DD Ch 3

She slept in for the first time in a while. Waking up late, Sahee took her time washing up. She sat on the porch with her hair wet, letting the breeze dry it.

Having finished her deadline and slept deeply, she felt refreshed. Today, she wouldn’t have to face any uncomfortable people, which made her feel even more at ease.

Time to go clean.

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There was no burden. Today, she only had to clean the madam’s room, so it wouldn’t take long.

Sahee walked leisurely towards the annex, having spent a relaxed morning. Just as she was about to take off her shoes, she heard a presence she hadn’t expected.

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“Miss Yeon Sahee.”

“…”

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The soft, low voice made her grip the pillar tightly. Thinking it was a hallucination, she turned her head, only to be filled with surprise. The man who should have been at the grave was there, with his shirt unbuttoned.

…No way.

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Once again, Mrs. Chun’s loud voice echoed in her ears like tinnitus, “Huff, huff, huff! Whose is it?” But on the stepping stone where shoes were placed, there was only a pair of neatly placed men’s shoes. Meanwhile, CEO Jung Taeon was looking down at Sahee intently.

Sahee awkwardly stood up straight. She met his gaze. He might have seen a slightly horrified expression on her face.

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“Miss Yeon Sahee?”

“Oh, yes, CEO.”

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“I have a favor to ask. Do you have time?”

In a brief moment, countless guesses flashed before her eyes. She might have to clean up after last night, like Mrs. Chun often did. Fetching the woman’s underwear or clothes, or disposing of condoms. She had seen it often enough, so it wasn’t something she couldn’t do.

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“It’s fine.”

“My button came off. Could you sew it back on?”

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“Oh.”

Sahee let out a small sigh. Her neck briefly flushed with embarrassment at her mistaken assumption. But she quickly regained her composure and slipped her foot back into her half-removed shoe.

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“Yes, if you take it off and give it to me, I’ll sew it and bring it back.”

Though she offered to do it, CEO Jung Taeon just looked at her without answering. Sahee, leaning on the pillar, gave him a questioning look.

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“I have a video conference in 30 minutes. Can you do it by then?”

After a moment of silence, his question hung on the edge of his lips. It was clear where his briefly lowered gaze had landed.

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Sahee’s ankle.

What took others about 5 minutes to walk, took Sahee 15 minutes. No matter how fast she walked, she was unlikely to make it in time.

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“Just a moment.”

Thinking there might be a sewing kit somewhere in the annex, Sahee took out her phone. She left a message for her uncle and called Mrs. Chun, but it went to voicemail. Sahee lowered her phone with anxious eyes.

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If she hurried, she might make it in time. Standing here and pondering was a waste of time.

“I’ll be as quick as possible…”

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“I’ll go with you.”

“What?”

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The man had already made a concise decision. Even as Sahee asked in surprise, he put on the shoes placed on the stepping stone.

“You can come back alone. How long does it take to get from your room to here, Miss Yeon Sahee?”

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“About 5 minutes…”

“Then that’s fine.”

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As if urging her to hurry, Taeon stood beside her, and Sahee led the way in a daze.

The early spring scenery around the stone path danced in a yellow hue before her eyes. Even in the gentle breeze, the world seemed dynamic and dizzying. Confusion and tension were intertwined.

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The wind blew. The leaves rustled. A flock of warblers chirped and flew by. Sahee tried to focus on the scenery ahead.

However, the tip of the man’s shoes, which occasionally caught her eye, constantly bothered her. Walking together like a three-legged race, her sneakers and his shoes felt out of place.

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CEO Jung Taeon matched his steps with hers. No matter how fiercely she walked, this walk seemed like a leisurely stroll to him.

“This way, please.”

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At the corner where she turned into the small sarangchae, Sahee glanced at Taeon. Without a word, he followed her lead from behind. The distance between them felt like a breath of fresh air, as if someone had given her a reassuring pat on the back.

The small sarangchae was filled with heavy silence. The bright early spring sunlight gave it some semblance of order, but compared to the grand main building or the annex, it looked like a haunted house. Instead of introducing anything, Sahee stood on the stepping stone.

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Suddenly, Taeon joined her on the stepping stone and looked down at her. As she twisted her body to sit on the porch, Taeon asked,

“Shall I help you?”

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“It’s fine. I’ll just sit and…”

“Take my hand.”

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Before she could finish her sentence, Taeon’s arm reached out in front of her face again. Sahee swallowed dryly, feeling awkward.

“Miss Yeon Sahee.”

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“…”

“I’d appreciate it if you didn’t make me seem like a heartless person.”

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His voice sounded almost like a reprimand. Was this a threat or kindness? Time was ticking.

Whatever it was, there was no way to avoid it. Sahee cautiously took his outstretched arm. His arm felt as sturdy and solid as an old tree.

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“Thank you.”

Sahee tried to think of Taeon’s arm as just a pillar as she took off her sneakers. As she leaned on him to step onto the porch, Taeon supported her as if it were second nature.

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Limping, Sahee grabbed the doorknob and turned her head. For a moment, seeing her sneakers placed diagonally on the stepping stone and the man taking off his shoes beside them made her feel queasy.

“…I’ll just go in and get the sewing kit. Please take off your shirt inside.”

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“Alright.”

She wasn’t thrilled about letting him into her room, but there was no other choice. She couldn’t push CEO Jung Taeon into one of the other neglected rooms.

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Closing the door firmly behind her, Sahee quickly looked around the room. It was fortunate she had tidied up a bit after finishing her deadline. She opened a drawer on one side of the room. An old sewing kit, bought from a convenience store long ago, was haphazardly stored inside.

“You can come in.”

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Sahee stepped back as she came out of the room. Standing together on the porch, the space felt cramped. The distance was close enough to easily notice the gaze lingering on her face. As soon as she lifted her eyelids, their eyes met.

Why does this keep happening?

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Sahee’s eyes briefly wavered with a sense of déjà vu.

“Excuse me.”

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With a twisted smile on one side of his mouth, Taeon bent down and entered the room.

So casually, so unhesitatingly.

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Sahee’s brows furrowed instinctively as she followed the man’s back. What more could she do but imagine pushing him into a dusty room?

Sighing, Sahee sat on the porch when her phone rang.

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♬♪♩~

A short piano melody accompanied the vibration. It was a call from the publishing company representative. Sahee glanced at the door before cautiously answering.

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“Yes, Director.”

She didn’t think it would be a long conversation, but she was informed that there was an issue with the file she sent early this morning. Sahee frowned, recalling the events of the early morning. She had stayed up all night and was in a daze.

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“I’m currently occupied with something else. I’ll check it within an hour and resend the email.”

“Miss Yeon Sahee.”

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Sahee turned her head unconsciously at the sound of her name. Her eyes blinked slowly.

The man, shirtless, stood at the door. She didn’t know where to look, and her eyes trembled. The publishing company representative called her name several times over the phone, but she couldn’t respond.

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─ Miss Sahee?

“…Director, I’m sorry. I’ll call you right back.”

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The call ended. Sahee reached out to Taeon, pretending nothing was wrong. He handed her the shirt as if it were nothing. When she received the two fallen buttons, their fingertips brushed, and her breath caught.

“…”

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She felt acutely aware of every breath she took.

Sahee picked up the sewing kit she had placed on the porch and opened the lid. Her fingers trembled slightly as she picked up the needle, but fortunately, the white thread was already threaded through the needle’s eye.

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She bit her lip to hide her tension. In that brief moment, her lips had dried out. It seemed that high-ranking people had a knack for making her feel like she had crash-landed in a space she had inhabited for over 20 years.

Sahee tied a knot at the end of the doubled thread. As she aligned the buttons and began sewing, CEO Jung Taeon’s body flickered before her eyes several times.

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She was so flustered that she had a fleeting, silly thought that the anatomy department would appreciate his body. At that moment, the needle pierced deeply under her thumbnail.

“Ouch.”

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Sahee’s face showed her dismay. She quickly pulled her hand away, but the drop of blood had already stained the white shirt. She hurriedly wrapped her thumb and managed to finish sewing, but the bloodstain next to the button was irreversible.

He probably didn’t have a spare shirt, which is why he asked her to sew the button.

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Sahee hastily bent her knees and placed her foot on the porch. She grabbed the pillar and carefully opened the door, only to be greeted by his bare skin. Startled, she lowered her gaze and apologized.

“I’m sorry. I pricked my finger with the needle, and there’s blood on the shirt…”

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“Do you have a job?”

As if it didn’t matter, Taeon took the shirt from her hand and slipped his arms into it.

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It was an unexpected question. For a moment, the chaos in Sahee’s mind cleared.

“Pardon?”

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Taeon didn’t repeat the question, as if she hadn’t heard it properly. He just tilted his head slightly. His gaze was arrogant.

Sahee slowly blinked.

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Was it insecurity that made her find his tone, as if he hadn’t expected her to have a job, unpleasant?

She followed his fingers as he buttoned the shirt and then spoke.

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“…Yes.”

“What kind?”

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Sahee suppressed her rising resentment.

“I’m a writer.”

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“A writer. Are you famous?”

As he asked, Taeon casually took her hand. Sahee was startled and tried to pull her hand away, but it was futile.

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After a brief struggle, he released her hand only after inspecting the reddened fingertip where the needle had pricked her.

Sahee looked at him with a mix of confusion and disbelief. The person who had done the inexplicable act waited shamelessly for her answer.

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Sahee clenched the hand that Taeon had held. The small wound he had touched throbbed momentarily.

“Maybe.”

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“I’m curious.”

“…You could read it.”

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Taeon raised one eyebrow slowly at Sahee’s dubious answer and then bent down, as if he had lost interest, and left the room. Sahee, stepping back hastily, looked at him, unable to hide her dislike.

“Thanks for the buttons. My mother won’t be back until the evening, so take a break.”

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As he passed her with a smirk, Taeon clearly noticed her displeasure. He also knew that there was nothing she could do about it.

She imagined throwing a punch at the man’s back as he walked away with long strides.

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Before she knew it, more than 30 minutes had passed.

* * *

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Returning to the annex, Taeon had to face Secretary Kim’s thunderous call. Stumbling in front of his laptop, the secretary complained, thinking Taeon had run away. Taeon laughed at the absurdity of it.

The meeting was somewhat delayed. The 15-minute delay was blamed on an unstable network. The executives, who had shown their discomfort in front of the monitor, shut their mouths at the mention of unstable local internet.

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With rumors circulating that Chairman Jung had sent Taeon to Yeonghwadang to cover up his eldest grandson, Jung Taejun’s embezzlement, what could they say?

They probably felt pity for him. Cynically amused, Taeon leaned back in his chair and watched the meeting screen.

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─ The MD91 material for the beverage container, developed in collaboration with Delis, will be officially used starting with Majestina in Seoul Forest. Let’s look at the interior perspective. The MD91 has good strength and can easily vary in color, making it ideal for the premium apartments by Jungmoon Construction. It also aligns with our leading ESG campaign…

Taeon scanned the variations of the perspective view with a bored eye.

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The meeting had been moved up thanks to his mother, who had started complaining of a headache early in the morning. Sighing over dinner the previous evening about having to go there again, his mother eventually feigned illness.

“I really wanted to see you, but I’m too sick.”

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The sight of Seonnyeo holding his mother’s hand and assuring her that their deceased ancestors would appreciate her sincerity was nothing short of comedic.

Clicking his tongue, Taeon gazed at the meeting screen. Executive Bae, who had neatly combed his thinning hair, was making pointless suggestions about how the design could be simpler and more elegant.

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─ Well? Frankly, I don’t think recycled materials should be used in our premium apartments. What is recycling? It’s something used, something touched by others. But what does Majestina aim for? The highest quality, the highest price… And then recycling? Doesn’t that seem strange?

─ Recently, consumers are also concerned about environmental issues, and Jungmoon Construction’s social responsibility…

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─ I understand! I’m not a cold-hearted person! I also shed tears watching documentaries about melting glaciers and homeless polar bears and penguins! But why should we use recycled materials in Majestina? That’s my question.

Taeon found it strange too. No matter how much the loudmouths caused a ruckus, the company somehow kept running.

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The presenter, breaking into a cold sweat, forced a smile. Taeon chuckled and tapped the desk with his fingers.

“Executive Bae.”

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─ Oh, CEO Jung. You must be having a hard time over there.

“Not as hard as you, Executive Bae. Your point was valid. No matter how much we talk about climate change displacing animals in documentaries, what’s the use? People sympathize and shed a few tears, but when it comes to their own issues, they change their stance as quickly as flipping their hand.”

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Executive Bae’s authoritative face twisted slightly, unsure if Taeon was supporting him or mocking him. Taeon smiled nonchalantly.

He hoped Executive Bae would realize that the value of overseas investment gained through ESG management outweighed the inflated cost of entertaining and leisure.

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“Let’s have the PR team push this issue aggressively. Highlighting the collaboration with architect Berkel would be a good approach.”

─ Understood. Let’s proceed with the meeting.

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More tedious discussions continued.

Leaning lazily against his chair, Taeon suddenly noticed a small crimson dot on the screen. The woman’s face, distressed over the bloodstain from pricking her finger, naturally followed.

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A writer, huh.

The man’s long fingers, with prominent knuckles, picked up the phone from the desk. He typed “Yeon Sahee” into the search bar, and an introduction with a blank photo appeared.

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Yeon Sahee┃Children’s Book Author, Illustrator Born 19XX. Education: Bachelor’s in Western Painting from S University Awards: Grand Prize at the 23rd Children’s Publishing Culture Awards

She graduated from a good university.

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With such an impressive award history, she had every right to answer “Maybe” when asked if she was famous.

“You could read it.”

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And that subtly mocking voice. The cold response to his low-level joke was chilling.

Taeon glanced down to check her notable works.

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“Sommyeonji”

Clicking on the cover of the book with a rather cute title, the first thing that caught his eye was the phrase:

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“Suitable for ages 4 and up!”

Taeon’s brows furrowed, and a smile escaped through his teeth. The sudden laughter caused the new presenter on the screen to falter and move his lips without speaking.

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─ CEO? Is there a problem…?

“No, continue.”

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Taeon tossed the phone onto the desk and crossed his legs.

The presenter, with a tense face, continued explaining the economic benefits the new partnership with Delis would bring to Jungmoon Construction.

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Taeon occasionally scratched his chin, listening to the mechanical voice crackling through the speakers. He thought about the woman. Did Yeon Sahee want to say that he, who never considered others’ feelings, was no different from a four-year-old child?

She had maintained a calm demeanor but was fiercely displeased. The problem was that there were too many reasons to pinpoint.

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Taeon recalled a photo in her room. A young Yeon Sahee was smiling brightly among friends, her eyes crinkled. The young girl with curly hair and a paint-stained apron. The face of the mischievous boy next to her was familiar.

“Kim Juhwan!”

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“I’m leaving! Love you!”

She had said she didn’t have a boyfriend at the prayer room. Maybe she was secretly dating or enjoying a flirtation.

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But when he held the hand of the woman pricked by the needle, he thought it didn’t matter. In that brief moment, he decided it wouldn’t be bad if she had a boyfriend, as it would prevent things from getting too serious.

“You could read it.”

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It must have been a solemn rebuke while she was avoiding him, but it was unfortunate. Taeon still didn’t care about her feelings and found it quite amusing.

* * *

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Knock, knock.

It’s Sahee.

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After a light knock, she was given permission to enter. As she opened the door, Mrs. Chun, who had been lying down, groaned and sat up.

“Please stay lying down. I’ll be quick.”

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“Why are you here?”

“I’m going to the post office and wondered if you wanted anything.”

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“No, I’m fine.”

“Please think about it.”

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Sahee pulled a chair to the bedside and looked around the small, tidy room. Despite the curtains being drawn, making it dark even during the day, the room was neat.

Sahee organized the torn medicine packets on the nightstand into the nearby trash can and shook the stainless steel water bottle. It was quite heavy, indicating someone had recently filled it.

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“Should I get some honey rice cakes?”

Mrs. Chun had lost a lot of weight in the past few days and looked gaunt. Mentioning her favorite honey rice cakes brought a brief sparkle to her otherwise dull eyes.

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“My throat is so scratchy that I can’t swallow anything.”

“Why did you make such a fuss over Jungmoon Group? I’ll just buy some and bring it. Eat it whenever you feel like it.”

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“The madam is a good person.”

Sahee laughed softly. Mrs. Chun narrowed her eyes suspiciously at that laugh.

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The eldest granddaughter of Yeonghwadang rarely cried but often resorted to self-deprecation. Some people found her laughter disheartening, but Mrs. Chun always found it unsettling.

“Is everything alright?”

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“Yes.”

“Why are you going to the post office?”

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“I have some documents to send to the publisher. I’ll be back soon. Please rest.”

As Sahee straightened the wrinkled blanket and stood up, Mrs. Chun turned her head completely towards her. She wondered if Sahee had heard the news.

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“I heard Hyunji’s family is coming soon. Did you know?”

“Really?”

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Sahee responded as if she had no idea. Her family visited Yeonghwadang once a year, but this year, their visit coincided with Jungmoon Group’s visit.

It didn’t matter much since her family wouldn’t come near the shabby small sarangchae, but having Jungmoon Group around made it more exhausting.

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Mrs. Chun reached out and held Sahee’s hand.

“I’ll get better soon… Sahee, you should go stay with your friends in Seoul. You have many college friends, don’t you?”

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“No way. I’m not that kind of person.”

Sahee chuckled. As she removed Mrs. Chun’s hand and tucked it firmly under the blanket, Mrs. Chun’s narrowed eyes persistently watched her.

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“Is it funny?”

“Please rest. Don’t overdo it. Seeing you glare at me like this, it seems you’ll get better soon.”

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That’s a relief.

Sahee turned off the lamp on the nightstand and turned around. She heard Mrs. Chun weakly mutter behind her, “That girl is pretending to be strong again.”

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Thanks to that, Sahee could smile more naturally as she closed the door.

* * *

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A village bus that comes every 40 minutes from Yeonghwadang can take you to the city.

Sahee returned from the post office and the rice cake shop with a black plastic bag full of rice cakes. The news of Mrs. Chun’s illness had already reached there, and she received more rice cakes as a service than she had bought. She even received taffy, which the rice cake shop didn’t usually sell.

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Sahee walked slowly towards Yeonghwadang. Even though she had only run errands, the long journey made it almost evening. If spring hadn’t arrived and the days hadn’t gotten longer, she would have had to walk in the dark.

When spring fully arrives, the cherry blossoms will be in full bloom.

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The spring, with light pink cherry blossoms blooming along the deserted road, was the only season she loved at Yeonghwadang.

It might be the last spring. Sahee walked, relying on the rough surface of the still-bare cherry blossom trees with her fingertips.

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She could have enjoyed a bit more peace if it weren’t for the unwelcome guest at the end of the road. Hearing someone rise quickly, Sahee’s expression hardened, and she stopped.

“Sahee!”

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Lee Hyungu, wearing a navy suit and a red tie, stood in front of Yeonghwadang with a bouquet of about 50 red roses.

Lee Hyungu smiled with emotion, as if he had been waiting for a long time.

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Sahee started walking again. When she reached Lee Hyungu, she ignored him as if she hadn’t seen or heard him and walked past. She opened the gate and continued without a care.

“Yeon Sahee!”

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After a brief pause, Lee Hyungu called her again. As she turned towards the small sarangchae from the main building, the heavy plastic bag reminded her of Mrs. Chun.

“Hey, Yeon Sahee. Why are you ignoring me?”

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At that moment, Lee Hyungu blocked her path, frowning.

Sahee hated her broken ankle the most at times like this. No matter how hard she tried to walk, she couldn’t outrun someone who ran to block her. Even if she tried to sidestep, he always blocked her. This helplessness only fueled her fierce anger.

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Sahee sighed lightly and looked up.

“Why?”

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“What do you mean, why…?”

“If you have something to do, just do it and go.”

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“I came to see you.”

Lee Hyungu waved the bouquet in front of her as if she couldn’t see it. Sahee looked at the pitifully swaying bouquet with indifferent eyes. The strong scent of roses made her feel nauseous.

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Anyway, she had all the necessary supplies. Taffy and a plastic bag. If she felt like throwing up, she could use the plastic bag, and she could give the remaining taffy to him.

Sahee straightened her back with disinterest.

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“Fine. We didn’t make any plans… Where are you coming from?”

“…”

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“I have something to say. Can we talk over there?”

“Say it here.”

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“Are you busy?”

“Yes.”

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“Still doing that job? Illustrations, right?”

“Yes.”

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Sahee didn’t hide her annoyance. Lee Hyungu seemed momentarily upset but quickly regained his composure.

Sahee suddenly recalled the insults she had heard behind the fence.

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She doesn’t have a decent job, is she a children’s book author or an illustrator? What’s there to see besides Yeon Sahee’s body? Have you tried it? Soon enough. How dare she act high and mighty in front of her husband.

The deeply ingrained contempt was hard to shake off. Usually, it felt like just a shadow, but when she took a step, she realized it was a deep chasm. Not just a black hump on her back, but a dark valley she could fall into and get hurt.

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“Since you’re busy, I’ll get straight to the point.”

Lee Hyungu gritted his teeth as if he hadn’t expected this situation. She was ready for a cheap fight, but instead, he offered the bouquet.

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“Let’s get married, Yeon Sahee.”

“…”

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“I’m not saying this lightly. I genuinely want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Should she be grateful he didn’t kneel? Sahee looked at the pitiful faces of the clustered roses and then raised her head. Her voice was devoid of any emotion. She was just curious.

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“How much am I worth?”

“What?”

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“How much am I worth to you?”

“Are you asking how much I can give you if we get married? You know I work at my father’s company, right? I get 6 million won a month from my father’s company. I can give you at least 2 million won a month. And when I inherit my father’s company, I’ll get more… But how much do you earn to ask me this? Do you have any savings?”

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“That’s not it.”

“Then what is it?”

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“I’m curious how much you’re willing to pay to act like you own someone else’s life.”

“…”

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Lee Hyungu’s mouth closed. His face turned red and blue, changing by the second. His voice was full of excitement.

“Your grandmother said I was a good match!”

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“Really?”

“Yes! She said she would arrange a meeting, but since we already know each other, it would be nice to date and get married without bothering the elders! You don’t realize it yet, but my conditions are rare. My father runs a business, so he can bring people to Yeonghwadang.”

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“Why don’t you just marry my grandmother?”

“Yeon Sahee!”

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“What.”

Lee Hyungu let out a big sigh. With one arm on his waist and his chest puffed up, he looked quite determined.

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“How long do you think you can keep acting like you’re something special?”

“If I’m not special, should I marry you just because you say so?”

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“…”

“To me, you’re just a short, ugly classmate… nothing more, nothing less.”

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“What? You, crazy…”

It’s amusing that a curse follows a proposal. The proposal, which claimed not to be said lightly and expressed a desire to build a life together, was such a worthless resolution that the disgusting person in front of her wouldn’t even realize it.

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Sahee started to walk away. After a few steps, her wrist was grabbed with a strong force. She turned back in pain to see Lee Hyungu’s fierce eyes.

“Let go.”

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“I can’t. Come with me. You should have listened when I spoke nicely.”

“Let go!”

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Lee Hyungu pulled Sahee forcefully. As she barely managed to resist, his rough strength yanked her. He didn’t care if she lost her balance and fell.

Sahee gritted her teeth as she was dragged, limping. She thought it would be less humiliating to collapse to the ground than to be dragged like this.

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“Miss Yeon Sahee.”

A low voice called her from not far away. Lee Hyungu flinched and turned around.

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The grip on her wrist loosened slightly, and Sahee’s knees buckled like a sandcastle. As she collapsed, she saw CEO Jung Taeon, who seemed to have just finished dinner, looking at her.

The man’s face, walking slowly like an elegant predator, was expressionless. Even standing in front of her, he didn’t feel like a savior.

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“…Sahee, do you know this person?”

Lee Hyungu asked, looking between Sahee and Taeon. Seeing him shrink back after being so forceful made her smile wryly.

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“Did you buy it?”

Taeon asked Sahee as if he hadn’t heard anything, as if nothing had happened. His long, straight fingers picked up the plastic bag that had been thrown on the ground.

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Sahee unconsciously curled her hand, which was touching the dirt, as CEO Jung Taeon looked up.

“That’s right.”

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He didn’t check the contents since she hadn’t bought anything for him. Instead, he looked into her eyes as if licking them.

Taeon stood up smoothly. Lee Hyungu straightened his back nervously and faced him. Taeon finally glanced at Lee Hyungu as if he had just noticed him.

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“A peddler selling cheap flowers comes and goes freely. It says a lot about Yeonghwadang’s standards.”

“…I, I’m!”

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“I’ll buy that.”

Before Lee Hyungu could finish, CEO Jung Taeon gestured at the bouquet and smiled crookedly. He took out two one-million-won checks from his wallet and handed them to Lee Hyungu as if giving alms.

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Lee Hyungu, who had received the checks in a daze, couldn’t even respond to the sudden humiliation and just blinked.

“Get up.”

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As if the matter was settled, Taeon withdrew his gaze from Lee Hyungu and extended his hand to Sahee. His white hand, seemingly untouched by dirt, beckoned her.

After a brief hesitation, Sahee took his hand.

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* * *

“Did you come to see Sahee?”

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Lee Hyungu was staring blankly in the direction where Taeon and Sahee had disappeared when a sharp, powerful voice cut through his anger. Park Jisun, dressed in a bright blue hanbok, was looking at him.

“Oh, grandmother.”

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Park Jisun’s eyes were sharp and bright. Lee Hyungu flinched and forced an awkward smile.

“Why didn’t you go to the sarangchae?”

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“I just met her here. Sahee seemed busy with work, so I was about to leave.”

Ha ha… Despite his fake laughter, Park Jisun didn’t smile. She just looked at the bouquet in Lee Hyungu’s hand.

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Lee Hyungu scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

“She doesn’t open up easily.”

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“It’s alright. I just need to try harder. They say there’s no tree that won’t fall after being struck ten times.”

Lee Hyungu quickly ran to Park Jisun’s side. Despite his awkward smile, Park Jisun’s expression remained unchanged.

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“You’re going to help, right?”

“Help with what?”

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“With my marriage to Sahee. Could you say something to her?”

“Mrs. Yoon said you could handle it without needing to arrange anything.”

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“Oh, that…”

Do you think my mother would go to a shaman and beg her to let my son marry that girl? If she were a decent girl, maybe! But she’s jobless and limps around!

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Recalling his mother’s enraged shouts, Lee Hyungu bit his lower lip. Park Jisun gestured for him to continue, but he deflected with an awkward laugh.

“I guess I’m just not good enough. I’ll have to visit Sahee more often.”

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“No.”

“Pardon?”

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“We have guests at Yeonghwadang, so it would be best if you refrain from visiting for a while. You can meet Sahee separately.”

Guests.

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Lee Hyungu recalled the recent encounter.

The connection between Yeonghwadang and Jungmoon Group was already well-known in the neighborhood. However, he never expected to see a man he had only seen on the news appear before him. Nor did he expect that man to take Sahee away…

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“Young people can’t develop feelings just by meeting at home.”

“That’s true. But Sahee is very busy.”

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He couldn’t admit that she had blocked his calls and messages. As he hesitated, Park Jisun clicked her tongue.

“I’m not saying you can’t come at all. Just for a while.”

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“Yes! I’ll try harder.”

“Alright. I’ll be going in now.”

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“Yes! I’ll see you again, grandmother!”

Park Jisun nodded and turned to go inside.

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Lee Hyungu clenched his teeth and crumpled the two one-million-won checks in his hand. He recalled the image of Sahee and that man walking away, holding hands.

The high-and-mighty Yeon Sahee, who glared at him as if she wanted to kill him for grabbing her wrist, looked like a meek lamb holding that man’s hand.

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So, Yeon Sahee, you’re a hypocrite too. Have you already slept with him?

Considering how Park Jisun would do anything for Jungmoon Group, it wouldn’t be surprising if she had already offered herself. The fact that he was told not to come for a while was telling.

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Foolish… Even if she does, she’ll only be a mistress to Jungmoon Group!

Lee Hyungu cursed under his breath, trying to deny the anxiety that gnawed at him. The fear triggered by his animal instincts was intense. When CEO Jung Taeon briefly looked back while holding Sahee’s hand, it was a clear warning to Lee Hyungu.

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* * *

It would have been better if he had dragged her away.

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Sahee anxiously watched Taeon, who was holding her hand. Walking hand in hand, matching steps like they were on a stroll. It was a scene that would easily be misunderstood by anyone who saw it.

The madam was supposed to return in the evening, but who knew. Sahee tightened her grip on his hand as she glanced at the small sarangchae at the edge of her vision.

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Taeon stopped and looked at Sahee.

“…We’re here.”

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At her words, Taeon frowned as if to ask, “Where?” and then chuckled.

Taking advantage of the moment, Sahee let go of his hand. It slipped away smoothly without resistance.

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“Thank you for what you did earlier.”

Even though spring hadn’t fully arrived, her hand felt warm. She had struggled to avoid being dragged by Lee Hyungu and had been held by the man’s large hand the whole time, so it was no wonder.

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Sahee tried to shake off the strange feeling that was creeping up from her chest. She looked at the plastic bag CEO Jung Taeon was still holding.

“Can I have that back now…”

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“There are a lot of men.”

“…”

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“Men who say they love you, men who want to marry you.”

The ambiguous words pierced like a knife. The severed words fell and did not return.

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Sahee’s eyes slowly closed and opened as she tried to understand Taeon’s words. CEO Jung Taeon looked at her indifferently.

“Pardon?”

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At Sahee’s question, the man smiled, lifting the corners of his mouth. His eyes remained expressionless, showing clear signs of displeasure.

He helped, then showed displeasure. It was hard to understand his fickleness. However, if he considered his earlier actions as a charitable help, it made sense. She was clearly being dragged away. He had merely extended a gesture of noblesse oblige.

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Sahee lowered her gaze neatly.

“I’m sorry if it caused a disturbance.”

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“If you have someone you’re dating, you could just explain that.”

“…”

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“Unless you intend to lead people on.”

The insulting remark made her face flush. Unless he wanted to provoke her, it wasn’t something to say after witnessing that scene.

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“If I had someone…”

Sahee’s mouth closed as she was about to retort that she would have explained if she had someone.

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The man’s words about having someone who loved her brought back the memory of Juhwan shouting that he loved her. And CEO Jung Taeon standing behind him.

It was a cry she had completely forgotten. Juhwan loved everything in the world. He was a philanthropist who would love a dandelion on the roadside as much as he loved Sahee.

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“…As you saw, that person is reckless, and that friend is a college classmate, not someone I’m dating. He’s naturally playful and says ‘I love you’ easily.”

Even as she explained, her throat tightened. It felt like she was making excuses to a lover who had caught her in an affair. Why was she explaining everything to CEO Jung Taeon? Even if she had led people on, what did it matter to him?

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Sahee bit her lower lip, unable to finish her sentence.

She stared at him for a while, and then Taeon chuckled. His next words were accompanied by a relaxed smile that felt almost friendly.

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“You seem to have more to say. Go ahead.”

“No, I don’t.”

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“Really?”

“Yes. Thank you again for today. If you could return my belongings, I’ll be on my way.”

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Even though his leisurely demeanor twisted her insides, she kept her expression neutral out of instinct.

She shouldn’t get close to this man.

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Even though they hadn’t met many times, being around him made her feel mentally exhausted. Her back tensed up, and she often didn’t know what to do. Before falling asleep, she would suffer from muscle aches from her ankle to her thigh.

Was it because he was a distinguished guest at Yeonghwadang?

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Because he was a man with power from Jungmoon?

No, it was because he seemed to be made of arrogance that crushed people.

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She didn’t want to think any deeper or get more exhausted. She thought it was a suitable conclusion. Sahee bowed slightly and reached for the plastic bag.

At that moment, CEO Jung Taeon leisurely swung the arm holding the bag behind his back. His blatant obstruction left Sahee flustered, but Taeon remained calm.

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“Need help?”

His question, delivered with a serene tone, seemed to offer generous assistance.

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“You said he was reckless.”

“…Why?”

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“I came here to cleanse my body and mind, but if dirty things like today happen, it would be troublesome for me.”

Taeon smiled and lightly brushed the dirt off her hand.

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He could be mistaken for a thug making a living through threats rather than a company CEO. His concern about even a speck of dirt on his white hand was ironic.

“Don’t you not believe in such things?”

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“Say you’re dating me.”

“…”

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“Or that we’re getting closer. You can end it at an appropriate time.”

Sahee’s eyes wavered, forgetting even the sharp retort. It felt like someone had poured cold ice water over her head, making her mind clear, then hit her on the back of the head, making her feel distant.

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