Hancheng: There is a door between me and the future

Chapter 228 Park Jiyeon: "Am I better, or is the old woman more powerful?" (10,000 words, please subscribe and vote)

The hot spring water remained warm and comfortable, and the tranquil night sky enveloped the space, with a few shooting stars seemingly adding a touch of brilliance to the peaceful night.

The conversation between the three gradually became more relaxed, and the topic shifted from the initial trip to their respective futures and goals.

Just then, Krystal stretched and leaned against the pool wall, gazing at the starry sky above with a slightly dreamy look in her eyes, and spoke.

Her voice carried a hint of leisure and contemplation, "Actually, I haven't thought about what the future holds. I'm quite happy with my life as it is now. I'm not in a hurry to pursue those things that define me. I was too hasty on stage before, which caused quite a few mistakes."

These words carried a hint of languor, as if under this starry sky, all the pressure could temporarily dissolve.

Lin Xiuyuan smiled slightly after hearing this and replied easily, "I understand. It's like giving up and lying down. Just treat it as a job. Once you've earned enough money, you can also embellish your life."

However, upon hearing this, Krystal immediately pretended to be angry and splashed a large amount of water, soaking Lin Xiuyuan.

Then she chuckled and said, "Xiuyuan, you're the one who's lying down. I'm acting very seriously, okay? And in terms of acting skills, I think I'm much better than Yoona unnie."

"Don't let her hear you say that."

"Huh huh huh~"

Watching the two bickering, the atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant, and Jessica couldn't help but laugh as well.

Then, turning his gaze to the pool in front of him, he sighed softly, "It's really rare to be able to relax, especially when you put down the worries of work and trivial matters. Only then do you know how to truly enjoy these moments."

She had rushed things and ended up stepping into a quagmire, taking ten years to slowly extricate herself.

She was completely unaware of her ability to enjoy life until now, when she has come to deeply appreciate its beauty.

So when Jessica said those words, her tone carried a touch of mature感慨, as if she had long since left behind those busy years.

“Speaking of which, I have a question, Jessica.”

Lin Xiuyuan suddenly spoke, and at the same time turned his gaze to the person opposite him, his tone carrying a hint of curiosity and inquiry.

"Based on what I know about the industry, you must be making a lot of money in China, right? Why not let Krystal go there to develop her career? After all, nationality shouldn't be a big obstacle. Didn't another member of f(x) go there too?"

Upon hearing this, Jessica paused, a subtle change appearing in her eyes.

Then she frowned and looked at the boy in the misty clouds opposite her, "Lin Xiuyuan, you're not going to say again that I dragged Krystal down, are you?"

Lin Xiuyuan couldn't help but laugh at the blunt words, then shook his head, "I didn't say that, I was just curious about this. If we're talking about making money, even the entire entertainment industry on the Korean Peninsula can't compare to a small market in China."

Seeing the tense atmosphere, Krystal smiled slightly, glanced at Jessica, and explained on her behalf.

"Stop staring at Unnie, Xiuyuan~ Actually, I'm doing pretty well now. Although sometimes I think about whether I should look for other jobs, I'm not in a rush like before."

Her gaze was slightly unfocused, as if she were lost in the night sky, and she slowly spoke, "I am still an artist now, mainly because my fans are so loyal to me. I feel that being able to meet them through acting is more meaningful than standing on a stage."

"If I can't continue to stand on the stage, then let's bring them some benefits in other ways." Her tone was calm and confident, as if she had completely accepted the situation and found her own rhythm.

After hearing Krystal's answer, Lin Xiuyuan's gaze unconsciously turned to Jessica.

His gaze held no judgment, only curiosity and contemplation, as if he were waiting for her response.

Jessica felt annoyed under his gaze. She frowned slightly and said with a hint of displeasure, "What do you mean? I know it was my fault before. You don't need to keep looking at me like that."

Lin Xiuyuan smiled slightly, showing no embarrassment or displeasure at her reaction.

“I didn’t mean to talk about that,” he replied calmly. “I just think that if Krystal really wants to try, then maybe she could give it a shot. After all, it’s not uncommon for idols of your generation to expand internationally, is it?”

Jessica was taken aback, not expecting Lin Xiuyuan to ask such a direct question. Her expression became slightly serious, and her gaze became somewhat unfocused. "That... is true, but not all decisions can be made casually."

She paused, then said in a low voice, "Krystal has her own rhythm and her own decisions, and I don't want to interfere with her choices."

At the same time, she didn't want to get too involved, fearing that if she were to make another mistake, it would implicate Krystal again, and she really wouldn't know what to do then.

Once is enough for this kind of thing to happen.

Lin Xiuyuan did not press further, but simply nodded to indicate his understanding.

He turned to look at Krystal, his tone gentle, "Anyway, as long as you're happy now, that's all that matters, right?"

Krystal smiled and nodded. "Yes, I'm really happy right now."

Her eyes shone with determination and confidence as she looked gently at the boy opposite her. Ever since she saw Shirley's big poster on that rainy night, her world had been rekindled with light, and her life had become more interesting.

The surrounding starry sky was still so brilliant, as if a layer of fine silver powder had been sprinkled on the horizon, and today's joyful time was like a melodious song, quietly ending at this moment.

Good night! !
The next morning, the first light of dawn streamed into the guesthouse room through the gaps in the curtains, the air fresh and carrying a touch of the coolness of early morning.

Lin Xiuyuan, Jessica, and Krystal got up early, washed up, packed their bags, and prepared to leave.

Despite the lack of sleep, everyone's faces were filled with excitement and anticipation, as if this day would bring new surprises.

Today's destination is the Holy Trinity Church atop Mount Kazbek, where they plan to see if they can catch the beautiful sunrise.

The three of them set off from the guesthouse and drove slowly along the winding mountain road. The scenery outside the car window gradually became more magnificent as the altitude increased.

The distant snow-capped mountains stand tall and majestic, like white giants standing on the horizon, with every line of the mountain range edged with gold by the morning sunlight.

The atmosphere inside the car became quiet, and everyone silently enjoyed this moment of peace.

As we arrived at the church, the first rays of morning sunlight shone on the snow-capped mountain peaks, their warm golden light filtering through the clouds and illuminating the entire mountain range.

The air in the valley was fresh and clear, as if the whole world had merged with nature at that moment.

Lin Xiuyuan stood beside the car, took a deep breath, and savored the moment of peace and freshness. His expression was particularly relaxed. Then he said, "I still overslept."

Although there was a hint of regret in his words, there was more enjoyment than regret.

Krystal, standing beside him, watched the scene with a happy smile, gently leaning against his shoulder, her warm breath reaching his ear.

"It's okay, the scenery right now is beautiful too. You don't necessarily have to get everything you want in one go. Life is long, you have to leave some time for later."

Lin Xiuyuan smiled upon hearing her words, a hint of amusement in his eyes, "That makes sense."

Then he turned his head slightly and asked with a smile, "So when did you start studying philosophy, Soojung? You speak so eloquently, just like my philosophy professor in college."

After being called out by Jessica yesterday, Lin Xiuyuan stopped emphasizing the name issue in order to distinguish between Big K and Little K.

Krystal didn't answer, but tilted her head, deliberately made a disgusted expression, and rolled her eyes at him.

Her movements were relaxed and natural, with a playful glint in her eyes, as if she had returned to her younger self.

Jessica, standing behind the two, watched this scene with a warm smile on her lips, her eyes filled with gentleness and relief.

Then he gradually turned his gaze to the scenery before him and let out a silent sigh.

At that moment, she seemed to have let go of all her worries and simply enjoyed the peace and tranquility.

The Holy Trinity Church, located atop the Kazbek Mountains, was built in the 14th century and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, giving it a sense of seclusion and sanctity.

Originally built to commemorate Georgian religious beliefs, this church's unique architectural style blends local traditions with European Gothic elements, resulting in a rustic yet magnificent appearance. Today, it is not only a religious sanctuary but also a place of pilgrimage for travelers.

When the three drove back to the top of the hill and entered the church courtyard, they found that there weren't many people there.

The surroundings were quiet, with only a dozen or so tourists scattered around the ancient church, adding to the tranquility and solemnity of this sacred land.

The air was fresh, and a gentle mountain breeze blew. It seemed as if the whole world had fallen silent for a moment, leaving only the majestic snow-capped mountains in the distance and the serene church.

Lin Xiuyuan walked casually ahead, occasionally glancing back at the two girls, noticing their excitement and curiosity about the church and the surrounding scenery.

Jessica and Krystal were taking photos on the steps in front of the church. Krystal was adjusting the angle of her phone when she suddenly pointed to a snow-capped mountain behind the church and said, "Jessica, look! That's the best spot under the sunlight. If you stand here, the background will be absolutely gorgeous."

Jessica smiled after hearing this, then took out her phone, struck a pose, and prepared to take a selfie.

Lin Xiuyuan stood to the side, his gaze involuntarily lingering on Jessica as she intently prepared to adjust the angle for her selfie.

Suddenly, the image of Jessica Jung from 13 flashed into his mind, and a playful thought arose in his heart.

He decided to play a little joke on someone, so he quietly walked behind Jessica, gently leaned close to her shoulder, smiled, and prepared to "crash" into the frame while she was taking a selfie.

So just as Jessica turned her head slightly, preparing to look at Krystal who was walking to the other side, Lin Xiuyuan had already silently moved his face close to hers, almost touching her cheek.

A warm breath brushed against her ear, along with that familiar scent, startling Jessica. She paused slightly, then quickly turned to her phone, wanting to confirm the image she had captured.

When she looked to the side, her gaze suddenly met the handsome face of the unexpected guest on her phone screen, and her heart began to race.

In that instant, her eyes involuntarily fixed on Lin Xiuyuan's profile, watching him smile slightly, his expression languid yet captivating.

My heart skipped a beat, and a strange flutter arose within me.

The main reason was that the boy's breath was warm and refreshing, and the close contact caught her off guard.

The warm breath and familiar scent mingled together, instantly plunging her into a slight daze.

Immediately afterwards, her breathing hitched slightly, a complex expression appeared on her face, and her gaze involuntarily shifted away, as if she hadn't been disrupted by this sudden emotion.

Lin Xiuyuan on the screen still had a smile on his face, with a hint of harmless mischief in his eyes.

The only difference was that Jessica's movements were somewhat unsteady, and she seemed a little uncomfortable. She didn't look away, but stared at the two of them on the screen, a strange, indescribable flutter rising in her heart.

Lin Xiuyuan noticed her reaction and then gently stepped back.

He then stopped smiling, but his gaze remained fixed on her face. His tone was relaxed and somewhat indifferent. "Sorry, I just wanted to join in the fun."

"It's nothing," Jessica replied softly, her voice low and reserved, as if she hadn't noticed anything.

Then, watching Lin Xiuyuan pull his head back, he smiled and walked towards Krystal, gently embracing her.

The two happily took several photos together after receiving the phone, their laughter echoing in the air.

This sight made Jessica unconsciously look at her phone again, feeling a slight tension and unease in her heart.

At that moment, she suddenly realized that she had accidentally pressed the button to record a video, not to take a photo.

So the moment Lin Xiuyuan approached, and all the details of their interaction were captured on camera.

Jessica rewatched the video, took a deep breath, and smiled gently, but a complex mix of emotions welled up inside her.

The feeling was indescribable, both exciting and confusing, as if all emotions were intertwined into a subtle fluctuation that could not be calmed.

……

……

2013 years.

Inside the practice room of SM Entertainment.

The daytime rehearsals have entered their final sprint, and the entire practice room is filled with a tense atmosphere.

The members of Girls' Generation have not had a break for many days in a row. They have been queuing from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day, and sometimes they have to stay up until the early hours of the morning.

The air in the dance studio was filled with the smell of sweat and hard work. With the rhythm of the music, the sounds of shoes rubbing against the floor and footsteps mingled together, creating a sound of focus and struggle.

Dance steps, singing, stage performance—no aspect can be overlooked.

As everyone knows, this first world tour is very important for them and their company. Any mistake in the details could affect their performance and make the stage effect less than perfect.

For them, who wanted to present the best performance to their fans, all they could do was rehearse, rehearse, and rehearse some more.

Lin Xiaolu, along with Kwon Yuri, Seohyun, and several other main dancers, stood in a corner of the practice room, diligently practicing each movement.

The group's movements were precise and fluid, achieving a high degree of harmony between their bodies and the music.

Meanwhile, Jessica Jung and Taeyeon Kim stood in the corner, adjusting their dance positions while softly humming harmonies.

Although they have worked side by side for so many years, they have long since developed an unspoken understanding.

However, in these details, they still need to practice frequently to further enhance their teamwork.

After what seemed like an eternity, with a command from the dance teacher, everyone was finally able to take a short break.

Everyone either sat or lay down, and a few members who were not yet fully familiar with the dance steps took the opportunity to practice more, trying to find the problems during the short break.

Lin Xiaolu and Zheng Xiuyan agreed to leave the practice room together and headed to the restroom, seemingly returning to the tacit understanding and habits they had during their trainee days.

Walking down the empty corridor, the two walked briskly but with a hint of fatigue.

At this moment, Lin Xiaolu suddenly looked up at Jessica Jung next to her and said, "Unnie, Taeyeon unnie has been getting more and more curious about Xiuyuan's situation lately. Has she asked you about it?"

"Yeah, I asked, and I said I didn't know. I'm not familiar with Lin Xiuyuan." Jessica Jung said this nonsense with a straight face, which made Lin Xiaolu laugh.

If these two aren't familiar with each other, what about the others?

Thinking of this, Lin Xiaolu suddenly remembered Krystal, "That guy is having such a great time over there, relaxing and traveling. He went to Georgia with Soojung, right? I really want to go and have some fun too, and see the scenery there."

Jessica Jung frowned slightly, stopped walking, casually brushed a strand of hair from her forehead, and spoke with a touch of philosophy in her tone.

"Yoona, they have more than ten years of life ahead of us, which is why they have this lifestyle. So Yoona, we need to make the most of these ten years and work hard. Maybe by then, we can be even better than them, right? We definitely can."

"Ah."

Lin Xiaolu nodded silently, lost in thought.

Her gaze drifted towards the window, where the warm sunlight streamed into the corridor, seemingly carrying away a trace of confusion from her heart.

“But, Unnie,” she asked softly, her voice tinged with worry, “do you think Xiuyuan might bring Jessica over? I mean, if he really does bring her over one day, how will you get along with her, Unnie?”

Jessica Jung was taken aback, not expecting Lin Xiaolu to suddenly ask this question, and a look of surprise flashed in her eyes.

Then she smiled slightly, her tone relaxed, "I don't know, I haven't thought about it. We'll talk about it when that day comes. Ever since I learned the word 'internal friction,' I've stopped thinking about the future. I'd rather spend that time drawing more design drafts."

After hearing her answer, Lin Xiaolu remained silent for a moment and did not press further.

The main difference is that these two are different from myself and Yoona, and Eunjung and Ham Eunjung. These two pairs of contestants did nothing wrong, it's just that there were some problems with their pairing.

But Jessica chose the wrong man, which not only dragged Krystal down with her, but also caused so much trouble in their lives.

Although she knew that Lin Xiaolu knew that her unnie didn't want to think about this situation, she was really curious whether the other person was prepared to talk to Jessica face to face about those complicated issues if that day ever came.

After using the restroom, the two returned to the practice room. It was the same familiar corridor, and Lin Xiaolu spoke first again.

"Unnie, I have another question."

"Hey, Yoona, when did you become like Sunny? Why are you so curious?" Jessica Jung, walking beside her, tilted her head and looked at her with amusement.

Lin Xiaolu blushed a little at her teasing and then whispered.

"No, I just wanted to ask, you know about the conflict between Xiuyuan and Jessica before. If what I just said is true, and Xiuyuan still brought her in, what do you think is the reason, Unnie?"

"What reason? Does it need a reason? He can open that door whenever he wants. Just like when he dragged me through there."

As Jessica Jung spoke of this, a flash of past memories crossed her eyes, and a smile involuntarily spread across her lips, as if she were recalling that impetuous young man from back then.

"I was just saying, hypothetically," Lin Xiaolu continued to press, her tone somewhat helpless yet earnest.

Jessica Jung paused for a moment, seemingly pondering the question, before replying, "If I had to give an answer, I could only hope that when Xiuyuan sees Jessica, he will think of me." She spoke these words very calmly, yet they unintentionally revealed a sincerity and tenderness, as if many complex emotions were hidden within this simple sentence.

This rare, direct statement made Lin Xiaolu stop in her tracks, her gaze fixed on the figure walking forward, a strange feeling stirring within her.

Jessica noticed that she had stopped, turned around and looked at her with a hint of confusion and a smile, "Come on, why are you standing there? Hurry up."

Lin Xiaolu smiled, a complex expression on her face, and said softly, "Oh, you're here."

……

……

On the second day in Georgia, the sun shone on the vast grasslands, reflecting warm rays of light, and the whole land was filled with an atmosphere of tranquility.

After a day of sightseeing, Lin Xiuyuan and his group did not rush to their next destination, but decided to continue enjoying this tranquil place.

Although there were no prominent tourist attractions around, the vast grassland and distant snow-capped mountains were enough for the three of them to spend the whole afternoon in peace.

The three sat around a raised café courtyard, enjoying the warm afternoon sun and tranquil atmosphere.

An occasional breeze blows, rippling across the grass, and the air is filled with the fresh scent of flowers and grass.

Jessica would occasionally take out her camera and snap a few pictures of the beautiful scenery before her. A satisfied smile spread across her face, and her eyes sparkled with excitement behind the lens.

Krystal sat quietly to the side, a book in her hands, her gaze intently wandering across the pages. Every now and then, she would look up at the distant snow-capped mountains, a gentle tenderness in her eyes.

Lin Xiuyuan, however, remained somewhat absent-minded, occasionally glancing up at the distant snow-capped mountains with a somewhat unfocused look in his eyes.

"Xiuyuan, are you thinking about something?" Krystal suddenly asked softly, her voice like a gentle breeze breaking Lin Xiuyuan's reverie.

She looked up at him with a curious look in her eyes.

Lin Xiuyuan smiled and shook his head. "It's nothing. I just feel that these quiet days are rare, and I can calm down and think about some things."

Krystal nodded and softly agreed, "Yes, indeed."

She put down her book and followed his gaze into the distance. "A quiet place like this can help you temporarily forget your troubles and clear your mind."

"If you were to stay here permanently, would you be willing, Xiujing?" Lin Xiuyuan asked immediately afterward.

This question not only silenced Krystal, but even made Jessica glance over.

In the end, Krystal shook her head. "That won't do. It's fine to stroll around occasionally, but I prefer the hustle and bustle of the city. I'm content to just appreciate nature here."

After saying that, she gave an analogy: "Besides, it's okay to clear your mind occasionally, but who can keep their mind completely clear all the time?"

This answer immediately amused Lin Xiuyuan, who burst into laughter.

"Alright, alright, you've learned to use sophistry too, Krystal Jung."

As the sun gradually sets, the clouds on the horizon are dyed a gentle orange-red by the evening glow, and the light shines on the distant mountains. Golden rays fall on the snow-capped peaks, making the mountain ranges appear even more mysterious and magnificent.

Lin Xiuyuan, who hadn't been back to 2013 for several days, left the guesthouse under Krystal's cover as night fell and returned to his apartment there.

When Jessica asked Krystal why she wasn't out soaking in the hot springs, Krystal glanced at Jessica, who was still looking sexy that night, and replied with a playful smile.

"Xiuyuan said you were too tempting and he couldn't control himself, so he didn't come out and let the two of us sisters have a good chat."

Hearing Krystal's teasing, Jessica couldn't help but raise an eyebrow and chuckle, "You probably didn't just make this up, did you? That guy barely even glanced at me, let alone looked at me properly. How can he be sexy?"

"Unnie, you're underestimating yourself a bit," Krystal laughed.

“I know my place. Your young man has quite a temper, unlike us who can handle things on our own.” Jessica chuckled, a self-deprecating smile playing on her lips.

As Jessica said these words, she took Krystal's arm and walked towards the hot spring room, her laughter light and cheerful, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Lin Xiuyuan had already returned to 2013 through the time portal.

After returning to his apartment in 2013, Lin Xiuyuan first stopped in the living room. Looking at the familiar surroundings and thinking about the grasslands and snow-capped mountains he had been looking at that afternoon, he suddenly felt as if he had been transported to another world.

This is a feeling I've never had before when returning from a city I've lived in for 25 years to a city I've lived in for 13 years; it's a bit like when I was on vacation in the Maldives.

After composing himself, Lin Xiuyuan sat on the sofa and glanced at the messages on his phone. Sherry had replied to most of them, except for some people she didn't know.

Those people were classmates Lin Xiuyuan knew before he dropped out of school and were about to graduate.

Should Lin Xiuyuan come back to the school for a visit?

Lin Xiuyuan completely ignored this.

Then I looked at some of the messages Sulli had replied to earlier, such as those from Kim Tae-yeon and Park Ji-yeon.

The reply to Kim Tae-yeon was: "Taking care of something."

The reply to Park Jiyeon was: "Traveling."

Thinking of this, Lin Xiuyuan realized that he hadn't seen Park Jiyeon for a few days. The thought of her brought a smile to his face.

So I dialed her number, but no one answered.

After several more attempts, there was still no response, which made Lin Xiuyuan frown and feel a little doubtful.

Left with no other option, he dialed Ham Eun-jung's number again, intending to find out about Park Ji-yeon's situation from her.

A few seconds later, Ham Eun-jung's voice came from the other end of the phone, "Hey, Soo-won? You're back?"

"Hmm, I called Zhiyan but no one answered. Is she busy?" Lin Xiuyuan asked after responding.

“Oh, Jiyeon is practicing at the taekwondo gym now,” Ham Eunjung replied with a smile. “She’s been really into training lately, spending almost every day at the gym.”

"What?" Lin Xiuyuan was taken aback, somewhat surprised, "Taekwondo?"

"Yes, after learning about your situation and the situation over there, she started practicing like crazy, even harder than when she was dancing."

Ham Eun-jung's tone was slightly teasing, "You know, once Ji-yeon gets involved, she doesn't care about anything else."

Lin Xiuyuan paused for a moment, then chuckled, "Alright, I'll go see her then. What's her address?"

Two minutes later, Lin Xiuyuan, having obtained the address, called Shirley. After learning that she was still rehearsing at the company, he immediately arranged to meet her for a late-night snack.

They took the elevator downstairs, got into the car, and headed straight for the Taekwondo gym address given to them by Ham Eun-jung.

When he arrived at the entrance of the Taekwondo gym, he unexpectedly ran into Park Hyo-min.

The two hadn't seen each other for a while. Their last meeting at the airport was brief, and they didn't chat much due to the occasion; they just exchanged pleasantries.

"Xiuyuan, what brings you here?" Park Hyomin asked in surprise when she saw him, her eyes filled with curiosity and doubt.

"I heard that Jiyeon has been practicing Taekwondo like crazy lately, so I came to see her," Lin Xiuyuan replied.

"Oh, I see." Park Hyo-min nodded, then stepped into the building.

As she walked, she tilted her head to look at Lin Xiuyuan, her tone tinged with concern, "Zhiyan has been training really hard lately, and she's even been getting less rest. If you can talk to her, Xiuyuan, please do so. After all, she doesn't need to take any more exams, so there's no need for her to push herself so hard. She already has a great figure."

Upon hearing this, Lin Xiuyuan paused slightly, feeling somewhat embarrassed, yet he also knew that this was an issue that could not be ignored.

"Yes, I know. Thank you, Hyomin."

"No need. Jiyeon is my sister. Don't act like she's your property."

"..."

The two walked into the taekwondo gym together, chatting as they went. The atmosphere inside remained tense and focused.

A few students were practicing intently, and occasionally the sounds of panting and hitting the mat could be heard. The air was filled with the scent of sweat and hard work.

Everyone was immersed in their own world, exuding an aura of striving.

Lin Xiuyuan's gaze swept across the hall, finally settling on the person he was targeting on this trip: Park Ji-yeon.

She was standing to the side in her sportswear, her hair slightly disheveled, clearly having just finished a rigorous training session. Her face showed a hint of fatigue, yet also confidence and determination.

When Park Jiyeon saw Lin Xiuyuan walk in, she was stunned for a moment, then gave him a surprised smile, "Oppa~ What brings you here?"

"I heard you've been busy, so I came to see you." Lin Xiuyuan walked over with a smile, his gaze lingering on her for a moment. "Are you going to switch from idol to athlete, Jiyeon? You're so dedicated."

Park Jiyeon's face first showed a smile, but it quickly turned into a resolute expression. At the same time, she glanced at the other person with some frustration, "No, I just wanted to practice."

Lin Xiuyuan smiled upon hearing the reply, "How about we stop here for today? I've made plans to have a late-night snack with Shirley and Eunjung. They should have already set off. I'll come pick you up so we can go have something to eat together."

Park Ji-yeon naturally agreed to Lin Xiu-yuan's invitation, but just as Lin Xiu-yuan was about to call her to leave, her eyes suddenly lit up, as if she had suddenly thought of something.

"Oppa~ Now that you're here, aren't you going to come up and give it a try?" She smiled, her tone laced with a hint of provocation.

"Me? I don't know Taekwondo, forget it." Lin Xiuyuan shook his head with a smile, clearly not intending to challenge his own limitations.

"You don't need to understand. Just fight normally and see who wins."

Park Jiyeon's concise summary made Park Hyomin, who was standing next to her, burst out laughing.

Lin Xiuyuan paused for a moment after hearing this, raised an eyebrow, and then revealed a slightly mocking smile, as if he had just thought of something, "Zhiyan, so you're planning to take this opportunity to teach me a lesson?"

"No way, oppa, don't talk nonsense." Park Jiyeon suddenly looked away, slightly guilty, as if she didn't dare to meet his gaze.

Seeing this, Lin Xiuyuan waved his hand helplessly and said with a smile, "Alright, you win, I'll play with you."

Lin Xiuyuan found it hard to refuse Park Jiyeon's enthusiasm, especially in this atmosphere where everyone around them was watching.

Park Jiyeon looked at Lin Xiuyuan and a sly glint flashed in her eyes. "Hehe, oppa, then I won't be polite."

She walked directly to the mat in the taekwondo gym, assumed a standard standing posture, and prepared to begin the challenge.

Lin Xiuyuan shook his head and couldn't help but laugh, thinking to himself that this little Zhiyan must want to teach him a lesson after learning about what happened 25 years ago.

After the two stood in position, Park Jiyeon quickly launched her attack.

With swift steps and light movements, a high kick aimed straight at Lin Xiuyuan's shoulder.

Lin Xiuyuan didn't really understand this thing, but he had excellent physical coordination and very keen senses.

Therefore, his eyes could see Park Ji-yeon's movements very clearly, so he nimbly turned to the side and skillfully avoided the attack.

Immediately afterward, he reacted by charging forward, intending to use his full strength to tackle Park Jiyeon and end it all.

But Park Jiyeon was no pushover either. With a slight smile, she dodged even faster, instantly turning around and returning to her original position.

Then he quickly lowered his body, lunged forward, and aimed straight for Lin Xiuyuan's lower body.

Her sudden action startled Lin Xiuyuan, causing him to miss an easy opportunity to dodge, and he was then kicked in the shin.

Next, the two began a playful back-and-forth, a series of lighthearted exchanges that, while not particularly intense, were nonetheless full of lively competition.

A tense yet playful atmosphere filled the air, and every slight touch on the cushion made their hearts race.

"Ji-yeon, you really hit me hard! Can't you relax a little?" Lin Xiuyuan couldn't help but ask, a hint of a smile in his voice.

Park Jiyeon raised an eyebrow slightly and replied without backing down, "I'm serious."

Her words carried a firmness, as if reminding Lin that she was not someone who would give up easily.

Finally, after some trial and error, Lin Xiuyuan found an opportunity thanks to his better physical coordination.

He quickly seized upon Park Jiyeon's mistake, deftly adjusted his steps, and with a clever push-pull motion, threw her down onto the mat.

The two rolled around several times quickly, and finally Lin Xiuyuan firmly controlled her upper body.

The air seemed to freeze at this moment.

The two looked into each other's eyes. Lin Xiuyuan took a breath and smiled at her, "You lost, Zhiyan."

Park Jiyeon was pinned to the ground, but there was no sign of frustration on her face. Instead, she revealed a faint smile, and her eyes seemed to carry some indescribable meaning.

Then she spoke softly, her tone tinged with curiosity and anticipation, "It's okay that I lost, oppa. But I have a question: am I better, or is that older woman better?"

Her sudden question caught Lin Xiuyuan off guard.

Seeing that the other person's eyes seemed to reveal some deeper meaning, he felt a chill run down his spine.

He paused for a moment, his gaze unconsciously sweeping across her face, a mix of emotions swirling within him.

The main issue was that Park Jiyeon's question was too private, and he didn't know how to answer it.

You can't say that the two are completely unrelated, even though they both involve fighting and rolling balls.

Looking at Park Jiyeon's slightly expectant eyes, Lin Xiuyuan finally suppressed his smile and took a deep breath.

"Then this really is an accident, Jiyeon. Besides, you were the one who attacked first, and the other person was just forced to defend themselves."

Upon hearing this, Park Jiyeon's lips curled slightly, and she snorted, "See, oppa, you're siding with her."

After speaking, a faint look of helplessness appeared on his face. He didn't ask any further questions, but simply lowered his head.

Perhaps it was due to long-term pressure, or perhaps it was because of her mutated feelings for Lin Xiuyuan that she unconsciously developed this problem.

Park Jiyeon bit her lip and said softly, "Never mind, I won't ask anymore."

Seeing that she had suddenly become somewhat silent, Lin Xiuyuan felt a pang of pity and reached out to gently pat her shoulder. "Get up first, I'll tell you about the situation later."

After saying that, he smiled, stood up, stretched, and looked at Park Jiyeon, "Do you want to go back and wash up?"

Having received the promise, Park Jiyeon immediately stood up, patted her workout clothes, and was clearly much more relaxed. "Sure, I can't go there all sweaty and smelly."

"There's no body odor at all."

Lin Xiuyuan, who had just rolled around on the mat with her, said this, while Park Jiyeon smiled and looked down.

At this moment, Park Hyomin, who had been quietly observing the two, narrowed her eyes slightly, then walked over from the side with a hint of mockery in her eyes, "You two are having a lot of fun."

Her words were clearly sarcastic as she continued to smile at Lin Xiuyuan, "Xiuyuan, surely I won't miss out on some late-night snacks later?"

Park Hyomin had already made her decision after asking that question.

That meant she was determined to go along this time, no matter what. She wanted to see what was going on between these two—no, with Sulli and Eunjung included.

Lin Xiuyuan was amused by her sudden words and readily agreed, "Of course, no problem, Hyomin."

And so, after Park Jiyeon tidied herself up, the three of them walked out of the taekwondo gym together.

As night deepened, a cool evening breeze filled the air.

There is no dazzling starry sky like in Georgia here, only the city's neon lights still flickering, casting colorful shadows on the streets and illuminating the silhouettes of the three figures.

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(End of this chapter)