CEB - 5

Chapter 5: I Want to Kiss the President

“Surely, you didn’t propose to one of our hotel’s front desk employees?”

The next day, as rumors about Min-hyuk and Dan-jung spread like wildfire, Kang Hyun—Min-hyuk’s only friend and the hotel’s general manager—burst into the president’s office without knocking.

Their bond, forged through their parents’ close relationship, had endured for over a decade, allowing Hyun to address Min-hyuk with familiarity. Moreover, he was one of the few who knew about Min-hyuk’s condition.

A legend in the hospitality industry, Hyun had graduated top of his class from a prestigious Swiss hotel management school. Known for his rationality and eloquence, he served as Min-hyuk’s right-hand man.

“Yes.”

Min-hyuk continued reviewing the pile of documents on his desk, unfazed by Hyun’s intrusion. He wanted to make up for the time wasted on blind dates.

“Even if it’s because of your father’s will, isn’t this too rushed?”

“With only ten days left, I wouldn’t say it’s overly urgent.”

“But Choi Dan-jung… despite her name, she doesn’t seem very ‘orderly.’”

When Hyun mentioned Dan-jung’s name, Min-hyuk looked up, waiting for him to elaborate.

“There are rumors that she’s an easy woman.”

“An easy woman?”

“They say she’s dated more than ten men in a year.”

“How intriguing.”

[“I’m definitely not an easy woman!”]

Min-hyuk recalled Dan-jung’s firm denial and returned his gaze to the documents.

“Do you really find it intriguing?”

Hyun couldn’t detect any trace of intrigue on Min-hyuk’s face. Despite years of friendship, Hyun still struggled to read Min-hyuk’s poker face. It was even harder since he vaguely remembered Min-hyuk before the accident.

“Hye-mi’s back, you know…”

As Min-hyuk’s closest friend, Hyun had also been close to Hye-mi, Min-hyuk’s first girlfriend.

“I know.”

“Are you going to see her again?”

Though phrased casually, Hyun’s question was about whether Min-hyuk would marry Hye-mi. Personally, he thought Hye-mi—a woman with a pristine reputation—would make a better match than Dan-jung, who was rumored to be “easy.”

“If we marry, private meetings should be avoided.”

But Min-hyuk hadn’t considered marrying Hye-mi at all. His mind was solely focused on finalizing his marriage with Dan-jung.

________________________________________

“Did you hear about the commotion at the hotel yesterday?”

“I figured as much.”

When Si-woo hinted at the spreading rumors, Dan-jung tried her best to remain nonchalant.

“Are you really thinking of marrying the president?”

Si-woo, the only person aware of Min-hyuk’s proposal, whispered conspiratorially. He hoped to contain the gossip.

“Why? Is it a problem? I’d love to live comfortably as a chaebol’s wife.”

“Aren’t there plenty of women who’ve married chaebols and ended up unhappy?”

“Who?”

Curious, Dan-jung blinked rapidly, prompting Si-woo to scramble for an example.

“That famous actress… you know, the stunningly beautiful one.”

“Oh~”

Dan-jung’s curt response signaled her disinterest in Si-woo’s vague explanation.

“They only speak English, apparently.”

“I’m good at English.”

“They say chaebols maintain two households…”

“Then I’ll manage two households too, why not?”

“Noona!”

Si-woo flared up at Dan-jung’s playful tone.

“I have no intention of maintaining two households, nor will I tolerate my wife doing so.”

Min-hyuk, who had arrived just in time for lunch, overheard their conversation and spoke sternly.

“Oh, sorry. Just joking.”

Startled by Min-hyuk’s voice, Dan-jung quickly deflected.

“I’m serious.”

His calm tone felt unusually cold to Dan-jung.

Is he angry? But he said he can’t feel anger…

Recalling Min-hyuk’s earlier explanation, Dan-jung studied his face. As usual, it remained perfectly expressionless.

“Shall we go for lunch?”

“Yes.”

Dan-jung hurriedly wrapped up her tasks and followed Min-hyuk out.

Si-woo watched them leave with a deeply displeased expression.

“Is there a particular menu you’d like?”

“Anything’s fine.”

Nervous, Dan-jung couldn’t possibly relax enough to choose freely.

“How about our hotel’s Korean restaurant?”

Preferring to avoid public attention, Min-hyuk often dined at the hotel’s Korean restaurant instead of the staff cafeteria. Besides, it was more convenient given Dan-jung’s short lunch break.

“Yes, sounds good.”

Dan-jung was pleased with Min-hyuk’s choice. The restaurant, featured in the M Guide Seoul, was renowned for its exquisite cuisine and breathtaking view of the city from the top floor. However, its steep prices had always deterred her from visiting.

First floor, second floor, third floor. Awkward silence filled the elevator as they ascended.

“…”

“…”

“Um… If you can’t feel emotions, does that mean you can’t tell if food tastes good?”

Feeling compelled to break the silence, Dan-jung blurted out a question that had been nagging at her.

“I can tell if food is tasty or not, but it doesn’t make me happy.”

Min-hyuk explained his condition matter-of-factly.

‘Ah, so instinctual sensations work for him. Does that include primal male instincts?’

Dan-jung mentally noted this information. She desperately wanted to ask about intimacy—an essential aspect of married life—but couldn’t bring herself to do so in broad daylight, let alone while sober.

Vowing to ask later, she shyly peeked at Min-hyuk’s profile while pretending to admire the elevator window. Her heart raced as she admired his chiseled features once more.

________________________________________

Dan-jung felt utterly blissful dining at the luxurious restaurant with a panoramic view of Seoul. She regretted not indulging in such pleasures sooner to save money.

Seeing Dan-jung’s radiant smile, Min-hyuk deemed the date successful. He felt one step closer to securing their marriage.

“Tell me about yourself, Miss Choi.”

Min-hyuk asked, observing her glowing expression.

“Huh?”

“As I mentioned yesterday, I’d like to learn more about you.”

“Well… I have a father, mother, and a younger brother. I guess I’m quite responsible.”

“What about weaknesses?”

“Weaknesses? Hmm… I tend to get lonely sometimes.”

“I see. And your hobbies?”

Min-hyuk, seasoned from countless blind dates, asked without hesitation. Unlike those superficial meetings, however, he listened intently to Dan-jung’s responses. Understanding his potential future wife was crucial—he believed more information would help him navigate any issues that might arise.

“When I have free time, I enjoy watching videos online—travel vlogs, food tours, pet channels. They give me vicarious satisfaction.”

“I see. Anything else I should know about you?”

“By special matters, I assume you mean debts, illnesses, or conditions for marrying you?”

“No debts or illnesses, but I do have a condition.”

“So, does that mean you’re accepting my proposal?”

Min-hyuk seized the moment to guide her response.

“Well, it’s not decided yet…”

“Let’s hear your condition first.”

When Dan-jung hesitated, Min-hyuk refrained from pressing further.

Sighing audibly, Dan-jung took her time before finally speaking.

“I want to kiss you before deciding on marriage.”

“…”

Whether it was the suddenness of her request or something else, Min-hyuk remained silent.

“Marriage is a significant decision. Even if it’s based on conditions, I believe some level of affection is necessary.”

Dan-jung elaborated, sensing his lack of response.

Truthfully, conditions weren’t her priority. No matter how impressive someone’s background, she never dated anyone who didn’t move her heart. Moreover, the idea of marrying into wealth felt burdensome. She didn’t want to change her fate through marriage or live as a sham couple.

“So, if the kiss goes well, does that mean marriage is possible?”

“Yes.”

Dan-jung nodded shyly. With time running out, she believed a kiss was the best way to gauge her feelings for him.

“Very well. Let’s kiss tonight.”

Min-hyuk locked eyes with her lips as he responded.

________________________________________

[“I want to kiss you before deciding on marriage.”]

On his way back to the office after lunch, Min-hyuk chuckled softly, recalling Dan-jung’s bold request.

Unbeknownst to him, the corners of his mouth had briefly lifted into a faint smile.

“Oppa.”

Hye-mi, heading to Min-hyuk’s office, noticed his fleeting smile and froze.

So he could smile after all?

“Oppa smiles too?”

“?”

Min-hyuk stared blankly, unsure what she meant. Without exchanging pleasantries, he asked about her visit.

“What brings you here?”

“I wanted an answer.”

“To what?”

“My marriage proposal.”

“Let’s talk inside.”

Aware of prying eyes, Min-hyuk ushered Hye-mi into his office.

“Sit.”

He gestured toward the sofa opposite him as he settled into his seat. Hye-mi glanced around the room before sitting down.

“So, you need to marry to keep this office, huh?”

“Yes.”

Her comment elicited a detached response from Min-hyuk.

Hye-mi had heard from Min-hee that Min-hyuk hadn’t found a bride yet. But his calm demeanor suggested otherwise—no one could appear so composed unless they had everything under control.

“Rejection, then?”

Hye-mi joked lightly, trying to salvage her pride.

“I’m sorry.”

To her shock, Min-hyuk genuinely rejected her. Given her status as one of Korea’s top 1% eligible brides, she hadn’t expected this outcome. Especially since she had proposed to him , despite his tarnished reputation.

“Fine. I hope you do well, Oppa. Since I’m here, I’ll go see Hyun.”

Humiliated, Hye-mi bolted upright, eager to escape his presence.