Chapter 53 ….
As always, the words of the restless spirit echoed long and loud.
It shook Hajae as if what lingered in her heart was some kind of duty.
She couldn’t respond immediately, but seeing the warmth in the spirit’s eyes, she swallowed softly.
“…When the time comes, I’ll do it.”
A heavy responsibility settled over her chest. The words, spoken almost like a vow, sank deep into her heart.
The breath she had been unconsciously holding scattered emptily, and Hajae took heavy steps forward.
After returning home and finishing her preparations, she picked up her phone to send a message to Dohyun.
Just a single line. She only needed to let him know it was Kwon Hajae, yet why did it feel so difficult?
She wrote and deleted the message, again and again.
I’m about to leave. Don’t worry, I’ll contact you afterward.
She had written one line. Simple and clear, yet she couldn’t help worrying whether he would recognize it as coming from her.
Biting her nail nervously, Hajae added one more line.
You know who I am, right?
If she hesitated any longer, she wouldn’t be able to send it at all, so she pressed the send button.
Soon, a reply arrived.
Yes, be careful. And I know who you are. Kwon Hajae.
The brief reply made her giggle.
Of course, it only lingered at the corners of her lips, but even that seemed to lighten a corner of her heart.
Shall I go now? Hajae thought as she looked at the address Jihun had left, then called a taxi.
Why did a heavy feeling settle in her chest? She couldn’t figure out the reason at all.
Even while riding in the taxi, Hajae’s mind kept replaying last night’s events.
Every time the scenery passed outside, she recalled Dohyun’s house and the spirit within it. The flickering candlelight she had seen danced in her mind.
Even the warmth she had felt when their backs were pressed together lingered.
‘No, what am I thinking?’
Hajae shook her head quickly and slapped both her cheeks.
The taxi driver shot her a curious glance, but she looked away as if nothing had happened.
No, for now, just focus on meeting Jihun. She tried to push the thoughts away.
After a long ride, she arrived at Jihun’s shrine, located in a rather upscale neighborhood.
Step outside, and the bustling streets would spread out. Securing such a place must have cost a lot.
“…It looks really expensive.”
It was a luxurious detached house with well-kept green lawns. It gave off the vibe of the CEO’s house you often see in dramas.
Perhaps even the people who come here weren’t ordinary either, Hajae thought.
Clearing her throat, she rang the bell, and a deep female voice answered.
“Who is it?” “I’m Kwon Hajae. I’m here to meet Byeolsang Doryeong…” “Yes. I’ve been informed by Doryeong. I’ll come out now.”
No need to come out, Hajae thought.
Before she could even respond, the intercom went dead.
This treatment was unfamiliar, and Hajae fidgeted, pacing back and forth.
Soon, a neat woman, presumably Baraji, walked across the yard and reached the door.
She clasped her hands in front, inspecting Hajae from head to toe.
Her gaze was strange, as if piercing through her, then she bowed politely.
“Doryeong Haewon has been eagerly awaiting you. Please, this way.”
Eagerly awaiting?
The expression sounded odd. Hajae followed silently behind her.
Crossing the yard, they entered the house, and Hajae was greeted by surprisingly lavish interiors.
The spacious living room had a sofa that could easily seat eight people. To the right was the kitchen, and in front, a sliding door reminiscent of a traditional Korean house.
It seemed as if an entire downstairs room had been opened into one.
“Please wait a moment.”
The woman bowed once to Hajae, then headed toward the sliding door.
“Doryeong, a guest has arrived.” “Is it Hajae?”
The question sounded slightly excited. Hajae wondered if she had misheard.
“Yes. She just arrived, and I brought her in.” “Please have her come in.”
Even in her response, the excitement was noticeable.
The woman, as if Jihun were watching, slightly bowed before looking at Hajae. Her expression was still unreadable.
“You may come in.”
The words were dry, almost musical in tone.
Hajae walked through the door she opened and bowed slightly. But when she looked ahead, she had to stop in her tracks.
Soft lighting and elaborate Buddhist paintings filled the space. Except for the altar, everything was neatly arranged.
‘Like a showroom.’
Everything was perfectly in place, yet the space felt unnervingly rigid.
“Welcome, Hajae.”
Her gaze shifted to Jihun, seated in the center.
Seeing him in a moderately modern fusion hanbok, Hajae awkwardly nodded.
If she wanted to talk, she had to sit. She took a seat in front of the cushion where Jihun sat, feeling oddly out of place.
Usually, the person visiting for consultation would sit here.
“Did you think I’d arrive? I’ve been waiting since morning, you know?”
Hajae lifted her head slightly at Jihun’s words and met his gaze.
“Me?” “Yes. Because you were coming, I postponed all appointments today.” “Even that much…”
It seemed unnecessary. Hajae scratched her head, smiling awkwardly.
“I’m actually quite popular. Ministers, company heads—they all come to see me.” “That means your insight into the future is quite profound.”
Why was he saying this to her, a fellow professional?
Hajae hesitated before awkwardly smiling, and Jihun’s eyes sparkled.
Was it a response, or just his inscrutable smile?
“Is that so?”
Why did it feel like he was asking her another question?
Avoiding his gaze, she noticed his straight, extended fingers adorned with rings of various designs and gemstones. There was also a bracelet, like a rosary but more ornate.
Accessories she hadn’t seen before. The Jihun she met previously felt like a different person.
“People usually judge by appearances. They think how much money someone makes is a measure of ability.”
Perhaps sensing Hajae’s gaze, he adjusted his accessories and spoke softly.
Lifting her head slightly, she saw Jihun smiling brightly.
“So, showing a side that draws attention is part of this work. Decorating, grooming, presenting oneself attractively—it’s all part of it.”
A bell chimed somewhere.
Some might say that’s right, others that it’s not the whole truth.
Hajae, caught up in his words, straightened her back.
“If it’s necessary to help people using the words of a spirit, then it should be done. Especially if it’s one of the ways Jihun maintains the name of Doryeong Haewon.”
She hadn’t come here for this conversation. She wanted to finish quickly and return home.
All she wanted was to discuss last night’s events with Dohyun a bit more.
She wondered how to start when Jihun spoke first.
“Then… let’s get to the point. Are you curious about the talisman?”
“…That’s why I came here.”
Otherwise, she wouldn’t have bothered coming. Her words carried certainty.
She knew Jihun wasn’t a bad person. Clearly, he wanted to get close to her due to connections with Cheonggye Valley.
Yet, why did it feel difficult to get close? There seemed to be something hidden in his intentions.
Hajae inhaled, about to speak, when she heard a tap as Jihun’s fingertip knocked against the cushion.
“…It wouldn’t be fun if I told you easily.”
And then, an entirely unexpected statement from Jihun:
“I may be the one giving the explanation… but shouldn’t I get something out of it too, Byeolsang Doryeong?”
