“Now that I know how to take a breath. Yeah. Let’s see each other occasionally as competitors.”

Even with Minhyuk’s casual gesture, Gyounghyul politely unbuckled the seatbelt and greeted him.

Until the end, observing courtesy made him feel more at ease.

“Oh, right. Don’t tell Wonjun.”

“Yes. I won’t, I promise.”

The two men maintained an awkward relationship, concluding the uncomfortable face-to-face encounter.

“Boss, why did you change your shoes?”

Wednesday, the day of the home shopping meeting. When Seoyeon, who was about to leave, changed into comfortable loafers, Director Kim asked curiously.

“Oh, I spent a lot last time because I almost fell. I don’t want to repeat the same mistake.”

Honestly, Seoyeon wanted to wear sneakers, but it was an official meeting, so she couldn’t.

“Whew… Shoes that won’t trip. Wore them! Comfortable pants to move in. Wore them! Avoided mealtime, and dinner gatherings, declined! Is that enough?”

Before heading to the home shopping, Seoyeon thoroughly checked her mental preparations.

Since Minhyuk’s sudden confession, it was the first face-to-face meeting. Seoyeon wanted to block any uncomfortable situations perfectly.

“Director Kim, Secretary Choi. Today, you must not leave my side.”

Seoyeon needed a safe zone to block Minhyuk’s approach.

“Is there something you’re particularly worried about?”

Adjusting her bag, Director Kim asked.

“No. I feel more secure when you two are by my side.”

Both men chuckled at Seoyeon’s words.

“Well then, shall we go now?”

As Secretary Choi signaled the departure, Seoyeon repeated to herself several times.

‘Be precise and come out quickly.’

For that, she had to check the report thoroughly without missing anything. Seoyeon was busy reviewing documents even in the moving car.

“Boss, we’ve arrived.”

In the midst of Seoyeon’s concentration on work, they had arrived at the home shopping location.

Raising her head and looking out the window, she saw the sophisticated logo of DN Home Shopping.

Suddenly, the confident face of Minhyuk and his explicit remarks came to her mind.

‘Just watch what my feelings are towards Seoyeon.’

What he meant by watching, Seoyeon couldn’t figure out.

“Ugh… It’s annoying.”

“Boss, is there anything uncomfortable?”

Responding promptly to Seoyeon’s murmurs, Secretary Choi asked.

“No, it’s just that I have something to think about.”

Not considering it a big deal, Seoyeon gestured, and Secretary Choi didn’t ask further.

“Now, the meeting room is 8…”

Just as Secretary Choi was about to announce the meeting location.

“Boss Han!”

Hyunwoo greeted her with a cheerful face, shaking hands lightly.

“Oh? Director Lee! Aren’t you going to the meeting?”

Seeing that Hyunwoo, the responsible person for fashion, was outside instead of in the meeting room, Seoyeon asked with a worried expression.
“Ah! I’m currently on a double spy mission.”

At the strange remark, Seoyeon stared intently.

“Because the boss wanted to change the meeting place to the CEO’s office, there was an instruction to escort you.”

‘Why did he suddenly change the meeting place? And to the CEO’s office.’

Feeling uncomfortable about entering Minhyuk’s space instead of the usual meeting room, Seoyeon thought.

“But what does a double spy do?”

In response to Seoyeon’s question, Hyunwoo whispered, looking around.

“It’s Yul. He asked me to help so that Boss Han won’t feel uncomfortable.”

Grateful for Hyunwoo’s discreet actions, Seoyeon felt both thankful and sorry.

“I’m bothering you for no reason.”

“No, you’re not. Regardless of Yul’s relationship, it’s not acceptable. I don’t want to say it’s a hundred times, but it’s not worth it compared to Boss Han.”

Hyunwoo ignited his determination to defend Minhyuk.

The two joked while entering the CEO’s office.

Momentarily, Seoyeon’s sensitive thoughts were set aside.

Minhyuk merely exchanged light greetings without even making eye contact.

‘Did I overthink this alone?’

Despite being well-prepared, Minhyuk kept a certain distance from Seoyeon.

Yet, she couldn’t let go of the tension. Seoyeon only spoke to Minhyuk when necessary.

“Director Lee, please check if clause 3, item 1 on page 5 here looks like a poisonous clause.”

Seoyeon noticed in the documents that the home shopping includes some stake in addition to selling, including trademark rights.

“Oh, that part.”

As Hyunwoo was about to explain, Minhyuk leaned forward and intervened.

“I’ll explain that.”

Minhyuk’s sharp gaze pierced through Seoyeon. His eyes showed no affection or interest whatsoever.

His eyes were filled with coldness, and his words and actions were so calculated that it was almost like a chess move.

Of course, it was his role, but as he forcefully led, Seoyeon was internally bewildered.

‘He said having someone is an advantage. Should I ask for a slightly higher stake ratio?’

Requesting a withdrawal of stakes might jeopardize the entire investment atmosphere.

“I’d like to adjust the ratio. Design is the most important thing in fashion.”

“Please write a report with the desired ratio and valid reasons. Then we will discuss it on our side.”

Minhyuk was not lenient when it came to work.

“I’ll discuss it with Director Kim Hyunwoo.”

“Of course.”

He was more indifferent than rude to Seoyeon.

“Let’s wrap it up for today.”

As Hyunwoo summarized the meeting, it was already well past 6 in the evening.

Contrary to the initial worries, the meeting ended without any major issues. Seoyeon felt relieved as she gathered important documents.

At that moment, a light knock was heard.

“Yes.”

Minhyuk glanced at the door.

“CEO Choi Minhyuk, are you busy?”

At the familiar voice, Seoyeon quickly turned around.

“Oh! Seoyeon, why are you here in the CEO’s office?”

“Oh, yes. Chairman…”

“He came. My sister-in-law.”

Minhyuk lightly greeted Yoonseon and turned towards the desk, then smirked.