Chapter 156: Park Ji-yeon’s Path To Becoming A Female Ceo Begins
2025.
The next morning, sunlight filtered through the blinds into the master bedroom, the soft light like a silent touch, gently brushing over everything on the bed.
At this moment, Lin Xiuyuan was sleeping embracing Yoona, their breathing gradually syncing, like two quiet beats leaning on each other in this serene morning light.
Lin Xiuyuan’s arm encircled her shoulders, his fingertips touching her bare skin, while Yoona’s head rested on his chest, her long hair scattered messily on the bedsheet, a few light strands rising and falling gently with her breathing.
Suddenly, Lin Xiuyuan slowly opened his eyes. Although the light hadn’t fully illuminated the room, he could already feel the familiar warmth beside him.
The air was filled with the aura from last night, carrying a bit of laziness, mixed with the freshness of just waking up.
He slightly turned his head, looking at the graceful figure in his arms. Yoona’s sleeping face was peaceful, her eyelashes trembling lightly, as if she hadn’t fully woken up yet.
But the corners of her mouth already carried a faint, almost imperceptible smile, as if still immersed in that amorous dream from last night.
Seeing this, Lin Xiuyuan chuckled mischievously, leaned close to her ear, and gently blew a breath.
Then he saw Yoona’s body tremble slightly, and she was awakened just like that.
Her eyes slowly opened, still carrying some haziness in her gaze. A few seconds later, it focused on Lin Xiuyuan’s face, which was too close.
Without saying a word, she suddenly hugged him tightly, burying her head deeper into his embrace, and lazily tossed out, “Don’t mess around.”
“Morning, Yoona.”
Lin Xiuyuan said softly with a bright smile, his voice warm, carrying the laziness of just waking up.
“Good morning.”
Yoona, nestled in Lin Xiuyuan’s arms, replied in a low, sweet voice with a dazed feeling from just waking from a dream, “Aren’t you sleepy? What time is it?”
Lin Xiuyuan chuckled lightly and answered, “Around eight or nine, I guess. My biological clock usually wakes me at this time, then I scroll videos for a bit before sleeping again.”
“Then go scroll. I want to nap a bit more…”
Yoona, with her eyes closed, muttered softly.
That bread from last night, whether eaten too fast or too much, anyway, right now she just felt weak all over and didn’t want to move.
Moreover, after saying that, she seemed to think of something and added, “Right, don’t forget the appointed time with Little Ji-yeon.”
Last night, Yoona bet with Lee Ji-eun on Lin Xiuyuan’s time today, just to help him find an excuse in advance.
Big sister’s gentleness and thoughtfulness always quietly seep into the details, making people feel warm and secure.
“Mm, then I’ll get up and head back.”
“Go on, go on. I’ll nap more. So sleepy.”
Yoona urged with her mouth, but her hands hugged him even tighter, as if reluctant to let go.
It was so rare to have such a warm human body pillow; of course she wasn’t willing to let go.
Seeing this, Lin Xiuyuan couldn’t help laughing, “I think you’re deliberately not wanting to get up, wanting to cling to me a bit longer.”
“What are you saying? Who’s clinging to you?”
Yoona, whose thoughts were exposed, finally opened her eyes, smiling at the corners of her mouth, and glared at him lightly.
“Then… you’re clinging to me?” Lin Xiuyuan raised his brow, smiling brightly.
“What do you think?”
Yoona chuckled lightly, reached out to lift the edge of the bedsheet, revealing her slender legs.
Then she slipped her hand under the bedding, her fingertips lightly touching below his waist at the mermaid line, gazing at him with a smile.
“Does this count as you clinging to me and not wanting to get up? That bread last night was baked so dry and hard. Didn’t expect it to still be like that after one night.”
“Then I need to study well how to ‘bake’ it just right.”
Although caught, Lin Xiuyuan suddenly drew in a sharp breath, his gaze instantly burning with pleasure and an irrepressible impulse.
However, Yoona sighed lightly, stretched lazily with a big stretch, and leaned gently against him, “Forget it, better get up quickly. Don’t make Little Ji-yeon wait over there.”
Her words seemed to advise Lin Xiuyuan, but more like advising herself.
However, once some dishes are stirred to heat up, it’s not something you can stop just because you want to.
Thus, the two dawdled through washing up. By the time they were fully dressed, the clock outside had already struck past ten.
Yoona, draped in a bathrobe, leaned lazily against the master bedroom doorframe, her gaze carrying a hint of playfulness and indulgence, watching Lin Xiuyuan hurriedly dressing in the room, her tone revealing sweet teasing.
“Slow down, Xiuyuan. I’m not going to eat you. Why are you in such a hurry?”
Her voice line rose slightly, like wind laced with sugar, soft and teasing.
“Gonna be late. Appointment’s at 11.”
Lin Xiuyuan, who put on his T-shirt and wanted to bolt, was stopped by Yoona at the door, “What’s the rush? Slow down.”
Then she reached out to straighten his collar at his chest, the action gentle yet full of intimacy. When her fingers lightly brushed his delicate skin, they left behind some warmth.
Lin Xiuyuan lowered his head, seeming a bit stunned, his gaze unconsciously locking on her slightly upturned lip corners. The inner urgency seemed instantly shattered by her gentleness.
“Don’t rush.”
As she spoke, Yoona picked up a small carbon fiber scented balm from beside, opened the cap, and gently applied it to his neck and wrists.
The balm had a silky texture, slightly warm to the touch, almost like a kiss, making Lin Xiuyuan’s heart beat faster involuntarily.
The fragrance was light yet lasting, as if pulling their distance completely close, their breaths tinged with each other’s aura.
“This balm I picked specially for you.” Yoona whispered close to his ear, her voice like a feather brushing the ear rim, “Long-lasting scent. You’ll like it.”
Lin Xiuyuan was initially touched, but hearing this, he couldn’t help laughing, “Yoona, the way you said that… sounds a bit insulting to me.”
“Ah~”
Yoona was stunned for a moment, then burst out laughing, “What were you thinking? I really meant the balm.”
Then her tone shifted, light and smug, “But with your performance just now and last night, it was quite satisfying, so here’s another reward.”
With that, she tiptoed and planted a gentle kiss on his lips.
“Muah.”
The kiss sound was crisp and light, like signing some exclusive pact.
Yoona smiled, stuffed the balm into his pants pocket, and pushed him out the door, “Go on. If you dawdle more, Little Ji-yeon will get impatient.”
Lin Xiuyuan smiled helplessly and nodded, leaving.
After seeing the young boy off, Yoona returned to the floor-to-ceiling window in the living room, standing dazed for several more minutes until her sight caught a car driving away from the parking lot exit.
Only then did she slightly adjust her bathrobe and return to the dressing mirror in the room, seriously and carefully examining her current self.
Her eyes narrowed slightly, carrying a hint of excitement and scrutiny, diligently searching for some unusual change.
First, she gently touched her face, feeling the delicate and firm skin. Her fingertips glided over, almost sensing every inch’s elasticity and smoothness.
The pores seemed finer than before, even under the morning light, appearing smooth as porcelain, glowing with a healthy sheen.
This sensation wasn’t just external change; it seemed her inner vitality was also stirred, making her whole person look more radiant and glowing.
“This is really unbelievable, Xiuyuan…”
Yoona muttered to herself, stunned. It wasn’t this exaggerated last night, but unexpectedly, the effect after one sleep was even more pronounced.
Moreover, Yoona soon noticed that besides the skin changes in the mirror, even her gaze had become much clearer and brighter.
Carrying a long-lost lightness, as if rejuvenated with youthful aura.
“If I went to have lunch with Lin Xiaolu today, I wonder if she’d break down.”
At this thought, Yoona’s body trembled slightly with excitement, feeling an impulse to show off to her younger self and compete with her past self.
Good thing Lin Xiuyuan had left, or she might not have resisted following.
“No wonder Soo Jung quietly enjoyed big meals. Who could resist this?”
After speaking, Yoona chuckled softly, her lips curving up slightly, but her eyes revealing a complex glow.
Last night’s everything seemed to transform into some indescribable energy injected into her body, not only renewing her appearance but also comforting and releasing her inner self to some extent.
Then Yoona stood before the mirror, stretching lightly, feeling the indescribable smoothness and relaxation in her body, murmuring, “Later I’ll talk to Xiuyuan about this. He needs to know. This change is too obvious and could cause issues.”
After muttering this to herself, Yoona suddenly realized a problem.
That was, unknowingly, she had started looking forward to tomorrow, and every day after.
Since meeting Lin Xiuyuan, life was like injected with fresh oxygen; the once clear future became blurry yet fascinating.
“Looks like I need to thank him properly.”
At the thought, Yoona whispered in her heart, her eyes carrying a sly smile.
Meanwhile, Lin Xiuyuan still knew nothing.
He was now speeding by car to the villa, entering without pause, crossing back to 2013.
The time was exactly 11 a.m.
The phone, fully charged last night and casually placed on the coffee table, rang right on cue.
Hearing the ring, Lin Xiuyuan smiled, quickly grabbed the car keys from the entryway, picked up the phone while turning to head out, answering, “Hey, Ji-yeon.”
“Oppa, where are you? We’ve already arrived at the restaurant.”
“Just around the corner.” Lin Xiuyuan replied calmly.
As he answered Park Ji-yeon, his finger then pressed the elevator button.
On the other end, Little Dragon Cub’s laughter followed, “Don’t lie to me, oppa. ‘Just around the corner’ definitely means you just left or just got in the car.”
“How can you think of me like that? I really am just around the corner.” Lin Xiuyuan answered righteously.
After all, turning the corner to the car was true; he felt he wasn’t lying.
Park Ji-yeon didn’t argue more, “Okay then, we’ll wait for you. Oppa, come straight up to the second floor private room. What do you want to eat? I’ll order first.”
“Ah, I’ll just have a steak later. Should be quick. No need to order ahead.”
“Alright then, see you soon, oppa~”
After hanging up, the elevator reached the first floor, so Lin Xiuyuan briskly exited the building, got into his Land Rover, and headed to the appointed restaurant.
Meanwhile, in the restaurant private room on the other side, Park Ji-yeon had just hung up when she was surrounded by laughter from Ham Eun-jung and Park Hyomin.
“Ji-yeon, from that bit of your call just now, Boss Lin is pretty humorous, huh? ‘Just around the corner’—that’s a fresh way to put it.”
“Unnie. That’s a ‘classic routine’ from their side.”
Park Ji-yeon smiled mysteriously, starting an on-site lesson, “Out the door = just woke up, on the way = just left, just around the corner = just got in the car, coming coming = just started driving. When he starts righteously complaining, that’s when he’s really arriving.”
As she said this, Park Ji-yeon herself couldn’t help laughing, her mind flashing to 2025, rolling on the sofa with Sulli watching short videos.
At this, Ham Eun-jung and Park Hyomin burst into laughter too.
“Wow, seriously? It can even be translated like that?”
“No way, that’s too real. No wonder you laughed at his tone.”
Park Ji-yeon’s eyes darted, teasingly smiling, “Unnies, bet oppa’s first words will be ‘Sorry, traffic jam on the road.'”
“Of course we believe that. It’s a gold-standard regular excuse.” Park Hyomin laughed in agreement.
Ham Eun-jung nodded beside them, her tone gentle, “Indeed.”
Then Park Ji-yeon chatted with the two unnies about little jokes from 2025, the private room atmosphere very pleasant, completely free of last night’s suppression and fatigue from the anti-fans.
This restaurant wasn’t far from Lin Xiuyuan’s apartment. Soon, the private room door was lightly knocked.
The next second, Lin Xiuyuan pushed the door open and entered.
“Sorry, a bit of a traffic jam on the road.” He said with an apologetic smile.
No sooner had he spoken than the three girls burst into laughter, especially Park Ji-yeon, who laughed so hard she slumped on the table, “Oppa, that excuse is really lame.”
Seeing their reactions and hearing Park Ji-yeon’s words, Lin Xiuyuan knew he was seen through but couldn’t explain much.
He couldn’t say he delayed in bed with Yoona, causing him to be late.
He could only dry laugh twice: “Then next time I’ll use a different excuse… no, next time I’ll leave earlier.”
“Sit first, Xiuyuan.” Ham Eun-jung smiled slightly.
“Mm.”
Lin Xiuyuan sat beside them, his gaze sweeping over Ham Eun-jung and Park Hyomin, and he couldn’t help asking, “No schedules for you today? I thought it was just Ji-yeon.”
“What’s wrong?” Park Hyomin smiled at him, “Does Boss Lin think our presence is disturbing your date with Ji-yeon?”
Lin Xiuyuan quickly shook his head, smiling, “Not at all, just… a bit unexpected.”
“Oppa, our schedules are mostly paused. We’ve been rehearsing almost every day lately.”
Park Ji-yeon arranged his tableware while saying, “Didn’t I tell you before? In a bit, we’re heading to Neon side for some stages and the Budokan concert.”
“Mm, I remember.” Lin Xiuyuan nodded, but his mind flashed to how the company screwed them over.
But seeing Park Ji-yeon’s current expression, she seemed to have let it go.
Of course, she couldn’t just tell the company the answers known from 2025; artists have limited say, and whether they’d believe it was questionable.
Better to slack off, build strength, save money, and prepare to go solo than worry.
Then the group exchanged pleasantries, ordered food, and chatted a bit more.
While chatting idly, they finished ordering.
Once the waiter brought all the dishes, Park Ji-yeon suddenly dropped her smile, set down her chopsticks, her eyes gleaming with pride.
“Oppa, the investment company side, I’ve got it handled.” She smiled at Lin Xiuyuan, “The Cayman Islands exempt company is set up through connections. Offshore business can proceed there from now on, with taxes following international avoidance policies.”
Lin Xiuyuan was slightly stunned, clearly not expecting Park Ji-yeon to have arranged it so properly.
Cayman, as a globally renowned offshore financial center, had natural advantages.
He didn’t know much before, but by 2025, info was fully open; even passersby could discuss related policies.
Especially tax incentives, allowing investors to avoid unnecessary burdens.
“Handled so fast?” Amid surprise, Lin Xiuyuan didn’t stint on praise, “Looks like you’ve been really hustling lately. Hard work, Ji-yeon.”
“Nah, just pulled some strings.” Park Ji-yeon waved smilingly.
As she spoke, Park Ji-yeon leaned close to Lin Xiuyuan, pulling out her mobile phone under Ham Eun-jung and Park Hyomin’s gaze, whispering low.
“Right, oppa, that project we mentioned before has started. The other side is advancing simultaneously in Neon, Singapore, Thailand, etc., but no specifics on operations, just asking me to put in money.”
“I put in money.”
Lin Xiuyuan bit into a steak, smiling, “Don’t worry, he won’t scam us.”
His mind flashed to the chain expansion plan centered on spicy hot pot, using star traffic to gain fame quickly, promoting via social platforms for max returns at min cost.
This path would indeed boom in the future and had been verified as viable.
Though T-ara’s local popularity wasn’t what it was, they still had draw in other East Asian regions.
Especially with year-end domestic performances and promotion, it’d spark a popularity surge—truly making money effortlessly.
At this thought, he glanced at Park Ji-yeon, teasing softly, “Ji-yeon, after year-end, you’ll probably level up to little rich girl.”
“Oppa, wishful thinking.”
Park Ji-yeon glanced at him, smiling sweetly and happily, “No dividends that fast. They said all first-half profits reinvest in expansion. Even second half, only 20-30% returns. Real big money takes at least a year.”
Hearing Park Ji-yeon’s explanation, Lin Xiuyuan nodded, “One year is already short. No worries, this won’t lose money.”
“Never worried.”
With that, Park Ji-yeon smiled more mysteriously, “And our company isn’t just this project. A second investment has surfaced.”
“Ah?” Lin Xiuyuan perked up instantly, “So fast? Tell me.”
“Guess first~” Park Ji-yeon gazed at him smilingly.
“Make me guess.”
Lin Xiuyuan looked at her, then at the silent Ham Eun-jung and Park Hyomin nearby.
These two had been staring since he and Park Ji-yeon started on “company,” like trying to see through him what skill deceived their little dragon cub into investing all her savings and emotions.
Actually, Ham Eun-jung and Park Hyomin had privately advised Park Ji-yeon many times.
Even after last time, when Ham Eun-jung got along well with Lin Xiuyuan, she stayed vigilant on this.
Park Hyomin was even more so; without seeing detailed plans, funding channels, and store landings, she’d almost called the cops on Lin Xiuyuan for scam.
At this moment, Lin Xiuyuan pondered low.
Since Park Ji-yeon had him guess, the investment must relate to him or his circle; otherwise, how could he?
He had no investment ideas, so rule out himself first.
Then to people and matters around…
Moments later, he spoke, “Not Sulli’s script, is it?”
“Wow!!” Park Ji-yeon’s eyes widened, nearly jumping from her chair, “Oppa, how’d you guess?”
Equally surprised was the correct Lin Xiuyuan, who looked at the little dragon cub exasperatedly, “Don’t worry how. Ji-yeon, question is, do you still have money?”
Though T-ara boomed past two years with good shares, Park Ji-yeon did earn a sum.
But with successive investments, per Sulli, Park Ji-yeon was “drained dry.”
For pocket change now, it’d be waiting for company settlements or selling property.
“I don’t, but the company does.” Park Ji-yeon said breezily.
“Company?” Lin Xiuyuan raised a brow, “Meaning?”
“Sulli unnie, Yoona unnie, and Jinjin all invested. Total 4 billion Korean won—perfect for one TV series.”
At this, before Lin Xiuyuan spoke, nearby Ham Eun-jung and Park Hyomin were shocked.
“Ji-yeon, why didn’t you tell us?”
“Wait, Yoona and Sulli went crazy with you too?”
Facing the two unnies’ questions and shock, Park Ji-yeon couldn’t reveal truth, just made an excuse.
“Unnies, you didn’t see Jinjin’s TV script. Super good. We’ve talked to the TV station; they love it. Just need an investor.”
“Which station?” Lin Xiuyuan was curious too.
“tvN.”
Park Ji-yeon said confidently, “Their ethos respects creative autonomy, avoids politics, focuses universal values. Not into traditional romance routines, prefers workplace, growth themes. Jinjin’s youth drama on weightlifting and swimming fits perfectly.”
Hearing tvN, Lin Xiuyuan got it.
2013 was a turning point for Korean entertainment TV. Traditional big three networks KBS, MBC, SBS had homogenized content, talent drain, OTT impact, struggling.
Thus, cable’s tvN and JTBC rose.
Especially tvN, via long-term Netflix ties, hopped on globalization, becoming top for young viewers.
Understanding, Lin Xiuyuan didn’t say much, just frowned, “Forty billion… really enough?”
Forty billion Korean won was about 17 million RMB—tight for a full TV series.
Park Ji-yeon explained confidently, “Enough, oppa. Mini-series, 16 eps. 2009 pay cap limits lead per-episode to 15 million Korean won max. Unless overseas A-list, follow rules.”
“This pay cap… effective?”
Lin Xiuyuan remained skeptical post-explanation, knowing policies often had workarounds.
“Some wiggle room, sure, but no big stars here.”
To ease Lin Xiuyuan’s worry, Park Ji-yeon smiled, “Female lead Soo Jung holds it. Still scouting male lead. Station said if we fund, they cover promo; our part’s light.”
Watching the eloquent Park Ji-yeon, Lin Xiuyuan inexplicably thought of 2025’s Big Dragon Cub.
One busting to earn, silently plotting, sprinting to be female CEO.
One busting as juicer, silently digging pits, desperately intimate, wanting to be little woman.
Somehow, he suddenly laughed.
Park Ji-yeon looked baffled, “Oppa, why laugh? Think it’s bad?”
“No.”
Lin Xiuyuan shook his head smiling, “Just think you and Sulli are too capable, quietly getting this far. Invest then. Food side waits half-year; this broadcasts quick returns. Good script, low risk.”
Fact was, this drama’s topic and script were picked by Lin Xiuyuan and Krystal together.
After watching full, they had ChatGPT compare 2013 trends, choosing mid-tier starter Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo.
So when Park Ji-yeon said investing in Sulli’s script earlier, Lin Xiuyuan had no issue—or rather, none throughout.
These funds weren’t his; he got dividends sitting—fussy would seem petty.
“But…” Park Ji-yeon leaned close, whispering, “Need your signature.”
“Sign what?” Lin Xiuyuan frowned instinctively.
“Set risk control: big company fund moves need chairman you to sign. Inflows don’t.”
At Park Ji-yeon’s rationale, Lin Xiuyuan tsked, “You…”
“Oppa, don’t overthink.” Park Ji-yeon blinked closer, “You helped so much; company is nothing, and…”
She paused, voice low and playful, “Still owe you church fees. Let that old woman slide; this investment company is my fee. I be president, you chairman, Yoona unnie, Sulli unnie, Jinjin shareholders—perfect fit?”
But after hearing, Lin Xiuyuan’s expression oddly shifted.
He truly dared not tell her he’d devoured Big Dragon Cub clean—or rather, been devoured… anyway, close enough.
Finally, he just nodded lightly: “Mm, got it.”
With topic wrapped, the four focused on lunch.
Table filled with dishes, exquisite fare wafting tempting aromas.
Lin Xiuyuan ate steak, picked side dishes, smiled at Ji-yeon beside, “This restaurant’s flavors are great. Where’d you find it, Ji-yeon?”
“Not me, Hyo Min unnie recommended.” Park Ji-yeon grinned, pointing at Park Hyomin.
Quiet most meal, Park Hyomin spoke, “How is it, Boss Lin? Suits your taste?”
“Good~” Lin Xiuyuan thumbs-up smiling, “But don’t call me boss. Xiuyuan’s fine.”
Park Hyomin smiled ambiguously, said no more, just ate.
After, they ate and chatted, relaxed and cheerful, laughter spilling.
Post-meal, all agreed to nearby KTV for fun.
In car, Lin Xiuyuan leaned by car window, gazing passing streets, mind echoing table news. Car stopped at KTV; he snapped back.
KTV private room had soft lighting, cozy vibe.
Park Ji-yeon picked song first, belted one; Lin Xiuyuan followed with Cantonese tune, drawing cheers.
Gradually, mood livened more.
Then Park Hyomin took a call outside, returned saying, “Sunny’s off afternoon, wants join?”
Ham Eun-jung nodded first, “Sure, more people merrier.”
Park Ji-yeon and Lin Xiuyuan had no issue.
Park Hyomin called Sunny back; on re-entry, “Taeyeon coming too.”
“Then come together.”
“Mm.”*2
About twenty minutes later, door opened gently; Sunny and Kim Tae Yeon entered.
Their outfits interesting: one white sleeveless knitwear with high-waist light blue jeans, cuffs rolled showing long calves—cool yet playful.
One simple black sleeveless dress, clean design, hem swaying lightly.
Just entering, Sunny teased by Park Hyomin, “Ah, Sunny, told you no skirts. Your height makes skirts weird.”
“Hey! Park Hyomin, picking on me? Cannon fire right at door?” Sunny fired back.
“Hahaha, hi, Xiuyuan, long time no see.”
Watching Sunny and Park Hyomin switch to “bickering mode,” Kim Tae Yeon just smiled, gaze steadily on Lin Xiuyuan, brows eyes hiding joy.
She’d planned dorm rest; even Sunny asking to join Hyomin, she casually declined.
But “Lin Xiuyuan’s there” flipped her instantly.
That tavern chat still vivid.
Resonances on music, life, creation meant more than KTV fun.
“Hi, Taeyeon, long time no see.”
Seeing Kim Tae Yeon approach, Lin Xiuyuan quickly freed seat for her with Park Ji-yeon, himself to side stool.
Park Ji-yeon, seeing this, surprised-glanced her oppa: how’d he get so familiar with Taeyeon unnie quietly?
At thought, she recalled 2025 that old woman calling, her over-natural tone with Lin Xiuyuan—heart tightened, brows furrowed.
She felt… something off.
With Kim Tae Yeon and Sunny, already lively room got noisier.
Mood rose; little dragon cub Park Ji-yeon couldn’t hold back, jumped to Sunny and Park Hyomin, bouncing wildly.
Ham Eun-jung smiled back to Lin Xiuyuan and Kim Tae Yeon side; trio snacked, chatted casually.
Thus, six naturally split two groups, hot yet harmonious.
Sofa Kim Tae Yeon amusedly eyed Lin Xiuyuan, “Xiuyuan, when’s your tavern reopening? First time seeing someone renovate right after opening.”
“No choice, initial design unreasonable. Better redo quick, lest more stuff later makes it worse.”
Lin Xiuyuan smiled, forking apple to mouth.
“Your tavern’s got me more curious.”
Ham Eun-jung joined, “Starting company, investing projects, networking… how’d you gather Sulli, Ji-yeon? Wasn’t this close before.”
Nearby Kim Tae Yeon nodded smiling, equally curious why Jung Soo Yeon so close to Lin Xiuyuan—even more than her longtime friend/teammate/captain—slightly jealous.
Stared by two captains, Lin Xiuyuan felt pressure, cautiously offered, “Personal charm?”
At words, Kim Tae Yeon laughed first, “Don’t wanna admit, but seems legit.”
After all, that late tavern talk surprisingly gave rare rapport and security from him.
Unlike stage male idols with social masks, more like steady quiet ordinary guy with ideas.
Never dreaming Lin Xiuyuan just recited right answers, chatting accordingly.
Ham Eun-jung agreed, “Indeed.”
Recalling drunk night; though she borrowed Park Hyomin’s persona chatting Lin Xiuyuan, feelings were hers.
Facing eloquent free-and-easy young guy, few girls negative; mostly positive, plus good looks, friend-of-friend, bartender/tavern boss factors.
As trio chatted happily, screen showed song.
Peninsula music classic father-love oldie, Kim Kwang-seok’s Father.
Since 1994 release, national rep for “father theme” for Korean people; screen up, Kim Tae Yeon stood yelling, “Sunny, mic me. This one’s mine.”
“I wanna sing too, I picked it.”
But Girls’ Generation Trot queen Sunny wouldn’t yield.
Kim Tae Yeon ran over, they bickered then dueted the oldie.
Lin Xiuyuan gazed lyrics lost, felt shoulder sink lightly.
Turning, Park Ji-yeon behind, hand lightly on his shoulder, very close.
No direct contact, but distance drew surrounding gazes.
Park Ji-yeon ignored, using song mood, whispered to Lin Xiuyuan about Kim Tae Yeon.
“Oppa, I remember 25’s Taeyeon unnie…”
“Mm, know what you mean. Table that. Your dad’s situation most important, right? You said checkup; results?”
Hearing Park Ji-yeon mention Kim Tae Yeon’s father, Lin Xiuyuan recalled her family, asked caringly.
2015, Park Ji-yeon’s father critical from severe cirrhosis complications; brother Park Hyo-jun anonymously donated 70% liver secretly—shocking.
At Lin Xiuyuan’s care, Park Ji-yeon’s light hand grip turned to draping his back, pressing close, shocking behind Ham Eun-jung etc. gazes again.
She soft-laughed, “Oppa, know what? Learning this, I nearly cried to death in dorm. Timely hospital check caught early; doc said conservative treatment, diet watch, lifestyle adjust, regular checkups fine.”
Here, Park Ji-yeon’s voice husky, “So really happy, lucky meeting you, oppa.”
Then pivot, “But my case this painful thinking; 25’s Taeyeon unnie must hurt more.”
Hearing, Lin Xiuyuan sighed softly, side-eyed Kim Tae Yeon with Park Ji-yeon.
March 9, 2020, her father died sudden acute myocardial infarction—her 31st birthday.
Birthday to death day, lifelong pain.
Singing Kim Tae Yeon puzzled back-glanced them.
Thought: You two be ambiguous; why look at me?
……
……
Meanwhile.
2025.
Tour mostly done, back daily life, Kim Tae Yeon home-nested two days, finally bored.
Back Seoul, first called Yoona.
“Yoona, come out.”
Day ten thousand done, thanks godfathers’ support and votes.
Day ten thousand progress bar: 36/41.
Monthly tickets, subscriptions, subscriptions, rewards, everything!!!
