Han Seung Yul, director of , entered the chairman’s office.

“You called for me.”

“I called because I was frustrated that you didn’t report separately when you’re pushing forward with an important matter.”

“I apologize.”

“Sit down for now.”

Chairman Han offered the seat in front to his son who was standing stiffly.

“You’re acquiring ?”

“Yes, Mr. Chairman.”

“There will be no shortage of flies buzzing around the golden egg of the distribution industry. Are you confident?”

As Chairman Han, his back buried in the plush sofa cushion, asked while stroking his chin with his index finger, Han Seung Yul raised a subtle gaze towards his father.

Though he had come under Chairman Han with a purpose, it was never easy to face the father who had abandoned him twice. He had to endure the disgust of having to swallow back the bitter water that refluxed, hitting the back of his throat.

Nevertheless, Han Seung Yul’s attitude was as neat as his appearance.

” is faltering due to an abnormal operating system and reckless expansion. If we acquire that company and just return all systems to normal, it will become the best in the industry. Isn’t it fitting then for our group to absorb it?”

Chairman Han, who couldn’t help but be enticed by the words ‘our group’, deepened his thoughts as much as the wrinkles between his brows.

Han Seung Yul, who grew up well on his own and graduated from Harvard MBA, and who was recognized for his abilities in every business he touched at world-class companies he entered with a salary exceeding hundreds of millions – it was certainly not unpleasant that this high-caliber talent coveted by any major corporation was his own child.

However, since he had been an illegitimate son born out of wedlock, he had pretended not to know until now, and thus continued to ignore his son’s abilities as well.

Moreover, when he was kidnapped by Saudi armed groups last year, he rejected the negotiation documents sent from their side as nonsensical. Not only was he reluctant about the enormous ransom for his hostage son, but it had become a habit to disregard that fellow to such an extent.

But for some whim, Chairman Han coaxed Han Seung Yul, who had miraculously survived and returned from the armed group’s den, and called him into his own company.

And he gave him the position of group director through a drastic personnel decision. However, it was absolutely not a belated compensation to clear away the resentment of the past when he had made him live like an orphan abroad because it weighed on his conscience as a father.

It was because of the calculation that putting forward a son with outstanding abilities and strong self-reliance would look good to others, and his dignity, which had been cut down by Han Seung Jae, would somewhat stand up again.

Still, the more he looked at him, wasn’t he a guy that struck his fancy? There was no doubt he was a much better fellow than his ill-mannered first son, Han Seung Jae.

“If that’s how you feel, then go ahead and do well. But you do know what will happen if things go wrong, right? I’m talking about your brother, Former Executive Director Han of Rian Motors. Just keep in mind that you’ll suffer even more hardship than him.”

“Thank you for trusting me, Mr. Chairman.”

Chairman Han, who was quite pleased even with the appearance of bowing his head politely and paying respects as he left the chairman’s office, pressed the intercom with a somewhat sinister expression, though he seemed to be in a good mood.

“Come back in.”

– Yes, Mr. Chairman.

Following the instruction, soon after, a young female secretary entered the chairman’s office with a bright smile.

Yoo Jung Hwa, who had fallen into the trap she had set herself, was arrested.

It was two weeks after that incident.

The news reported extensively last evening turned the world upside down.

People couldn’t take their eyes off the TV for a long time, unable to contain their shock at the fact that not only was there illegal drug administration and familicide, which was already inconceivable, but she had also stalked one person for years and tried to kill them.

Moreover, as the result of that trial came out yesterday and was immediately reported, everyone couldn’t help but be surprised one after another, realizing anew how serious the incident was as they learned of the sentence Yoo Jung Hwa received.

The public, exposed to media that referred to the victim of Yoo Jung Hwa as “Ms. Y” without mentioning any accurate personal information, became even more curious about who this anonymously reported person might be, with no way of knowing.

The staff at the CF filming site, who were no less shocked by the Yoo Jung Hwa incident, continued to talk about the news reported yesterday while working.

“Is it true? That Yoo Jung Hwa received life imprisonment for familicide.”

“You think that’s all? She had so many crimes that Oh Min Jung, who almost died in the fire incident before, made a fuss to the end so the sentence was about to be even heavier, but the victim who appeared as a witness at the last minute asked for leniency, so she barely avoided the death penalty. I heard she gave up on appealing too since there’s no chance of winning even if they retry the case in that state.”

“Just how many crimes did Yoo Jung Hwa commit? No matter how endless human greed is, with that popularity and that appearance, what was she lacking? Sheesh, she really went overboard.”

“That’s what I’m saying. They were talking about her onion-like charm when she was doing well, but what’s this? Wasn’t she an onion that rolled around in a field of crimes?”

So Yeon, who had been quietly listening to their conversation while touching up her makeup, was left with one more scene to film for the advertisement. As she calmly waited for the assistant director’s call to prepare for that scene, Do Soon, who stuck close to So Yeon’s side, said with a raised corner of her mouth:

“That woman’s fate is her just deserts, but was there any reason for you to ask for leniency?”

“They say hate the sin but not the sinner, but I… hated the person too.”

“Then you shouldn’t have done that even more.”

“I thought if I hated her because I disliked her, my heart wouldn’t be at ease.”

In other words, if you repay hate with hate, only hate remains. Even if you pull just one foot out of that swamp of hatred, your heart, lightened by that much less resentment, will become much lighter. That was the meaning.

Do Soon smiled as if she understood what it meant.

“Anyway, that’s so like you, Eom So Yeon. Is that why? You look like you’re in a good mood today.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. So much that even I’m feeling good along with you.”

Hearing those words, So Yeon noticed that Do Soon’s complexion looked rough. It seemed there was a problem on the love front with the CEO. So Yeon, who affectionately linked arms with Do Soon, asked:

“Why, did you fight with the CEO?”

“What is there to fight about? We just eat meals even when we meet often, and we won’t even be able to do that in two months.”

That’s right. They had used one month of the three-month contract dating period, with two months left. Do Soon was counting that fact and waiting for that day. No, she was hoping that day would not come.

So Yeon seemed to understand what Do Soon’s feelings were like.

“Aw, that can’t be. From what I see, these days when the CEO looks at you, it’s like lasers are coming out of his eyes. Even if contact is cut off for a moment, he calls me urgently asking where you are without fail. How could someone like that break up with you?”

“I know that too. But it still feels like there’s no future for the CEO and me.”

“Do Soon, in my experience, even obsession is love. Looking for you frantically for no reason. That’s something that can’t happen unless he likes you.”

“Did the director do that to you too?”

So Yeon, who blushed slightly at the sudden question, whispered in Do Soon’s ear.

“Maybe, he did?”

Do Soon’s eyes sparkled at So Yeon’s words, but her eyes quickly drooped as if there was already no hope, and she shook her head.

“No. No matter how many times I asked if he loved me, the CEO said he didn’t.”

“Even now?”

“I haven’t asked lately because it’s petty.”

“Then why don’t you ask again today?”

“What if he says no?”

“Let’s talk about that after you ask.”

There was a reason So Yeon said this much.

The stronger a person’s ego, the harder it is for them to easily admit their changing feelings. Until they recognize that it’s love, big and small labor pains are inevitable.

Also, isn’t half of love tears? The rest is pain too. And only by enduring all of that diligently can one complete a valuable love.

So Yeon, who had learned this painfully while loving Tae Seo Jun, wanted to encourage the dejected Do Soon. Though the result is only known when you go all the way, at least so there would be no regrets.

“You know what Yeo Do Soon is good at. Belting it out refreshingly. So you should keep expressing your love in your Yeo Do Soon way. If you do that, at some point the CEO will fall head over heels for Yeo Do Soon’s bold charm and won’t be able to get out, right?”

“You think so?”

“Of course. How pretty and charming is my friend. Actually, I became friends with you because I was captivated by your cool appearance and personality.”

“I became friends with you because you looked pretty too. Hehehe.”

Do Soon, who had looked gloomy all day, smiled brightly as usual. Thanks to that, So Yeon could also smile brightly.

8:00 PM.

“You can work with us on the spring collection too, right?”

“Of course, Director. We have to keep our word properly for it to taste right, don’t we?”

“So Yeon did so well today that the filming wasn’t difficult. I look forward to tomorrow as well.”

“I was gaining confidence because the atmosphere on set was good too. Then, I’ll see you tomorrow. Everyone, thanks for your hard work.”

The day’s filming ended as they exchanged greetings with the on-site staff.

So Yeon, who left the filming location, got into the car driven by Park Sung Ho sent by Seo Jun, and Do Soon drove to a nearby cafe where Gu Won Hoo was waiting and picked him up.

As Won Hoo got into the passenger seat and fastened his seatbelt, Do Soon asked:

“What about the CEO’s car?”

“I sent it back. That way Yeo Do Soon will pick me up, right?”

“Hehehe, that’s right. I can just pick up CEO Gu Won Hoo when he has no car.”

Since they hadn’t set a specific destination when meeting, the car was naturally heading towards Do Soon’s house. It was when the car stopped briefly at a red light.

“Here, drink this. The coffee aroma is very nice.”

Won Hoo, who had gotten coffee to go from that cafe earlier, put a straw in the cup and put it to Do Soon’s lips. When Do Soon started the car again as the light changed, Won Hoo sipped the remaining coffee through the straw Do Soon had used.

Do Soon, who had been observing his expression in the rearview mirror for a while, asked:

“Slurp, this is strange. Do you know the CEO looks just like a wet puppy today?”

“I can’t help it. They’re making a fuss about going on another blind date again…”

Won Hoo just swallowed the rest of his words along with the coffee, as if his thoughts had become complicated.

“Your parents still haven’t given up?”

“……”

Doesn’t no answer mean yes? Even without hearing it explicitly, Do Soon could clearly see Gu Won Hoo’s circumstances.

He would have to protect the company’s investment funds, and he would hate getting married without feelings more than dying, but his family would be pestering him to break up quickly and marry another woman.

Do Soon, who could fully sense the pressure on his shadowed face, threw out a joke-like truth:

“What’s the big deal, I can set up a company for you. It’ll take some time though. So just throw everything away. I’ll pick up the CEO. Gu Won Hoo doesn’t need anything. I’ll feed and clothe you completely.”

“…!”

Won Hoo, who stared at Do Soon with surprised eyes, had quite a flustered expression. Thinking she might have touched on something she shouldn’t have, Do Soon snickered and corrected herself:

“Are you that surprised over a joke? Where and what time is tomorrow’s blind date? I’ll go and make a big scene.”

Though she was smiling with a bright expression, Do Soon was in a painful love. It hurt her heart more that she couldn’t be of help to him who was struggling, but she forced herself to act as if nothing was wrong, pulling up the corners of her mouth even more as she said:

“I could make everyone in the blind date market wave their hands at Gu Won Hoo, what do you think? Should I do that for you?”

“……”

Whatever he was thinking, Won Hoo just kept looking back and forth between the dark car window and Do Soon. So Do Soon, who could only feel more awkward, focused on driving while babbling whatever came to mind.

“Anyway, in a few days So Yeon will start filming a movie so there’s not much time left to interfere with the CEO’s blind dates. Or you could change your mind now and find a decent woman who would be helpful for business and get married. Well, that wouldn’t be too bad either.”

But no matter how much she chattered, no matter how wide she opened her eyes, the blurriness in front of her eyes that was starting to well up with moisture didn’t improve at all.

“A political marriage isn’t bad either, right? You can’t have everything you want, whether it’s dreams or marriage…”

Do Soon stopped her rambling when her gaze met directly with his.

His stare, whatever it was, had an earnest look in his eyes as if he wanted to say something. Could it be, is he trying to say let’s end it here? If that’s really the case, wouldn’t it be right for me to let him go first rather than letting it come to that?

As her thoughts flowed to that point, Do Soon spoke without delay:

“Ah, what about the remaining 2 months. Just tell me when you’ve made up your mind. I’ll break up with you right away.”

“Those words… do you really mean it?”

“Which… that I’ll break up?”

Do Soon’s heart sank, wondering if this was really the end. She wanted to sew her mouth shut immediately for saying useless things. As tears suddenly welled up even larger, blurring her vision hazily, Do Soon opened her eyes wide.

That’s when it happened.

Won Hoo said in a low voice:

“No. What you said before that.”

“Ah, that I’ll make a scene when the CEO goes on a blind date?”

How fortunate it wasn’t talk of breaking up. Because of that, Do Soon’s voice tone was much higher.

“……”

But it didn’t seem to be that either, as Won Hoo just kept his lips tightly sealed.

“Then what? Are you perhaps going to have a political marriage?”

“……”

“If not that either, then what?”

“Will you… really pick me up?”

“…Pardon?”

“If you’re going to do that, you’ll have to let me sleep over too.”

“!”

Vroom, screech!

Do Soon quickly turned the steering wheel and hurriedly pulled the car over to the shoulder. It was because she suddenly couldn’t see anything in front of her due to the tears that had welled up.

Do Soon, who was completely out of her mind, couldn’t understand at all what this man was saying.

But her heart, which was beating wildly, seemed to properly know Gu Won Hoo’s feelings.