Chapter 228: Park Ji-yeon: “am I Better, Or Is The Old Woman More Impressive?”
The hot spring water remained warm and comfortable, and the tranquil night sky enveloped the space, as if a few shooting stars streaked across, adding a touch of brilliance to this peaceful evening.
The conversation between the three gradually became relaxed, shifting from the initial topic of travel to their respective futures and goals.
Just then, Krystal stretched, leaned gently against the pool wall, and looked up at the starry sky with a somewhat dazed expression before speaking.
Her voice carried a hint of leisure and contemplation, “Actually, I haven’t really thought about how my future path will unfold. I’m quite content with life as it is now. I don’t plan to rush into pursuing things that are meant to define me. Before, on stage, I was too impatient, which actually led to quite a few mistakes.”
These words carried a touch of languor, as if under this starry sky, all pressures could temporarily dissolve.
This made Lin Xiuyuan smile slightly after listening, and he responded casually, “I get that. Slacking off and lying flat, right? Just treat it as work, earn enough money, and then liven up your life a bit.”
However, upon hearing this, Krystal immediately feigned anger and splashed a large wave of water, drenching Lin Xiuyuan.
Then she chuckled, “Xiuyuan, you’re the one lying flat! I’m acting very seriously, okay? And when it comes to acting skills, I think I’m much better than Yoona unnie.”
“Don’t let her hear you say that.”
“Hmph hmph hmph~”
Watching the two bicker, the atmosphere was light and joyful, and Jessica, who was beside them, couldn’t help but laugh.
She then turned her gaze to the pool in front of her and sighed faintly, “It’s truly rare to be able to relax one’s body and mind. Especially when work and trivial matters are put aside, only then do you realize how to truly enjoy these moments.”
She had previously rushed too much and ended up stepping into a quagmire, which took her ten years to slowly extricate herself from.
At that time, she had been completely unaware of her ability to enjoy life, and only now did she deeply appreciate the beauty of life.
Therefore, Jessica’s words carried a mature sigh, as if those busy years had long been left behind her.
“Speaking of which, I do have a question, Jessica.”
Lin Xiuyuan’s sudden opening, while also turning his gaze to the person opposite him, carried a tone of curiosity and inquiry.
“According to what I know, you must have earned quite a lot of money in China, right? Why don’t you let Krystal develop there? After all, nationality shouldn’t be too much of a barrier, and didn’t another member of f(x) go there?”
Jessica’s expression paused upon hearing this, and a subtle flicker appeared in her eyes.
Then she frowned and looked at the boy opposite her, shrouded in mist, “Lin Xiuyuan, you’re not going to say again that I dragged Krystal down, are you?”
The direct words made Lin Xiuyuan laugh, and he shook his head, “I didn’t say that. I’m just curious about this point. If we’re talking about making money, the entire entertainment industry on the peninsula can’t compare to even a small market in China.”
Seeing the atmosphere becoming a bit tense, Krystal smiled softly, glanced at Jessica, and explained for her.
“Stop staring at unnie, Xiuyuan~ Actually, I’m doing pretty well right now. Although sometimes I wonder if I should look for other jobs, I’m not as rushed as before.”
Her gaze drifted slightly, as if lost in the night sky, and she slowly said, “I’m still an artist. Mainly because my fans are so loyal to me. I feel that meeting them as an actress is more meaningful than standing on stage.”
“If I can’t stand on stage anymore, then I’ll bring them some benefits in other ways.” Her tone was calm and confident, as if she had fully accepted her current situation and found her own rhythm.
After hearing Krystal’s answer, Lin Xiuyuan’s gaze unconsciously shifted to Jessica.
His gaze held no judgment, purely curiosity and thought, as if waiting for her response.
Jessica, feeling his gaze, showed a hint of annoyance on her face. She frowned slightly and said with a touch of displeasure, “What do you mean? I know it was my problem before, you don’t have to keep looking at me like that.”
Lin Xiuyuan smiled slightly, not appearing awkward or displeased by her reaction.
“I’m not trying to bring up that matter,” he answered calmly. “I just think that if Krystal really wants to try, then perhaps she could develop there. After all, it’s not uncommon for idols of your generation to develop internationally, is it?”
Jessica was taken aback, not expecting Lin Xiuyuan to ask such a direct question. Her expression became slightly serious, and her gaze flickered, “This… indeed, but not all decisions can be made casually.”
She paused, then said softly, “Krystal has her own pace, and she has her own decisions. I don’t want to interfere with her choices.”
At the same time, she didn’t want to get too involved, fearing that if she caused another scandal, Krystal would be implicated again, and she wouldn’t know what to do then.
Once was enough for such a thing to happen.
Lin Xiuyuan didn’t press further, just nodded in understanding.
He turned to Krystal and said gently, “Anyway, as long as you’re happy now, right?”
Krystal smiled and nodded, “Yes, I’m really happy right now.”
Her eyes sparkled with determination and confidence as she looked at the guy opposite her. Ever since that rainy night when she saw Sulli’s poster, her world had rekindled its light, and life had become more interesting.
The surrounding starry sky was still brilliant, the sky seemed dusted with a fine layer of silver powder, and today’s joyful moments, like a melodious song, quietly ended at this instant.
Goodnight!!
The next morning, faint dawn light filtered through the gaps in the curtains into the guesthouse room, the air was fresh, carrying a hint of the coolness unique to early morning.
Lin Xiuyuan, Jessica, and Krystal woke up early, and after washing up, they packed their backpacks and prepared to depart.
Despite insufficient sleep, everyone’s faces were brimming with excitement and anticipation, as if the day would bring new surprises.
Today’s destination was the Holy Trinity Church atop Mount Kazbek, and they planned to see if they could catch the beautiful sunrise.
The three set off from the guesthouse, driving slowly along the winding mountain road. The scenery outside the car window gradually became magnificent as the altitude increased.
In the distance, the snow-capped mountains towered majestically, like white giants standing against the sky. Every line of the mountain range was rimmed with gold by the morning sun.
The atmosphere inside the car also became quiet, with everyone silently enjoying this moment of peace.
Upon arriving at the church, the first rays of the morning sun cast upon the snow-capped peaks, and warm golden light streamed through the clouds, illuminating the entire mountain range.
The air in the valley was fresh and transparent, as if the entire world had merged with nature at this moment.
Lin Xiuyuan stood by the car and took a deep breath, savoring the moment of tranquility and freshness, his expression appearing particularly relaxed. He then remarked, “We still woke up late.”
Although his words carried a hint of regret, there was more of enjoyment.
Krystal, standing beside him, happily gazed at the scene before her, her lips curving slightly. She leaned gently on his shoulder, her warm breath reaching his ear.
“It’s okay, the scenery right now is also very beautiful. You don’t have to chase everything you want all at once. Life is long, you have to leave some for later.”
Lin Xiuyuan smiled upon hearing her words, a hint of jest in his eyes, “Makes sense.”
Then he gently turned his head and asked with a smile, “So, when did you learn philosophy, Krystal? You speak so eloquently, just like my university philosophy teacher.”
After being called out by Jessica the previous day, Lin Xiuyuan no longer emphasized names to distinguish between the older and younger Krystal.
Krystal didn’t answer, but tilted her head, deliberately put on a look of disdain, and gave him a glare.
Her movements were relaxed and natural, her eyes twinkling with playfulness, as if she had returned to her younger self.
Jessica, standing behind the two, watched this scene, a warm smile gracing her lips, her eyes filled with a touch of gentleness and relief.
She then gradually turned her gaze to the scenery before her and let out a silent sigh.
At that moment, she seemed to have let go of all her worries, merely enjoying the tranquility of this moment.
The Holy Trinity Church is located on the summit of Mount Kazbek, built in the 14th century, and is surrounded by snow-covered mountains, giving it a sense of sacred isolation.
This church was originally built to commemorate Georgia’s religious faith, and its unique architectural style incorporates local traditional elements with European Gothic style, presenting a primitive and magnificent exterior. Today, it is not only a religious sacred site but also a place for travelers to pilgrimage.
When the three drove back to the summit and entered the church’s courtyard, they realized there weren’t many people there.
The surroundings were quiet, with only about a dozen scattered tourists around this ancient church, adding a sense of silence and solemnity to this sacred land.
The air was fresh, and the mountain breeze gently blew, as if the entire world had temporarily fallen silent at this moment, leaving only the majesty of the distant snow mountains and the steadiness of the church.
Lin Xiuyuan walked ahead casually, occasionally looking back at the two girls, seeing their excitement and curiosity about the church and the surrounding scenery.
Jessica and Krystal were taking photos on the steps in front of the church. Krystal, holding her phone and adjusting the angle, suddenly pointed to a snow mountain behind the church and said, “Jessica, look! That spot is perfectly illuminated by the sun, the best spot. Stand here, the background will be absolutely stunning.”
Jessica smiled upon hearing this, then took out her phone and struck a pose, preparing for a selfie.
Lin Xiuyuan stood nearby, his gaze involuntarily falling on Jessica as she intently prepared to adjust the selfie angle.
Suddenly, the image of Jung Soo Yeon from 2013 flashed in his mind, and a playful impulse struck him.
Deciding to play a small prank on someone, he quietly walked behind Jessica, leaned close to her shoulder, a smile on his face, ready to “intrude” into the shot while she was taking a selfie.
So, just as Jessica slightly turned her head to look at Krystal walking to the other side, Lin Xiuyuan had already silently leaned his face over, almost touching her cheek.
The warm breath gently brushed past her ear, along with that familiar scent, startling Jessica. She paused slightly, quickly turning her head towards the phone, wanting to confirm the picture she had taken.
When she looked to the side, her gaze suddenly met the handsome face of the uninvited guest in the phone screen, and her heart began to race.
In that instant, her eyes involuntarily fixed on Lin Xiuyuan’s profile, watching him smile slightly, his demeanor languid yet captivating.
Her heart couldn’t help but skip a beat, inexplicably feeling a flutter of excitement.
It was mainly the boy’s warm and fresh aura; the close proximity caught her off guard.
The warm breath intertwined with the familiar scent, instantly plunging her into a slight state of daze.
Immediately after, her breathing hitched slightly, a complex expression appeared on her face, and her eyes involuntarily shifted away, as if not to let this sudden emotion disrupt her rhythm.
On the screen, Lin Xiuyuan still wore a smile, his eyes holding a hint of harmless mischief.
The only difference was that Jessica next to him was acting a bit erratically, appearing somewhat uncomfortable. She didn’t avert her gaze but stared at the image of the two on the screen, a nameless flutter rising in her heart.
Lin Xiuyuan noticed her reaction and gently backed away.
He then let his smile fade, his gaze still on her face, and he said in a light, somewhat detached tone, “Sorry, I just wanted to join the fun.”
“It’s fine,” Jessica replied softly, her voice low, with a hint of unconscious reserve.
Then she watched Lin Xiuyuan pull his head back and walk towards Krystal with a smile, gently pulling her into an embrace.
The two, taking the phone, happily took a few photos together, their laughter echoing in the air.
This scene made Jessica involuntarily look at her phone again, a slight nervousness and unease washing over her.
At this moment, she suddenly realized that she had accidentally pressed the video recording button instead of the photo button.
So, the moment Lin Xiuyuan approached, and their interaction, every detail had been captured by the camera.
Re-watching the video from earlier, Jessica, after taking a deep breath, smiled softly, but for some reason, a complex emotion welled up inside her.
The feeling was indescribable, both heart-fluttering and confusing, as if all emotions were intertwined into a subtle wave that couldn’t be calmed.
……
……
2013.
In the practice room of SM Entertainment.
The day’s rehearsal had entered its final sprint phase, and the entire practice room was filled with a tense atmosphere.
The members of Girls’ Generation had not had a day off for many days, rehearsing from 9 AM to 10 PM daily, and sometimes even having to stay up until the early morning.
The air in the dance studio was filled with the smell of sweat and effort. Following the rhythm of the beat, the sound of shoes against the floor and the stamping of feet intertwined, creating a sound of focus and struggle.
Dance steps, singing, stage presence—no aspect could afford any slip-ups.
Because everyone knew that this first world tour was quite important to them and the company. Any detail error could affect their performance and the imperfection of the stage effect.
For them, who wanted to present the best results to their fans, the only thing they could do was rehearse, rehearse, and rehearse again.
Lin Xiaolu, along with Kwon Yuri, Seo Hyun, and several other main dancers, stood in a corner of the practice room, diligently practicing every move.
Their movements were precise and fluid, having reached a high degree of synergy between their bodies and the music.
Meanwhile, Jung Soo Yeon stood in a corner with Kim Tae Yeon, organizing their dance positions and softly humming harmonies.
Although they had worked alongside each other for so many years and already had unspoken tacit understanding.
However, in these details, they still needed to enhance their tacit understanding through frequent practice.
After an unknown amount of time, with a command from the dance teacher, everyone could finally take a short break.
Some sat, some lay down. A few members who hadn’t fully grasped the dance steps took the opportunity to practice more, trying to identify any problems during the short break.
Lin Xiaolu and Jung Soo Yeon agreed to leave the practice room and head to the restroom together, seeming to revert to the tacit understanding and habits of their trainee days.
Walking down the empty corridor, their steps were light yet slightly weary.
At this moment, Lin Xiaolu suddenly looked up at Jung Soo Yeon beside her, “Unnie, Taeyeon unnie has been getting more and more curious about Xiuyuan lately. Has she asked you about him?”
“Yes, she asked. I said I didn’t know, that I’m not close to Lin Xiuyuan.” Jung Soo Yeon was telling a blatant lie, which made Lin Xiaolu laugh.
If these two weren’t close, what about everyone else?
Thinking of this, Lin Xiaolu suddenly remembered Krystal, “That girl is having too much fun over there, resting and traveling. She’s with Krystal in Georgia, right? I really want to go there too and see the scenery.”
Jung Soo Yeon frowned slightly, stopped, casually brushed a strand of hair from her forehead, and spoke with a hint of philosophy.
“Yoona, they have a decade more than us, which is why they have this lifestyle. So, Yoona, we need to work hard and strive hard during these ten years. Perhaps then, we can be even better than them, right? We definitely can.”
“Mm.”
Lin Xiaolu nodded silently, lost in thought.
Her gaze gradually drifted out the window. The warm sunlight poured into the corridor, seeming to take away a trace of the confusion in her heart.
“But, unnie,” she asked in a low voice, a hint of worry in her tone, “do you think Xiuyuan will bring Jessica here? I mean, if one day he really brings her, how will you get along with her?”
Jung Soo Yeon paused, not expecting Lin Xiaolu to suddenly ask this question, a flicker of surprise in her eyes.
Then she smiled slightly and said in a relaxed tone, “I don’t know, I haven’t thought about it. We’ll talk about it if that day ever comes. Ever since I learned the word ‘internal friction,’ I stopped dwelling on the future. I’d rather draw a few more design drawings with that spare time.”
After hearing her answer, Lin Xiaolu fell silent for a moment, no longer pursuing the topic.
It’s mainly that these two are different from herself and Lin Yoona, Sweet Eun-jung and Ham Eun-jung. These two pairs of contestants didn’t do anything wrong; there were just some issues with their groups.
But Jessica, on the other hand, chose the wrong man, not only implicating Krystal but also causing so much trouble in their lives.
Although she knew Lin Xiaolu knew her unnie didn’t want to think about this situation, if that day were to come, she was really curious if the other person was prepared to talk about those complex issues with Jessica face-to-face.
After using the restroom, the two returned to the practice room. It was the same familiar corridor, and Lin Xiaolu spoke first again.
“Unnie, I have another question.”
“Hey, Yoona, when did you become Sunny? Why are you so curious?” Jung Soo Yeon, walking beside her, tilted her head and looked at the other person with amusement.
Lin Xiaolu blushed a little from her teasing and then said in a low voice.
“No, I just wanted to ask, you know that Xiuyuan had that conflict with Jessica before, right? If, as I said, Xiuyuan still brings her in, what do you think would be the reason, unnie?”
“What reason? Does it need a reason? He opens that door whenever he wants, just like when he pulled me along back then.”
Speaking of this, a memory flashed in Jung Soo Yeon’s eyes, and a smile involuntarily spread across her lips, as if recalling that impulsive young man from back then.
“I’m just saying hypothetically,” Lin Xiaolu continued to press, her tone seemingly helpless but also somewhat serious.
Jung Soo Yeon was silent for a moment, seemingly contemplating the question, then replied, “If I absolutely had to give an answer, then I can only hope that when Xiuyuan sees Jessica, he will think of me.”
She said this very plainly, yet it unintentionally revealed a sincerity and softness, as if too many complex emotions were hidden within this simple sentence.
This rare direct statement made Lin Xiaolu stop in her tracks, looking deeply at the figure walking ahead, an inexplicable emotion stirring in her heart.
Jung Soo Yeon noticed her stop, turned back to look at her, with a hint of confusion and a smile, “Let’s go, why are you standing there? Hurry up.”
Lin Xiaolu smiled, a complex expression appearing on her face, and said in a low voice, “Oh, coming.”
……
……
On the second day in Georgia, sunlight shone on the vast grasslands, reflecting warm rays of light, and the entire land was filled with a tranquil aura.
After a day of touring, Lin Xiuyuan and the others didn’t rush to their next destination but decided to continue enjoying this serene place.
Although there were no prominent tourist attractions nearby, for the three of them, this expansive grassland and the distant snow mountains were enough for them to spend the entire afternoon in peace.
The three sat around outside the courtyard of a raised coffee shop, enjoying the warm afternoon sun and the tranquil atmosphere.
Occasional breezes swept through, causing waves to ripple across the grass, and the air was filled with the fresh scent of flowers and herbs.
Jessica occasionally took out her camera, capturing beautiful scenery before her. Her face was filled with a satisfied smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement behind the lens.
Krystal sat quietly to the side, holding a book, her gaze focused on the pages. She looked up occasionally, seeing the distant snow mountains, a hint of gentle affection in her eyes.
Lin Xiuyuan, on the other hand, was still somewhat absent-minded, occasionally looking up at the distant snow mountains, his gaze a little hazy.
“Xiuyuan, what are you thinking about?” Krystal suddenly asked softly, her voice like a gentle breeze breaking Lin Xiuyuan’s reverie.
She looked up, a hint of curiosity in her eyes, and smiled at him.
Lin Xiuyuan smiled and shook his head, “It’s nothing, I just feel that these quiet days are rare, and I can calm my mind to think about some things.”
Krystal nodded and softly agreed, “Mmm, indeed.”
She put down the book in her hand and her gaze followed his to the distance, “A quiet place like this can make one temporarily forget some troubles and clear their head.”
“If that’s the case, would you be willing to stay here permanently, Xiujing?” Lin Xiuyuan immediately asked.
This question not only made Krystal fall silent but also drew a glance from Jessica.
Krystal finally shook her head, “That won’t do. It’s okay to visit occasionally. I still prefer the prosperity of the city. It’s enough to appreciate nature like this.”
After speaking, she made an analogy, “Besides, it’s fine to clear your head occasionally, but who can keep their head empty all the time?”
This response directly amused Lin Xiuyuan, and he burst into laughter.
“Alright, alright, you’ve learned sophistry too, Jung Soo Jung.”
As the sun gradually set, the clouds in the sky were dyed a gentle orange-red by the sunset. The glow fell on the distant mountains, and golden light shone on the peaks of the snow-capped mountains, making the mountain ranges appear even more mysterious and magnificent.
Having not returned to 2013 for several days, Lin Xiuyuan, under Krystal’s cover, left the guesthouse when nightfall arrived and returned to the apartment on that side.
And when Jessica asked Krystal why she wasn’t coming out to soak in the hot springs, Krystal glanced at Jessica, who was still looking sexy tonight, and with a teasing smile on her face, she said.
“Xiuyuan said you’re too tempting like this and he can’t control himself, so he’s not coming out. He wants us sisters to have a good chat.”
Hearing Krystal’s teasing, Jessica couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow and let out a light laugh, “Isn’t this something you made up yourself? That guy, apart from occasionally glancing at me, basically hasn’t even looked me in the eye. How can I be considered sexy.”
“Unnie, you’re underestimating yourself a bit,” Krystal said with a smile.
“I know my limits. Your young man has quite a temper, not like us who can process things ourselves,” Jessica chuckled, a hint of self-deprecation at the corner of her lips.
While saying this, Jessica linked her arm with Krystal’s and walked towards the hot spring room, her laughter light, the atmosphere warm and relaxed.
Meanwhile, Lin Xiuyuan had already returned to 2013 through the Time-Space Door.
Upon returning to the apartment in 2013, Lin Xiuyuan first stopped in the living room. Looking at the familiar surroundings and thinking about the grasslands and snow mountains he had been watching that afternoon, he suddenly felt a sense of unreality, as if he had traveled through time and space.
This was a feeling he hadn’t experienced when returning from the city of 2025 to 2013, similar to when he was on vacation in the Maldives.
Adjusting his thoughts, Lin Xiuyuan sat on the sofa and glanced at the messages on his mobile phone. Most of them were from Sulli, except for those from people she didn’t know.
Those people were classmates he knew from before dropping out of school who were preparing to graduate.
Should Lin Xiuyuan consider returning to school to take a look?
Lin Xiuyuan directly ignored this.
Then he looked at some of the messages Sulli had replied with earlier, such as those from Kim Tae Yeon and Park Ji Yeon.
The reply to Kim Tae Yeon was: I’m handling some business.
The reply to Park Ji Yeon was: I’m traveling.
Thinking of this, Lin Xiuyuan realized he hadn’t seen Park Ji Yeon for a few days. The thought of her brought a smile to his lips.
So he dialed her phone, but no one answered.
After trying a few more times with no response, Lin Xiuyuan frowned, a sense of doubt creeping into his mind.
Helplessly, he dialed Ham Eun Jung’s phone, intending to find out about Park Ji Yeon’s situation from her.
A few seconds later, Ham Eun Jung’s voice came from the other end of the phone, “Hello, Xiuyuan? You’re back?”
“Mmm, I called Ji Yeon but no one answered. Is she busy?” Lin Xiuyuan asked after responding.
“Oh, Ji Yeon is practicing at the Taekwondo Gym right now,” Ham Eun Jung replied with a smile. “She’s been very dedicated to her training lately, practically spending all her time at the gym.”
“What?” Lin Xiuyuan was taken aback, somewhat surprised. “Taekwondo?”
“Mmm, yes, after she learned about your situation and what’s happening on that side, she started practicing frantically, even more so than dancing.”
Ham Eun Jung’s tone carried a hint of teasing, “You know Ji Yeon, once she gets into something, she doesn’t care about anything else.”
Lin Xiuyuan paused for a moment, then let out a wry laugh, “Alright, I’ll go see her then. Where is it?”
Two minutes later, having obtained the address, Lin Xiuyuan called Sulli. Upon learning that she was still rehearsing at the company, he directly arranged to meet her for a late-night snack later.
At the same time, he took the elevator downstairs, got in his car, and headed straight for the Taekwondo Gym address Ham Eun Jung had given him.
Just as he reached the doorway of the Taekwondo Gym, he unexpectedly ran into Park Hyo Min.
It had been some time since they last met. Their previous encounter at the airport was brief due to the circumstances, and they had only exchanged pleasantries.
“Xiuyuan, why are you here?” Park Hyo Min asked in surprise when she saw him, her eyes filled with curiosity and confusion.
“I heard Ji Yeon has been practicing Taekwondo intensely lately, so I came to see her,” Lin Xiuyuan replied.
“Oh, I see,” Park Hyo Min nodded and then walked towards the gym.
As she walked, she tilted her head and looked at Lin Xiuyuan, her tone carrying some concern, “Ji Yeon has been training very hard recently, even cutting back on her regular rest. If you can persuade her, Xiuyuan, please do. After all, she doesn’t need to take any more exams, there’s no need to push herself so hard; her figure is already great.”
Lin Xiuyuan’s heart skipped a beat upon hearing this. He felt a bit awkward but knew this was an issue he couldn’t ignore.
“Mmm, I know. Thank you, Hyo Min.”
“No need. Ji Yeon is like my sister; it’s like she’s your possession.”
“…”
Chatting, the two of them walked into the Taekwondo Gym together. The atmosphere inside was still tense and focused.
A few scattered students were practicing intently, and occasionally the sounds of heavy breathing and the impact of kicks on the mats could be heard. The air was filled with the scent of sweat and effort.
Everyone was immersed in their own world, radiating an aura of struggle.
Lin Xiuyuan’s gaze swept across the gym, finally settling on the person he had come to see: Park Ji Yeon.
She was currently standing by the side, wearing sportswear. The hair strands on her forehead were a little messy, clearly indicating she had just gone through a tough training session. There was a hint of fatigue on her face, yet it was accompanied by confidence and determination.
When Park Ji Yeon saw Lin Xiuyuan enter, she was stunned for a moment, then a surprised smile appeared, “Oppa~ Why are you here?”
“I heard you’ve been busy, so I came to see you,” Lin Xiuyuan said with a smile, his gaze lingering on her for a moment. “Are you planning to switch careers from an idol to an athlete, Ji Yeon? You’re putting so much effort into it.”
A smile first appeared on Park Ji Yeon’s face, but it quickly turned into a determined expression. At the same time, she gave him a somewhat annoyed look, “No, I just want to practice.”
Hearing the response, Lin Xiuyuan smiled, “How about we stop here for today? I’ve arranged to have a late-night snack with Sulli and Eun Jung, and they should have already left. I’ll pick you up, and we can go eat something together.”
Facing Lin Xiuyuan’s invitation, Park Ji Yeon naturally agreed. However, just as Lin Xiuyuan was about to ask her to leave, her eyes suddenly lit up, as if she had suddenly thought of something.
“Oppa~ Since you’re here, aren’t you going to try it out?” she smiled, her tone laced with a hint of challenge.
“Me? I don’t know Taekwondo. I’ll pass,” Lin Xiuyuan said with a smile and shook his head, clearly not intending to challenge his limits.
“You don’t need to know. We can just fight normally and see who wins.”
Park Ji Yeon’s concise summary made Park Hyo Min beside them chuckle.
Lin Xiuyuan was stunned for a moment after hearing this. His eyebrows slightly rose, and then a slightly teasing smile appeared as he thought of something. “Ji Yeon, so you’re planning to take this opportunity to teach me a lesson?”
“No way, Oppa, don’t talk nonsense.” Park Ji Yeon suddenly looked away, a little guilty, as if she couldn’t meet his gaze.
Seeing this, Lin Xiuyuan helplessly waved his hand and said with a smile, “Alright, you win. I’ll play with you.”
Facing Park Ji Yeon’s enthusiasm, Lin Xiuyuan found it hard to refuse, especially in this atmosphere with everyone watching them.
Seeing that Lin Xiuyuan had agreed, a cunning glint flashed in Park Ji Yeon’s eyes, “Hehe, Oppa, then I won’t be polite.”
She directly walked onto the soft mat of the Taekwondo Gym, assumed a standard stance, and prepared to begin the challenge.
Lin Xiuyuan shook his head, couldn’t help but smile, thinking that this little Ji Yeon must have found out about the situation in 2025 and wanted to teach him a good lesson.
After the two stood in position, Park Ji Yeon quickly launched her attack.
Her footwork was swift, her movements light, and a high kick aimed directly at Lin Xiuyuan’s shoulder.
Lin Xiuyuan really didn’t understand this stuff, but his body coordination was strong, and his senses were very keen.
Therefore, his eyes could clearly see Park Ji Yeon’s movements, so he agilely sidestepped, skillfully evading the attack.
Immediately, he reacted by charging forward, intending to tackle Park Ji Yeon to the ground and end everything with sheer strength.
But Park Ji Yeon was not to be trifled with. With a slight smile, her body dodged even faster, instantly returning to her original position with a turn.
Then, she quickly lowered her body and lunged forward forcefully, directly targeting Lin Xiuyuan’s lower body.
Her sudden move caused Lin Xiuyuan to pause slightly, missing an opportunity he could have easily avoided, and then he was kicked in the calf.
Following this, the two began a back-and-forth playful scuffle. Although their movements were not intense, they were filled with spirited competition.
The air was filled with a tense yet playful atmosphere, and every light touch on the soft mat made both of their heartbeats quicken.
“Ji Yeon, are you really hitting me with all your might? Can’t you relax a bit?” Lin Xiuyuan couldn’t help but ask, a hint of laughter in his voice.
Park Ji Yeon raised an eyebrow slightly and retorted, not backing down, “I’m serious.”
Her words carried a sense of determination, and also seemed to be reminding Mr. Lin that she was not someone who would give up easily.
Finally, after a period of probing, Lin Xiuyuan finally found an opportunity with his superior body coordination.
He quickly seized upon one of Park Ji Yeon’s mistakes, subtly adjusted his footwork, and with a skillful push-and-pull motion, he threw her onto the soft mat.
The two rolled a few times rapidly, and finally, Lin Xiuyuan firmly controlled her upper body.
The air seemed to freeze at that moment.
Their eyes met, Lin Xiuyuan took a breath, and smiled at her, “You lost, Ji Yeon.”
Park Ji Yeon, pinned to the ground, showed no sign of dejection. Instead, a faint smile appeared on her face, and her eyes seemed to hold some ineffable meaning.
Then she spoke softly, her tone carrying a hint of curiosity and anticipation, “It’s okay if I lose, Oppa. But I have a question: am I more powerful, or is the old woman better?”
This question, suddenly asked, made Lin Xiuyuan pause.
Seeing that her eyes seemed to reveal some hidden meaning, his heart tightened.
He paused for a moment, his gaze involuntarily sweeping over her face, his heart feeling complex.
Primarily, Park Ji Yeon’s question was too personal, and he wasn’t sure how to answer.
He couldn’t say that neither was comparable, even though they both involved fighting and rolling around.
Thinking this, and seeing Park Ji Yeon’s slightly expectant gaze, Lin Xiuyuan finally suppressed his smile and took a deep breath.
“Well, this is really an accident, Ji Yeon. Besides, didn’t you throw the first punch? I was just defending myself.”
Upon hearing this, Park Ji Yeon’s lips curved slightly, and she let out a snort, “See, Oppa, you’re siding with her.”
After saying this, a hint of helplessness appeared on her face. She didn’t press further, only lowered her head.
Perhaps it was due to long-term pressure, or perhaps due to her evolving feelings for Lin Xiuyuan, that she unconsciously asked such a question.
Biting her lip, Park Ji Yeon said softly, “Never mind, I won’t ask anymore.”
Seeing her suddenly become a bit silent, Lin Xiuyuan felt a pang of sympathy. He reached out and patted her shoulder gently, “Get up first. I’ll tell you about the situation later.”
After speaking, he smiled, stood up, stretched, and looked at Park Ji Yeon, “Do you want to go back and freshen up?”
Having received his promise, Park Ji Yeon immediately stood up and patted her sportswear, clearly feeling much more relaxed, “Yes, I can’t go with a body full of sweat, can I?”
“There’s no smell of sweat.”
Lin Xiuyuan, who had just been rolling around on the soft mat with her, stated, and Park Ji Yeon lowered her head and smiled.
At this moment, Park Hyo Min, who had been quietly observing them, narrowed her eyes slightly and then walked over from the side, a hint of amusement in her eyes, “You two are having so much fun.”
Her words were clearly teasing as she continued to smile at Lin Xiuyuan, “Xiuyuan, I’m not going to be left out of the late-night snack, am I?”
After asking this question, Park Hyo Min had already made up her mind.
That is, this time, no matter what, she would shamelessly tag along. She wanted to see what was going on with these two, no, plus Sulli and Eun Jung.
Lin Xiuyuan was amused by her sudden remark and agreed easily and naturally, “Of course, Hyo Min. No problem.”
And so, after Park Ji Yeon tidied herself up, the three of them walked out of the Taekwondo Gym together.
The night was gradually deepening, and the air carried the coolness of the evening breeze.
There was no brilliant starry sky like in Georgia here; only the neon lights of the city continued to flicker, casting colorful shadows on the streets, illuminating the silhouettes of the three figures.
Daily Ten Thousand completed. Thank you to my godfathers for your support and votes.
Daily Ten Thousand progress bar report: 73/82.
Requesting monthly tickets!! Requesting subscriptions!! Requesting rewards!! Requesting everything!!!
