Chapter 246: “kim Tae Yeon” Worried About “kim Soft Soft”
The next morning.
The air in the apartment still lingered with the ambiguity of last night’s intimacy, as if quietly telling secrets unknown to others.
Big Dragon Cub nestled softly in Lin Xiuyuan’s arms, her snow-white arm weakly draped over his chest, the corners of her eyes still tinged with fading red marks, exuding laziness and charm.
She lightly pursed her red lips, with a sly smile, lifting her hand to trace the line of his jaw.
“Xiuyuan~ If you dare get up and leave now, I’ll bite you to death.”
Big Dragon Cub spoke with narrowed eyes, her tone seeming threatening, but her voice was as soft as if soaked in honey, charmingly trembling.
Lin Xiuyuan looked down at her, a mischievous teasing smile curling at his lips, “Oh~ Ji-yeon, didn’t you already bite last night? Want to leave a souvenir?”
“Jerk, I’ll hit you.”
Big Dragon Cub’s cheeks flushed with red, but she couldn’t help laughing, lifting her small fist to lightly punch him.
But that punch had no real force, more like acting cute, and she squeezed even tighter into his arms.
The two rolled around in the bed, the playful atmosphere laced with lingering sweetness.
Suddenly, the mobile phone on the bedside table buzzed and vibrated, its lit screen breaking the room’s warmth.
Lin Xiuyuan instinctively reached for it, glancing at the caller ID name: Kim Tae Yeon.
This made Big Dragon Cub immediately narrow her eyes, lying still on his chest, lazily drawling with a probing tone, mostly playful, “Xiuyuan~ What if I don’t let you go?”
Lin Xiuyuan rubbed his brow, half-smiling as he pinched her little perky butt.
Big Dragon Cub let out a muffled hum, rolling her eyes in a charming, coquettish way.
Then he finally answered the call, “Hello? Taeyeon~”
“Xiuyuan~ You’re not still lounging at Soo Jung’s place, are you?”
On the other end, Kim Tae Yeon’s voice carried a laugh, but beneath it hid a hint of unmistakable teasing.
That tone seemed to see through everything, making Lin Xiuyuan’s heart tighten instantly, giving him an illusion of being caught in the act.
“I’ll be right back.”
He answered simply and hung up.
Immediately, the little hand of Big Dragon Cub in his arms pinched his waist.
“Not even going to explain, huh.”
Pouting, her eyes sparkled brightly, like coquettish blame, “I’m not Soo Jung, Xiuyuan~ Or do you want to play some body double trope? Hmph, I’ve read a lot of that stuff lately.”
Her words were complaints, but her gaze was soft as water, carrying an indescribable satisfaction and attachment.
Her eyes moist and bright, charming like the strongest drink in the night, making one’s heart burn.
“Stop messing around, Taeyeon has something important.”
Lin Xiuyuan pinched her nose tip, his tone gentle yet helpless, “Didn’t I tell you last night? Rest well today.”
“I’m not tired~”
Big Dragon Cub remained unconvinced.
“Heh, if you’re saying that, have the guts to get up and jump around for me now.”
“……Hmph……”
She pouted, ultimately not retorting, her coquettishness showing a hint of small defeat.
Half an hour later.
When Lin Xiuyuan hurriedly returned to the villa and pushed open the door, his gaze immediately caught the figure in the living room through the floor-to-ceiling window.
Kim Tae Yeon sat elegantly on the sofa, one hand holding a water cup, the other idly pressing the remote control, her posture lazy yet calm.
The light fell on her profile, highlighting her refined features and aura.
Noticing Lin Xiuyuan enter, she gave a laughing hum, her lips curving in a meaningful arc, “Yo, our young master Xiuyuan finally deigns to return.”
As he walked into the living room, she set down the cup, her tone full of teasing, “Tsk tsk tsk, Xiuyuan~ That fragrance on you, I can smell it from two meters away.”
Lin Xiuyuan paused, then casually spread his arms with a grin, walking over, “Smells good? Want a hug to verify? Let you sniff closely too.”
“Get lost.”
Teased Kim Tae Yeon rolled her eyes, disgustedly pushing his chest with her hand, but without much force.
Then she still leaned in closer, lightly sniffing, her brows immediately raising.
“Eh~ Still rose scent? But I remember Soo Jung’s—”
Halfway through, she paused abruptly, her gaze sharpening.
“Wait, weren’t you at Soo Jung’s last night?”
Originally teasing, her tone shifted, her eyes flashing sharp, locking onto him like demanding an answer, “Who.”
Lin Xiuyuan raised a brow, a naughty smile on his lips, “Guess.”
“I’m too lazy to guess.”
Kim Tae Yeon pouted, her gaze carrying a dangerous edge, her tone with a cold hum, “But this scent is pretty wild.”
“Why not say it’s your company’s Wild Field.”
“Scram~”
Lin Xiuyuan shrugged like he didn’t care if he was boiled or fried, his expression innocent, “No way around it, this fragrance sticks and won’t come off, I’m so wronged.”
“Wronged my ass.”
Kim Tae Yeon pursed her lips in a smile, shallow but clearly tinged with depression and displeasure.
That smile seemed casual, yet like suppressing some uncomfortable emotion.
But she ultimately didn’t pursue the topic, just pushing Lin Xiuyuan’s back, her tone neutral, “Alright, no more on this, go upstairs and shower, change clothes. You’ve sweetened the villa’s air, and later we still need to chat with 2013 me.”
Lin Xiuyuan didn’t argue, chuckling as she pushed him upstairs.
Seeing his “I’ll take it anyway” look, Kim Tae Yeon felt inexplicably frustrated, yet helpless against him.
Soon, the sound of rushing water came from upstairs.
The villa quieted instantly, only the abrupt water sound reminding Kim Tae Yeon that she seemed overly sensitive just now.
She turned to the living room restroom doorway, her fingers pausing slightly before pushing it open.
The mirror reflected her figure.
That face, brows and eyes still calm and elegant, but compared to 2013, it was a different temperament.
Mature, sharp, yet missing some innocence.
As for whether the appearance was good or not, she didn’t want to dwell, just that the complexity hidden in her gaze made her heart tighten slightly.
She raised her hand, gently touching her profile, slowly, as if confirming something, or questioning the person in the mirror.
The restroom was exceptionally quiet, even her breathing amplified.
Unknowing how long she stared, until the upstairs water sound pulled Kim Tae Yeon back, she slowly blinked, retracting her thoughts.
The next second, her face restored its usual calm, sharp demeanor.
Soon, Lin Xiuyuan came down from upstairs.
He had changed into clean clothes, hair tips still dripping water droplets sliding down his neck.
He looked much fresher, yet still carried a lazy roguish air.
In the living room, the television was off, Kim Tae Yeon sat quietly on the sofa, posture upright, like waiting for something.
The lighting fell on her, making her expression even calmer and composed.
When their gazes met, she just lightly curved her lips, briefly saying, “Let’s go.”
Lin Xiuyuan raised a brow, smiling as he stepped forward, “What’s wrong, not in a good mood?”
“A bit nervous.”
Kim Tae Yeon didn’t deny, nodding, her tone steady yet with undisguised emotional fluctuation, “Haven’t heard his voice in a long time.”
Saying this, her gaze drifted slightly, her lip curve light, carrying complex nostalgia.
Seeing Kim Tae Yeon’s little expression, Lin Xiuyuan tsked, knowing who she meant, he didn’t ramble, leading her through the time-space door to 2013’s apartment.
To avoid others, Lin Xiuyuan first called Kim Soft Soft, confirming no one was with her, then brought Kim Tae Yeon through the time-space arbitrary door.
Kim Soft Soft’s 2013 apartment still carried a young girl’s vibe.
Soft light cushions casually placed, practice notes scattered on the desk, air lingering with faint sweet fragrance.
That youthful face with baby fat was now staring dazedly at the two appearing from the second bedroom doorway.
Her eyes emerged with incredulous and complex shock.
“Holy crap…”
Kim Soft Soft couldn’t help muttering, “Though not the first time seeing this, it still shocks me every time.”
She got up, clearing the sofa for Lin Xiuyuan and Kim Tae Yeon, handing them two bottles of ice water.
“If you came any later, I’d really have to head back first. Driving takes hours.”
“Don’t look at me, Xiuyuan went out partying last night again, if I hadn’t called him, he’d probably still be sleeping.”
Kim Tae Yeon turned to glare at Lin Xiuyuan, her gaze deliberately poking fun, corners smiling, “Right, wuli Xiuyuan~xi~”
Named Lin Xiuyuan immediately twisted open the bottled water, gulping it down to mask his embarrassment, not wanting to explain.
But as he set the bottle down, Kim Tae Yeon smilingly reached over, smoothly taking it from his hand.
The motion unhurried, yet naturally intimate.
Then she lightly unscrewed the cap, tilting her head to sip, water droplets sliding from her lip corner.
Casually shoving the other unopened bottle into Lin Xiuyuan’s arms, her posture carrying a hint of playful provocation.
That instant’s atmosphere was somewhat ambiguous.
Her gaze carried a smile, clearly making some silent declaration.
Lin Xiuyuan was stunned briefly, then helplessly smiled, taking the water without retort.
Kim Soft Soft sitting aside watched their interaction throughout, fingers subconsciously rubbing the pillow edge.
No words, just her big eyes darting between them, flickering with unclear light.
Until Lin Xiuyuan glanced at her signaling, she reacted, smiling as she spoke, gently breaking the subtle silence.
“Um, let me explain today’s situation, see if anything seems off.”
She took a deep breath, deliberately slowing her speech, “First, after I get back to Jeonju later, I’ll book the hotel room.
That way Xiuyuan you can bring Taeyeon straight through the door.
Then in the evening, I’ll find an excuse to pull Dad out to buy some things, bring him past the hotel doorway, have him wait roadside for me.
After that, I’ll come to the guest room and give the mobile phone to Taeyeon, so she can look at Dad from the window, and say ‘Happy Birthday’ to him on the phone.
Just like that, right?”
After speaking, Kim Soft Soft’s voice softened, lightly biting her lip, gaze flickering, as if already picturing the scene in her mind.
Kim Tae Yeon sat quietly aside, expression seemingly calm.
But her fingers lightly tapped the sofa armrest, showing inner tension.
She knew better than anyone this was a long-missed opportunity, miss it and it might never come again.
“Right, roughly like that.”
Lin Xiuyuan took over, nodding, but still added uneasily, “But after booking the room, confirm the situation for me.”
He took several small detection devices from beside him, handing them to Kim Soft Soft.
“These check for cameras and bugs, easy to use, video me later, I’ll remote check.”
“I don’t really get this.”
Kim Soft Soft blinked after taking the devices, tone helpless, “Fine, video you then. But promise me, don’t wander off, don’t let the call fail.”
“Got it, I’ll stay here all day, no running.” Lin Xiuyuan smiled.
“Good.”
Kim Soft Soft exhaled softly, forcing herself to calm.
She got up, went to a room corner, dragged out the small suitcase.
The zipper sound clear in the quiet apartment, like finalizing her decision.
“I need to head out early, or hours driving and everyone at home will have eaten.”
“Not that bad, it’s only 10 a.m.” Kim Tae Yeon smiled, “Home always eats at 7 or 8 p.m.”
“Just joking.”
Kim Soft Soft shook her head smiling, pulling the suitcase beside her, turning with gaze first on Kim Tae Yeon, then Lin Xiuyuan.
She paused, as if struggling inwardly, then suddenly said, “How about… Xiuyuan, come back with me? You drive, I’m tired from last night.”
The words seemed casual, tone flat, yet carrying indescribable inquiry.
Kim Tae Yeon was stunned.
She hadn’t expected 2013 her to suddenly say that, gaze instinctively to Lin Xiuyuan, eyes surging with complex, odd emotion.
Lin Xiuyuan, stared at by both, smiled extremely naturally, as if uncaring, casually nodding, “Sure, works for me.”
His attitude too relaxed, too indifferent.
This nonchalance made Kim Soft Soft’s heart jump, as if touched by something.
She stared dazedly at him, a ridiculous thought flashing: how did she just say that?
Kim Tae Yeon quietly stared at her.
Her gaze without blame, yet exceptionally sharp, as if discerning.
Whether this youthful self was just casual, or probing some possibility even she wouldn’t admit.
The air suddenly quieted, even breathing distinct.
……
Around 10:30 a.m.
A black Mercedes-Benz slowly drove out from under Kim Soft Soft’s apartment building, weaving through city streets to the highway entrance.
Inside, blues lightly played, low melody echoing in the quiet space, carrying subtle emotion.
The car smoothly entered the highway, the road ahead empty and straight, ample time and space for the journey.
Kim Soft Soft gripping the steering wheel, fingers lightly on the cold hard wheel, eyes on the extending road ahead.
Silent for a bit, she suddenly spoke, voice light yet probing, “Xiuyuan~ Let me ask you something.”
Lin Xiuyuan leaned on the seatback, elbow on window, yawning, “Hm? Ask away.”
“From what Taeyeon said… in 2025, you seem pretty wild, exactly how many women?”
Kim Soft Soft’s voice calm, almost casual, but tone hiding irrepressible curiosity and subtle fluctuation.
Lin Xiuyuan stunned, snapping from half-lazy posture, slowly turning to stare seconds, confirming he heard right, “Huh? Why ask that suddenly?”
“Just thought of it.”
Kim Soft Soft smiled pursing lips, sidelong glance secretly watching his reaction, “Also, didn’t you use chat topics and answers with Taeyeon to deceive me before? What were you thinking then?”
The car quieted seconds.
Lin Xiuyuan clearly hadn’t expected the pursuit, panic flashing in eyes.
He cleared his throat, dryly laughing, “Ah, that… just a conversation starter, you know, chatting needs common ground, so… how about we change topics?”
“Tch~”
Kim Soft Soft pouted, turning the wheel, car slowly entering the ahead service area, “That answer’s too perfunctory, whatever, your turn to drive.”
The two switched seats after getting out.
Lin Xiuyuan in driver’s seat, Kim Soft Soft in front passenger seat, seatbelt on, head on seatback, eyes closed, face showing fatigue.
Breathing gradually slowed, seeming to enjoy the brief quiet.
But whenever Lin Xiuyuan boredly tapped the gear stick, she couldn’t help opening one eye, secretly glancing from the side.
Blinding sunlight through car window, sprinkling on his profile, outlining distinct lines.
That subtle steadiness and calm inexplicably stirred her heart.
Her impression of Lin Xiuyuan was complex.
Initially, he was the “confidant” she willingly let deceive her;
Later misunderstanding him added “disgust + pervert”;
Learning the truth brought small “regret”;
Flat tire night, his thoughtfulness made her “moved”;
After time travel, all cognition and shock converged into indescribable emotion.
In this series, Kim Soft Soft’s feelings for this boy reached psychology’s “rollercoaster effect.”
Stable life important, but unforgettable is emotional ups and downs, cold-to-hot reversals.
What addicts people most isn’t steady joy, but intermittent heartbeats.
Lin Xiuyuan repeatedly gave her cold-to-hot, alienation-to-mystery stimulation.
So Kim Soft Soft couldn’t help inwardly sighing:
This guy often alienated her, yet appeared key moments with subtle mystery, making her rack brains to decipher.
Women’s gossip and curiosity innate, always liking mysterious things.
Unraveling the puzzle deepens the trap.
So hearing Kim Tae Yeon say Lin Xiuyuan stayed overnight at some woman’s last night stirred her heart involuntarily.
Along the way, thoughts swirling, questions and imaginings bubbling, leading to that slightly forward question.
Air with blues melody still lowly flowing,
Sunlight through car window speckling them,
Quiet and tension, curiosity and palpitation quietly weaving in this highway journey.
Meanwhile.
In Seoul’s Lin Xiuyuan’s apartment, light soft, sunlight from curtain gaps sprinkling indoors, on light sofa.
Kim Tae Yeon legs crossed in sofa center, hugging pillow to chest, like supporting her thoughts.
TV screen playing variety show, lively scenes contrasting her quiet aura.
Sulli beside her, excitedly mocking guest’s funny bits, “Oni, look at this, so funny!”
Laughing, she tugged Kim Tae Yeon’s sleeve, eager to share joy.
Kim Tae Yeon smiled slightly, lips lightly curved, but soon her smile faded.
Gaze drifting beyond TV, like to untouchable void, thoughts far from the scene.
Noticing her change, Sulli tilted head, tone concerned and curious, “Oni, what are you thinking?”
“Ah? Nothing.”
Kim Tae Yeon shook head, feigning ease with a smile, eyes still flickering like deep sea ripples.
Thinking Kim Tae Yeon worried about tonight, Sulli smilingly held her arm, coquettishly, full of trust in Lin Xiuyuan.
“Don’t worry, Oni~ Oppa went, he’ll arrange it, just trust him.”
Her smile warm, sunny, like dispersing heart’s gloom with brightness.
But Kim Tae Yeon unmoved, lowering eyes, voice softer, “Not worried about that.”
Fingertip unconsciously rubbing pillow edge, brow furrowed in confusion, gaze lingering on Sulli, slowly saying, “I’m thinking a weird question, Sulli, say… if this side’s me gets with Xiuyuan, and I also sleep with Xiuyuan, what is that?”
Words out, Sulli froze, pupils dilating, breath pausing.
“Ah?”
Face shocked, somewhat at loss, instinctively blinking, doubting if she misheard.
Kim Tae Yeon amused by reaction, lips lightly curved, but smile soon dissipated.
Sulli recovering, expression odd, lips pursed, seriously looking at Oni, half-joking half-sincere, “Oni, this worry of yours… I probably won’t experience.”
Now Kim Tae Yeon stunned, eyes flashing, heart tugged. Suddenly recalling 2025 reality, no Sulli there.
She opened mouth, said nothing, just tightly hugging the girl, throat tight, “Ah, sorry, Sulli, didn’t mean to bring it up.”
Sulli in her arms, feeling apology and gentleness. She patted Kim Tae Yeon’s back, eyes curving in warm comforting smile.
“It’s fine, Oni. Just saying, I can’t imagine your worry. Personally, I don’t think it’s special.”
Tilting head to ceiling, gaze drifting, tone candid, “Seen too much in the circle, sex for desensitization or lust, if just sleeping together, no big deal unless real feelings.”
Kim Tae Yeon exhaled softly, low response, “Your thinking matches my initial one.”
Eyes deepening, fingers idly on pillow, like sorting thoughts, “But later, how can doing it a lot not involve feelings.”
Sulli tilted head thinking, suddenly puffing laugh, eyes twinkling mischievously, “Ah, true. Once or twice like takeout, more and it becomes home cooking.”
Kim Tae Yeon stunned, then couldn’t help laughing, tapping her forehead, “Hahaha, that metaphor too vivid, Sulli, where’d you learn that?”
“Oppa taught.”
Sulli deadpan, then blinked.
Kim Tae Yeon exasperatedly amused, shaking head, “That guy, sigh, really headache.”
“It’s fine, Oni, take it step by step.”
Sulli on her shoulder, voice slowed, mature beyond years, “Future worries for future, enjoy now first. Overthink and you’re annoyed from now to then, life not lived well, that’s loss.”
“Tsk~ Oof~ Sulli, your state now is really improving, if 2019 you thought like this, how good.”
Kim Tae Yeon slightly stunned, looking at the light-smiling, clear-eyed girl, heart warming.
Sulli eyes narrowed, light laugh, “Can’t say what future me went through, but without that tombstone, I probably wouldn’t empty myself so fast.”
Here, smile tinged emotion, eyes firm, “One sip one peck, all fated. Oni, to me, Oppa’s appearance, meeting him… all fate’s arrangement, just go with it.”
Room quiet instant, TV variety lively still echoing, softened as warmest, finest background to dialogue.
……
Hours later.
Afternoon, Jeonju.
Lin Xiuyuan drove slowly into parking lot under Kim Soft Soft’s apartment building, engine low hum echoing quiet street.
Before getting out, he said, “Passed your residential area entrance earlier, saw a hotel there, how about I book there? Faces the entrance perfectly. Wider view when you come out evening, easier for Taeyeon to observe.”
Kim Soft Soft nodded, softly, “Fine, if at entrance, Dad can chat with uncles there.”
Lin Xiuyuan smiled casually, “Settled then, you head back, I’ll book and go. Evening when ready, I’ll bring her.”
Hearing, Kim Soft Soft suddenly said, tone probing, “How about I show you around Jeonju?”
Lin Xiuyuan pausing to exit, turned back smiling slightly, “Nah, your popularity now different from 2025, caught and fans dig up all on me. Rare home trip, Dad’s birthday, spend time with him.”
Done, Lin Xiuyuan got out, waved, turned and left.
Left Kim Soft Soft in passenger seat silent, depressed, muttering low, “Dog men really all fickle.”
But after, deep breath, still depressed mumbling, “That guy probably rolled with Taeyeon, but looks and skin, I should be better.”
She remembered Lin Xiuyuan saying he liked her baby fat, making her less annoyed by it.
Now Kim Soft Soft oddly thought of Park Ji-yeon’s “old woman” saying.
Low head smile, but didn’t say it aloud.
Other side.
Out of residential area, Lin Xiuyuan soon at hotel front desk, booked room per plan, checked sightlines good, relieved.
Then checked, secured reverse lock, propped.
Finally opened restroom door, stepped back to 2025 villa, then from villa to 2013 apartment.
Seeing two watching TV on sofa, he chuckled joining, sitting while adjusting TV volume, blending laughter into room atmosphere.
Nightfall, Jeonju air with early autumn chill.
Lin Xiuyuan and Kim Tae Yeon in hotel room, everything prepared early.
Already eaten dinner in Seoul with Sulli, she now tense, from 7:30 pacing window, peeking curtains at opposite lights.
Sulli stayed at apartment, didn’t come.
Past 8, Lin Xiuyuan’s mobile phone vibrated.
Kim Soft Soft sent video, warm living room, cake candles lighting familiar smiling faces.
Familiar family gathered, song rising, simple happy birthday vibe.
“Dad, happy birthday…”
“Blow candles!”
Video, Father Kim smilingly bent, blew out cake candles.
That instant, Kim Tae Yeon watching video eyes instantly welled, tears brimming, yet laughing uncontrollably, lips curved max.
Staring screen, frozen, shoulders trembling slightly.
“Dad.”
She whispered.
Minutes later, Kim Soft Soft texted: “Heading downstairs.”
Then Lin Xiuyuan and Kim Tae Yeon waited in hotel guest room a while, saw Kim Soft Soft lead Father Kim out residential area entrance, to small shop stayed bit, crossed road into hotel.
Per Lin Xiuyuan’s info, knocked guest room door.
Lin Xiuyuan opened welcoming Kim Soft Soft in, her first words, “Taeyeon, Dad really likes the wristwatch you gave.”
Kim Tae Yeon behind Lin Xiuyuan sniffled, small girl smile, “Really? That’s great…”
Then emotions surged, eagerly taking mobile phone from Kim Soft Soft.
That urgency, like fearing missed precious time.
Lin Xiuyuan silent, took binoculars from bedside table handing her, winked, “Want live + remote double experience?”
Action made Kim Soft Soft puff laugh, poking his waist behind, “Xiuyuan~ You really know arrangements.”
Kim Tae Yeon took binoculars immediately, holding like treasure.
Sat on window sofa, tense breathing uneven, palms sweaty.
Aimed binoculars at residential area entrance.
There, Father Kim stood by small shop chatting lively with old friends, frequent hearty laughs, relaxed.
Under lights, his demeanor matched Kim Tae Yeon’s memory.
“Hoo…”
Kim Tae Yeon deep breath, slow exhale, tapped call button.
“Hello? Taeyeon? What’s up.”
Familiar long-missed voice from phone.
Voice made Kim Tae Yeon eyes red instantly, heart racing, throat cottony.
But next, forced laugh, pretending natural, “Dad, just… calling, it’s your birthday today.”
“Aiyo, you kid.” Father Kim laughed there, full of doting, “Aren’t you busy? Like you went somewhere, finish quick and come back, I’m waiting at entrance.”
“Yes~ Dad!!!”
Holding phone, Kim Tae Yeon tears finally slid.
Small hand trembling, but lips smiling brightly, “Right, Dad, happy birthday, stay healthy, safe and sound.”
Phone hearty laugh, “Good, good, Dad got it.”
Kim Tae Yeon choked closing eyes, through binoculars again, figure clear, smile real making her heart tremble.
Behind, Lin Xiuyuan and Kim Soft Soft side by side. Room quiet, only phone laughter and blessings echoing.
Long after, Kim Soft Soft low said, tone unspeakable relief and emotion, “Lucky I’m in 2013.”
Thinking recent 2025 time-space learns, Kim Soft Soft couldn’t imagine post-experience self.
Even with Kim Tae Yeon case before her, still couldn’t, unwilling to imagine.
Lin Xiuyuan no response, just quietly watching scene.
Per prior agreement, call not too long, Kim Tae Yeon despite reluctance ended awaited years call.
Call end instant, room quiet with only heartbeats.
Kim Tae Yeon still held binoculars to eyes, like forever etching scene.
But clearer, more sourness surged heart.
“Dad…”
She murmured low, shoulders shaking, finally lowering binoculars.
Tears burst, desperately pursing lips to hold, but throat choked sobs.
Next second, staggered turning, plunged into Lin Xiuyuan’s arms behind her somehow.
“Woo…”
That sound tore room silence.
Lin Xiuyuan stumbled half step back, instinctively hugging her tight.
Chest instantly soaked tears, but silent, quietly stroking back, palm gentle like soothing injured cub.
Lin Xiuyuan lowered head, lightly touching her hair top, voice very low gentle, “There, after this call, have Soft Soft ask Dad’s feelings later, if no issue, you can chat anytime via her phone, good thing, why cry.”
At bed foot, Kim Soft Soft seeing Kim Tae Yeon plunged into Lin Xiuyuan arms had thoughts.
But “Soft Soft” made cheeks inexplicably hot.
Hurriedly said, “Yeah, I’ll ask Dad later, Taeyeon anytime call me for phone.”
“Not the same…”
Kim Tae Yeon cried lifting head, teary eyes blurry, eyelashes water-dropped, “Xiuyuan you know? These recent days, so scared… scared all after meeting you just dream, wake and nothing.”
Lin Xiuyuan met gaze seconds, heart tightening.
But smiled faintly, wiping her tear corner, “Don’t fear, not dream. Even if dream, our shared dream.”
Words broke Kim Tae Yeon, burying face in chest again, crying louder, yet relieved.
Beside Kim Soft Soft stood quiet, expression complex.
No interrupt, just averted eyes to night outside window, heart unclear envy or emotion.
Whole room woman’s cathartic cries, man’s steady heartbeat.
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