The Bait Named Yeon-su
Seoul, Gangnam-gu. I needed to make use of Yeon-su. Following the guidance of a female employee from WW Entertainment, I was touring the agency building.
“This is the first recording studio. It’s one of the places we pay the most attention to, and no one except a single person is allowed to use it. You could say it’s a private recording studio.”
I let out an impressed sound as I looked at the well-maintained, empty studio. I didn’t actually know much about the sound equipment—I was just pretending to be surprised. But if only one person could use it…
“Is this where Chae Bo-young records?”
“Ah, yes! That’s right.”
Chae Bo-young was the agency’s most famous celebrity. For the past five years she had been called the nation’s little sister and enjoyed massive popularity. At twenty-three, she was a singer whose tireless activities had practically single-handedly grown the agency. Naturally, they were nurturing her with extreme care—giving her not only a private recording studio but even a dedicated practice room. With her explosive overseas interest, she might even serve as a mentor for Stella.
Next was the company cafeteria. The food quality wasn’t particularly impressive; it looked like any ordinary mid-sized company cafeteria. After touring several other areas, I was having a private conversation with the female employee at the coffee shop when I spotted the CEO of WW Entertainment walking side by side with Aram.
Looks like the discussion is over. The CEO’s expression is quite bright, so the partnership shouldn’t be a problem.
A man in his late thirties approached me with quick steps and asked politely, “May I sit?”
“Of course.”
The CEO gave the employee a look telling her to leave, then sat across from me. Once Aram took the seat beside me, the CEO asked, “How do you find the building? I hope it was to your liking.”
“It’s nice. I especially enjoyed seeing Chae Bo-young’s recording studio. I’m something of a personal fan.”
“Bo-young? She’s off today, resting at home… Would you like to meet her?”
“No need. She must be busy—she should rest properly on her day off. Have you finished your discussion?”
“Yes. We’d like to proceed with the partnership. Thank you very much for giving us this opportunity.”
Coming here as a corporate representative yet doing nothing but touring the building could make me look incompetent to others—like some idle rich kid with nothing better to do. To leave a good impression on the celebrities and staff here, I needed capable subordinates to handle the presentation. That subordinate was Aram, and she was exceptionally skilled at it. Judging by the CEO’s respectful attitude, she had clearly elevated my status properly. He probably thought I had personally created the entire partnership plan and marketing strategy that Marcela had prepared. In any case, my current evaluation was likely that of a free-spirited visionary willing to make bold investments for the future.
“Not at all. I believe this will be a great opportunity for us as well. We’ll leave the detailed contract matters to the legal team… Shall we have a meal?”
“Of course.”
“Ah, and… is there an aspiring actress named Oh Yeon-su here by any chance?”
The CEO’s eyes widened at the sudden mention of Yeon-su. “Yeon-su…? How do you know her, Representative Song?”
“She’s a close university classmate of mine. We were in the same year at Korea University’s Department of Future Science. We had a meal recently, and she mentioned she’d joined WW Entertainment as a trainee.”
The CEO’s face brightened. “What a coincidence… Haha!”
Right. A coincidence. He’ll probably think it’s an incredibly fortunate one.
The CEO continued, “Yeon-su is someone we’re actively promoting. Her acting skills are improving day by day, so she’s considered a rising prospect.”
“I see.”
“Are the two of you very close?”
The CEO slipped in the question casually. Why? If we’re close, he’ll push her harder? That works for me. I lied.
“I’d say so. Shall we get going?”
“Understood. I know a good restaurant—would it be all right to head there?”
“That’s fine with me.”
With a smile, I stood up and thought to myself: Yeon-su will probably get a call tonight.
**
“S-Sir… Haaang…♡ A call… came in…”
Aram gasped beneath me. While exploring her body in the hotel room, I smirked when I saw Yeon-su’s name on the caller ID. I pulled out and sat on the edge of the bed, giving Aram’s slender waist a light tap. She immediately slid down and took me into her mouth.
“Haup…!”
I answered the call in that position. “Hello?”
-Hey! Song Jihyeok! What the hell?
“What?”
-You signed a partnership with our company? The CEO said you’re the president of a fashion and restaurant company planning to collaborate with us… Is that true?
“It is.”
At my calm reply, Yeon-su fell silent for a moment. I placed my hand on Aram’s head as she continued her enthusiastic service. She quieted her sounds and rolled her tongue skillfully.
After a brief silence, Yeon-su asked, -Why didn’t you tell me?
“Was it something worth mentioning?”
-No, it’s just… I feel a bit hurt… I thought we were really close, so I told you everything, but you kept secrets…
I had lied to the CEO about us being close, but honestly, we weren’t that close. Look at her trying to cozy up. She’s making a bold move.
“Is that so? Sorry. I didn’t mention it because it was company business. I’ve been keeping an eye on WW Entertainment for months. I saw its potential and decided to approach, and fortunately, things worked out well.”
-Ah… So that’s why you said you knew our company well last time? Do you know how embarrassed I was when I heard from the CEO?
“Why were you embarrassed?”
-I thought you only knew about us because we’re famous, so I acted all high and mighty… Now I want to kick my blanket in shame.
I let out an awkward laugh. Yeon-su giggled in response as well.
-Where are you now? Can we meet?
“I’ll probably be late after work… How about tomorrow evening?”
-I’m fine with that. Let’s meet and have coffee or something.
“Yeah? Then around eleven—”
-No, I’ll come near your place. Yeon-su cut me off, speaking urgently. Why? Doesn’t want to show the prince on the white horse her pigsty?
“Got it. You know the big residential officetel in front of the station, right?”
-Yeah. You live there?
“I do. Come to the back entrance. Let’s say 11:30 to be safe.”
-Okay. See you then.
“Sure.”
After hanging up, I released without warning into Aram’s mouth. With a gulping sensation, the built-up release exploded, and Aram’s eyes widened as she swallowed everything. Once she had taken it all, she pulled out a wet wipe and meticulously cleaned me. Feeling her slender fingers, I spoke.
“Aram.”
“Yes, sir…”
“Handle all matters regarding WW Entertainment yourself. Dig deep into them. If you need anything, I’ll provide it as much as possible. Understood?”
“Understood…”
“Run a bath. We’ll wash up and leave together.”
“Yes…”
Aram answered obediently and headed to the bathroom. Watching her go, I fell into thought. She seemed to revere me enough already… Marcela said there was still a bit more to go, so I should trust her.
**
I arrived at the back entrance of the officetel right on time and spotted Yeon-su wearing a cap pulled low, holding a large shopping bag. She seemed to have brought a gift. When I honked the horn, she jumped in surprise and hurried to open the passenger door. Once inside, she spoke in a slightly sulky tone.
“You really timed it perfectly? You’re impressive too…”
“I sped to make it on time. Probably getting a speeding ticket soon.”
Yeon-su’s face brightened at that. “Really? What do we do?”
“What else? Pay it. By the way, you…”
My words trailed off as I looked her over. She wore gray leggings that clung tightly to her waist and a white crop top that clearly revealed her black underwear. The glimpse of bare skin at her side was quite provocative.
“What?”
Seeing her feign innocence with a puzzled expression made desire surge. This girl deliberately dressed like this. I shook my head and turned my gaze forward.
“Nothing. What’s in the bag?”
“Ah, this… I heard it’s good for the skin, so I bought it. For you to use.”
“For me?”
“Yeah. Staying up late ruins your skin. I’ll teach you how to use it, so take care of it every day once you’re home. Got it?”
An unexpectedly domestic side. Of course, given how vain she was, she was probably doing this because she thought landing me would change her life. I could have some fun until I brought Stella here.
“I’ve been looking a bit dull lately anyway… Thanks. There’s a coffee shop downstairs—let’s go there.”
“Okay. But this place is really nice… How long have you lived here?”
“Since before I started university. Get out here.”
“Here? You can’t park here.”
“The valet’s coming out front.”
“Ah… I see.”
We handed the car to the valet and headed to the coffee shop. Looking at the menu, I asked, “What do you want?”
“Iced americano.”
“Caffeine will keep you up… You sure?”
“If I’m not sleepy, I can just stay longer with you.”
What a calculating girl! I might just take her right now. Nodding, I ordered the coffee and sat down. Yeon-su crossed her legs haughtily and fiddled with her phone. Then she sighed, looking annoyed.
“Haa… This is driving me crazy.”
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s nothing. Just… I’m in a bit of a mood.”
Clearly, her boyfriend was bothering her while she was meeting me. Until a few days ago they were probably all lovey-dovey… Cracks were forming in their relationship.
Vrrr…! Before long, the vibrating pager on the table went off. We got our coffees to go and strolled through the park with the cool breeze, chatting. Yeon-su deliberately walked close to me, letting her chest brush against my arm. The sight was so ridiculous I nearly burst out laughing. Spotting a bench ahead, I sat down, and she plopped down right beside me, close enough that anyone would mistake us for a couple. After taking a sip of coffee, she began pulling out skincare products from the shopping bag one by one and explaining how to use them.
“This one’s for moisture. Don’t rub it on like washing your face—spread it with two fingers like this. And this one…”
She chattered on without pause, clearly excited. Explaining the products like a shopping channel host, she looked at my indifferent expression, laughed, and smacked my thigh.
“You look totally annoyed, don’t you?”
“Honestly, it’s a hassle. Can’t I just slap it all on?”
“Don’t do that. I’ll send you instructions via text too, so try following them. After about three days it’ll become a habit.”
“You could just apply it for me.”
“Yeah, I could apply it for… What?”
Yeon-su’s eyes widened mid-sentence, clearly startled. Why? Am I not allowed to floor the accelerator, girl?
“You asked me to apply it.”
“S-Suddenly…? Hey… This is kind of embarrassing…?”
Embarrassing? There are plenty of people who lock eyes at drinking parties or clubs and have one-night stands—aren’t you one of them? Wait, hold on… Yeon-su’s flustered face looked genuine. The way she stammered and showed an unexpectedly conservative side… Was she a virgin? There were people like that—outwardly open-minded but inwardly conservative. Or she could be the cautious type. But if Yeon-su was a virgin… That was good. Nothing was more arousing than a sensual woman who was still a virgin. I’d pretend to give up and take her home, then have her in the car.
“Then will you apply it next time?”
Yeon-su eagerly nodded, swallowing my bait. “Ah, yeah… I’ll apply it next time. It’s already too late now.”
“Then let’s head back. Your parents will worry.”
“Already…? We haven’t even finished our coffee.”
“I’ll drive you, so you can drink on the way.”
“Th-Then there’s a 24-hour mart near my house, you know? Just drop me off there. I need to buy something…”
She really didn’t want to show me her house no matter what. I accepted nonchalantly. “Got it.”
Suddenly, Marcela’s advice came to mind. With only two Beast Slayers and three Aether users currently existing, everyone was anxious and uncertain about what might happen, so it would be wise to secretly prepare a backdoor. That backdoor was essentially a safehouse. Aram, whom I was currently brainwashing, served as that safehouse, but Marcela had said to keep it hidden even from her…
‘In that case… Should I try injecting malice into a human this time?’
Originally, I hadn’t wanted to do it to anyone but Beast Slayers. But ignoring Marcela’s words would lead to regret. I needed to use Yeon-su to reach the actors and singers under WW Entertainment. Having made my decision, I looked at Yeon-su and smiled gently.
“Let’s go.”