Chapter 1.3

While Su-eon was silently chewing over her self-deprecation, Ki Seung-jo briefly checked his phone. Once he finished, he lifted his head. When their eyes met, Su-eon tensed up again.

Surely he hadn’t searched for a photo of Jung Cho-ah, had he? 

Even if he had, it wouldn’t matter.

After the SNS accounts of many politicians’ children caused scandals during election seasons, Assemblywoman Yeo had deleted all of Jung Cho-ah’s accounts. In protest, Jung Cho-ah had openly boycotted Assemblywoman Yeo’s campaign events.

The only photos left on the internet were a few taken during her school days when she wore a uniform. Back then, people had occasionally remarked that the two of them looked quite similar, like sisters. Unless he had an exceptionally sharp eye, he wouldn’t be able to distinguish between Su-eon and Jung Cho-ah.

“Do you like wine?”

When a staff member brought out a chilled white wine as a welcome drink, Ki Seung-jo casually asked. Su-eon nodded and took a sip of the wine. The cold liquid moistened her mouth before sliding down her throat, causing her shoulders to tremble slightly.

Ki Seung-jo glanced at the staff member standing nearby.

“May I have some warm water, please?”

When the staff brought a pot of warm water and teacups, Ki Seung-jo poured water into an empty cup and handed it to Ji Su-eon.  

“Drink it.”  

“I’m fine.”  

“Your lips are blue.”  

“……”  

Su-eon didn’t refuse further and took the cup. As the warmth from the cup reached her hands, she realized she had been so tense that she hadn’t even noticed the cold. Slowly, she sipped the water. As the heat spread through her stomach, her tension eased just a little.  

“Serve all the food at once and don’t interrupt until we call you.”  

At Ki Seung-jo’s request, the staff replied that they understood and left. Despite this being a high-end fine dining establishment where such a demand could be seen as offensive, there was no sign of annoyance. Su-eon discerned that he was the type who valued efficiency.  

If so, it was highly likely that he held a similar mindset about marriage. He would probably marry a woman chosen by his family, have two children, and maintain a quiet, harmonious household. A long, stable marriage. Su-eon could easily imagine Ki Seung-jo’s future as an executive.  

On the other hand, if he were the type of man who took photos of every course meal or hunted for hidden gem restaurants in back alleys, that would be far more surprising. That was the kind of romantic relationship Jung Cho-ah wanted. Still, considering that most wealthy people placed importance on the formality of meals, this side of Ki Seung-jo was unexpected.  

Sensing her gaze, Ki Seung-jo offered an explanation.  

“I requested it because I don’t like conversations being interrupted every time a course is served. Was that too selfish of me?”  

“Not at all. I prefer it this way too.”  

Su-eon had no desire to leisurely enjoy a fine dining course that served portions as small as birdseed while sitting across from him. She also found it uncomfortable when the staff peeked glances at him, a well-known figure, whenever they came in and out. The next person to become the subject of those glances would undoubtedly be her.  

More than anything, Su-eon didn’t want anyone to witness Ki Seung-jo’s reaction if she confessed the truth. If he got angry, she wanted to avoid having an audience for that. Su-eon knew another side of Ki Seung-jo that was just as polished and perfect as the suit he was wearing now.  

He was someone who could singlehandedly take down a group in a fight, mercilessly swing his fists without hesitation, and, most vividly, grab a bloodied opponent by the collar and lift them high into the air.  

Of course, he was no longer a high school student but an executive at an electronics company, so it was unlikely he would do such a thing to her. Still, the memories from the past were deeply etched and not easily erased. If Ki Seung-jo were to grab her by the collar with those large hands and shake her, she felt she would head straight to the afterlife without even wandering.  

It’s fine. Stay calm. Everything is about mindset. You just have to endure with sheer willpower.  

“Are you okay?”  

“Yes, of course.”  

“Now your whole face is turning blue.”  

“……”  

Ki Seung-jo stared intently at Ji Su-eon. Feeling an overwhelming urge to escape, Su-eon nervously rubbed her forearms.  

“I think I’ll feel better if I have another glass of wine.”  

“I wouldn’t really recommend it. You look cold.”  

After briefly observing her face, he let out a light sigh, as if he had no choice.  

“Still, do you think alcohol would be better?”  

“Yes, I’m not cold at all.”  

Answering calmly, Su-eon quietly rubbed the back of her hand under the table. It seemed she had subconsciously held a prejudice that athletic men would be rough and unrefined. Ki Seung-jo, however, was far sharper and more perceptive than she had imagined.  

With a faint smile, Ki Seung-jo tilted the wine bottle.  

“Well, if the alcohol kicks in, it might warm you up a bit.”  

Su-eon sipped the wine he poured for her, then drank it all in one go. As the alcohol smoothly flowed down her throat, she felt the tension in her stiff shoulders begin to ease.  

“You must hold your liquor well.”  

Ki Seung-jo reached for the bottle again. Su-eon naturally pushed her empty glass forward, wearing a rather satisfied expression.  

“I’ve never blacked out before.”  

“But you should eat before drinking.”  

“…Pardon?”  

“You’ll upset your stomach.”  

Smiling faintly, Ki Seung-jo moved the wine bottle far away, eventually placing it back on the tray. Watching the bottle being taken away, Su-eon blankly stared for a moment before belatedly nodding.  

“Yes, you’re right. Drinking on an empty stomach is definitely bad for you.”  

Parroting his words like an echo, Su-eon pushed her empty glass aside. She noticed Ki Seung-jo quietly smiling. 

Had I been too submissive?  

But no matter what she did, she could never be on equal footing with Ki Seung-jo. When the truth about today’s deception was revealed in the future, it was wise to maintain a deferential attitude from the start to avoid additional resentment.  

Before the food arrived, Ki Seung-jo broke the ice with a casual question.  

“Other than alcohol, what else do you like?”  

The K-pop dance group Black, nicknamed the “Beast Idols,” their main dancer Gi-ha, Gi-ha’s unreleased photo cards, and the recently successful D-Ball. 

In her mind, Su-eon’s inner self answered effortlessly. She had raised Black in her heart and nurtured them with her money.  

Smiling politely, Su-eon looked at Ki Seung-jo.  

“I enjoy reading books and listening to music.”  

Ki Seung-jo seemed intrigued.  

“What kind of music do you listen to?”  

Ji Su-eon had been staying up all night, endlessly streaming and listening to the recently released third album by Black, both through audio platforms and music videos.  

“I usually listen to classical or new-age albums.” 

It wasn’t a lie. After all, the music playing throughout the hotel was entirely classical.  

“The K.U. Arts Center frequently hosts classical performances. I’ll invite you to one sometime.”  

“Wow, that sounds amazing. Thank you.”  

Of course, she had no intention of ever accepting such an invitation. Hiding her inner thoughts, Su-eon offered a gentle smile.  

Ki Seung-jo, who had been quietly watching her, smiled softly. 

Was this the right moment to smile? 

Su-eon tilted her head slightly in confusion but didn’t let it show. Instead, she returned an even brighter smile. Ki Seung-jo chuckled again.  

“……”  

“……”  

It was awkward, but not unpleasant. At least they were exchanging smiles. Though his expression was still unreadable, the visible part of his demeanor appeared generous. The fact that he refrained from asking intrusive questions suggested he had basic consideration for others. Well, not just anyone could rise to a senior position in one of the country’s top four corporations.  

You’re doing great. Everything’s fine.  

Just as she confidently reassured herself, the food arrived. The moment she saw the bright red lobster meat on the large plate, Su-eon stifled a sigh internally. 

Oh no, how could I have forgotten?  

“Is something wrong?”  

At Ki Seung-jo’s question, the server paused and looked at Su-eon.  

“I believe the menu was chosen directly by the secretary’s office.” 

“…Yes, of course. It’s perfect.”  

The server, who had briefly looked tense, relaxed again and resumed setting the table. As Su-eon had said, the food was indeed perfect. Naturally, since she had meticulously selected each course herself, from the main dish to the dessert.  

She had carefully planned this dinner course to ensure Jung Cho-ah wouldn’t have any excuse to create a scene over trivial details. Even the butter and sauce paired with the pre-dinner bread were tailored to Jung Cho-ah’s preferences.  

Lobster was Jung Cho-ah’s favorite dish. Unfortunately, Su-eon couldn’t eat it due to her allergy. Was this karma? It felt like the pebble she’d picked a week ago had rolled back as a boulder.  

It’s fine. I can endure it for an hour.  

With a resigned attitude, Su-eon picked up her fork. At that moment, the lobster plate was pushed aside, and a steak was placed in front of her.  

“Eat this instead.” 

Ki Seung-jo placed his dinner plate in front of Ji Su-eon and took away the lobster. Instead of foolishly asking why, Su-eon simply accepted it without protest.