Chapter 274: Kim Tae Yeon Sacrifices Herself For “jessica”
As voices from the bedroom rose and fell between Lin Xiuyuan and Jessica, it was clear even through the door that they were bickering.
In the living room outside the door, Jung Soo Jung and Sulli, who had been at the dining table, exchanged a sneaky glance and quietly tiptoed to the doorway to eavesdrop.
Sulli pursed her lips slightly, as if holding back laughter, while Jung Soo Jung raised an eyebrow, her gaze full of the “as expected, they’re fighting again” vibe of enjoying the drama.
Both of their shoulders were tense and straight, but their mouth corners couldn’t help but curve upward.
Not long after, the bedroom door handle suddenly turned.
“Click~”
As the room door opened, Lin Xiuyuan’s figure appeared behind the door, his cheerful aura not yet fully settled.
He immediately spotted the two little ones crouched there eavesdropping, their figures stiff.
As Lin Xiuyuan opened the door, Jung Soo Jung’s heart skipped a beat, her gaze hastily drifting toward Sulli.
Sulli beside her blinked, showing a caught-in-the-act expression, couldn’t help but purse her lips in a sneaky laugh, and greeted Lin Xiuyuan, “Morning, oppa~”
Watching this scene, Lin Xiuyuan chuckled, “What are you two doing?”
“Calling you for breakfast.”
As Sulli answered, her gaze uncontrollably bypassed Lin Xiuyuan and fell into the bedroom.
Inside, Jessica was slowly rising from the bedside, long hair cascading over her shoulders, her camisole pajamas slightly slipping due to the movement, outlining faintly visible lines.
She picked up a jacket while lowering her head, then looked over with a lift of her eyes, her posture lazy yet strikingly alluring.
This sexy figure stunned Sulli for a moment; she pursed her lips and quickly looked away.
Jung Soo Jung, who had also seen the scene, widened her eyes, her face instantly turning awkward, as if she hadn’t expected her own older sister to appear in such attire.
So in the instant their eyes met, they tacitly grinned but quickly held it back, not daring to say or laugh more.
Lin Xiuyuan, who knew their little thoughts well, didn’t pay much attention; after stepping out of the bedroom, he casually glanced at them and asked, “By the way, Jinjin, why are you here so early? No filming today?”
The addressed Sulli immediately replied, “The film crew has a group holiday today since the first few episodes are done. Starting tomorrow, the drama will have its press conference and officially enter the promotion period.”
Hearing this, Lin Xiuyuan turned to Jung Soo Jung with a hint of amusement in his gaze, “Oh? So Jung Soo Jung’s look is finally going public?”
Jung Soo Jung, who had been in a good mood over the promotion, changed her expression instantly upon hearing this, immediately rolling her eyes at him, her voice full of exasperation, “What are you trying to say? That I’m fat again? Snowball, right?”
“Hey hey hey, I didn’t say anything, don’t wrong me.” Lin Xiuyuan spread his hands, shaking his head with a smile.
Watching this, Sulli couldn’t help but cover her mouth in laughter from the side, and the atmosphere quickly lightened.
Afterward, the three continued chatting about filming; on this topic, Jung Soo Jung looked seriously at Lin Xiuyuan and said, “Later I’m going to the 25-year side to check the script’s original footage. I looked yesterday, and it’s really helpful for filming—no wonder Yoona older sister’s acting skills improved so fast.”
Lin Xiuyuan nodded, “Sure, I’ll open the door for you later.”
At this time, Jessica emerged from the bedroom after a simple wash-up, wearing a jacket over her upper body to cover up, though her shoulder and neckline remained faintly visible.
As she stepped out of the bedroom, her gaze locked tightly on Lin Xiuyuan, her tone carrying a hint of provocation, “What about me? I want to go over too and fix the mess you made. Don’t worry, I won’t wander off.”
However, Lin Xiuyuan directly ignored her words and turned to go inside to wash up.
This reaction stunned Jessica for half a second, then she gritted her teeth in anger, glaring fiercely at his back, her resentful gaze almost turning into arrows; Sulli and Jung Soo Jung watched and couldn’t help but grin.
Just then, the brainless Jung Soo Jung spoke up to twist the knife, “Older sister, how did you sleep last night?”
Hearing this, Jessica instantly flared up, “How do you think? Slept terribly. The floor was rock-hard, that guy isn’t a man at all—wouldn’t give me the bed no matter what.”
Getting the answer, Sulli and Jung Soo Jung exchanged a glance, their laughter finally bursting out with a puff.
Jessica’s face darkened further from the laughter, she rolled her eyes, but didn’t say anything to her two younger sisters, instead directing her resentful glare toward the room, all loaded onto Lin Xiuyuan.
Soon, at Sulli’s call, the three gathered around the dining table, setting out breakfast one by one.
The clink of cutlery, the sound of milk pouring into cups, filled with the warmth of daily life.
When Lin Xiuyuan came out of the bathroom, the timing was perfect—breakfast was all set.
As he sat down, they all acted as if nothing had happened, eating and chatting, the atmosphere unexpectedly warm.
At the breakfast table, the aroma of sandwiches and milk wafted; they ate with heads down, the mood seemingly relaxed but with an undercurrent of subtle rivalry.
After biting into a piece of toast, Jessica suddenly turned to Jung Soo Jung, “Right, Soo Jung, what TV series are you filming here exactly?”
Yesterday was too rushed; she hadn’t gotten much info.
She’d only heard from Krystal that everyone here seemed to be doing pretty well, no messy bad stuff happening.
The named Jung Soo Jung looked up, blinked, then set down her cutlery, saying seriously, “It’s 《Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo》, I play the female lead.”
At this, a hint of pride curved her lips.
She then nodded toward Sulli, laughing, “And Snowball, she transformed from idol to screenwriter—shocked a lot of people.”
Hearing this, Jessica’s calm expression finally shifted.
After a stunned moment, she looked at Sulli, then glanced at Lin Xiuyuan who was buried in his sandwich.
Her gaze carried complex emotions, as if truly realizing for the first time this man’s “time-space door cheat” could drastically alter everyone’s life trajectories.
Then she lowered her head slightly, exhaling softly, her expression tinged with subtle emotion.
Soon, she curiously pressed, “So… what about the others? What are they doing now?”
This time Sulli took the topic, thought for a bit, organized her words, and said, “Yoona older sister snatched Park Shin-hye’s 《The Heirs》 female lead role; she’s now Seoul’s most watched newcomer actress. Ji-yeon older sister’s family father’s illness has been properly arranged, and she started an investment company with oppa.”
She paused here, seemingly pondering her wording, before continuing.
“As for Soo Yeon older sister… she brought back quite a few design drawings from 25 years, and with those blueprints, she’s gradually become a rising designer in Asia’s fashion circle, already noticed by some brands—even several brands have approached her for collaborations.”
“Designer?” Jessica reflexively asked back, her chopsticks hovering mid-air, “Design drawings?? What does that mean?”
Her face clearly read “confused,” her gaze darting between them.
She quickly caught on, eyes widening, “Wait, isn’t this plagiarism across time-space?”
Facing Jessica’s comment, Jung Soo Jung subtly defended this timeline’s Jung Soo Yeon, carefully saying, “Older sister, it’s not plagiarism; it’s bringing back verified design concepts from 25 years ahead, combined with popularity here to achieve results.”
Sulli chimed in, “Yeah, older sister, designs that might not even exist in the future are brand new and cutting-edge here—how could it be plagiarism?”
Lin Xiuyuan, who had been quietly listening, muttered inwardly.
Literati borrowing ideas isn’t plagiarism.
Of course it doesn’t count.
Listening to this explanation, Jessica suddenly recalled a recent scene.
Krystal had suddenly asked her for those product design drawings, so her heart tightened; she whipped her head around, staring straight at Lin Xiuyuan, her tone demanding, “Hold on, Lin Xiuyuan—did you and Soo Jung give my design drawings to Jung Soo Yeon?!”
Lin Xiuyuan looked up, swallowed his last bite of sandwich, his calm expression infuriating, and nodded without denying.
“Yeah, your business shut down anyway; those blueprints were just wasting away. Might as well repurpose them—at least here, your designs can reach heights even 25 years couldn’t.”
“Lin—Xiu—Yuan!” Furious at these words, Jessica nearly slammed her cutlery down, her face full of disbelief and anger.
You took them and now rub it in my face?
Sulli and Jung Soo Jung exchanged a glance, immediately looking guilty and chowing down on breakfast as if the milk and sandwiches were the most important things, afraid of getting caught in the crossfire.
After breakfast hastily ended, Jessica wordlessly got up, went straight into Lin Xiuyuan’s room, opened the computer, and started checking changes in 2013.
Her fingers flew across the keyboard; messages about Jung Soo Yeon, Lin Xiaolu, and others gradually emerged on the screen.
Her gaze grew heavier with the news images, as if eager to piece together this new timeline.
Meanwhile, after clearing the dining table, Lin Xiuyuan opened the time-space door, sending Jung Soo Jung and Sulli to the 25-year villa.
As he sent them over, he simply reminded Sulli he’d open it again around the estimated time to pick them up.
He wouldn’t go; he needed to watch Jessica here.
Sulli and Jung Soo Jung nodded repeatedly, understanding; they said they’d just watch the drama, not wander, and wouldn’t order takeout for lunch since there’s food in the kitchen.
Deeply trusting Sulli, Lin Xiuyuan securely closed the time-space door and turned back toward the bedroom.
……
……
Meanwhile, at a large shopping mall in central Seoul.
Today, a temporary stage was set up here; the square outside was packed with crowds, banners, support signs, and glow sticks waving everywhere.
Fans chanted slogans in unison, holding cameras and mobile phones, waiting for a close-up glimpse of their idols.
The mall interior air was stuffy from the crowd, but enthusiasm didn’t wane.
Backstage, Girls’ Generation members were gathered around a long table on standby; staff bustled nearby sorting gifts and signing boards.
Some members scrolled phones, others chatted softly; after years since debut and now at their peak, this small signing event was a breeze for them.
So the atmosphere was very relaxed, no excitement or tension.
In the corner, Jung Soo Yeon leaned back in her chair, Lin Xiaolu beside her.
She turned her head, lowering her voice to say, “Yoona, I just feel uneasy. Xiuyuan with that person over there—can he handle it? I barely slept last night, my mind full of worries, afraid something might go wrong.”
At this, faint dark circles showed under her eyes, revealing fatigue.
Hearing this, Lin Xiaolu paused, then chuckled lightly, her tone laced with amusement, “Older sister, you’re underestimating him too much. Back at the beginning of the year, didn’t he handle you easily? If he got you, facing her now should be even easier, right? After all… it’s the same person.”
Hearing this odd logic, Jung Soo Yeon couldn’t help but laugh out loud, then turned to carefully look at Lin Xiaolu before her.
That exquisite face, under the lighting like with a filter, every line overly perfect.
Jung Soo Yeon narrowed her eyes slightly, teasing, “So Yoona, you’re using yourself as an example to comfort me? That guy first conquered the big Lin Yoona, and now even you—right?”
This being the first time someone directly called out her “affair,” Lin Xiaolu clearly wasn’t used to it, her cheeks visibly flushing red.
She shot Jung Soo Yeon a coquettish glance, then said lowly, “Older sister, you’re derailing; I was explaining for you—how’d it turn to me?”
Jung Soo Yeon curved her lips in a smile but didn’t tease further.
Suddenly recalling Jessica’s words last night pointing out her own situation, her gaze dimmed slightly, smile slowly fading.
At the same time, in another practice room in Seoul.
T-ara N4 members were sorting dance steps and pitch, the atmosphere as busy as ever; about ten minutes later, the music stopped for a break.
Once rehearsal halted, Park Ji-yeon immediately pulled Ham Eun-jung back to the corner bench, sitting side by side, each holding a water bottle.
Ham Eun-jung had personal activities yesterday, missing a lot of updates.
So now she listened as Park Ji-yeon quietly recapped yesterday’s events with Jessica and Jung Soo Jung.
As the story finished, she froze, nearly dropping her water bottle.
“Wh-what?!” Ham Eun-jung’s eyes widened round, voice pitching up, “Ji-yeon, you mean… Jessica was really kidnapped by Xiuyuan and is now in the apartment here?”
Park Ji-yeon nodded, her expression not as exaggerated, just curiously smiling, “Yeah, it’s true. Heard Krystal initially wanted oppa to… you know with Jessica, but Soo Jung’s arrival stopped it—otherwise, really…”
Toward the end, Park Ji-yeon trailed off, but everyone got it.
So Ham Eun-jung covered her mouth, stunned for a long time, eyes full of shock and disbelief, still digesting this outlandish news.
After a while, she muttered, “Wow, yesterday’s event was huge. So how’s Xiuyuan planning to handle Jessica? Your delay tactic only buys a week—if she doesn’t come around by then, it’ll be a big problem.”
Hearing the worry, Park Ji-yeon’s smile faded a bit, nodding lightly, her tone still calm.
“Yeah, we’ve all thought about that. But with Krystal there, the worst shouldn’t happen. Now it depends on if oppa can pull Jessica in—true conversion to the cult is success.”
Here, she glanced at the wall clock, turning to suggest, “Wanna go check later? Rehearsal isn’t too packed today.”
But Ham Eun-jung thought it over and shook her head, “I think give Jessica some personal space. Her personality’s always strong—the more pushy now, the better she thinks alone. Us barging in might backfire.”
Park Ji-yeon paused, agreeing it made sense, nodding, “Yeah, let’s not disturb for now—ask oppa about the situation later.”
“Yeah, chatting with Xiuyuan’s fine.” Ham Eun-jung replied.
Just as she spoke, the practice room door creaked open; several graceful figures entered from outside.
Leading was Lee So-hee, who had recently become Park Ji-yeon’s assistant.
Her entrance instantly drew gazes from backup dancers and dance teachers in the corner.
That bare-faced yet overly refined face outshone N4’s new maknae, even overshadowing Hyo Min’s glamorous type.
Too bad her proportions were slightly less ideal, or it’d be total dominance.
Since becoming Park Ji-yeon’s personal assistant, the company had probed multiple times to sign her as a trainee.
Those instantly star-like qualities were too tempting for agencies.
If it were anyone else, they’d likely break contract and dive in.
But Lee So-hee firmly refused every time.
Mainly, fresh out of society, though young, she’d quickly endured ups and downs, social beatings.
Plus encounters with Lin Xiuyuan, Sulli, and the later “dazzling rescue,” she gained strong resistance to the entertainment industry’s superficiality and money temptations.
Of course, it all credited to Lin Xiuyuan giving her stable income and respectable work.
So fame’s flash paled against security; her young stubborn personality made Lin Xiuyuan’s “trust” in her and the “contract spirit” deeply etched in her bones.
This made Park Ji-yeon appreciate her inwardly now.
So she beckoned, calling Lee So-hee over, then asked lowly, “Soo Hee, any new updates from the chain restaurants lately?”
Lee So-hee sat beside Park Ji-yeon upon approach, leaning in to report everything clearly and quietly.
Though not fully grasping the business yet, her good memory let her relay accurately.
Steady pace, clear logic.
Park Ji-yeon nodded in satisfaction, mood brightening further.
Inwardly thinking: oppa really found me the perfect assistant this time.
……
……
Just like that, five more days passed.
In these five days, Jessica, confined to the apartment, finally pieced together this new 2013 using the internet and scattered info.
Her mood no longer chaotic and irritable like at first; still resistant, but starting to observe calmly.
Much milder than her initial struggles.
And at night, she no longer slept alone on the cold floor.
Whenever Jung Soo Jung had no filming, she’d return to the apartment with Sulli, and the three would squeeze into one small room to rest.
Though the big bed was packed full, it unexpectedly added intimacy and warmth.
Aside from these two, no one else came to disturb Jessica even once.
Everyone seemed to tacitly give her space to think things through alone.
At the same time, everyone was genuinely swamped.
For instance, Girls’ Generation side: Jung Soo Yeon, Lin Xiaolu, Kim Soft Soft had personal activities, team performances, or overseas trips.
In just five short days, three days on airplanes, true “air nomads.”
25-year Krystal and Im Yoon Ah were equally busy: one promoting new work, one rushing press conferences. Even semi-retired Big Dragon Cub started concert prep.
Compared to first half-year’s idleness, second half was full throttle.
Kim Tae Yeon had time, but some concerns.
Worried her sudden appearance might stimulate Jessica to recall unpleasant pasts, backfiring—so she held back from watching the drama.
Until the fifth morning, things finally changed.
Two days later she had a performance stage, plus prep for posters and ads, so needed to coordinate support with Lin Xiuyuan.
Plus she felt Jessica figuring it out alone was tough—needed a push.
So mustering courage, she arrived at the villa early morning to wait.
Early autumn morning air already carried a slight chill.
As Lin Xiuyuan opened the time-space door from the apartment side to check phone messages here, he didn’t expect someone already waiting on the living room sofa.
Seeing the familiar casual long jacket and petite figure, his hand on the door handle paused slightly, surprise flashing in his eyes.
“Taeyeon?”
Lin Xiuyuan couldn’t help calling out, tone incredulous.
Kim Tae Yeon had been quietly sitting on the sofa scrolling her phone, like patiently waiting a while.
Hearing the voice, she immediately looked up; her slightly smiling eyes lit up upon seeing him, igniting the morning light.
She raised a hand lightly waving, lips curving genuinely and naturally, “What, surprised to see me? Didn’t expect it? Scared you?”
“Not that exaggerated.”
Lin Xiuyuan chuckled, tone warmer, “But why so early? Something to find me for?”
“Can’t come just because~?” Kim Tae Yeon smiled first.
Then continued lightly, tone hiding joy and shyness, “But yeah, something this time. Wanted to wait till you’re done, but time’s tight.”
“No issue, find me anytime.” Lin Xiuyuan generously guaranteed.
As they talked, a small sound came from behind Lin Xiuyuan.
Jessica, who had been on the sofa, approached, peeking out behind him in loose pajamas, hair messy like a just-woken kitten.
She spotted Kim Tae Yeon behind the door at once, paused, then squeezed out a smile, “Morning, Taeyeon~”
Seeing this domestic Jessica, Kim Tae Yeon thought she’d finished with Lin Xiuyuan, but touching her face and complexion, she laughed too.
Raising her hand lightly waving, tone gentle, “Morning, Soo Yeon, how’ve these days been?”
“Not great.” Jessica grumbled.
Next second, Jessica casually walked out as if unbothered, steps light like eager to escape confinement.
But just as she reached Lin Xiuyuan’s side, he pressed her head not lightly not heavily back toward the sofa.
“Go back.”
Lin Xiuyuan’s voice calm like handling a kid.
“Hey, Lin Xiuyuan, I’ve been gone five days—can’t I have time to report to the team?”
Pinned by him, Jessica protested dissatisfied, movements with petulant struggle.
Her small hands angrily slapped his arm away, turning back with accusing eyes.
But Lin Xiuyuan remained unmoved, long used to her antics these days, ignoring, “No fussing—said a week, it’s a week. Two days left, endure.”
Finished, he turned to extend a hand to Kim Tae Yeon, gesturing her in, “Come on, inside first—talk here.”
Kim Tae Yeon, watching the scene, couldn’t help laughing at the picture.
Her eye corners curved slightly, nodding lightly.
She picked up the food and fruit bought on the way, stepped over the threshold into this 13-year apartment.
Once inside, Kim Tae Yeon naturally set the bag on the dining table.
Then clapped her hands, like announcing “home.”
Her gaze casually fell on Jessica hugging a cushion on the sofa, expression full of gloom.
Her just-pressed-back look like an overworked workhorse unable to escape.
“Soo Yeon, still can’t accept this reality?”
That resentful expression made Kim Tae Yeon laughingly ask, tone light with a touch of teasing.
Facing the question, Jessica irritably rolled her eyes big at Lin Xiuyuan, sighing helplessly, “I actually accepted it on day two—it’s just this guy…”
Glaring through gritted teeth, she pointed at Lin Xiuyuan nearby, voice suddenly louder, full of exasperation and headache, “This jerk Lin Xiuyuan won’t let me leave, saying ‘stay a few more days to feel it deeply.’ Taeyeon, what kind of logic is that?”
Lin Xiuyuan flipped through Kim Tae Yeon’s purchases, pretending not to hear, as if the complaint had nothing to do with him.
After speaking, Jessica flopped lazily on the sofa armrest again, squinting at Kim Tae Yeon beside, “Right, Taeyeon, what’re you here for this time?”
So bluntly asked, Kim Tae Yeon’s eyes flickered, like a kid worried her secret would be exposed, voice stammering as she pursed her lips, “Uh… just… something to talk to Xiuyuan about…”
Halfway, she trailed off embarrassed, expression awkward.
To cover, she quickly changed topic, “Right, eaten breakfast? I bought stuff on the way—want some?”
Jessica saw her little moves, inwardly smirking as if seeing through her thoughts.
But didn’t call it out, “Ate breakfast already—some fruit’s fine.”
So she got up to grab fruit and eat; the apartment quieted instantly.
Minutes later, Jessica bit into freshly washed grapes, watching Kim Tae Yeon’s hesitant look, curiosity bubbling.
But she didn’t press, suddenly standing, “Um, I’ll go to the room check news—you chat.”
Without waiting response, she turned into the bedroom, gently closing the door.
Thus, the living room suddenly held only Lin Xiuyuan and Kim Tae Yeon.
Lin Xiuyuan, mostly silent till now, slowly set down his cup, gaze on her with curiosity, “Taeyeon, something to say?”
This time asked by Lin Xiuyuan, Kim Tae Yeon bit her lip lightly, glanced quickly at the bedroom to confirm Jessica wasn’t coming, then approached like resolved.
Bending down, her breath light enough to brush his ear.
With careful caution yet hidden excitement, her lips parted, murmuring a few sentences by his ear.
After hearing Kim Tae Yeon out, Lin Xiuyuan’s twitching fingers suddenly stopped, expression subtly odd.
Turning his head, he gave the graceful figure beside a meaningful look, shock clear in his tone, “Ah, sure about playing this big?”
Seeing his expression, Kim Tae Yeon’s lips hooked in small triumph, eyes sparkling, voice lower, “Mm, not bad. If it works, it’s a win-win.”
……
In the bedroom, computer screen light flickered on Jessica’s face.
She’d been hugging her knees zoning out, gaze drifting over news pages, attention long scattered.
From earlier, the living room outside was suspiciously quiet.
No talking, no TV sound—eerie silence.
Jessica frowned, curiosity rising, but too embarrassed to interrupt.
So she opened a variety show, forcing focus on the screen, pretending nonchalance.
However…
Not long after, strange sounds came from outside the door.
“Rustle rustle…”
Fragmented and intermittent, like fabric rubbing or bodies accidentally brushing when close.
These bizarre noises made Jessica’s ears heat, breath hitching, mind involuntarily conjuring… inappropriate images for now.
“No way…”
Her heart tightened, throat dry, voice tiny almost inaudible, murmuring self-doubtfully, “Taeyeon wouldn’t be that bold, right?”
But right then, the sounds outside clarified.
Mixed with muffled, suppressed grunts from deep in the throat, forcibly held back yet more tantalizing.
This froze Jessica completely, pupils dilating instantly.
She shot up, legs weakening, heart pounding to her throat.
She silently crept behind the door, right hand shakily reaching the handle, palm sweaty.
Open, or not…
Complex emotions halted her as fingertips gripped the cool metal.
Flashing images in her mind made her hesitate:
—If she saw something she shouldn’t, how awkward?
—But if… her guess was right, how to speak up? Better play dumb.
Thinking this, Jessica bit her lip, breathing rapid, trapped in an unsolvable dilemma.
Afraid to open yet more afraid of standing here tormented by imagination.
Her small face full of struggle and complexity—disbelieving yet faintly panicked.
Meanwhile, sounds from beyond the door kept coming, pushing her forward or warning “don’t touch.”
Jessica broke into cold sweat at her temple from the sounds, slowly leaning on the door, eyes closed exhaling softly, murmuring, “What am I even afraid of—or expecting?”
These past days, she’d thought a lot, learned more.
……
Half an hour earlier.
Finally free, Jung Soo Yeon rushed from the company to the apartment today.
After getting off, her steps hurried, shoulder bag not fully settled, when she bumped into similarly arriving Ham Eun-jung at the downstairs corner.
They locked eyes, stunned briefly, then shared knowing smiles.
Smiles mixing relief and irrepressible fatigue.
Neither mentioned business first, just walked shoulder-to-shoulder to the lobby.
Elevator lights cast quietly down, outlining their figures; Ham Eun-jung broke silence first, voice low, “Soo Yeon, how’s Jessica now?”
Asked Jung Soo Yeon eyes flickered, pausing steps slightly, tone cautious, “Soo Jung said she’s figured out a lot—at least no worry of her acting out…”
Saying this, she seemed to reassure herself, tone softer than usual yet uncertain.
Ham Eun-jung nodded, but fingertips unconsciously rubbed her jacket edge, eyes hiding unease, “Yeah, but relying on her self-awareness feels too risky. Needs a hook to firmly reel her in. Otherwise, she could…”
She didn’t finish, but Jung Soo Yeon understood, brows furrowing lightly.
“I know.”
Sighing, she looked toward the entrance, voice lowering, “But what could be the hook? I know her personality best—prouder and more stubborn than anyone. Too hard, she’ll snap it; too soft, she ignores it.”
They stopped at the lobby corridor entrance, neither rushing upstairs, chatting long.
Occasional cold winds blew through the corridor, tousling their side hair, sharpening their unspoken anxiety.
In their eye contact instant, both read the same: helplessness.
So they bitterly smiled in unison, silent gazes saying all.
“Let’s go up.” Ham Eun-jung said softly.
“Mm.”
Ham Eun-jung nodded, following beside into the elevator.
Ding…
As elevator doors slowly closed, bright lights clearly lit their worried faces.
Soon at the apartment entrance, Jung Soo Yeon habitually raised hand to enter password, motion natural like countless times.
But just as her fingers neared, Ham Eun-jung reached out, stopping her hand.
“Wait.”
Her touch light but firm.
Stunning Jung Soo Yeon, who turned to look.
“Ring the bell—at least give some respect. Barging in isn’t great…” Ham Eun-jung’s tone gentle but firm in opinion.
Hearing this, Jung Soo Yeon paused, gaze deepening.
After a while, she nodded lightly, stepping back half.
Watching Ham Eun-jung ring the bell.
Crisp ding-dong echoed in the corridor, strikingly abrupt.
They held breath at the door, oddly tense.
Air froze, only doorbell red light flashing.
Finally, after a while, faint movement from the other side.
With door lock click, the door slowly opened from inside.
But the one appearing wasn’t the discussed person or Lin Xiuyuan.
It was Kim Tae Yeon, face flushed, gaze oddly looking at them!!!
“Taeyeon? How’re you here.”
“Soo Yeon? Eun-jung? How’d you come.”
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