Chapter 3

Even after all the searching, the place they found was just the usual snack bar they always went to. But Kyungseo smiled. That’s just how they were—always making a big fuss over nothing. Still, she was thankful for these friends. If it weren’t for Haejin and Young-in, she would probably still be cooped up at home.

The three women left the inauguration ceremony venue, and not long after, Minjun stood in front of the door. Looking at the still-unfinished venue, Minjun heard Kyungchul say,  

“We prepared flowers instead of ice.”  

Minjun nodded.  

“It smells nice.”  

Looking at the massive flower-decorated wall in front of him, Minjun remarked,  

“You must have hired a skilled florist. It’s impressive.”  

Though unfinished, the wall clearly showed the face of a unicorn with horns.  

“It’s much better than what I saw in the photos. What’s the name of the company?”  

“It’s Hwain, a company that’s been gaining a lot of attention recently. As I reported, they’re famous for creating artwork with flowers.”  

Turning to leave the banquet hall, Minjun asked,  

“Is it a one-time contract with this company, Hwain?”  

“No, Sir. Following your request to place flowers in the lobby, we signed a one-year contract.”  

“While you’re at it, let’s add some flowers to the Chairman’s office as well.”  

“Understood.”  

As they passed through the lobby and exited through the revolving door, Ahn Chi-woon, the waiting driver, got out of the car. Minjun asked Kyungchul,  

“Is the restaurant far?”  

“No, Sir.”  

“Let’s walk.”  

Minjun called the driver.  

Deputy Ahn Chi-woon, have you had lunch?”  

“Not yet, Sir.”  

“Then join us. Do you like sundubu jjigae (spicy soft tofu stew)?”  

“Yes, Chairman, I do.”  

Perhaps because this wasn’t an unusual occurrence, Chi-woon didn’t seem flustered. And so, the Chairman, the secretary, and the driver walked toward the restaurant.

***

Three steaming stone pot bibimbap dishes and a plate of fiery red tteokbokki were placed on the table. The eyes of the three women, who hadn’t eaten since early morning, sparkled.  

“Let’s eat.”  

They began eating as if possessed. The heat didn’t bother them. Halfway through the meal, Haejin said,  

“Let’s get some kimbap too.”  

“Auntie, two rolls of basic kimbap, please.”  

As Kyungseo ordered the kimbap from the staff, Haejin exchanged a glance with her and laughed.  

“As expected, our boss is generous.”  

“Ms. Kim, you’re a boss too, you know?”  

“That’s right. I’m a boss too.”  

The three women burst into laughter. Young-in asked,  

“Did we get this job by submitting a proposal? The company is huge.”  

Haejin, who had spearheaded this contract, answered,  

“Paragon reached out to us first. It was the Chief Secretary, and he was a gentleman. I think he saw our work on social media. Posting there was definitely the right call. Young-in, great job.”  

“Do you think the buzz will lead to more orders coming in?”  

“I hope so. Should we aim to sit on a pile of money, Ms. Min?”  

Kyungseo chuckled.  

“A pile of money sounds great. But let’s finish today’s work first.”  

Young-in chimed in,  

“I hope we do well enough to hire more staff under me.”  

Kyungseo smiled and said,  

“Let’s hope for that.”  

Haejin looked at Kyungseo intently and said,  

“Thank you, Kyungseo.”  

“For what?”  

“I wouldn’t have dared to dream of this without you. Who else would have thought of painting pictures with flowers?”  

Kyungseo laughed.  

“If you’re going to compliment me, keep going. Let me bask in it a little.”  

“I’m serious. I’m always grateful that you gave up on painting and started this business with me.”  

“I should be the one thanking you.”  

They smiled at each other, and just then, the kimbap arrived. Young-in energetically declared,  

“If you don’t eat, I’ll eat it all!”  

The three women laughed and resumed their meal. After finishing, they left the restaurant and headed back to the company.

***

Not long after they left, Minjun began his meal at the sundubu jjigae restaurant right next door. Taking off his coat and sitting neatly, Minjun stood out even among the office workers. Some people whispered as they looked at him, while some women stared at him as if mesmerized. Ignoring the attention, Minjun remarked,  

“It’s delicious.”  

“Does it suit your taste?”  

“Yes.”  

Though the stew was spicy and sweat formed on his forehead, Minjun ate with enjoyment.

***

As they left the restaurant and walked back to the company, Minjun suddenly stopped. Something cold touched his nose. Looking up, he saw snowflakes falling from the now even lower sky. Ahn Chi-woon opened the umbrella he had brought and held it over Minjun’s head. For a moment, Minjun’s gaze softened as he watched the snow. Seven years ago today, it had also snowed.  

As the snow fell, some men brushed it off their heads, while some women delighted in it like children. Watching the snow and the people, Minjun’s eyes turned cold again. Memories were useless. He began walking. The snow fell harder, quickly reducing visibility.

***

Kyungseo’s work was completed precisely at 2:00 p.m. After finishing, she and Haejin went to the door to admire their work from a distance. Seeing their creation, they smiled proudly.  

“It’s done.”  

“Yes, it’s done.”  

“This was the biggest project we’ve ever done since we started, wasn’t it?”  

The scent of flowers filled the air, and the unicorn image covering the entire wall was overwhelming. Young-in, who had finished taking pictures of the work, stood next to them with her mouth open in awe.  

“It’s amazing. Everyone will be shocked when they see it. Should I post it right away?”  

Kyungseo said,  

“Yes, post it. But we’ll need to edit the video first.”  

“Don’t worry. I’m here. This one’s going to go viral. It’s incredible.”  

Haejin added,  

“I hope we get more orders for weddings or party preparations.”  

Just then, Young-in, who had been looking back, exclaimed,  

“Oh? It’s snowing!”  

Kyungseo turned to look but stopped in her tracks. Through the full-length windows beyond the lobby, snow was falling so heavily that nothing could be seen. Haejin frowned immediately.  

“Oh no. How are we going to get home? Snow in the city is a disaster.”  

“But isn’t it nice? A white Christmas—it’s so romantic.”  

Between Young-in, who was as excited as a child, and Haejin, who was horrified, Kyungseo remained silent. Haejin asked,  

“What’s wrong?”  

“Nothing.”  

As Haejin was about to speak again, she caught herself.  

“Snow in winter is natural.”  

“Yeah.”  

But snow on Christmas Eve wasn’t common. It had been the same seven years ago. Back then, she had been so happy. There was a superstition that getting married on a snowy day meant a happy life. She didn’t believe in superstitions anymore. She was too old for that. A bitter emotion flashed through her eyes but disappeared in an instant. Turning her head, Kyungseo spoke calmly.  

“Let’s change clothes.”  

Since they couldn’t watch the inauguration ceremony in their work uniforms, they had all brought formal attire. Young-in said,  

“I’ll go get them.”  

Taking the car keys, Young-in left the venue. Once she was gone, Haejin cautiously asked,  

“Are you thinking about it?”  

Kyungseo chuckled.  

“About what? The wedding?”  

“No…. It’s just your expression doesn’t look good….”  

“I’ve forgotten all about it. Don’t worry about me.”  

Haejin studied her friend’s face carefully. Kyungseo wasn’t fine. She might be laughing and chatting like before, but there was still an underlying unease. Kyungseo patted Haejin’s arm and said,  

“I’m really okay.”  

Smiling brightly, Kyungseo looked as if nothing was wrong. Haejin nodded and smiled back.  

“Okay. Got it. Should we have a party tonight? It’s a memorable day.”  

Kyungseo shook her head.  

“I just want to sleep. Today was exhausting.”  

“It’s Christmas Eve. Let’s at least have one drink. Should we drink at the shop?”  

“We’ll see.”  

At that moment, Young-in returned with the bags of clothes, and the three headed to the restroom to change.

***

The inauguration ceremony began. People dressed in formal attire arrived, including prominent figures in the financial world. Though it was merely the transfer of ownership of an investment company, it was evidence of the significant weight Paragon carried in the industry.  

The flower-decorated venue was beautiful, reminiscent of a wedding hall. The first thing to catch the eyes of the guests entering the venue was the unicorn on the front wall. Two invited men whispered to each other.  

“That’s a unicorn, but it looks a bit different, doesn’t it?”  

“It’s made of flowers…. Incredible. To express an image with flowers.”  

“The new Chairman must have paid attention to the inauguration ceremony.”  

“Did you hear? It seems like Daehan won’t be able to recover after all.”  

“Is Paragon giving up on Daehan?”  

“I heard Daehan demanded full employee succession as a condition. Chairman Han would never agree to that.”  

“Blood doesn’t lie. He inherited his father’s cold-blooded nature entirely.”  

“Perhaps turning this place into a garden is an attempt to offset the company’s image.”  

“That’s possible.”  

The inauguration ceremony was beautiful, and the scent of flowers filled the air, but the conversations taking place inside were about life and death for some. As the guests arrived, Kyungseo and Haejin, standing by the curtain at the back, nervously watched their work.