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Chapter 19
On the way to work, Secretary Shin briefed Ju-yeong on the day’s schedule. Today was important both for CS Department Store and for Choi Ju-yeong herself.
“Please double-check the allergy-related issues, and contact the restaurant as well.”
“Yes, sir.”
It was a meeting with the Asia director of the world-renowned luxury watch brand, Verdun. Not a single mistake or misstep was allowed.
Ju-yeong had worked so hard to secure Verdun’s placement in CS Department Store. If today’s meeting went well, the store’s inclusion would be almost certain, and the department store’s sales would rise sharply.
“No, I’ll contact the chef myself.”
Ju-yeong picked up the tablet PC she had briefly rested on her thigh.
At the same time, a sharp pain ran down her pinky finger.
She frowned and let out a soft groan. “Ah…”
“Are you alright?”
“I’m fine. I just got a bruise on my hand, so it tingled for a moment.”
“Pardon? A bruise? How did that happen…”
“Somehow, I ended up with a bruise on my hand. Right before an important day.”
Ju-yeong quickly checked her hand after putting the tablet down. The reddish mark from the shape of her hand had faded, leaving only a small bruise. Fortunately, it was easy to cover with makeup.
“Before we eat, please stop by the shop and make the reservation, Secretary Shin.”
“Yes. Do you need any bruise cream?”
“…No, I have some.”
Her gaze shifted to her handbag. That morning, she had tossed the bruise cream in absentmindedly. Remembering it now, she applied some.
Then she drifted into thought—not about the important meeting this afternoon, but because of Bae Seong-hoon.
It was irritating, frustrating, and distracting. But she also felt grateful that he had taken care of something she hadn’t even noticed herself.
Ju-yeong picked up her phone, and with a few taps, Seong-hoon’s contact filled the screen.
She hesitated. Should she send the message or not? And if she did, what should she say?
After staring at “Bae Seong-hoon” for a long while, she finally tapped the screen.
But just before pressing send:
“…No.”
She changed her mind and deleted the message. Then, calling out to Secretary Shin, she shifted the conversation.
“How much did you dig into Bae Seok-jae while investigating Bae Seong-hoon?”
“Bae Seok… Ah, you mean Mr. Bae Seong-hoon’s uncle? I didn’t go too deep. Why do you ask all of a sudden?”
Secretary Shin glanced through the rearview mirror at Ju-yeong in the back seat.
Ju-yeong recalled her meeting with Bae Seok-jae yesterday and continued.
“I need materials related to Bae Seok-jae.”
Bae Seong-hoon and Bae Seok-jae.
“I want everything. Don’t miss a single detail about their relationship.”
She needed to understand just how deep the rift between them ran.
Ju-yeong stopped by a shop to touch up her makeup and cover the bruise before heading to the meeting location.
The meeting was at Korea’s only Michelin three-star restaurant specializing in Korean cuisine. The chef there was also an acquaintance of Ju-yeong.
“Secretary Shin, please check the dishes one last time.”
For the perfect meeting with Verdun’s Asia director, Ju-yeong didn’t take her eyes off the tablet even for a moment.
“Let me see if anything’s missing—”
“Sir.”
Secretary Shin, walking beside her, called Ju-yeong to a stop. Ju-yeong was about to ask why, but the moment she looked up from her tablet, the question became unnecessary. She already knew the answer without asking.
“Seeing everything here, Ju-yeong?”
Seong-hoon had stopped in front of her, walking from the opposite side of the hallway.
Ju-yeong’s eyes widened slightly. She hadn’t expected to meet Bae Seong-hoon here.
“Why are you here?”
“I came to eat. Where else would I be?”
That was true. But… what kind of coincidence was this? Why did it have to be Seong-hoon this time? His reckless personality seemed to attract even these absurd coincidences.
“And you, Ju-yeong? What brings you here?”
“I have a meeting. Important work, so I’ll—”
“When is the meeting?”
Seong-hoon turned to Secretary Shin.
“Right now?”
“Well…”
Flustered, Secretary Shin glanced at Ju-yeong. She signaled that she could handle it herself.
“Please check the lists I mentioned earlier.”
“Understood.”
Secretary Shin took the tablet and bowed slightly to Seong-hoon before leaving the hallway. Ju-yeong exhaled.
Such a ridiculous coincidence. She swept her hair back and spoke.
“Did you come to eat, or just passing by?”
“I came to eat. And you, Ju-yeong, passing by or coming to eat?”
“I came to feed someone. An important client.”
Ju-yeong glanced at her wristwatch. Even while dealing with Seong-hoon, the seconds ticked steadily.
Then it happened.
“You’re not eating again today.”
Seong-hoon muttered, but his voice didn’t reach her. Her mind was entirely on the meeting with Verdun’s director.
“My meeting is in ten minutes. If you don’t have anything specific to say to me, I’ll go.”
“Alright. If you’re busy, I’ll let you be.”
“Enjoy your lunch.”
“You too, Ju-yeong.”
Ju-yeong walked away first. Seong-hoon lagged slightly behind, scanning her wristwatch as she passed.
Heading in opposite directions, anyone could see they were strangers.
Verdun’s Asia director was Korean. His name was Hong Do-yoon.
He didn’t mix business with personal relationships. He clearly communicated Verdun’s expectations and pushed aggressively—covering store location, size, rent, interior design, and more.
Verdun’s motif was “luxury” and “innovation,” which required extensive renovations to maintain the brand image. But Ju-yeong had to prioritize the department store’s interests, making the negotiations a continuous back-and-forth.
After about two hours, Ju-yeong and Do-yoon reached a mutually satisfactory agreement.
“The head office is viewing this project positively.”
“That’s wonderful news. We’ll do our best as well.”
On the way out of the room to see Do-yoon off, they exchanged light conversation for the first time.
“Originally, I wanted to ask this as soon as we met, but I have a principle to focus on business during business meetings. May I ask one thing now?”
“As long as I can answer, of course.”
“Recently, New… huh?”
Do-yoon raised an eyebrow mid-question, unable to take his eyes off something behind Ju-yeong.
More precisely:
“Who is that?”
He couldn’t take his eyes off someone.
“Long time no see, Bae Seong-hoon.”
Ju-yeong doubted her ears. Why would his name come from Do-yoon? And why Seong-hoon again?
Following his gaze, Ju-yeong quickly turned her head. She had noticed someone approaching but hadn’t realized it was Seong-hoon.
“Indeed. It’s been quite some time since graduation.”
He approached quickly, greeting her warmly. Then he looked Ju-yeong in the eyes. Holding her hand gently, Seong-hoon smiled like one would at a loved one.
“The meeting…”
Their hands met.
“All done well, darling?”
His straight fingers intertwined with hers.
