BGDBP 27

Chapter 27

Today, the “Private Art & Wine” event for VIPs would take place in both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Kim Saerok’s new artwork was to be unveiled in the main banquet hall, followed by wine and live music in the outdoor garden connected to the hall.

“Have the zones been secured?”

After checking the main banquet hall, Seonghun asked the manager as they stepped out into the garden.

“Currently, the 6th to 8th floors, reserved for VIPs, and the main banquet hall are being strictly monitored.”

“Please ensure that VIPs are guided to the exclusive entrance so they don’t encounter general guests.”

“Yes, understood.”

“And…”

As he was about to inspect the garden, an unexpected figure caught his eye.

Seonghun froze in place, a faint crease forming between his brows.

Bae Seokjae.

He was moving around the garden, grabbing a staff member and nitpicking, saying this should be changed and that should be removed.

Seonghun licked his lips. A wave of unpleasantness coated his mouth.

“Why is Executive Bae here? Access is restricted to staff only before the event opens, isn’t it?”

“I’m sorry, sir. I have no excuse.”

“Sigh… fine. No doubt he was acting recklessly. I’ll handle Executive Bae. Secretary Yoon and Manager, please go check the wine inventory.”

After sending the secretary and manager to the wine cellar, Seonghun approached Bae Seokjae.

Seokjae was still clinging to a staff member, issuing unreasonable demands.

“What’s this? This doesn’t fit the image of Sungwoon Group! Are you even doing your job properly?!”

“I-I’m sorry—”

“How exactly does it not fit Sungwoon Group’s image?”

Seonghun stepped beside the bowing staff member. The employee looked as if they might cry at any moment from Seokjae’s harassment.

“Ah! Who do we have here?”

Seokjae spun around abruptly and saw Seonghun, forcing a smile onto his face.

A fake smile.

“Our little nephew?”

“Go on, that’s enough. Good work.”

Before dealing with Seokjae, Seonghun sent the staff member away. It was clear they wouldn’t see anything good by staying.

The employee left quickly, voice trembling with relief.

Seonghun’s distaste lingered, thick and gritty, as if he’d swallowed sand.

To think someone would dare to bully an employee here…

“I informed you that access is prohibited for anyone except staff before the event… Didn’t you get the notice?”

“I got it, but are we strangers? We’re family. Besides, I’m even more fitting for Sungwoon Group than you are.”

Just seconds ago, he claimed they were family. Now he drew a line, saying their statuses were different.

Which beat am I supposed to follow… sigh.

“Please leave. Stop bothering our staff.”

“Who says I’m bothering them? Was it that female staff member earlier? I’m just trying to protect Sungwoon Group’s image…”

At that moment, a white, sticky liquid fell from the sky, splattering on Seokjae’s shoulder.

Squeak.

He bent stiffly, like an old doll, and sniffed cautiously.

The pungent smell confirmed it—seagull droppings.

“No… this can’t be….”

Caw! Caw!

Before he could deny it, the seagulls’ cries punctuated the truth.

Seonghun, unable to hold back laughter, snickered. He quickly tried to compose himself, but Seokjae’s mood was already ruined.

“Bae Seonghun! Aren’t you going to control these birds?! What if a VIP got hit? How would you compensate them?!”

“No need to worry. The setup isn’t complete yet. During the event, parasols will be installed throughout the garden.”

Just then, staff entered the garden to set up the parasols.

“You might also want to change your clothes. Your current look doesn’t match Sungwoon Group’s image.”

So embarrassing he should even be ashamed to call himself family… though, this wasn’t unusual.

Knock, knock—

After thoroughly checking the event preparations, Seonghun knocked on the bedroom door.

“Choi Jooyoung, are you ready?”

Seonghun was already styled for the event. His pomaded hair revealed his forehead completely, dressed in a sleek all-black suit from a renowned brand, with collar tips as a subtle accent.

He checked his wristwatch and continued:

“It’s time to go down now.”

“I’m coming. Just a moment.”

A short while later, the door opened. Jooyoung appeared in a neat all-gray suit.

The jacket was tailored inward at the waist to create a feminine silhouette. Her ankle-length H-line skirt emphasized a clean, straight line. Shoes revealing the top of her foot balanced the overall look.

“Just need to put on the accessories. Wait a little.”

Turning toward the vanity, she began. Seonghun debated waiting outside but ended up entering, standing behind her.

For a one-night, two-day event with only one main occasion, she had brought an incredible amount of jewelry. Necklaces, earrings, rings—over ten pieces in total, ranging from bold to simple.

“Let’s go with this necklace.”

He pointed to a key-shaped necklace set with emerald flowers.

“Kim Saerok likes flowers and turquoise, so I added emerald accents today.”

The chain of Seonghun’s collar tips also had white gold flowers with small emeralds at the center of each.

“Then this for the necklace, and these for earrings.”

“Good. Hand me the necklace.”

Seonghun extended his hand.

“I’ll put it on for you.”

“No, I can do it myself.”

“There’s no time. While you put on the earrings, I’ll fasten the necklace behind your neck. It’s nothing.”

“…….”

“Is that uncomfortable? If so, I’ll leave.”

A faint snapping sound echoed, but it might have been imagination.

“Not uncomfortable. Why would I be uncomfortable because of you, Bae Seonghun?”

“Good. Then hand it over. We don’t have time.”

Jooyoung, not wanting to argue, handed over the necklace and picked up the earrings. She wasn’t being passive—just conserving energy.

Seonghun adjusted the chain so the key rested below her collarbone, clicked the clasp, and a small static shock brushed her neck. He flinched briefly, but quickly regained a poker face.

Jooyoung paused momentarily while putting on the earrings, then continued as if nothing happened. The static shock, though common, felt unusually sharp in that instant.

“All done. Thank you.”

Jooyoung quickly finished the earrings and spritzed on perfume, a perfect balance of sweet figs and fresh green notes.

“Shall we go?”

She linked her arm with his, and, smiling playfully, said:

“Darling.”

Calm on the surface, yet an invisible storm was brewing.