Chapter 89: Ten Dinners and a Type

“What are you talking about all of a sudden?”

“You two looked super uncomfortable. You hadn’t even contacted each other all this time.”

“…We did.”

I shoved fried food into my mouth, pretending not to care.

But Seunghee’s bombshell shocked me—my heart was pounding.

Choi Seunghee kicking out Choi Doyoon for me?

Grateful, yes… but anyone harming the male lead never ended well.

I didn’t want Seunghee hurt wrestling him.

Currently an executive director at Haewon Trading, Seunghee was the most active in management among us three siblings.

She met Father—now group vice chairman—most often.

Articles speculated ‘Haewon family’s first female CEO?’

My broken engagement helped.

Grandfather, hugely disappointed when my marriage fell through and the Koryo Ilbo partnership collapsed, saw Seunghee clean up the mess and regain favor.

My failure became her fortune.

Original Seunghyun might’ve raged and beaten people; I had zero complaints with her rising.

Of course, she’d eventually compete with Doyoon for the top spot—but no need to start early because of me.

Seunghee frowned slightly at my reply.

“You okay? A fresh grad climbing over you?”

Her bluntness surprised me.

“Even you think it’s weird?”

“Obviously. Director should’ve been you—why him?”

Honestly, I didn’t get it either—but male lead privilege, I assumed plot armor.

Apparently not.

I paused, then nodded coolly.

“I’m fine. Curious what Mom thinks, though.”

“No clue. But Doyoon met Mom right after returning—talked about something.

I didn’t even know he was coming.”

What?

Never knew that.

What did they discuss?

Seunghee downed whiskey like water, slammed the cup.

“Anyway, wanted your opinion.

I’ll push whatever you want.”

I was touched—honestly, hugely.

“What’s this, Director Choi… Keep soaring, don’t forget me when you’re chairwoman.”

“I know you yielded a lot for me.”

“You’re that good. No need to worry about me.”

“…At first I thought you were dumb, then matured.

But no. Lately you seem…”

She chose words carefully.

“Like you’ll vanish somewhere.”

I flinched.

“Why think that?”

“You just… no ambition. Doesn’t make sense.”

I smiled bitterly.

My ambition?

If Choi Seunghee knew how massive, she’d fall over.

I want everyone I cherish happy.

Especially Doyoon happiest.

But the obvious fact he needs Bae Jian for that… had started tormenting me.

And I’d die before admitting it.

I chugged after Seunghee.

If this inexplicable feeling didn’t stop, birth secret or not—I might book a flight abroad soon.

Soon after, Bae Jian’s team’s new film exploded.

Great movie, but ultra-low budget—no one expected this.

Word-of-mouth spread; over five million viewers.

By May, invited to a French international film festival’s Midnight Screening.

‘Midnight Screening’: non-competitive, selects 2–3 unique, gripping genre films.

Marketing Team 2 blasted press releases—proved both artistic and commercial success.

Audience surged; broke six million fast.

Thanks, Jian got a 10-night, 11-day France business trip with Ayoung—she looked ecstatic daily.

“Really thanks to seniors’ guidance… so grateful….”

She gave a grand speech like winning Best Actress.

Ten times more excited than at sports day.

I congratulated with others, mind elsewhere.

‘Is this the original domestic trip arc changed?’

Original: Doyoon and Jian on a Jeonju business trip.

International festival timing—every hotel/motel booked solid.

They wandered two hours, ended up in a rundown guesthouse.

But the festival was just a plot device to force them into one room.

Didn’t matter if film fest, folk festival, or volcano—as long as they stuck together.

But this France trip was Jian’s achievement and luck.

‘Does the festival auto-shift like this? Both are film festivals.’

Then male lead Doyoon should go too—but no spot for him.

Strategic Planning wasn’t that free, no reason to insert into marketing.

I checked the traveler list multiple times—no Doyoon.

Saw him at work the day Jian’s group left for France—strange relief.

But next second, another possibility.

‘It’s 10 nights. Could go next week?’

After pondering, texted Doyoon.

[You not going on the trip? This week or next.]

Instant reply.

[What trip? Hyung going?]

[I’m not.]

[Me neither.]

Finally, a bit relieved.

Then another text.

[If okay, dinner tonight? Found a good place.]

Since then, Doyoon kept suggesting we do things.

I’d rejected all—annoyed he dodged why he left.

But this time, different thought.

Called immediately.

Picked up before second ring.

I said right away.

“Not just tonight—eat with me ten days.

But my place, not yours.”

Soon, slightly emotional Doyoon shouted over the line, “Love it!”

I hung up the second I heard.

Face burned—knew I’d done something embarrassing.

Knew if real work arose, he’d go regardless.

‘Just using Choi Doyoon since I have no dinner partner.

And him hiding stuff… I’ll eat ten expensive meals and call it even.’

Muttered empty excuses.

So the place I agonized over all day and took Doyoon to?

A shabby gukbap joint.

Worried he’d be disappointed by the rundown vibe—but he just looked happy.

“You come here often, hyung? I should too.”

“…First time today.”

“Then let’s come often together.”

Doyoon kept grinning like an idiot.

Maybe right now he should be with Jian in Cannes, eating raw oysters by the Mediterranean….

I sipped hot broth, watching his face.

Luckily, seemed to his taste.

Mid-meal, eyes met—inner thoughts burst without brain filter.

“You date a lot of girls in America?”

I froze at my own words.

You idiot! Why bring that up?!

Doyoon’s eyes widened, long lashes blinking.

“No, not at all….”

I glared regardless.

But in bed you—?

Deep breath, asked again.

“Then… guys?”

Doyoon’s face hardened instantly.

Spoon down, expression icy.

“What?”

“…Hyung has no prejudice. It’s fine.”

He gave a cold, incredulous sneer.

“I really dated no one.”

“Why?”

“My type wasn’t there.”

“Wh-what’s your type.”

Didn’t know why I asked—knew it was a mistake.

Obviously Bae Jian.

Why ask?

But Doyoon looked straight at me.

“Someone kind but doesn’t know they’re kind.

Super nice to everyone, insanely popular, but oblivious—drives people crazy.”