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chapter 47
After taking a good rest for a couple of days, my body had recovered as if it had never been sick. In the meantime, both Woo Jeong-ha and the lady insisted on feeding me everything they claimed was good for my health, and refusing them felt more troublesome than just eating it.
Today, I followed Jeong-ha’s schedule. The sunlight was not just hot but scorching, and Jeong-ha frowned as he got out of the car. Yeon-woo glanced at him briefly.
“Oh, Director Woo is here!”
Just then, a man with a prominent belly got out of a black sedan parked at a corner of the parking lot. Yeon-woo scanned his face and immediately recognized him—Councilman Seong Jae-kwang.
Today was the day we would join a luncheon hosted by the city council members.
Although we had met numerous times before—mayor, council members, subcontractors—today was a special appointment initiated by the other party.
“Councilman Seong.”
“Thank you for coming all this way. Isn’t that right!”
Jeong-ha plastered a smile on his face as if it were painted on and extended his hand toward Councilman Seong. The councilman’s white, long hand clasped the bumpy, unattractive hand of Seong, making it look even more awkward.
“The roads are well-maintained.”
“Yes, we redid them completely last year. If it weren’t for Se-woon Construction, it would have cost quite a bit.”
“I see.”
“How about the meal, Japanese cuisine okay? I played a bit of golf this morning, so I’m hungry. All the other council members are already here, so shall we go in?”
Councilman Seong, already with a flushed face as if he had been drinking, guided Jeong-ha inside. Then he turned and glanced at Yeon-woo, who had been standing awkwardly behind.
“And over there…”
His persistent and lecherous gaze lingered for a long time between the folds of her skirt. Through his parted lips, yellowed teeth were visible.
“Director Woo’s companion?”
Finally, his gaze shifted blatantly to Yeon-woo’s chest. Despite the unpleasant stare, Yeon-woo’s expression remained relatively calm—it wasn’t entirely unexpected. She had vaguely anticipated their dirty behavior, even at a council luncheon.
“Let me introduce myself—Seo Yeon-woo, Director Woo’s secretary.”
At Yeon-woo’s straightforward introduction, Councilman Seong nodded as if even her voice satisfied him.
“I don’t think we’ve met before.”
“I didn’t have a place to intrude on your conversation, after all.”
“Is that so? Then let’s go in together today. We can have a drink together too.”
Yeon-woo blinked in surprise at his sudden suggestion. Usually, secretaries dine in separate rooms during these gatherings. But Seong seemed to suggest that she sit at the same table.
“…Is it necessary to bring my secretary as well?”
“Well, it’s just to enjoy some good food. If Director Woo doesn’t want to, that’s fine.”
Councilman Seong, sporting a gold tooth, grinned. At that moment, another councilman staggered out.
“Councilman Seong.”
The man, pulling a crumpled pack of cigarettes from his back pocket, was Councilman Jeon Jeong-chan.
Jeon had served multiple terms and enjoyed high approval in Yedun City. Rumors even circulated that he might run for a constituency in the metropolitan area. Naturally, Seong lowered his head to him.
“Oh, Councilman. Stepped out for a smoke?”
“Ah, Councilman Seong. Didn’t see you there. I thought you didn’t come in. Director Woo is here too.”
“Just arrived. Director Woo as well.”
“Long time no see.”
“Yes, you’ve grown taller since last we met.”
Chewing on his cigarette, Jeon rubbed his lighter with thick fingers. His aide quickly lit it for him.
“Behind you, the secretary?”
Even as Jeon showed interest in Yeon-woo, Jeong-ha clenched his jaw. Yet, ignoring that, Jeon spoke in a somewhat courteous tone:
“The aides need to eat too. We’ve prepared a seat, so Director Woo’s secretary can come in.”
Jeong-ha, watching quietly, said in a low voice:
“I’ll go in first.”
“Sit comfortably, Director Woo.”
Compared to Seong, Jeon seemed to lower Jeong-ha slightly but maintained politeness. Seong, meanwhile, said he would have a cigarette before joining, sticking close to Jeon, while Jeong-ha gestured for Yeon-woo to follow.
“Better not draw attention—just wait and stay in the car.”
“Understood.”
Yeon-woo hurried to keep pace with Jeong-ha’s long strides, quickening her legs to match his pace.
However, dinner did not proceed as Yeon-woo and Jeong-ha had imagined. Just as Yeon-woo, seated with the other aides, was about to leave first, it happened.
“Director Woo’s secretary?”
“…Councilman.”
Yeon-woo met the eyes of Councilman Seong, who had just stepped into the hallway. He scrutinized her from head to toe and chuckled.
“People might think I’m about to eat you up.”
“No, sir.”
“Shall we go in together? Director Woo is having a drink too.”
Seong lowered his voice as if bestowing a favor. The smell of alcohol was strong from his wrinkled face. While Yeon-woo considered a plausible refusal, he grinned and slid open the partition.
“A new face here!”
The scene inside was anything but ordinary. Jeong-ha sat diligently alone while the councilmen, each with a woman by their side, stared at Yeon-woo.
“Director Woo doesn’t have a partner, so this is perfect timing. Look who we bumped into.”
Seong patted Yeon-woo’s delicate shoulder. The disgusting touch made her stiffen her expression further. Watching the scene, Jeong-ha’s face tightened slightly.
“Sit, sit.”
Yeon-woo noticed staff trailing behind, bringing more food and drinks. The narrow hallway had quickly filled. Staying there any longer would surely draw unwanted attention.
“…Excuse me.”
Finally, Yeon-woo stepped inside, followed closely by staff carrying bottles of unfamiliar liquor stacked on the table. She naturally sat beside Jeong-ha, who, under the table, grabbed her hand and pulled her closer.
“….”
And that was when it started.
She had anticipated a difficult dinner, but the councilmen’s behavior was far worse than she had imagined. Each had a woman by their side. Their speech was full of harassment, dirty language, and occasionally, lecherous glances at Yeon-woo’s body. Summer made it impossible to hide exposed skin, and their filthy gazes clung eagerly.
“Let’s see how our secretary handles the drink!”
“Councilman Seong is overdoing it today.”
“Oh, when else would we drink if not now?”
Seong laughed, grabbing Yeon-woo’s hand and placing it near the bottle. His intrusive touch felt disturbingly natural.
No one stopped him, nor spoke up. Instead, they stared at Yeon-woo as if wondering why she wasn’t pouring the drink, conspiring silently.
