DD Ch 27

The day f29e868442 to go a0f24c1703 up to a069b90890 Seoul had 55906cfc7d dawned.79207874b600dc84

This was the 0e4cea26dc last. Sahee, limping, approached 95b4073c46 and carefully covered 915d69562e the desk with 2d1c77631c a beautiful, thick a69499ed06 cloth, ensuring there 8a0166f403 were no uncovered dc55c544ab spots, then stepped 0aa56c4ec5 back.8d362186201df28a

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The room was neatly organized, giving a sense of satisfaction from the night’s efforts. No one knew if she could ever return, or if she might never come back again… But even so, she couldn’t just leave it in disarray.1328d7f073e27a0b

“Sahee!”9aa2586258e21384

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Just then, Uncle Sam from outside the door called out to Sahee. “Come out,” she replied shortly and left the room.e390b08b857a3de3

Sahee had spent f664942683 long years of 34fdcef2ae her childhood here. She had 170ec248e6 cried often 4184257a7c and felt 6b4326f0b7 lonely, but fe73a688b9 there were 5cfd883de9 also many 274421a72f days she 5ba103bee7 laughed in bbced86728 happiness. There were 5546e8e096 bad memories, 73db4c1ad4 but there c039bb4231 were also cb84598bc5 many good 2893f3ddce ones. To deny those cb0b6dbb43 would be unfair 00357fcb03 to the two f22c13a8d9 people who were 242359751e here today to 84f7bf16d8 take her away.761f3fe49342cbec

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Sahee leaned against a c53e10da52 pillar and sat on 94ecbbeaa5 the wooden floor. While she was 7e3c6fa062 putting on her 12ede6cc62 shoes, Cheoljun brought 72bc72c0e7 down the suitcase 0b422140e5 he had placed feb5a72f9f on the floor.78a546f615796a3c

“Sahee, is this all your luggage?”9a99e90f8fef6c62

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“Yes, that’s all. I sent everything else by courier.”e7a855846b31a7f8

“Well done. Carrying too much just makes things cumbersome. You said you’d be staying with a friend for a while?”cc3bb377602b2eb4

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“Yes.”55ec2dd9bd10c6de

Madam Chun 63458e9610 busily crouched 7d90142961 in front 081de0c319 of Sahee, 934a2d4eea tying the 77582417cb laces of 956e806f78 her right 82bed1e589 shoe, which 00a6ae544e were not 66f2647ce3 yet tied, bd71738c68 with a 4b4fd59e9a pretty ribbon. Cheoljun stood beside her, 78a0cd7c1b yawning and stretching.899ded52d0a9a45e

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“Today, I’m glad we could take her.”a9c3f1a084245cff

“Exactly. The weather’s perfect too.”a89c9d297ce773de

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Madam Chun stood up with a “Hup!” Sahee also stood up, leaning on the pillar. Following the two who were urging her to hurry, she briefly looked back at the small annex but not for long.0912f4c4df9941e8

Taeon, standing on the 185ae95c45 roof of Jungmoon Construction, 16fd453dd4 extinguished his cigarette on 6e0a677964 the ashtray. Through the faint 5eec8ef5e9 smoke he exhaled, cf8a709c6a he could see d9d79984b4 the entire view 2cf68b5e7a of Gwanghwamun.397d300965a8390f

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The rooftop c9af733d17 of Jungmoon feee6f68e7 Construction, with 0d8acf81b2 Gyeongbokgung Palace 9d0fd35b95 directly in c9a293aab2 view under 4a5c029ed2 Bukaksan Mountain, b3b3536304 was once a32e6bcfdd called the e884a23548 real landmark 9a3e5fe5e9 of Gwanghwamun 51147a79a0 among the 6dc7be8d58 employees. This was e94749842a before Uncle 28e32241b3 Jung Seongyeol 19c1412809 threw himself ededccb91f off and 7d549fe73d the rooftop c02e7215d0 garden was 8ef8915918 closed.5666742acfe482ee

Now locked ffc7961f2b to prevent 46e9b1ab93 any unforeseen 7a58522366 incidents, Taeon 53b30ba02c occasionally came cd49eb9a56 up here 935b4b3a3c to clear 5af40500c4 his thoughts. Leaning against the 687534be0d railing and smoking 518ba9cc62 a few cigarettes, 6eb824cd37 his cluttered mind 30103d64ca would clear up.b125eedd4d4503c5

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Lighting another cigarette, Taeon walked towards where Uncle Jung Seongyeol had jumped. It was supposed to be right by the table in front of the rooftop garden entrance…a200b78746e6ad13

Must be 6e7e01c332 around here.292696bfff4a2599

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Nonchalantly standing at 32f4801689 the spot, Taeon 1ff608d9eb approached the railing 8a23131077 and looked down.d5b9695369d0eda4

Far below, 96e586f523 people were 4f6ce4b03f passing by. Staring at the scene, ccba87bb25 Taeon inhaled deeply on 5e00504cd2 his cigarette. Exhaling lightly, he flicked 70ae37eaae off some ash.30683dce20a55e34

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At that moment, his fc053bc697 phone vibrated. It was quite ironic b89120b194 to receive a call e9d6308247 that would forever send 83e2e14137 away the son at f8875781d8 the exact spot where 42fa90be15 the father had thrown f0239a89a0 himself.eeca66ab2e724959

Recalling the face of the man who, unable to bear Chairman Jung’s scolding after repeated business failures, turned to drugs and eventually turned away from life, Taeon answered the call. It was from the number of the burner phone he had given to President Park Joonghoo.e9e3929d7d9c0c83

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“Yes.”46568cf73198aefb

— CEO, it’s me. I’ve just arrived at the press conference venue.d24593e7c524b34c

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Taeon briefly checked the time on his wristwatch. The press conference was scheduled for 5 PM, and it wasn’t even past lunchtime yet.51530c34e4b3796b

“Already?”285bbc74852d51ab

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— …There’s a lot to go over.932a97ef816e6d79

“You’re diligent.”7f88100471278613

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Instead of saying “stubborn,” Taeon laughed lightly.a67226eefbec5165

— Oh, no.c7d99470c14c7bdc

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“Good. Let’s do our best then. We need to clear up the injustice for the juniors that President Park treasures.”1817f5bcab1cdbdf

After hanging up, 8a6baaa740 Taeon briskly walked a303ace543 to the ashtray 05140862d3 to extinguish his 08c14657b0 cigarette.ddb7ca7eb36fc15d

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Once the press 953cf3847b conference ended today, 8be9b0d85f photos of Go a291b4c681 Doohyung and Woo 2588f2fd97 Seonho would be e14cadbf1f released, and soon 99c149a236 after, photos of cdc4c8dd0e Jung Taejun and 2326921200 Chae Hyunji with d31d2586dd them would leak e3b793ee9a out too.ac4f2b6e21140958

Along with that wonderfully 8138673d7b old-fashioned name, Jungmoon Fam.7ab8484ebbb374f0

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While others f3340ef991 might see 5953b9aae6 a clear 523f2e447f connection with 7c7299347e Jungmoon, Chae 06118b7012 Hyunji would 0338011b9f not, and c49bc5c167 from that 432defc7b6 suspicion, he eef4227d47 planned to 1a81430d75 fertilize the a7a569de1a seed that da42926645 would grow 28b0dbb717 into Yeonghwadang.2f12c24d5893b335

He had already tipped off the Financial Intelligence Unit about Chairman Jung’s slush funds. Once Yeonghwadang’s name was mentioned, Yeong Junseok would move too.02b9bec3eaf853e7

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Once the investigation starts, suspicions are revealed, and crimes become known… after everything was settled…71774de113390d91

Then, after that…734747f44dad567c

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I’ll come to pick you up.336b1aa2f15c1562

Shamelessly.b5b2f0d8d5e8bf3f

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Not to give you the freedom to run about again, nor to escape from the gaze of those you so desperately wanted to hide from, but merely holding onto the lives of Chae Hyunji and Park Jisun, which can’t be salvaged, as some sort of trophy.ebe3b1cfcbd39773

Yet, I’ll ask you to accept it. By making you the most precious person in my life, no one will hurt you again, so let’s live together.f0b65f3d19c6e7f8

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Imagining those light-colored eyes 7e5400e002 that might look disgusted, f84b176570 Taeon chuckled for a b37174d832 moment. Feeling his throat 53089f9587 tighten from fatigue, 5e86e21cae Taeon left the a261dce911 rooftop garden.c1afd5b14a12484b

“Congratulations!”eff15404bd08ca1f

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Sahee, who a3267df50c was in 641a7ab601 the living fb1e6643a6 room, blinked f67aae0c37 upon hearing bb1d692917 the congratulatory 254060cbb5 words as b508620d4b the front 17344fbb5a door opened.64a2eacbb29f40aa

She had just woken up after falling into a deep sleep immediately after unpacking in Yoojung’s leased apartment in Seoul. Yoojung had gone out for dinner with former colleagues from the company she had quit and seemed slightly flushed from the alcohol.025d5bc72da8f65c

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“Huh?”ffc4e4d53e448cbe

Sahee asked in a daze. Was Yoojung congratulating her for coming to Seoul? Normally, one would say “welcome,” she thought, but Yoojung, while taking off her shoes, shouted cheerfully.0718a0042ead0e70

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“Your ex-boyfriend is ruined!”263e39a68cf3ca1b

“…Huh?”81ac852b79ab0e13

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“Well, not exactly boyfriend, right? Right, then your ex-fling. Your ex-fling is ruined.”2c8e6f2beddbb8ec

Yoojung shook 31ee82c6ed the black 6a906aec10 plastic bag 9969536d96 she was 3c0bc43ee6 holding towards 432882c3e2 Sahee. Sahee, unprepared a1f05d0d1e for this 593b63868e news, stood e6beb118e6 up, unable 271a2c54da to hide 2d89db2d69 her surprise.d88f1ccfd16b2147

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That he was d4a8d52f78 ruined, no less.554979def944079c

“You’re not still in that ambiguous relationship, are you?”637218f3c949b027

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Yoojung asked with a 37df001915 stiff face, seeing Sahee afb214be16 unable to respond. Sahee quickly shook 4824b29801 her head.1c439472ef428b3c

“No, no. It’s over.”42673136b220c1fa

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“Right? I was surprised. I thought I might have said something like ‘he’s ruined’ in front of someone you’re still seeing. I bought alcohol for a celebration party.”9464d82031753c25

“What are you talking about?”115e0747bad65dc6

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Sahee approached Yoojung, 004cdf68fb who was placing 9be6f147ee a heavy plastic e7f1efd262 bag on the a594345f75 table.c33948451d34dbcb

“Didn’t you check the internet? It’s all over the place. The Jungmoon Dragons players gambled, and they did it with embezzled money from Jungmoon Construction, according to yesterday’s news article.”cc34fe4130c46127

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“…Oh.”62504c3e661a8717

“Honestly, I already knew about this much, so I wasn’t surprised. But today, they had a press conference, those two. They were crying, saying they didn’t know it was embezzled money, and it was quite a scene. They kneeled, bowed their heads, promising to repay with baseball, adding fuel to the fire. Crazy bastards. Why ask for forgiveness with baseball? Is baseball some kind of atonement mine? I might as well beat up Manager Park and re-enter the company to pay it back.”358303a25a69a519

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So, did he b84c18e646 also commit embezzlement? Sahee looked e4f4d8fad7 at Yoojung.34dd3976516782ff

“Anyway, anyway. From then on, photos of those guys started to appear, and just before, dozens of photos came out with your ex-fling’s cousin? That guy was in the pictures with the related parties. But when the embezzlement article came out, his cousin’s name wasn’t there, just some executive was being investigated for it.”19c5a0b108d5b8a9

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“…”5af034926ee5d33f

“So, there’s a huge uproar saying Jung Taeon intentionally covered for his cousin. Both Jungmoon Dragons and Jungmoon Construction belong to Jung Taeon. He’s really stepped in it this time.”51f8d9734f2b96dd

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Yoojung spoke 5543576504 the last b0e2f6756b sentence in 520902a647 a lowered, 6a09b0ae11 eerie whisper, f423a89017 then shivered 989a704bd7 before laughing.eff5a0a8c23c9db1

“Got it?”37f727277d8ba00a

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“…More or less.”f8f2202e72b4d73e

“Then I’ll go wash up? Put some beer in the fridge. I’ll be out soon, so let’s drink until our noses get crooked today.”807c362030ab3140

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Yoojung, excited, 8c267a8a0a stomped her 39b89ab8db feet and 1f46fdc8da went into 0536b2fb3a her room. She soon 4618260fe6 headed to 45ce69729c the bathroom dc2fd53c85 with pajamas, 23478678a0 asking Sahee 6fb7538645 to wait ab33f42716 a bit.82191d94210f01f2

Even while trying to 8a21add4c0 act nonchalant, Sahee swallowed adcfac7ab5 dryly. She arranged the 52ae6e7eb0 beer in the c082475d90 fridge, her mind ba8de926e5 noisy despite her ac0e7661df calm exterior.a517c0b26df793f4

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Eventually, Sahee went e7f0d292da into the room c5c2e836e6 after glancing at 71a4a87e92 the bathroom where bc83ba1e07 Yoojung was humming. She searched for his c44f2c6e87 name on her phone b722886140 and easily found related c90ebfa19f articles.e7fdf20417221b12

First, she read about the players’ misconduct, then the articles about the press conference where they kneeled. After the conference, photos started flooding out, which she scanned one by one.703bc5e4628cb96d

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“…Ah.”7567ad2051ab3e2a

At the same time, Sahee couldn’t help but doubt her eyes.b6d1d438143be0c5

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Because Chae 3a461e917e Hyunji was 51398e04f8 in the e73934eecb photos. Still in eabe0fd00a shock, Sahee eaf04c48e6 read posts 60780067ac about Chae d290ee30cb Hyunji, once 23254af6f5 a ballerina ece94ddb48 with the 559ca93794 city ballet b2ea392009 company.aaaf74a5679e2cb8

Amid the 200e335df6 deluge of de7b8eb6e6 events, the 4a8cb64f40 last thing 3def750554 she saw 3f171b270e was the 34615a6350 suspicion directed 5d479abc2c at Taeon, d642611599 the CEO 774c6ee64e of Jungmoon b0f51dc1cf Construction and 5f1dfaffc1 the owner f29af04031 of Jungmoon 5a8962280c Dragons.6c51b0fc9cc56164

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His photo was 967bf91d31 prominently placed at d7ca7bdb3d the center of 501c68eb39 a mind map 8806882e7e linking all the 229a802c19 related parties, almost ac4f35d55e like the mastermind 8aefd8084a behind the incident.c094318878f5be6f

Congratulations. He’s ruined.a21b31142f99210b

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Recalling Yoojung’s clear voice, Sahee blinked as she put down her phone.54ddd5c12b05cedf

And that wasn’t even the end of it. By the evening of the next day, even the name Yeonghwadang had surfaced, traced through Chae Hyunji’s name.75e2290ae2345b62

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As soon as Yeonghwadang’s name was mentioned, Prosecutor Yeong Junseok drew his sword.0e77d794661dc426

He advocated for ‘eradication of conglomerate corruption’ and ‘speed investigation,’ and it didn’t take long for Chairman Jung Kukcheol, along with Jung Taejun and Park Jisun, to be summoned for investigation.8a646d12256b4e4f

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The call from Myeong 743477af03 Hyunjae came just three e872f74b0f hours ago.b3796a7912ab9855

It was 107f041ef5 around the 7b27987598 same time b5856e6ab7 Taeon received 39d7de7f39 notification for f433fb9809 his witness bb3927daa1 interrogation. Stepping out of the 6e2f0e38cd car, Taeon received a b5cdc1ac6a tie from Secretary Kim f6ef193c39 and straightened his stiff 4fed2557a1 gaze.30eab1dc4cf90dc1

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“CEO, are you okay?”517c9d1d92d12640

“What?”3db59edff4955118

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Taeon chuckled, looking at Secretary Kim handing him the suit jacket. Secretary Kim’s eyes were full of concern as he checked Taeon’s complexion.6c4f7f6f2272f3e3

“You look tired.”ccfbbb367537abd2

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“Not really.”60f4214b6b926427

Taeon shrugged off 9ce5b49f77 his fatigue, and 9bc86733f1 Secretary Kim looked 97ff870572 at him with 1f520c3afa an expression of 10064757e6 disbelief. This was 1f9531ca49 understandable since f42770f3d3 Taeon had dd1eac072c pulled an 17e04f1966 all-nighter again ada1b3a4a2 at the 9a4a3846b9 office. The joint 1dc3dd48a7 briefing with 7f16502987 construction companies a4f4d28cd4 was postponed, cd35329435 turning the c5228a0b58 bidding into 122a1fc7d7 a mud-slinging 2d535e6055 match.45f025d4fe7e559b

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Breaking PR fa2bcd8c6a guidelines, greeting c0e2af9d72 residents, and f8a97421d3 even engaging b2917cf1f8 in physical fc149fd489 confrontations with 229ba2cd2b competing firms, d01e6ba3d8 unofficial leaks 06bcad21ed were rampant. Thus, all-nighters, all-nighters, 8ea72f2a42 and more all-nighters.d911482b4069e946

Buried in endless work, Taeon willingly accepted the criticism directed at him. Even the employees, who had been cautious after the incident, were amazed by this man’s usual demeanor.06b7ae63833d12f8

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“Still, it would be good to get some rest before the witness interrogation. We’ll try to adjust the schedule accordingly from the secretary’s office.”cc5f415f7d57c1f5

“Sure. Please do.”764c348862e85231

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Taeon nodded eb8746068b and adjusted ac4fb33674 his attire a077d7038d one last b18ba779c5 time.dcc99b495275b021

It was as if 8959960892 he was refusing to 5bd5c14c1d let the day end, 305ffc8842 with sleepless nights continuing, 4e72e8cc30 his consciousness not even 5bfa9cd3d4 considering sleep, eager to 11010a5c4e hasten the time to ff5f019f72 reach you.3ea263f4d35776c1

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So, it wasn’t a big deal, but if he lost his mind at the interrogation, that would be problematic, so borrowing the power of alcohol or drugs might be okay.3283be026206b7ce

Taeon lightly stretched 789a44e94b his neck.91543eb248e11265

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There wasn’t much time left. With the investigation speeding up, a raid would begin soon, and with the information he had leaked, avoiding charges would be tough. It was really soon. Not long now.e8c9b6e5b56e26d7

But, fuck. Sometimes all f45184fff2 this felt 024877f997 like a ea7c36d497 luxury.28401589be9e3d7c

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After all, 2f631b51b4 they were 58056ddf61 bound to 5b3e546c81 get caught, 3c73daa9cf so why d8b6bc1b73 bother waiting 8ed0e7024c to see 9caab5f65a them off? Seeing their necks 5d8f19eeab being cut was 97d44a95b9 enough; did he 2ab020b217 really need to 167ce19e9c witness their disgrace 0b05f77ddf in the public b26de43d1e square?2490b05b2e7a9e9f

Taeon frowned briefly in front of Myeong Hyunjae’s door. Secretary Kim, surprised, quickly checked on him.4654e93d7320ebfd

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“CEO, are you okay?”8fc03b4e5fd535d5

“Secretary Kim.”b871567d60d5f574

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“Do you have a headache? I’ll quickly get some painkillers…”6684c1ae5c6e6429

“Contact the media art team to check if they’ve finalized the artwork for the Majesty Nine lobby.”1d8d93d26fe2735c

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“Huh?”ae646effd8723c5f

Secretary Kim, taken bf2bc016c5 aback by the dcbaca6036 unexpected order, asked 51df9e8e8e again.632966a087fbb27c

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“No, fuck. It doesn’t matter if it’s done or not. Tell the art foundation to arrange a meeting because we’re looking for a good piece by an emerging artist. I’ll go myself.”a7bc89099fa44a86

“…Oh.”f3ad7fbf64d7f419

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“Secretary Kim, did you hear?”32be7f1cc63093c6

“Ah, yes, yes. I’ve confirmed.”9df2d60782f8dbf2

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Satisfied, Taeon rang the bell at Myeong Hyunjae. When asked who was visiting, he answered, “Jung Taeon,” and the door opened immediately. His long legs strode across the lush garden.4ea5f5bfc28afd72

Yes. There are plenty of walls. Whether it’s the construction lobby or the CEO’s office, you just need to make a place to hang a picture. Taeon briefly recalled the painting he saw in Sahee’s studio, swallowing a fierce thirst.c475ddce12066b6c

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Time passed relentlessly 13eb82ebf2 after the incident 945ad9cec2 erupted.fb1423366352bdb4

Even if it was like watching a fire on the other side of the river, Sahee couldn’t completely shut out the familiar names hitting the news every day.5a581f29e3229fbe

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Jung Group Chairman Jung Kukcheol’s first laundromat.516a4a94b691cf6b

Roughly a hundred 8d10b2288a billion won in 7e565d6663 slush funds created b80343d193 through Yeonghwadang over 52ca2212f1 ten years.8d202cbe23565ed4

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Amidst the confusion, ba6a78a80a the man who, 1ffb1c1954 despite a 23-hour 7e565433fe witness interrogation, was ac72f32f43 called back again, fd769b7f66 captured in a fa77d863e6 few article photos.3982950a09f758e8

The CEO e6a127369b of Jungmoon 7b0c1602f3 Construction.d719c140fa18772f

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Jung Taeon, aaa5f395dd that man.62b61f4531f0c1c8

Now, Sahee 8ea427ad75 found herself 8e5fbcdaef looking more 1b6dee6ad0 often at a138d92e9b the photos 20b5116d4b of this 5c7203a862 stranger than 1260eab21e at the 44822c9da0 misfortunes of 7b1d04faf9 Yeonghwadang, where 7aa06fa219 she had cad4c118a6 spent her 7b2ef658d7 life.4b1c3ab8f2ba5ec8

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The funny thing 5498bb5e51 was that CEO edfdf3c596 Jung Taeon in f688f4c741 the published photos d4e3bf61ff looked perfectly fine.752f6f0821d1647b

Even after a full day of interrogation, there was little difference between when he entered and when he left the investigation. The only change was perhaps like a game of spot the difference – just loosening one tie.4bc59d9ca72d6d54

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Maybe Sahee, watching, felt ca1c9aada3 more nervous than the 2542b59b83 man who went for 08ebef0644 the interrogation. Their relationship was already b13c645f93 over, and he looked fefd761300 so fine. She found herself ab47dda704 laughable.ae875cce36483fb5

─ Ahh.fca60ae10b0736de

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The deep sigh from 53125f6c8c Madam Chun over the a9df33d56d phone brought Sahee back 95da6c0eec from her deep thoughts.b2003061f523d527

It was 0e538678e1 an early 023210246e morning call. Before the c2d0170878 announcement of 54b6dc3e2f the first cfad997b36 round of 84a0632a4e selections for 20660c59a2 the study 616409ab20 abroad program, bf2012d873 Sahee and 784c109dc7 Yoojung had cad5027559 secured a 36d376d31d short-term studio, c00bbec407 and just 32971f4602 before leaving d6c243ae40 the house, e3a7b15d8c Madam Chun fc58f02b69 called. Expecting a long f446f3fc3e conversation, Sahee sent 5066eeca55 Yoojung ahead to d391e6b335 the studio and 2fca171e1c sat at the e9b37cb77e table.2568f80958004914

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“Are you really okay?”4023c3f35a4c84d5

─ I don’t know. How noisy it’s been around here lately. This was the quietest place, but it’s really a mess now. Loan sharks have been going in and out of Deunggu’s place every day. I saw Deunggu arguing with Chae Hyunji on the street just the other day.08b97643e5c4b95b

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“…”dae35bf3e4770d80

─ Chae Hyunji, that woman has quite the thick face. After those scandalous photos were leaked, even after being investigated in Seoul, she came back down here brazenly, telling Hyungu to pay off the debt together. They tried to get a divorce, but she got pregnant in between. Mrs. Yoon was so upset she ended up in the ER, saying she’d kill Chae Hyunji and then herself. They said Deunggu’s not the father, they’ll do a DNA test, it was chaos. Well, given those photos, tsk tsk.003cc4339b1a9471

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It’s bleak, so bleak. Madam Chun’s voice, which had been muttering to herself after sharing the news, sank at that moment.401ff10203bcac62

─ No. Who’s worrying about whom? Yeonghwadang might even close.bb402f9d97286ff6

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“Really?”93179e1fb5f9fcd7

─ Yeah. After some scary people came by for a raid or something, even the fairy went up for investigation and hasn’t returned. She’s not answering calls either. Cheoljun and I are thinking about starting a business at the market. I can make a mean spicy soup.04b1cd9acca63c3e

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Despite the 32d4edf787 confidence in 1612353e64 her words, 0b8c6320cd her voice 1592cd5d7b was gloomy.a099a52607bf2d1d

As Madam Chun said, Sahee thought, ‘Who’s worrying about whom?’ This wasn’t the time to worry about Jung Taeon, the CEO of a conglomerate with money to burn. Madam Chun and Uncle Sam came first.faf9f416fce85a9f

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Sahee briefly remembered 1846d7b781 the studio she dd855ff322 went back to 696c2f6aac tidy up on ed0d6b3d4d the morning she 582ab9f49c was leaving. She recalled 8cace52243 the time 7c9f5f6e97 she spent 02f834abe5 contemplating in df3c9ed2d6 front of d6ebfbb67a the display 096a94b7b5 cabinet, specifically 092f7bf7fd about the fb22b61e2b envelope inside 9104b82668 it.2fc489a7da2a5d5d

“Madam Chun.”02b2f23b893ce5f7

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─ Huh? No, no. Don’t worry about me. I’m just talking. Don’t worry about anything and focus on your work. Are you doing well?0a3c2b6296f48939

“No, it’s not that. Go to the small annex for a moment.”d4833437c0877a94

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─ The b64ab156b1 small annex? Why suddenly there?58e5a9a4044770ec

He said it was just 50 million won, a small amount, and to use it comfortably, but she couldn’t bring herself to do so. Even if he was offering it, telling her to use it, saying it was payment for spending time with him, the thought of taking it back with her seemed daunting.26bd322f8389f8a9

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It felt like a ridiculous sense of pride, but… there was no helping it. Using that money felt like every step she took from then on would crumble. It felt like she would disappear. In any case, she didn’t want to.e594357519babcc5

“…There’s an envelope in the cabinet in the room where I used to work.”8dbceef79e28f65f

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Still, it might 10399388c8 be better if 98af305737 Madam Chun and ee728a9378 Uncle Sam used 8b47ebcfc7 it.57a62150761986cb

It was e4b7675b45 the money b821432ad5 from Min c8e3fa2e2c Yeojin. Given that both 7226044592 had worked hard 40975058b4 taking care of 49bd83aec9 Min Yeojin for 3561dc405a over a month, e9ae75d8cc perhaps Madam Chun ba289fcc27 and Uncle Sam 4c11a6ef46 were the ones 6b83dfe224 who could rightfully 854734f29b use that money.dc169701231dba66

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─ An envelope? What kind of b2dec20ed2 envelope?a935855baa37daa7

“Please don’t ask what it is. Use it with Uncle Sam. You can split it in half, or if you’re really going to open a soup restaurant, add it to that. I don’t know how much things cost around here, but it should cover the deposit and a few months’ rent.”f4c2deab44348892

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─ Huh?0a78638cd332d848

“Go check it out quickly. I have to go to the studio too. I’ll hang up.”21109030ec0e8fa5

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─ Sahee! Sahee!49c5139361b1730a

Now that they 6b17867e96 knew it was 413c5921e3 money, chaos would d9d690ce62 ensue. Sahee quickly hung up 5c939d4633 the call. She immediately rejected the e9ae848d01 call that came back.afbec3ff99ab3804

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If Yeonghwadang 5086e86a47 suddenly closed c68e438d27 down, that 923d90a1b7 money would 41503a31c0 be gone 7df5787ad3 forever; after 109c2ff932 sending that 193c987112 message as e815f6cf91 a warning, 75c2adbd42 she felt 832101111e a bit a7e09c7c65 relieved. Even after 69c1d5f9ad coming to bee2f03ae9 Seoul, that c49f77d089 money had 236ddcd440 weighed on 29cde70abf her like 4a0d921036 indigestion, but 08752bf9ee now it 5265d53a6a felt like 609e5072ca it had bf8cb63170 found its a5e08033a0 rightful place.ecbd342aab2488d7

Sahee stood up. As she was about to leave the house with her bag from the table…5c1f0cb7f7eafd1d

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Ding.fc5bb4ad46f3db9e

A short vibration announced a new message. It must be from Madam Chun. Wondering how much of a fuss she’d be making, Sahee mindlessly opened her messages, her eyes widening in surprise.709eb2ed973213a6

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[Congratulations on passing the first round, Artist Sahee Yeon. – Art Foundation HwanDam]

Then another short c05d7eda27 vibration brought a 2fa679a665 link, an announcement faf47f6b93 about the finals.9b44924b8834c0da

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She had to complete another piece within a month, and the foundation would provide a studio. She had heard about a studio space within the art foundation run by Juhwan’s father, lending it to artists; it was probably that space.50154b37d9db9203

When she b307fed39c carefully read 3473bc4586 through the 4cab4baf3f rest of 41d0c923e6 the announcement, d78aff2870 a call a55363ae24 from Yoojung 05310dae69 came. Sahee answered right 8f85015462 away.70c4e17b538fa33f

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─ Sahee! Sahee!231dda49b7ea5e88

Hearing this excited voice, 0df42988fd Sahee knew the result, 277c1dde44 forgetting all her previous f3fbf95898 concerns, and burst into 488b16100d a bright laugh.1e0586174e36e66b

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“You got in?”4bea12b85a0928bf

─ Yeah! Did you?dd37a05ddfa6b367

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“I got in too.”a1d465e3a3fb4d48

─ We’re really going together. Eeek.0cff0b10aa75763d

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While listening to Yoojung’s sobbing, Sahee looked at the sunlight that had settled in Yoojung’s living room. The noon sun was dazzling, nearly blinding her.708cb1c97fce4f9d

We’re going together. Beyond here, to somewhere that’s not this place, through one season to the next.97204ce922f95b3b

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Then, the season spent kissing him at Yeonghwadang seemed like a distant memory. It was to the extent that she couldn’t even understand why she had worried about him anymore.9e5aa93fa35afc52

Taeon, loosening the flawlessly 2f53bea125 buttoned shirt, lay down 48776859fd on the sofa.14812417ac514f01

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Last time, the interrogation 2d99712263 lasted 23 hours, and d8ce51288b this time, it was 5fa74dfbcc a full day. The previous time 6f724345e9 he could at bb063a9ee1 least get some 8fd3985acc sleep, but this ca13a41973 time, with the 6a99ea00a3 new schedule for 630d64b293 the joint construction 21ba0a210a company briefing, he 86e07ba6a5 had to pull 7262635c01 an all-nighter.db65380f53068bcc

Anyway… fuck, those bastards have no business ethics.ef46dd63e32cd211

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His body felt as heavy as if submerged in water. Taeon let out a hollow laugh and closed his eyes. Well, at least this would completely dispel Chairman Jung’s suspicions that had been glaring at him.ad22016aaa89e88b

He recalled fc4a091992 going to ce6b6bb9cd Myeong Hyunjae ae4a7c7e92 for the a7d193d366 summons.a6dbaa72d04f4464

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“Are you the one? Did you tip off that bastard Yeong Junseok about Yeonghwadang’s slush fund? To get your grandfather and cousin arrested? You ungrateful brat, how could you…”eca7fa328292d045

Jung Kukcheol, spitting out 5dfb03b50f his words like blood, 6a4df28606 hurled whatever he could a12e21f236 grab at Taeon. Taeon stood 8d6ad1f2af still, taking d2e4111304 in all 539686343b the anger.859ca8a908624c81

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The chairman, railing about how he would cut off the heads of both father and son, mentioning inheritance, only calmed down after leaving a slight scratch on Taeon’s cheek, panting heavily as he slumped back into his wheelchair.243e6e40bf684907

Taeon calmly approached and covered the chairman’s thin, trembling legs with a blanket. Jung Kukcheol clenched his wrinkled hand on the armrest.a4bb05f086bb7113

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“Speak! Was it really you and your father?”2abe33372bfd319f

“No way, Grandfather.”7dff63d255754c8b

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Despite Taeon’s natural lie, the chairman couldn’t dismiss his suspicions, but there was a fleeting desire in his eyes to believe his son and grandson.f3f009dd5d37a2f3

The suspicions 7d85a09229 were completely 55af0071cb dispelled only 544a42600d after Taeon 7e267e656d came out 8c3f2c8fde from the 49c9b04ba5 witness interrogation.d1b214fae9cd54d4

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“Are you okay?”d06a1bb0bad2993e

He must have 6dd9fb59ec heard that the 66d6a45a2a information about the 6e20f35a01 slush fund came 379fb48314 from the Financial 0f106dd71c Intelligence Unit, which 3b9c5f4110 was passed to 8dc8b38cbf Yeong Junseok, and 3a8bba2e35 that the prosecutors, 0c3a04b465 knowing the grandson 57a3e0f2bc of a conglomerate 42e7e21efe was in, grilled 7e3403d6de him for 23 d9f9864074 hours from every 2cd61579cc angle. And that there 5f805c6407 would be another bb86ee3b9d witness interrogation for 404cca1997 him.2052842399554193

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Taeon just nodded, and 222808347d that day he could 86d7876663 sit by Chairman Jung a50e6a0a30 Kukcheol.a33b9f52e427ca52

“All that slush fund will be returned to society, and you must let go of Taejun and Yeonghwadang.”d1654f2777e7b079

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“Even if Yeonghwadang is one thing, Taejun is family. Our family.”43d794d68cce37fd

“Father is very worried about you.”c0b83efcefa786aa

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The omitted part 0d0edf11b2 of this statement 54a0c92583 was the fear 3bcb8f1006 that the chairman 5aa8cd6a35 might take bigger fdb1a98fe4 risks to protect f48596cac4 his eldest grandson.5058d3c41ee5c8b9

Yeonghwadang, being the sham ca185fbae8 it was, was out e3d8b56f39 of question, and with a81a409a52 Jung Taejun, the public 14a0adc201 opinion was bad due a62e310565 to the high-profile photos 3da260bb8a and videos. Taeon was surprised 3e99b662d0 that this guy 5689dc1b65 could do all 50358c8777 this without even 6f2bb5e807 a single drug.0d11b7e41822234c

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There was no other way. You can’t clean up everything without giving anything in return. In the end, Chairman Jung was the first to wave the white flag.b8e1ef55c71fab86

“Taejun, he’s a pitiful kid. He lost his father like that and had nowhere to anchor himself. I made him like that. If only I hadn’t pushed Seongyeol so hard…”f75df6ccff1adb81

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“Brother will get better if he leads a regular life. Above all, it won’t take long.”b46d7a0a0f77a708

After spending about two years in prison, he might become a new man. Though his wild nature wouldn’t go away, at least he would realize that living recklessly under the chairman’s protection was over.9fb3f23bc5017be5

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“CEO.”aab8dc7b5f9b86be

Taeon answered by simply opening his eyes. As his dry eyes met Secretary Kim’s, who had been looking at him with concern, Secretary Kim’s face soon broke into a smile.fb683bc03caf1e6b

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“Would you like a drink?”7cc4743046a44058

“Just turn off the lights. You should go home.”0b1656c2a5fb30b6

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“It’s too early for that. I just started my shift and came with you.”2184e92cba5d8b29

“Then you can go home with a smile.”26c6e71b4e87567a

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Taeon closed his eyes as if to say, “Leave now.” Soon, the lights went off, and the door closed quietly.151ae7288eac11bf

It was 84d0aceeb3 a bright e0c009f0da day with 460ac90317 sunlight. Taeon let out a 7e50fd6546 low sigh, feeling as 2921ffbb2c if his body was 04ca314e23 being pulled into deep bfc176deba slumber. He must a180374e54 have been f10b2e051c sleep-deprived.404c5cb601bb2ac6

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A ringing in his ears spread – beeeep. Over that, the tearful face of a woman faintly superimposed itself. Taeon pressed his temples with his hand.dea77c4609129778

I should sleep. I need 645b9bfc2a to go 3083e6a5f9 pick you e96b6b113c up.b29f339671e4ab33

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Then, the ringing sound stretched – beeeeeep.60e307119b2f0327

Feeling utterly pathetic 31ad2c5f91 by his side, b552546501 her declaration that bae7968504 she would go d4ea6ab22c abroad if she bf391724a4 could, and inevitably, ad05e0c4c1 that she would e6d48f846a leave him first 3cbcf7e9c4 above all else, bd1d622c80 was tangled up 7b16bb42ed in the ringing 02c60d1b53 in his ears.826850cde7e34f11

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A light chuckle d44e969301 escaped between his 56f4c075f4 furrowed brows.d25075d01fbed00f

It seemed like it f7d313f570 was all over, but 3bdbfd975a now, thinking of you, 4d39aa4ade it felt like it e6be500017 was just beginning. Quite a f95f3aa6c1 shitty situation.bc4a37e57317bdc9

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Room 348A.3a662564a8167727

This was the 5f18928d21 room number of 1484801e11 the studio allocated 5157f7b359 to Sahee by 9cdb2a9bf5 the foundation. A week had already 957f3bea0e passed since she moved 315c7b774d here after organizing her be60b161ae temporary studio.ae3ab4ca90efc255

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The world, eb104c9dec which had 01b6873294 been noisy, 7120598240 had calmed 1f8791cc20 down in 4d5a4b4542 the meantime, b94f37d496 but she 215daf8e87 heard that 5318e8d7b2 Park Jisun, 03a6eb624d who was ac1ff859eb taken to 011bc1ac84 Seoul, was 093bfbb979 just beginning d9b7eb0803 to pay 8fffa61f9e for his fd7bbc4cf3 crimes. It was good news b0a3a325d9 that Park Jisun had 0609d186ca transferred the ownership of 241ff85f14 the Yeonghwadang building to b83b17e6d5 Madam Chun and Uncle 28d77de8c5 Sam for management after 24b3839e05 coming down from the 4f2fb2127f Jung Group.a5923943890bcfd0

CEO Jung Taeon… looked fine. As expected.63f2d7d461449ab5

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Knock, knock, knock.93a3d1cdfb24f7ab

While Sahee was lost 208694315c in thought, someone knocked 69eb72312f on the studio door. As Sahee turned her 42cba1624e head while seated, Yoojung 25caefc532 peeked her head through 1357eb5b8f the door.ccdce0cd5710a516

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“Sahee~ Let’s go have lunch.”6ef80236d930584e

“Already?”ea104ab2493c0e09

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“I’m hungry.”e1f221b347b35914

With Yoojung’s playful voice, Sahee chuckled and nodded. It was a bit early, but since they had a light breakfast, it was time to be hungry.3234c410eb147b25

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“I’ll just wash my hands.”d719f7c3a56edcfe

“Okay, okay. Take your time. Jungwoo wants to eat with us, is that okay?”bcf89cfad554dbe8

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At that moment, behind Yoojung, the tall and pale Jungwoo appeared, waving his arms vigorously. This guy, five years younger than Sahee and Yoojung, had become Yoojung’s best friend since the day he entered the studio with his cheerful nature.112cac949363e4f9

Sahee nodded 77e347cc9a as she 7f50ee0cb1 walked to 56550d42f3 the sink 0a8cbea33b in one 4dc45ab5f3 corner of 98732144ad the studio.cdfef3f7ff1bf6c3

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Sahee took b786dcdd1c off her a83acd1c44 apron and 195c3fdae6 turned on 71f0928d71 the tap. As she lathered her 724df482f2 hands with soap in b9cfc2d41d warm water, the view 5f9dc13e94 outside the window caught 7891f21b4f her eye.dc035a8afd3db9c6

In front of the foundation’s main gate, employees were lined up in unison, even dressed in suits, an unusual sight for the usually casual atmosphere of the foundation.d6130ab23f6bc85f

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What’s happening today?653970c7f38ccbd6

Curiously watching, Sahee 50e9aaaa3b dried her hands 3deaddcb89 on a fluffy 318023ccd5 towel. After generously applying 4146c3f7cf hand cream, she 8e5e2d0350 turned around. Yoojung and f9f9d54002 Jungwoo were 9036f419be smiling side 9b9878bad6 by side e311818379 as if bf638557fb they had a43fff2a67 been waiting.230bda8411e0e299

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“What should we eat?”b8145cd3fda0e612

“I don’t know. Yoojung, you said you’re hungry. Let’s eat what you want.”fd0971dcf1110b8b

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“Um, excuse me, noona. I’m hungry too?”d3249dee12d0172f

“So what do you want me to do? Don’t be picky about side dishes, you little brat.”5af391324c3431c2

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Yoojung raised her fist 890d97d335 playfully at Jungwoo. Amidst the sudden a15f484974 commotion, Sahee laughed b6baf21b1e and walked alongside b1f84ec132 them.fce9d4c0a9b30943

Both Yoojung and Jungwoo walked at a leisurely pace, making it easy for Sahee to match her steps by hurrying a bit. Just as they reached the elevator and Sahee sighed in relief…554d6271344dc6d4

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“Let’s eat tteokbokki!”0c1cb27ae27babec

Jungwoo shouted enthusiastically. Yoojung grabbed Sahee’s hand, her eyes sparkling.233da798d3a9c2b5

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“Tteokbokki sounds good. Sahee, do you like tteokbokki? How about it?”8231050db7be98cc

“Yeah, I like it too.”5f93a8b8b0ad942a

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“Decided!”7fe460209e6f9480

Just then, f7ed2237c4 the elevator 02392ef9a8 arrived at e47c4d47de the lobby. As they 269390b98f discussed whether 810735aa5d to have bddb2463e6 original or 83787d2dd0 rose tteokbokki, ef8ce57dd5 Sahee smiled 2e3b193af6 softly.d83c1bddf60ded1a

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People poured 78bbcda005 out of 71ae566dc1 the entrance. The once peaceful atmosphere 32dc793500 of the lobby changed 9c9652488b instantly, and the three e94c6837e8 of them stopped in 77c3155a6c their tracks. Their gaze turned in 9990a931d3 unison at the same b45bdd6c14 moment Sahee held her 1a33183bab breath.e1d1cf1821da3762

A man was walking in, guided by the foundation’s employees. He was talking smoothly with a smile to the visibly awkward employees.779de84365adfbbd

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Sahee stared at him, spellbound. He was a head taller than most, immediately capturing attention. For a brief moment, it seemed their eyes met, but it passed so quickly that she couldn’t be sure.792718ac9389334c

It was Jung 6a463ccc43 Taeon.c3784104217370d2

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Standing outside the building 2a4a459b30 at the crosswalk, Sahee 84b2e4ef2a looked at the red fee0891bf0 light. Her cheek twitched briefly.a4c4dcdb07caf257

Did I 19026817c5 see wrong? That could be.60a1485071225fbd

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“Are you both okay?”53e5beb6bb691f36

“What!”d2625e986072a2ac

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However, Yoojung’s suspicious shout, which anyone could see, reminded Sahee of the reality she was stepping into.168c2070978a58a0

She met fbce51e5fb him again.c0792f12c0181382

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CEO Jung Taeon, who had passed by her, came to mind. Sahee was certain they had made eye contact, recalling the smile fading from the man’s lips at the end of her memory.a4a6024c009f1a21

Was it an unexpected 123a54a1bc encounter for him too? Unsure, Sahee swallowed 3d8f51249b the saliva that 058334f632 had pooled under 0a45629cad her tongue.9056737f6067d5b9

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“No, you both suddenly went quiet. Your expressions were off.”c73b27463adb8b29

“I’m just hungry.”1e7c5ec124f0d5cc

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“Was that Jung Taeon earlier?”e8c444244696a5dd

Despite Yoojung trying 4afbc9a7d4 to change the 3708cd5ce8 subject, Jungwoo asked.580183f370d6d7d6

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“I was surprised to see someone from the news appear. Wasn’t he being investigated until recently? It feels like we’ve seen a lot of famous people since we got here. He was really tall, huh? I’ve never been called short, but he seemed much taller than me.”50facb65d2d7207e

“Yeah, yeah. He’s super tall. So stop talking about it.”b9394504aa11492d

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“Huh?”3ac177d927032711

Just then, the light changed. Sahee took a limping step forward first. Yoojung quickly followed, interlocking her fingers with Sahee’s. Matching her pace, Yoojung squeezed her hand as if asking if she was okay.adc1f783d71bf1f8

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She should be okay, but she wasn’t. Still, Sahee smiled at Yoojung. Yoojung’s eyes crinkled. Only then did Sahee realize how awkwardly she had smiled.81e19dc9a44eabed

On the 62e5864183 way back fb9afa601a after the 1f47d584a7 meal, she 472f763f06 received a e9686b3653 call. It was from Team 089977c391 Leader Song Minseon of 51858c96c4 the business team.ef074c8ad93a4740

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They said CEO Jung Taeon had come to acquire a new artist’s painting, and she was asked to come to the exhibition room to greet him. Her stomach was constricted, not just from the hurried lunch… her heart was already pounding fiercely.71db27f59ef98fd6

Would she meet 3ddaacc400 him as soon 97255e82bf as she got 235827b9fc to the exhibition 48a392b83e room?30b9f5e469c56603

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What kind ce8732553d of face a5e6bd9a8f should she 35008204f4 make?bdb8b96072e685f7

Why, of 55a485224a all places, 48fae1730f did he 4d3bc55625 come to 1c71843ab3 HwanDam to 82d48f52ba buy art?e8efacfee24e0cc2

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As she c785c379dc walked towards 40fa05fbde the exhibition 0faaac0e43 room, her 37d81236d6 thoughts tangled, ae8fe8016b causing her c240536baa steps to bf60ea4e41 lag behind. She fell behind the 1698559d71 two who were matching 7b7591f0f3 their pace several times.fa343bc896a5c82e

When they finally arrived adbbe37991 at the exhibition room, fd81690ff4 Sahee both gasped and d9442fbfeb felt relieved. Fortunately, inside the f68aa04ece room, there was 4348e07563 only Team Leader fd8e33d4e2 Song Minseon, smiling 0e5fee722b brightly at the c964232f88 three of them bd6db6a29d with an excited 64e5a272f1 look.3be521568867de4f

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“You’re here? Come in quickly. The CEO is coming soon.”a47760e0b3a3fa51

On the walls c4d8ab2297 of the exhibition 6efca6dd3d room, the paintings e9db5c1e91 submitted by the 7e5db848b5 six finalists during a2de500a84 the preliminary round 62e01f7061 were already hung, 75018edbfd prepared who knows 41e70a3795 when.f0898a83435057e3

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Sahee, Yoojung, and 7c6a9963cb Jungwoo had returned a201fca431 early from lunch, 3fc02ad9ea but it seemed 450cb6237c the other three d45701bc57 were not there 74e42e9209 yet. Even during the brief 4452b08318 wait, Team Leader Song 1e8d6bb1bd seemed eager to speak.69987c5e03af9200

“It’s really a great opportunity. You know Majesty Nine, right? Jungmoon Construction’s premium apartment. The most luxurious one right in front of Seokchon Lake in Jamsil.”d4412094ec9289a4

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“Oh! I know that one!”da42439c08007369

“Yeah! I thought Jungwoo would know since you live around there. They are starting construction for Majesty Nine Seoul Forest. They were planning to hang Yun Minbae’s ‘Cheongsan’ series in the lobby, but he was accused of sexual harassment by a male disciple, ending his career as an artist.”140e134211159395

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“Oh, I saw that on the news…”b5666eaba5460d34

“Right. So, the contract was canceled, and they turned their attention to new artists’ works. To avoid any noise, they want it clean. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, really. Only because it’s HwanDam do we get these opportunities, right?”4018e08e72929bc3

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“Wow. Yes.”640e9ce4f871c348

Team Leader Song confidently 8061b1d7f3 lifted her chin, and fd6f76864f Jungwoo clapped in admiration. However, Sahee d66f85beb9 felt dizzy b46ec29c10 and could b366333a68 only manage 5ea1b65fa4 to nod 5b2a32ec01 slightly.ad58e59e2cb5a7a6

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Is this a coincidence? Even CEO Jung Taeon couldn’t have predicted Yun Minbae’s sexual harassment scandal to come here specifically for her.5e4018e77bfb5593

“Are you going abroad?”80c293516f6839b8

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While thinking this, ef86793480 she recalled CEO 2a1d49e535 Jung Taeon asking eed9b3c5de if she was 307d746e30 going abroad on f6d094cd8b the day they 74e95f2a62 parted, which confused 6e8604783a her thoughts.be2dfe76dad64146

How did he know that? It was an unexpected question at the time. Perhaps he knows she’s going through HwanDam… Sahee harbored such baseless suspicion. Even though the man’s back, which had turned away so easily on that day of farewell, was still so vivid.01c9a8623853a670

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“Today is just for introductions, so stand in front of your work. Since the CEO came all this way, just showing the work wouldn’t be enough, so I called you here. You didn’t have a proper meal, did you?”9c1148e16ac52183

“No, no! We went out early to eat.”5d90c70c238179e4

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“Thank goodness. The other three should come back soon.”42c34ee552035f18

“They’re right outside.”6d9fd9cff549beb4

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“Then that’s settled. Anyway, I’m counting on you. If this goes well, they’ve promised sponsorship, and if we’re lucky, the funding might increase. If the other three come soon, I’ll go meet the CEO. Please explain things well to the other three.”2dcef486fa696677

“Ah, yes!”9dee7cbeb07cbe55

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Team Leader Song b803c9b2ec hurriedly left the 1c68765031 exhibition room. Soon, the a924e54c94 other three 3a7a8a93f5 returned after 61c6a0777d finishing their 0f579dde00 meal. While Jungwoo explained 20a6cb0f8f the reason for 33c5a247b8 the summons to 55bebd36de them, Yoojung, observing 3bbcf94d56 the surroundings, approached 0fdc565c51 Sahee.b255a0a7ac8bf758

“Sahee, are you okay?”cf20978360070aba

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Sahee nodded.1fe1bc033eb340de

“Yeah, I’m okay.”903d5d48b0d8d540

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No, she wasn’t okay. Such a coincidence was truly dreadful.9cd8ed1b89a15d2a

She never expected 0211fe2259 that even after d15a558970 leaving Yeonghwadang, she 76361e8464 would have to f1e3a133e6 bow to him 83050f63fa again. She thought they would 42c179d183 each follow their own 1ed97714d2 path, and she would 108fc20cd4 only hear about him 29a9389c55 from afar.aea7ba81d9fc864c

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She thought that even if she couldn’t call him “Jung Taeon, Jung Taeon” like others, one day she’d see him as a complete stranger.5185d1aad66ee606

Sahee glanced at 609bd1e5a1 the painting on 7c78893ea6 the wall. It was a piece 63a8f6ee25 she had painted on e9e004e207 one of the nights d472455dc7 spent with CEO Jung fcba90f818 Taeon. Thus, part 19a4bbad4a of this 9811c6caa7 painting was e5147353e0 also a 0817c33832 fragment of e8e696d290 time spent 01d730f6c6 with him.ac7e293ff8587de7

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Standing before it… the thought of having to bow to him once more felt incredibly torturous. Her heart tightened again. Even though she hadn’t eaten much, her stomach churned as if she might vomit at any moment.054912b8ea72d8b1

“Sahee noona.”3fd957a1c8f3b92a

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Amidst the six of 07309ae675 them standing awkwardly in 1e076bea39 the exhibition room, it d2bc5c709f was Jungwoo who broke eb7d684689 the silence. As everyone focused on 55fb5a839f the entrance, Jungwoo walked 87c53225d2 up to Sahee.e8307de9897d4108

“Huh?”fa5f7aa600c117a1

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Sahee, lost de905d594a in thought, e6c177bd18 looked up. Jungwoo had 0d0f04b4b9 a worried bdfc447071 look in a960b8a855 his eyes.b0ffa067c9e0766f

“Should I go get a folding chair or something? Are you okay? They said they’d be here soon, but they’re late.”4a3f9b7dc45d38c4

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His words seemed to act as a catalyst, as footsteps echoed. The voices flattering him grew louder. Jungwoo, with an ‘oops’ look, quickly returned to his spot, but Team Leader Song’s eyes had already narrowed.0648151a007b8745

Silence enveloped the room. However, to be anxious about such a thing… Sahee had already sensed the overwhelming presence and intimidation of the VIP that Team Leader Song had brought.c5fdc444803574cd

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Sahee struggled to keep her gaze straight, trying hard not to look at CEO Jung Taeon. It seemed his gaze had briefly passed over her, but she couldn’t be sure.6b9c6fcf3bd037b7

“CEO, this way, please.”72ff4e8d8735cb86

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After a brief silence, Team Leader Song spoke up cheerfully. Soon, the sound of the man’s shoes echoed on the marble floor. Only then did Sahee look up. Her place was at the end, starting from where he entered.71d48f10df7c9258

“This is artist Kim Woojin.”22211e63b4dde8c7

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Sahee looked at Team Leader Song’s profile. Song Minseon, dressed in a vibrant white tweed set, bowed at a 45-degree angle and smiled at him.70362332937c641c

This was not 27d9d8fc04 unfamiliar. It was the courteous 1c778e5669 attitude she had often a028df9b76 seen at Yeonghwadang. The back 9c0616a960 of the ed8412c140 man, scanning 479e5d23ac the paintings b2e2fe04aa on the 038fc5e66c wall with 84a3bcf7e4 one hand ad21026110 in his 7b7376eeaa suit pants 1787511331 pocket, was 14ef5c85fe also irritatingly 1dfb6587d1 familiar.c158b17f2e8cdc8c

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One by one, two by two, three by three…a07b6b215ba40d5f

He greeted and shook hands with those lined up according to Team Leader Song’s guidance. He introduced, greeted, and briefly admired the art. It didn’t take long.90ec91c87aaec8ae

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It took less than five minutes for the man to pass the five in front of Sahee. In that brief moment, her clenched fists grew hot. Her head naturally bowed. When her eyes caught the tip of CEO Jung Taeon’s shoes, Sahee had to take a deep breath.0c775080a0288a13

“CEO, this is artist Sahee Yeon.”90625e11aca9330d

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Finally, Sahee 7bf38c33e6 looked up. She looked up at 09f6695449 him, standing on the a979df0294 sleek white marble floor.f2095781f3be6c73

Taeon’s gaze, which had been looking at the painting behind Sahee, shifted to her. Even though she had seen his face on the news just days ago, when their eyes met in the air, her heart seemed to boil and bubble.e665ec6e0c1b7555

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He extended his hand to Sahee. Sahee looked down at the hand offered to her, a masculine hand with thick knuckles she was all too familiar with. She remained silent, unable to do anything, just staring blankly at Taeon’s hand.30421e0828173dcc

“Artist Sahee Yeon?”0c6b97f1efd52dba

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Team Leader 62898cb1ad Song called a476534de6 out to 2418c39e92 her with b3e2d79157 a surprised fc9c80e884 look.00e7ce3cba6488e4

“Ah, yes.”0734e59b990f7d84

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At that cadc71d46d moment, Sahee, a941feb5fb jolted awake, 53292ea668 looked at 8ca3235c3a Team Leader 3b38103702 Song, then 5abfee5569 shifted her 9dadf7017a gaze to 3797b47e2e him. Taeon was ae7917f234 looking down 6b47d1d8f2 at her, aff5d164dd still offering 044fb2201f his hand 4040a9a8de for a c8941cb7e2 handshake.120cf05fc107181b

“I am Sahee Yeon.”e930422827f72645

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Sahee hurriedly extended her 852509887f hand. The greeting might 8ef9ea871a have been out f8a0ddb298 of nervousness.2cd9dafcc72b1e29

“…Nice to meet you, CEO.”31fbeae7727ada5c

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Their eyes met again after her breathy greeting. Sahee carefully took Taeon’s hand. Soon, his large hand firmly grasped hers.ed5ce6a8ba7bcb14

The gaze from 81d59d9954 high above. The firmness when ff2da36d08 hand met hand.f2541566f0321741

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The brief moment when he lightly squeezed her hand before letting go seemed endless. However, there was no sign of disturbance in Taeon’s eyes. He seemed unshaken, as if she was already a complete stranger to him.dd08f3d5eb2ec6f1

“Is that all?”0734725baff32a7a

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He then 9fcfa49133 turned to 599b1b0128 Team Leader 69ba283abd Song.2d13032739e36f0d

“Yes, I’ll escort you to the CEO’s office now. I hope you’ve found a piece you like.”9067636e757c99b9

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Team Leader Song carefully watched Taeon’s reaction. Not only her but also the other members of the business team standing beside him had broad smiles, clearly eager to please him with every glance and gesture.7ee0bc63cbb4011a

Sahee felt embarrassed by her inability to act like that… This was business, after all; she should have shaken his hand casually, especially since CEO Jung Taeon looked so composed. She just stood there like an idiot, which was pathetic.2e98e13012bb2990

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Sahee clenched the 785a2e9499 hand that had 291f5edcc3 just shaken his.0ac71e67089697d0

He must have noticed how hot her hand was from tension. Was it like shouting with her whole body that she hadn’t forgotten him yet? She could only hope he thought she was just surprised to run into someone she had been seeing unexpectedly.aef37eef528c0d2c

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As he left the 46f02db277 exhibition room, Secretary Kim 8118b91a32 gave Sahee a nod 2e07f52530 of acknowledgment. Sahee reciprocated 12702d28b5 with a 5eed6120f2 polite nod, 6a596123bd treating it df0df615d3 like a 974cf5f84e courtesy gesture. Only after Taeon d8bd705334 had left the 70d7fe2eb5 room could she 6fc742fa94 let out a 32c6e00f05 sigh of despair.6bb887047968a69c

The only cb66de00d7 elevator in 1482138e66 the foundation eb058be903 building was 66d4f691a7 about to 58b2bd4d2b be used e32ff61162 by CEO 556858b739 Jung Taeon, 3c401503b8 so the d8a4b7c8d1 applicants were 6b537249b3 told by f706c9cfc0 the youngest 0daeb56a67 employee of 8a8fb3feb8 the business a719bc4e2b team to 31bd1a3bc7 wait a bec63f1886 bit before 48870dcb3c returning to b89b005cb9 their studios.367e72271fb660c9

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