“Tomorrow night, a valuable guest is coming. Make sure to prepare well.”
Chalang, the wind chime hung at the edge of the annex’s eaves, rang softly.
Following the spring breeze, Sahee slowly rose. The fresh scent of flowers lingered on her reddened fingertips as she embraced the vase. The floral chaos erupted because the youngest daughter-in-law of the Jeongmun family adored flowers.
Since dawn, Uncle Bang had been wailing outside Sahee’s room after returning from the flower market.
Of all days, Mrs. Chun, who was in charge of decorating the Yonghwadang, had fallen ill. What are we supposed to do now? Sahee, you’re an artist, so your aesthetic sense should be better than mine, right? You didn’t graduate from an art college in Seoul for nothing. If this goes wrong, Yonghwadang will fall out of the lady’s favor and end up ruined…
Even while blocking her ears against the incessant lament, Sahee eventually had to open the door.
The owner of Yonghwadang, shaman Park Jisun, was her grandmother. If the order stated that a valuable guest was coming, she had to obey it, even if it meant her legs were torn apart.
Sahee walked slowly and placed the last vase by the artificial pond next to the stone wall. The Provencal-style vase was large enough to obscure her upper body and heavy enough to strain her from the waist down.
Ugh.
Suppressing the twisted pain that felt like tangled threads, Sahee sat on the landscape stone surrounding the pond. Despite the short distance, cold sweat ran down the side of her face.
Phew…
When the wind swept away the sweat and the sharp pain finally subsided in the sunlight, Sahee could finally take in her surroundings.
Is it the first time in nine years that this annex is being used? The sight of it now, in full bloom with flowers, was quite a spectacle.
The last time they all gathered here was after Jung Seong-ryeol, the eldest son of Jeongmun Group, committed suicide by jumping off a building. Although the Jeongmun family occasionally visited Yonghwadang after that, they never used the annex. That’s why Mrs. Chun had tried so hard to make the place shine like a new house and ended up getting sick.
Until a week ago, this place had been nothing more than Sahee’s desolate workspace that no one visited. Often, the only sounds she heard were the murmurs of people passing by beyond the wall or the rustle of overgrown leaves…
“Wow, Lee Hyungu. How long has it been?”
Today, the intruding voices were familiar.
Lee Hyungu, and a man who was likely his classmate.
Originally, when the Jeongmun Group visited, that back road was supposed to be blocked off, but Mrs. Chun must have forgotten while she was ill.
“Really? Look at you, looking all fresh after living in Seoul. Long time no see. Are you here to see your parents?”
“The seasons changed, so I had to. I just escaped for a bit to avoid the nagging at home. I’m sick of hearing about marriage. How old am I to be talking about marriage?”
“Parents are all like that.”
“Even though times have changed, they don’t listen. I mean, age aside, you need a woman to get married. Can you get married alone? Not only marriage, now they want to see a child too. I’m planning to go up as soon as I get a chance.”
“Didn’t you say you were meeting a colleague last time?”
“We broke up ages ago. Lee Hyungu, you.”
“Me?”
Sahee briefly turned her head toward the two classmates exchanging life updates. It was because of that cursed intuition that seemed to flow in her blood.
“Ha, should I say this?”
“What? What is it?”
“I might… marry Yeon Sahee.”
“What? Yeon Sahee? That Yeon Sahee?”
Crazy bastard.
A smirk slipped from Sahee’s lips.
“Yeah.”
“Are you dating? You?”
“Not exactly dating… It’s just that the elders in the family are talking.”
“If the classmates find out, they’ll go crazy. This bastard. Marrying Yeon Sahee?”
“Ah, why!”
“Why? Look at you grinning from ear to ear. Half the boys in our neighborhood had Yeon Sahee as their first love. Not even half—almost all.”
“Jealous?”
“Jealous, you bastard.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Still as damn pretty?”
“Pretty, but that’s all, right?”
There was no response from the other side. Sahee could easily imagine Lee Hyungu’s characteristic smug face.
You should take the chance when I offer to marry you.
His greasy, shiny eyes seemed to say that. Watching him, it was both ridiculous and endlessly miserable.
“It’s not like she has a decent job. Was she a fairy tale writer or an illustrator? Just between us, there’s nothing to see in Yeon Sahee except her body. My mom absolutely refused, but it’s just my pure heart, ha… You know.”
“Well… Your mother has a point. She’s a cripple.”
Cripple.
At that word, the emotions that had surged and swirled a moment ago scattered into nothingness. It was something she had experienced countless times since that derogatory term became her essence.
Just as she was about to turn away, Sahee flinched. It was because her eyes met another’s through the eerie silence of the rustling leaves.
Cold, snake-like eyes.
A gait neither hurried nor slow.
A tall man in a dark navy suit was walking through the annex. He was imposing, with a presence that filled the space.
Though he was moving, he resembled a marble sculpture, all sharp lines and poised elegance. His gaze, looking down at her like an uninvited guest, was arrogant, as if he were the rightful owner of the place.
Sahee knew this man.
Jung Taeon.
CEO of Jeongmun Construction.
His face appeared in the news almost daily, and her grandmother chanted his name like a mantra. Watching it, his name felt like a spell. As the prominent heir holding the financial lifeline of Yonghwadang, he was a force stronger than any truth.
“He is a valuable person, so he must be treated with respect.”
Hearing that paradox, Sahee, who had scoffed that all people are the same, found herself crushed under the pressure.
Taeon was already staring at Sahee from a step away. The slow, deliberate act of taking a cigarette from his jacket pocket and lighting it looked bored, almost disinterested.
It was clear that he didn’t even register Sahee’s existence, assuming she was just a servant who would bow her head and quickly scurry away. Without saying a word, his piercing gaze alone conveyed the silent command to get lost.
Taeon flicked open his Zippo lighter and lit the cigarette. He took a deep drag and exhaled slowly. The smoke swirled in the air before dissipating.
“When I was younger, I was heartbroken and felt sorry for that girl. If I were to marry her… I’m not sure. You’re amazing, Lee Hyungu. You’re really in love. But can that Yeon Sahee even have sex? Isn’t she paralyzed from the waist down?”
“What are you talking about? Are you out of your mind? She injured her ankle, not above that.”
“Oh, have you already done it?”
“Not yet. Soon, I guess.”
Ignoring the taunts from over the wall, the man casually lowered his gaze. It was too deliberate to be casual. At the end of his gaze, Sahee’s slender ankle was exposed.
Sahee limped. It was from an accident she had as a child. She had been swept away by a strong current in a river, and her left ankle got stuck in a crevice of a rock. She was said to have endured it for half a day. When she was found, her ankle was already shattered beyond repair.
Since the accident, her life had been gradually worn down. Life had thrown Sahee into a cycle of endless loss, eroding her innocence, naivety, and cheerfulness until it felt as though they had never been hers to begin with. At times, she became cynical and resigned, but losing herself was not something she could ever fully accept.
“Damn, she has huge breasts. Back in school, we all prayed together, hoping just once that Yeon Sahee’s uniform button would pop open.”
“Damn it, that’s your sister-in-law.”
The man’s gaze, which had been fixed on her ankle, climbed up the length of Sahee’s body. When the white T-shirt billowed in the wind, momentarily revealing the curve of her breasts, Taeon’s brow lifted slightly.
Sahee’s clenched fists had turned white. She struggled to maintain a composed expression despite the humiliation. Her cheeks ached from forcing a smile.
“She’s so stiff. It was in the past, in the past! We were young and full of energy back then! And we haven’t even gone to the altar yet, man. And who’s your sister-in-law? She’s your sister-in-law. Got it?”
“… I’ll let you know how it was on our wedding night.”
“Haha. Congratulations in advance. Lee Hyungu is marrying Yeon Sahee. I should have stayed with my parents instead of going to Seoul.”
“You… can’t handle Yeon Sahee.”
“You have a lot of inheritance. Is that it?”
“Yeah, well! Isn’t it? Ha, I’m already worried. How am I going to live with her?”
“Yeon Sahee has a terrible temper.”
“It doesn’t matter now, does it? How dare she act all high and mighty to her husband? Does she think she’s still the same Yeon Sahee?”
“Wow, Lee Hyungu is a man now?”
She was already furious.
Sahee quickly gave a curt nod to the man. As she tried to walk past him, she lost her balance and stumbled. He caught her arm without hesitation.
“…”
Taeon frowned and pulled the cigarette from his mouth. Tapping the ashes off with his fingertips, he put the cigarette back between his lips. His gaze was fierce, his cheeks hollowing as he inhaled.
Through the swirling smoke, he continued to stare at her. His lips moved soundlessly, forming words without malice,
“Is that you?”
Before she could fully grasp his question, her ankle, where his gaze had lingered, throbbed sharply. Not to mention the numbness spreading through her arm, still tightly gripped.
Sahee’s gaze dropped to the source of the ache. Taeon followed her line of sight and loosened his grip. Taking the opportunity, Sahee quickly pulled away. The conversation from behind the wall had already ceased.
“Hey, is Yeon Sahee here?”
It was then that she heard a voice calling her from a distance. Her uncle seemed to be looking for her cautiously, having heard about the early arrival of the guest.
Sahee finally snapped back to reality. She quickly bowed, mimicking Mrs. Cheon’s habitual gesture whenever VIPs visited — a graceful, practiced bow.
“Excuse me. I’ll be going now.”
“… Oh dear! I’m so sorry. I heard you were coming later tonight.”
In the meantime, Uncle Bang, having spotted Sahee and Taeon, hurried over. Taeon gave a brief nod.
Uncle Bang, standing beside Sahee, flashed an ingratiating smile and lightly patted her arm.
“Sahee, go to the main house. They’re looking for you.”
“Yes.”
“CEO Jung, this way, please.”
Uncle Bang escorted Taeon with exaggerated flattery, showering him with compliments like, “Congratulations on your appointment as CEO,” “You look more handsome every time I see you,” and “You’re sure to illuminate the entire Korean business world.” He was so eager to curry favor.
Sahee ignored the lingering ache in her arm and walked away.
****
When she arrived at the main house, her grandmother and the second wife of the Jung family, Min Yeojin, were already conversing. Sahee quietly stood behind them.
“Grandma, you called for me.”
“Yes, Sahee.”
Her grandmother smiled gently and placed a hand on Sahee’s shoulder. Patting her lightly, she gestured towards the wife, as if to indicate that Sahee should greet her first. Min Yeojin’s eyes narrowed briefly.
“Hello, Madam. I’m Yeon Sahee. I’ll be assisting you from today.”
Min Yeojin’s gaze swept over Sahee. Although the scrutiny lasted only a moment, it was sharp, as if she didn’t bother hiding her discontent. When she finally spoke, her tone was somewhat clipped.
“… Is this the granddaughter you mentioned? The one who does ballet?”
“That’s the second one. This is the eldest. She helps out at the movie theater. Mrs. Cheon, who always served you, fell ill from overworking while preparing for your visit. I’ll have Sahee and Mr. Bang assist you in the guest house for a while.”
“Oh, I see. The one who never stopped praising CEO Jung? Now I don’t know what to believe. How can your granddaughter be so beautiful?”
Her voice, which had started softly, carried a subtle, unpleasant distortion. Sahee maintained her poise, her smile firmly in place. Park Jisoon, of course, understood the underlying meaning.
“You flatter me. How could a country girl compare to CEO Jung? Sahee, bring some tea.”
“Yes.”
Park Jisoon clearly grasped the woman’s intentions. As Sahee turned to leave, the wife sighed softly. Behind her, she heard her grandmother’s affectionate, almost pleading tone.
“Her leg is a bit uncomfortable. But I’m sure this capable child will take good care of you.”
“… Of course. How could she not? She’s my granddaughter. I heard the chairman praises you so much. Why don’t you visit Seoul sometime? The chairman misses you.”
“Of course. Naturally.”
Min Yeojin’s voice, previously cold and sharp, now sounded strangely upbeat.
Sahee walked on without a second thought. With each limping step, the calluses of her past were crushed beneath her feet.
It wasn’t something to be sad about. If anything, it was fortunate that the wife, who had been so anxious about her unmarried son, had softened her attitude after just one step.
Thinking of Jung Taeon — a man whose gaze had been so openly scornful — it was a ridiculous worry from the start.
****
Damn it.
Taeon tugged at the tie choking his neck and let out a bitter laugh.
The 13-day, 14-night overseas business trip had pushed him to his limit, and now, with only half a day left before his official return, he found himself in this remote place. It was so absurd that a hollow laugh lingered on his lips.
Even after successfully closing the first-quarter contract, he left for the business trip without a moment to celebrate.
Now, his entire body reeked of alcohol and cigarettes from the final bidding competition with Italy and Japan. As he made the rounds in the Middle East and the next Olympic host city, he cursed beneath his polished smile.
Damn 1 trillion club.
Jungmoon Construction’s operating profit, which had been in decline, finally surpassed 1 trillion won last year. It had been four years since Taeon took office, and five years since Jungmoon Construction began its revival, making it a historic re-entry into the 1 trillion club.
Chairman Jung was delighted and appointed Taeon as CEO. At the inauguration ceremony, the old man, who had been itching to speak, raised his palm towards the audience.
“CEO Jung Taeon is the one who has learned and practiced the five principles I used to grow Jungmoon the closest. And today, after five years! I am placing five times the expectations on our CEO Jung, who has brought our company back into the 1 trillion club.”
Was he obsessed with the number ‘5’? The old man clung to meaningless superstitions.
Nevertheless, with Chairman Jung’s one declaration, Taeon’s face was plastered on the evening news and the front page of the next day’s business section, announcing that Jungmoon Construction’s next goal was the 5 trillion club. He was trapped from the start.
And then what? Now that he was inaugurated as CEO, he should purify his body and mind for a month?
Taeon laughed bitterly, recalling his mother’s face at the airport. Exhausted from the layers of fatigue, he was met with her beaming smile.
Son.
At her cheerful call, Taeon embraced his mother and immediately sensed that something was off.
It was about his cousin, whom the chairman had arbitrarily placed in construction.
Jung Taejun’s embezzlement of 8 billion won was something Taeon had kept an eye on, waiting for the right moment. He had thought, “How far can a chick fly?” and watched from the sidelines. Besides, it had to be that much to finally wring the neck that cried so noisily day and night.
But while he was overseas, the chairman took that chick under his wing. Taejun, with his pride wounded, knelt before the chairman and cried, saying it would be a disgrace if his own cousin handled it. The absurdity was enough to make Taeon choke on his own laughter.
“You know, after your uncle left, the chairman has been quite attached to Taejun. Even if he doesn’t say it, you should think he’s aware of your efforts. Your father also wished you’d listen to the chairman’s request and take this as a long-overdue vacation. You haven’t rested in two years.”
So, Taeon scrapped his plan to head straight to the company from the airport. Instead, he followed his mother down to Yeonghwadang.
Pretending to be oblivious and staying down for a month would supposedly solve everything? What nonsense. In any case, the company’s major issues would still require his hand. There were far too many urgent matters.
The talk of resting was just a facade. In the end, he was being trapped and deceived. Even the tranquil sight of blooming flowers and flowing water only irritated his nerves.
“Damn it.”
Taeon sighed deeply, tossed his jacket onto the bed, and collapsed beside it. As he lay there, the urge to smoke hit him, and the face of the woman he had seen through the cigarette smoke came to mind.
An unexpected intrusion. The clear hostility beneath those large, tearful eyes had been strangely striking.
Taeon closed his eyes, the image of that woman’s face lingering in his mind. He licked the inside of his mouth with his tongue.
She was a woman who could drive a man crazy. Soft, warm-colored eyes and a gracefully curved frame.
Not just pretty — she was arousing in many ways.
But that was all.
Taeon shook off the thought and turned his attention to the wind chimes outside the window.
The wind chimes rang clearly, echoing through the scenery where the white light scattered. It was a picturesque view, a cruel contrast to the hell he had just left behind in the smoky gray city.
“Vacation…”
Vacation. A vacation is good.
Muttering to himself, Taeon rose and began unbuttoning his shirt. He needed to wash away the accumulated fatigue.
****
Before dawn.
Sahee, who was getting ready to go out, turned her head at the sound of a knock. The heavy, deliberate thudding and the shadow on the door gave away who it was.
Putting down the lip balm she had been applying, Sahee opened the door.
“Are you getting ready?”
Park Jisun was dressed in a hanbok, indicating she had been receiving guests since early morning. Despite the striking colors of the five-colored hanbok, her presence was even more commanding.
Sahee stepped aside to let Park Jisun in.
“Come in.”
“Have you been working?”
“I had some time after washing up.”
Instead of entering, Park Jisun remained at the doorway, her sharp gaze sweeping across the room. Under the tall lamp, art supplies lay scattered across the desk. Tsk. Her lips, thickly coated in bright red lipstick, clicked in disapproval.
Sahee awkwardly rubbed her neck.
The place where she stayed was a small sarangchae, separate from the main building. When she was younger, it had been bustling with family, but that time was brief. Once her half-sisters left for high school in Seoul, the sarangchae fell into silence.
Sahee didn’t mind the quiet. It was better than sitting in the room, listening to others’ laughter.
When her sisters’ voices called out for their mother, whined to their father, and burst into laughter like blooming flowers, Sahee felt like a weed. Something unwanted, something to be plucked. But desolation came faster.
Now, the sarangchae was her space to clean and maintain, and it had aged alongside her. After three years of high school and four years of college, it had become a solitary island where even the wind echoed too clearly.
Sahee abandoned the idea of inviting Park Jisun inside and stood straight.
“What brings you here?”
Park Jisun didn’t answer. Instead, she reached out and grabbed Sahee’s chin roughly. Before Sahee could react, those thick, calloused fingers smeared the lip balm across her lips, rubbing until they turned red and swollen.
Without warning, Park Jisun yanked the collar of Sahee’s white shirt.
“Ugh.”
A short groan escaped as her neck was scraped by the stiff fabric. Park Jisun didn’t seem to notice. She buttoned the top buttons of Sahee’s shirt, which had been casually left open.
“Don’t act rashly. That’s what I came to say.”
“……”
“The cost of you living and breathing in this house is all funded by that family. It’s best not to get on the lady’s bad side. Anyway, it’s only until Mrs. Chun wakes up, so keep yourself in check.”
“……”
“Tie your hair up properly.”
“Yes.”
As she was about to turn away, Park Jisun paused and stroked Sahee’s cheek once. Finding no makeup smudged, she sighed faintly and walked away without another word.
Sahee stared blankly at the sand that had fallen onto the porch.
What was so urgent that she came in without even taking off her shoes?
Bringing a broom, Sahee swept up the scattered sand and shook it off towards the yard. The small, routine act made her feel slightly better.
****
Prayer is sincerity.
It was a saying she had heard countless times. Park Jisun always told guests seeking answers that they should pray with pure sincerity — the more earnest they were, the better.
Then, the guests would immediately bring bundles of money, placing them before Park Jisun while crying that they hoped for change, no matter the cost.
Recalling the hundreds of desperate eyes, Sahee glanced at Min Yeojin, who was praying.
What was this woman’s earnest wish? It must be for her only son to inherit Jungmoon Group.
Sahee’s gaze shifted slightly to Jung Taeon, seated against the wall behind her. CEO Jung Taeon, who had arrived precisely at prayer time, was constantly tapping at his tablet PC.
The man, dressed in a gray V-neck sweater and slacks, appeared more relaxed than the previous day, but the sharpness in his aura prevented him from fully unwinding.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
The sound of his fingers striking the tablet screen fell like rain.
One of the madam’s closed eyes slowly opened. Perhaps the noise was grating on her nerves; she briefly glared at the seat next to her.
“Hey, Taeon, come over here and put in some effort! Should your mother be the only one doing this? People might think the CEO of the construction company is your mother!”
Taeon chuckled without lifting his gaze.
The madam sighed, shaking the hands she had clasped together. Surrendering, she attempted to rise, but her knees wobbled. Sahee quickly stepped forward to support her.
“Are you alright?”
“Oh, my head. Thank you. I shouldn’t be receiving help.”
“It’s nothing.”
“I need to rest for a bit.”
“Would you like some cold tea?”
“Water will do. Thank you.”
The madam smiled gracefully as she settled onto the cushion. With a soft sigh, Sahee walked over to the cabinet in the corner and poured water from the kettle. The spring water her uncle fetched each morning quickly filled the clear glass.
As she carried the tray back to the madam, she felt a gaze. Taeon was watching her. His eyes followed her every step, almost as if he were studying her, causing her steady gait to falter slightly.
“Phew…”
“Madam, please drink.”
“Yes. The water here always tastes good.”
“Would you like more?”
“No, thank you.”
Min Yeojin smiled and wiped the sweat from her forehead. Sahee remained standing quietly by her side, holding the tray. The madam, perhaps feeling uncomfortable sitting in silence, handed back the empty cup and started a conversation.
“Your name is Yeon Sahee, right? How old are you, Miss Sahee?”
“…I’m twenty-nine.”
“Do you have a boyfriend?”
“No, I don’t.”
“It’s a good time for that. Why not?”
“I haven’t thought about it yet.”
“Well, you’re still young and so pretty. Why worry? Do what you want until you meet someone. You don’t necessarily have to, anyway. I used to think marriage was a must, but now, I wonder if there’s any point in complicating life with romance and marriage. Don’t you think so?”
She spoke warmly, as though forgetting the sharp tone from the previous day. Sahee gave a faint smile and replied briefly, “Yes, I agree.” At the same time, there was a soft chuckle from behind.
Min Yeojin glanced back at Taeon with displeased eyes.
“Why are you laughing?”
“I like what Mother is saying.”
“I wasn’t talking to you, CEO Jung. Your situation is different. If you’re going to take over the group and run it, you need someone reliable by your side.”
Taeon said nothing, his eyes lowering back to the tablet.
The madam shook her head, her shoulders slumping. She looked at Sahee, as if confiding in her about Taeon’s shortcomings.
“That’s how he is. Cold on the inside but sways when he feels like it. I know him best. I gave birth to him. I wish I had a daughter too.”
“……”
“Your mother must be proud, Miss Sahee. Having two such pretty daughters. You don’t have any siblings besides your younger sister, right?”
“No.”
Sahee’s smile stiffened slightly as she lowered her gaze. The candle was already half burnt.
****
During prayer time, Sahee’s role was to nod and listen to the madam’s chatter.
If it had been the sociable Mrs. Chun, she would have sat in front of Min Yeojin and talked for hours. But Sahee only responded occasionally, just enough not to offend.
“Miss Sahee.”
“Yes?”
“This.”
The madam pulled a white envelope from her bag and handed it to Sahee. When Sahee looked up with a questioning gaze, Min Yeojin’s lips curved slightly.
“Could you deliver this to the Seonnyeo? I was supposed to meet her after prayer, but I woke up too early and I’m not feeling well. I think I’ll just go back and rest. You don’t need to clean the room either. Just tidy up a bit before lunch.”
“Yes. Should I just deliver the envelope as it is?”
“These are the potential match candidates for CEO Jung. Ask her to check compatibility and see who matches best with him.”
Match candidates.
For a moment, Sahee’s eyes flicked to the man who was the subject of these endless match meetings. Across the room, her eyes met Taeon’s.
He turned his back to the madam as if the conversation had nothing to do with him. His actions as he slipped on his shoes and descended the steps were as fluid as water.
The man was thirty-five this year, so it was only natural, but he seemed indifferent. As if such matters were utterly beneath him.
Things like marriage. Match candidates.
“I know it’s a bit much, but the chairman asked me to handle it, so I thought I’d check while I’m here. Anyway, it’s quite a hassle.”
“Yes, I’ll deliver it. See you at lunch.”
“Alright. See you later.”
Min Yeojin slipped her feet into navy flats with small ribbons on the toes and waved a hand at Sahee. Taeon, who had initially turned away as if to leave first, stood by his mother’s side, offering his arm as she put on her shoes.
Sahee watched them from the porch. The madam didn’t urge her to put on her shoes or rush her. After receiving a deep bow, she left the prayer room, leaning slightly against her son.
****
Taeon watched his mother as they walked away, her arm hooked around his.
Her skin was smooth, and her gaze straight and clear, but there was no sign of sleepiness — just the weariness of someone accustomed to holding everything together. He could easily guess why she had the woman deliver the envelope, using her condition as an excuse.
The feeling of a son forced to watch his mother shout that he had a truckload of match candidates to a woman who seemed to have no interest in him.
His mother firmly believed that all men were beasts driven by desire.
She must have been worried that her son, who was about to be forced into a match meeting, might cause trouble with such a surprisingly pretty woman. Instead of controlling her son’s lower half, she chose to target the woman.
Taeon chuckled, recalling his mother’s frank encouragement during his twenties to have as many women as he pleased.
She had said it was better to get it over with while young, as there was no greater disgrace than being obsessed with women in old age.
“Hey, why do you keep laughing like that? So senselessly.”
“It’s nice to walk with you like this after a long time.”
“Stop with the flattery. Can I proceed with the match meetings? I was thinking of having them come here. It’s perfect — quiet, less prying eyes, and the scenery is beautiful.”
“Yes, go ahead.”
Even if it was bothersome, what could he do? Delaying marriage any longer would only be more troublesome. For someone like Taeon, marriage was merely a strategic tool for business. There was no reason to postpone it further. It was time to put an end to his mother’s incessant nagging, scolding innocent women simply because her son hadn’t married yet.
“Good. When you were in Seoul, you always brushed it off, saying you were busy. I wondered what you would do in this rural place for a month, but now you can have your match meetings. Let’s not drag it out — if you like someone, proceed immediately. I was always upset seeing the chairman favor Taejun, but now he’s finally doing something good for me.”
“Were you upset?”
Taeon looked at his mother with an expression that seemed genuinely unaware. Min Yeojin laughed as if the question were absurd.
“Of course. Why should you clean up after that fool? Let’s not talk about it. It just makes me angry.”
Taeon nodded and turned his gaze toward the scenery, his expression indifferent.
At that moment, there was Yeon Sahee. Not far away, the woman was walking diligently. Her high-tied hair fluttered behind her round head as she limped past.
The silhouette of the woman he’d seen in the prayer room came to mind — the nape of her neck illuminated by the yellow candlelight, white and smooth. It looked soft, delicate, as though even a slight touch would leave a mark.
“Isn’t she pretty?”
His mother had caught even his fleeting glance. Without agreeing or disagreeing, Taeon raised the corners of his mouth and looked down at Min Yeojin.
“Are you interested?”
She was trying to gauge Taeon’s feelings.
“I was surprised too. I’ve seen plenty of good-looking actresses and models, but this girl has an aura. She catches your eye. I wonder why she’s doing odd jobs in this rural place. If her leg was fine, she could’ve been an actress…”
Min Yeojin continued, sharing her detailed impressions of Yeon Sahee, insisting that she wasn’t belittling her and adding that if she had acting skills, she could have been a successful actress — even a popular idol.
Is that so?
For a moment, he imagined her with glitter on her eyelids, dancing under stage lights. It seemed more fitting to see her crying in some melodramatic weekend drama, swept away by cheap misfortune. Quite the sight.
“If you want to have some fun with her, just let me know. I’ll talk to the Seonnyeo separately.”
It took a long speech to get to the main point. The absurdity of having his private life meddled with by his mother at his age made Taeon chuckle, though his brow furrowed.
What if I am interested? So what? What difference does it make?
If he liked the woman, he could just make a move. She was attractive, but he had no intention of wasting time on pointless nonsense.
“Will you also provide condoms?”
“Hey!”
“I don’t need it.”
“Was I being too sensitive?”
“Aren’t you tired? Go rest, Mother.”
Taeon shrugged briefly and turned around with a faint, sarcastic smile. At that moment, someone called out, “Sahee!” from a distance.
She hasn’t gone far.
Taeon glanced in the direction of the voice.
Was it Bang Cheol-jun? The man who had introduced the house when he first arrived was rushing toward her. He said they’d met before, but it had been so long that Taeon barely remembered.
The woman stopped at the call, her expression sharp. She seemed to glare at Bang Cheol-jun for a moment, exchanging brief, tense words.
When she was still, she looked like an emotionless wax figure. But seeing her twist in irritation made her seem more human. And their eyes met.
How many times had they made eye contact now?
The first meeting. This morning. After the prayer.
At first, she was wary. The second time, uncomfortable. The third time, cautious. And now… she looked horrified and quickly walked away.
Thinking of her startled movements like a sparrow taking flight, Taeon resumed his steps.
Whether it was her lifelong survival method or her innate nature, there was no way such a perceptive woman hadn’t read his mother’s intentions. She might have already been warned.
So it was only natural that she would try to avoid him. But it strangely irked him.
In many ways, she was an irritating woman.
****
For lunch, a clear radish soup was served.
Sahee, who had eaten early with her uncle, went straight to the annex. There was no time for digestion. On the way back from the prayer room, her uncle asked if she could clean CEO Jung’s room.
He was insistent, claiming he had an urgent date. He even whined, saying he needed to get married, making it impossible to refuse.
Could it really be that great? Sahee thought with a grimace, recalling her uncle sweet-talking his lover after lunch. He was so affectionate, even the end of each sentence was filled with whining. It made her wonder if he was possessed — not by a spirit, but by sheer desperation.
Sahee quickly closed the window under the bed that she had opened for ventilation. She was in a hurry, thinking she needed to tidy up CEO Jung Taeon’s room. Limping, she moved briskly between the two annex buildings.
She opened the door after mentally going over her to-do list: airing out the room, tidying up the scattered clothes, and emptying the trash can.
“…!”
CEO Jung Taeon looked up, his shirt half-buttoned.
“… I’m sorry.”
Sahee slammed the door shut. It was clearly unexpected, but the man showed no surprise. Sahee, who had opened the door, was the one who was more flustered, her neck flushed.
“Come in.”
Taeon’s calm voice came from inside the room. Sahee stared at her fingers still gripping the doorknob before reluctantly pushing the door open.
Inside, Taeon was putting on his suit jacket. The dark gray three-piece suit fit him perfectly, emphasizing his broad shoulders and narrow waist.
“… There was a problem with the person who usually cleans the CEO’s room, so I came instead.”
“On your first day?”
“I’m sorry.”
“Yeon Sahee doesn’t need to be sorry.”
“…”
“Can you leave?”
“I’ll finish up quickly.”
“Okay, then.”
Sahee stepped aside to let Taeon pass. She bowed her head, waiting for him to leave, but he stopped right in front of her. Sahee looked up, her gaze lifting from the hem of his suit pants to his face.
Their eyes met. His expression was unreadable, eyes cool and sharp.
“… Is there anything else you want me to do?”
“No, there isn’t.”
Taeon brushed past her without another word. A gust of wind swept through the room, and a sharp, woody scent lingered in the air, penetrating deep into her lungs.
****
Sahee forcefully patted the crumpled blanket until it was flat. Even while cleaning the room where the man had stayed, she couldn’t shake off the lingering sense of his gaze and scent.
Why would he stand there and watch someone clean? It was as if he didn’t even try to hide it.
Unlike the madam’s cluttered room, CEO Jung Taeon’s room was nearly immaculate. If it weren’t for the damp bathroom floor and the rumpled bed, it would have been impossible to tell someone had even been there.
Did he not eat?
Given his height and build, she thought he’d need three meals a day to maintain it, but he seemed like someone who was simply born that way — all lean muscle and cold poise.
It was as if he had been CEO Jung Taeon since birth. He was a man who was difficult to picture as a child. His sharp, cold eyes seemed almost ascetic in their perfection, as though he had transcended earthly desires. It was hard to imagine someone who appeared to have everything desiring anything at all.
As Sahee moved along the edge of the bed, straightening the bedding, her gaze caught on something that made her body tense.
“…”
A condom box was neatly placed on the nightstand.
A condom. What was that doing there?
Startled, as if she had seen a ghost, Sahee swallowed and forced herself to stand upright. She finished smoothing out the blanket with jerky, awkward motions and quickly straightened her posture.
It was common for businesspeople to stay overnight at the movie theater. Some even used the movie theater as a place to meet their young lovers.
She remembered how Mrs. Cheon used to mimic the exaggerated moaning sounds — “Ah-ah! Ha-ha-ha!” — saying she couldn’t sleep all night because of those shameless acts. When she was younger, Sahee had been startled by such stories, but now she could only laugh them off.
It’s naive to believe that sex is something beautiful and noble. In reality, sexual desire was often crude and ugly. Even people who smiled brightly during the day often became the subjects of Mrs. Cheon’s mocking gossip by night.
Although CEO Jung Taeon wasn’t a married man, it was natural for him to act that way… And to think he was talking about abstinence. How wrong she was.
Sahee left the room with a bitter expression, carrying only the trash bag.
Now she understood why the madam had been so insistent and controlling. As the saying goes, a leaky bucket leaks from both ends. Even though their living spaces were divided, it was still a place she shared with her mother. It was shocking that he would even think of doing such things here, even if he assumed no one would hear.