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Breakfast was a chore. Yeon-seok cut deeply into the steak with his knife and dipped it heavily into the red sauce. The sauce, now soaked into the meat, dripped steadily onto the plate. Yeon-seok couldn’t finish the remaining steak and put down his fork.
“Why? No appetite?”
“I overdid it last night.”
“What happened to your hand?”
“I used my hands a bit after a long time. Don’t worry about it, Chairman.”
“You need to be careful. You’re my only successor.”
“If you say that, there are going to be a lot of people who’ll feel hurt.”
“I only groom those who show potential. And that’s you, Yeon-seok.”
Although Yeon-seok had previously competed for succession with other candidates, they had fallen behind due to setbacks in their recent business ventures. Though Chairman Yoon initiated the project, eighty percent of the success was thanks to Yeon-seok’s efforts.
In reality, Yeon-seok was practically already chosen as the next chairman. He had solidified such a strong position that even Seok-do Group, which had been fiercely competing for territory, found it difficult to catch up.
There were others mentioned alongside Yeon-seok as potential successors, but the current chairman was still alive. Anyone aware of the situation would know just how precarious it was to forcibly seize the role of successor while the chairman still lived. But it was undeniable that many eyes were on him now. Yeon-seok instinctively sensed the dangerous scent of threats targeting him.
“Your handsome face looks a little worn out. Aren’t you Jaemun’s crown prince? What good is that pretty face if it gets ruined?”
Yeon-seok bore the nickname because Chairman Yoon doted on him so much that rumors spread he was considering adopting him formally.
“I sent some men to Seok-do. I’ve already told them to resolve things appropriately by today.”
“Understood?”
“How could I leave it alone when someone dared to wound my successor?”
“This scratch isn’t much. I’ve already issued a sufficient warning. For now, they won’t dare make any reckless moves.”
Yeon-seok wiped his mouth clean as he finished the meal. Chairman Yoon smiled in satisfaction.
“For now, it’s Seok-do, but there will always be more people coming after you. The pool is wide. Do you think anyone would just sit back and watch a capable successor like you take over without trying to stop you? You’re a target for elimination.”
“Do we have to talk business even during meals? Our Vice President here might choke.”
The silver earring of In-young, seated beside Chairman Yoon, glimmered. She was the young lover he had been seeing for the past two years.
“But Vice President, is your hand really okay? It might scar.”
“It’s fine.”
As Yeon-seok set down his knife, he smoothly changed the subject.
“How’s your diabetes? Shouldn’t someone who was hospitalized be more careful with their diet?”
“Don’t worry. Even though it doesn’t seem like it, this is my special diet.”
Though they exchanged light banter and jokes with Chairman Yoon, Yeon-seok felt utterly exhausted and wanted nothing more than to rest.
“By the way, didn’t you say you had a golf appointment with Chairman Lee-kyung today?”
“Yes, that man has been wanting to see me for a while now.”
“Have a good trip. I think I’ll head out too. My stomach’s feeling a bit off.”
Yeon-seok desperately wanted a cigarette. After spending the entire night smelling blood, even the scent of blood from the steak made him nauseous.
Yeon-seok left first. As he arrived at the elevator, Seok-hoon appeared, returning from his business trip to the U.S.
“I came to have lunch together, but I guess I’m late. Are you okay, Brother? I heard through the guys. And it had to happen on our chairman’s birthday, of all days.”
“The chairman was just waiting for you.”
“I know. He kept calling me since this morning, so I came straight here without even changing clothes. But seriously, are you okay? Your face looks… Off. Are the girls who used to swoon over you running away now?”
“They can run, but they won’t go to you, so don’t worry.”
“You’re too much.”
Seok-hoon chuckled and disappeared into the restaurant’s private room with his subordinates.
________________________________________
Nayeon felt as if the events of that night were a dream. A week had already passed since then. It wasn’t until morning that she was able to step outside. The alleyway was quiet, as if nothing had happened. It was as though everything had been washed clean overnight by the rain.
Having spent the day in the pharmacy building organizing seminar materials for her advisor, Nayeon closed the paper she’d been reviewing and stepped out of the lab, reading a text from Sang-yoon.
She planned to meet Sang-yoon at the campus café for coffee. She thought it was only polite to return the favor after receiving something from him. Her apology was also for leaving without even meeting him the other day, handing over only the coffee.
Sang-yoon, who arrived at the café first, waved as soon as he saw her.
“What do you want to drink, Sunbae?”
“The same as you.”
“Two Americanos, please.”
As Nayeon opened her wallet, she noticed a business card tucked inside. Cha Yeon-seok. She stared blankly at the card until the barista called her name.
Snapping out of it, she reached for her money, but Sang-yoon had already paid and was smiling. That wasn’t what she intended. Feeling guilty, Nayeon ordered dessert and handed over the money. Despite Sang-yoon insisting it wasn’t necessary, she insisted on ordering dessert.
“That’s troublesome.”
“I said I’d treat you today.”
“That’s just an excuse. I wanted to see you again under the pretense of buying you coffee.”
Sang-yoon took the coffee and dessert and headed to a seat. Nayeon followed and sat down.
“Sunbae.”
“You probably guessed it already. That I like you.”
“…Sunbae.”
“When we worked together during our internship, I didn’t hide it much. I knew you had an idea. I did it on purpose.”
Nayeon tightly closed her lips as she looked at Sang-yoon, who grinned at her. He was right. She had known. Just as Mijoo had suggested, she had even considered dating Sang-yoon to forget about another person. Following Mijoo’s advice to go on dates without overthinking, she had gone along with his invitations without resistance. She had let his intentions slide, even today.
“Sunbae, I…”
“Is it because of Taemin?”
“…”
“So that’s why?”
At the tone implying she hadn’t forgotten her ex-lover, Nayeon’s head naturally dropped.
“…I want to forget about him. But whenever I’m with you, I keep thinking about him.”
“Because I’m Taemin’s friend?”
“Yes.”
“So you met me today to say that?”
For a long moment, they both silently stared at their coffees.
“Well, that’s why it wasn’t easy for me to approach you either.”
Sang-yoon nodded, as if he had suspected as much.
“I didn’t take my feelings for you lightly. After all, Taemin was my friend. But he’s the one who left you. It breaks my heart to see you suffering because of him.”
“I listed my house for sale two months ago and plan to move out by the end of this month. I’m starting fresh with a new job. I’m letting go of everything, including Taemin.”
“Am I part of that too?”
“…No, not like that. You’re still a great sunbae. Always.”
“So we’re staying strictly within the bounds of senior and junior?”
Sang-yoon gave a bitter smile as he rubbed the bottom of his coffee cup. He seemed like someone who had already anticipated her answer. Mijoo had advised her not to overthink things and just form connections, but neither Nayeon nor Sang-yoon could easily get closer to one another. There was something awkward about it all—something that made it difficult for them to simply let things slide.
The biggest hurdle was the fact that he was the friend of the first man she had ever loved.
“Yeah. Just good seniors and juniors.”
“I’m sorry, Sunbae.”
Sang-yoon handed her the mug, even though she hadn’t taken a single sip yet.
“I guess I still haven’t gotten over Taemin Oppa.”
Nayeon stared at the mug in her hand for a long time. After two years since their breakup, had she really not moved forward even a single step? She had been so focused on erasing his traces, acting like a fool.
“By the way, how did your exam go? Was it two days ago? The results should be out soon.”
“Yeah, but there’s still more to do for job preparation. I’m pretty busy.”
“I want to graduate from this exhausting school as soon as possible too. It’s great. You’re finally becoming a pharmacist, Nayeon.”
“We’ll know when the results come out, right?”
“Yeah, yeah. So humble.”
They ended up laughing as they looked at each other, but Nayeon couldn’t shake off the heaviness in her heart. She finished her coffee with a weary spirit.
Her body felt fatigued as she walked through the alleyway. The path to the house at the end of the alley always seemed so far. After spending some time with Sang-yoon, the sky had quickly darkened. Nayeon forced her tired legs to keep moving. She thought she would finally get to rest, but standing beneath the motel lamppost was a man—a figure she realized she had selfishly hoped wouldn’t show up again.
“Oh… oppa?”
It was Taesung, her older brother who had left home long ago. Taesung wasn’t alone. The men in black suits who noticed her stepped out of their car casually, looking like thugs. She wished he had never reappeared.
Nayeon held out a paper cup of instant coffee. Taesung didn’t sit down; instead, he paced around restlessly.
“Why are you here?”
“Instead of offering me coffee, shouldn’t you ask why I came?”
“Fine. Drink while you explain. Why are you here? You didn’t show up even when Dad was in the hospital.”
Taesung snorted, kicking away the blanket tangled around his feet and tossing it aside. As he wandered around the room, inspecting it, he looked like he was searching for something.
“Dad liked you, not me. It’s always been like that since we were kids.”
“Do you still hang out with neighborhood thugs? It’s strange that you don’t even realize why Dad disliked you.”
“Don’t test me. Mom and Dad, who doted on you, aren’t around anymore.”
Bending slightly, Taesung took small sips from the paper cup.
“I heard you put the motel up for sale. Did it sell?”
That’s why he had come. Of course, if it wasn’t for money, Taesung wouldn’t have sought her out. Money was all he cared about. There had been a time when he got into drugs and the police raided their home. Back then, he had stuffed bills into his mouth to prevent anyone else from getting them. Now that their father was gone, he must’ve come to take whatever money was left.
“Where is it? The money?”
“What gives you the right to ask for it?”
“Why wouldn’t I have the right? At least half of this family’s blood runs in my veins too.”
After gulping down the hot coffee in one go, Taesung reminded her of his so-called rights. She already knew what kind of person he was—someone who had never done anything worthwhile for the family.
“How much money do you think went into sending you to college? You’re in no position to talk about qualifications.”
She had worked tirelessly from the moment she started wearing her school uniform, striving to earn scholarships so as not to burden the family. She’d won multiple scholarships in high school and university. Despite this, Taesung still resented her.
Taesung’s mother had given birth to him without marrying their father and later left him. They were close to marriage but ultimately broke it off. Afterward, their father built a new family and had Nayeon. For Taesung, she was an unwanted half-sibling.
He saw himself as an outsider in the family because of her. Without her, the three of them would have been a complete, blood-related family. Her mother always tried to care for Taesung delicately, but the more she did, the more he drifted further away.
“I heard you’ve been making a lot of money. Though I can’t imagine it’s from any legitimate business.”
Despite her cynical remark, Taesung remained unfazed, almost mocking her.
“Money is something that works better the more you have.”
She had already returned from having coffee with Sang-yoon. No longer interested in playing along, she simply held the paper cup while Taesung began opening drawers. The loud banging of the drawer doors echoed through the cramped room. When Nayeon finally raised her head, the sound had stopped.
“...No, stop! That money—!”
Her eyes landed on the cash in his hand.
Taesung smirked as he flipped through the bills. It was the money Yeon-seok had left behind, saying it was prepaid rent for the room.
“Hey, did you have a sugar daddy? Not bad. Looks like you inherited something useful from your mom.”
“Give it back. I need to return that money.”
She stood up and grabbed his arm firmly, but Taesung chuckled.
“I never imagined you’d make money like this.”
With a nasty grin, Taesung snatched her bag entirely, pulling out her wallet and tossing the bag onto the floor. Even as she reached out to stop him, his strength overwhelmed her. Her body was flung to the ground.
Taesung opened her wallet and rummaged through it. He pulled out the business card she had neatly placed inside.
“Give it here.”
“Is this guy really your sugar daddy? Your lover?”
Taesung held the card up, his voice shaking with disbelief. His eyes were filled with greed.
“No.”
“Then why is this man’s card in your wallet? How does someone like you even have the card of a vice president of Jaemun?”
“He was a guest. He stayed at our motel once. That’s all.”
Even to her own ears, her explanation sounded unbelievable. She herself wouldn’t have believed it if someone told her that a vice president of Jaemun stayed in a motel room. But it was true. He was just a guest, and they had no connection beyond that. All of it was true.
“You’re useless. Lying like that from the start—do you think I’m stupid? Huh? Do you think I’m easy to fool? Well, what can I say? It’s always been like that since you were young. Were you planning to keep all the money you got from your sugar daddy for yourself?”
“It’s not like that. He was just a guest, really.”
“You little bitch.” Taesung sneered, letting out a low chuckle.
“And here I was, oblivious to the money-making asset right in front of me.”
Taesung gulped down her untouched coffee in one go. In an instant, her wrist was seized. Taesung called over one of the men. The man entered the room as if he’d been waiting, grabbing her other arm. The pain from his grip made her involuntarily whimper.
The man grinned, exuding the smell of fresh money—loan sharks or gamblers, perhaps? She couldn’t tell exactly, but both Taesung and the men reeked of something foul.
It was a different scent altogether from Yeon-seok’s. This was cheap, repulsive, low-quality filth.
“How much more can we squeeze out of him?”
“...”
“How much more can you get from Vice President Jaemun? Money. Since you’re already sleeping with him, why not do it a few more times and get paid?”
“I already told you it’s not like that.”
“This girl until the very end...”
With her wrist still in his grasp, she was dragged along. Using her for profit? The thoughts that came to mind were nothing but dirty and vile.
“You see, everyone who could’ve helped you—Mom, Dad—they’re all dead.”
Should she bite her tongue and die? She lacked even the courage for that. Swallowing her tears, Nayeon clenched her jaw tightly. She had thought everything would be over once she graduated and became a pharmacist, but she had been wrong.
The marble-walled room salon was larger than expected. A madam with a cigarette dangling from her lips brushed past Nayeon as she walked by. This was a place where business began when night fell, and the hallways buzzed with activity from people scurrying around. A woman dressed in flashy clothing approached Nayeon, who instinctively curled her body inward.
“So you’re Taesung’s younger sister? You’re quite pretty.”
“What do you want with me?”
“Well, I was just told to give you a place to rest for a bit. Want to go to the waiting room? Or should I book you a private room? It’s where customers usually hang out, but it’s comfortable enough. Normally, we wouldn’t do this, but since you’re Taesung’s sister, I figured it’d be fine.”
“No, thank you. Let me leave. I need to go.”
“That’s going to be a problem. Taesung told me to keep you here.”
The woman feigned an apologetic expression as she tugged on Nayeon’s arm, pulling her toward a corner. A headache began to creep in. The musty basement smell permeated the air, unmasked by the freshly laid red carpet or the marble walls.
As she walked down the hallway, her shoulder bumped into a drunk man. His bloodshot eyes glimmered with lust as he glanced at her. Nayeon quickened her pace.
At the end of the corridor, the woman opened the door to one of the rooms.
“Mmm, yeah.”
On the sofa, a man sat with a red-haired woman buried between his legs. She licked and sucked his erect member, spitting saliva each time, while the man’s face twisted in ecstasy.
The woman tongued the glans relentlessly, showing no shame in her actions. Though she still wore her skirt, her panties were already on the table.
“Ugh, you two. If you’re going to fool around, at least get a separate room.”
The man looked familiar. He was the same one who had forcibly dragged her out of the motel earlier.
“We’re in a hurry, so we’ll finish quickly. Just pretend you don’t see anything, alright?”
“You can’t pretend not to see when they’re doing that right in the customer rooms.”
“Do you think they care if you’re hiding in some resting room? Hurry up and let’s get started. Yoo-ri, that’s enough. Let’s go.”
The woman reluctantly closed the door, visibly disgusted.
“Disgusting. Fine, follow me.”
Halfway down the corridor, as they walked, Taesung appeared from the opposite direction. Nayeon quickly moved to grab his arm.
“Let me go. What are you trying to do?”
“Hye-mi, take her and get her changed and made up. Customers are coming.”
“What? What are you talking about?”
“I’m talking about your sponsor. He said you should properly entertain him.”
Taesung grinned wickedly, flicking the business card between his fingers. It was Cha Yeon-seok’s card. With a nasty smirk, he traced Nayeon’s chin with his thumb.
“Make sure to sell him at least two of the most expensive things. If you don’t, you’re not leaving this place. Understand? No matter what tricks you used to hook such a big-time sponsor, I’m cashing in on this too.”
“I don’t understand what you’re saying.”
“You’ve obviously been intimate with him before, so why act so high and mighty? Stop pretending. Just entertain him properly. Once the money starts flowing, you’ll know what to do. After all, you’re just another sugar baby, aren’t you?”
“I told you, it’s not like that. He’s not even coming because we’re not like that.”
“What are you waiting for, Sung Hye-mi? Take her and get her ready.”
Taesung patted Nayeon’s shoulder dismissively.
“I’m busy, seriously.”
The woman led Nayeon to the waiting room. Other women preparing to entertain customers were gathered, applying makeup.
“Who’s that?”
“Taesung’s younger sister. Half-sister, I think. Anyway, come here.”
“Please help me. I need to leave.”
“What are you talking about? Don’t make this difficult for me too. I’m busy. Hurry up and get you dolled up so I can leave.”
Her clothes were practically stripped off against her will.
The short dress exposed her cleavage entirely, no matter how much she tried to pull it up. If she adjusted the top, the skirt rode up; if she pulled the bottom down, her chest spilled out. Her feet ached in the unfamiliar high heels. They were shoes she hadn’t worn since a university interview because they hurt too much.
“Come out here.”
“Don’t waste your energy. Just let me go. He’s not coming anyway.”
He wouldn’t come. The man who couldn’t even sit comfortably on yellow linoleum flooring wasn’t about to show up at a sleazy room salon run by thugs like Taesung. Nayeon laughed bitterly. But Taesung sneered and laughed aloud.
“I’ve already set up the room for him. Just entertain him properly. At least I’m grateful your mother gave you a decent face. I expect nothing less than two of the most expensive items sold. For once, I’ll benefit from my little sister’s connections.”
He emphasized again that she should use every method possible to extract as much money as she could, even suggesting unspeakable acts if necessary. Up until the moment Taesung chuckled, she thought it was all a lie.
She believed it right up until she opened the door and saw him.
“I’ll do my best to serve you well. Please enjoy your stay. What are you waiting for? Go in.”
Taesung pushed Nayeon forward with a polite bow. In the room, seated in the VIP seat smoking a cigarette, was unmistakably the same man who had handed her his business card at the motel. There was no sign of Seong-sik—only this man, alone.
Nayeon kept her head bowed, catching only whiffs of cigarette smoke from afar. Even without looking directly, it was clear the man wasn’t there for drinks or entertainment.
The sound of the door closing echoed behind her, sending a chill up her spine. The faint exhale of cigarette smoke carried an icy, oppressive weight that prickled her ears.
She tugged at the hem of her skirt.
“Where are you going? He came because you called.”
Unconsciously, she took a step backward. It was humiliating. Why was this happening? She barely knew this man—they had only crossed paths briefly. She wanted to escape.
Summoning the courage, she finally raised her head to meet his gaze. The man, devoid of any smile, was different from their last encounter. His deep, calm voice remained the same, but even the slightest intonation carried a subtle shift. He seemed displeased, his mood visibly souring with every word.
“What are you doing? Weren’t you supposed to entertain him passionately? Your brother bragged endlessly about how good you are at this.”
Apparently, Taesung had called him. The man leaned back casually on the sofa, exhaling smoke. Why had he bothered to respond to such a call? Nayeon’s mind was a chaotic mess as she slowly approached him.
She awkwardly sat diagonally across from him, but when he lazily tapped the seat beside him, she hesitated. Unlike Taesung, who resorted to physical violence, this man’s mere gaze felt like a full-body blow. Under the weight of his piercing stare, Nayeon reluctantly took the seat.
Her trembling hands pulled the skirt down, though it kept riding up, revealing glimpses of her underwear. The man’s cold gaze lingered on her exposed legs.
“Clumsy as ever. So it seems you weren’t lying about that part.”
She wanted to explain, to tell him it was all a misunderstanding, but her lips wouldn’t move. Tears threatened to spill from the humiliation. Afraid they would fall if she spoke, she clenched her jaw tightly.
“I told your brother you’d entertain him, and yet here you are, playing games?”
“My brother misunderstood. Please, you can leave now...”
Just then, the manager knocked, as if waiting for his cue. Bowing deeply, he entered the room. The man lit another cigarette, watching silently.
“Why aren’t you lighting it for him?”
The manager urged her quietly. Cha Yeon-seok’s piercing gaze burned into her. Trembling, Nayeon picked up the lighter on the table and fumbled with the button.
He watched her intently, as if gauging how far she would bend. Her inexperience made her clumsy, but the man didn’t rush her. He simply waited, relaxed.
That made it worse. Without saying a word, he dominated the atmosphere. Finally managing to light the flame, she extended her shaking hand. Chuckling derisively, Cha Yeon-seok leaned closer, tilting his head slightly.
As he inhaled, the tip of the cigarette glowed bright red. Nayeon stared at his crimson lips, long eyelashes, and sharp nose.
“...”
When he leaned in close, a faint trace of cologne wafted through the air. It was the same scent she had smelled when he visited the motel room.
“Weren’t you supposed to entertain me properly? Figure it out yourself. I didn’t come here to spend money aimlessly.”
“...It’s not like that.”
The manager, who had been listening quietly, interjected, promising to prepare the finest offerings. Bottles of premium liquor and delicacies were brought in, arranged in an extravagant display. Even Nayeon, who knew little about alcohol, recognized the exorbitant K-brand collection bottles worth thousands each. The setup screamed of calculated preparation aimed at enticing the man’s wealth.
The pressure was suffocating.
The manager’s mouth stretched into an exaggerated smile as he bowed deeply.
“If this girl doesn’t please you, I can call in others...”
“That’s enough. Leave.”
The manager scurried out of the room with another deep bow, closing the door behind him.
An uncomfortable silence settled over the room once again.
“Why are you just sitting there like a statue? You need to sell more. Do you think money will magically appear if you just sit there like that?”
The man had misunderstood, thinking she was here to extract his money. But then again, it wasn’t entirely a misunderstanding—Taesung had called him here solely to bleed his wallet dry. His misinterpretation wasn’t entirely wrong, which only made her feel worse. She couldn’t bring herself to lift her head.
He clicked his tongue, mocking her stiff demeanor. “How do you expect to entertain customers at night acting like this?” Her chest tightened painfully.
“Why did you refuse the room payment if this is what you were going to do?”
“…I’m sorry.”
“Did you think pretending to be modest would make me pay even more? Or are you planning to team up with your brother to squeeze more money out of me?”
“…”
“Do you find me amusing? Is that why you’re putting on this act and laughing at me?”
She sat there like a lifeless doll, holding her breath. She knew no answer could possibly clear up his misunderstanding. Even if she were in his shoes, she wouldn’t have believed her either. All she could do was exhale shakily. The cigarette smoke drifted toward her face, signaling that he was staring intently at her.
“Do something. This is boring. Don’t you know how to entertain?”
Each barbed word he threw at her pierced deeper into her heart.
“Go ahead, suck off that guy who just left. If it’s entertaining enough, I might double what I give you.”
What? Nayeon, clutching the hem of her dampened dress so tightly, finally raised her head.
He gestured toward the man who had just exited the room after filling the table and leaving. Yeon-seok tilted his chin toward the man.
“Suck him off while fingering yourself. You know what to do, right?”
“…”
“Or maybe you’d prefer being fingered from behind?”
Her face crumpled in humiliation as she exhaled sharply. Nayeon’s vision blurred with tears.
“Why? Are you still a virgin there? Let me show you how to touch yourself.”
If you want to play dirty, I’ll treat you accordingly. His face, his icy gaze, seemed to say, Do as I say, and Taesung will get what he wants.
How dare she summon him like this? He looked thoroughly enraged.
She shook her head slightly. No. In silent defiance, Yeon-seok signaled for the man to leave. The man, sensing the tension, bowed and exited the room. The silence returned, broken only by Nayeon’s stifled sobs.
“So, you didn’t like that idea either?”
“…”
“Boring.”
Yeon-seok stubbed out his cigarette on the untouched snacks, then stood up. She stared at his long legs as he rose. He pulled out his wallet, and between his fingers emerged what was unmistakably a check. Without a second glance at the unopened bottles of liquor and untouched dishes, he let the check flutter onto the table.
Nayeon gripped the hem of her dress until her knuckles turned white.
“If that’s not enough, go clean up after some other guy. I hate this kind of act. Though, I’ll admit, it’s somewhat cute that you didn’t just outright ask for money.”
“…”
“Don’t ever call me again.”
With graceful steps, he walked past the table. His polished shoes gleamed so brightly that they made her feel even dirtier. Nayeon stared blankly at the pack of cigarettes and lighter he had left behind on the table before squeezing her eyes shut tightly.
The sound of the door closing echoed through the room. The tears she had been holding back spilled uncontrollably.
“Hheuk, eub. Kkeuk, hhuu.”
She buried her head on the table and sobbed like a child who had lost her mother.
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