, then asked directly.

"Let's start with something basic: how many relationships have you been in?"

Lee Chi-hoon looked at her. "Zero times."

"what?"

Lee Ji-eun almost thought she had misheard.

"Zero times."

"Wait a minute." She leaned forward a little. "With your face, your height, your circumstances, and you're telling me you've never been in a relationship?"

Lee Chi-hoon smiled.

"Is that outrageous?"

"It's not just outrageous, it's a bit unscientific." Lee Ji-eun looked him up and down, her face full of disbelief. "Someone like you could easily fool a bunch of girls just by standing on the street without saying a word."

"I don't usually stand on the street."

"..."

Lee Ji-eun was speechless for two seconds before laughing at herself.

"Okay, you're pretty good at responding."

"Professional habits".

"Your job isn't running a bar?"

"My main profession is playing football, and running a bar is a side business; it's also a way to find a quiet place for myself."

Lee Ji-eun nodded. She already knew roughly what that was, but what she wanted to ask today wasn't this superficial information; she was still focused on the person.

"Then why haven't you dated anyone? Are you too picky, or do you find it too much trouble?"

Lee Chi-hoon placed his wine glass on the table, his tone remaining calm.

"I count them all, and besides, my family is very strict with me, so I don't have time."

"Strict family discipline?"

"Hmm." He nodded. "My parents aren't overly controlling about these things, but they have a clear line: don't treat feelings like a game, and don't use others as a testing ground. Only touch if you like them, and stay away if you're not sure, so as not to cause trouble for others."

Lee Ji-eun blinked.

That's a pretty serious answer.

She had prepared a set of lines specifically for dismantling seasoned dating experts, but the person opposite her sat there calmly and spoke so calmly that she was left speechless.

Undeterred, she pressed on with another question.

"So, are you always like this with girls? You're always very caring, patient, and good at making them feel relaxed?"

Li Chixun looked up at her, as if he understood immediately.

"Are you asking if I'm a central air conditioner?"

Lee Ji-eun didn't pretend and nodded frankly.

"Yes, that's exactly what I mean."

"no."

"Are you so sure?"

"I'm lazy," Li Chixun replied bluntly. "I find it annoying to have too many people. As for socializing, I only need what I need. I'm not interested in casting a wide net everywhere, and I don't like doing things like flattering everyone. It's tiring."

Lee Ji-eun stared at him, trying to find any trace of polite words on his face.

But this person had a completely calm expression, even to the point of being a little arrogant.

"Then what are you to Peach?"

When the question was raised, Lee Chi-hoon did not respond immediately.

He leaned back in his chair, tapped his cup lightly, glanced at the door, and then looked back.

"At first, I just helped out as a favor."

"And then?"

"Later I found out she was quite interesting."

"Just for fun?"

"Not just that." He smiled, his tone natural. "When she was here, the shop was more lively than usual. It was a bit noisy, but it was alright, not annoying."

After hearing this, Lee Ji-eun almost rolled her eyes again.

This guy is really good at talking; he can make a rather ambiguous statement sound so offensive.

But she could also tell that this was already quite honest.

She crossed her arms and pressed on, "So, do you like her?"

This time, Li Jixun remained silent for a little longer.

Lee Ji-eun looked at him and didn't urge him any further. She suddenly understood why the peaches had grown so quickly.

The most dangerous thing about this kind of person isn't their sweet talk, flirting skills, or striking looks. It's that even though they could easily give you a nice answer, they always give you the most affirmative response, making them the perfect candidate for someone like Peach who lacks a sense of security.

After a few seconds, Lee Chi-hoon spoke hesitantly. "I can't make any definitive statements right now."

Lee Ji-eun raised an eyebrow. "Is this a polite way of refusing?"

"No." He shook his head. "It's just that we haven't known each other long enough. I don't like to define what I like or dislike based on a few days of excitement. But if I said I didn't have any feelings for her, that would be a blatant lie."

Lee Ji-eun's eyes lit up.

Okay, this sentence is enough.

She was initially worried that this person was slick, but after asking around, she found that he wasn't slick at all, but rather calm and composed. Ironically, this composure was actually a good thing for the currently unstable Peach.

She deliberately added insult to injury. "What if Peach really likes you?"

Li Chixun looked at her, and the corners of his lips moved slightly.

"Your question isn't about helping your friend screen information; it's about directly trying to get information out of her."

"Stop changing the subject, just tell me."

"Then let's be serious." He answered slowly but clearly, "I don't get involved in relationships I'm not sure about, and I don't make promises lightly, but if we're really going to move forward, I won't let her keep guessing."

Lee Ji-eun looked at him and suddenly lost all her temper.

She originally wanted to nitpick, but after all that, she could only pick out one thing: this guy is too perfect, almost annoyingly so.

She sighed, picked up her wine glass, and took a sip.

"Honestly, I feel nervous for Peach if someone like you stands next to her."

Why?

"Nonsense, you're just like the kind of male lead in a TV drama who gets fought over later on." Lee Ji-eun clicked her tongue. "Good looks, clear head, not annoying to talk to, and most importantly, you have a good sense of boundaries. Who can resist that?"

Lee Chi-hoon smiled. "That's quite a high evaluation."

"I haven't finished yet." Lee Ji-eun put down her cup, pointed at him, "It's only passed the initial review so far. I still have to see what happens next, so don't get too excited."

"Understood, probation period."

"Yes, that's exactly what I mean."

The two looked at each other and smiled.

The atmosphere finally relaxed completely.

Lee Ji-eun leaned back, just about to ask something more relaxing, when she heard faint noises coming down from upstairs, like someone pacing back and forth on the floor in a room, looking very anxious.

"Guess what Peach is doing right now."

"They were probably eavesdropping by pressing their ear against the door."

"I think so too." Lee Ji-eun laughed so hard her shoulders shook. "When she gets anxious, she can't hide it."

Li Chixun casually picked up the wine bottle and poured her a little more.

"Why don't you sit here a little longer and deliberately leave her hanging for a while?"

"You're so naughty," Lee Ji-eun said, but she didn't object at all. "But I like it."

So the two of them slowly drank a few more sips and chatted about other things.

By the time Lee Ji-eun got up and went upstairs, about ten minutes had passed.

As soon as the door was pushed open, the figure inside pounced on it.

"How is it? How is it!"

Choi Sulli clung to her, her eyes wide open, her words almost choked out.

"What were you talking about? What did he say? Why did it take you so long to get here? I was going crazy!"

Lee Ji-eun was so pressed down by her that she swayed backward and almost couldn't catch her breath.

"Hey, Choi Jin-ri, get off here! You're going to strangle me!"

"You go first!"

"You can go down now!"

"I won't log off until you tell me!"

Lee Ji-eun's hair was all messed up by her, and after struggling a couple of times without being able to break free, she got angry and kept slapping her arm.

"You used all that energy you usually put into dancing on me, didn't you? Hurry up and let go, I'm about to suffocate."

Sulli reluctantly loosened her grip a little, but her hand was still on her shoulder, her face clearly saying, "Speak up!"

Lee Ji-eun's eyes darted around, and she deliberately lowered her voice.

"I've smelled a big secret."

Sulli immediately fell victim to the virus.

"What? What?"

"Sit still for now."

"Hey, stop keeping me in suspense."

"hurry up."

Choi Sulli felt even more uncomfortable being hung up by her, but she still obediently got off her, sat cross-legged on the edge of the bed, and stared at her face like a small searchlight.

Lee Ji-eun slowly straightened her hair, then tugged at the hem of her clothes that she had wrinkled, before clearing her throat and striking a very formal pose.

"Comrade Choi Jin-ri."

"...Tell me quickly."

"Congratulations." Lee Ji-eun kept a straight face, but couldn't help laughing the next second. "You really found a treasure boy. If you weren't my best friend, I would have already made my move."

After saying that, she deliberately looked regretful and patted Choi Sulli's head.

Choi Sulli was completely stunned.

"what?"

"What do you mean, 'huh'?" Lee Ji-eun couldn't help but laugh at her silly look. "I originally went to check the household registration, but the more I checked, the more I felt, um, it actually makes a lot of sense."

Choi Sulli blinked, and the weight that had been hanging over her heart suddenly lifted.

Although she didn't hear all the details, just by looking at Lee Ji-eun's reaction, she knew that the result was very good, and not just good.

As soon as this feeling arose, she couldn't help but smile.

"real?"

"Really." Lee Ji-eun glanced at her sideways. "Can you tone down that expression? Your mouth is practically stretched to your ears."

"I didn't."

"You look like a complete idiot right now, like someone's finally going to steal my cabbage."

"Oh, what cabbage?"

"Alright, alright, peach, are you satisfied now?"

Choi Sulli's ears burned from what she said, but she was in such a good mood that she didn't have the energy to argue back. In the end, she simply grabbed her arm.

"Let's go, let's go down first."

"So urgent?"

"nonsense."

"Who was just pretending to be reserved here?"

"I don't."

"You have."

The two bickered all the way downstairs.

When I returned to the bar, there were indeed fewer drinks left on the table.

Choi Sulli stopped at the table, looked at the cup first, then at the two of them, and her mouth suddenly puffed out.

"You two seem to be having a good chat."

Lee Ji-eun laughed as soon as she heard that.

"Ouch."

Lee Chi-hoon also raised his eyes and couldn't help but laugh at her little expression.

"What, are you checking my alcohol tolerance first thing after I get back?"

"I thought you guys were just going to say a few words." Choi Sulli sat down, her tone slightly reproachful. "But you left me upstairs all alone while you guys drank downstairs. That's too much."

Lee Ji-eun immediately chimed in, deliberately dragging out her words.

"Oh my, listen to that."

Choi Sulli was taken aback.

Lee Ji-eun had already turned to look at Lee Ji-hoon, her smile mischievous.

"It seems our little peach hasn't even arrived yet, but her heart has already flown over. We've only been chatting for a short while, and she's already starting to complain about me taking the spot next to you... cough, next to you."

Choi Sulli blushed instantly.

"Don't talk nonsense!"

"What nonsense are you talking about? It's practically written all over your face." Lee Ji-eun rested her chin on her hand, watching the drama unfold. "You're even jealous of this little bit?"

Lee Chi-hoon leaned back in his chair, watching them fool around, his eyes revealing an undisguised smile.

"So that's how it is."

"You too!" Choi Sulli was so angry that she reached out to hit him. "What's wrong with you two today? Are you ganging up on me?"

Lee Ji-eun laughed so hard she almost fell over.

"Look at you, you're getting impatient."

"Lee Ji-eun!"

Calling me "sister" won't help.

Sulli was so angry that she pounced on her, and the two of them started fighting on the sofa. One was pulling on her sleeve, and the other was protecting her hair, while they were spewing all sorts of nonsense threats and taunts.

Li Chixun sat beside him, slowly taking a sip of wine, watching with great amusement.

The usually overly quiet atmosphere in the bar was completely overturned by them today.

After a while, Lee Ji-eun surrendered.

"Stop, stop, stop! I give up, please stop touching my hair."

"Then you're not allowed to talk nonsense."

"Okay, I won't say anymore." She agreed quickly, but her eyes were still smiling. "At most, I'll say a few words."

"You're so annoying."

"But you like me."

"I don't like it anymore."

"Too late, returns are not eligible for free shipping."

Choi Sulli was so angry she laughed, and finally let go.

The three sat back down. Lee Ji-eun took a sip of water to catch her breath, and then, as if suddenly remembering something important, looked up at the time.

"That's about it."

Choi Sulli was taken aback, somewhat puzzled. "What do you mean, 'almost'?"

"Come back with me." Lee Ji-eun said matter-of-factly, "You can't just keep hiding here forever. You've recovered quite a bit. If we keep dragging this out, I won't be at ease either, not to mention the company."

The moment those words were spoken, the lively atmosphere paused slightly.

Choi Sulli subconsciously looked at Lee Ji-hoon.

The reluctance to leave came quite quickly. She had gotten used to staying here these past few days, used to smelling the aroma of alcohol behind the bar as soon as she opened her eyes, used to people casually teasing her, and used to the quiet and safe atmosphere of this place.

Even though I'm actually leaving, there's still a small void in my heart.

Lee Ji-eun took in that look in her eyes and almost burst out laughing on the spot.

It's not that we're reluctant to leave the place; it's that we're reluctant to leave the people.

Li Chixun didn't say much, only smiled at her, "It's time to go back."

Choi Sulli pursed her lips.

Lee Chi-hoon added, "Go back when you should. Hiding isn't a solution. Call me if anything happens."

"And what about you?"

"Me?" He smiled. "I haven't disappeared. I'll come find you in a few days."

As soon as those words were spoken, Choi Sulli's eyes lit up immediately, and her previously low spirits were lifted up again.

"real?"

"real."

"Don't lie to me."

"Would I get a reward for lying to you?"

Sulli couldn't help but laugh, and the reluctance in her heart immediately dissipated.

Lee Ji-eun sat next to them, watching the two of them chatter away with a big smile on her face. She decided not to interrupt and give the young couple some space to let things develop naturally.

They dawdled for quite a while after that.

First, we exchanged phone numbers, and then we switched to KakaoTalk.

Then, even backup contact methods were added.

Choi Sulli held her phone, operating it while constantly looking up to remind others.

"Don't forget to reply to this."

"Um."

"And this too, try to check your messages faster."

"OK."

"You can post photos too, right?"

"Can."

"Then you should tell me before you go back to Germany."

"it is good."

Lee Ji-eun, who was listening nearby, wanted to applaud. "Wow, Choi Jin-ri, are you doing business? The process is more detailed than signing a contract."

Choi Sulli's ears turned red again, and she quickly explained.

"I'm just worried he'll be too busy."

"Keep making this up."

"Shut up."

By the time everything was almost settled, it was already getting late outside.

Lee Ji-eun got up to leave with her people, but Choi Sulli looked back twice before leaving, and finally stood at the door to give them serious instructions.

You absolutely have to come.

"understood."

Don't try to fool me.

"I didn't just give a perfunctory answer."

"Keep your word."

Li Chixun stood inside the oak door, looked at her, and smiled.

"Miss Cui, this is the seventh time you've reminded me today."

Choi Sulli gave a soft snort. "Then you'd better remember that the seventh time is the most important."

Lee Ji-eun was laughing so hard she was practically hysterical, and reached out to pull her outside.

"Alright, alright, if you keep talking like that, you won't be going back tonight."

Sulli reluctantly got into the car with her.

She waved to him before the car door closed.

Lee Chi-hoon also raised his hand in response.

The black van slowly drove out of the alley, its taillights flashing briefly at the corner before disappearing from sight.

The area in front of the bar fell silent again.

The evening breeze blew in along the alley, dispersing some of the lingering aroma of wine by the door, and the room suddenly felt empty.

Lee Chi-hoon stood there for several minutes, looked down at the new contact he had just added, and then chuckled softly.

This is really a bit strange.