It wasn’t that she didn’t want to see Kang Woo. Although reluctant, she was prepared to deliver the message, just surprised by the unexpected procedure.

CI Soft appeared to have a less hierarchical culture, but this lack of formal structure was unexpected.

Then Choi’s lips twitched slightly, hinting she might have been teasing.

“I’m sorry, but I think I understand why the president is so ineffectual around you.”

“What do you mean?”

“The president isn’t used to dealing with someone like you. You’re his complete opposite. And you seem like the type who subtly teases others, even from a woman’s perspective.”

“That can’t be true.”
“I’ll make sure to deliver the note for you. He might not attend, but just write down the time and place here.”

Secretary Choi offered Se Ah a notepad and pen. Se Ah completed her note.

“If something like this happens again, just email me.”

“Oh, that works?”

“Yes. Hardly anyone sends direct emails to the CEO. They usually contact me. So, he probably didn’t even check it. By the way, you can get the corporate card from the finance team.”

“Understood.”

Se Ah was about to leave after bowing.

“Ms. Ji, if I may.”

“Yes?”

“Would you be interested in having a private meal sometime? Aren’t you curious about Mr. Cha’s childhood? I know him best among the family.”

Secretary Choi’s voice lowered at the end of her sentence.

Kang Woo left the meeting room and entered the elevator.

A haggard young man with unruly hair and tired eyes stood inside, reflecting in the mirror.

He laughed bitterly at his own disheveled state.

After a restless night and a head full of turmoil, it was no wonder. Plus, the meeting had been longer than usual. It had been exactly two hours since he left his office.

Finally, they had finalized the lineup for the collaboration with Gcoms. It was a large-scale gaming project involving a substantial investment. The team included development planner Lee Chang Seok, engineers, writers, music directors, and dozens more.

He hurried through the lobby, passing through the revolving door. Nam Tae’s car was waiting outside.

Manager Lee greeted Kang Woo respectfully.

“Please get in.”

“Why the sudden invitation?”

“Assemblyman Nam wants to dine with you. He’s been waiting; the meeting took longer than expected.”

“You should have told me earlier.”

“Sorry about that.”

Manager Lee apologized profusely.

Kang Woo eyed him coldly, wondering how far Lee would go for his father.

The car window lowered.

“Get in.”

“I’ll visit the house next time. I have a lot of work.”

“It won’t take long. You have to eat anyway.”

Nam Tae’s commanding voice came through. Kang Woo, looking reluctant, met his father’s gaze.

“It’s about Se Ah. Better to talk outside than at home.”

The mention of Se Ah made Kang Woo twitch. A triumphant smile appeared on Manager Lee’s lips.

Eventually, Nam Tae persuaded Kang Woo to enter the car. Manager Lee drove slowly out of the gate.

“Speak up.”
“Let’s eat and talk slowly. Manager Lee will be listening too.”

With a dry breath, Kang Woo leaned back against the seat, his head pounding from heightened sensitivity. It had been a taxing day.

Was it a belated attempt to build father-son relations? The restaurant ambiance was awkward. The walls were adorned with murals, and white tablecloths covered the round tables.

There were more staff than tables. A male waiter with a ribbon tie and a female waitress in a hairnet moved busily with teapots and dishes. Kang Woo knew well the ordeal of a meal, considering his father’s fussy palate.

He thought if the food was good, he might bring Se Ah here next time.

After settling down, Kang Woo rolled up his shirt sleeves to check the time. It was almost 7 PM.

He needed to resolve today’s matters without dragging it into a lengthy emotional battle. After a sip of water, he set the glass down.

“Speak up. I’ll have my meal later.”

“Why did you bring Se Ah into the company? Can’t you separate personal from business in your dealings?”

“I can’t say there was no personal motive.”

Nam Tae grunted in displeasure.

“But Se Ah joined based on her skills. I didn’t interfere with the hiring.”

“That’s your view. Others see it differently.”

“I don’t care about others. A little criticism is fine.”

Kang Woo dismissed it.

“You’re still far off. Showing discontent on your face. Tsk.”

“It’s not my father who’s earning for me. Pay me, and I’ll behave.”

The son’s relaxed counter irked Nam Tae, who bit his lower lip in annoyance.

“Smile, father. Like on TV.”

A tense standoff ensued between father and son. Kang Woo, twisting his lips, picked up his phone.

He was about to message Se Ah about being late. He hadn’t contacted her all day due to his temper, and she hadn’t either, as usual.

“Kick her out of the company. What’s a woman doing in business anyway? And a writer at that?”

Kang Woo paused writing the message to look at Nam Tae, his eyes narrowing.

“A sudden thought. Why did you easily agree when I proposed marrying Se Ah? You were keen on setting me up before.”

“Ridiculous. Out of the blue.”

Nam Tae looked down, sipping water.

“Did you spy on me that night I was with Se Ah?”

Kang Woo focused on his father’s changing expression.

After a brief silence, the sound of a woman’s heels echoed.

“Sorry, I’m a bit late.”

Min Young, holding her suit coat over one arm and adjusting her dress, bowed her head. Simultaneously, Kang Woo’s phone rang.

Se Ah, perhaps? Instinctively fast, his gaze shifted to the message.