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Yoo-ri sent her mother, Madam Kim, off first and opted for the longest massage course available at the spa. By the time she emerged from the changing room after a refreshing session, quite some time had passed—intentionally delaying her departure to make Aeran wait. A touch of sympathy would be necessary if she intended to utilize this relationship effectively moving forward.
She dialed Aeran’s number, but while the call connected, it went unanswered. After two more failed attempts, Yoo-ri set her phone down.
“Surely she wouldn’t still be waiting this late?”
As Yoo-ri considered various possibilities, she decided to call the restaurant.
“This is Kang Yoo-ri. I heard my guest might have waited a long time today because my schedule got tangled up, and I couldn’t reach them. When did they leave?”
—”Ms. Yu Aeran is currently in Room 1.”
That room wasn’t easily accessible even to regular members—it was reserved for top-tier service. How had Aeran ended up there? Had she wandered in out of boredom while waiting alone?
“How did that guest end up in that room?”
Even Yoo-ri, a second-generation member of the establishment, had only entered it last year after receiving a major award.
—”Vice President Cha Tae-ha escorted her there.”
This made even less sense. Why would Tae-ha bring Jisoo’s mother into such a private space? The certainty struck her—Jisoo must also be involved.
“Is Ms. Han Jisoo there with her? Or perhaps another young woman?”
—”We’re not entirely sure.”
“I see. Thank you for your help.”
Even after hanging up, Yoo-ri stood frozen near the changing room for a while. The restaurant where they were supposed to meet was just across the street—an unexpected combination of people now made her previously cheerful mood sink like mud.
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To accommodate Aeran’s hunger, Tae-ha requested the dishes be served quickly rather than as part of the usual multi-course meal. Though he anticipated an awkward silence before the main course arrived, Aeran took charge of the conversation, and Tae-ha listened attentively, occasionally chiming in. To Jisoo’s surprise, these two polar opposites seemed to hit it off surprisingly well.
True to her outgoing nature, Aeran introduced her upcoming café venture and praised her live-in boyfriend. Though none of it particularly interested Tae-ha, he listened politely.
“Honestly, I was nervous about launching a premium brand under Jinshim Foods, but Yoo-ri has been so thoughtful and supportive. Such a young person with overflowing consideration—it’s impressive.”
Grateful for Tae-ha’s hospitality, Aeran wanted to speak highly of Yoo-ri, who would soon become his wife. Though frustrated by her absence today, Aeran brushed it off, reasoning that Yoo-ri was a busy, successful actress.
At the mention of Yoo-ri’s name, Jisoo finally averted her gaze from Tae-ha. Their eyes briefly met, sparking an electric current between them.
But while Jisoo felt the jolt, Tae-ha simply smiled warmly at Aeran’s praise. Even though it was the same charming smile that melted Jisoo’s heart, it now felt like a cold breeze piercing through her chest.
Jisoo gripped her water glass tightly. What had she expected? For Tae-ha to declare in front of her mother that his marriage to Yoo-ri was purely strategic and business-driven, while his nights belonged to Jisoo?
Taking a shaky sip of water, she laughed softly at herself, amused by her own foolishness.
Meanwhile, the circular table filled with an array of dishes. Aeran, delighted like a child, snapped photos enthusiastically.
“I’ve been collecting bottles of alcohol each time I go out, but they keep refusing my gifts…”
Aeran’s pointed comment nearly caused Jisoo to drop her loosely held fork.
“Oh dear, are you being refused? Or is it that the person doesn’t drink?”
“No, he drinks—a lot. And gets rowdy too.”
“Cough, cough.”
Jisoo’s face flushed red as she choked on her words. Aeran shot her a warning glance and handed over a napkin. She knew reacting so visibly would only amuse Tae-ha further, yet panic overwhelmed her.
“Would you care for some wine?”
“Why not? Just one bottle. Oh, our Jisoo is so well-behaved—she doesn’t even touch alcohol.”
“Ah, I see. Would you like to choose the wine yourself?”
Tae-ha nearly burst into laughter but managed to hold it back. He’d assumed Jisoo and her mother were close like sisters, but perhaps not? Recalling how adorable Jisoo had looked swaying tipsily, he summoned the dedicated wine manager.
“I don’t know much about wine—I just assume the expensive ones taste better.”
“Please escort this guest and help select something suited to their taste.”
With polite guidance, Aeran left Room 1 alongside the staff member, feeling like royalty. Despite not drinking a drop, she was giddy with excitement.
“So, if you act sweet just twice, you’ll end up completely sloshed?”
Tae-ha initiated the teasing. Having Aeran mediate their banter put Jisoo at a clear disadvantage. Though he hadn’t resorted to such tactics before, today felt different.
“Or do you put on quite the performance in front of your mother?”
“What’s going on?” Jisoo finally voiced her curiosity. The rhythmic tapping of Tae-ha’s fingers against the table caught her attention.
“Well, was it fate that brought us together here today? Or perhaps a serendipitous gift?”
“Thank you for helping my mother earlier.”
“Why didn’t you tell me? About your mother starting a café under contract with Jinshim Foods.”
Jisoo stared at him, unsure why she’d need to share such details with Tae-ha.
“From the way you rushed here without your wallet, it seems even you didn’t know about Mother meeting Yoo-ri here.”
“My mom’s a huge fan of Yoo-ri. She really likes her.”
“A fan? Hardly…”
Tae-ha chuckled softly, locking eyes with Jisoo. Only three days apart, yet it felt like an eternity. Seeing Jisoo’s slightly worn face offered him some comfort—it seemed he wasn’t the only one struggling.
“That aside, thank you for the wonderful meal.”
“I never said I’d pay. Doesn’t Han Jisoo owe me dinner?”
Tae-ha had a knack for delivering jokes like serious statements and truths like boring quips. Especially when his intent to tease was so obvious.
“I’ll treat you to an even better meal later. Today, I left my credit card limit at home.”
Tae-ha’s gaze softened as he looked at Jisoo. Following his warm expression, she mirrored his smile.
“You should save such promises for later, don’t you think?”
“Why?”
“It makes me want to hold you right now.”
Jisoo smirked incredulously. Tae-ha’s simmering energy felt dangerous—he might actually embrace her right there if provoked.
“We can’t do that here.”
“I know. Who said otherwise?”
Relieved momentarily by his light retort, Jisoo stiffened again at his next words.
“After seeing your mother home, come to the officetel.”
“I have work tomorrow.”
“And who said I don’t? Besides, talking like that makes it sound like you’re expecting me to hold you all night. And you know I can’t resist expectations.”
“I’m really tired tonight…”
Just then, a soft knock interrupted them. Aeran entered, holding a bottle of wine. Its rich sweetness filled the air around the table. Though Tae-ha didn’t typically enjoy sweet wines, he complimented Aeran’s choice after taking a sip.
The dedicated manager brought dishes to pair with the wine. Already halfway through the bottle, Aeran’s limbs were flushed red.
“Mmm, it’s delicious. Melts in your mouth. Jisoo, try this.”
Pushing a plate toward Jisoo, who had barely touched her food, Aeran continued.
“This won’t make you gain weight. My daughter inherited my metabolism—she can eat endlessly without gaining a pound.”
“Ah.”
Tae-ha’s sudden exclamation startled Jisoo. Though she trusted him not to slip up in front of her mother, she remained wary of how he might cleverly torment her.
“So Jisoo stays slim despite eating so much, huh?”
Tae-ha skillfully matched Aeran’s tipsy enthusiasm.
“But what good does it do? She’s spent her prime years alone without ever dating. Vice President, do you know any decent men among your friends? I was even considering registering with a matchmaking agency. What’s the point of having such a pretty face if she doesn’t use it to find love?”
“Mom, you’re drunk. Stop drinking.”
As Jisoo tried to take the glass away, Aeran quickly gulped it down. The unwelcome mention of a matchmaking agency caused Tae-ha’s perfectly shaped eyebrows to rise sharply.
It baffled him how Aeran could be so open and unguarded while Jisoo meticulously hid every trace of sincerity. Curiosity about their dynamic began to stir within him.
“What kind of man are you looking for?”
Surprised by Tae-ha’s question, Jisoo looked up. Meanwhile, Aeran eagerly launched into a description of her ideal son-in-law.
“First, he must deeply love and cherish Jisoo. He needs to be capable of supporting himself and earning a stable income. Money is nice, but I don’t want someone from an overly prestigious family—it would burden Jisoo.”
Tae-ha nodded along, listening intently to Aeran’s slurred words.
“Do such men exist?”
“We’ll have to search. Somewhere out there, there must be at least one.”
Despite the negative undertone of the word “bastard,” Aeran beamed brightly. If Tae-ha vouched for someone, surely he’d be reliable.
“Oh, perfect. Then I’ll trust you, Vice President, and leave my worries behind.”
“Yes, I’ll take full responsibility for Jisoo.”
Though Tae-ha was perhaps the least trustworthy person to make such promises, Jisoo struggled to untangle her thoughts. Just then, a gentle knock interrupted the room.
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