“It’s okay, Mr. President. I had some just before coming.”

Seated again, Kang-woo placed his arms comfortably on his knees.

“After reaching your forties, the mortality rate significantly increases. The same goes for cancer. If something happens to you, what will happen to the family left behind?”

He hadn’t thought about it yet. Death seemed so distant, and it was a sudden question, but it was an issue to consider.

If, for example, he had a sudden accident, what would Se-ah eat and live on?

Thinking about it seriously, maybe it’s better to set aside Se-ah’s share in advance… Since she would need to declare marriage to inherit.

In the midst of this serious contemplation, the doctor opened his mouth again.

“Of course, Mrs. Cha is young and beautiful… Although it may sound like that, President, you can remarry and share your wealth with another good person. Nowadays, it’s not unusual to remarry, not to mention divorce…”

Se-ah’s remarriage, something he had never even thought about in his dreams, wrinkled Kang-woo’s forehead.

“I don’t find that joke amusing.”

“It’s an old saying. Even if you become blind in your eyes, it fades away. Once it disappears, hoho.”

Whether he finished speaking or not, the attending physician stood up on his own.

“Since I can’t take too much of the President’s precious time, I’ll be going now.”

“Thank you for your advice.”
For a moment, there was a sound of lips being tightly chewed, but Kang-woo stood up to escort the doctor to the door. Instead of turning the doorknob, the doctor turned around.

“Mr. President, I tried to say it as a joke. But on the day you were brought here, Mrs. Cha was really upset.”

Thud, the door closed.

Near the spine, which was already painful compared to gastric ulcers, became stiff.

Se-ah was in a meeting with the team members of .

The planning and development were in the final stages, and the meeting was convened to discuss how to promote the upcoming release.

“Team Leader, how much support can you provide us for promotional funds?”

No one was able to speak easily, but Ji-na, the writer, asked straightforwardly. However, the marketing manager also responded with a seasoned smile.

“Just tell us frankly. Ideally, we’d like you to open SNS accounts for each character, provide audio work, and release several teaser ads. But it seems you can’t do that, right?”

“Writer-nim, our marketing department is doing our best for all games released by CI Soft.”

“Yes, I know. But realistically, it’s difficult to provide support. I’m not blaming you for that, though.”

Se-ah looked at Ji-na, the writer, with respectful eyes. As someone who has been working on various game projects at CI Soft for several years, Ji-na’s words had some weight.

“First, we’ll proceed with the basic promotional budget. We plan to expand the promotional effects gradually after the launch.”

The marketing manager replied according to the book.

“Se-ah, do you have any ideas? Since it’s your first time, your expectations might be different from ours.”

“Senior, we can’t wait too long. If the idea is creative, will you do it? Right? Manager.”

In response to Ji-na’s provocation, the marketing manager remained calm with a businesslike smile. Nevertheless, he didn’t forget the formal response.

“Just tell us your thoughts, Se-ah.”

As Se-ah opened her mouth, everyone’s attention focused on her.

“Well, in my opinion… If the game is fun, it might gain popularity without much advertising…”

“Oh my. Se-ah, you sound like a scholar now.”

“That’s right. She’s like a textbook.”

In fact, with the set budget, extravagant promotional effects were meaningless.

The company website introduction, limited free items for open participants, SNS launch events, etc., were almost predetermined. It was just to give Se-ah, who was just a supporting writer, a say in her first commercial work.

“I’m sorry. I don’t have any big ideas…”

“Oh my. No, we don’t either. It’s a joke.”

“Do-yeong, the writer, is an SNS star. That’s the best promotion. There are many female fans too.”

They all looked at Do-yeong simultaneously, with eyes that said, “We only trust you.”

“I’ll post it before the open day.”
With Do-yeong’s permission, they exchanged a few more words and concluded the meeting. The creaking sound of the metal chairs echoed here and there as Se-ah put her laptop in her big bag. Kang-woo was worried, so today, he planned to finish work early.

Perhaps out of habit of always carrying a shoulder bag, his right shoulder had been uncomfortable for a few months already, just a few months into his career. He corrected it to the left as he left the meeting room.

“Se-ah.”

In the quiet space where everyone had left, Do-yeong called her.

“Yes.”

“I’m not leaving the company. I plan to stay here.”

Se-ah’s hazel eyes blanked at the meaning. Do-yeong, who was brushing his short hair with his hand, smiled briefly.

“Let’s see each other often.”

Unqualified words that he needed to observe whether Cha Kang-woo was truly a cool and good man were suppressed inside.

6 PM. The winter sky was already dark. Kang-woo stood by the window in the hospital room and watched Se-ah’s path for a while.

Even though it had only been half a day since they last met. Se-ah’s unique scent, bright eyes, and cheerful way of speaking, the deep longing surrounded the narrow hospital room.

Being in the hospital room made the day exceptionally long. When he was stuck in the office, every minute and every second passed too quickly.

Around this time last year, Se-ah, who must have waited for my return all day long… How boring must her days have been?

Suddenly, a crazy thought stung his heart.

Touching the silent phone without sound, he grabbed the TV remote instead.

Come to think of it, I haven’t checked the portal site today. I wonder what happened in the last day.

While pressing the remote buttons meaninglessly, his hand stopped at ‘Breaking News.’

He changed the channel a few times to find the news. Kang-woo raised the volume.

“As of today, Assemblyman Cha Nam-tae has declared his departure. Let’s watch the scene from the press conference held this afternoon.”

As the screen switched, Nam-tae’s appearance at that time appeared. Sitting at a long table, Nam-tae bowed deeply.

“To all the Seocho residents who have believed in me! I sincerely thank you and also offer words of apology.”

When Nam-tae stood up and came out, the flashes of reporters burst.

“Seocho residents! I have decided to go to a place where I can unfold my political beliefs even more. Please forgive me for leaving before filling the remaining term.”

Nam-tae bowed deeply. After a while, the shot of Shin Gyeore, the party leader, approaching Nam-tae and helping him up came in.
“In deep gratitude for Assemblyman Cha Nam-tae’s significant intention, our party unanimously agreed to welcome Assemblyman Cha Nam-tae as a new member of our family. We sincerely hope that Assemblyman Cha Nam-tae’s wishes will come true in the upcoming 21st election.”

Two men embraced each other. A close-up shot captured the overflowing smile on Nam-tae’s face, which had been reflecting sad tears.

It was the moment when Nam-tae’s candidacy was officially confirmed.

At that moment, the door to the hospital room opened silently. Kang-woo, who had maintained a stoic expression, noticed it like a ghost and looked in that direction. He immediately descended from the bed and greeted Se-ah.

“Why are you coming now? I almost died waiting.”

“…….,”

“Wasn’t it tough to come? And why on earth aren’t you wearing a scarf? Listen to me.”

Even as Kang-woo stood there with a raised tail, Se-ah’s eyes, fixated on the TV, became clouded with despair.