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25. What Happened at the Luxury Store
25. What Happened at the Luxury Store
The place where Dan-jung and Min-hyuk arrived was a luxury store located near the hotel inside a department store.
“Why are we here?”
“There’s no way we can go like that, right?”
“What do you mean...?”
Dan-jung looked down at her clothes as Min-hyuk’s gaze lingered on them.
Her work dress was wrinkled in several places from the previous night.
“Wouldn’t it be better to just go home and change?”
A C-brand outfit likely costs millions of won... or even over ten million.
Cold sweat began to bead along Dan-jung’s spine.
“We also have to meet my mother this evening, so let’s get something nice.”
Min-hyuk was trying to be considerate.
His mother, Madam Oh Yeonju, had been a famous actress in her youth and was known for her impeccable fashion sense.
There was no way she’d dress casually for such an important occasion—meeting her future daughter-in-law.
She would undoubtedly present herself with elegance and sophistication through her attire.
And Min-hyuk wanted Dan-jung to feel confident and not intimidated in front of his mother.
“But...”
“Let’s try this on.”
Min-hyuk picked up a white dress with gold accents, its design both simple and elegant.
“Welcome, esteemed customer. This dress is from our new S/S collection.”
The store manager approached Min-hyuk, who was a VIP client, bowing deeply and speaking in a soft tone as she explained the product.
She quickly scanned Dan-jung standing beside Min-hyuk.
Based on Dan-jung’s current outfit, the manager assumed she wasn’t someone who could afford to shop here without male support.
Given the early hour, the employee dismissed Dan-jung as someone trading a night’s company for luxury goods.
“Let’s try this on.”
When Min-hyuk handed the dress to the manager, she led Dan-jung to the fitting room with a dismissive attitude, not bothering to glance back.
Dan-jung didn’t notice, but the manager’s demeanor differed greatly from how she treated other VIPs.
However, Min-hyuk noticed the staff’s disrespectful behavior and disapproved.
“How do you like it?”
The store manager asked with a sly, mocking smile.
Her unspoken question seemed to sneer: Do you really think you’re worthy of trying this on?
“Yeah, it seems fine.”
Unaware of the manager’s condescension, Dan-jung examined herself in the mirror.
Then she turned to Min-hyuk and asked:
“Does it look good?”
“It looks amazing.”
Min-hyuk raised the corners of his lips, visibly pleased.
As she said, Dan-jung truly looked stunning.
But her shoes and bag clashed with the dress she was wearing.
Min-hyuk crooked his finger, summoning the store staff—a gesture he rarely used, given his usual modesty.
Startled by Min-hyuk’s uncharacteristic behavior, the manager hurried over to him.
Though she’d served him for years, she’d never seen him act this way.
“Let’s see some shoes and bags that match the dress she’s wearing.”
“Yes, understood.”
The manager bowed deeply, treating Min-hyuk with utmost respect.
Considering the revenue he brought into the store today, neglecting him was out of the question.
Afterward, the manager instructed the staff to bring various new collections of bags for Dan-jung to review, providing detailed explanations along the way.
“I chose the dress freely, so why don’t you pick out what you like for the rest?”
“But the dress alone feels sufficient...”
Dan-jung still hadn’t recovered from the sticker shock of seeing the price tag when she changed earlier.
How could one dress cost several months’ worth of her salary?
And why had she struggled so hard for a paycheck that couldn’t even cover such clothing?
Overwhelmed by relative deprivation, Dan-jung’s mood grew increasingly somber.
“After we’re married, there will be many events to attend—from casual gatherings to dinner parties. You’ll need appropriate outfits for those occasions.”
Min-hyuk hoped Dan-jung would grow bolder about these purchases.
It was true that she’d have to accompany him to countless events beyond her imagination.
“Ah! I understand.”
Dan-jung caught the meaning behind Min-hyuk’s words.
She felt ashamed of how intimidated she’d initially felt upon entering the luxury store.
With renewed confidence, she began selecting shoes and bags to match the dress more proactively.
Good grief! Marriage? What kind of mistake did I make?
Only then did the manager realize why Min-hyuk had acted rudely toward her earlier.
Treating the future madam with such disdain—of course, the VIP would be furious.
If he were to complain, it could cause significant trouble for her.
“S-Sir, I apologize.”
The manager clasped her trembling chest and bowed deeply to Dan-jung, realizing her mistake.
“Huh? For what?”
“Well...”
The manager couldn’t explain outright that she’d judged Dan-jung as someone trading a night for luxury goods.
But Min-hyuk accepted her apology as if it were only natural.
He silently vowed never to let Dan-jung endure such humiliation again.
________________________________________
At the department store, Hye-mi arrived early for her meeting with Min-hee and decided to shop while waiting.
On her way to her favorite C-brand boutique, she spotted Min-hyuk and Dan-jung leaving the store.
Min-hyuk’s hands were full of shopping bags, and Dan-jung wore her newly purchased outfit, complete with shoes and a bag.
“Hah! So that’s how it is? You can’t leave with just a few bucks, huh?”
Hye-mi snorted derisively at Dan-jung’s luxurious appearance.
I want to become someone like Ms. Goh Hye-mi.
Recalling Dan-jung’s words, Hye-mi watched Min-hyuk and Dan-jung disappear before heading straight into the C-brand store.
“Welcome, esteemed customer.”
The manager, tidying up the store, rushed over to greet another VIP arrival.
“The woman who just left! Give me the same things she bought.”
“You mean the lady who just exited...?”
“The white dress!”
Annoyed, Hye-mi began rummaging through the racks until she found the exact dress Dan-jung had worn.
She handed it to the manager.
“The same ones! Shoes and bag too!”
“Yes, ma’am.”
The manager thought this was quite the stroke of luck and wasted no time gathering the items Dan-jung had purchased.
Just then, Hye-mi’s phone rang. She checked the caller ID and answered.
“Hello? Min-hee? I’m at the C-brand store.”
-I’m nearby, I’ll be there soon.
After hanging up, Min-hee entered the boutique shortly afterward.
“Why so much shopping?”
Min-hee approached Hye-mi, who was checking out.
“Hmm, I don’t know either. Guess I needed a lot of things, huh?”
Thinking of Min-hyuk gazing affectionately at Dan-jung, Hye-mi felt anger rising within her.
That tender look—he’d never shown her anything like it.
And people said he couldn’t feel emotions? It was all lies.
“Is something wrong?”
Min-hee looked worriedly at Hye-mi, whose face was tense.
“Nah~ It’s nothing. Are you buying anything today?”
“Oh... just planning to get a dress.”
Min-hee had come to shop for an upcoming meeting between Min-hyuk and Dan-jung’s families but didn’t tell Hye-mi the truth.
“But I’m hungry. Let’s eat first.”
Min-hee changed the subject, regretting having shopped with Hye-mi.
Perhaps shopping alone later would have been better.
“Sure, let’s do that. By the way, Min-hee.”
As they exited the boutique, Hye-mi called out softly to Min-hee, who was walking ahead.
“Hmm, what?”
“A few days ago, I went to meet a senior and saw your cousin—the one your uncle brought along.”
“Who? Lee Si-woo? Don’t remind me. I have no idea why Oppa made him work there. And what kind of relative is he? Not a drop of blood shared. Don’t call him our relative—it’s embarrassing.”
“But strange rumors are spreading about him at the hotel.”
“Strange rumors?”
“Apparently, Lee Si-woo really liked the woman Min-hyuk Oppa is marrying. There’s even talk they dated.”
“What?”
“I don’t know the details. Just overheard bits and pieces.”
“Hah! Why does Oppa want to marry such a woman?! Ever since I heard she’s rumored to be easy, I knew she wasn’t right.”
“Easy?”
“Well~ Apparently, she brags about rejecting over a hundred men.”
Hye-mi smirked, finding it laughable.
“Someone who dated a guy like Lee Si-woo dares to aim for our family? We’ll see. I won’t just sit back and watch!”
As Min-hee fumed recklessly, Hye-mi smirked, satisfied with her manipulation.
________________________________________
Dan-jung’s expression grew increasingly tense as the car headed toward her family home.
Seeing this, Min-hyuk worried he might have upset her somehow.
“Understanding women’s emotions isn’t easy.”
Min-hyuk spoke to preempt any potential headache-inducing misunderstandings.
“Ah... sorry. I guess I’m nervous because it’s been a while since I’ve been home.”
Dan-jung forced a smile, emphasizing that everything was fine.
“Are you nervous about introducing me to your parents?”
“Not exactly. I’m just worried about how they’ll perceive you.”
Dan-jung recalled her mother’s voice during their morning call.
Her overly sweet tone felt burdensome, like she expected something.
Would they demand an apartment or money, tormenting her like in dramas?
It wasn’t unreasonable for Dan-jung to worry.
Her parents demanded 300,000 won monthly as “pocket money” for raising her.
During holidays, they expected additional gifts, and birthdays weren’t forgotten either.
On top of that, she had to help pay her younger brother’s tuition.
To survive in Seoul on her meager salary, Dan-jung had to scrape together every penny.
Otherwise, surviving in Seoul was impossible.
“President Min, we’ve arrived.”
At Secretary Im’s words, Dan-jung snapped back to attention.
With stakes so high, she needed to stay sharp and secure her position with the president.
“Oh~ Dan-jung~.”
Her parents, Hye-sook and Changsoo, greeted them at the apartment entrance.
This had never happened before, leaving Dan-jung utterly baffled.
“Nice to meet you.”
Min-hyuk bowed politely.
Secretary Im retrieved the gifts prepared earlier—items Oh Secretary had arranged while Min-hyuk shopped with Dan-jung—and handed them to Changsoo.
“Please excuse the modest surroundings. Come in.”
Hye-sook beamed at the sight of expensive gifts typically seen at department stores.
And seeing her daughter decked out in luxury brands made her feel like she’d hit the jackpot.
“Our daughter~ Are you hungry? Let’s eat.”
When Changsoo called her “our daughter,” Dan-jung was stunned.
Her father, who barely acknowledged her unless handing over money, now sounded affectionate.
Well, after receiving armfuls of gifts, how could he not say “our daughter”?
Shaking her head, Dan-jung followed them inside.
Through Min-hyuk’s eyes, Dan-jung’s home appeared as modest as her mother described.
The cramped living room was cluttered with old, worn-out items.
As Min-hyuk scanned the space, Dan-jung felt awkward.
But she quickly reminded herself not to feel ashamed.
Earlier, at the luxury store, she hadn’t felt confident enough.
Today’s shopping taught her not to feel inferior due to money.
“It’s still before lunch, right? Let’s eat first.”
Hye-sook confidently guided Min-hyuk to the dining table.
Dan-jung’s eyes widened in shock at the feast spread across the table.
“When did you prepare all this?”
“I went to the market right after we hung up.”
Hye-sook had dashed to buy premium meats and seafood immediately after their call.
Though it wiped out a month’s worth of groceries in one day, she figured money didn’t matter now.
Cooking was one thing she excelled at, and she wanted to impress her wealthy son-in-law-to-be.
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