Chapter 40.1

Chapter 40.1

It was the second time today that Heeju saw Gukhyun go about his social life as if nothing were wrong the first being at the medical school donation ceremony.

He seemed so different from the person she knew that it felt strange. So watching him was rather entertaining.

“Ah, right. Make sure to call him ‘Executive Director’ a lot today. Starting tomorrow, you won’t be able to.”

In less than five minutes, Chulhyun had devoured his noodles and cracked open a can of cola with a hiss. At Chulhyun’s words, Heeju looked up.

“What do you mean? Is the Executive Director going somewhere?”

“Going? Nah, nowhere like that.”

Chulhyun let out a short chuckle.

“What’re you even expecting? Not that.”

Shaking his head like it was ridiculous, he chugged the soda in heavy gulps. He grimaced as the fizz hit his throat, letting out a brief hiss before nodding toward the table where Gukhyun sat.

“There’s a shareholders’ meeting later this afternoon, and a few agenda items were put forward like separating affiliates and appointing Executive Director Kwon Gukhyun as CEO. All those business trips and packed schedule were to prepare for that.”

Heeju gazed with a subtle look at Gukhyun, seated far away at the head table. She hadn’t known because he never talked about company matters.

“The affiliate separation has been in preparation for a long time. You might have guessed, but even though Sungang and I aren’t officially part of the company, we get busy whenever something big like this comes up. Actually, it’s more like he doesn’t let us sit still.”

“….”

“There are so many fck!ng @sshl3s out there— ah, sorry.”

Chulhyun, who had cursed without thinking, furrowed his brows slightly and continued.

“Anyway, once today’s shareholders’ meeting wraps up, things should ease up for a while. That’s why Seonggang’s been hyped about throwing a party. He’s always been nuts about Christmas, but now he’s overdoing it with all that talk about celebrating together.”

“And instead of raising a toast, you’re going to church for service?”

“I gotta do things my way. Man, I haven’t been to church in forever.”

Chulhyun leaned back in his chair and let out a relieved sigh. Just then, a sudden commotion stirred near the podium. A group of people entered the room. Chulhyun glanced over and let out a low groan.

“Ahh, I was wondering why I hadn’t seen her.”

A woman with short bobbed hair took off her coat and handed it behind her. A man, who appeared to be her secretary, deftly caught it and draped it over his arm. She walked with her heels clicking crisply against the floor, and directly stopped right in front of Gukhyun without hesitation.

“That’s Kwon Soo-ah, Chairman Kwon Jungman’s second daughter. You already met the chairman’s youngest son at headquarters last time, right? Kwon Giju.”

After the incident at the swimming pool last time, Sungang had avoided mentioning it like it was an unspoken rule, but Chulhyun had no such qualms and spoke freely.

“From meeting him, you should know—best to keep your distance. Compared to the youngest son, though, the daughter turned out somewhat successful. And pretty enough, right?”

“Yes, she is.”

“Her personality’s not too bad either. She studied abroad, just got back not long ago. But she’s got an eye, and since way back she’s been after our hyung—ah…”

Catching himself, Chulhyun quickly corrected his words with a glance around.

“After the Executive Director, I mean. Sometimes she makes it so obvious it’s scary. Feels like one day she really might swallow him whole.”

Chulhyun chuckled and finished off the remaining cola.

“Actually, she’s already taken one bite. Director Yoon was originally one of ours, but the chairman’s eldest daughter took him as a sort of son-in-law. Now he’s completely on Chairman Kwon’s side. But why aren’t you eating?”

“Ah….”

Heeju followed Chulhyun’s gaze down to her own bowl.

“I keep talking and keeping you from eating, huh? Sorry. Go on, I’ll stay quiet.”

“No. I’m done. My stomach isn’t feeling great, actually.”

“Yeah, I heard you don’t eat much. Guess it’s true. Hand it here, I’ll take it.”