Chapter 20: Bonds and Blunders

Asking Seung Hee to keep my plans from the adults was essentially a request to maintain our current distant, “cow staring at a chicken” dynamic. It’d be nice if she could fend off informants like Manager Jo or Butler Seo, too. Since the adults rarely asked her about me, it wasn’t a tough ask.

The first request, however, was trickier. I’d asked for more than what internet searches or success stories could provide—things like interview question trends, the interviewers’ preferences, and planned hires per department.

I planned to join Haewon E&M anonymously through open recruitment. I didn’t want to be parachuted in and treated like a future CEO. Since I wasn’t working to survive, I wanted a job I could keep even if I got kicked out of the Haewon family.

And if she doesn’t help, it’s fine.

By saying this, I signaled I had no intention of being her rival. But she’d likely help—securing her own position by supporting me. Haewon E&M, a relatively new company compared to Electronics or Trading, was practically a newborn. Seung Hee would probably cheer me joining it.

Smiling, I answered Do Yoon.

“Shopping with you is fun. I’ve been looking forward to this weekend all week.”

“…Don’t lie.”

Do Yoon replied curtly, turning away. I chuckled playfully.

“Choi Do Yoon, your ears are red. Were you looking forward to it too?”

“No way!”

When I leaned in close, he recoiled in disgust.

Okay, maybe acting chummy is too soon…

We bickered as we got off the bus.

I’d chosen public transport deliberately after the scooter incident from driving a fancy car here last time. But it led to something funny: an entertainment agency rep street-cast Do Yoon.

Main character vibes.

I watched the novel spectacle with amusement. The rep, mistaking me for someone who’d decide Do Yoon’s future, handed me a business card and dove into a sales pitch.

“Your brother could be an idol, and you’d make a great actor.”

“…”

Empty flattery didn’t thrill me—it just felt awkward. Meanwhile, Do Yoon coldly rebuffed the woman asking for his contact info, his rejection polished like he’d done it before. With that face, it’s no surprise the industry wouldn’t leave him alone.

Once it was just us, Do Yoon suddenly looked at me and asked.

“You’re… not going to contact them, right?”

“Me?”

Clearly, they were after him, but the main character was oddly oblivious here. I burst out laughing, and his face flushed. He seemed to realize his question was off, stammering.

“No, I mean, you’ll inherit the company, but you seem into celebrities…”

Seung Hee’s words flashed in my mind, killing my laughter. The original Seung Hyun was apparently wild with celebrities. Not a topic worth pursuing. I coughed loudly and changed the subject.

“You get this a lot, huh? You didn’t even flinch.”

“Not a lot… maybe three or four times.”

He replied, embarrassed. I was genuinely impressed.

“Wow… figures. Everyone’s got the same eye.”

“Huh?”

“I mean, our family’s kinda cold, so I wondered if I only thought you were good-looking. But no need to worry.”

If a casting director noticed, the heroine definitely would. Smirking at the obvious, I felt proud, but Do Yoon hesitated, then mumbled.

“You… think that?”

“Yeah. You’re pretty too, right? They call it ‘handsome-pretty’ these days. Bet you get tons of confessions.”

His face visibly reddened—an unexpected, almost girlish reaction. In the novel, Do Yoon, the department head, always politely deflected female employees’ affectionate gazes, like an untouchable “flower on a cliff.” He knew his looks drew people in.

…Suddenly, I’m jealous.

He spoke like a broken robot.

“I’m not that popular.”

“Sure.”

I brushed it off. His looks probably intimidated girls from approaching. Average-looking, smooth-talking guys usually fare better. He muttered.

“I’m serious. I’ve never gotten a confession…”

“I said I got it.”

After that, he grew fidgety, glancing at me like he had something to say but claiming it was nothing when I asked. He stayed distracted until we reached the store, then zoomed straight to the clothes like he was escaping. So passionate about shopping all of a sudden?

I browsed slowly. Being a budget brand, it lacked the high-end suits I wanted for Do Yoon, but the casual designs were decent.

Soon, Do Yoon strode back from the corner, holding something—a dark green hoodie identical to mine. Surprised, I asked.

“You’re getting that?”

“Yeah.”

“It’s almost summer—won’t it be hot? Looks like they shoved it in the corner to clear inventory.”

“It’s fine.”

He marched like a general, answering without hesitation. I didn’t know he loved this style so much. But buying two of the same thing feels wasteful… It was even the same size as mine.

“You like this color? Want mine instead?”

“What?!”

It was a casual offer, but he freaked out. I got embarrassed.

“Uh, never mind. Sorry. New’s better, obviously.”

I laughed awkwardly, but he didn’t respond. Fair—used clothes that rolled on the ground aren’t fit for the main character. Looking around, I said.

“Check out other stuff too. Don’t just get that.”

“You’re not buying anything?”

“Well…”

My dressing room’s overflowing. But then he said.

“…Your skin’s fair, so dark blue would suit you.”

“Really?”

I widened my eyes. I’d stayed quiet, worried he’d tease me for liking youthful looks, but this was unexpected praise. Honestly, it felt good. Trying not to grin too much, I pulled my lips down.

“Guess… we should look around.”

Can’t not buy after that.

Beyond the compliment, his recommending something for me felt even better. My efforts to get closer were starting to bloom.

I wandered and stopped at a mannequin in a vibrant cobalt blue shirt and black pants—nice combo. I grabbed the same set and headed to a fitting room. Glancing around, I saw Do Yoon pondering over pants in another section.

I entered the first fitting room by the entrance. It was quiet for a weekend. Half-closing the curtain, I tried on the pants—they were a bit loose at the waist. Seung Hyun had no defined abs but was generally slim. Belt or no belt? I held my breath, tensing my stomach. Faint abs peeked out.

Seriously, this rich guy didn’t even do personal training? My old overworked self was in better shape. Annoyed, I raised my arms, twisted my torso, and turned, striking poses like a bodybuilder from YouTube.

This body needs a gym, not a job.

Swish!

Suddenly, the curtain flew open. Mid-pose, I jumped, nearly yelping. In the mirror, my eyes met Do Yoon’s. He held the green hoodie and a pair of jeans I hadn’t seen.

“…”

His reflected gaze scanned me head to toe. His face turned tomato-red, and he stammered.

“The c-curtain wasn’t fully closed, so I thought no one was here…”

Other people started entering the fitting area. Do Yoon’s face hardened, and in a second, he yanked the curtain shut, sealing me off from the world.

‘Oh…’

What just happened?

Alone, I buried my face in my hands, silently screaming in humiliation.