Chapter 229: Park Hyomin: “who Is My Future Husband?”
Following the navigation given by Ham Eun-jung, Lin Xiuyuan quickly sent Park Ji-yeon back to the dormitory and took a shower, then drove her and Park Hyomin to a street in Sangam-dong.
At the late-night street, it was the second round after dinner for some people and the off-duty time for some night-shift workhorses, so the lively atmosphere on the small street began to brew.
Shops and stalls on both sides emitted colorful glows under the neon lights, reflecting warm tones on the ground, and the ancient stone pavement sparkled with dreamlike light and shadow under the lighting.
The night air was slightly cool, but the street was still filled with voices and laughter.
Lin Xiuyuan, who came to this side, looked at the navigation, leading Park Ji-yeon and Park Hyomin around from the back street, walked a section of alley, and finally arrived in front of a traditional barbecue restaurant.
The location of this shop was very remote, but the wooden signboard at the doorway had “Authentic Korean Barbecue” written in gold lettering. Through the glass window inside the shop, one could see grills full of charcoal fire and diners sitting around, with swirling smoke and aroma immediately hitting the nose.
Actually, when Park Hyomin came over with Lin Xiuyuan earlier, she had some impression. Upon seeing this familiar shop door, she immediately said.
“Oh, it’s indeed this one. Many artists and PDs from the TV station come here for dinner parties. No wonder it feels so familiar. How did you know, Xiuyuan?”
Lin Xiuyuan couldn’t help but smile upon hearing this, raised his mobile phone, “It’s the address Eun-jung gave. But hearing you say that, it seems the food here is really good. Let’s go in.”
After speaking, curiosity flickered in his eyes as he walked toward the shop door.
Park Ji-yeon had long been impatient, excitedly quickening her steps, her face full of expectation for the food.
With a smile at the corner of her mouth, she couldn’t help but say softly, “Finally we can start eating. I’ve been hungry for so long.”
“Then don’t train anymore.”
“Hmph hmph hmph, no.”
As soon as they entered the shop, the aroma of charcoal fire and noisy chatter hit them. The shop’s decor was simple and warm, with wooden tables and chairs, orange lighting illuminating the entire space warmly and comfortably.
Several tables were already occupied by customers, with few empty spots. Fortunately, Ham Eun-jung and Sulli were sitting at one of them.
Upon seeing Lin Xiuyuan and the other two, they smiled and waved.
The three hurried over, joined them and sat together, chatting a few words.
As soon as they sat down, Lin Xiuyuan noticed that the dining table was already prepared with barbecue utensils and side dishes.
Kimchi, garlic slices, onion, dipping sauce, and a plate of freshly made lettuce, with a metal grill in the middle piled thick with beef.
At the same time, seeing Lin Xiuyuan and the others finally sit down, Sulli, who was flipping the barbecue, couldn’t help but say amusingly, “Oppa~ If you didn’t come soon, Eun-jung unnie and I would have eaten our fill.”
Lin Xiuyuan picked up chopsticks to clamp a piece of freshly grilled beef, chewed satisfactorily and smiled, “It’s fine, you eat first. Otherwise, we could wait for you to grill meat for us.”
While speaking, he looked at Ham Eun-jung beside him, “Eun-jung, did you just get off work?”
Ham Eun-jung smiled, “Yeah, how did you know?”
She raised her eyebrow, seemingly very curious how Lin Xiuyuan noticed.
Then Lin Xiuyuan pointed at her face and clothes, “Look at your full makeup look and this outfit. You never dress like this in your casual clothes.”
After hearing this, Ham Eun-jung burst out laughing, nodded, “Yeah, I just finished recording a show at the TV station in Sangam-dong. I heard you saying late-night snack, so I booked this place to save me a trip.”
“You’ve worked hard.” Lin Xiuyuan said with a smile, clamped another piece of beef into his mouth, “Yoona said you got the role of Lee Bo-na? That surprised me a bit.”
“Yeah, I was surprised too.”
Ham Eun-jung nodded, then leaned in a bit, whispering, “I thought with the company’s situation, I definitely had no chance.”
“What happened? How did you get it?” Lin Xiuyuan put down his chopsticks, raised his eyebrow slightly, interested in Ham Eun-jung’s words.
Their company’s situation was quite complicated, with taking sides and going on shows. Those trying to flatter the old witch actually let go??
So he was really curious how Ham Eun-jung got the role in this situation.
But Ham Eun-jung smiled and glanced at him, “Actually, it’s related to the situation in China?”
“Huh?” Lin Xiuyuan was puzzled, “What do you mean?”
“It’s said that because we went to Magic City last month, the reaction there made the TV station temporarily give me the role. It was impossible originally; the company was about to give up.”
Lin Xiuyuan was stunned, obviously surprised, “Just because of the reaction in Magic City? That… doesn’t seem possible, right?”
He wanted to say that the witch seemed not on good terms with our mom, so how could it work.
Ham Eun-jung smiled faintly, her gaze carrying a hint of depth.
“Xiuyuan, using what our manager told me, ‘We still underestimated how attractive the China market is.’ I heard this drama chose many real-life locations, invested a lot of money. All to expand overseas markets. And Ji-yeon’s shop seems to be expanding fiercely. As endorsers, so…”
“Got it.”
Before Ham Eun-jung finished, Lin Xiuyuan nodded and laughed. In short, the homeland is awesome.
Ending the topic, the two looked aside, where Park Hyomin, Park Ji-yeon, and Sulli were discussing fitness issues.
Sulli even advised Park Ji-yeon not to train too hastily, or she’d wear out her body and it wouldn’t be worth it.
Park Ji-yeon ignored the earlier words, but the latter phrase ‘not worth it’ made her lift her head to look at Sulli, as if hearing a different tone.
Seeing her reaction, Sulli gently pursed her lips, smiled at her, her gaze revealing a tacit understanding only they could comprehend.
Just like that, Park Hyomin in the middle was isolated again.
Looking at Lin Xiuyuan and Ham Eun-jung’s chat on this side, gazing at Park Ji-yeon and Sulli’s eye acting on that side, this scene brought a picture to her mind.
It was a segment from Young and Dangerous she watched as a kid.
So she put down her chopsticks and placed her hand on the tabletop, but before moving, she looked down at the welded table, then sighed lightly.
She interjected, “You’re all chatting so happily, why do I feel like I can’t join in at all?”
Her tone carried some helplessness and frustration, “Is it really my problem? Or are you doing something behind my back?”
Noticing Park Hyomin was upset, Park Ji-yeon hurriedly held her arm, “No, unnie, we’re just sitting together eating late-night snack. How could we be behind your back.”
“Exactly, Hyo Min, you’re too sensitive. We all live together; what could we hide from you.”
Ham Eun-jung also explained, but deceiving her good sister like this made her heart heavy, yet the truth was hard to tell unless Lin Xiuyuan agreed.
But thinking that only she knew about the 25-year side, Ham Eun-jung didn’t say more.
Fortunately, with Park Ji-yeon and Ham Eun-jung’s comfort, Park Hyomin, who was only a bit frustrated, soon smiled again.
Afterward, they stopped discussing work and complicated matters, instead focusing on the food. The atmosphere at the dining table gradually became relaxed and pleasant.
During this time, a few acquaintances from the industry entered the restaurant.
As juniors in the circle, Ham Eun-jung and the others quickly stood up, politely greeting them with smiles carrying etiquette and tension.
Lin Xiuyuan sat quietly aside, using chopsticks to pick barbecue, his gaze showing no reverence, only curiosity and calm, like observing everything around.
Plus, as someone not in the circle, he acted like an outsider here, very at ease.
So those so-called seniors, seeing him unfamiliar, politely kept distance. After a few pleasantries, everyone sat separately to enjoy dinner.
As the girls at the table, including Ham Eun-jung, gradually put down their chopsticks, in the blink of an eye, only Lin Xiuyuan was still eating.
“Xiuyuan, are you very hungry?”
Park Hyomin, sitting on the same side as Lin Xiuyuan, was clamping beef for him while curiously asking, “Didn’t eat dinner?”
Lin Xiuyuan looked up, still with meat in his mouth, swallowed before responding easily, “Hungry, just pretend I haven’t eaten.”
His voice carried some helplessness, his gaze revealing enjoyment of the food.
Mainly, the town in Georgia was mostly Western meals and local dishes; tonight’s small restaurant even had no meat, purely vegetarian.
Could only eat bread or salad, stewed mushrooms, etc.
So Lin Xiuyuan was really hungry now.
The others, knowing Lin Xiuyuan went abroad in 25 years, smiled and took turns flipping barbecue for him, attracting gazes from many in the restaurant, instinctively wondering which conglomerate young master this guy was.
During this, Park Hyomin kept pressing Lin Xiuyuan on how to join the small tavern’s membership, just like big dragon cub in 25 years some days ago.
Lin Xiuyuan laughed, then after eating a piece of beef, turned with a smile and asked her, “Let me ask you a question first, Hyo Min. If one day you knew who your future husband is, would you pursue him now?”
As soon as this was said, the atmosphere froze instantly. The three gazes locked on Park Hyomin like magnets, full of expectation and curiosity.
They, already knowing the answer, now wanted to know what current Park Hyomin would say.
“What do you mean? I know who my future husband is?”
Park Hyomin looked at Lin Xiuyuan in confusion, involuntarily voicing doubt, completely unprepared for such talk.
Then she shook her head with a smile, “I think I’m the DINK type. Marriage, probably delayed to thirties or forties. Not thinking about it now.”
Her voice was somewhat relaxed, seemingly untroubled by the question.
“Hypothetically, I said suppose.” Lin Xiuyuan clamped a piece of chicken tender into his mouth, continuing to smile.
“Suppose…” Park Hyomin frowned slightly, obviously unsure how to answer, “Hmm, never thought of this, but if putting myself in future scenario, I’d probably be a bit curious.”
Saying this, her tone was hesitant, clearly puzzled by the hypothesis.
“After curiosity, wouldn’t it become fondness?” Park Ji-yeon suddenly interjected, her smile carrying teasing.
Park Hyomin didn’t deny, instead somewhat silent, “Who knows. Mainly this hypothetical is too weird.”
However, Ham Eun-jung suddenly spoke, “It could also be another situation, Hyo Min.”
Her words with teasing, she added, “For example, if you knew the other person’s private life is messy, personality bad, even two-timing, etc., would you think you’re blind?”
As Ham Eun-jung finished, before Park Hyomin reacted, Park Ji-yeon had already slumped on the table.
Hands propping her forehead, tilting head at Ham Eun-jung, eyes full of helplessness, “Unnie, we’re talking about Hyo Min unnie’s situation, right? Why do I feel hurt even lying down?”
“Ah ya, hahaha. Not talking about you, not you, don’t cry.”
As Park Ji-yeon spoke, Ham Eun-jung reacted, hurriedly reaching over Sulli to gently stroke her own kid’s head, patting lightly, like soothing a child.
Hearing their interaction, Park Hyomin was stunned, blinking, obviously not understanding what happened.
So she muttered softly, “What do you mean? Why can’t I understand again.”
Then she seriously pondered Ham Eun-jung’s words, silent for a bit before saying softly, “But Eun-jung makes sense. If really like that, I’d probably think I’m blind.”
However, Park Hyomin shook her head immediately, seemingly brushing off the hypotheses, summarizing in a very artistic tone.
“But these are all hypotheticals. Future is future, now is now. I prefer cherishing the people before me, so future how it is has nothing to do with current me.”
“Mm~ Got it.”
“So what’s the point of this question.”
“Emotion survey.”
Lin Xiuyuan smiled and answered, then beckoned Park Ji-yeon over, continuing after she leaned in, “Heard what Hyo Min said? Distinguish between parties, Ji-yeon. Don’t be mad at her.”
“Then arrange for me to fight her. If I lose, I’ll admit. If I win…”
Hearing this, Park Ji-yeon straightened up to look at Lin Xiuyuan, answering simply and directly, “If I win, oppa you have to listen to me.”
Looking at her, Lin Xiuyuan tilted his head smiling, pursed his lips, took tissues from Sulli to wipe his mouth, “What tactic is this? Stratagem of self-harm or what, Ji-yeon~”
“Hahaha…”
Nearby Ham Eun-jung and Sulli laughed heartily. Opposite, Park Ji-yeon denied, “I didn’t.”
Park Hyomin was still confused, “What? You started some secret talk again.”
“Hahahaha.”
Now, everyone laughed.
Early morning, after finishing late-night snack, the group prepared to split. Tara members to dormitory, Sulli planning to ride Lin Xiuyuan’s car home.
Before parting, Park Ji-yeon pulled Lin Xiuyuan aside and asked, “Oppa, what was the explanation you said you’d give me before coming?”
Lin Xiuyuan glanced back at her, helplessness flashing in his eyes, then he sighed lightly, his tone slowing and deepening.
“Actually, Ji-yeon, you’ve already saved big Ji-yeon once. You know that?”
Park Ji-yeon was stunned, clearly not expecting Lin Xiuyuan to say this. She widened her eyes slightly, looking at him puzzled, not quite understanding.
His voice continued.
“The time I went before was exactly her low point relapse. Even without me, there might be another like me approaching her, becoming her emotion outlet. She was struggling to climb out of loss, wanting an outlet to vent suppressed emotions.”
At this point, Lin Xiuyuan’s gaze toward Park Ji-yeon softened.
“And your plan and my appearance timely gave her this choice, preventing a worse future. So don’t be too hostile to big Ji-yeon. Try feeling sorry for her. After all, unlike current you, she doesn’t have a reference to move forward.”
After hearing this familiar yet gap-filling answer.
Park Ji-yeon didn’t know how she returned to the dormitory afterward, just dazedly sitting on the sofa, her gaze somewhat confused.
The other side.
After returning to the apartment with Sulli, as Lin Xiuyuan was about to go to 25 years, Sulli stopped him, “Oppa, do you really want Ji-yeon and them to meet?”
“Huh?”
Lin Xiuyuan stopped, looked back at her, thought flashing in his eyes, then curved a faint smile at his lips, “Huh? Who knows. Anyway, we’ll see then.”
He paused, suddenly changing topic, asking casually, “But Jinjin, when can you settle Hara? Best to stabilize her first. Her little head is different from yours, too many thoughts. To not explode and make her believe everything, premise is you stabilize her.”
Sulli, originally wanting to probe Lin Xiuyuan’s stance for her friend, blinked and got distracted, couldn’t help muttering,
“Unnie is still busy in Tokyo, but we’ve chatted a lot online. She believes what I said, but others, probably wait till she returns to Seoul to meet and talk.”
Actually, Sulli really wanted to go to Tokyo, but couldn’t go often, or anyone would suspect.
“Time is there, no rush. Take it slow.”
Lin Xiuyuan patted Sulli’s shoulder, smiling to comfort her, “Now more important is we handle these matters first.”
Then waved hand, smiled, “Alright, I gotta go. If not back soon, Soo Jung might fall asleep.”
Hearing Lin Xiuyuan softly call “Soo Jung”, Sulli couldn’t help chuckling lightly, a gentle curve at her lips.
Then waved, watching Lin Xiuyuan leave.
After the room door closed, she sat on the sofa, gaze sinking into deep thought, unmoving for a long time.
……
……
The other side.
Lin Xiuyuan, returning to the guesthouse at the foot of Kazbek Mountain, saw Krystal leaning on the bed scrolling her mobile phone as soon as he entered.
Her long legs casually draped over the quilt, hair strands slightly messy. Under the lighting, she looked both lazy and alluring, making the whole space warm and captivating because of her.
When Krystal noticed Lin Xiuyuan’s arrival, brightness flashed in her eyes. She put down her phone, bare feet stepping on the cool floor, walking toward him.
With a teasing smile at her lips, steps light and confident.
“Back? If not back soon, I thought you’d stay overnight there.”
Her voice carried a husky laziness, unintentionally stirring the air’s temperature, drawing people in.
“No, had late-night snack with Jinjin and them.”
Lin Xiuyuan answered while letting her hold his hand.
Next second, his arms lifted under her guidance, shirt buttons undone one by one by her, fingertips occasionally brushing his skin lightly, with teasing intent.
Krystal’s gaze slid from his chest to shoulders, hummed lightly, pointed finger at his chest, “No wonder, all barbecue smell.”
Saying so, she turned toward the wardrobe, “Go wash. I’ll get pajamas for you.”
However, this gentleness and routine instantly ignited fire in Lin Xiuyuan’s heart.
He smiled at the corner of his mouth, suddenly pulled her hand, smoothly pulled her into his arms, retreating with her toward the bathroom, “Don’t make me wash alone, together… We haven’t tried this situation yet…”
He thought Krystal would push him away, but she just smiled, instead proactively wrapping arms around his neck, lips curving more, whispering in his ear, “Then, how about we go to the hot spring side.”
Lin Xiuyuan was stunned, almost not reacting, “Huh?”
Before he could ask clearly, Krystal leaped nimbly, hanging on him like a light elf, long legs clamping his waist firmly, body pressed against him, warm breath on his neck.
“What are you stunned for? Go, directly.”
Lin Xiuyuan, hooked by her like this, felt his breathing quicken, said lowly, “No clothes?”
“Unnie is asleep, what are you worried about.”
After saying, Krystal lowered head to kiss his lips.
“But…” Lin Xiuyuan’s voice hoarse, he chuckled lightly, “Woo woo woo~”
Next, words became superfluous.
Room door opened, Lin Xiuyuan holding Krystal slowly walked toward the hot spring hut.
Dim yellow lighting sprinkled on them, lips never parting, occasionally separating briefly due to rapid breathing, then impatiently kissing again.
Every touch like collision of souls.
Krystal’s fingers slid from his hair to nape, fingers exerting slight force. Lin Xiuyuan’s palms clasped her back, feeling her every subtle tremble, heartbeat accelerating with her movements.
Midway, Lin Xiuyuan carefully avoided table corner and chair, steps steady yet urgent.
Closely pressed bodies, every pause just to adjust breathing.
Every step forward carried more urgent desire, as if unable to wait another second.
Just as their figures disappeared at living room corner, the adjacent room door quietly opened.
Jessica’s figure appeared behind the door, leaning on doorframe, watching the impatient pair vanish into night, eyebrow raised, helpless smile at lips, “These two, really don’t take me seriously.”
As hot spring hut door slowly closed, outside world seemed isolated, leaving only warm steam and each other’s breathing.
Air filled with faint water vapor, warm atmosphere enveloping them.
Lin Xiuyuan still holding Krystal, feeling her fiery body temperature, air filled with steam and her faint scent.
Moments later, Lin Xiuyuan released Krystal, “How about wash first? I smell all over.”
Krystal laughed, alluringly, lip curve provocative, “Why, want to slow down?”
Her deliberately slowed voice rang lightly in his ear, each word teasing his nerves, “Now you know how much I missed you, right? Next time can’t let you go back alone.”
After, Krystal’s hands wrapped Lin Xiuyuan’s neck again, slightly pulling his face closer, lips colliding again.
Simultaneously moving lightly, turning to push him toward nearby hot spring pool edge.
Pool water rippled slowly in steaming heat, water waves intertwining with her body friction into beautiful scene.
Krystal stood before Lin Xiuyuan, eyes with playful smile, fingers lightly poking someone’s chest, deliberately not letting him approach easily.
“Xiuyuan, tonight you initiated, oh. Make it more stimulating~”
She raised sly smile, words full of challenge.
“…”
Night of passion.
Next early morning, warm sunlight through curtain gaps sprinkled on bed, air with fresh coolness.
Lin Xiuyuan and Krystal lay side by side on bed, bodies still closely pressed.
Last night’s heat lingered in air, but both in serene deep sleep, peaceful and relaxed.
However, as time passed, Krystal opened eyes first, gently lifting head to look at sleeping Lin Xiuyuan.
Then smiled slightly, quietly got up from bed, trying not to disturb him.
After standing, she dragged lazy steps to bathroom, preparing to start new day.
Soon water sounds from bathroom, air filled with warm moisture.
Shortly after, Krystal finished washing up, in simple pajamas walked out of bedroom, but living room atmosphere not as quiet as expected.
“Yo, finally up? Slept really well last night, huh?”
Jessica on sofa, holding mobile phone, tone teasing, “Next time can you avoid me a bit? Really, I almost thought you’d sleep outside tonight.”
Krystal grinned, walked over to pat Jessica’s shoulder, “Then next time bring your boyfriend over. Anyway, Xiuyuan and I don’t care about you.”
Jessica stunned, then rolled eyes impatiently, “Hey, don’t stir trouble. Can’t let it go, huh. When you break up with this one, see if I don’t mock you to death.”
“Don’t worry, impossible to break up this lifetime.” Krystal laughed, tone full of confidence.
“Jung! Soo! Jung!!!”
Gritted teeth voice from Jessica, furious yet helpless.
Krystal’s expression instantly amused, eyes twinkling mischief.
Seeing this, she raised hands in surrender, “Okay okay okay, my bad, I won’t say.”
Then waved hand, couldn’t help laughing, “Really don’t dare provoke a seemingly taken but actually single dog resentful woman. Too scary.”
Before words finished, before Krystal could retreat, Jessica pounced, pinning her hard on sofa.
Krystal laughed loudly crying for mercy, because Jessica’s hand quickly pressed her waist soft spot, technique completely different from Lin Xiuyuan’s last night.
Last night she wanted to moan, now only laugh.
At this time, Lin Xiuyuan in room rubbed eyes, sat up from bed, clearly woken by their commotion.
When he came out after washing, the two sisters on sofa had finished commotion, room quiet as if nothing happened.
Krystal turned to see him up, smiled, “Finally awake, Xiuyuan, good morning!”
Lin Xiuyuan stood behind sofa, stretched lazily, eyes still sleepy, “Good morning, what were you commotion about? I was woken by you.”
Krystal smiled, “Got up just right, perfect for breakfast.”
Moments later, three sat at table for simple breakfast, then packed luggage, because today’s itinerary was to head to the winery Krystal mentioned wanting to visit.
The winery in a valley in Georgia countryside, surrounded by rolling mountains and green vineyards.
When Lin Xiuyuan, Krystal, and Jessica arrived at winery, a enthusiastic staff welcomed them. This was Krystal’s online reservation; today the staff would lead them into cellar for tour and wine selection.
“Welcome to our winery. Happy to show you our selected alcoholic beverages today.” Staff warmly guided them into the cellar.
Cellar walls hung rows of ancient wine bottles, dust of years on bottles, emanating historical weight.
Air filled with fermented grape and oak barrel aroma, instantly immersing people.
Krystal clearly very interested, occasionally stopping to observe bottle labels, “These wines look different from Gaul side, vintages not low. Xiuyuan, we must try the top ones today, see the taste.”
“Sure.” Lin Xiuyuan smiled and nodded, gaze lingering on her, more captivating than wine.
Seeing their intimacy, Jessica slightly impatient beside, but still followed into cellar to pick wines she liked.
Soon, staff brought them to tasting area. After three sat, winery sommelier carefully poured wine.
First glass was winery’s representative, deep red Cabernet Sauvignon, liquid clear as amber, rich fruit aroma.
Krystal tasted first sip, eyes brightening slightly, “Delicious, Xiuyuan, unnie, try quickly.”
Hearing, Lin Xiuyuan and Jessica gently raised glasses, smelled aroma, tasted sip, both giving quite good evaluation.
Next, winery offered more, including decades-aged white wine and very old vintage ice wine.
Each wine distinctive, three immersed in wine world, occasionally joking, teasing each other, atmosphere relaxed and pleasant.
Finally, Krystal selected several favorites, including exquisite red wine and very long-vintage white wine.
Even Jessica beside picked some, planning to take back for self-drinking.
After leaving winery, sky darkening, nightfall quietly descending.
Plus having drunk some wine, three decided no more travel, stay at nearby hotel to rest.
Hotel beside vineyard, window overlooking vast vineyards and distant mountains, quiet and comfortable.
Three entered hotel room, though tired, each face with satisfaction.
Among them, Lin Xiuyuan and Krystal more so, man and woman. As soon as entering room, atmosphere became warm and ambiguous.
Alcohol’s slight buzz relaxed their emotions, wordless tacit understanding intensifying, unknowingly drawing closer.
Soon, Krystal suddenly leaned close to Lin Xiuyuan, whispering, “Come on.”
Her watery eyes flashing alluring light, smile with coquettishness, as if hooking all his reason.
Lin Xiuyuan didn’t answer, just reached to gently touch her hair strands, slowly pulling her close, teasing smile at lips.
Under alcohol catalysis, actions more relaxed, emotional tension seeming to peak now.
Almost no words, only breaths intertwining in air, intimate atmosphere spreading.
Meanwhile, Jessica in next room lay on bed, eyes closed, forcing not to think of ambiguous sounds from next door.
But heart churning, muttering lowly, expression complex and helpless, “I really… want to curse, Jung Soo Jung, Lin Xiuyuan.”
Then with pile of thoughts, she simply sat up to window, looking at vineyard under nightfall, mood somewhat confused.
Until hearing laughter and kisses from next door, she sighed lightly, closed eyes, forcing down these emotions.
Next morning, sunlight through curtains into room, warm rays on three, bringing fresh coolness.
Jessica quieter than usual, but forced spirit to dine with Krystal and Lin Xiuyuan.
“Where to today?” Krystal asked while eating breakfast.
“You decide. I need nap later.” Jessica answered without hesitation.
Krystal stuck out tongue, exchanged glance with Lin Xiuyuan, laughed, “Then back to Tbilisi. Need prepare for London. Wimbledon time approaching, need go ahead for clothes.”
“Good, settled.” Lin Xiuyuan smiled back.
After breakfast, three packed luggage, drove toward Georgia capital, preparing next journey.
……
……
Meanwhile.
In 25 years’ Seoul.
Today’s Kim Tae Yeon resting, but she had important thing: select gift for father.
Select one not affecting time-space, deliverable via Lin Xiuyuan to father.
Sitting in apartment study, Kim Tae Yeon’s gaze swept familiar items on bookshelves.
Then gently touched one book, gaze deep in thought.
Father usually not pursuing luxury or excess decor, instead liked meaningful things, especially those showing care and heart.
So this gift not only birthday blessing to father, but also emotional attachment from future self years later.
Kim Tae Yeon sighed lightly, went to desk drawer, opened box of watch father gave her.
It was what father gave her as child, accompanying many years.
Looking at watch, she suddenly had idea, decided select watch he likes for father.
Watch’s meaning good too. Besides hoping he healthy and long-lived, also represents blessing from self in future time-space.
Thinking this, Kim Tae Yeon sat at computer, casually opened watch brand’s official site, browsing each product carefully.
Gaze focused and firm, no anxiety from time pressure.
Because each watch here carried different story, she needed choose one best expressing heart, most suitable for father.
But at this moment, another figure appeared in Kim Tae Yeon’s mind.
Then mouse clicked on a relatively young wristwatch, muttering, “Mm, select one for Xiuyuan too, as thanks.”
Originally planned to give herself… cough cough.
But that day Im Yoon Ah’s words embarrassed Kim Tae Yeon, like stealing own sister’s man, so idea dropped temporarily.
But now looking at wristwatches, none seemed fitting to give Lin Xiuyuan.
Then recalling Im Yoon Ah’s smile that day, bit lower lip, suddenly muttered lowly, “If not discovered, is it fine?”
Thinking this, her expression brightened instantly, even confidently feeling herself clever for such ingenious way.
Just this sudden brain fart, plus brain fog aftermath from prior mental tension, made Kim Tae Yeon momentarily forget Lin Xiuyuan’s unique effect. Unknown if intentional or not.
Heheheh…
If real, really too dramatic.
No leave, just off late, so update delayed.
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