Chapter 230: Kim Tae Yeon: Where To? To See The Sea!!!
Mid-July 2025.
After a night flight, Lin Xiuyuan and the other two who were still in Georgia the previous day arrived smoothly in London the next day.
Despite the jet lag and travel fatigue intertwined, the three still appeared full of energy, welcoming this city full of charm.
Just after getting off the airplane, Krystal received a message from the company side, roughly saying that she had missed an exposure opportunity.
People from her company said that many artists flying from the peninsula to London had received quite a bit of media attention and traffic boost at the airport, but she failed to take advantage of this timing, which made her agent feel somewhat regretful.
On the way to the hotel, Krystal also told Lin Xiuyuan and Jessica about this message, and Jessica directly glanced at her rosy and fair face after hearing it.
After a slight pause, she said with a hint of teasing, “According to the playing card rules on Lin Xiuyuan’s side, the king bomb is always played last. Soo Jung, with your current state, appearing on the finals day would be even more explosive than exposing now.”
Krystal couldn’t help but burst into laughter, a relaxed smile lifting the corners of her mouth. “Wow, Jessica, what have you learned over in China? You can even bring up playing card rules?”
As she spoke, she turned her head to look at Lin Xiuyuan and patted the passenger seat. “Xiuyuan~ Did you hear what she just said? It’s totally master-level play.”
Lin Xiuyuan, who was sitting in front looking at the navigation, turned back with a smile and glanced at Jessica. “Yeah, pretty accurate. But who taught you to play cards?”
“Not telling you, but I’ve learned it anyway.”
“How about we play a couple rounds later? Bring Soo Jung along, place a bet—the loser pays for dinner tonight.”
Jessica perked up at that. “Sure, I’ll beat you for sure. Get ready to bleed money then.”
“No problem, Soo Jung will cover it for me, right, Soo Jung~”
Facing Jessica’s tough words, Lin Xiuyuan showed no worry at all. His immediate response reminded her of that phone call during the initial conflict, making her roll her eyes dramatically.
She’d never seen anyone eat soft rice to this guy’s level before.
Or rather, this guy was the first to make Krystal so compliant.
Amid the chatting and laughter, the car soon arrived at the hotel entrance. After checking in quickly, they returned to their respective rooms for a short rest.
Although it was already afternoon, Krystal seemed completely unaffected by the travel fatigue. Standing by the window overlooking London’s cityscape, her eyes sparkled with excitement.
“I really want to go out shopping right now.”
Lin Xiuyuan walked to her side and gently advised, “Too tired today. There’s plenty of time tomorrow. Rest first.”
“Then let’s play cards.”
Krystal pouted, her gaze carrying a hint of acting cute. Suddenly, she pounced into Lin Xiuyuan’s arms, wrapping her hands around his neck, her smile as bright as sunlight.
Lately, she didn’t know why, but she suddenly loved these intimate actions, as if handing the whole world to the person in front of her, hanging on him easily and freely.
Lin Xiuyuan chuckled lightly and shook his head slightly. “Either works, but go check if Jessica’s free. I’ll go grab a deck of playing cards.”
“Okay, okay.”
And so, after Krystal left the guest room to head to Jessica’s room next door, Lin Xiuyuan went back to the 2013 apartment to grab a deck of playing cards, then headed over.
A few minutes later, the three sat around the round table that Lin Xiuyuan had moved to the foot of the bed. A deck of playing cards lay on the table, the atmosphere relaxed yet tinged with tension.
Krystal looked at the playing cards, appearing somewhat confused. “What game is this? I’ve never played it.”
“Landlord.” Lin Xiuyuan shuffled his cards while smiling and explaining, “Don’t worry, the rules are pretty simple. Three players split into three sides: one landlord, the other two peasants. The peasants cooperate to defeat the landlord.”
“Oh, sounds not too hard.” Krystal glanced suspiciously at the playing cards, her gaze revealing a hint of uncertainty. “But I have no idea how to play.”
She furrowed her brow, turning her gaze to Jessica, expecting her explanation.
“No problem, Soo Jung. It’s simple. I’ll teach you.” Jessica was ready, grinning.
As the game began, Krystal was indeed struggling.
She looked at her hand; the cards were decent, but she didn’t know where to start.
Every time it was her turn, she frowned, her fingers sliding lightly over the cards, hesitating.
Seeing this, Lin Xiuyuan and Jessica exchanged a glance, smiles tugging at their lips.
Both could sense Krystal’s confusion but didn’t rush to interrupt, just quietly observing her reaction.
Luckily, it was just practice at first. Under Lin Xiuyuan’s guidance and Jessica’s chaotic directions, Krystal’s smart little head quickly grasped the rules.
Then after two more rounds, she started getting the hang of it. Later, though slow to play, she at least stopped making mistakes.
So after mastering the rules, Krystal finally got into it, her gaze more focused. “Got it, so that’s how it works.”
She slapped the table hard, a confident smile on her face as she looked at Lin Xiuyuan and Jessica. “You ready? I’m coming for a big comeback. Next round, let’s bet. The kind with raises, like Texas Hold’em.”
“Ah, playing like that? I’m worried someone might lose it.”
After learning Krystal’s betting rules, Lin Xiuyuan, shuffling cards, smiled at the two—or rather, at one of them.
Sure enough, Jessica spoke up the next second. “Bring it. I’m not scared of losing if I’m Jessica.”
Next, Lin Xiuyuan dealt quickly, glancing at his hole cards before confidently declaring.
“Alright, I’m the landlord this round. Everyone get ready.”
He then placed the first bet casually. “As I said earlier, loser pays for dinner tonight.”
Jessica and Krystal sorted their hands. Hearing this, the latter raised first. “I raise—include meal expenses for the next few days.”
Lin Xiuyuan chuckled lightly. “Oh, that’s a big pot. London’s not cheap.”
He looked at Krystal, tone teasing. “Also, Soo Jung~, I’m the landlord this round. You sure you and Jessica can beat me?”
Jessica, seeing her biggest hole card as the spade A, clenched her little fist, not daring to speak.
Rookie Krystal confidently said yes.
However, the situation that followed completely exceeded her expectations.
Lin Xiuyuan swiftly used his card skills: an airplane with pairs, followed by a king bomb, instantly seizing control.
Before Krystal and Jessica could react effectively, Lin Xiuyuan left them behind effortlessly. With a final straight, the first round ended in their defeat.
“Perfect.” Lin Xiuyuan grinned smugly, looking up at them. “For the next few days, I’ll enjoy London’s Michelin three-stars.”
He blinked, teasing, “Can I book now?”
“Book away, Xiuyuan~. I’m just worried you can’t finish it.”
Krystal didn’t mind at all. Forget eating; she could buy Lin Xiuyuan whatever he wanted.
So smiling, she already planned the next round’s bet. “Next, I set the bet.”
She looked at them, eyes sparkling. “If I win, the loser reimburses my shopping tomorrow.”
“Haha, dreaming big.” Jessica smiled, responding before Lin Xiuyuan dealt. “I raise too. If I win, you reimburse me. Soo Jung, ready to pay the price of losing?”
This reimbursement for shopping wouldn’t cost much no matter how much they shopped.
Even Lin Xiuyuan could pull that small amount from church fees… well, probably. Worst case, charge future tuition.
So everyone just wanted that winning feeling.
As this round started, Krystal was eager, barely checking her hand, instead plotting to mess with Jessica.
But random card play led to a rookie mistake early, turning a good connected pair hand into scattered singles.
Seeing this, Jessica got fired up, slamming cards and securing singles, smugly declaring victory…
Lin Xiuyuan dropped a bomb, then pairs one by one. Under Jessica’s furious glare, he emptied his hand, winning the round with rookie Krystal.
Overjoyed Krystal pounced into Lin Xiuyuan’s arms, shouting happily, “Oh oh oh, Xiuyuan~ You’re awesome, so amazing! I love you to death, haha, we won! Jessica, you reimburse our shopping tomorrow.”
Jessica, flipping her last spade 2, was furious, gritting her teeth. “The bet’s reimbursing you, not this guy too.”
Krystal grinned smugly, unconcerned. “Fine, I’ll buy for Xiuyuan, you reimburse me. Same thing.”
A sly smile on her lips, her eyes gleaming with victory.
“…”
Jessica’s mind blanked on that front, nearly choking.
She pursed her lips, suppressing her emotions, forcing a smile without snapping.
Then, third round—Jessica set the bet.
After checking her king bomb, bomb, and pair, she slammed the table with a crisp sound, drawing Lin Xiuyuan and Krystal’s attention.
“Alright, this time, loser gives an unexpected gift. Not something bought with money.”
She glanced at Krystal again, seeming mischievous.
Krystal paused, raising her brow slightly, surprised by the sudden bet. “A gift? Unnie, what gift do you want?”
Her tone light, a curious smile emerging unconsciously.
But then Krystal seemed to think of something, turning to Lin Xiuyuan, excitement flickering in her eyes.
Her face showed anticipation, as if connecting to something.
Lin Xiuyuan, unconcerned about losing, checked his cards and told Krystal, “Don’t worry, Soo Jung. I’ll carry you.”
But he missed Krystal’s subtle excitement.
As the game started, Jessica’s expression filled with confidence; with this hand, victory was certain.
But Lin Xiuyuan displayed unexpected skill, deftly deconstructing her pairs with precise singles, pushing her into a corner.
Watching her situation collapse, Jessica finally frowned, her face showing undisguised frustration. “Lin Xiuyuan, you’re going too far.”
“Just normal play. How’s it too far?”
Lin Xiuyuan smiled after playing a low single.
Jessica checked her cards helplessly, forced to break more, this time splitting the double kings too.
Lin Xiuyuan laughed outright. As Jessica excitedly bombed again, leaving a pair of 10s to end it…
Lin Xiuyuan stopped her play. “Hold on, I have a bomb too, Jessica.”
He slowly laid four aces, making Jessica explode in fury, like last round reversed.
But Lin Xiuyuan had no more plays after, passing to Krystal.
Given his position with Jessica down to two cards, as long as Krystal wasn’t dumb, she’d break them one by one for the win.
But Krystal naturally played a pair of fours.
Yes, a pair of fours.
Stunning Lin Xiuyuan. “Hey, Soo Jung, look at her—she has two cards left.”
“Ah, oh, my mistake.” Krystal feigned realization, panic flashing in her eyes, reaching to take the card back.
Jessica instantly regained confidence, slamming her pair of 10s, shouting excitedly, “No take-backs. No cheating.”
Lin Xiuyuan realized something, turning to Krystal, who waved frantically. “I really forgot, Xiuyuan~”
That drawn-out tone with pouting cuteness—what could he say? He waved it off. “Fine, wins and losses happen. Continue?”
“No more. Time for dinner? Streetlights are on.”
So the three packed up and went to an Italian restaurant near the hotel for a simple dinner.
Though the meal was simple, Krystal ordered a pricey bottle of champagne, saying to take it back to the hotel for a good time with Lin Xiuyuan that night—she was still savoring last night’s tipsy enjoyment.
This pissed off Jessica: using her money for your foreplay and mood-setting?
But annoyed as she was, she paid up as bet agreed.
After dinner, the three skipped shopping and returned to the hotel to rest.
Slight comfort for Jessica: this hotel’s soundproofing was better than last night’s, no annoying noises.
But realizing she couldn’t hear clearly, the quiet room left her feeling disconnected.
Woman’s complex thoughts laid bare: contradiction and confusion surging.
The next day, London’s weather wasn’t as overcast as their arrival.
Sunlight filtered through curtain gaps, piercing thick clouds with summer warmth, bright and hot.
Outside the window: typical urban scene, busy streets and unique architectural style weaving together, evoking time-blended feel, modern and history colliding in the city’s unique charm.
Krystal, up early from bed, was in a great mood—she could shop soon.
Thinking this, she turned to Lin Xiuyuan still in bed. “Xiuyuan~, we need to buy suitable clothes today. Get up, or it’ll be too late to shop.”
In the light and shadow, Krystal stood at the windowsill in a pure white sports tank top hugging her skin. The sharp cut showcased her squared shoulders and slender collarbones perfectly, cool yet vibrant.
Below, slim pinstripe suit pants with classic black-white stripes running down her long legs, crisp fabric blending with relaxed lines for modern flair.
The outfit fused the casual freedom of the sports tank top with the rational restraint of striped trousers, highlighting her unique aura.
Her slightly turned face had stray hair strands brushing her cool profile, but her gaze softened looking at Lin Xiuyuan.
“Got it, getting up now.”
Sitting up, Lin Xiuyuan ruffled his hair, glanced at the kiss marks on his chest, yawned, and asked.
“But one question, Soo Jung. Wearing old money style to the match site at this temperature… seriously not hot?”
“Image comes first, so many shots. Gotta endure the heat.” Krystal smiled, eyes gleaming.
When they were ready to head out, Jessica chose to rest at the hotel.
Over the years, aside from variety shows and daily videos, she avoided attending formal events with Krystal to prevent inappropriate comments toward her.
Watching them leave, Jessica’s face showed little expression.
Though she told herself to relax, her heart still rippled, thoughts unsettled.
But she knew she had to face it quietly alone.
Outside, Lin Xiuyuan held a new sports camera from last night, following Krystal like an assistant to London’s high-end fashion district, surrounded by tempting brand stores and boutiques.
As Ralph Lauren’s brand friend, Krystal headed straight to their store for Wimbledon finals attire: a proper yet stylish gown.
Entering the flagship store, high-end fabric and perfume scents created a luxurious aura.
Krystal’s gaze swept and locked on an elegant white dress immediately.
The light fabric, flowing lines, and perfect cut made her figure even more alluring.
Smiling at Lin Xiuyuan, “Xiuyuan, what about this one? Suits Wimbledon’s vibe?”
Lin Xiuyuan knew she was joking but answered honestly. “If you have a male companion, Soo Jung, it’s fine. Without, I’d suggest looking more.”
Krystal gave him a deep look—she picked it to hint at him.
But she knew joking was fine now; for the actual appearance, she wouldn’t let Lin Xiuyuan appear.
Low-key was safer.
Next, she tried several different styles, aiming for unique and eye-catching.
Finally, her eyes settled on a blue linen vest suit.
Simple design, tailored fit, fresh retro-modern feel perfectly showed her cool temperament.
Wearing it, she became that elegant, poised woman, earning Lin Xiuyuan’s praise. “Nice~ Soo Jung.”
After selecting the gown, Krystal still asked Lin Xiuyuan, “What about this one?”
Her gaze held expectation, seeking his approval.
Lin Xiuyuan smiled slightly. “I already praised it. Really suits you—clean and powerful, elegant without being flashy.”
Krystal’s eyes sparkled with amusement, staring at her mirror image.
She nodded lightly, smiling satisfied. “This one then.”
After the gown, they browsed more stores in the fashion district, tasting exquisite desserts and sweets, occasionally stopping for street shots for company promotion.
Sunlight dappled through leaves, streets bustling with people and lively shops, Krystal’s gaze always happy.
Lately, she realized this boy wasn’t just company—he’d become essential in her life.
Every second together like invisible bonds tying them tight.
Until afternoon, they returned to the hotel to rest for tomorrow’s activities.
Next day, Wimbledon finals arrived under bright sun and mild temps.
London’s streets buzzed with excitement, the city prepped for the event.
Krystal wore the modern suit, applying light makeup herself—no makeup artist needed.
Her simple makeup was perfect, showcasing her unique temperament.
Simple reason: her rejuvenation made skin finer, features sharper, spirit radiant—beauty flowed naturally.
Even self-done makeup shone stunningly.
Jessica beside her paused, staring, captivated by the beauty.
Jessica softly asked, “Soo Jung, that essence you mentioned—ask for me sometime? Seeing your state, I’m so jealous.”
“Unnie…”
Krystal at the mirror chuckled at Jessica, gaze warm and helpless. “I’ll try asking.”
Truthfully helpless—how? Can’t say extract it and pour in a glass cup for Jessica to drink?
That scene was weird just thinking.
Since this event faced public and media, Lin Xiuyuan and Jessica stayed back.
One rested at hotel, the other met friends.
Midday, sleeping Lin Xiuyuan was woken by his phone ringtone.
He grabbed it—message from Kim Tae Yeon.
Not just recent raw pics of Krystal, but warmly asking about him.
Kim Tae Yeon: 【Where are you? Didn’t see you.】
Lin Xiuyuan smiled, replying: 【Didn’t go, resting at hotel.】
Soon, Kim Tae Yeon messaged she’d ordered takeout, hinting he join.
Belly rumbling after morning sleep, Lin Xiuyuan washed up, slipped on yesterday’s LV flip-flops, and headed to Kim Tae Yeon’s apartment.
Pushing the door, Kim Tae Yeon arranging takeout boxes turned at the sound, exclaiming.
“Ah~ So fast. Thought you’d take longer. Sit, I’ll be done soon.”
Busily sorting takeout, she asked, “Drink anything?”
“Coke.” Lin Xiuyuan sat smiling, watching her busy figure, suddenly relaxed. “No free lunch, Taeyeon.”
Muttering, “Don’t worry, I remember your thing.”
Kim Tae Yeon grabbed a beverage from the refrigerator, pouting. “Don’t talk nonsense. Not pushing you this time—just saw Soo Jung alone and checked on you.”
She took a coke from the fridge but paused handing it, hesitating.
Then swapped for juice, handing it over.
Lin Xiuyuan laughed. “What, no coke?”
“Friends say too much soda bad for guys’ health. Drink less coke, Xiuyuan. Juice or soda water’s fine.”
Lin Xiuyuan paused, then laughed. “Now you say that, I have to. Not as bad as you think.”
Exaggerating, he went to the fridge, grabbed coke, grinning. “Really, what the fck, I could’ve skipped, but now I gotta prove it.”
Kim Tae Yeon laughed at his childishness. “Fine, drink up. I apologize, okay?”
They sat casually to eat, atmosphere light and fun, chatting while eating.
“Work lately?” Lin Xiuyuan asked casually.
Kim Tae Yeon pushed meat dishes over, responding naturally. “Okay. Variety shows and concert tour busy, family concert prep starting soon.”
She set down chopsticks, eyes narrowing with a smile. “But you know, haven’t truly rested long. Next should be vacation.”
Lin Xiuyuan shook his head smiling, eyes thoughtful. “Compared to you, Soo Jung’s 2013 crew is swamped dizzy.”
“No way around it—peak time then.”
Kim Tae Yeon recalled, smiling softly. She sipped water, gaze nostalgic.
Pouring juice into a cup, she suddenly brought up, “Right, Xiuyuan, you know our company’s Yoo Jimin?”
“Hm?”
Lin Xiuyuan paused but didn’t deny. “Yeah, know her. How’d you know?”
“Yoona told me.”
Kim Tae Yeon ate casually, tone light. “Heard she’s got some personal life buzz lately, more gossip online. Hot girl group member’s under lots of shots—be careful.”
Lin Xiuyuan smiled, glancing at her. “Don’t single me out. We’ve barely met. Worried about net backlash or what?”
“Worried you’ll get exposed, trouble then.” Kim Tae Yeon ate lunch head down.
“Relax.” Lin Xiuyuan looked deeply at her, then laughed.
They chatted over food, topic shifting from Yoo Jimin’s personal life to other entertainment gossip.
Lin Xiuyuan mentioned new gen girl groups lately—good stage performances, but lacking second-gen charm from 2013.
Kim Tae Yeon nodded thoughtfully. “Stages now have better visuals than ours back then.”
Lin Xiuyuan scooped rice, pausing, gaze emotional. “But no life force like yours—forgettable. Unlike 2013 stages, lingering aftertaste.”
Kim Tae Yeon self-mocked, eyes complex. “I know, but Xiuyuan~, that life force was us brutally rehearsing.”
She sighed lightly. “That bloody stage taste? Offstage: fainting, low blood sugar, nosebleeds.”
“Honestly, back then now? Not sure I’d endure. Last couple years dulled my edges.”
Tone tired yet relieved, as if voicing lightened her.
Lin Xiuyuan looked seriously. “One time means more. Back then, you’d persist.”
Kim Tae Yeon unexpected at his firmness, smiled unconsciously, eyes warm.
Soft laugh, moved. “You saying that moves me.”
They smiled at each other. Brief silence, then Kim Tae Yeon softly asked, “Right, Xiuyuan~, heading back to London side soon?”
Lin Xiuyuan thought, waved. “Not rushed. Soo Jung has interviews later, probably evening.”
Kim Tae Yeon nodded, probing, “Heard Soo Jung…”
Lin Xiuyuan cut in bluntly. “No idea on her. Won’t drop her anyway.”
Seeing his unbothered look, Kim Tae Yeon swallowed her words after a glance.
She’d wanted to probe further on 2013 contact, but his Jessica stance stopped her.
This young boy temperamental and grudge-holding.
Really angering him? Not good.
Yoona’s words from days ago echoed, silencing her but awakening.
Don’t push after his concession.
Though her thoughts paused, she kept quiet, silently eating lunch.
Lin Xiuyuan focused on eating, oblivious to her mood shift.
Post-lunch, Kim Tae Yeon cleared the dining table.
Lin Xiuyuan stood, stretched by window, gaze casually sweeping outside.
Sunlight through thin clouds bathed streets in warm gold.
This meal, kinda glaring.
Turning to Kim Tae Yeon cleaning, he said after thought, “Taeyeon, heading back to tell Soo Jung. Come later—order me milk tea?”
Kim Tae Yeon smiled teasingly. “You just had coke, Xiuyuan~”
“Coke’s coke, milk tea’s milk tea.”
Full, Lin Xiuyuan left without lingering, leaving Kim Tae Yeon bitter smile.
Still, she ordered milk tea on her phone for him—not for her.
……
……
Meanwhile, back at 2013 apartment, Lin Xiuyuan skipped the London hotel.
Instead, he called Jung Soo Yeon.
After two rings, she picked up, voice tired. “Hey, Xiuyuan?”
Hearing her familiar voice, Lin Xiuyuan smiled. “Me.”
Initially thinking Sulli, she snapped alert at his voice, tone brightening. “When’d you get back?”
“Just now.” Lin Xiuyuan said. “Right, Soo Jung, any schedules today?”
Curious but not pressing, Jung Soo Yeon listed Girls’ Generation’s itinerary.
“No team activities. Me, Sunny, Yoona, Seo Hyun did a variety show. Others rehearsing or resting at company.”
“Your leader resting too?” Lin Xiuyuan teased.
“Yeah, probably. But I think she’s practicing vocals at company.”
Jung Soo Yeon paused, suddenly puzzled. “Wait, Xiuyuan, what’s that mean?”
Lin Xiuyuan chuckled lightly, joking. “Nothing. Heard her dad’s birthday soon, just chat.”
She didn’t get it at first, “Oh,” then shouted uncertainly, “Birthday?”
“Yeah, birthday~”
Lin Xiuyuan casual, amused. “Alright, she’s free. You’ll dorm tonight, Soo Jung~”
Adding, “You said no discussing before. Told you ahead this time—no blaming.”
“…”
Realizing, Jung Soo Yeon eyes widened, heart thrilled.
Silent moment, she looked at her shoes, deep breath, beaming. “Got it. Be safe.”
“Relax.” Lin Xiuyuan smiled, then asked, “Right, Soo Jung, other properties?”
She paused. “Hm?” Not getting it.
“Beachside.” Lin Xiuyuan smiled.
“Yoona has.” Jung Soo Yeon thought, softly.
“Tsk~ Real estate tycoon.” Lin Xiuyuan teased, grinning easy.
Half an hour later.
Following Yoona’s address, Lin Xiuyuan drove to the villa.
Remote roads, but he knew years later development would make it high-end residential area, housing prices skyrocketing.
At the villa, out of the car, Lin Xiuyuan gazed at the simple exterior house, sighing. “Damn, if not knowing Lin Xiaolu didn’t reborn, I’d suspect she has a system—every property investment succeeds.”
After, he toured the villa.
Clean modern decor, model-home feel, every corner tidy.
Just dusty, but otherwise good.
Whatever—usable fine. Smiling, he unlocked the door and stepped in.
Minutes later.
Kim Tae Yeon looked at Lin Xiuyuan before her, gaze confused, like snapping from thought.
“Where to?” Tone puzzled.
Lin Xiuyuan smiled easy, holding milk tea, leaning slightly, voice warm gentle. “See the sea.”
Low chuckling smooth. “Let’s go.”
Kim Tae Yeon confused but followed. “Oh, coming.”
Ten thousand daily done, thanks godfathers for support and votes.
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