Chapter 131: Design?? “maybe I’m Willing!”
Inside the restaurant.
“This is called care.”
“Pah, care my ass.”
Jung Soo Yeon found Lin Xiuyuan’s words hilarious and spat lightly at him.
Then she rolled her eyes at him and pointed to another place. “By the way, Taeyeon just now didn’t dare ask you about this hair. What’s up with your hair? Why’d you dye it blond?”
“Doesn’t it look good?” Lin Xiuyuan touched his head and smiled back at her.
Jung Soo Yeon was about to roast him some more, but as her gaze followed that blond hair down to Lin Xiuyuan’s smiling face, she suddenly heard her own heartbeat.
How could it not look good?
But she was always stubborn with her words, so she turned her face away and huffed lightly. “I’m asking why you suddenly decided to dye your hair.”
“Ji-yeon dragged me to the beauty salon. I originally wanted a haircut, but I woke up from a nap as a little blond.”
“Little blond?” Jung Soo Yeon was stunned.
She, who was currently tutoring herself on China internet slang, immediately associated it with certain “special meanings” and instantly kicked him under the table. “Get lost, did you really bring your XP into life?”
Lin Xiuyuan looked innocent. “Huh? What did I say?”
When he noticed Jung Soo Yeon’s gaze fixed on the blond hair on his head, he realized and couldn’t help laughing. “Hey, hey, what are you thinking about? I didn’t think that way at all.”
Jung Soo Yeon wanted to retort some more, but Kim Tae Yeon came back just then. Seeing them staring at each other mysteriously, she couldn’t help laughing. “What are you two doing?”
“Nothing, let’s eat.” Though Jung Soo Yeon was annoyed, she still saved face for Lin Xiuyuan.
But Kim Tae Yeon didn’t ask more, just sat down and looked at Lin Xiuyuan. “By the way, Boss Lin, what do you think I should do about my situation?”
Lin Xiuyuan was eating with his head down, lifted his eyes, and smiled. “You’re asking me?”
“Yeah, aren’t you good at…”
“I’m just someone who’s been sick a lot and become my own doctor. I’ve had similar symptoms before, so I could tell.”
He smiled as he said it, then his tone got a bit more serious. “But I suggest you still go to the hospital for a proper checkup while the symptoms aren’t severe. You can suppress it with some medicine now. Don’t wait until acute gastroenteritis hits and you can’t even stand up straight—that’ll be trouble.”
Jung Soo Yeon next to him nodded too. “Yeah, Taeyeon, since there’s nothing to do this evening, I’ll take you for a checkup later.”
“Ah, no need. I’ll go in a few days.” Kim Tae Yeon, not expecting Jung Soo Yeon to say that, waved her hands repeatedly.
But in the end, she couldn’t outstubborn the other and had to compromise.
Then she looked up at Lin Xiuyuan with a bit of regret in her smile. “I was thinking of dropping by your tavern since I have time today, Boss Lin, to sit and have a little drink. Looks like no chance now.”
Lin Xiuyuan couldn’t refuse and immediately smiled. “No problem. You can still come after the checkup. Though no alcohol, I have plenty of beverages.”
Jung Soo Yeon sealed it with one hammer. “Then you’ll come to the hospital with us too, and help run some errands.”
“Wait, aren’t you going to a private hospital? Places like that don’t need company, running errands? Who you fooling.”
Lin Xiuyuan, who was eating, replied.
But in the end, he was dragged along by Jung Soo Yeon.
When he saw the doctor arrange a series of checks for Kim Tae Yeon, and the final conclusion matched his earlier judgment, Kim Tae Yeon couldn’t help looking back at him.
Her eyes held some surprise and approval, bright and sparkling.
Later, when Lin Xiuyuan saw the few packs of “medicine juice” the doctor prescribed for Kim Tae Yeon, though he didn’t say anything, he had already sentenced those things to “death” in his mind.
In his view, this so-called “Korean medicine yam juice” wasn’t as good as the herbal tea simmered back home.
For minor issues like weak spleen and stomach from cold or heavy dampness before they get serious, chugging a few bottles of special herbal tea works fast.
Or simply eat lamb and beef for a week, and the body gets robust right away.
But he didn’t tell Kim Tae Yeon, only mentioned it to Jung Soo Yeon while she was getting checked.
After all, they had just met, so his words didn’t carry much weight. Better to let Jung Soo Yeon remind her; whether she listens is up to her.
After the checkup, the three walked out of the hospital. It was already eight in the evening.
Street neon lights came on, colorful and varied.
Lin Xiuyuan glanced at the two behind him and casually asked, “It’s getting late. Still want to come to my place to sit?”
“Sure, sit a bit before leaving.” Jung Soo Yeon nodded.
“No problem, I want to check it out anyway.” Kim Tae Yeon smiled in agreement.
With both saying so, Lin Xiuyuan stopped declining, got in the car, and led the way to his small tavern.
Soon, Kim Tae Yeon followed them and stepped into this 【Solve Worries】 small tavern for the first time, which she’d only heard about from a few members.
But she didn’t stand at the doorway muttering about Solve Worries like her 25-year-old self would.
After all, she was at the peak of her career now—popularity, looks, and physical state all at their best.
Her only worry was probably not having enough time.
When busy, she really wished she could split one day into four parts.
As Kim Tae Yeon walked in, the first thing she saw wasn’t the cozy decor or the bar counter lighting, but the small stage right at the doorway.
The stage had several musical instruments: drums, keyboard, microphone—all complete, quiet yet full of story.
“Wow, jackpot…” She exclaimed softly, eyes lighting up. “There’s even a stage?”
As her remark fell, Lin Xiuyuan’s laughter followed. “A small tavern without a stage? How else to add some music atmosphere?”
This directly made Kim Tae Yeon break into her signature “auntie laugh,” laughing so hard Lin Xiuyuan was a bit dazed.
After all, in 2025, he hardly ever heard that side’s Kim Tae Yeon laugh so freely—like with fewer defenses and fewer worries.
Meanwhile, Jung Soo Yeon had plopped onto a high stool at the bar counter, glanced at Lin Xiuyuan, then said to Kim Tae Yeon, “Come on, mix me a drink. Taeyeon can’t drink anyway, so you drive later, Taeyeon.”
“Sure, I actually want to drink too. What a shame.”
Kim Tae Yeon, walking to the stage edge and casually fiddling with instruments, ran her fingers over guitar strings and keyboard, then eyed the microphone, like touching a familiar sense of belonging.
After circling, she returned to the bar counter, sat down, answered Jung Soo Yeon while carefully sizing up the space.
She had to admit, whether area, lighting, overall atmosphere or sense of privacy, this 【Solve Worries】 tavern satisfied her greatly—perfect for gatherings of friends like them who couldn’t be seen in public.
Lin Xiuyuan stood behind the bar, mixing drinks with a smile, and spoke up. “Next time.”
Hearing this, Kim Tae Yeon blinked and teased, “Isn’t this a membership system? Next time without Soo Yeon, I probably can’t even get in the door.”
Lin Xiuyuan wanted to pretend he didn’t hear, but couldn’t play it that thick-skinned, so he looked up to reply.
But Jung Soo Yeon beat him to it. “Taeyeon, if you want to become a member here, there’s actually a way.”
“Oh?” Kim Tae Yeon was interested. “What way?”
“Go back and beat the hell out of Kim Hyo Yeon, then I’ll recommend you for membership.”
Her tone was casual, yet carried a vengeful joke.
And she was only responsible for recommending; whether goalkeeper Lin Xiuyuan nodded wasn’t her concern.
Luckily Kim Tae Yeon wasn’t dumb. Hearing this, she gave a wry smile. “You two really need to talk it out. Hyo Yeon realized her mistake later; no need to make the relationship so stiff.”
Jung Soo Yeon shook her head directly, even lightly roasting Kim Tae Yeon. “Like you, curse them out to vent first then reason to smooth things over?? I can’t do that. I’m not the captain.”
“You can, but I can’t.”
Kim Tae Yeon looked deeply at Jung Soo Yeon, then at Lin Xiuyuan, and finally sighed lightly.
Jung Soo Yeon chimed in, “So when Teacher Lee Soo-man asked if I wanted to be captain back then, I refused outright. That scapegoat position, whoever loves it can have it.”
Actually, before debut, the company initially picked Jung Soo Yeon as captain.
After all, from her age—only a month older than Kim Tae Yeon then—to her aura commanding the entire company’s trainees, she fit the role better.
Kim Tae Yeon had debuted as a solo singer then and hadn’t considered captaincy at all.
Only after Jung Soo Yeon politely declined did the company go by age and put the burden on her shoulders.
As they talked about the past, Lin Xiuyuan pushed a cocktail to Jung Soo Yeon and mixed a fresh-squeezed juice with ice and honey for Kim Tae Yeon.
After finishing, he looked at them and softly asked, “Want some music?”
“Can we?” Kim Tae Yeon looked up in surprise.
“Of course.”
Lin Xiuyuan nodded, walked out from behind the bar to the wall covered in old records.
His gaze flowed over record after record, finally taking down a Leslie Cheung vinyl and carefully placing it in the record player.
As the needle dropped, low and melodious notes slowly flowed out. The magnetic voice wrapped around like night wind, spreading the breath of old times throughout the tavern.
Kim Tae Yeon and Jung Soo Yeon’s eyes lit up almost simultaneously. As legends who swept the Peninsula music industry, Leslie Cheung was an inescapable name from their growing years, naturally their shared idol.
The melody rose and fell gently—it was 《When the Wind Rises Again》.
Though they didn’t understand the Cantonese lyrics, they could hum the melody perfectly, as if these musical notes were deeply embedded in memory.
Kim Tae Yeon listened especially intently, as if pulled into a quiet, warm time capsule. She tilted her head slightly and hummed softly along.
That line “In the silent deep night, thinking of your support for me”—though she didn’t know Cantonese, the melody was memorized, and humming it carried a strange emotion.
“Haven’t heard this in a long time…”
She turned to Jung Soo Yeon, voice with nostalgic surprise. “My dad played this cassette version in the car when I was little. I listened to it almost every day for a while.”
“I’ve heard it tons too,” Jung Soo Yeon sipped her drink, tone softening. “Actually, as a kid I dreamed of becoming a true superstar king like brother.”
“Your popularity now is about the same.”
Lin Xiuyuan had just returned from the record player and chimed in with a smile.
Then he leaned on the bar edge, quietly watching them. As the chorus built, he looked at Kim Tae Yeon and said slowly, “This song is actually quite difficult, especially on high notes and emotional control. Many sing in tune, but can’t capture the emotion.”
Kim Tae Yeon next to him seemed to find a kindred spirit and nodded eagerly. “Right! You nailed it. Emotion is key, but not too overt—restrained, like brother, seeming effortless yet hitting the heart.”
“And the turns—his breath control is unique.”
Lin Xiuyuan followed her train of thought. “Especially those chorus lines, using diaphragm push, not throat force, so it sounds so light and steady.”
Kim Tae Yeon was stunned, eyes flashing surprise. “How do you know? You studied vocals?”
Unwittingly, she’d dropped polite speech with Lin Xiuyuan.
Lin Xiuyuan smiled without answering, leisurely added a lemon garnish to the juice glass, then casually said, “Nah, just talking off the cuff. I was afraid you’d call me out for bullshitting just now.”
“No way, your analysis was super professional—exactly what I thought. Felt like you were speaking for me.”
Kim Tae Yeon shook her head lightly, shock lingering on her face, but her eyes held more approval and surprise.
Jung Soo Yeon beside her quieted for a moment, sipped her drink with head down, but gave Lin Xiuyuan a subtle look.
Until Kim Tae Yeon excitedly ran to the record wall to see what else was there, then she looked at Lin Xiuyuan. “Where’d you learn all that?”
Lin Xiuyuan looked at her, smiled, tone calm yet meaningful. “Her 25-year-old self told me. We met up once and happened to talk about this song.”
Actually, those two golf practice area meetings, as idols, they occasionally chatted music.
Kim Tae Yeon especially loved analyzing singing techniques and stage styles, sharing many such tips.
Lin Xiuyuan back then just listened as observer, memorized the words, and now parroted them here to thoroughly shock her 2013 younger self.
After explaining, Lin Xiuyuan added lightly with a smile, “See, I even know she likes juice with ice cubes and two spoons of honey.”
Jung Soo Yeon turned unconsciously to see Kim Tae Yeon happily holding her juice and eyeing records, heart suddenly trembling.
She looked back at Lin Xiuyuan, eyes complex. “You’re using a book of answers to conquer her? A few more meetings, and you might really win her over.”
Lin Xiuyuan shook his head, tone flat but certain.
“Not that far. Favor might fill up fast, but past a tipping point, it’s no longer controllable by foresight. Feelings and emotions are still so mysterious, no matter the world. At best, it’s just a head start.”
Hearing this, Jung Soo Yeon was silent a moment, seeming to chew on it, then nodded lightly.
Then, as if casually sighing yet with belated relief, “Good thing I’m the first to contact you, or I’d worry you’d design me too.”
……
……
Meanwhile,
In a certain apartment in 2025.
Big Dragon Cub, Lee Ji-eun, and Ham Eun-jung, who parted just last night, gathered again. Now they were nestled in Park Ji-yeon’s apartment, eating desserts, drinking little wines, chatting trifles.
As they chatted, the topic circled back to Lin Xiuyuan.
Looking at Big Dragon Cub nearby, Ham Eun-jung probed, “Ji-yeon, you really were with Xiuyuan last night?”
“Yeah, slept.”
Compared to Ham Eun-jung’s reserve, Big Dragon Cub was frank, nodding with a smile. “More precisely, I slept with him. In his words, Cao Fan—unprecedented comfort.”
At this, Ham Eun-jung was speechless, while Lee Ji-eun’s eyes lit up, excitedly leaning in.
“How was it? Taste? Xiuyuan’s build is great—stamina strong? Size also… impressive, right?”
“Ah, unnie!!”
Ham Eun-jung, who just rolled her eyes, couldn’t help pulling Lee Ji-eun.
Big Dragon Cub happily answered, “Didn’t I say? Unprecedented comfort. Now I feel I acted too late. Should’ve tricked him home to look at photos that first meeting—wasted these days.”
“That exaggerated?” Lee Ji-eun swallowed, eyes gleaming.
“Unnie, didn’t you give me a gift?”
Lee Ji-eun nodded, remembering.
Thinking of something, Big Dragon Cub used a metaphor. “That gift can’t compare at all. Stamina couldn’t keep up with our exercise time—a pity, or it’d be even better later.”
At this, Lee Ji-eun laughed with fists clenched, nearly collapsing onto the sofa.
Ham Eun-jung was utterly speechless, face buried in the cushion.
As a group member, Ham Eun-jung thought she could keep up with Ji-yeon in “dirty talk.”
But who knew Ji-yeon married then divorced this period, now fully unleashed, lapping her by streets.
Even Hyo Min was outdone; only Qiu Li could wrist-wrestle Ji-yeon here.
Though they rarely chatted it, once started, it soared high.
Seeing the mood drifting too far, Ham Eun-jung spoke to reel it back. “Ji-yeon, wanna ask—aren’t you worried his so-called fan identity is a scam? Feels fishy, too weird.”
Facing Ham Eun-jung’s concern, Big Dragon Cub smiled brightly. “Unnie, I know what you’re worried about—not wanting me scammed again.”
Ham Eun-jung nodded, expression serious.
“But no need to worry too much,” Big Dragon Cub raised her glass for a light clink. “Even if he tricked me at first, our time together later—I really enjoyed it.”
She paused, eyes clear as she looked at Ham Eun-jung.
“Xiuyuan has a saying: Judge a gentleman by actions, not intentions. Whatever he thought at first, or even now, I don’t care. If being with me makes me happy, coaxes me happy, then to me he’s a great friend, a close one.”
“As for later if I’m scammed or whatever, that’s later. Seize the now, blissfully muddle through life happily—I’m satisfied.”
“Beginning’s past, ending not here—why not grasp the present? I only care if he makes me happy in the process.”
After this, the room quieted for a bit.
Ham Eun-jung’s expression was indescribable—moved or shocked—voice slightly off. “What if you really get scammed?”
Big Dragon Cub tilted her head with a smile. “Then if nothing major, give him a little punishment—a happy one.”
“If one day we find out you were scammed, designed—should we tell you?” Ham Eun-jung pressed.
This time, Big Dragon Cub was silent seconds, then slowly said, “If I have to say… better not tell me.”
Ham Eun-jung was baffled. “Why?”
Big Dragon Cub turned her head with a faint smile. “Because that’s your ‘scammed’—maybe I’m willing.”
Ham Eun-jung wanted to say more, but Lee Ji-eun lightly pulled her.
She shook her head at her, signaling the topic ends here.
Some answers don’t need more words.
Ten Thousand Daily ends, thanks to godfathers for support and votes.
Ten Thousand Daily progress bar report: 22/37.
