Jealousy, indeed she felt it towards Min Young. She couldn’t hold back her husband who said he had to go for business.

“……Are you late?”

Kang Woo stroked Se Ah’s round crown. His gaze was still intense but softened with a warm smile.

“No.”

“Okay.”

Unable to resist, he hugged her again from behind.

“Let’s have dinner together. I’m planning it.”

Min Young arrived first at the designated Korean restaurant.

Wanting a private time, she deliberately chose a Korean restaurant over a Western one.

Arranging a meeting with Kang Woo was easier than expected. She casually expressed regret about him not attending the launch party.

Then she asked if he could join her for lunch to discuss business. As a businessman, he couldn’t refuse.

Min Young adjusted the collar of her fluttering blouse and took out a hand mirror from her handbag.

She had recreated Se Ah’s style from the launch party, curious about his reaction.

Then, an employee opened the sliding door, announcing a guest’s arrival. Kang Woo entered with his striking figure, looking overwhelming in all-black.

He bowed politely.

“I heard the launch party was successfully concluded. Congratulations.”

There was no fluctuation in Kang Woo’s gaze towards Min Young. Men wouldn’t notice makeup, but she had even attached long hair extensions.

Ignoring her slightly sharp words hidden in her smile, Kang Woo lightly tilted his lips. His consistently formal smile was incredibly attractive to Min Young.

They continued their business conversation over a leisurely meal.

Min Young had been restraining her personal feelings. Knowing that the perceptive man would notice and back off, she had to be careful.

“I’ll prepare the first meeting between our companies as a gesture of respect to GComms. So, don’t be too upset about my absence from the launch party.”

Kang Woo bolstered Min Young’s pride. This collaboration was a stepping stone for CI Soft to reach the top. Two years of investment, bending a little for necessity was nothing.

“You didn’t inform us beforehand about not coming, just sending an employee instead. I felt a bit disappointed. But I understand that business brings various variables. Don’t worry about it too much.”
Kang Woo politely wrapped up the business talk and started to pack up his things.

Exiting the main gate, they waited for their respective cars.

“In a few days, Cha Assemblyman and my father are going golfing… Why don’t you join, Mr. Cha? There will be important discussions that day.”

“I’d like to, but I’m terrible at golf.”

Min Young barely suppressed a laugh. Golf was a staple for businessmen. It was hard to believe that someone who built up such a big business hadn’t played golf.

Even if it were true, Kang Woo could have easily learned. Seeing how agile he was in protecting Ji Se Ah, his physical abilities weren’t ordinary.

Pushing away again, this man. Despite her bruised ego, she couldn’t easily give up.

Meanwhile, a white sedan pulled up first at the main gate, and the driver came out to wait for Min Young.

“Take care.”

Despite Kang Woo’s bow, Min Young found herself unable to take a step.

“Mr. Cha.”

“Yes?”

“How about a drink instead tonight?”

Min Young checked her watch.

“It’s early, let’s have a drink and talk business. You seem too uptight… It’s hard to get close. Of course, we must maintain decorum in a business setting. But being a bit more relaxed could lead to better outcomes since we’re in the same boat, right?”

Min Young struggled to persuade him during her long speech, careful not to reveal any obvious personal intentions, but subtly leaving some room… Whether it worked was uncertain.

Kang Woo’s expression, with his eyelids lowered, remained unshaken. His smile seemed the same before and after her proposal.

“I understand what you mean, but…”

Kang Woo started fiddling with his tie, then stopped and chuckled unexpectedly.

Reminded of Ji Se Ah playfully showing jealousy while choosing his tie that morning. The first genuine smile Min Young had seen on him sparked life in her eyes.

“When discussing business, I avoid drinking.”

“A little drink could ease the tension and improve relations. If being business partners makes you uncomfortable, just think of me as a colleague, even a friend.”

Kang Woo didn’t bother to verbally refuse any further. His silence was a clear rejection. Min Young struggled to hide her dismay at his firmly closed lips.

“Is it because of Ms. Ji Se Ah? I think we could be more than business partners, even friends. But it’s embarrassing if you refuse.”

“I have only ever had a drink alone with a woman once. She’s my wife.”

“…….”

“Just consider me a rigid partner.”

Min Young’s lips, painted in pink lipstick, parted in astonishment.

A man more attractive for his definitive decisions.

It was clear to her now that he was the husband she had always wanted.