ALRE 03

Chapter : 3

“When have you ever seen Dad joke about something like that?”

“No, no way. I don’t want to. A blind date all of a sudden?”

“You brat… opening your eyes that beautifully for your father? That kind of charm should be reserved for the man who’ll be your husband. And why did you cut your hair like that? Men love long hair. You’re not some tomboy either.”

“Dad!”

“Tsk tsk, who’s going to get such a pretty wife…”

Jushik clicked his tongue and shook his head.

Ever since her mother passed away giving birth to her, Lee Young had lived relying only on her father. The concept of marriage wasn’t even in her mind.

Even though she had moved out to live independently, she had planned to live with her father when the time came.

But unlike her, maybe her father just wanted to get her married off quickly.

No, how old am I? Already getting married? And today, of all days?

This was unbelievable.

Instead of getting angry, Lee Young decided to try her ultimate weapon: cuteness.

“Daddyyyy! You see, I’m supposed to go on a trip with my friends tonight. And now a blind date? Can’t I just go after I come back?”

“You know what happens when I get angry, right? Stop saying things that won’t work on me.”

Lee Young’s eyes flickered. Today, her cuteness didn’t seem to work.

“This is really unfair, isn’t it? This is just inhumane.”

“Using your old father isn’t inhumane? I can’t even show my face to Mrs. Choi now. She said we can’t live together until you get married, so what are you going to do? I’m not yielding anymore.”

Mrs. Choi.

Right, Dad had Mrs. Choi.

Jushik, the owner of an interior company, had met Mrs. Choi when she was in charge of a cafe’s interior. After meeting a few times over minor repairs, they eventually hit it off.

He had opposed Lee Young’s decision to move out independently after graduation, but just two months ago, he had helped her get a studio apartment—probably because of Mrs. Choi.

“So Mrs. Choi said she won’t live with me until I get married?”

“Yes. So go on the blind date. And if you don’t, I’ll cut off all your financial support.”

Mrs. Choi might have been an excuse. It seemed Dad had made up his mind.

Since going on a blind date didn’t guarantee marriage, Lee Young decided to back down. More importantly, losing financial support would be a disaster.

“Okay, I’ll go.”

Lee Young replied in a deflated voice.

“Dress properly. You may look pretty to your father, but I can’t guarantee how President Jung will see you.”

President Jung.

Not sure if that was his real name. Something about it felt off.

Surely he wouldn’t be some balding man, right?

Shaking her head, Lee Young dismissed the thought. Whoever he was, she’d just have a quick tea with him. Then she could head straight to Daegwallyeong to meet her friends. It wasn’t impossible.

Stepping out of the taxi, Lee Young entered the hotel with a serious expression.

Tap, tap.

Ah…

She froze at her reflection in the large mirror.

Wearing a field jacket, jeans, and a huge backpack, she looked like an armed guerrilla rather than a girl on a blind date.

This clearly wasn’t an outfit for a blind date. She had dressed like this intending to join her friends on a trip right after, but perhaps it was overdoing it.

No, don’t let yourself get weak. Just go through this blind date lightly.

Adjusting her short hair, Lee Young continued forward.

Entering the lounge, she scanned it while imagining President Jung’s image. He hadn’t arrived yet.

She sent a text to the number Jushik had given her:

[Here first. Second table by the window.]

After sending it, she took her seat. Now, all that was left was to wait for the man.

Ziiing, ziiing.

Messages kept piling up in the group chat with her friends.

Ziiing.

Her phone on the table buzzed briefly.

Jaewon picked it up and checked the message.

“Second table by the window…”

A faint smile spread across Jaewon’s lips.

Of course. She had come because she couldn’t refuse President Kang Jushik’s earnest request, but her opponent clearly wasn’t enthusiastic about the blind date either.

The girl in the army green jacket with a huge backpack looked like a national athlete heading for winter training, impervious even in a snowstorm.

Jaewon, in his neat suit, found the contrast amusing. Still, he would meet her first.

He straightened up and headed to the window table where she sat.

The closer he got, the clearer her face became.

She really was the boss’s precious daughter—exactly what you’d expect of a spoiled little princess.

Light makeup, short curly hair, a white face that looked soft as down, and plump cheeks.

How could this girl possibly match me? Maybe she should just raise a kid instead.

She kept texting on her phone until he reached the table.

Jaewon’s eyes narrowed. Stopping in front of her, he muttered her name lowly.

“Gang Lee Young?”

Looking up, she met his gaze. Her small, plump lips parted, and unexpectedly, she said:

“…President Jung?”

She had come without even knowing his name.

“Yes, I’m President Jung.”

Jaewon ignored her wavering pupils and took a seat opposite her.

But this girl looked familiar. Where had he seen her before…?

Oh my, this man is my blind date?

Her head spun.

Lee Young was first shocked that President Jung wasn’t some balding, pot-bellied man.

Then she was shocked again realizing he was the owner of the building she lived in.

She should have asked Dad more carefully…

Ziiing, ziiing.

Messages from her friends kept pouring in. She quickly flipped her phone face down and stared straight at the man.

His black eyes pierced hers.

His incredibly handsome face was expressionless.

Surely he didn’t recognize me?

“Is there a problem?”

One of his eyebrows lifted sharply.

Intimidated by his charismatic voice, Lee Young shook her head.

“No, no problem at all.”

She forced a small smile and took a sip from the glass in front of her.

Didn’t recognize me because I cut my hair? I saw him this morning! Does he have cognitive problems or something?

He rested his chin on his hand, scrutinizing her. Clearly, he had no idea she was tenant 1004.

Maybe he had terrible eyesight. That could explain it.

“I’m Jung Jaewon.”

Crossing his long legs, he muttered lowly.

“Oh… yes.”

Jung Jaewon. Saying “President Jung” gave a completely different impression. Perhaps it was because his name was the same as the owner of Won Interior.

“But it doesn’t seem like you came here to take this blind date seriously.”

The landlord glanced at her outfit and snorted.

Blushing, Lee Young looked down. Seeing him dressed neatly made her feel a little guilty.

“You’re twenty-six, right?”

Maybe her casual outfit made him drop formalities. He spoke casually now, though it didn’t seem like he was upset.

Lee Young welcomed the quick pace.

“Yes, yes.”

“You take after your father a lot.”

Ah… that’s crossing a line.

“Do you know my dad?”

Her tone became naturally sharp.

“I used to work under President Kang. I’m independent now, but he helped me a lot.”

“…Ah, yes. Dad’s friend? Something like that?”

Lee Young nodded. Her father seemed well connected. Having the Gangnam building owner under her father’s wing made her feel proud.

“….”

But why was he so silent?

Did he get upset because he was called a friend of her father? He seemed to lose his words, and his mood didn’t look good.