“Isn’t it something everyone knows? It’s just obvious, what else.”

Chaeyoon shrugged her shoulders.

“Is that so? Then why didn’t I see anything?”

Joo-eun said with a naive expression.

“Not everyone can see it. You see the flow because you have the eyes for it. It’s a kind of talent.”

Seokhyun chuckled and spoke.

“Anyway, if Seonho shows something, the honorary chairman will surely wait, right? If he passes away before that, there would be nothing we can do, but he’s still quite healthy, isn’t he?”

Chaeyoon looked at Seonho and said.

“He’s incredibly healthy. It was exhausting the last time I went to entertain him.”

Seonho shuddered and shook his head.

“Ah, my head’s a mess. I’m glad I decided to give up being the successor and continue living as a daughter of a conglomerate.”

Joo-eun lightly shook her head, and Seokhyun patted her head affectionately.

“For the sake of Joo-eun’s brain health, let’s stop talking about this. When are you leaving, Chaeyoon?”

Seonho changed the subject.

“Soon.”

“You’re going to New York? Have you made all the arrangements?”

“Yes. I’ve rented a place, and already shipped my stuff.”

“Why is the marketing girl suddenly studying jewelry?”

“You know about it. I told him, Chaeyoon.”

Joo-eun said.

“Because Joo-eun always talks about you. Just recently she wouldn’t stop talking about your rapid promotion until my ears hurt.”

“Why did you do that? What kind of torture is that?”

Chaeyoon reproached Joo-eun.

“What’s there to talk about with Seonho except you? We don’t have any common topics.”

Joo-eun spread her hands and held them up.

“I didn’t know you were interested in jewelry.”

Seonho’s eyes scanned Chaeyoon’s appearance.

Perhaps still not fully transitioning out of an office mindset, Chaeyoon’s outfit was exceedingly businesslike and neat, consisting of a simple design light blouse and grey checkered pants.

However, the thin chain necklace, bracelets layered on top of her watch, and aquamarine stud earrings with a light blue hue that showed through her shoulder-length hair made her look sophisticated.

It was a well-calculated ensemble that made her stand out without overdoing it.

“Me too. I’ve always been interested, but I didn’t think I’d want to major in it. I wanted to study it before it was too late. I should’ve decided when I went to London as an exchange student, but I hesitated and delayed. Still, having worked and saving some money helps a bit.”

“Why go all the way to New York? GIA is also in Korea.”

She was surprised that Seonho knew that the course she was going to study was GIA and that GIA is also in Korea. It’s not something most people know about.

“I wanted to broaden my horizons. I’m going to study in New York for a while, and then I’m going to London.”

“London?”

“When I was an exchange student, I had a chance encounter with antique jewelry and found it fascinating. So I decided to study antique jewelry, but it seemed better to study gemology first. Since I’m starting late and my major isn’t in design, I think seeing a lot is the answer to developing an eye quickly. That’s why I plan to stop by New York before heading to London. If I go straight to London, I might never make it to New York.”

“How long do you plan to study? Are you planning to come back?”

Joo-eun pouted as if she was annoyed.

“I won’t know until I go. How can anyone be sure about what will happen in life?”

“Hmm, you might not come back then.”

Seonho muttered as if talking to himself.

The day had been hot, but the sun had turned chilly, and as the wind blew in from the river, Chaeyoon shivered. Seeing this, Seonho said.

“Are you cold? Shall we make a fire?”

“It’s getting chilly. Shall I bring the outerwear?”

Seokhyun also suggested.

“Rather than that, let’s go inside and have a drink.”

“Okay then.” 

Seonho stood up.

“Then let’s do this.”

“What now?” 

Chaeyoon asked with a nervous look, wondering what peculiar idea Joo-eun might come up with.

“Let’s make it atmospheric. We’re all smelling like smoke from the barbecue, so let’s shower and change, like a proper cocktail party.”

“Is this why you asked me to bring a cocktail dress?”

In addition to the swimsuit, the list of clothes Joo-eun had ordered included a dress and a red one at that.

“Yes. Did you bring it? If not, let’s just forget this farewell party.

Joo-eun’s eyes narrowed, threatening.

“I brought it. I don’t even know who the farewell party is for now.”

“Of course, it’s for the one you’re leaving behind.”

Joo-eun folded her hands across her chest and said sadly.

“Ah, I see. Alright, for my beloved friend, I’ll do my best to comply.”

“Yeah, tonight we drink until our noses bend.” 

Joo-eun’s voice boomed through the night air.

***

Chaeyoon and Joo-eun went upstairs to the villa’s second floor to shower and change clothes. Their luggage had already been moved upstairs. 

Upon reaching the second floor, they were greeted by a bedroom with a bed as wide as a sports field and a luxurious jacuzzi.

“What’s with this huge jacuzzi in the bedroom?” 

Chaeyoon tilted her head as she looked at the jacuzzi.

Joo-eun giggled, stepping into the empty jacuzzi and admiring the view outside. 

“A jacuzzi is essential for a good time with a lover. Wow, the view out here is like a piece of art.”

“This villa really sticks to its decadent theme. I hope the bathroom isn’t open-plan too?” 

Chaeyoon exclaimed in mock horror.

“What’s wrong with it being open? It’s just us. You’re the one who introduced me to the world of public baths and saunas.” 

“Is that the same as here?” 

Chaeyoon quickly checked the bathroom. There was a vanity and sink in the center with doors on either side; the left led to the toilet and the right to the shower booth.

“Thank goodness, it’s enclosed.” 

Chaeyoon breathed a sigh of relief.

“You go shower first. I’m going to lie down for a bit.” 

Joo-eun said, flopping onto the bed.

“What have you done to need a rest?” 

“I’m conserving energy for round two. Be prepared. I’m going to make sure you get drunk tonight.” 

Joo-eun declared with fiery determination.

“Don’t be such a young fool, I don’t drink to get drunk, I drink to have fun.”

Chaeyoon replied, dismissing the notion of getting drunk in the presence of Seonho as something completely out of the question.

Chaeyoon dug into her bag and pulled out the red dress Joo-eun had insisted she bring—a dress that was entirely different from her usual career-oriented attire, designed to maximize femininity and allure.

“I never thought I’d wear it here.”

Joo-eun had bought this dress for Chaeyoon as a gift to wear at parties in New York.

“Hehe, I’m so glad. I can’t wait to see you in that dress. You’re going to look absolutely gorgeous.”

“Me? Or the dress?”

“You in that dress. It’s like the designer was inspired specifically to create it for you.”

“Such a fuss over a dress.”

“Even if it’s true. Try it on yourself, see if it suits you as well.”

“Well, if it had suited you, you would have bought it for yourself.”

Joo-eun really liked the dress, and since she couldn’t wear it, she wanted Chaeyoon to wear it.

“I would have, if only my chest was one size smaller.”

Joo-eun looked down at her ample bust and clicked her tongue in disappointment.

“That’s something you might get hit with a stone for saying.”

Unlike herself, who was quite slender, Joo-eun had the voluptuous and sensual figure that many women envied, coupled with a cute, typical baby face.

“But still, that dress doesn’t fit my body type.” 

Joo-eun grumbled.

“I may not like the style for myself, but I’ll wear it today for your vicarious pleasure. For you, who will be left behind.”

“That’s a good attitude. I’ll remember today whenever I feel sad about your absence.”

Joo-eun playfully struck a dramatic pose.

“You always exaggerate everything.”

“And you’re too dry.” 

Joo-eun retorted without backing down.

“Rest up. I’ll go shower.”