Chapter 189: “is The Scenery Nice? Taeyeon Unnie Jessica”
Vila Island.
After Lin Xiuyuan and she finished snorkeling, both body and mind had relaxed, so they returned to the villa together to rinse their bodies, and during that time also completed the follow-up exercise that was unfinished in the sea.
Until the afternoon, they arrived at the island’s vacation center.
In the massage area, Lee Ji-eun and Lin Xiuyuan chose simple foot massages and SPA. The warm water flow and professional massage techniques relieved the fatigue they had accumulated while swimming in the seawater.
Lin Xiuyuan closed his eyes and enjoyed it, feeling every inch of skin being gently relaxed.
Meanwhile, Lee Ji-eun leaned on the massage bed, letting the warm water flow hit her back, slightly squinting her eyes, enjoying a moment of peace.
As the massage ended, Lee Ji-eun and Lin Xiuyuan’s moods seemed even more relaxed. When they walked out of the SPA area, the sunlight in the sky was still bright, the island’s air was fresh and humid, and the tropical aura surrounding them was pervasive.
So the two returned to the villa’s private beach, lay on beach chairs, and decided to relax and sunbathe.
Lin Xiuyuan wore sunglasses, reclined on the chair back, closed his eyes, and enjoyed the caress of the sunlight.
Lee Ji-eun’s gaze slowly moved down from his handsome face, lingering slightly on his well-defined chest muscles and abdominal muscles, then quietly slid toward that deep “mermaid line” and the “big dragon lair” below.
Then she smiled faintly, took out sunscreen from the beach bag beside her, gently squeezed a dollop of lotion into her palm, and rubbed it between her palms first.
Only then did she sit next to Lin Xiuyuan, her gaze carrying a hint of mischief and playfulness, and smiled slightly. “Xiuyuan, let me apply sunscreen for you. You did it for me yesterday, so I’ll do it for you today.”
Lin Xiuyuan instinctively wanted to refuse. “No need, right? I’m just a big man; getting a bit tanned doesn’t matter.”
However, when he saw Lee Ji-eun’s gaze with a touch of grievance, he couldn’t help but chuckle. “Apply, apply, go ahead, whatever you want.”
With that, he flipped over and lay prone on the chair, half-jokingly saying, “This okay? Go on and apply.”
Lee Ji-eun then laughed out, gently applying the sunscreen to Lin Xiuyuan’s shoulders, her fingertips sliding lightly over his skin, as if touching a piece of warm flesh.
With her movements, Lin Xiuyuan felt a subtle sense of comfort, his back arching slightly as he enjoyed this tenderness.
And Lee Ji-eun’s fingertips circled gently on his shoulders, her soft fingers touching every inch of his skin, delicate and slow, as if silently teasing his nerves.
In response, Lin Xiuyuan couldn’t help but tremble slightly. With his eyes closed, he felt the delicate touch from his nape, and his blood unconsciously quickened a bit.
But the prone position made certain reactions hard to start, so he subconsciously lifted his hips.
Seeing this, the smile in Lee Ji-eun’s eyes grew even stronger.
Her fingers slid slowly down along his spine, the touch deepening, as if every caress brought a subtle affection.
The movements also grew slower. Lee Ji-eun deliberately lingered on Lin Xiuyuan’s back, her fingertips circling lightly on his spine, like silent teasing.
Just as her fingers moved down again, Lee Ji-eun suddenly chuckled softly, stopped her hands, and looked down at Lin Xiuyuan. “How is it? Xiuyuan, is my technique pretty good?”
Her tone carried a hint of playfulness, her eyes sparkling with delight.
“Didn’t I just experience your handiwork?”
“That was just lip service.” Lee Ji-eun retorted.
Lin Xiuyuan smiled. “On the contrary, neither counts as complete—half and half.”
Faced with Lin Xiuyuan’s provocation, a flash of impulse appeared in Lee Ji-eun’s eyes, then she leaned close and whispered, “So Xiuyuan, you want to continue?”
With that, she flipped over and took the initiative.
After some unknown time, the two walked toward the beach.
The sunset’s afterglow sprinkled on them, casting their shadows long on the beach.
Lee Ji-eun walked ahead, Lin Xiuyuan following closely behind, the footprints on the beach brushed by the gentle sea breeze.
The two strolled on the island’s path. Lee Ji-eun turned her head to look at him and smiled. “Xiuyuan, how do you feel about today? Is there anything you want to eat?”
Her tone was casual and relaxed, but her voice was a bit hoarse, the discomfort from choking on snacks earlier needing time to ease.
“Seafood, fish, or beef to replenish some protein, but Ji-eun, you probably don’t need it.”
Lin Xiuyuan smiled faintly, his gaze silently falling on Lee Ji-eun’s lip corner.
“No, I need it.”
Lee Ji-eun huffed lightly at Lin Xiuyuan’s response, her eyes still flashing with eager expectation. Even after a day and night of exertion, she still felt unsatisfied.
Just like that, the two casually entered a small restaurant on the island.
As nightfall gradually descended, the sea reflected a soft orange glow, and the warm night was enveloped in an intimate atmosphere.
……
……
At the same time, Seoul.
In the evening, back at the apartment, Jessica sat on the sofa, turned on the television, and feeling a bit bored, casually picked a movie to play.
Then she went to the refrigerator, got a wine glass, added ice cubes, and poured in some whiskey.
Finally, she nestled on the sofa, listening to the sounds from the TV while browsing news or opening short videos to scroll.
From time to time, she got up to sip the chilling alcoholic beverages. But even while doing these things, Jessica’s mind was still on the scenes and conversations from lunch with Krystal.
During this, subtle emotional fluctuations inexplicably made her feel irritated and restless.
After being annoyed for a while, Jessica let out a very depressed long sigh, put down her mobile phone, got up, and went to the bathroom to take a shower.
After showering and putting on pajamas, Jessica sat back on the sofa, poured out the previous alcoholic beverages, and made a new glass.
She picked up her mobile phone, thinking of scrolling social media again to distract herself.
But when she opened the news page, a familiar face suddenly caught her eye—it was Im Yoon Ah.
That face, radiant whether in event site photos or fan photos, shone brilliantly at this moment, instantly stunning Jessica.
Then she sat up straight abruptly, her eyes widening, her heartbeat involuntarily speeding up.
She then frantically searched for photos and videos of Im Yoon Ah at the Macau activity. One photo after another quickly appeared on her screen—those bright smiles, that glow completely different from when they met a few days ago, stirring complex thoughts in Jessica’s heart.
And at this moment, the words Krystal said to her at lunch resurfaced in her mind.
“Want it?”
“Look at what Lee Ji-eun has become.”
“Xiuyuan is in the Maldives.”
“…”
Those words echoed back and forth in her mind like a spell. She felt a bit dazed and was just about to calm herself when a phone ring broke her thoughts.
She looked down at her mobile phone—it was Kwon Young Il calling.
Though frowning a bit, Jessica still answered. “Hello, oppa.”
“I’ve been in Seoul communicating with those partners lately, so I won’t be back in Los Angeles or New York so soon.”
“Mm, the liquidated damages are gone, but some materials and final payments still need to be calculated properly.”
“Weren’t those debts from the previous judgment mostly settled?”
“What? How are there still some? Didn’t you tell me before that it was all handled?”
“So what now?”
“No, I have to go to China early next month, no time. Either you come to Seoul or go to Magic City.”
“Alright, that’s it for now. We’ll talk about the rest tomorrow.”
The content of this call left the already somewhat brain-fried Jessica nearly fainting. With nothing left to say, she hurriedly brushed him off and hung up.
Then she collapsed entirely on the sofa with another long sigh. She hadn’t expected that even after close shop, there were still so many troubles plaguing her.
Unable to escape, unable to shake it off.
And at that moment, the mobile phone she had just tossed rang with a message notification. Thinking it was from the person she just spoke to, Jessica picked it up, only to find it was several photos from Krystal.
At first, Jessica didn’t think much of it, assuming it was some scenery photo.
Because the two sisters often sent such photos and chatted about where to travel next, she casually opened them.
However, when Jessica opened the photos, she realized things weren’t as simple as she thought.
Because these photos were from the Maldives, showing backs, and the two people standing in front were none other than Lin Xiuyuan and Lee Ji-eun, whom they had talked about at lunch today.
A total of four photos.
First: Lin Xiuyuan and Lee Ji-eun sitting in the villa’s living room enjoying breakfast.
Sunlight filtered through the leaves onto their dining table. The two smiled brightly, the atmosphere relaxed and pleasant. Lin Xiuyuan was looking down, forking his bread, while Lee Ji-eun held up her coffee cup, gazing at him tenderly.
Second: The two in diving suits, standing at the edge of the snorkeling area, preparing to enter the water.
Lin Xiuyuan’s face showed slight tension, while Lee Ji-eun smiled brilliantly, the background full of sunlight and vitality.
Third: A solo photo of Lin Xiuyuan lying on a beach chair enjoying the sun, eyes closed, face relaxed, his toned body glowing healthily in the sunlight, with the background of blue seawater and azure sky.
Fourth: This one from dinner time, a solo photo of Lee Ji-eun.
She wore a simple beach dress, slightly lowering her head to look at her meal tray, her face soft and refined, completely different from her previous state, as if her entire aura had become more radiant.
With each photo unfolding, Jessica’s shock intensified, all stemming from Lee Ji-eun’s dramatic change, a startling astonishment she couldn’t ignore spreading in her heart.
Then she flipped through the photos of Lee Ji-eun over and over, zooming in and out, shrinking then zooming from another angle.
But after looking for a long time, the Lee Ji-eun before her seemed utterly different from the thin-faced, dull-eyed one in her memory.
In the photos, her skin was tight and smooth, exuding youthful and healthy aura, seeming younger than ever.
Jessica sat up straight abruptly, her mobile phone nearly slipping from her hand, shocked to the point her breathing quickened.
Her eyes were full of astonishment, her mind blank—after all, the one in the photos was simply unbelievable.
In just these few short days, what exactly had the other experienced?
Jessica couldn’t think of the reason, but her intuition told her that the cause definitely wasn’t as simple as a vacation.
This kind of transformation absolutely couldn’t come from ordinary rest.
After a brief shock, Jessica couldn’t hold back and immediately sent Krystal a questioning message.
Jessica: 【Krystal, what does this mean? Are these photos edited?】
This sentence was almost her final struggle—she’d rather believe the photos were photoshopped than accept that Lee Ji-eun’s state had truly changed so dramatically.
Even less willing to believe in that so-called fairy-tale “rejuvenation” state.
Why unwilling to believe?
Because it wasn’t her who had rejuvenated.
Krystal was busy with something unknown and only replied to Jessica after more than ten minutes.
During this time, Jessica was both anxious and restless, looking at those photos over and over, desperately trying to find editing traces, but finding none.
So the moment Krystal replied, Jessica opened the chat.
Krystal: 【Straight out from iPhone front camera, Jessica, no edits at all. How about it, nice scenery?】
Scenery?
Seeing these two words, Jessica involuntarily bared her teeth, anger surging, nearly wanting to bite someone.
As the big sister, she knew very well that the photos Krystal sent, combined with the lunch situation, weren’t to show some so-called scenery, but the person in the photos: Lee Ji-eun.
Thinking this, Jessica quickly replied.
Jessica: 【Impossible, just a few days, how could Lee Ji-eun change so much? Krystal, what secret are you all hiding?】
Krystal: 【Still a secret? It’s almost public knowledge. Anyway, my suggestion stands—want to buy a ticket to the Maldives?】
Jessica: 【Lin Xiuyuan?】
Krystal: 【What does Xiuyuan have to do with it? I mean for you to go out and clear your mind, don’t overthink. And don’t go bother Xiuyuan; he’s rarely having a proper vacation, seeing you would definitely ruin his mood.】
Jessica: 【……】
Reading this, Jessica’s mood couldn’t be described as just “depressed”—she felt on the verge of collapse.
She tried hard to suppress her emotions, but the inner anxiety and confusion grew stronger.
And unbeknownst to Jessica, in a high-end hotel on Hong Kong Island, Kim Tae Yeon was also troubled by several photos of Lee Ji-eun, her mood similar to hers.
“Yoona, did Xiuyuan send these to you?”
Kim Tae Yeon stared down at her phone screen, then abruptly turned to the video call on the tablet nearby, her eyes full of shock and confusion.
“Nice scenery? Taeyeon unnie~”
No wonder fans thought Krystal was Im Yoon Ah’s sister—look at this personality, this little rascal, carved from the same mold.
Kim Tae Yeon felt utter helplessness. “Is this you wanting me to look at the scenery? Im Yoon Ah.”
“Hehe, I’m off to rest, unnie. Take your time looking. Good night~” Im Yoon Ah’s tone was still so carefree.
“Hey, Im Yoon Ah.”
Kim Tae Yeon pursed her lips, her voice rising unconsciously, seeming a bit at a loss.
She instinctively wanted to press for more, to understand the truth behind the photos more deeply, yet didn’t know how to start.
……
……
Around ten in the evening.
In the bedroom in the Maldives.
In the darkness, a hand reached out from the big bed, groping to pick up the pants and clothes dropped on the carpet.
Soft moonlight spilled in from outside the window, illuminating Lin Xiuyuan’s slender figure.
As he quietly got up, Lee Ji-eun on the bed remained in deep sleep, her slight breathing echoing in the empty room.
Lin Xiuyuan looked back at the graceful figure on the bed, a few thoughts arising in his heart.
She was really exhausted, having resisted to the death so many times. Fortunately he had his cheats, or he’d be the one passed out on top right now.
Then he gently put on his clothes, carefully avoiding any noise, and quietly left the bedroom.
Moments later, Lin Xiuyuan went to the living room, opened the refrigerator, and took a bottle of ice water to moisten his throat.
He grabbed another bottle of beverage, tore off the label, turned, and walked back to his temporary bedroom, gently pushing the door handle.
The originally dim room was instantly reflected with light and shadow from the bright lighting behind the door, and Lin Xiuyuan stepped over, casually closing the door.
The room on the Maldives side returned to quiet once more, as if even time had paused.
In the 13-year apartment.
About more than ten minutes later, Sulli finished showering, her hair still slightly damp, preparing to leave the bedroom to continue watching her new drama in the living room.
Just as she opened the room door, Sulli suddenly froze.
Because the previously empty room now had Lin Xiuyuan sitting on the sofa, the television in front playing a variety show, and he was looking down at his mobile phone, completely unaware of her arrival.
His sudden appearance also scared Sulli so much she nearly went weak-kneed and collapsed. Coming back to herself, she shouted, “Oh my, ah, oppa, you scared me.”
Lin Xiuyuan heard the voice, looked up, the corners of his mouth curving up in a gentle smile. “So timid?”
Then he lifted the beverage in his hand, shaking it lightly. “This is a really nice beverage I had in the Maldives. I brought one for you on the way.”
Hearing this, Sulli paused, a warmth in her heart, then took the beverage, twisted off the cap, and took a sip.
The fresh tropical fruit flavor spread on her tongue, bringing a coolness that made her eyes light up. “Wow, it’s really delicious. Hehe, thanks oppa.”
“No problem.” Lin Xiuyuan smiled and waved it off, his relaxed tone carrying a bit of care. “By the way, has anything happened here these past few days?”
Sulli leaned obliquely on the sofa armrest, shrugging lightly, seemingly feeling nothing major.
“Nothing special, just that I mentioned that door thing to Jung Soo Yeon unnie and the others today. They all said to have you go over and locate it when you get back. Ji-yeon and the others said the same.”
Hearing this, Lin Xiuyuan chuckled. “Why does it sound like I’m the Fourth Generation’s Flying Thunder God, going around to imprint techniques?”
“Going?” Sulli asked.
Lin Xiuyuan narrowed his eyes, smiled lightly. “Yeah, let’s head out now. I’ll take you for a drive.”
At the same moment, Kim Tae Yeon was also driving back to Seoul from Jeonju.
Outside the car window, the night grew heavier, streetlights on both sides of the street twinkling like stars, emitting gentle glow.
Inside the car, melodious music flowed softly, blending with the quiet night.
Ten Thousand Daily ended. Thanks to godfathers for support and votes.
Ten Thousand Daily progress bar report: 53/63
Monthly tickets, subscriptions, subscriptions, rewards, everything!
Nine days, nine days, finally made it to the end!!!
