Chapter 1: How do i make a baby? “

Just because someone’s a chaebol doesn’t make them special.

Unlike the wicked characters in dramas and TV movies, some possess an untainted innocence.

Of course, sometimes that’s the problem when it happens right in front of me.

Like now.

‘Could I have misinterpreted it? I inwardly mulled it over, but there was no mistake.

That was real.’

I turned off the sink and asked again.

“What?”

I don’t know what they taught her in s*x education, but to experience something straight out of a TV drama in real life…

My eyebrows twitched like waves, but I didn’t let it show.

A servant must be thorough before the landlord.

Only then can they avoid being discarded once their use is over.

“Well, don’t you learn all about it in s*x education?

Like, the process of making a baby and all that.”

“I don’t really know.

Can you tell me?”

My employer’s ocean-deep blue eyes sparkled brightly.

“No, you can’t.”

I flatly refused.

No matter how much I teach you, this is something I can’t teach.

“Hmph.”

This woman, dressed in a jet-black suit with shining silver hair, was none other than my employer, Joo Eunha.

Joo Eunha leaned back against the leather backrest, looking even more dejected.

Joo Eunha had been summoned since the crack of dawn.

By Chairman Joo, who led the entire group.

‘What could the Chairman want?

As I pondered it, a single word flashed in my mind: ‘Child.’’

The Chairman had been reaching out in many places to find a successor, and now he was even bothering Joo Eunha, the youngest.

He barely had enough time to find a grave for himself, yet he was wasting his energy on such trivial matters.

The more I saw, the stranger this group seemed.

“Eunha, did you get a lecture from the Chairman?”

Joo Eunha let out a gasp of shock.

“How did you know?”

”Because at this time of year, marriage proposals always come up.

And among the Bumseongpung family, you and your older sister are the only unmarried adults… It seems the Vice Chairman has already given up, so they’re probably putting their hopes on you.”

Stung by the accuracy of my words, Joo Eunha loudly sipped her hot teacup.

“Mmm!

Delicious!

Is it because it’s from India?

But it’s from England.

Such frivolous conversation passed between us.”

“You don’t like it?”

“Of course not.

Actually, these arranged meetings are just formalities.

They just treat me like a decorative trophy.

A desolate father-daughter relationship without love or anything.”

Thud—.

Joo Eunha dropped the record, stopping the music.

Soon, an awkward silence settled.

“The reason you’re angry, I don’t think it’s just one thing.

You’re absolutely furious, absolutely livid.”

“A tool, a doll, unable to choose anything.

I just hate being treated like that.

I’m an adult, you know.

I can’t even properly hold a man’s hand…”

After finishing her sentence, Joo Eunha gulped down her milk tea in one go.

Then, she gestured towards me with her chin.

“Except for you, Mister.

There’s nothing as comforting as your touch.”

“Considering all the years I’ve watched you grow, I suppose so.”

I scratched my cheek.

Having watched Joo Eunha since elementary school, it was easy to form an attachment.

It would be stranger if I hadn’t.

“You were always by my side.

We even held hands and went to school together, so I wonder how I would have lived before if you weren’t there.

Hehehe.”

Joo Eunha was once again in full conversational bloom.

I replied appropriately while thoroughly rinsing the teacup.

“So.

Is there a man you’ve got your eye on?”

“Huh?”

“Someone you like, I mean.

There must be, right?”

“Y-Yes, there is!”

“Who is it?”

“It’s a secret!

He’s, he’s a commoner?

Someone who works for our family, and he’s really handsome, and kind, and incredibly mature—”

Joo Eunha spoke like a machine gun.

Love between a commoner and a chaebol heir?

She really did have a connection, after all.

How she managed to meet him, evading my watchful eyes as her close attendant, was a mystery.

But what’s good is good.

“How long have you known him?

I’ll give you relationship advice.”

“R-Relationship advice!”

Joo Eunha clenched her fists, bridging her words.

“I, I fell in love at first sight.

With him.

The moment I saw him, I knew it had to be him and no one else.

My body felt a thrilling tremor.”

As if reliving the emotion, Joo Eunha gripped her arm tightly and shivered.

“That guy really hit the jackpot.”

I tossed out a comment.

Idol-like looks.

A calm and elegant personality.

A considerate heart.

To have a daughter who has it all – a perfect daughter.

I almost envied the man.

I should wish him good luck.

“Then, did you confess?!”

“I haven’t confessed yet.

I, I don’t have the confidence.

If I confess, he’ll accept me, right?”

Joo Eunha’s words trailed off.

She was clearly a child in love.

I smiled contentedly.

“You’re cute and capable, with excellent initiative…

There’s no way anyone could dislike you.

Hah!”

Joo Eunha’s lips curved upwards as if soaring.

“Right?

Hehehehe.

B-By the way, your face looks a bit stiff.

You’re not having any trouble, are you?”

“Huh?”

I touched my face.

My face was indeed stiff.

I pursed my lips bitterly.

Right, today was that day.

I lowered my head.

My expression didn’t soften easily.

Actually, luck had followed me since joining Seongpung.

If it weren’t for my mentor’s help, I would have failed.

In a way, it was a truly eventful life.

I had to submit my resignation soon.

I had made a deal with the company.

In exchange for acting as Joo Eunha’s caretaker, all my accumulated debts would be forgiven.

I bitterly rolled my tongue.

I had to bring up the main point, but my lips wouldn’t move.

“U-Eunha.

There’s been talk of a personnel transfer recently.”

“Personnel transfer?”

I nodded.

The contracted duty, 『Raising Joo Eunha』, had long since been achieved.

The handover and groundwork were also complete.

Now all I had to do was write my resignation.

Then, according to the contract, I would gain wealth and freedom.

But a vague sense of unease clouded my mind.

The past flashed before my eyes like a revolving lantern.

If I stayed by her side any longer, she might continue to rely on me.

It was time to tell her.

Honestly.

“I’m quitting, effective today.

Actually.”

I announced, taking off my apron.

****

Joo Eunha froze motionless, as if turned to stone by Medusa in a myth.

It must have been due to the shock or betrayal of someone she trusted leaving.

That was my assumption.

I’d experienced it often too.

In bodyguard work, your hands get stained with blood frequently.

“What did you say?”

Joo Eunha asked again.

The air froze chillingly, and the perceived temperature plummeted below zero.

–Section Chief.

“Come in.”

I pressed the in-ear radio firmly, giving instructions to my subordinates.

A moment later, the penthouse door lock clicked open, and one by one, burly men in black suits entered.

“Section Chief Ahn.

Are you here?”

The man at the front called my name.

It was Manager Park, whom I had always marked as my successor.

“Manager Park.

You’re here?

I already told the young lady.

I couldn’t explain everything, but she’s a very clever person, so she’ll understand,”

“Yes.

By the way, should we take your luggage separately?

We can’t even give you a farewell ceremony, so at least that.”

“It’s fine.

What farewell ceremony?

It was strange to show interest in a falling stone anyway.

My luggage is already in my car’s trunk.

I just need to grab this document bag.”

I nudged Manager Park’s side with my arm and continued.

“The young lady, that is.

She hasn’t experienced many unexpected situations like this.

She’ll be quite surprised.

As you know…”

“Ah.”

Manager Park uttered a short exclamation and nodded.

He understood perfectly, I tell you.

“Understood.

You know that soon, right?”

“That a separate escort team will be assigned?”

“Yes.

How about saying goodbye?”

“Right.

I should say goodbye…”

I approached Joo Eunha and stroked her head.

Sobs filled the air.

She was crying so sorrowfully.

“Ah, Mister.”

Her ocean-deep blue eyes, hard to read, looked up at me.

She must be trembling with betrayal.

I know that too.

That’s why I’m even more sorry.

Because I’m leaving without even being able to apologize.

I stroked Joo Eunha’s head.

This child, she loved my touch so much.

Haa, that was already years ago.

As I pulled my hand away, Joo Eunha reached out and grabbed the hand that was trying to escape.

It was as delicate as a fern frond.

So much so that I could shake it off immediately.

“Wait.

At least tell me properly.

Why, why are you leaving?! Am I not good enough?!”

Joo Eunha shouted loud enough to make the penthouse collapse.

I couldn’t answer.

Soon, the group’s planning department staff would arrive.

It would become troublesome then.

I had vowed many times to separate work and private life.

I checked the wristwatch strapped to my arm.

‘They’ll arrive in a few minutes.’

I bit my lower lip.

If I didn’t leave now, I’d probably run into them on the way.

That would delay things again.

I picked up my document bag and looked down at Joo Eunha.

“Eunha, you did well.”

Mwah───.

I kissed her forehead and turned towards the entrance.

“I’m leaving now.

Manager Park.”

“Yes.”

I gestured to Manager Park with my chin.

Because if Joo Eunha clung to me, it would become a headache.

With a feeling like tearing off my own flesh, like spitting blood, I took a step.

Every time I leave, I wonder if this is right.

But this is for Joo Eunha’s sake.

I wanted to believe that.

I opened the door lock and stepped out into the penthouse hallway.

The door slowly closed.

One, two, three.

As soon as I counted, the door closed.

The buzzing sound of it locking echoed.

Now, I was a free man.

A free man with no ties to Seongpung.

–Mister!

Mister!!!

–Stop her!

Don’t let the young lady leave!

Soon, screams echoed from inside, but Manager Park’s swift action prevented disaster.

I went to the elevator and pressed the open button several times.

Would I ever be able to return someday?

I don’t know.

I leaned against the wall.

I sobbed for a few minutes.

I don’t remember how I got to the underground parking lot.

It was a nightmare I didn’t want to remember.

“…Ugh.

Why is my eye sweating?”

It was the worst summer of my life.

****

I wrote my resignation and took off my uniform.

With the money I had saved and my performance bonus, I bought a house in Seoul.

It was a new apartment complex.

There were several plots of land within the complex.

I had enough money, so I bought a plot too.

I’d always had a dream: to open a modest cafe and leisurely listen to customers’ stories.

“Did you really start a business for that reason?”

Kim Garam, leaning against the counter, asked.

She was a part-timer at our shop, and with her excellent barista skills and good personality, she was our shop’s ace.

I had omitted the details of my past, but she clearly didn’t believe me.

“Yeah.

Everyone has a bucket list, don’t they?

I just did mine at this age.”

“Wow.

Rich.

Did you buy Bitcoin or something?

Or stocks?”

I did invest my ten years in Joo Eunha.

It was something more valuable than Bitcoin or stocks.

Though now, it’s just a faded memory.

Anyway, the cafe business was doing well.

So much so that it was rumored to be a local hotspot.

Because I told Kim Garam such things, a rumor spread among the apartment neighbors that I was the ‘Bitcoin Jackpot Mister,’ but whatever.

What people believed was all the same.

“Ah, right.

I have to watch that today.”

“Joo Eunha?

You watch her every day.

Are you a Joo Eunha fan, by any chance?”

“Why?”

“No, no, I like Joo Eunha too!

She’s pretty, and cute…”

“She’s kind.

A diligent kid.

Hehehe.”

I immediately turned on my phone.

Lately, my hobbies had changed a lot.

In the past, shooting and exercising were my daily routine.

Now, my hobby was collecting photos and binge-watching.

Refresh, refresh.

Then, I was drawn in as if possessed by a newly uploaded news article.

[Joo Eunha, Makes Her Return… “Meeting My Beloved Fans Again!”]

‘Oh, it’s out.’

To think that little kid would grow up this much.

Tears were practically welling up.

[Joo Eunha, South Korea’s Top Influencer!]

[Exclusive Interview: “Who is Her First Love!”]

[Love is to be Gained! Joo Eunha Finally Confesses?!]

Several years ago.

Joo Eunha announced her return.

From the past, Joo Eunha had always loved being in front of people.

A star.

That’s how she appeared to me.

Like her mother, she stepped forward in front of others.

Then, when I retired, she also disappeared… but then, as if she had been waiting, she made a vigorous return to her activities.

I felt fortunate to have even this small pastime.

“Boss.

I’ll head out now.”

“Oh, okay.”

Kim Garam packed her things and left first.

I checked the wall clock.

It was already closing time.

I stretched my stiff body and entered the apartment building.

I took the elevator to the top floor.

Unit 2402.

My home, and also my base.

I entered the password and stepped inside.

I untied my shoelaces and immediately prepared for bed.

Today’s Joo Eunha was good too.

As I was reliving those memories and getting ready to wash up.

My phone screen lit up brightly.

There weren’t many people who would text me.

My mentor would be busy these days, and that person was still struggling at Daehan Group.

There was no one suitable to contact.

“Who is it?”

I was checking my messages with annoyance.

Suddenly, I sensed something strange.

It was from a number I had blocked; I was sure I had prevented any access from it.

–––

–Joo Eunha: Mister.

–Joo Eunha: I

–Joo Eunha: have finally become your equal.

–Joo Eunha: Immediately,

–Joo Eunha: open

–Joo Eunha: the door.

–––

I thought the sight before me was absurd.

This must be a dream, it has to be a dream.

Voice phishing?

Yes, it must be voice phishing.

The hypothesis that Joo Eunha had come looking for me was immediately dismissed from my mind.

But my prediction was wrong again.

–––

–Joo Eunha: Ah, the read receipt disappeared.

–Joo Eunha: (Image of Joo Eunha winking and making a V-sign)

–Joo Eunha: (Image of Unit 2402’s front door plaque)

–Joo Eunha: Now,

–Joo Eunha: you believe me, right?

–––

Damn it.

****

“J-Joo Eunha?”

My words caught in my throat.

Could that little kid really have found her way here?!

I had done everything I could for years to prevent her from finding me.

It would surely harm Joo Eunha.

Could it be an AI composite or deepfake?

They say scams are becoming more sophisticated.

But what would they gain by accurately identifying me?

Before I could answer all those questions, the reunion immediately occurred.

Bang, bang, bang———!

The sound of knocking echoed from the entrance.

So forceful, as if it would break the door down.

“Wait, just a moment!”

I hastily threw on an outer garment and opened the front door.

…

…

Our eyes met.

Silence descended.

Joo Eunha, drenched in sweat, wiped the beads of perspiration from her forehead with her arm.

Her beauty was even more striking than in her photos.

As expected, the lineage shows.

It was Joo Eunha who spoke first.

“………Mister.”

“Eunha… How did you…”

“Misterrr!!”

Joo Eunha gasped excitedly, then, with reddened eyes, she embraced me.

My head grew cold.

The calm that arises in an extreme crisis.

This must be the feeling my mentor always spoke of.

I considered the possibilities.

The reason Joo Eunha had sought me out so urgently.

‘Could it be that other young masters or ladies attacked Joo Eunha?’

It was entirely possible.

Because Joo Eunha was a neutral party in the group’s internal struggle for shares.

I gripped Joo Eunha’s shoulders, holding my breath.

I had prepared for unexpected situations, but I didn’t expect it to be this sudden.

I scanned my surroundings.

No one had followed her.

No footsteps.

This floor was almost empty except for me.

Except for the neighbors I hadn’t seen.

With a contorted expression, I asked in a worried tone.

“Are you okay?

Are you hurt anywhere!”

“Haa.

Mister.

Why did you disappear from me?”

This wasn’t the time for such an absurd reunion.

Who knew what kind of trouble she might be in.

“This isn’t the time to talk about other things—”

Joo Eunha immediately cut me off, her voice choked with tears.

Her glistening eyes overlapped with the scene I remembered from our parting, and my nerves tightened.

“Do you, do you even know how much I searched for you, Mister?”

“S-Searched for me?”

“Yes.

I told you so many times that I liked you.

Mister.

You wanted to see me go crazy, didn’t you?!”

Thud!

Joo Eunha pushed with her upper body, knocking me over.

To be pushed back by her strength… I hadn’t expected it.

I hit the floor belatedly and shook my dizzy head violently to calm myself.

I desperately tried to push Joo Eunha away.

But Joo Eunha didn’t budge.

It was because, having distanced myself from fieldwork, not only my skills but even my muscles had rusted.

But an even greater reason was…

The desire not to harm Joo Eunha in the slightest.

“Joo Eunha.

Please calm down.

You’re being threatened right now, aren’t you?

Tell me everything.

Are you being wiretapped?

Or is it something else—”

Joo Eunha shook her head.

“There’s no way I’m being threatened.”

She pressed her index finger firmly against the bridge of her nose, as if telling me to be quiet.

“You came of your own accord?”

Only then did I feel a chilling sense of déjà vu.

Because that was the only remaining possibility.

“Eunha… You shouldn’t do this.

I won’t report you, so just go back.

Think of the other young ladies and masters.

They’re using every bit of their power just to secure a single share!

You’ll create a weakness for yourself.”

“I don’t want to hear about weaknesses or anything.

Just answer my question.

Where have you been all this time, Mister?

Tell me properly.

I want to hear it directly from your mouth.”

“Well, that’s the thing.”

I had no choice but to tell the truth.

“It was the Chairman’s order.

To leave once you turned twenty.”

“Ha, hahaha.

That man, who isn’t even my father, gave such an order?

Do you know how much I suffered while you were gone, Mister?”

“Huh?”

“I almost died from lovesickness.

I believed you would find me someday, and I yearned for you so much.”

Joo Eunha smiled ominously.

“But to think you’ve been leisurely idling here all this time.

You really have a good life.

Though it makes me happy to see the person I love looking so content.”

“W-What are you talking about?”

“I like you, Mister.

I damn well love you.

Why don’t you understand?

You’re not an idiot, Mister.

That commoner I talked about, that’s you.

Huh?”

My breath caught at her shocking declaration.

‘She loves me?

What’s so good about an old man like me…!’

At the shocking confession, a wave of anger surged.

To create a weakness for herself with such a foolish act!

It was madness.

“What’s wrong with being older?

I like that.”

Mwah─── Joo Eunha slowly pressed her lips against mine.

Then, a strange lump passed through.

It was a pill.

The pill, pushed by her tongue, immediately slid down my windpipe and into my distant digestive system.

Unable to resist, our tongues forcefully intertwined.

Joo Eunha whispered in my ear.

“Mister, I’ll enjoy this meal.”

That day.

Joo Eunha and I simultaneously lost our innocence.