IT - 28

28. A Sound Judgment

“So, I guess the rumors about you dating Shin Jiwan aren’t true. Kang Yoo-ri’s fiancé is the son of your company’s president, right? She’s done well for herself. These days, pretty and smart girls know how to marry strategically.”

After finishing editing the photo with Yoo-ri, Ae-ran posted it on social media, lowering her voice to ask as she did so. Though the outdoor café on the first floor of the nearby office building was quiet this close to quitting time, she remained cautious since she’d promised to keep things confidential.

Ji-soo, who had been staring at the condensation dripping down her cold juice glass, finally raised her head. Ae-ran proudly showed her the screen of her freshly uploaded post.

[Had a lovely time meeting my daughter’s close friend, Kang Yoo-ri!]

The absurdity of her mother’s innocent face made Ji-soo unable to muster even a smile. Watching Ae-ran’s perpetually optimistic demeanor sometimes made her feel like she was the only one navigating life with such seriousness and weight.

When the married man Ae-ran had been seriously dating for remarriage handed over his entire rental deposit as compensation, or when an older conman swindled money under Ae-ran’s name, she never showed anger or desperation.

“Do you really like Kang Yoo-ri that much?”

“Of course! She’s beautiful, a great actress, and comes from a wealthy family—she exudes class. Honestly, I’m envious. Now she’ll live luxuriously as a chaebol’s wife. Right?”

Ji-soo looked at her mother, who consistently expressed fondness for Yoo-ri, feeling both exasperated and resigned. In a way, she understood why Ae-ran, who dreamed of becoming an actress in her youth, idolized celebrities like a teenage girl.

The difficult life of a pretty girl born into poverty had pushed Ae-ran to dream of acting. After rejecting financial support from a wealthy chairman long ago, her life became tangled. Refusing sponsorships or hostess work stemmed from her constant yearning for genuine affection.

“Still, my daughter is far prettier. Objectively speaking, don’t you agree?”

As Ji-soo’s thoughts crossed between her mother’s past life and the future she herself must navigate, Yoo-ri’s earlier words echoed in her mind.

<Even though life isn’t easy, clinging to men for a cheap existence—it’s vulgar. Here’s a blessing: sell your pretty face and body to live comfortably.>

If cutting ties with that cheap existence meant following Yoo-ri’s “blessing,” then perhaps shaking Eun-ho, claiming Tae-ha, and embracing a dangerous defiance wasn’t so far-fetched after all. Ae-ran had unknowingly pulled out this side of Ji-soo.

“Doesn’t my daughter have anyone she’s seeing?”

“No, I’m too busy to date.”

“What nonsense is this at your age? Yoo-ri, who’s your age, has already secured the best groom. This won’t do. Quit your job and let’s dive into the matchmaking scene!”

Having a mother oblivious to worldly matters meant enduring moments of frustration with grace. Ji-soo managed a bitter smile as she sipped her half-melted iced juice.

“Is marriage something you can just decide to do without money?”

“With daughters like you, wealthy families would fight to take you as their daughter-in-law! You’re beautiful, graduated from the best university, work at a top company, and have a clean reputation with men.”

Startled by her mother’s embarrassing remarks, Ji-soo glanced around awkwardly. Ae-ran giggled, watching her daughter’s small face scrunch up adorably.

“How can Yoo Ae-ran’s daughter still be a forever-single princess? It’s unbelievable. Is your taste too high, or are you simply not interested in men? Are there no decent people at your big company with sound judgment to notice you?”

Once Ae-ran started preaching about love, they could easily spend the entire night here. Checking the time, Ji-soo lifted her head—it was time to hear why her mother had come to the company.

“Mom, I need to go back soon. When did you return to Korea?”

“Three months ago. Seungwoo and I are thinking of opening a small shop—maybe a café, bakery, or dessert place.”

This time, Ae-ran radiated a different vibe. She seemed genuinely happy, loved, and cherished by someone who truly cared for her.

“Is Seungwoo the person who called earlier?”

“Yes. Isn’t he cute?”

Ae-ran pulled out her phone, showing multiple pictures of herself with Seungwoo—including some intimate ones that might embarrass her daughter.

“I’m glad you look happy, Mom.”

“That’s why I came—to reassure you. I’m doing well, so my daughter should live freely and happily too.”

Ji-soo wasn’t sure if there was anything in this world one could do freely without consequence. Swallowing a short sigh, she smiled brightly.

“You’re so pretty when you smile like that. Don’t walk around looking grim and sad. Worrying too much won’t change how the world works. Maybe I should’ve pushed you to become an actress.”

There were times Ae-ran tried steering Ji-soo toward acting. Each time, memories of handsome chairmen’s sponsorship offers surfaced, and she ended up holding her daughter close instead.

“But why aren’t you dating? There’s nothing wrong with you, is there? Are you frigid?”

“Mom.”

Seeing the impending lecture, Ji-soo cut her off with a reproachful tone.

“I really need to go back now. Do you need anything?”

“Yes, everything’s perfect! Oh wait, I do need one thing.”

“What is it?”

“For my shop’s opening day, could you get Kang Yoo-ri’s autograph and a flower wreath?”

Watching Ji-soo stiffen uncomfortably, Ae-ran rose with her characteristic positive smile.

“A bit presumptuous, huh? Fine, I’ll just print out the photo we took earlier and hang it. Seungwoo said he’s arrived. I’ll go first. I’ll contact you again.”

Ji-soo hurriedly pulled out her wallet. Seeing the single ten-thousand-won bill inside brought tears to her eyes. She regretted not preparing cash beforehand. When she looked up again, Ae-ran was crossing the street.

“How unfair. Why does everyone think our company is a joke? There’s clearly someone here with sound judgment.”

The teasing, familiar voice startled Ji-soo. Turning around, she saw Tae-ha. The moment their eyes met, every word exchanged with her mother shattered into fragments. She didn’t dare recall what had been said.

“I can confidently confirm Han Ji-soo isn’t frigid.”

Since when had he been there? Ji-soo panicked, biting her lip as Tae-ha approached silently, suppressing his amusement.

When he reached out, Ji-soo backed into the parasol pole behind her. The afternoon shadow above them swayed slightly.

Chuckling softly, Tae-ha gently cupped Ji-soo’s chin with his large hand. Only then did she remember they were at the company’s outdoor café.

“Director, this is the company…”

His firm thumb pressed against her smooth lips, exploring the moist inner lining. Her defiant glare dropped to the floor.

“I thought you were the type to be good to elders, but it seems you’re not a filial daughter. You don’t follow your mom’s advice to date or smile often.”

Ji-soo’s eyes flared sharply. Her expression suggested she might bite his finger off, yet she obediently held back.

“Why don’t you bite harder?”

Provoking him would only escalate the situation. It was almost quitting time, and soon people would flood out. Realizing her intent, Tae-ha withdrew his finger willingly.

Ji-soo gathered her phone and bag from the table.

“I’ll head back first.”

“Isn’t it time to leave?”

“I have overtime.”

“Ah, so busy you don’t have time to date. But setting up meetings with men who’ve drawn numbers to see you sounds entertaining.”

Ji-soo turned back, approaching Tae-ha with a sharp glare that perfectly matched his expectations.

Tae-ha, hands in his pockets, had been grinning like a balloon leaking air since earlier. Ji-soo wished he’d deflate completely and float away to his rightful place high above.

“Why eavesdrop on others’ conversations so rudely?”

“Thanks to someone, I’ve developed questionable tastes. Just following your example.”

His sparkling eyes gleamed mischievously today. Her flushed cheeks and ragged breathing, spurred by indignation, looked adorable. Observing Ji-soo’s face at this hour felt enlightening.

“Let’s have dinner together.”

“I said I have overtime…”

“I’m offering to treat you. Feed and use your employees, right?”

“It’s fine, I don’t need it.”

“Media Production Team’s Han Ji-soo, are you back from your external meeting? We have a report that needs reviewing today. Yes, gather those materials and meet in the conference room. The meeting might run late, so prepare dinner too.”

After ending the call, Tae-ha slipped his phone back into his pocket, shrugging casually as if arranging a late-night meeting was nothing unusual.

“I’m the planning director for the anniversary event, and Han Ji-soo is the emcee. Let’s work well together until the event. If you want, we can burn the midnight oil. Why complain?”

“No complaints.”

Ji-soo’s voice was icy. To prevent any harsh words from slipping out, she bit her trembling lips painfully.

“Ji-soo, listen to your mom and smile. She said you look beautiful when you do.”

With an even stonier expression, Ji-soo stared at Tae-ha briefly.

“Even if I had free time, I wouldn’t date. Better to work with you.”

To avoid punching Tae-ha’s smug face, Ji-soo clenched her fists tightly. Bowing politely, she turned to leave, his cheerful laughter trailing behind her.