FI - 3

She overslept. Even after her eyes opened, Sa-ya remained motionless, only blinking slowly. Then she took her hand from under the blanket, touched her lips, blushed, and quickly put her hand back under the covers.

Her face turned crimson as she replayed the dream-like events. Her heart pounded fiercely. She could still feel the sensation of her lips and tongue being sucked.

“I must be crazy.”

Heat rose throughout her body. She had tossed and turned all night, falling asleep only at dawn. Her groggy mind became even more so. Whether her eyes were open or closed, Ki Shin-je’s face floated before her. She pulled the blanket over her head, then suddenly sat upright.

“Oh, what do I do?”

She buried her face in her hands and rubbed it a few times. A warm sensation spread through her palms. Sa-ya couldn’t explain how she felt. She couldn’t even grasp her own emotions. Sa-ya’s face clouded over.

As she slowly tried to get up, her phone’s text message alert sounded. Sa-ya startled and looked at the phone next to her pillow. It was just a machine, not a person, but her heart rate rapidly increased.

Sa-ya.

She felt as if she could hear the man’s voice in the text with her name on it.

‘Answer.’

A pleasant baritone voice lingered in her ears.

-Yes. I’ll eat.

Since all the man’s messages were about eating, Sa-ya quickly preempted and replied.

After sending the reply, she held the phone with both hands and waited for another text. Her stomach was empty, yet she felt nauseous.

-There’s a lady who does housework, so don’t be surprised.

She nodded, understanding, then realized it was a text he couldn’t see, so she clumsily typed a reply.

-Okay, I won’t be surprised.

No one was watching, but her face flushed for no reason. She held the phone for a moment, hesitating, then started to put it down on the bed but changed her mind and carried it to the bathroom.

He saw Sa-ya with the blanket pulled up to her chin, blinking her large eyes. It was almost as if he could see her thoughts through the screen. Ki Shin-je let out a small chuckle, and Im Woo-jin, mid-report, flinched.

“Ahem, the Chairman is asking why you’re not coming up...”

“I’ll see him tonight, why see him again?”

His gaze remained fixed on the tablet screen. Like a shrimp caught between whales, Im Woo-jin fidgeted with the tablet in his hand, feeling awkward.

“He keeps pressing, so maybe you should go up...”

“Secretary Im.”

He was cut off again. Executive Director, I’m not the one pressing you, Im Woo-jin swallowed words he couldn’t say.

“Yes.”

“Is your goal to go to the Chairman’s secretarial office?”

“What? Why would you say that? Absolutely not.”

Im Woo-jin put on a woeful expression, as if he’d been wronged. Why would I want to go to the setting sun? I’ll bury my bones by the rising sun, Executive Director.

“I thought your life’s goal had changed.”

Ki Shin-je, who knew Im Woo-jin’s ambitions well, smiled broadly. Im Woo-jin stared blankly at that radiant face. Every time he saw him, he felt he could never get used to it. The first time he saw Ki Shin-je, he was speechless, wondering if such a visual could exist. His nearly 190 cm height and muscular physique, even in a suit, were intimidating just to look at. Moreover, his face was not ruggedly masculine but quite refined and pretty, making other men often blush when they saw Ki Shin-je.

He always thought, He lives in a world of his own. If I were born like that, life would be worth living.

“I don’t like getting that look from a guy who has the same thing I do.”

At the cool, lowered voice, Im Woo-jin snapped to attention and straightened his posture.

“I don’t have that preference either.”

“Hmm, no?”

Of course not! A jolt ran down Im Woo-jin’s neck. Regardless, Ki Shin-je, who had been looking at his tablet, picked up his phone. The small figure fidgeting on the large bed didn’t seem hungry at all.

-Yes, I’ll eat.

Look at this. Ki Shin-je let out a wry laugh at her preemptive reply. His chest tightened at the sight of Sa-ya holding her phone politely with both hands, waiting for his reply.

-Okay, I won’t be surprised.

She replied cutely, then started to put her phone on the bed but changed her mind, clutching it tightly to her chest and going into the bathroom. Why am I so busy, yet watching this? Tsk. Ki Shin-je clicked his tongue and turned off the tablet screen.

Chairman Ki took out a few silver eundan (a type of traditional Korean herbal medicine used as a breath freshener) from a small plastic container and chewed them firmly with his molars. It had been a year since he quit smoking for his health, but the craving for nicotine surged now and then.

“Chairman?”

His chief secretary, who had served Chairman Ki for twenty years, checked the time again.

“That damned brat, so he’s not coming up?”

His only son, not even two of them, was unbelievably arrogant. His temper was so awful that if he weren’t his son, he would have already ground him to dust.

“He said he’s going into a meeting...”

“What kind of meeting, not even seeing his Chairman’s face?”

Chairman Ki’s face flushed red then paled.

“He must think he’ll see you in the evening,” the chief secretary calmly replied with a kind smile. He relied on his only son, remaining chairman in name only, while practically entrusting most of the real work to Ki Shin-je.

“Ugh.”

He poured the entire container of eundan into his mouth. A strong herbal scent filled the air.

“You said you brought her home?”

“Yes, as you were reported.”

Chairman Ki sank into his chair, seemingly deep in thought.

“What on earth is he thinking? Why is Executive Director Ki doing something so out of character?”

“Well, honestly, Executive Director Ki’s house is the safest. Although it is uncharacteristic of him.”

The chief secretary, who had been by Chairman Ki’s side for twenty years and watched Ki Shin-je grow up, was also puzzled. As far as the chief secretary knew, Ki Shin-je was not the type to show interest in anyone.

“What’s gotten into him?”

Chairman Ki grumbled, extending his hand, and the chief secretary handed him a glass of water. His mouth tasted bitter. Even the eundan couldn’t soothe his craving for a cigarette.

“Still, it’s a relief he’s coming to the dinner appointment. I thought with his temper, he’d refuse.”

“How could he not come? This is all for him. Je-ya must be raised more perfectly by Executive Director Ki.”

It was a gangster family lineage. Having seen nothing but that as he grew up, that was the path he walked. But Chairman Ki had an extraordinary business mind and the drive to execute it, so he built and expanded his company. Je-ya International diversified its business into construction, hotels, golf courses, casinos, and even private educational foundations. He had planted the seeds, nurtured the sprouts, and borne fruit in his generation, so shouldn’t his child’s generation make the flowers bloom?

“You’ve already achieved everything, Chairman,” the chief secretary genuinely respected Chairman Ki. Although he was subtly dismissed by the political and financial circles for being a former gangster with a short academic background, in his eyes, Chairman Ki had a superior mind and resourcefulness than any other entrepreneur or politician. Chairman Ki had an excellent eye for people, was loyal, and while cold, was a deeply affectionate person beneath his tough exterior.

“Human greed is endless, endless. That brat needs to fly high with a president on his back. Absolutely.”

The chief secretary quietly nodded.

After finishing a long meeting, So-eun, who had been waiting in the office, raised her hand and waved.

“You look radiant, Ki Shin-je.”

How annoying, So-eun chuckled, trailing off.

“Do you have too much time on your hands? Does Kim Si-young know you’re doing this?”

Ki Shin-je didn’t even look at So-eun as he sat in his chair and turned on his tablet screen.

“If Si-young knew, he’d be heartbroken, wouldn’t he?”

“Bullshit.”

So-eun laughed aloud at Ki Shin-je’s chilly retort. So-eun and her husband Si-young, who had been classmates with Ki Shin-je since high school and through college, were his only friends with whom he felt comfortable and who treated him casually.

“Don’t you know proper language?”

“Doesn’t sound like something that would come out of a cussing mouth.”

So-eun was good at cursing. She claimed it was how she relieved stress, but to those around her, it seemed like she cursed for fun. It was astonishing that Si-young had married her.

“Don’t make me curse. I haven’t been able to curse lately, and I’m frustrated.”

On the screen, Sa-ya was eating snacks prepared by the madam. Her lips were moving, making it seem like she found it quite delicious, which made the corners of Ki Shin-je’s lips curve into a slight smile.

“Take out your frustration on Kim Si-young, don’t come here acting like a jerk.”

At Ki Shin-je’s expression, So-eun tilted her head, looking puzzled. He can make that kind of face? So-eun’s eyes widened more and more, and soon her mouth began to itch.

“Purpose.”

Ki Shin-je didn’t even look at So-eun. As the scion of Korea’s top cosmetics company, such treatment was almost exclusively reserved for Ki Shin-je.

“Ki Shin-je, do you have a girlfriend?”

At So-eun’s question, laced with insatiable curiosity, Ki Shin-je’s long eyes narrowed in annoyance.

Ugh, a guy who can curse with his face. To anyone else, it would be a cold face that no one would dare speak to. Bastard, being handsome gets you everything. So-eun mumbled curses to herself, but then Ki Shin-je lifted his gaze.

“Kwon So-eun.”

“Ah, damn it... fine, fine. I came for a meeting about product placement at Je-ya Hotel and stopped by. You’re such a prick.”

Does he think I have nothing to do? So-eun grumbled, standing up and dusting off her bottom, feeling annoyed that she had waited to see her friend, only to be treated like a mere peddler.

“Kwon So-eun.”

“Oh, I’m going. I don’t really like you either? Humph.”

So-eun grabbed her handbag, tucked it under her arm, and huffed. My personality is amazing for coming to see him even knowing he’s like this.

“Since you seem to have free time, could you do me a favor?”

Ki Shin-je looked at the tablet screen, speaking in a tone that sounded nothing like a request.

“A favor? What favor? Hey, I’m not free!”

What the hell is he looking at that makes his face soften whenever he sees that screen?

“Curious?”

“Huh? Uh?”

Ki Shin-je’s eyes curved into a beautiful smile. Oh, damn it. Smiling like that with that face is just rude.

“What... what do you want me to do?”

So-eun stammered as if entranced. She had a strong feeling that something amazing was about to happen. Her eyes sparkled like a reporter who had just landed a scoop.

The Madam, who told her not to be surprised, was incredibly quiet. Her movements flowed naturally, almost without sound. To Sa-ya, the Madam seemed like an elegant lady.

“I don’t know if it suits your taste.”

After dinner, she quietly called Sa-ya, who was in the library, sat her at the table, and presented her with freshly made, warm quince tea and nourishing rice cakes. Sa-ya wasn’t hungry, but since the Madam made it for her, she ate it and found it delicious. The Madam smiled subtly, perhaps seeing the enjoyment on Sa-ya’s face as she chewed the rice cake.

“Is it alright?”

“Yes, it’s really delicious. Thank you.”

Sa-ya bowed her head in thanks. She felt sorry, yet incredibly grateful to the Madam for preparing such beautiful and delicious food for her.

“Eat a lot. You’ll be even prettier if you gain some weight.”

“...”

The Madam, like an elegant lady, spoke elegantly. Sa-ya lowered her head, embarrassed. The Madam then quietly resumed her own work.

Sa-ya ate all the rice cake and quince tea, then looked at the empty plate in surprise and touched her stomach. She clearly hadn’t been hungry. She stood up to clear the dishes, but the Madam appeared as if by magic and took the dishes.

“It’s my job.”

Sa-ya mumbled a small thank you, and the Madam replied with a gentle smile.

“Pretty people have beautiful hair too. It would be even better if you trimmed it a bit, isn’t it hard to manage?”

The Madam looked at Sa-ya’s waist-length hair with admiring eyes.

“...It’s a little troublesome,” Sa-ya confessed, casually sweeping back her long, flowing hair. Washing and drying it had been difficult and tiresome, but fortunately, it was much easier here than before.

“Oh, the luster, it’s so luscious. As I get older, my hair thins and becomes frizzy compared to when I was young, but seeing you, young lady, is lovely. I’m envious.”

“...Thank you.”

Sa-ya bowed her head in greeting, then awkwardly left the kitchen. The compliments felt strange, and she was flustered, unsure how to react.

Why does everyone keep saying such nice things?

The VIP room in the annex was quiet. Separate from the main house, the annex boasted a magnificent garden connected to the mountains. The garden, softly lit by large windows, was visible at a glance.

“Executive Director Ki, you look well.”

Chairman Ki remarked, slightly sarcastic, looking at Ki Shin-je who sat beside him.

“I’ve always looked well since birth.”

“Indeed, whose work could it be, truly remarkable.”

“Remarkable, truly.”

He wouldn’t give an inch. Chairman Ki clucked his tongue and reached into his pocket for eundan, then stopped.

“Did the casino get approved?”

“It was easy, thanks to Assemblyman Choi.”

A casino was being prepared along with a new hotel in Busan. Je-ya Hotel aimed to differentiate itself and gain fame through its casino.

“Once he enters the Blue House, it’ll be smooth sailing.”

“You can have the smooth sailing, Chairman. Are you possessed by a ghost who died unable to play enough golf?”

Even though he was his son, a cold aura emanated from him. Whether it was his natural disposition or how he was raised, the damn guy was unrestrained.

“Look at how you talk. Just someone who eats off a prepared table.”

Chairman Ki’s voice trailed off slightly. Calling it a prepared table was an understatement, as his son had played a significant role in making that table a lavish feast.

“Stop preparing it. I don’t want to eat.”

Ki Shin-je retorted sharply. Looking at the white porcelain on the mother-of-pearl table, Sa-ya’s pale face came to mind. As he recalled her fair skin, so white that her veins were visible from lack of sun, saliva pooled in his mouth. It was because he had tasted her powdery scent and moist flesh. Feeling a languid desire spread through his body, he twisted his neck left and right. I shouldn’t have tasted it. It’s foolish to complicate one’s own fate.

“Others are desperate for it, tsk.”

Chairman Ki clicked his tongue, rolling the eundan case in his hand, when a knock and the opening of the doors on both sides interrupted him. Assemblyman Choi entered the room with a smile.

Assemblyman Choi’s face was flushed from a drink. Upon closer inspection, his eyes were exactly like Sa-ya’s. Although he was often criticized for looking like a gigolo, Assemblyman Choi was very popular with women and benefited greatly from it.

“Every time I see you, Chairman Ki, I envy you,” Assemblyman Choi said, looking between Chairman Ki and Ki Shin-je with a bitter smile.

“What is there for Assemblyman Choi to envy about me? This ignorant fellow?”

“All ignorant people have frozen to death.”

Assemblyman Choi raised his glass again. For the presidential election, Chairman Ki’s help was desperately needed. Chairman Ki was capable of both illicit and legitimate affairs.

“You have a bloodline, a son. How reassuring that must be.”

He and his deceased wife had no children. He had bluntly refused his wife’s wish to adopt, saying he had no intention of raising a child that wasn’t his own blood. He had been with many women for various reasons, but perhaps because of birth control, none of them had claimed to be pregnant with his child. As he aged, he felt a growing regret about not having his own offspring.

“There’s also a saying that having no children is the best fate,” Chairman Ki said, feigning comfort with words he didn’t mean. From a young age, he couldn’t tolerate provocation and fought often, but he had never been troubled by it, rather feeling pleased with his skill in crushing opponents.

He understood what Assemblyman Choi was saying. Chairman Ki’s attachment to his own child also grew as he aged.

“Every time I see Executive Director Ki, I think about wanting him as a son-in-law if I had a daughter. Executive Director Ki, aren’t you getting married?”

Ki Shin-je, who had that very daughter with him, subtly curved the corner of his lips with a cold expression. Assemblyman Choi, who had entered politics at a young age and was now aiming for the Blue House, was no pushover. Like Chairman Ki, they were old foxes with a thousand-year-old cunning snake inside them.

“If it were Assemblyman Choi’s daughter, she’d surely be beautiful, which is a shame,” Chairman Ki raised his glass to hide the wry smile on his lips.

That cunning brat.

Ki Shin-je’s fingers gently tapped the table. What is my young lady doing now? The habit of watching videos on his tablet made his fingertips feel empty.

Following Ki Shin-je’s movements, a small light turned on and off. The interior was so quiet it was almost desolate, yet somehow, he felt a warmth. Could having such a small young lady make such a noticeable difference?

He headed straight for the library. On his way, he had seen Sa-ya asleep on the tablet, having fallen asleep while reading in the library.

Opening the door, he saw Sa-ya asleep, fallen sideways on the single sofa by the window. The book on her lap was about to slide to the floor. Her long hair flowed down, making her look like a princess from a Disney cartoon. A princess, yes, a wretchedly ill-fated princess.

Her closed eyelids trembled, revealing she was dreaming. Her long, curled eyelashes fluttered with them.

His footsteps made no sound on the rug. A small sigh escaped between her slightly parted red lips.

“Sa-ya.”

Only her eyelids trembled. Ki Shin-je picked up the book that was about to fall and looked at its title.

It was an Agatha Christie mystery novel. He carelessly put the book on the floor, and the moment he touched Sa-ya’s shoulder, she sprang awake.

“Ahh!”

Ki Shin-je embraced Sa-ya, who was screaming in terror.

“Shh, it’s me.”

Her slender body trembled violently in his arms. Trembling, she wrapped her arms tightly around Ki Shin-je’s neck.

He yielded his neck to her insignificant strength, stroking Sa-ya’s head and back.

“What could be so frightening?”

“...”

Sa-ya rested her forehead against Ki Shin-je’s chest and lowered her head. His broad embrace was so warm that something surged from the very depths of her heart. Tears instantly streamed down. Tears flowed before she could even collect them, and Sa-ya tried to suppress them by pressing her lips together, but it was no use.

“Sa-ya.”

“...Yes.”

At her tearful reply, the arm embracing Sa-ya pulled her closer with more force.

“Let me tell you something beforehand,” Ki Shin-je lifted Sa-ya’s chin, who was still crying. Her large eyes were completely wet, and tears dripped down.

Damn it, damn it all.

“I’m trash.”

Ki Shin-je’s face drew closer to Sa-ya, who was blinking as if asking what he meant. His tongue entered her lips, and moments later, Sa-ya’s eyes closed. Tears clinging to her eyelashes hung pitifully before finally falling.