Lee Chang Suk’s absence was significant. He was the overall planner for this project.

“If G-Comms has made its final decision, I will comply.”

Still resisting? Hiding her eagerness, Min Young put on a strict face.

“Chairman Cha, I’m aware of the time and effort you’ve put into this collaboration. Will you give up so easily? We haven’t started actual production yet, so while there’s no massive investment cost, there’s still the loss of two years’ time and manpower.”

“We’ll have to bear it.”

Despite looking calm even in a situation close to defeat, Min Young was anxious.

Of course, CI Soft wouldn’t crumble if the collaboration with G-Comms fell through. CI Soft had already reached its peak in mobile gaming.

But she knew Kang Woo was a man of ambition. The feeling of failure in a goal he set would surely impact him.

She silently hoped he would show weakness to her, acting reluctant while she graciously concedes. Internally, she chanted her wish.

“Nevertheless.”
Finally, Kang Woo’s lips, which had been silently sealed, opened. With his large hands lightly clasped, he leaned forward, slightly closing the distance between them and Min Young’s cheeks seemed to flush.

“If I may suggest a reconsideration.”

Before Kang Woo could finish speaking,

“Yes, please, feel free to speak.”

Min Young quickly responded.

Kang Woo unclasped his hands and casually placed his left hand on the chair’s armrest, a faint smile on his lips.

Was it confidence, composure, or resignation? Min Young couldn’t decipher and focused all her attention on him.

But Kang Woo didn’t rush. He lightly tapped the pamphlet on the table with his long fingers, drawing Min Young’s attention to the rhythmic motion.

“Director Lee Chang Suk is an excellent planner and developer.”

His voice flowed emotionlessly, devoid of any feelings, as if he were a news anchor stating facts. Despite a situation that would make others furious, his voice bore no animosity.

“It was I who brought Director Lee Chang Suk to this position.”

His low, emotionless voice carried certainty. She had expected him to plead for another chance, but his overflowing confidence made Min Young belatedly curl her lips.

“I personally recruited him from a small company that was nothing more than a neighborhood shop. It was too much of a waste for him to work there.”

“How did you know he was a raw gem?”

“Discussing that might take too long given our time constraints. Does that matter to your decision, Director Lee?”

“No, not particularly.”

“It’s not important how great Lee Chang Suk is. What matters is who I choose.”

“…….”

“If I had chosen someone else, that person would have been in Lee Chang Suk’s place.”

So, Lee Chang Suk was just lucky. He casually dropped this significant statement.

Kang Woo said no more. The remaining decision was up to Min Young, and he hoped his words had influenced her.

Min Young stood up, picking up her coat. Kang Woo interpreted this as a sign of a failed deal. Despite the bitterness in his mouth, he put on a businesslike smile and stood up. But to his surprise, Min Young smiled broadly.

“You know it’s way past lunchtime, right? How about you treat me to a meal, Chairman Cha? Let’s discuss what your plans will be moving forward over lunch.”

Kang Woo and Min Young headed down to the main entrance.

Given that today’s meeting hadn’t gone smoothly due to his side’s error, and a lunch appointment was postponed, he had to be exceptionally courteous. A white sedan was waiting at the entrance.

“Then, Chairman Cha, please arrange another lunch appointment and contact me.”

Min Young lifted her chin and flipped her long hair back.

“Of course. Thank you for today. Please have a safe trip back.”

He was a man of few words, so this was a relatively long farewell. Her lips, painted with coral pink lipstick, bloomed as much as a cherry blossom.

Then, as Kang Woo bowed his head briefly, something metallic and black on his thick neck glinted.
Just before Kang Woo straightened up, Min Young’s hand automatically reached for the collar of his shirt. Around his robust neck, a black necklace with an oil-treated cord was wrapped.

With quick and discreet fingers, she checked the accessory number on the back of the necklace. Kang Woo’s eyes, slightly tilted up, reflected a hint of rejection.

He didn’t voice it, but his slowly furrowing brow and sharply rising eyes seemed to question her actions.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I have a bit of an obsession. The curled collar was bothering me, and I acted without thinking. I apologize if I startled you.”

It’s alright. No, thank you. One of these responses was expected, but Kang Woo remained silent. Not even a formal smile. And then,

“Take care.”

His tone was colder and more formal than before. His chilly and aloof eyes and voice made it clear that she had unwittingly made a mistake.

Feeling embarrassed, Min Young bowed her head to Kang Woo. After Min Young’s car drove away, Kang Woo also entered the revolving door into the building.

He untied his tie and held it in his hand. He also unbuttoned the top button of his shirt. He had wanted to do this since earlier, but had refrained in front of Min Young, almost suffocating.

‘Ji Se Ah must have heard by now.’

He worried if she was upset. She should be a bit stronger.

He also worried if she was skipping meals. Thinking of reaching out, he remembered he had handed his phone to Secretary Choi before the meeting.

The freshly baked bread in the first-floor café smelled enticingly nutty. He thought of buying coffee and bread to take to her.

As an excuse to see her. He desperately needed Se Ah’s comfort. Seeing her smile would easily soothe his current suffocating emotions.

As he pulled the handle of the café door with glass panels.

He saw two people walking towards him. Se Ah and Do Young.

It seemed Do Young was saying something, as Ji Se Ah’s lips curled beautifully. Do Young leaned in close to her.

With an unmistakably affectionate gaze, Kim Do Young attentively listened to Se Ah’s words.

“He’s really picked his day.”

Whether it was due to long-suppressed stress or something else, a sharp pain arose at the pit of his stomach. He exhaled a low, rough breath and let go of the door handle.

Just as he was about to turn away, the door clicked open, revealing Se Ah’s face, with Kim Do Young tagging along.

Her innocent eyes widened, then she broke into a wide smile. Even now, it didn’t seem as lovely as usual.

“Chairman…”

Before her call filled with joy could finish,

Kang Woo’s eyes, now cold, detached sharply.