IMFOBO | CH 49 | This Jerk Wants to Play with Me

One month later.

At a Korean restaurant in Ikseon-dong.

The autumn rain falls steadily and persistently.

Tae-san shakes raindrops from his clothes as he steps under the tiled roof.

The backyard, densely planted with large pine trees, is luxurious, and even the visible exterior of the building is impressive.

The charming hanok-style building with its traditional tile roof fails to stir any particular emotion in him, as it pales in comparison to the old mansion in Cheongnim-ri.

Tae-san walks down the stone path with an indifferent expression

 “He’s waiting for you.”

Each private room in the separate building is positioned at a distance from the others.

The layout was clearly designed to prevent guests from encountering one another.

Deputy Minister Kim, who had been waiting, stood up and extended his hand to Tae-san.

Tae-san shook his hand with a slight smile.

“It’s been a while, Deputy Minister.”

“My goodness, has our Director Ryu’s face gotten brighter? You seem to be getting more handsome. I heard rumors about you getting married; is that why?”

“I was actually planning to give you an invitation today.”

Hearty laughter filled the room. After exchanging a few pleasantries, the two sat down with a traditional low table between them.

The table was elegantly set with delicacies from land and sea, from appetizers to main dishes, all impeccably presented.

‘This is exactly the kind of food Eun-cho would like.’

The sound of rain pattered through the partially opened window.

Tae-san, who had been gazing at the well-maintained backyard, turned to face Deputy Minister Kim.

Several rounds of drinks accompanied their meal.

“Director Ryu, how is the land acquisition around Cheongnim-ri and Daedeok-ri going?”

“I’ve purchased as much as needed. There are no issues with the progress.”

“You must be thorough. Country folks these days are quite shrewd. Once they smell money, things get complicated.”

Deputy Minister Kim repeatedly emphasized this point, his lips stretching into a satisfied smile.

Tae-san had already purchased a considerable amount of farmland and forest around the old house in Cheongnim-ri.

It was because of the eco-friendly industrial belt that Deputy Minister Kim had confidentially tipped him about.

That old house that Eun-cho was so crazy about was also included.

Since he had already made his mark as Eun-cho’s fiancé to the villagers, it would be easier to persuade them now.

Even the village community center was part of his plan to win people’s favor.

You could say he was laying the groundwork before painting the bigger picture.

“Haha, if this deal goes through properly, you’ll be sitting in a CEO’s chair next time, not just a director’s position, don’t you think?”

“I wouldn’t refuse if offered.”

If this deal goes through properly, he could easily secure the construction division.

His grandfather wasn’t the type to hand over Baekwoon easily just because someone was family, nor would he tolerate splitting the group.

His older brother, Gibum, who had entered management earlier than Tae-san, had earned recognition in the hotel and tourism sector.

He would soon claim the hotel president position.

Tae-san couldn’t just sit still. He needed to impress upon his grandfather that he had the qualities to lead the construction division.

“I heard that Assemblyman Kang had some issues with Shingwang regarding the Gaepo-dong apartment reconstruction project. Is that situation okay?”

Tae-san smiled faintly as he picked up the porcelain teapot.

Clear rice wine poured into the cup with a gentle sound.

“There’s no need to worry.”

“I trust your handling of matters, Director Ryu. It’s just that Shingwang’s Executive Director Bong is rather…”

Why wouldn’t Tae-san understand the deputy minister’s concerns?

Tae-san swallowed the strong alcohol in one gulp, maintaining his composed demeanor.

The Deputy Minister fell silent in response to Tae-san’s unruffled appearance.

Everyone knew that Bong Hwang of Shingwang Construction harbored an enormous inferiority complex toward Tae-san.

It would be strange not to notice when he made it so obvious.

“Anyway, other construction companies besides Baekwoon will just be playing supporting roles, right? Shingwang seems to be the key issue. I’ve heard rumors that Executive Director Bong is quite passionate about this reconstruction project, which means you’ll have your work cut out for you, Director Ryu.”

“How unfortunate. Well, it’s not much trouble for me.”

Tae-san moistened his lips with rice wine, smiling slightly.

The apartment reconstruction wasn’t a deal significant enough to catch Tae-san’s eye.

However, if Bong Hwang was involved, that changed everything.

There was a certain pleasure in crushing him—his reactions were always so intense.

At that moment, he faintly detected the smell of cigarettes.

As he turned his head, through the partially open window, he sensed a man with an umbrella staring intensely at the room.

It was a deep and persistent gaze as if sending a signal.

When Tae-san turned his head, his eyes met someone’s.

It was Bong Hwang.

This jerk wants to play with me.

“We have a visitor. Though I don’t recall sending an invitation.”

Bong Hwang boldly strode toward the wide-open window and met the gaze of the two men.

The sound of raindrops hitting the umbrella was loud.

“So this is where you’ve gathered? What a lovely picture this makes!”

Bong Hwang smiled but couldn’t quite hide the mockery behind it.

Tae-san didn’t even look at Bong Hwang properly, keeping his eyes on Deputy Minister Kim instead.

“Speak of the devil—or in this case, the jackal.”

“I think I’ve had enough to eat. You two probably have a lot to discuss, so I’ll take my leave.”

“I won’t go far.”

As Tae-san gave a slight bow in farewell, Deputy Minister Kim left the room.

Bong Hwang quickly filled the empty seat.

“Why are you staring at me so intently? Even I know I’m not that handsome, so stop gawking and sit down.”

“What kind of dirty tricks are you playing?”

Bong Hwang glared openly at Tae-san.

He’s pulled so many dirty tricks that it’s impossible to know which one Bong Hwang is referring to.

Tae-san dabbed his mouth with a tissue, looking bored.

“You’ll have to be more specific if you want me to understand.”

“The bidding restriction was placed on us! You worked with Deputy Minister Kim to make that happen, didn’t you?”

Ah, that.

Now that he’d gotten to the point, Tae-san was even more bored.

He’d worried Bong Hwang might have caught wind of the energy industrial belt project and come to make a scene.

It was a waste of time to deal with this irritation.

He needed to take Eun-cho dress shopping.

“I have no particular desire to share a meal with you. Eat if you want before you leave.”

“Hey!”

“Why come and make a scene with me when your company’s the one doing shoddy construction work?”

“That’s just how the industry works! Are you so clean yourself?”

Clunk.

Bong Hwang slammed his fist on the table as if he might flip it over at any moment. His narrowed eyes looked particularly sharp.

Being unable to participate in bids for a while would be a significant blow to Shingwang.

“Even if I weren’t clean, I wouldn’t be stupid enough to get caught like you.”

“Director Park’s situation seems different, though. The amount he skimmed off material costs is quite substantial. If reported, your company might be excluded from construction projects altogether.”

“Are you threatening me?”

A mocking smile spread across Tae-san’s face at Bong Hwang’s bold card.

It would certainly be annoying to deal with but not unmanageable.

He’d first have to get rid of Director Park, then adjust the books accordingly.

“Nice try.”

Bong Hwang smiled with satisfaction as if he’d gained the upper hand.

“I heard you’re getting married? After all that choosing, you settled for a caretaker’s daughter?”

This bastard is crossing the line.

“Well, her face is decent enough, but wasn’t the previous one better? What was that actress’s name? She had a better bust at least.”

Bong Hwang cupped his hands over his chest and shook them dramatically from side to side.

At this vulgar gesture, the corners of Tae-san’s mouth, which had remained composed and calm throughout, curled upward.

“Oh, I heard she called you a ‘three-minute rabbit.'”

“Who are you calling a rabbit?!”

“Don’t misunderstand. I never had anything with her.”

Tae-san leaned back and extended his long legs to forcefully kick the table.

As if telling him to do a proper job if he’s going to provoke.

The heavy table that had seemed immovable slid with a loud noise.

Even in that moment, a bright smile remained etched at the corner of his lips.

He might tolerate pathetic attempts to get under his skin, but mocking Eun-cho’s chest, which he hadn’t even seen yet, was something he couldn’t stand.

“…! Ugh!”

The unexpected counterattack caused the table to hit Bong Hwang directly in the solar plexus.

Gasping for air, Bong Hwang opened his mouth wide, trying to swallow the pain.

Dishes on the table collided, creating a clamorous noise.

His eyes look like they might pop out.

“She’s a subsidiary company president, not a caretaker, you ignorant bastard.”

Tae-san never raised his voice.

Nevertheless, he made sure to crush his opponent decisively before getting up and dusting himself off.

“Hey, Ryu Tae-san, are you crazy?”

“You’re just figuring that out now? Finish your meal before you leave.”

Though it appeared one-sided, no one confronted Tae-san as boldly as Bong Hwang did.

Bong Hwang immediately lunged at Tae-san, trying to grab him by the collar, but it was futile.

Tae-san easily dodged him.

“Hey, does that woman even know what kind of person you are?”

“As if she’d marry me without knowing.”

At the confirmation that he was really getting married, Bong Hwang’s eyes grew even wider.

He must have thought it was just a casual fling.

If that were the case, Tae-san wouldn’t have been enraged enough to kick the table.

“Come to the wedding if you want.”

Tae-san looked at Bong Hwang while putting on his shoes at the entrance.

Bong Hwang’s face was red with fury all the way to his neck.

“Fuck that, I’m not coming to your wedding. I’m going to ruin it.”

“Do whatever the hell you want. Try your best in the time it takes for cup noodles to cook.”

You think you can seduce Eun-cho?

How would you manage that with a girl who’s completely fallen for me?

“You bastard! You’re dead today!”

“Executive Director!”

At that moment, three men rushed into the room in a fluster.

Among them was a face Tae-san never expected to see alongside Bong Hwang in a place like this.

Unpleasantly so.