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"You said something big happened today."
Chairman Kang set down his wine glass and indirectly asked about what happened during the day. Beside him, his wife Kim Sun-young used her chopsticks to place food on his plate. The gazes of Seok-ju and the others turned toward Il-hyun.
"It was nothing special."
When Il-hyun answered briefly, Chairman Kang clicked his tongue.
"Someone almost died, and you say it's nothing."
"They didn't die, they're alive. Thanks to that, I'm eating delicious food my stepmother prepared with such care."
Il-hyun picked up some ribs with his chopsticks and glanced his thanks at Kim Sun-young. Ja-kyung realized he was intentionally trying to get on Kim Sun-young's nerves. She had roughly guessed from his tone and expressions toward Kang Seok-ju, but it seemed those two didn't get along either. Then again, it would be strange if there was anyone who got along well with Kang Il-hyun.
Sure enough, Kim Sun-young smiled forcibly, her cheek nearly twitching from the strain. Instead of pointing out Il-hyun's attitude, Chairman Kang showed consideration for Ja-kyung.
"I brought a guest and showed you something ugly. I hope you understand."
Ja-kyung answered politely.
"It's fine, Chairman."
"I've been thinking, Managing Director Kang's house seems dangerous, so how about staying here? Seok-ju is here too."
At the sudden suggestion, the meat she had just swallowed seemed to catch in her throat. She appreciated the consideration, but there were things she needed to bring from there. And it was equally uncomfortable here or there. Looking ahead, Kang Seok-ju was urging her with his eyes to accept.
It was funny how he acted like they were close friends just because they had hung out a few times. A kid is still a kid. She glanced sideways at Kang Il-hyun sitting next to her, but he just chewed his food mechanically, showing no reaction.
"I appreciate the offer, but I'm comfortable there. Managing Director Kang treats me well too."
"Is that so?"
Even as she said he treats her well, Chairman Kang seemed slightly unconvinced. How bad must his usual conduct have been for even the father who gave him birth to react this way. Understandable. Kang Il-hyun smiled almost imperceptibly. She didn't know why he was smiling, but he seemed to be in a good mood.
Conversation flowed during the meal. It was more ordinary than expected, and they laughed occasionally. Whatever they might be thinking inside, from the outside, there was no difference from an ordinary family. Still, she could feel subtle tension passing between them now and then.
Who could have hired her to eliminate Kang Il-hyun? Before coming to Korea, she had predicted two people. Kang Tae-han and Kang Seok-ju. Those who would want to keep Kang Il-hyun in check in the succession battle. She wasn't sure about Kang Tae-han, but since Seok-ju was young, his mother might have stepped in to exert influence.
But Chairman Kang couldn't be ignored either. In this world, she had witnessed quite a few cases where parents asked to eliminate their children, or conversely, children asked to eliminate their parents.
The reason was simple. Power. Sometimes it made blood relatives worse than strangers. But from what she could see now, the relationship between Chairman Kang and Kang Il-hyun didn't seem that bad. Of course, what meets the eye isn't everything.
And finally, Kang Il-hyun remained. Could he have made the request himself? She hadn't heard that answer yet. This morning, Wang Han contacted her saying Dmitri had left for Russia on vacation and wouldn't be back for several days. Of all times....
"Would you like a drink?"
Chairman Kang offered alcohol, and Ja-kyung smiled with a troubled face.
"I... can't really handle alcohol well...."
"Haha. Completely different from your father."
"I apologize."
"Still, receive a drink. You should learn alcohol from adults. Think of it as receiving in your father's stead."
Ja-kyung raised her cup and held it out respectfully. The pale yellow alcohol had a rich fragrance and the taste was decent enough. Kang Il-hyun glanced at her once but said nothing. After receiving a few drinks like that, she started to feel a bit tipsy.
She wasn't the type to enjoy alcohol. At most, two or three cans of beer. As she endured without showing it, eventually the sound of people's voices started buzzing. Her eyelids grew heavier and sleepiness poured over her. Il-hyun, who was sitting next to her, got up and brought some ice water for her.
She stared at him with effort, afraid her drunkenness would show, and he asked if she was okay. The unexpected consideration was somewhat welcome. His smile was gentle, and whether it was her imagination, his gaze seemed warm too. She nodded and looked ahead. Her face was flushed from the alcohol.
***
Her head kept tilting to the side. However much she tried to stay conscious, her body wouldn't obey. She felt pathetic for getting drunk on just a few drinks, but also thought she wanted to just pass out quickly from the alcohol. Since coming to Korea, she hadn't had a single day of peaceful sleep.
Her vision kept blurring. Her consciousness drifted away, and she fell asleep. How much time had passed? When she opened her eyes, the sensation on her cheek felt strange. She raised her head and looked to the side—Kang Il-hyun's profile was very close. She belatedly realized she had fallen asleep leaning on his shoulder.
She started in surprise and pulled away, and Kang Il-hyun turned to look at her.
"Did you sleep well?"
"I'm sorry. I unknowingly leaned on your shoulder...."
"It's fine. I have broad shoulders, so it's nothing."
"...."
What the... Why is he bragging all of a sudden? She wiped her mouth in case she had drooled. Soon she'd be leaning on the shoulder of the guy she's supposed to kill, sleeping peacefully—what a fine job she's doing. She lamented internally and looked outside, her eyes widening.
The car had already stopped at an unfamiliar place. Come to think of it, both the driver's seat and passenger seat were empty. Ja-kyung only then realized that Il-hyun had offered her his shoulder for quite a long time.
"Where is this...?"
"My house."
"Managing Director's house?"
"Sleep here tonight. Going far would be tiring."
He opened the door and got out first, and Ja-kyung followed. There were quite a few cars in the underground parking lot, mostly imported cars worth hundreds of millions. When she held the card to the parking lot entrance, the door opened. Security guards here and there greeted them.
Passing them and going inside, people could be seen here and there. There were high-end restaurants along with several luxury boutiques like those seen in department stores. They moved to the upper floor by escalator. Swimming pool, party room, guest room, fitness center—everything you could want was there. In the middle, they took an elevator and when she held the card, the 13th floor was automatically recognized.
They arrived at the 13th floor, and getting off, she saw it was a structure where two households used one floor. Il-hyun asked which of the two they would sleep in, and Ja-kyung's eyes widened. Did that mean both were owned by Kang Il-hyun? When she didn't answer, he chose the right one, saying the view would be better here.
Opening the door and entering the house, sensor lights activated. All the lights in the house turned on, and Ja-kyung paused for a moment. The flashy and cutesy interior was in complete contrast to Kang Il-hyun's house where she had been staying.
"Your taste is truly extreme."
Looking around the house, Ja-kyung inadvertently blurted out, and Il-hyun smiled bitterly.
"This is my older sister's taste. While I was away on a business trip and came back, she had made it look like this."
Ah. No wonder. She thought it didn't suit him at all. Still, it was amazing that with Kang Il-hyun's personality, he didn't tear it all down and redo it. Looking at the cute knick-knacks, Ja-kyung's eyes sparkled. She also had a hobby of collecting small knick-knacks, but Wang Han never understood.
While looking around, she found a small elephant sculpture and picked it up with her hand. Elephants were Ja-kyung's favorite animal. Big, dignified, intelligent, and with strong family bonds.
"Your sister's taste is similar to mine."
She smiled and turned around to find Kang Il-hyun looking at her with an expressionless face.
"Do you like it?"
"Pardon?"
"You seem to really like Kang Yu-jeong. I was wondering if that type is your preference."
Ja-kyung was flustered. Of course, there was no reason to dislike such a beauty. Pretty, good personality, and a doctor to boot—if she got injured while working, she could get treated quickly. Reaching that thought, the corner of her lips unconsciously quirked up. In response, one of Il-hyun's eyebrows also lifted crookedly.
"You're smiling?"
"Who's smiling...?"
"Stuttering too."
She looked at him in disbelief. Was he telling her not to eye his sister? Their eyes met, and Kang Il-hyun still had a cool expression.
"Wake up from your dream. Ian isn't my sister's type."
Suddenly, Ja-kyung had the thought that perhaps Il-hyun really was interested in her. In the basement, and when there was a sniper incident—these weren't things you'd do to another man.
If that were the case, how about using Kang Il-hyun as much as possible? But what if it's a trap? Emotions can be completely fabricated. Should she test it?
"Then what about you, Managing Director?"
Ja-kyung asked with a suggestive gaze. The area under Il-hyun's eyes slightly contorted.
"What is the Managing Director's preference?"
What did he read from Ja-kyung's expression? He looked at her intently then snorted a laugh.
"Acting cute, are we?"
And he walked toward her with big strides. This time Ja-kyung didn't step back. Before her eyes was an object worth 5 million dollars. Definitely not a small amount. It was an opportunity to completely leave this world. Kang Il-hyun's hand touched her shoulder and slowly traced up her neck. Whenever his fingertips touched her skin, her throat tightened with tension.
The fingertips touching her cheek tapped lightly like playing a piano, then cupped her entire cheek with his palm. His hand was hot.
"Do you want to know?"
He asked, and Ja-kyung remained silent.
"Tell me. Are you really curious?"
Ja-kyung parted her tightly closed lips. Fuck. 5 million dollars. 5 million dollars. This thing in front of her isn't a man, it's an object worth 5 million dollars.
"Yes. Tell me."
The corner of his lips rose. The hand that was touching her cheek naturally moved to the back of her neck, and his smooth lips slowly approached.