Chapter 184: Waitress? No No No, Navy Sailor Uniform!!!
“Jung Soo Yeon… how much do you underestimate me?”
Lin Xiuyuan grumbled while adjusting his swimming trunks. Though the fabric was a bit tight, he was too lazy to change.
He then pushed open the floor-to-ceiling glass door leading to the yard and walked out of the bedroom facing the beach.
The sunlight was perfect, the blue swimming pool shimmering with ripples, coconut shadows slanting across the wooden floor, swaying with the unique leisure of summer.
Lin Xiuyuan, standing on the wooden floor, had just raised his arm and rolled his shoulders when a voice came from not far away before he could head to the pool.
“You’re way too slow, Lin Xiuyuan.”
The voice was lazy, yet couldn’t hide a hint of teasing and mischief, “Did you go solve some ‘problem’ and that’s why you’re coming out so slowly?”
Lin Xiuyuan looked toward the voice and saw Lee Ji-eun leaning against the edge of the infinity pool, her posture lazily alluring.
She wore a form-fitting white bikini, her wet long hair draped over her shoulders, sunlight spilling onto her defined collarbone and flat abdomen, a few water droplets slowly sliding across her skin, gleaming brightly.
This scene made Lin Xiuyuan’s throat bob slightly. He chuckled lightly, his gaze sharpening, “I’d love to solve something, but I’m afraid Ji-yeon would scold me for wasting resources.”
“Oh~ I see.”
Lee Ji-eun raised an eyebrow, her eyes flickering with expectation, her smile carrying a mischievous ambiguity.
She casually leaned back, sprawling on the pool edge, her long legs kicking slowly underwater, ripples spreading outward in circles.
“Come on down and soak, the sun’s about to set if you wait any longer.”
“Coming.”
Before Lin Xiuyuan finished speaking, he took a step and leaped straight into the water.
“Splash—”
Water splashed everywhere.
Lin Xiuyuan sank into the water and quickly resurfaced, water droplets sliding down his temple, wetting the fringe on his forehead.
He shook his head, then swam toward Lee Ji-eun, saying, “It feels like it’s missing some romance, like those movie scenes—there should be a few waiters on the shore holding wine, fruit, and bath towels waiting.”
“If you like that, I can play waitress for you later.”
Lee Ji-eun teased with a smile, gently brushing his forehead hair with one hand.
“If you agree to play, then don’t waste it on the waitress role—there are plenty of other roles.”
Lin Xiuyuan’s lips curved into a mischievous smile. He suddenly leaned in close, one hand quietly lifting, and before Lee Ji-eun could react, he scooped her up entirely.
“Ah…”
A sharp cry hadn’t even faded when she was thrown into the pool, sending up a huge splash.
“Ah, Xiuyuan, are you crazy?”
Lee Ji-eun, who had just thought Lin Xiuyuan finally got it, felt a spark of delight when he approached, but the next second she was pranked, leaving her both annoyed and amused.
She suddenly surfaced, turning back to glare at him fiercely, her gaze full of charm, then splashed a big handful of water at him.
The water surface rippled gently, sunlight spilling from the pool edge onto their half-wet skin, reflecting tiny sparkles.
Facing this provocation, Lin Xiuyuan naturally wouldn’t back down and immediately counterattacked.
A playful water fight ensued, laughter and splashes rising and falling. After several tussles, they finally leaned against the pool edge.
Their wet forehead hair stuck together, their breaths carrying lingering laughter.
In the distance was a magnificent sea-and-sky vista, seagulls skimming the horizon, the water beneath their feet rippling slowly.
“What a comfortable life—this is living?”
Feeling the impact of travel for the first time, Lin Xiuyuan, calming down, gazed at the distant sea and sighed.
In the past twenty years, besides studying, he was either in the countryside at his old home by bridges and streams or on the streets of towering city skyscrapers—he’d never really vacationed in a place of great nature like this.
Lin Xiuyuan’s voice wasn’t loud, but it clearly drifted into Lee Ji-eun’s ears.
She turned her head to look at him, her eyes holding complex emotions—not teasing or probing, but genuine resonance.
“I never imagined that one day I’d travel like this with a guy I’ve only known for a month… and alone in the Maldives.”
Lee Ji-eun’s voice was soft, as if afraid to break the rare quiet.
Lin Xiuyuan laughed upon hearing this, “Then it’s my honor. I didn’t expect my first trip to be somewhere this great. Back then… even going out to play, it was hard to find a place this good.”
Halfway through, he realized he almost slipped and quickly changed tack.
“Back then? Now smart technology is advancing faster and faster, and enjoyment is much better than in previous years.” Lee Ji-eun said with a light laugh.
“Yeah.”
Lin Xiuyuan nodded, his gaze falling on the water surface.
Sunlight filtered through the ripples, refracting into circles of fine golden light, crystal clear.
His gaze naturally fell on the graceful figure underwater, and he casually asked, “By the way, Ji-eun, I remember your skin was very fair before—why the sudden love for tanning?”
“I love travel, especially playing in water and swimming.”
Lee Ji-eun smiled faintly, “I get a lot of sun exposure, sunscreen doesn’t help—I’ll tan anyway. Might as well let it happen naturally; a bit tanned is healthy and sexy.”
At this, Lee Ji-eun shifted slightly to the side, gently leaning on Lin Xiuyuan’s shoulder, startling him so much his body stiffened, yet he didn’t dare move.
But Lee Ji-eun ignored it, continuing with a smile, “What, Xiuyuan, do you like pale and tender? If so…”
Suddenly, Lee Ji-eun straightened up, pressing her curvaceous figure against his arm as she leaned to his ear, her voice soft and seductive, “There’s one spot on me that’s still very pink and tender.”
“Cough cough!”
The soft breath by his ear gave Lin Xiuyuan goosebumps all over, and a certain part twitched lightly.
He coughed dryly several times, pretending nonchalance as he changed the subject, “I-I think I’ll swim a few more laps. I used to swim in mountain streams and creeks, never seriously in a pool.”
Before he finished, he dove into the water and swam away quickly with the current, as if fleeing a flood or beast behind him.
Lee Ji-eun didn’t chase, just watched his retreating back quietly, a gentle smile slowly rising in her eyes.
After watching Lin Xiuyuan swim back and forth twice, she suddenly giggled, her eyes crinkling, “Xiuyuan, did you buy those swimming trunks yourself? They’re a bit too bulging. Is it to show off or what?”
“Bought the wrong size.” Lin Xiuyuan smiled helplessly, not arguing.
“Next time I’ll buy you some.” Lee Ji-eun said, her tone casual yet earnest.
Afterward, they stopped talking—one watching, one swimming—the atmosphere very harmonious.
Only the salty sea breeze, warm light, and slowly dissipating water vapor filled the space between them.
The sun slowly slid toward the horizon, the pool surface glow softening.
“Alright, today’s exercise is over—I’m done swimming.”
As Lin Xiuyuan said this, Lee Ji-eun stood up too, shaking out her hair, “Then let’s go up, shower, change clothes and rest a bit, then head out for dinner.”
After speaking, she stepped out of the water, her slender back outlined in soft gold by the sunset, the white bikini clinging to her wet skin, as if the sunlight itself highlighted her brightness.
Lin Xiuyuan said no more, following her ashore, grabbing a bath towel to dry his hair before heading to the indoor rinse area.
The two didn’t bother hiding anything—abdominal muscles, figures, bulges, and breasts all boldly exposed under the summer sunlight, natural yet not deliberate.
By the time they finished washing and changed into clean clothes, night had fully fallen.
Nightfall arrived, the sea breeze turning gentle, distant waves dreamy.
Lin Xiuyuan had changed into a light short-sleeve shirt and loose cotton-linen casual pants, his hair still slightly damp.
He stepped out of the room first, heading to the thatched pavilion in the yard to get busy.
After a short wait, Lee Ji-eun emerged in a refreshing beach dress, her long hair tied into a loose low ponytail, looking just like the female lead in a vacation photo shoot.
As she stepped into the courtyard, she saw dim yellow lights glowing under the pavilion, several warm lanterns swaying. On the table were fruit platters, snacks, and a Bluetooth audio equipment already set up, with gentle jazz music flowing softly.
Lin Xiuyuan, who had come out early, held two glasses of casually mixed alcoholic beverages. Seeing Lee Ji-eun, he smiled and handed her one, “Try it.”
Lee Ji-eun took the wine glass with surprise, her eyes full of delight and satisfaction, smiling, “Wow, Xiuyuan, this is too romantic.”
“This is nothing—it’s all prepared in advance.”
Lin Xiuyuan replied with a smile, raising his glass to lightly clink hers, “Come, to my first vacation ever—cheers.”
“Cheers.”
Lee Ji-eun raised her glass with a light laugh and drank it down.
The night was gentle; they sat close on the sofa, shoulders touching.
They hadn’t drunk much, and with no noisy crowds, only each other’s breathing and accidental touches stood out sharply on this isolated island, carrying weight.
Moments later, as Lin Xiuyuan was about to stand to prepare for dinner, Lee Ji-eun suddenly reached out, gently grabbing his wrist.
Lin Xiuyuan paused for two seconds, looking down at her—his eyes held no laughter, only serious gaze.
Her instinctive action startled even Lee Ji-eun herself.
After a moment, her lips slowly curved up, though her eyes narrowed slightly in the gentle night, asking Lin Xiuyuan, “Xiuyuan, about that role-playing you mentioned earlier… what kind of roles do you like?”
Lee Ji-eun’s voice was soft, almost like a whisper carried by the wind past his ear.
This made Lin Xiuyuan unable to hold back an image of T-ara’s classic stage outfit flashing in his mind, his lips twitching, “Navy sailor uniform?”
The familiar outfit made Lee Ji-eun laugh. She released his hand, stood, walked to his side, and patted his shoulder.
“Let’s go, time for dinner.”
She said it casually, as if deliberately breaking the quietly rising tension.
Soon, they walked along the path to the island restaurant.
Underfoot was a wooden boardwalk, flanked by soft beach and coconut trees dotted with warm yellow lights.
Night enveloped the island slowly, distant waves lapping rocks faintly, accompanied by music from the restaurant.
The restaurant was a platform built over the water, surrounded by glass railings, offering views of the still-shimmering sea under night.
Lin Xiuyuan and Lee Ji-eun were seated by the waiter at a seaside two-person table.
Ordering, Lee Ji-eun got seafood risotto and white wine; Lin Xiuyuan casually chose steak and coconut juice chicken soup, plus a set meal.
During dinner, Lin Xiuyuan proactively picked up some cod and placed it in Lee Ji-eun’s bowl.
He then smiled, “Didn’t you say you’re starting to supplement protein lately?”
“I did say that, but… this piece you picked seems a bit small.”
Lee Ji-eun smiled as she took it, her gaze meaningful.
Lin Xiuyuan instantly got her meaning, cutting his steak while replying with a half-smile, “Oh, then looks like you’ll need a late-night snack?”
This response stunned Lee Ji-eun briefly, then she pursed her lips in a smile, not countering.
She just quietly slipped her foot out of her sandal, stealthily extending it under the table to lightly rub his calf.
The small move made Lin Xiuyuan pause, but he showed no reaction, continuing to eat his steak.
He just commented, “Ji-eun, don’t drink too much—you already had some before we left.”
“No, I only had half a glass.”
Lee Ji-eun replied while righteously taking another sip, as if proving her self-control.
Throughout dinner, they chatted, laughter sporadically drifting from the table.
By the time they returned, night was deep.
They didn’t head straight inside but went to the wooden deck outside the villa yard, facing the vast Indian Ocean.
The sofa loungers had soft mats and thin blankets, perfect for semi-reclining to view the night scenery.
Lin Xiuyuan pulled up a chair and sat; Lee Ji-eun kicked off her shoes, curling lightly onto another, legs bent against the sofa like a lazy cat.
“This place is too comfortable… feels like the sea breeze has softened my whole body.”
Lee Ji-eun said softly from the sofa, tilting her head to the sky, “Every time I come to the Maldives, I love looking at the starry sky at night—it’s scenery you can’t see in Seoul.”
The night sky was deep as ink, the Milky Way spanning the heavens, stars densely packed, twinkling like scattered diamonds, unreal in beauty.
All around was quiet, only waves and occasional wind rustling leaves.
“Ji-eun.”
“Hm?”
Lin Xiuyuan turned to look at her, his tone casual yet earnest, “Do you think, without Krystal’s introduction, without Ji-yeon, without Yoona, we’d have any connection?”
Lee Ji-eun was silent for seconds, still gazing at the stars, not turning back.
“Probably… just passersby.”
Her voice was faint, “Without Krystal, we wouldn’t even know each other. Without Ji-yeon, even if we met, we wouldn’t get closer.”
Lin Xiuyuan chuckled lightly, asking again, “So do you think things now are good or bad?”
“Xiuyuan, that’s a really silly question.” Lee Ji-eun turned to glance at him, laughing, “Of course I think now is good.”
Especially during dinner, in their video call with Big Dragon Cub, seeing Ji-yeon brighter and more relaxed than the previous two times through the screen had solidified the indescribable emotion in Lee Ji-eun’s heart.
Thinking of this, Lee Ji-eun turned to look at Lin Xiuyuan beside her, “Xiuyuan, how do you feel now? Dream come true?”
Dream come true?
Lin Xiuyuan paused slightly at this, then laughed thinking of his ‘persona,’ “Of course—Tara’s facade Qri on a duo trip with me in the Maldives? How could that not be a dream come true?”
But the next second, Lee Ji-eun said directly, “I mean you and Ji-yeon—the fan and idol combo. Dream come true?”
Lin Xiuyuan choked, then pretended seriousness, “If you’re saying it that way, I have to tell you about Ji-yeon openly being a Cao Fan as an idol.”
Lee Ji-eun, who had been somewhat serious, was completely disarmed by his nonsense, bursting into giggles and lightly pushing him.
“Hey, Xiuyuan, I’m asking seriously.”
“Me too.” Lin Xiuyuan smiled back, eyes clear.
Lee Ji-eun stopped talking, just reaching out to lightly grasp his dangling fingers.
Her fingertip slid across Lin Xiuyuan’s palm, cool.
Lin Xiuyuan didn’t pull away, instead turning his palm to interlace their fingers, palms pressed together, giving a gentle squeeze.
Around them, only waves and the occasional rustle of night wind over the pavilion roof.
After a moment, Lee Ji-eun suddenly released his hand and stood up.
Lin Xiuyuan watched her back, puzzled, raising an eyebrow but not pressing, just lowering his head to check his mobile phone and reply to messages.
After a good while, Lin Xiuyuan heard light footsteps approaching from behind.
Sandals softly on the wooden floor, steps light yet distinct.
He instinctively turned, his gaze freezing the next instant.
It was a breathtaking sight.
Lee Ji-eun stood in the night breeze, no longer in the earlier light long skirt but a standard, slightly tight navy-style sailor uniform.
The white-and-blue short top ended just at her navel, the short skirt fluttering slightly in the sea breeze, revealing tantalizing thighs, with a thin red bow swaying at her chest.
She stood quietly before him, gaze unflinching, carrying a provocative smile.
Her red lips parted slightly, voice gentle yet alluring, “Xiuyuan, didn’t you say you wanted to see a navy sailor uniform role? How about me like this?”
Lin Xiuyuan didn’t speak for a moment, just blinked, as if confirming no illusion.
The next second, he set down his phone, leaned back in the chair, lips slowly curving up, “Ji-eun, that was fast work.”
“Of course.” Lee Ji-eun approached slowly, skirt swaying gently, “Xiuyuan, your wish is my top priority.”
With that, she stepped right in front of Lin Xiuyuan, hands on the sofa armrests, leaning slightly forward, body close, breath carrying mint and sea salt freshness.
“Xiuyuan, don’t you feel like… you’re dreaming right now?”
Lin Xiuyuan raised a brow, smiling back at her, “So are you helping me fulfill a dream, or messing with my head?”
“What do you think?”
Before he could reply, Lee Ji-eun extended a hand to his knee, slowly sliding upward.
The pressure light, yet probing with ambiguity.
Lin Xiuyuan’s throat moved; finally, he couldn’t hold back, lifting a hand to grab her wrist.
“You sure… you want to tease me like this?”
“Tease? This is seduction.”
Lee Ji-eun leaned down closer, almost nose-to-nose, “Besides, I’m just taking the opportunity you gave and stepping forward.”
And indeed—if no opportunity, how could they be here now on Vila Island in the Maldives?
How could there be this moment of tenderness?
This midnight intimacy, sea breeze, and closeness?
This time Lin Xiuyuan said nothing, responding by pulling her entirely into his arms.
Lee Ji-eun let out a soft gasp, settling onto his lap, letting him hold her tight as if afraid she’d slip away with the wind.
But she wouldn’t—this “great tonic” she’d eyed for too long; no way she’d run.
“Ji-eun…” Lin Xiuyuan murmured lowly.
“Hm?”
“Dressed like this, how am I supposed to hold back?”
Night breeze brushed, stirring Lee Ji-eun’s temple hair strands.
Lin Xiuyuan raised a hand, gently tucking her hair behind her ear, his finger pad grazing her cheek with a gentle electric tingle.
Just then, Lee Ji-eun lifted her head.
Eyes lightly upturned, brows smiling, “Then don’t hold back.”
She leaned closer, voice teasing, “Didn’t you always say your action power is strong?”
These words were like a spark to dry tinder.
They gazed, the world quieting, only each other’s reflections in their eyes.
Time brief, yet enough for emotions to spread.
Lin Xiuyuan’s gaze darkened; he hooked her nape, leaning down to kiss.
At first just a light touch, testing.
But the next second, restraint shattered.
His kiss turned hot and surging, unleashing suppressed emotion, igniting all ambiguity.
Lee Ji-eun held nothing back, slender arms around his neck, body fully pressed close.
Their bodies tight together, breaths mingling; all ambiguity erupted under night breeze and stars.
Only after a long while did they slowly part.
Lee Ji-eun’s cheeks flushed, eyes watery, leaning on Lin Xiuyuan’s shoulder, silent, just listening to his steady breathing.
Lin Xiuyuan looked down at her slightly upturned lip curve and chuckled softly, “Wish granted.”
“Hm?” she responded lazily.
“This great tonic of mine.”
As soon as he said it, Lee Ji-eun jerked her head up, staring at him shocked.
Staring at his innocent yet smirking face, she swallowed quietly, “How did you know?”
“I’m not stupid.” Lin Xiuyuan raised a brow casually.
Lee Ji-eun paused, then pursed her lips in a meaningful smile.
“Since that’s the case, I won’t hide either.” Her eyes held challenge, “Xiuyuan, we’re far from done.”
“Hm?” Lin Xiuyuan instinctively leaned back, sensing trouble.
Lee Ji-eun said with deliberate emphasis, smiling, “In anime character lines—show me your limit.”
……
Starlight like water spilled into the villa courtyard on the private Maldives island, coconut shadows swaying, waves murmuring low.
The world seemed utterly quiet, only the two in the pavilion with gradually heating breaths.
Lee Ji-eun sat on Lin Xiuyuan’s lap, her sailor uniform slightly slipped from movement, tender shoulders bare to the night breeze, skin glowing faint gold under the light.
She didn’t adjust it, just kept her head low, forehead hair falling, cheeks red as ripe fruit, almost dripping.
Lin Xiuyuan’s hand touched her waist, fingers sliding upward to cover her bare back skin—that instant touch ignited all her senses.
“Ji-eun…” he called lowly, voice husky with uncontained restraint.
But Lee Ji-eun lifted her head, gazing at him with affection and challenge, lips parting slightly, “Don’t call me ‘Ji-eun’ anymore.”
Lin Xiuyuan paused, “Then what?”
The next second, she leaned closer, whispering irresistibly by his ear, “Whatever you like—I can be… anything you want.”
Lee Ji-eun responded without hesitation, arms tightly around his neck, body proactively melting into his embrace like drowning in a deep-sea dream.
Fabric rustled clearly in the night; Lee Ji-eun’s fingertips trailed his shoulder downward, slow yet firm, tracing his contours.
Lin Xiuyuan’s hand slid down her back, each touch kindling flames.
Lee Ji-eun’s breathing shallowed, a soft moan escaping her throat, so tender it could halt the breeze.
In this private courtyard, Lin Xiuyuan slowly lifted her by the hips, steps steady and heavy, heading to the most secluded corner of the yard.
It was a rattan lounger with soft mat, surrounded by lush plants, starry sky and Milky Way overhead.
Lin Xiuyuan laid her gently on it, covering her body, propped at her side, gazing deeply.
Lee Ji-eun reached out, fingertip softly tracing his cheek—brow bone, nose bridge, lip corner—finally stopping at his chest.
“Xiuyuan, can I ask you something?”
“What?” His voice was low.
“Your heartbeat here tonight…” She pressed lightly on his chest, “Is it for me?”
Though Lee Ji-eun came with purpose, a woman’s softness and sincerity inevitably revealed sensibility now.
“Never beaten this fast for anyone.”
Lin Xiuyuan finished, kissing again—fine and hot, from forehead to collarbone, shoulder, downward.
Truth or not, Lee Ji-eun was happy now.
She closed her eyes, letting Lin Xiuyuan slowly unbutton her sailor outfit, his knuckles brushing her skin like electric currents, sparking tiny shivers.
Night breeze rustled, tree shadows swaying, as if holding breath for them.
Their bodies closely fit, exploring, responding to each other.
Under starlight, they indulged in mutual giving, wordless yet in sync.
Stars witnessed, waves accompanied.
This night destined to be sealed in deepest memory, their inescapable, unforgettable peak intersection.
……
……
Meanwhile.
In a luxury hotel on Hong Kong Island, Kim Tae Yeon finally finished rehearsing the stage site, returning to her guest room somewhat fatigued.
After washing up, she lay on the soft big bed, ready for proper rest.
But just before closing her eyes, she instinctively picked up her mobile phone, habitually swiping the screen to check the day’s news.
Unexpectedly, the top headline was a report of Im Yoon Ah attending an activity in Macau.
She didn’t click to read fully, just stared fixedly at the photo for a long time.
Her gaze pierced the text, locked on Im Yoon Ah’s face in the photo, unblinking.
As if that familiar face was all that mattered, the rest of the scene blurred.
They had just met two days ago—how was she… so radiant.
One more chapter tonight, tenosynovitis hurts so much!!!
For the sake of updating through the pain, godfathers, some tickets please!!
Monthly tickets, subscriptions, everything!!!
