ANC 07

Chapter 7

“Could she possibly see?”

The seat Mijin was sitting in was at an angle that made it impossible to see what was happening under the table.

So Ji-an had avoided her gaze without any particular reaction, but all of his nerves were already on edge.

Both the fact that Tae-jun was acting up under the table, and Mijin staring at him with an unreadable expression.

‘Why are they doing this to me?’

He had thought that maybe transferring teams would give him some breathing room.

But things were already getting off to a rocky start, and Ji-an’s head was spinning.

Because of the situation of ordering more drinks, Ji-an was forced to pick up his glass again.

At that same time, Chairman Jeong Hoon and his son, Director Cha Yu-hyeon, were having a father-son meal together for the first time in a while.

The venue was a traditional Korean fine dining restaurant housed in a hanok, known for its excellent food.

“It’s been a while. Let me show you to your table.”

At their arrival, even the owner came out personally to escort them.

The reserved seat was a private room at the very back.

The owner took Jeong Hoon’s jacket and smiled softly.

“We’ll serve all the courses at once.”

“Yes, thank you.”

Yu-hyeon quietly watched the two of them exchange brief pleasantries.

‘She seems interested in Father.’

He’d sensed it before, but after today, it was even clearer.

Because Jeong Hoon had been alone since his wife passed away, there were always people throwing subtle hints wherever he went.

After the owner bowed her head slightly and closed the door, Yu-hyeon sat down and spoke.

“It’s been five years since Mother passed away. Don’t you think it’s time to remarry, Father?”

“At my age? I’m fine living alone. Hmph.”

Jeong Hoon cleared his throat awkwardly, and Yu-hyeon let out a small laugh.

“Think about it. I’d welcome a stepmother anytime.”

“That’s never going to happen.”

Jeong Hoon refused flatly, as always.

Yu-hyeon wasn’t sure if this was the right way to put it, but he found his father rather endearing.

As they exchanged ordinary conversation, the table was soon filled with dishes.

With delicious food added to the mix, their meal together became even warmer.

“It’s been nearly two weeks since Tae-jun hyung came to Korea, but we haven’t had a single meal together.”

“Actually, I was going to call him today, but he said he had a company dinner. I’ll arrange something next time.”

Jeong Hoon took a spoonful of clear cod soup and sipped it.

“I see,” Yu-hyeon replied quietly, chewing on a piece of sliced tteokgalbi with his chopsticks.

Yu-hyeon and Tae-jun’s first meeting was at the orphanage where Yu-hyeon used to volunteer alongside his father.

At first, Yu-hyeon hadn’t felt the need to get close to the children; he had simply done his “volunteering” in silence.

But as he kept running into the kids, they became familiar to each other, and Yu-hyeon gradually opened up.

He especially felt that he got along unusually well with Tae-jun.

Actually, it was more that Yu-hyeon had taken a liking to Tae-jun.

Even as a man, Yu-hyeon found Tae-jun’s looks striking, and every time he saw Tae-jun quietly persevere without giving up until he saw something through, Yu-hyeon felt ashamed of himself.

Even though Yu-hyeon was far better off in terms of circumstances, he often made excuses and tried to avoid things, complaining all the while. That made Tae-jun seem even more special.

They built a friendship that way, and eventually Tae-jun caught Jeong Hoon’s attention, receiving his full support and becoming like a brother to Yu-hyeon.

Yu-hyeon, who had always wanted a younger or older brother, treated Tae-jun like his own blood.

That was why, when Tae-jun said he was coming to Korea, Yu-hyeon had recommended Ji-an, whom he had been considering as his own secretary.

On the surface, the two of them seemed similar in temperament, so he thought they might work well together.

‘It’s a shame, but oh well.’

Sometimes he felt that way, but to Yu-hyeon, Tae-jun was a hyung he wouldn’t mind giving up his own share for, so it was fine.

“Yu-hyeon.”

“Yes, Father.”

Jeong Hoon set down his spoon, dabbed his lips with a napkin, and gazed steadily at Yu-hyeon.

His expression suggested he had something to say. After a moment, he spoke.

“You’re someone who will continue to be involved in major business endeavors, but I worry that you’re too easily swayed by sentiment.”

As usual, Jeong Hoon spoke in circles, hiding his true intent.

It was probably because of that ridiculous rumor that Tae-jun’s appointment as director would bring changes to the succession structure.

“I’m doing just fine, taking care of my own responsibilities. And besides, it’s Tae-jun hyung we’re talking about.”

“Even so, it’s best not to let your guard down in any relationship.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. Father, try some of this namul. It’s lightly seasoned, so I think it’ll suit your taste.”

Sensing that his father’s nagging might go on, Yu-hyeon pushed the bowl of bean sprout namul in front of him toward Jeong Hoon.

Jeong Hoon looked like he had more to say, but Yu-hyeon didn’t want to hear any more unpleasantness during the meal.

Smoothly, like a snake slithering over a wall, Yu-hyeon changed the subject.

“Ah, I’m so full. I think this is the first time I’ve eaten only beef to fill myself up.”

The overseas sales team members all patted their bellies with satisfied expressions.

Tae-jun had given Ji-an his personal black card, told everyone to eat their fill, and left first.

It seemed like everyone had eaten more meat than drunk alcohol, but Ji-an was the opposite.

After Tae-jun had grabbed his hand under the table and then let go, the only thing he could turn to was alcohol.

‘Is he deliberately trying to put me in difficult situations?’

It might be an overreach, but it felt like Tae-jun would keep making things awkward for him like this.

Then, suddenly—

‘Is he trying to make me quit?’

The thought flashed through his mind.

As he calmly sorted through his thoughts, it seemed plausible.

Since they had an uncomfortable relationship, it would make sense for one of them to resign.

Between a director and a mere employee, it was Ji-an who would have to make that choice.

Once his thoughts reached that point, all of Tae-jun’s actions made sense.

But Ji-an was also in a position where he couldn’t quit due to family circumstances, so his head ached.

“It’s a shame we didn’t drink much. How about a second round? I think I could have a few beers with some dry snacks.”

Even though the company dinner was over, and it would be best to go home and get some sleep, Min-ju made that suggestion.

“Oh! I was thinking the same thing! Instead of dry snacks, how about some raw fish? I heard there’s a new Japanese place nearby that’s really good!”

“Raw fish sounds great. So, is everyone in? Our first secretary office dinner?”

“I’m sorry, but I’m not feeling well, so I think I’ll head out first.”

It felt like the kind of atmosphere where everyone should participate, but Ji-an mustered his courage and spoke.

For a moment, Min-ju’s disappointed gaze landed on Ji-an’s face.

Her eyes seemed to say, “Why are you ruining the mood?” but Ji-an’s physical condition was so poor that he simply couldn’t join them.

Perhaps sensing something off, Hye-na suddenly interjected.

“Secretary Seo, you have looked pale since this morning. Then we’ll just go without you.”

“Then I’ll be leaving first.”

It seemed that staying seated would only lead to more trouble, so Ji-an pushed back his chair and stood up.

“Make sure to join us next time, Secretary Seo.”

“Yes, I will.”

Min-ju, having completely erased her earlier annoyance, smiled brightly and waved.

After exchanging goodbyes, Ji-an barely managed to get outside.

“Haah.”

As soon as the door closed, a heavy sigh escaped his lips.

Ji-an stood there for a moment, then led his body—which felt like it might melt and flow onto the ground—toward the bus stop.

‘Why did I drink?’

I should have just endured being upset.

Regret washed over him, but nothing would change because of it.

He was trudging along the road alone when—

“Seo Ji-an.”

“…!”

With a screech, a car stopped beside Ji-an.

He reflexively turned his head and saw… Tae-jun.

Just making eye contact made his chest feel tight, and it felt like the warmth of Tae-jun’s hand, which had heated the back of his own all evening, was coming back to life.

When Ji-an just stood there without answering, Tae-jun raised his voice slightly.

“Get in. I’ll take you home.”

Ji-an almost let out a dry laugh at the absurdity, but he barely held it in and shook his head.

“No, thank you. I can take the bus. It’s quick. Thank you for the offer.”

At that, Tae-jun’s face turned cold.

“It looks like the dinner just ended. How about you get in before the other employees see you?”

“…!”

“If you don’t mind, I can get out and put you in myself.”

“Ah… No, thank you.”

Knowing that Tae-jun wasn’t the type to make empty threats, Ji-an immediately moved.

Because if any other employee saw this, they’d surely start a ridiculous rumor that he was having an inappropriate relationship with the director, on top of the one with the executive.

The current situation was painful enough, and Ji-an didn’t want to make it worse.

For that reason, he got into Tae-jun’s car, but as soon as he closed the door, he felt suffocated.

“Give me the address. Where do you live?”

“It seems like you have something to say, so say it. I’ll get out once the other employees have passed.”

Ji-an had no desire whatsoever to show Tae-jun the shabby neighborhood and house he lived in.

So he refused outright, but Tae-jun sneered at him.

“Do you think I can’t find out one employee’s address? If you don’t want to stay here with me any longer, tell me. Or input it yourself.”

Tae-jun gestured with his chin toward the navigation system.

He had been like this from the start, but the feeling of being looked down on only grew worse.

Whether it was because of the alcohol, Ji-an couldn’t take it anymore. He furrowed his brows and turned his head sharply.

“If you want me to quit, I will.”

“When did I ever say that? I don’t recall ever even mentioning it.”