{KOREAN-ENGLISH}
"Where is Yun Jun?" Chairman Lee Han Gyeol asked, scanning the hall.
"He'll be here soon, Father," Lee Seo Jun replied respectfully.
The banquet continued with elegance and restrained grandeur. The entire Lee family had taken their seats at the reserved table,powerful, polished, perfect.
"I heard you invited some investors," the chairman said, eyes narrowing at his son. "What are you planning this time?"
Seo Jun sat upright, his voice steady. "I want to open a therapy home. For people going through heartbreak, false relationships, and domestic violence."
The hall went quiet for a second.
"Are you sure we can profit from it?" Han Gyeol asked, his tone flat but probing.
Seo Jun hesitated for a brief moment, then answered carefully. "Yes, Father. If the investors agree, it will grow,more branches across the world. More people, more reach. We gain influence."
A small smile curled on the old man's lips. "You know me too well. Power is worth more than money."
Everyone knew Seo Jun's idea wasn't just a business move. It was about redemption. About someone he couldn't save.
⸻
"So Min, hope you'll come visit me soon?" the chairman turned to her, voice softer.
So Min blinked in surprise, then bowed her head politely. "Yes, sir. I'd be honored."
Chang Seung, sitting beside Jeong, smiled. "I love your idea, Seo Jun."
"Thank you," Seo Jun nodded, though his eyes were elsewhere.
"My brother is the best," Min Jun added proudly.
Just then, Lee Yun Jun arrived in his tailored suit. "What has brother done this time?" he asked, grinning.
"Happy birthday, Father," he said, bowing.
"Yun Jun, you're late," Han Gyeol said but motioned for him to sit.
"I'm sorry, Father. The hotel's still looking for a chef who can prepare proper Korean dishes. I haven't found one yet."
So Min hesitated, then softly spoke, "I know a great chef. I can connect you with him."
Yun Jun turned to her in surprise. "You can?"
"Yes. He owns a restaurant near Gangnam," she smiled.
"That's great. Thank you, Joon So Min."
"You're always saving the day," the chairman chuckled. "Such a sweet girl."
So Min smiled shyly. "Just happy to help."
Seo Jun watched her, quiet and unreadable.
⸻
"Father, here is your gift," a maid entered, carrying several ornate boxes.
"From me and Chang Seung," Jeong said, presenting the pile of luxury packages. Others followed, each gift more expensive than the last.
So Min looked down at her small purse, a frown touching her lips. Then, with courage, she reached inside.
"This is for you, sir," she said, handing over a tiny container. "It's for relieving body pain. It's handmade."
There was a beat of silence.
Some guests exchanged glances. Whispers swirled like smoke.
But Chairman Lee Han Gyeol smiled genuinely and took the gift. "Thank you, So Min. I will use it well."
Her shoulders relaxed. "Thank you," she said.
And just like that, the whispers faded.
⸻
The rest of the banquet moved smoothly. The chairman remained kind to So Min, even inviting her again in front of everyone.
⸻
Later that evening, Seo Jun and So Min walked together to his car.
"How are you?" he asked.
"I'm fine," she replied, eyes fixed ahead.
"I'll drop you home. Thank you for today," he said.
She offered a small smile. "You're paying me. I have to do my best."
He frowned at her words but said nothing.
⸻
"Thank you," So Min said as she stepped out of the car.
Seo Jun didn't reply.
He drove off.
So Min stood there, wondering what had made his mood shift so quickly.
Was it something she said?
She sighed and turned into her apartment.
⸻
The next day at work, So Min was sketching a new dress design when a coworker rushed in.
"So Min! The man from the other day is here to see you!"
Her heart skipped. Seo Jun?
She stood quickly and walked out.
But her smile disappeared when she saw him.
"Jung Hyun," she said, voice flat.
"So Min," he walked toward her. "I came to thank you."
"For what?"
"For helping me. I didn't know you knew people like Lee Yun Jun. He called me himself,he wants to try my food. Maybe even hire me!"
"Oh," she said, surprised. "I just mentioned your name. That's all."
"No, So Min. That's a lot. It's a dream come true. I owe you."
He reached out and held her hand.
"I didn't do much," she said and gently pulled her hand back.
"Sorry," he muttered.
"How do you know Yun Jun?" he asked after a pause.
"He's... a friend."
Jung Hyun didn't quite believe her, but he didn't press.
"If I get the contract, will you be my plus one?" he asked with a hopeful smile.
So Min stepped back slightly. "No... this was just my way of saying thank you."
Her voice cooled.
"Jung Hyun, we can't be together anymore. I told you that. You moved on years ago. What changed? Su Jin left you?"
She let out a short, bitter laugh.
"I know I messed up," he said quietly. "I was young. I regret a lot of things."
"Congratulations, Jung Hyun. But I have to get back to work now."
She turned away without another glance.
She wouldn't let him get to her again.
He wasn't worth it.