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Minhyuk’s gaze was so warm and desperate that it made one side of her chest ache.
But she couldn’t give him the answer he wanted to hear.
“Yes. President Min… you’re part of that too.”
Because it was the truth.
Debt and hospital bills. These were the only things she could think about in her life.
Even if someone reached out their hand between those struggles, she didn’t want to grab it.
Minhyuk was no exception.
After rejecting him politely, she braced herself for his wounded pride to retaliate.
Yet every day, instead of revenge, he came closer with even more sincerity—it was unbelievable.
“I see.”
He smiled faintly, then asked after a soft sigh.
“If I offer to share your burden, will you refuse?”
Joo-eun finally released her bitten lip and answered slowly.
“Yes, of course I’ll refuse. There’s no reason for you, President Min, to shoulder my burdens.”
She knew that selling just one of his many cars could pay off the amount.
But it was out of the question.
When even long-time friends judged her as materialistic, how could she possibly accept his money?
Though her refusal was icy cold, he nodded as if he had expected it.
“As I thought, you refuse. I anticipated this. But please don’t reject treatment for your mother. I want to help her.”
She immediately rejected his offer to pay off her debt.
Yet, strangely, when it came to her mother’s treatment, she hesitated.
“Wellbeing General Hospital is part of the DK Group. We have renowned heart specialists there. I’ll arrange for your mother to receive treatment. Please go for a check-up when it’s convenient for you.”
How many tears had she shed in secret, grieving over worrying about money before her mother’s surgery?
But she couldn’t bring herself to refuse his hand extended to help her mother.
“Thank you.”
Joo-eun looked up, doubting her ears.
It was astonishing to hear him express gratitude for something she should be thanking him for.
Minhyuk slightly raised the corner of his mouth and continued softly,
“Thank you for allowing me to help.”
“…”
“Just show me a small crack. I’ll figure out the rest on my own.”
Joo-eun stared at him blankly.
She couldn’t tear her gaze away from him, whose eyes sparkled like stars, full of sincerity.
He was nothing like those who changed their expressions at the first rejection and attacked recklessly.
Would anyone ever love her this much again in her life?
Probably not...
If there was only one person like him, the fact that she was losing him filled her with sorrow.
The reality that she couldn’t accept someone who loved her this deeply brought tears to her eyes.
“Are you crying?”
“A-ah, no. Is the air in the car bad? My eyes sting.”
To hide her embarrassment, Joo-eun turned her head. He laughed and released her wrist.
“Let’s go. Your mother must be waiting.”
Minhyuk got out of the car first. After blinking quickly to settle her emotions, Joo-eun followed.
“Go inside. Eat well and get some rest.”
“You too, President Min. Please reheat the soup before eating it.”
She could vividly picture him eating the now-cold soup and side dishes, which the housekeeper had prepared hours ago, with an expressionless face.
“Okay. If Song Joo-eun tells me to do something, I’ll do anything. Don’t worry.”
“Do you know how to use the induction cooker?”
“Are you kidding me?”
Of course not. How could he, when he’d never even fried an egg in his life?
But the rule was simple: the one who talks big wins.
Not wanting to lose points in an era where cooking skills were highly valued, Minhyuk feigned seriousness.
“I’m sorry. That was too harsh of me. I’ll go in now. Drive safely.”
“Yeah.”
“Thank you for today.”
“Don’t bow your head.”
“...Ah.”
Her eyes darted left and right.
“Are they still here? The spies?”
“You can never let your guard down.”
She hadn’t even considered that spies might lurk in this quiet neighborhood again.
What to do...
After glancing around nervously, she hesitantly patted his shoulder.
“What are you doing?”
Minhyuk’s eyes twitched slightly.
“Just in case... you shouldn’t doubt me. I thought maybe we could take a picture like this...”
Her delicate fingertips stiffened awkwardly. His lips curved upward.
“After kissing like that, do you really think people would still doubt us?”
“A-ah, no. I won’t... do it again.”
As Joo-eun took a large step back, he closed the distance between them even more.
“I don’t plan to either. Not today.”
Knowing how shocked and flustered she must feel, he didn’t want to startle her further.
Unaware of how much the kiss-like proximity was making her panic.
“Go inside and forget everything. Get some rest.”
“...Yes. Thank you... for today.”
With a sudden backward step, she turned her rigid body and walked away in quick, small steps.
Watching her leave, Minhyuk sighed softly.
I only want to make you smile. Why do these things keep happening?
“No matter how much I think about it, I feel like I need to stick close to you and protect you.”
His soft voice scattered through the night air.
________________________________________
Three Visits to the Thatched Hut
Jang-wook, feeling like Liu Bei, had come to meet Choi Dae-sik for the third time.
Despite skipping lunch and meticulously preparing for this meeting, Choi—fitting for someone with such high value—remained unfazed by the unprecedented vice-presidential offer.
“I expected it wouldn’t be easy, but... this is tough.”
Jang-wook removed his glasses and rubbed his face dry.
“You look tired. Just stop coming. Honestly, I have no intention of joining any company right now.”
The man, who had come out of the most expensive mixed-use apartment complex in Gangnam wearing slippers, crossed his arms and tapped his crossed leg impatiently.
He was infuriating, to say the least.
Patience, patience... This was the first step in gathering new investors.
With sheer determination to secure him, Jang-wook took a deep breath.
“I fully understand your desire to rest after achieving so much. But as they say, ‘Row when the tide is in.’ Isn’t this the perfect time? It would be such a waste to let your talent slip away.”
Choi’s lips twitched slightly upward—an indication that even someone who seemingly had everything appreciated praise.
Noticing this, Jang-wook swiftly continued.
“Our company, DK Media, needs a new leader. Growing an already successful company is one approach, but turning a promising newcomer into a success story could elevate our reputation even further.”
Choi’s expression remained ambiguous. Was it about the money?
Jang-wook cautiously lowered his tone.
“If it’s about salary, we can try to match your expectations...”
“Money is important, of course, but I’ve earned enough. It’s not the main issue.”
“Ah... I see. Then what’s making you hesitate?”
“I’m unsure how much faith and support you’ll put behind my vision.”
What more could he possibly do to prove his sincerity?
Jang-wook struggled to smooth his furrowed brow.
“How can I show you the confidence you seek?”
“Well, I tend to rely on intuition. And DK Media doesn’t resonate with me.”
This was frustrating—he couldn’t read Choi’s mind at all.
“Hmm. Could you elaborate a bit more so I can relay your concerns to the company?”
“If you want the CEO position, push the current one out and take it yourself. I’m willing to support that move.”
A sudden voice interrupted, causing both men to look up.
“Director Min!”
Jang-wook stood up in surprise.
“Hello. I’m Director Jeong Min-hyuk of DK Media’s Strategic Planning Division.”
When Minhyuk extended his hand, the man, who had been staring at him curiously, smirked and tilted one corner of his mouth upward.
“Ah, Chairman Jeong Geun-sik’s son?”
As they shook hands, a subtle tension passed between them.
“But why are you a director? Why not just become the CEO?”
“My media expertise is still lacking, so that level is beyond me for now. Someone like Choi Dae-sik, a true expert in this field, would be a better fit, wouldn’t you agree?”
He had heard Choi could be rude, but Choi found Minhyuk’s humility intriguing.
While Minhyuk lowered himself with words, his expression and charisma remained unshaken—something Choi clearly appreciated.
Above all, Minhyuk had accurately pinpointed Choi’s dissatisfaction with the vice-presidential position.
Choi was secretly impressed.
“You’re as spirited as I’ve heard.”
“I’m not sure what you’ve heard, but thank you for the compliment.”
“Push the current CEO out and take the seat. It’s the boldest and riskiest recruitment offer I’ve ever encountered.”
“Do you lack confidence?”
“Of course not!”
Choi flared up defensively.
Of course, it was a deliberate provocation.
Realizing his reaction was embarrassing, Choi cleared his throat and composed himself.
“Even if you’re currently a director due to insufficient experience, once you gain seniority, won’t you naturally take the CEO position?”
“Do you see me as someone who covets the subsidiary president’s seat?”
“...”
“It means you don’t need to worry.”
Choi, who had been glaring at Minhyuk throughout the provocation, suddenly burst into laughter.
“Hahaha. Fascinating. So you’re the eccentric type. You’re quite charming, Director Jeong Min-hyuk.”
“Confessions from a man aren’t exactly pleasant, but I’ll endure it for now.”
“Haha. Lately, life has been utterly boring. This is rather interesting.”
“Should I take that as a positive sign?”
“No.”
Choi’s smile vanished instantly, causing Minhyuk’s eyes to narrow slightly.
“Since you’ll likely find out soon, let me be honest with you.”
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