IMFOBO | CH 33 | I’ll Try Harder

Eun-cho poured herself a new glass of blueberry makgeolli and gulped it down, soothing her burning insides.

Although she had promised to marry Ryu Tae-san, they weren’t particularly close. Yet, this situation was unbearable.

She couldn’t stand watching Jo Tae-hee belittle Tae-san, who had been officially introduced as her boyfriend.

The phrase “I’ll lose!” seemed unnecessary to understand fully.

Tae-san wasn’t the kind of man who would meekly accept being hit by someone else, but his mood was clearly spoiled.

“What a wretched woman,” she thought, as Tae-hee constantly interfered, annoying her.

“Look at them; they seem to get along well. It’s nice to see.”

Tae-hee smiled slyly, enjoying the discomfort she caused.

“They match well; they’re meant to be.”

Tae-san chuckled, seemingly unbothered by the petty provocation.

However, Eun-cho’s feelings were different. Her anger was simmering, about to boil over.

Tae-hee had come to mock Eun-cho after hearing rumors about her meeting someone at a construction site. As she watched Tae-hee’s behavior, her suspicions turned into conviction.

“I find it interesting that the people Eun-cho has met in the past seem different from each other.”

It seemed like Tae-hee was about to reveal Eun-cho’s past, which made her feel unjustly treated.

She had never had a proper relationship, dedicating herself to studies and work, which now felt unfair.

Moreover, Tae-hee’s intentional use of the plural form “people” was demeaning, making Eun-cho feel like a promiscuous woman.

“You don’t know anything. I always liked guys like our oppa,” Eun-cho said.

The term “our oppa” was used again, this time in front of Tae-san himself.

It was unfortunate that “our oppa” had to intervene, but now, Eun-cho wanted to humiliate Tae-hee.

Tae-san’s face lit up with a satisfied smile.

“What kind of type do you like?” he asked.

“Someone handsome and generous,” Eun-cho replied.

Tae-san chuckled at the mention of generosity, a trait that seemed to resonate with him more than good looks.

It appeared that Tae-hee was a materialistic person, and Eun-cho’s response was tailored to her level.

“Spending money is satisfying,” Tae-san said, smiling.

He reached out to gently stroke Eun-cho’s hair, a gesture that seemed loving to onlookers.

“Try harder,” Eun-cho said, turning away from Tae-san’s touch.

She rolled her eyes and emptied the remaining blueberry makgeolli.

Tae-san covered her hand with his, stopping her from drinking more.

Eun-cho looked at Tae-san, whose calm eyes reflected back at her, making her feel strange and slightly queasy.

It was clear that Eun-cho was vulnerable to Tae-san’s concern and care.

Her face flushed, and she felt a subtle knot in her stomach.

Tae-san had been focused on Eun-cho throughout, never once looking at Tae-hee.

It seemed like he genuinely wanted Eun-cho to accept his affection.

“Are you cold?” he asked, placing his jacket over her shoulders.

The scent of dry hay wafted around them, making it feel as though Eun-cho was embracing Tae-san.

Tae-san sipped from the makgeolli cup, then removed his lips, maintaining his composure.

Tae-hee turned the conversation back to Tae-san. “Wasn’t it burdensome to repair the village hall, even for someone in your industry?”

Eun-cho saw right through Tae-hee’s intentions.

Tae-hee, who had always been treated like royalty, couldn’t bear the attention focused on Eun-cho.

One wondered if Tae-hee found Tae-san attractive, but this was a question Eun-cho couldn’t ask him.

It would be embarrassing.

“The cost must have been considerable. Did you save up your salary?” Tae-hee inquired.

“My grandfather helped,” Tae-san replied.

“Ah, I see,” Tae-hee said with a smile, which seemed slightly more pleasant than before.

However, this pleasantness felt unpleasant.

“Is your grandfather a wealthy man?” Tae-hee asked.

Even if he was, it had nothing to do with Tae-hee.

Tae-san chuckled softly, his expression as solid as a rock.

Tae-san didn’t seem to care about others’ opinions or gossip.

He appeared unshakeable, not easily swayed by anyone.

“I used to run an inn,” he said.

Of course, he didn’t mention that it was a five-star hotel or that his business spanned construction and distribution.

It was interesting to see how strategic omissions could lead to misunderstandings, especially with someone as annoying as Tae-hee.

“A small inn,” Tae-hee said, her conversation with Tae-san coming to an end.

If Tae-hee knew that the innkeeper was the chairman of the Baekun Group and that Tae-san was not just a construction site manager but a vice president, she would likely have a different expression.

However, Eun-cho chose not to reveal the truth.

Tae-hee had no right to know about Tae-san.

“Ah, Eun-cho, I’m getting married soon,” Tae-hee announced.

Eun-cho already knew; she had witnessed the proposal.

Tae-hee smiled brightly, like the happiest bride-to-be, mentioning her preparations with the village head’s wife.

“Can you come with me to look at the new apartment? I don’t know much about these things,” Tae-hee asked.

“Shouldn’t you get legal advice from your fiancé, the lawyer?” Eun-cho replied.

“I need to consider whether it’s good for living, but I’m clueless. What does it mean to have a cousin who’s good at this?”

It seemed like Tae-hee only brought up her cousin when it was convenient.

In reality, she wanted to boast about her upcoming marriage and the riverside apartment.

Despite her pleasant demeanor, Tae-hee seemed to be seething inside.

She had always liked Jin Gu-won, but in the end, she had won his heart.

There was no sign of guilt on her innocent-looking face.

“You don’t need to bother; I’ll take care of it. Sorry to have troubled you,” Tae-hee said, smiling sweetly before leaving.

She casually mentioned visiting her grandmother’s hospital, a promise without a specific date.

Tae-hee had a talent for turning people’s emotions upside down.

Even Eun-cho, who usually didn’t get emotional, felt overwhelmed when dealing with Tae-hee.

Especially since she already knew about Tae-hee’s marriage to Jin Gu-won, the news left a bitter taste.

This time, Eun-cho decided to drink yuja makgeolli, enjoying its refreshing, tangy flavor.

The alcohol clung to her tongue, making her feel like overdrinking was just what she needed.

However, similar experiences in the past had always ended in disaster.

“Why are you acting like this, Eun-cho? Why are you drinking so much?” Jung-seok asked, returning to the table with a concerned expression.

Eun-cho didn’t need to explain; Jung-seok and Bong Soo-ji disliked Tae-hee even more than she did.

“Is the alcohol all gone?” Jung-seok asked, trying to take the cup away.

But Tae-san intervened, his calm demeanor commanding Jung-seok to back off.

“Go back to your seat,” Tae-san said, his eyes firm.

Jung-seok hesitated, sensing the intensity in Tae-san’s gaze.

Eun-cho decided to drink more, regardless.

She filled her cup again and downed the makgeolli, feeling it spread warmly through her mouth.

Little did she know what would happen just an hour later.