An Instinctive Proposal (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 9
5 p.m.
Yeon Woo arrived at the venue for the dinner reception.
She was supposed to meet Tae Han here, as he had external appointments scheduled until the afternoon.
A dazzling chandelier hung from the ceiling, which soared three stories high.
The people walking beneath it seemed unreal, as if viewed through a television screen.
She had expected that dressing slightly neater than her usual office attire would suffice, but this place belonged to an entirely different world.
Now she understood why Sung Won had stopped her before leaving the office and insisted she change clothes.
She also understood Tae Han’s comment that his partner needed to be a woman.
‘This feels awkward.’
Yeon Woo looked down self-consciously at her outfit.
In her hand was a designer mini bag, and on her wrist and fingers sparkled expensive jewelry she’d never dreamed of owning in her life.
Her attire was no different—though seemingly simple at first glance, the fabric clung closely enough to reveal her silhouette, and the back plunged all the way down to her spine.
It was less an outfit and more a dress.
Slightly turning her head to glance at her reflection in a nearby display window, Yeon Woo bit her lip tightly at the unfamiliar sight of herself.
She’d even applied slightly heavier makeup to match her outfit—was it coming across as unnatural?
While she stood there, still debating whether to wipe it off, the crisp sound of polished dress shoes approached steadily from ahead.
The shoes, stopping just before her, gleamed as if brand new—but they weren’t unfamiliar.
“When did you get here?”
It was Tae Han.
Though his appearance seemed no different from usual, the special ambiance of the venue made him appear unusually radiant.
“I just arrived too. But I had no idea the dinner reception would be like this…”
She’d imagined a quiet, serene dining setting—but she’d been mistaken.
This place resembled more of a standing cocktail party, with waiters circulating carrying champagne and finger foods.
“You suit this well. Just as I expected.”
Yeon Woo lifted her head with a puzzled expression at his gaze sweeping over her.
Just as he’d expected? She’d assumed Sung Won had arranged everything behind the scenes—but could Tae Han have personally given those instructions?
“Let’s go in.”
But without giving Yeon Woo time to adjust, Tae Han took her hand and pulled her along,
linking her arm through his. Startled, Yeon Woo flinched briefly before remembering this was strictly a business visit and followed his lead.
Inside, the space was far larger and more opulent than anything imaginable from a lounge.
It was filled with people glittering like stars.
They mingled in sophisticated attire, just like characters from a movie.
Yeon Woo quietly widened her eyes in astonishment—she’d never realized such a culture even existed in Korea.
“Try managing your expression a bit.”
At that moment, Tae Han leaned in and murmured softly, just for her to hear.
Only then did she realize she’d been gawking around like Alice dropped into a strange new world.
Did she look unsophisticated?
Remembering that her behavior reflected on Tae Han as well, Yeon Woo deliberately relaxed her shoulders.
“Hey, President Ki Tae Han.”
Just then, a group approached Tae Han.
Yeon Woo, turning to look, recognized one of the men and greeted him first.
“Hello, Senior Executive Yum Jong Hoon.”
“Secretary Seo. What brings you here with Tae Han?”
“She’s my partner for today.”
Tae Han gestured toward Yeon Woo with an open palm.
As the atmosphere naturally invited formal greetings, Yeon Woo gently slipped her hand from Tae Han’s arm and bowed slightly in greeting.
Aside from Senior Executive Yum Jong Hoon, Tae Han’s university classmate, everyone else was a complete stranger—so she assumed introductions would be brief.
“But this is Secretary Seo, the one Tae Han mentioned?”
Had Tae Han really spoken about her?
While Yeon Woo looked up at him, puzzled, the surrounding crowd began showing interest in them as well.
“Wow, the legendary Secretary of Tae Han? It’s surreal to see you in person.”
“Pleased to meet you. I’ve been curious—you’re even more beautiful than I imagined.”
Yeon Woo couldn’t understand their conversation.
‘How do they even know me?’
She wasn’t Tae Han’s executive assistant like Sung Won, nor was she a high-profile employee—how could there possibly be rumors about her?
Noticing Yeon Woo’s discomfort, Tae Han placed his arm reassuringly around her shoulders.
“Enough already—stop bothering my secretary.”
He seemed unaware that his gesture only made her more flustered.
“Secretary Seo, is Tae Han treating you well?”
“He’s not the type to be kind, is he? But this is fate—we should get to know each other going forward.”
Yeon Woo could only offer an awkward smile, caught off guard by the unexpected situation.
She would’ve been even more embarrassed if Tae Han hadn’t intercepted the business cards being thrust toward her.
Just as she resolved to maintain composure as Tae Han’s attending secretary, a woman approached him.
“Tae Han.”
Yeon Woo’s eyes widened slightly as she turned.
It was Senior Executive Sung Min Hee—the same Sung Min Hee Ji Hyun had mentioned seeing with Tae Han recently.
Renowned for her brilliant mind, exceptional business acumen, and leadership skills despite her youth, she was widely admired.
Her stunning beauty, reminiscent of a celebrity, also kept her constantly in the public eye—much like Tae Han himself.
“You came? I thought you might not show up today. It’s nice running into you here.”
Min Hee smiled warmly and extended her hand toward Tae Han.
He didn’t refuse it and clasped her hand in return.
It was just an ordinary handshake, yet memories of office gossip made Yeon Woo’s chest burn.
“There’s no woman better suited to be our President’s wife than Sung Min Hee.”
Almost instinctively, Yeon Woo took a step back, as if making space for the two who’d drawn closer.
She quickly averted her eyes from their joined hands—
“Chairwoman Gi asked about you recently. Your brother’s birthday is coming up soon. No matter how much you resent him, you should still reach out.”
But Min Hee’s single remark instantly chilled the surrounding atmosphere.
‘Brother?’
Tae Han’s older brother could only be Vice Chairman Ki Tae Wook. She’d heard their relationship was strained—but enemies?
“Watch your words.”
True to expectation, Tae Han’s face darkened as he issued a warning.
Min Hee, startled, widened her eyes and quickly reached out to lightly grasp his arm in an awkward gesture.
“Oh—I got carried away by excitement and misspoke. Sorry.”
Trying to lighten the mood, she turned her attention to Yeon Woo.
“But who’s this?”
Since she was here as Tae Han’s secretary, Yeon Woo glanced at him for cues before greeting respectfully.
“Hello. I’m Seo Yeon Woo, Secretary to President Ki Tae Han.”
“Oh, so you’re the one! It’s a pleasure.”
Another cryptic reaction came her way.
Min Hee’s tone implied she’d heard much about Yeon Woo, sparking curiosity—but Yeon Woo held back her questions and simply maintained a polite smile.
Introductions continued.
People still swarmed around Tae Han, all eager to greet him.
Watching from a short distance away, Yeon Woo felt a subtle ripple stir within her chest.
It felt as if an invisible wall stood between where she stood and where Tae Han stood.
They lived in entirely different worlds—making her position one she could never truly approach or belong beside him.
She remained at a distance, watching Tae Han, until the crowd around him finally dispersed.
“What are you doing standing there all alone?”
Only once he’d finished greeting everyone did Tae Han notice her and call out.
Yeon Woo finally moved toward him.
“You should greet people too, Secretary Seo.”
“I’m not your executive assistant, so it might inconvenience Director Kim if I do.”
Thinking of Sung Won back at the office, Yeon Woo fabricated an excuse.
Since it wasn’t untrue, Tae Han didn’t press further.
Just then, an announcement echoed through the venue—the dinner reception would begin shortly.
Staff dressed as waiters guided them toward their assigned seats, and Yeon Woo glanced around before whispering to Tae Han,
“I’ll be right back—just going to the restroom.”
She figured there’d be some time before things officially started, so she wanted to touch up her makeup.
The clicking of her heels echoed as she entered the restroom, and she immediately felt her feet beginning to ache. She sat down in the powder room.
‘My feet hurt.’
Upon removing her shoes, her heels were already reddened and swollen from blisters.
She wasn’t used to this style of heels, and standing too long had left her feet unable to adjust.
Wiggling her freed toes, she finally had a moment’s peace to look around.
‘So a place like this really exists.’
Even the restroom resembled a space straight out of a film—like a luxury European hotel or an extravagantly decorated model home.
After a brief moment, she quickly touched up her makeup and slipped her feet back into her shoes.
“Oh!”
But at the entrance of the powder room, she ran into Min Hee.
Surprised by the unexpected encounter, Yeon Woo briefly bowed her head—basic etiquette as one of Tae Han’s staff.
After the greeting, she tried to hurry past quickly.
Her feet throbbed as if the burning pain had shifted straight to her chest.
“Wait a moment, Secretary Seo.”
But a voice called out behind her. Turning, she saw Min Hee standing firmly in her path.
“Can I talk to you for a bit?”
“…What about?”
“Nothing major—just something I’d like to confirm.”
Min Hee lifted the corners of her lips and began stepping closer to Yeon Woo.
“This might be rude to ask someone I’ve just met—but you and Tae Han… I mean, President Ki—there’s nothing special between you, right?”
Unable to discern her intention, Yeon Woo could only stare back without answering.
Up close, Min Hee was so stunningly beautiful she seemed like a doll. Her refined elegance radiated an aura that placed her in a completely different dimension from Yeon Woo.
Yeon Woo found it hard to hold Min Hee’s gaze.
A storm kept raging inside her chest.
“President Ki occasionally mentions you. You know he’s not the type to show interest in others, right?”
“If he mentioned me, what exactly…”
“Nothing grand—just occasional remarks during work conversations.”
Though logically understandable—after all, he was her superior—Yeon Woo still couldn’t keep her expression perfectly composed.
Tae Han wasn’t someone who casually talked about his staff outside the office.
“You didn’t know?”
Reading Yeon Woo’s face, Min Hee gave a slight shrug.
“That’s why everyone’s been curious—just what kind of employee could possibly make President Ki act this way?”
“He didn’t say anything particularly special.”
“Don’t kid yourself. For Ki Tae Han of all people to even mention someone—that’s like the heavens themselves taking notice.”
A crease formed between Yeon Woo’s eyebrows, her heart trembling.
Turns Out He’s Been Secretly in Love with Me
One-line summary: He acts like he doesn’t like her but is actually playing hard to get.
Synopsis:
Xu Muzhou like her. He has liked her for a very long time, and through repeated schemes, he finally closed the distance with her.
But this is still far from enough.
He wants to be the one who stands out among her many suitors, to fight for her attention, and to make her take the initiative to pursue him.
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aah, serim really messed up.
claimed to know everything but in reality know nothing.
allergic reaction could be really dangerous.