Chapter 122: Park Ji-yeon’s Upcoming Party And Gift
What was Kim Tae Yeon like in 2013?
Although Lin Xiuyuan hadn’t met her offline there many times, just from the videos, he could tell that her features weren’t sharp or glamorous, but rather soft in lines and well-proportioned, giving a very enduring beauty, a look that combined purity and delicacy.
Petite figure, the real deal “Little Kim.”
But her proportions were excellent, with straight shoulders and back, slender limbs, perfectly suited to be described as “delicate.”
Small and exquisite, with tight contours, a clean and neat beauty shining through the softness.
As for her temperament~
Hard to evaluate, since Lin Xiuyuan had only glimpsed her offline in passing.
But she felt like the type you “like more the more you look,” not exaggerated, not contrived, with a natural healing vibe.
Back to the present, facing the question from Kim Tae Yeon in 2025, “So what do you think of me?”
This left Lin Xiuyuan thinking for a long while before he finally blurted out one word, “Fair.”
But Kim Tae Yeon’s face turned dark.
Meanwhile, Sunny next to them burst out laughing, “You’re done for, Taeyeon, you’re fair and that’s it, haha, hahaha~”
“Shut up, Lee Sunny!”
Already annoyed, Kim Tae Yeon whipped her head around and glared fiercely at Sunny.
But no, she laughed even harder.
So Kim Tae Yeon’s gaze shifted to Lin Xiuyuan, startling him into quickly adding, “No, I just meant your skin is the biggest highlight, you’re beautiful in other ways too, but everyone knows that, so I didn’t think it needed saying.”
That last sentence made Sunny sneak a glance at him, while Kim Tae Yeon said, half-angry and half-amused, “Wow, Xiuyuan, your mouth’s gotten really slick lately.”
“Watched too many videos, learned from them.” Lin Xiuyuan replied.
Kim Tae Yeon said discontentedly, “Stop watching those videos, the stuff in them can easily lead people astray.”
Sunny laughed again, “What, Taeyeon, you’re talking like you’re teaching a kid, he’s an adult.”
“Shut up.”
It was that line again.
Though Sunny obediently quieted down each time, it never lasted long.
As the restaurant dishes arrived, they started eating and chatting, and with Kim Tae Yeon bridging, Lin Xiuyuan and Sunny gradually found topics to talk about.
Among them, alcoholic beverages were the most discussed—one who loves drinking, one a tavern boss and bartender; they were clearly getting along great.
As they chatted more excitedly, Kim Tae Yeon, who had been quietly eating, suddenly said, “By the way, Sunny, why’d you suddenly come back to Seoul this time.”
Previously due to the company split, Sunny had left SM Entertainment with Lee Soo-man, then joined the new company in Singapore that side, and lately had been busy with the new girl group, so Kim Tae Yeon hadn’t expected her sudden return.
After twirling her spaghetti a few times, Sunny explained the reason for this visit.
“Ji-yeon’s birthday is in a couple days, she mentioned it to me; I originally had no time. But those little ones went to LA for filming recently, so I had time to come out.”
Hearing this, Kim Tae Yeon said, “Fine, I thought you came back to see me.”
“Taeyeon, you must be dreaming; let me tell you, Ji-yeon’s birthday party this time is a swimsuit party, tsk tsk tsk, gonna be fun, wanna come join the excitement, hee hee hee~”
After saying that, Sunny completely missed Lin Xiuyuan’s shocked head-raise across from her; he forgot to chew the beef in his mouth.
Noticing this, Kim Tae Yeon recalled the recent invitation and looked at Sunny with equal astonishment, “Really? Swimsuit party?”
“Yeah, we were chatting about it last night; Ji-yeon originally wanted to change it, but Goo Ri and Hyo Min shot it down, insisting on swimsuit party.”
Probably because they were eating, Sunny hadn’t noticed anything off yet and kept talking to herself.
Only after finishing her spaghetti and looking up at their expressions did she spot something wrong, “What’s up with those faces, did something happen?”
“I’m fine, but Xiuyuan’s in trouble.” Kim Tae Yeon laughed.
“How’s Xiuyuan in trouble?” Sunny was puzzled.
Then she heard Lin Xiuyuan say, “It’s nothing; if that’s the case, I just won’t go, drop off a gift and leave.”
He wished he didn’t have to go; though he’d used a clever little trick to temporarily handle Little Ji-yeon on the other side.
But who knows if there’d be issues the next day.
“Huh?”
Now Sunny caught the problem, “Xiuyuan, you’re going too?”
“Yeah, Ji-yeon invited me before. But if it’s a swimsuit party, I won’t go, so you all can have fun without holding back.” Lin Xiuyuan answered while sharing his thoughts.
But Kim Tae Yeon chuckled a bit, “Xiuyuan, I don’t think it’s up to you; Ji-yeon’s always been one to stick to her word.”
Otherwise she wouldn’t have gotten married and then divorced just like that.
She naturally didn’t voice those last two points, but she did admire Park Ji-yeon’s courage; she couldn’t do that herself.
Facing Kim Tae Yeon’s teasing, Lin Xiuyuan gave a wry smile, “If that’s the case, then I’m gaining big time either way, no loss.”
After all, Sunny right there, Hyo Min, Lee Ji-eun, Big Dragon Cub—their figures were all top-notch, and probably Ham Eun-jung too.
From last night’s observation at the 2013 tavern, Ham Eun-jung’s figure was spot on.
If he really couldn’t escape this swimsuit party, it’d absolutely be a huge win.
“Then I’ll have to think about it.”
Learning the situation, Sunny immediately said this with a smile, seemingly joking but actually sincere.
This young guy was fun, but she couldn’t bring herself to show off her bikini figure in front of a guy she’d just met.
Lin Xiuyuan quickly waved it off, “No worries, you all have fun; I’ll tell Ji-yeon later I’m not going, drop off a gift the day after and that’s it.”
Speaking of gifts, Kim Tae Yeon asked, “Right, Xiuyuan, what gift did you prepare?”
In her view, it should be bracelets or necklaces or such accessories, at worst bags or perfume.
But Lin Xiuyuan’s answer was, “Haven’t picked yet; Taeyeon, any recommendations?”
“Ah?”*2
“Birthday’s the day after, and you haven’t bought a gift yet.”
Hearing Kim Tae Yeon’s slightly explosive shout, Lin Xiuyuan felt a bit awkward, “I’ve never given gifts to others before; first time, kinda don’t know how to choose.”
Lately he’d received plenty, but giving? Never.
He’d promised Kaka Bae a gift but hadn’t decided yet, so technically, picking for big and little Park Ji-yeon counted as his first time gifting someone, and a girl at that.
Caught off guard by this, Kim Tae Yeon and Sunny were stunned, staring straight at the good-looking, charismatic guy across from them.
What century is this, and there’s still someone who’s never given a gift?
“That surprising?”
Seeing their reactions, Lin Xiuyuan laughed again, “I don’t socialize much, so I avoid the gift-giving stuff; either just give a red envelope, easy and effortless.”
“It’s the style where you’re from; seems like Singapore too.”
As Sunny spoke, Lin Xiuyuan asked again, “Any suggestions then?”
After Lin Xiuyuan asked her, Sunny countered, “Xiuyuan, tell me your ideas first; you must have some.”
Then Kim Tae Yeon witnessed a scene she considered one of the most entertaining lately, even better than Lin Xiuyuan’s body showcase last time.
Lin Xiuyuan and Sunny launched into rapid-fire Q&A, discussing gifts.
“Flowers?”
“No, too tacky; plus, flower-givers either have status or special intent, pass.”
“Lipstick?”
“Same reason as above, pass, next.”
“Perfume?”
“Do you know Ji-yeon’s preferences? No? Then what are you sending; barely passable, tentative, next.”
“Necklace.”
“Too cheap and it’s embarrassing, too expensive and she’ll feel burdened, no good, pass, next.”
Watching Sunny eat while passing his ideas, Lin Xiuyuan sighed, “Sunny, you’re making me lose confidence; can’t think of anything else, might as well grab some stickers from an accessories shop.”
Who knew this offhand remark would make Sunny’s eyes light up, “That’s good.”
“Ji-yeon doesn’t lack those other gifts from you; something fun and quirky like this is way better, just go with that.”
Getting more excited, Sunny snapped her fingers, settling the gift for Lin Xiuyuan.
But Lin Xiuyuan was still asking, “Then, Teacher Sunny, if it were for Ji-yeon from over a decade ago, what to gift 2013 her?”
With a big teacher here for reference, Lin Xiuyuan naturally wouldn’t miss out and quickly asked.
“2013 Ji-yeon?”
Caught off guard by the question, Sunny paused, then thought seriously, “Current Ji-yeon lacks nothing; past Ji-yeon lacked everything. And 2013 was right when…”
“Right in that ‘anti’ period.” Kim Tae Yeon said from the side.
“So for that era’s Ji-yeon, no gift works well; better to give heartfelt intent.”
No longer interested in eating, Sunny answered seriously.
But she didn’t specify a gift, leaving Lin Xiuyuan anxious, “Teacher, could you be more direct?”
“Taeyeon, look, a guy who skips honorifics in chat is using them now.”
Kim Tae Yeon smiled and helped Lin Xiuyuan, “Stop teasing; spill it, I’m curious too.”
“Simple: give that era’s Ji-yeon a future. Her future back then was pitch black; giving her one would beat anything.”
At Sunny’s answer, before Lin Xiuyuan could speak, Kim Tae Yeon rolled her eyes hard, “Can you say something practical?”
“Homemade cake, handmade gift or whatever; as long as it’s heartfelt.”
This time Sunny didn’t ramble and gave her suggestion.
Lin Xiuyuan took it in, then went silent for a bit.
In his mind, recapping Sunny’s summary: for the future, fun and playful stuff since she has the rest; for the past, heartfelt intent since that’s what she lacked.
Thinking this, Lin Xiuyuan grabbed the untouched water glass nearby and handed it over, “Teacher Sunny, thanks for guiding this lost soul; have some water.”
“Ah, I didn’t take you as a student.” Sunny laughed, but took the glass.
Then she pulled out her mobile phone, “But we can add contacts first, discuss more.”
“Sure, I’ll add you.”
Lin Xiuyuan smiled back.
Kim Tae Yeon beside them, “Xiuyuan, you can’t do that.”
“Hahaha~”
Sunny laughed even happier.
Suddenly felt coming back to Seoul was right—not just meeting a fun little guy, but seeing the sisters too; everyone seemed more youthful and vibrant.
With the little interlude over, their lunch continued.
During it, Kim Tae Yeon and Sunny’s talk shifted to past memories.
Lin Xiuyuan listened quietly, feeling a bit at a loss inside, as he saw Kim Tae Yeon’s expression growing gloomier, like touching on painful past events.
Finally, Kim Tae Yeon made an excuse to use the restroom and hurried out of the private room, completely ignoring the private room’s own bathroom.
Seeing this, Lin Xiuyuan cautiously glanced at Sunny; though silent, his curious look really surprised her.
“You don’t know Taeyeon’s situation?”
“Know a little, not much.”
Lin Xiuyuan thought: that Kim Jonghyun, her father, and what else?
His info sources were online; he hadn’t privately asked Krystal or Yoona, so many insider details escaped him.
“It’s fine; just pretend you don’t know.”
Sunny smiled faintly, saying no more; Lin Xiuyuan didn’t press.
He understood the tacit understanding between adults.
As Kim Tae Yeon returned to the private room, the mood lightened; talk went back to Big Dragon Cub’s birthday party.
Lin Xiuyuan meanwhile pondered how to tell Big Dragon Cub after lunch that he’d decided not to go to the swimsuit party.
Swimsuit party, tsk tsk, tempting, but add a Little Ji-yeon and forget it.
In this mood, lunch soon ended; Sunny footed the bill, another free meal for Lin Xiuyuan.
And after, Sunny politely asked what Lin Xiuyuan planned for the afternoon.
Lin Xiuyuan answered honestly, “Find an accessories shop for some stickers or tattoo stickers; Ji-yeon should like them.”
After that, find a private customization spot for a little gift for Little Ji-yeon too, though he didn’t mention it.
“Good student; tattoo stickers work.” Sunny gave a big thumbs up, then said, “Want us to drop you off?”
“No need, I drove myself.”
With that, under Sunny’s gaze, Lin Xiuyuan lit up the Mercedes-Benz.
Watching him leave, Sunny turned to Kim Tae Yeon, “Taeyeon, is Xiuyuan from some conglomerate family? He seems worldly-naive yet polite.”
Kim Tae Yeon shook her head, answering calmly, “Don’t know; I’m not clear on his identity either, just that Yoona and Soo Jung are close to him, and Ji-yeon them too.”
“Guess I’ll have to scout on the day after.”
Sunny smiled, eyes glinting slyly.
To this, Kim Tae Yeon just said, “What if Ji-yeon drags Xiuyuan into the party then; you still going?”
“We’ll see; probably not.” Sunny shrugged it off.
“A woman who’s married and divorced has a uniquely complex mentality; watch out, Sunny.”
Hearing this, Sunny looked down at herself, “You make me sound super conservative; if so, just look, Xiuyuan’s fun anyway.”
One lunch had boosted Sunny’s first impression of Lin Xiuyuan nicely.
Especially that “teacher”—she liked it.
Meanwhile.
Driving off, Lin Xiuyuan soon reached Myeongdong; for tattoo stickers or custom little gifts, this place had the most.
So right after, he headed straight to a custom shop he’d found on short videos.
Handed over the photo for the boss to estimate: about 24 hours normally, but with extra pay, down to pickup at 8 PM.
Then Lin Xiuyuan paid the deposit, turned, and headed back downstairs to the street.
Found a decent-looking accessories shop and went in; lots of fun stuff inside, but he didn’t linger, straight to the stickers area.
Picked some after browsing, and as he turned to pay and go.
His peripheral vision caught a card; the character on it made him smile slightly.
So he grabbed it, paid together, and left.
……
……
Meanwhile.
In Big Dragon Cub’s apartment, Hyo Min finally learned their maknae had invited Lin Xiuyuan to the party and was floored.
“Hold on, Ji-yeon, this is a swimsuit party; you invited a guy?”
“I said change the theme—pajamas or role-play works; you and Goo Ri unnie wouldn’t budge.” Big Dragon Cub smiled helplessly too.
Then she looked at Lee Ji-eun quietly scrolling her phone nearby, “And unnie knew I invited Xiuyuan, yet you teamed up with Hyo Min unnie.”
“What’s the big deal; not full nude, right? Just swimsuits.”
Faced with stares from Hyo Min and Park Ji-yeon, Lee Ji-eun calmly flicked her finger, “Besides, Hyo Min, our old bikini signboard shoots were more revealing; you can wear something modest the day after, Xiuyuan should be well-behaved and not stare.”
“It’s not the same.” Hyo Min facepalmed directly.
Rather, Big Dragon Cub was calm, “I don’t care; if it’s swimsuit party, I’m doing bikini; not wasting time.”
At that, Hyo Min and Lee Ji-eun fell silent, glancing at her.
Beneath her calm gaze lurked a madness waiting to erupt.
Stayed up late and feeling off; afternoon hospital check, so mobile update late, sorry.
Later I’ll see if I can merge into 2 chapters of 5000 words, no split; what do you godfathers think??? Or split into two???
Finally, monthly tickets, monthly tickets; ranking dropped, godfathers!!!!!
