Chapter 137
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 137
Chapter Title: Sultry Heat
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Morning chit-chat wrapped up just like that.
Sure, you might complain that it was just idle talk despite having S-rank hunters there...
But honestly, that's all we did—pure chit-chat.
The three of us sat glued together on the sofa.
Me in the middle like a divider, Mary on my left, Seol Yu-wol on my right.
At first, Mary was a bit prickly toward Seol Yu-wol, but as time passed, I could feel their rapport growing skin-to-skin.
Being sandwiched between them lifted my spirits too.
Especially Seol Yu-wol—she seemed shy at first but nailed the role of conversation smoother.
"So, the contract's the issue... I timed it with the guild contract period, but pulling out early..."
That was when Mary sighed and vented.
"If there's a problem, you'd better consult a lawyer. Especially if the clauses are complicated."
Just as Mary nodded at my practical advice,
"Hmm... That's easy..."
Seol Yu-wol tossed out a casual line that neatly wrapped things up.
"Oh... Smart cookie, huh?"
I pinched Seol Yu-wol's cheeks playfully.
Thanks to that, the dilemma fizzled out blandly, and the mood flowed on smoothly.
For lunch, we ordered delivery instead of going out.
We ate heartily and settled back on the sofa.
The two women claimed their spots beside me again.
- Smooth...
In the end, both ended up lying with their heads on my thighs.
Weight settled on my left and right thighs.
Looking down, I met two pairs of eyes gazing up at me.
Even upside down, they were unmistakably pretty faces.
Mary tugged at my shirt hem with a drawling voice.
"Just rest this evening~ Don't gooo~"
Seol Yu-wol rubbed her cheek against my palm and whispered,
"Oppa~ Don't gooo~"
Their coquettish pleas made it tempting to stay, but...
I'm tougher than I look.
"Sorry, time's up."
I smiled and stood. As my thighs slipped away, I quickly shoved sofa cushions into the empty spots.
Without their supports, their heads bonked lightly together.
"Eek!"
Mary shot upright in alarm.
Not yet, huh.
I gave a wry smile at the sight.
Seol Yu-wol had arranged a meeting with Lee Seo-ryeong over lunch.
I could've done it, but she insisted on handling it herself and snatched my phone.
She'd come straight to the counseling room after my afternoon sessions ended.
"Rest well. Call if anything comes up."
As I headed for the door, Seol Yu-wol hesitantly blocked my path.
"Ah, oppa. I got a phone activated..."
She held out the latest model.
Until now, Otherworlders hadn't had personal phones for security reasons; we'd connected through others.
If it were just counselor-client, I'd decline, but we're proper coworkers.
"Yeah? Hand it over."
I reached out without hesitation.
We swapped devices and punched in our numbers. I entered mine plainly.
[Yoo Seon-woo]
I saved and handed the phone back.
She checked the name I'd saved.
[Yu-wol♥]
Cute save.
But lose the heart.
"Hmm..."
Seol Yu-wol's brow furrowed slightly at her phone.
- Tap tap.
Her fingers flew across the screen, editing the name.
I was curious but didn't pry. Her call.
"I'm off."
I gave a curt goodbye and opened the office door without lingering.
The last client closed the counseling room door behind them.
Silence fell with the door lock click.
All sessions done.
Today's felt unusually short.
Makes sense—I'd spent the morning goofing off with two women.
Afternoon schedule? Just one on-site client, so the bookings were empty.
Only one person slipped in that gap.
Actually, even she... resolved her issue in 10 minutes with a new approach.
Good... thing, right?
I mulled briefly between counselor ethics and efficiency, but nailing both feels like my peak right now.
And peak idler stats too.
How does one spend half the day lounging with women?
Anyway, thanks to that, I had plenty of time before Lee Seo-ryeong arrived.
Time to prep for my guest.
What does she like?
I racked my brain for Lee Seo-ryeong's tastes.
Sweets? Or bitter teas?
Her vibe screamed bitter espresso, but maybe she secretly loves cute desserts.
I pondered while peeking into the pantry cabinet.
Order macarons or cake?
Or brew tea myself for courtesy?
As trivial worries snowballed,
My eyes landed on my phone, facedown on the desk.
Duh, there's an easy answer.
I let out a hollow chuckle.
Why was I racking my brain solo?
I picked up the phone and called Yu-wol.
- Ring... Oppa?
She must've had her phone handy—picked up instantly.
"Yeah, Yu-wol. Nothing big... What does your mom like?"
Seol Yu-wol loves tanghulu or red bean bread,
but Lee Seo-ryeong? No clue.
- Ah... Mom... Hmm...
Seol Yu-wol trailed off oddly.
- Probably anything if you make it, oppa?
"Huh?"
Yeah, fair point.
From what I've seen, she'd politely eat anything I offered.
But she'd have real favorites.
"Not that—her actual favorite."
At my nudge, her breathing shifted away from the phone, like she'd turned.
- Hmm... Mom, what do you like?
"?"
Not talking to me.
She was grinning, asking someone nearby.
No way.
- H-Honey...
Shit.
Lee Seo-ryeong was right there.
Never imagined that.
- Rustle rustle.
The mic picked up fumbling sounds, like they were shoving each other.
- Ah... Counselor, sorry.
"Ah... No problem."
Lee Seo-ryeong ended up with the phone, apologizing immediately.
Giggling leaked from the other end.
- Hee hee.
You're in for it later.
Lee Seo-ryeong cleared her throat and explained.
- I was exercising with Yu-wol. We'll be there soon.
"Got it."
Conversation stalled.
Should I hang up? But...
'No.'
Stubbornness kicked in.
Might as well nail my goal.
Direct from the source is best.
"So... what do you like?"
I asked straight-up, screw it.
Silence hung briefly.
- ......
Seol Yu-wol shattered it.
- Mom's face is totally red—Ow!
A thud, then muffled.
I smirked and waited.
Finally, a tiny voice crept through.
- Fish-shaped buns... I like those...
I'd brainstormed countless desserts and snacks...
Fish-shaped buns? Not on the list.
Humble to the point of frugality.
"Pfft."
Laughter slipped out.
- Puhaha!
Seol Yu-wol cracked too—gut-busting laughs from the speaker.
- .........
Lee Seo-ryeong clammed up.
Her neck's probably scarlet now.
Tease more, and she might bail on the session.
I feigned seriousness.
"Cute. I'll prep some."
- ...Huh? Cute...
I hung up before she could respond.
"Fish-shaped buns."
I rolled the words in my mouth.
Laughter bubbled again.
Cute.
Sincere.
I headed out.
Lee Seo-ryeong got lucky.
Weather's cooling, fish bun stalls opening up.
This spot too.
The orange tent I'd eyed that morning caught my eye.
Half custard, half red bean.
I bought some.
"Ow, hot."
Paper bag was scorching.
They tossed in extras 'cause I'm handsome—one went straight in my mouth.
Back in the room, I set the white bag down and fired up the heater.
The bun aroma filled the space by then.
I pinched the bag opening to keep heat in and leaned back.
Checked the clock.
About time.
- Knock knock...
As expected, Lee Seo-ryeong arrived 10 minutes early.
I stood and flung the door wide.
"Come in."
I greeted her with my softest smile.
Lee Seo-ryeong stood demurely outside.
"Hello... Counselor..."
She bowed deeply, polite as ever.
But... her outfit was odd.
She said she'd come from exercising with her daughter...
Not workout gear.
Not quite cold enough, yet she was bundled head-to-toe in a long puffer jacket.
Zip all the way up.
Like a kimbap roll.
Noticing my gaze, her face flushed.
She fidgeted awkwardly, mumbling excuses.
"Well... We'd planned workout day, but... last-minute appointment..."
Ah.
I got the picture.
Rushed schedule, no gap for changing.
"I see."
I smiled and led her to the prime seat.
She followed meekly and sat.
I turned the steaming fish bun bag her way.
"Dig in. I like 'em too."
Her ears reddened again.
"Tha...nk... you..."
She bowed, trailing off.
This side of her was fresh.
Lee Seo-ryeong, caught in my rhythm.
Usually her invites, her setups—seeing her off-guard was fun.
Today's sudden invite caught her unprepared.
Seems she falters in unplanned chaos...
Anyway.
Enough teasing.
Time for the main topic.
"You heard about what happened with Yu-wol today...?"
But.
The woman before me wasn't ready to talk.
I eyed her closely.
Face flushed, but excessively so.
Ears red... but not just shy—something off.
I narrowed my eyes, observing. Her status surfaced.
[Lee Seo-ryeong] [Main Stance]
[Hot...]
Hot?
I glanced at the heater.
Room's sealed—turning it off won't cool instantly.
That kimbap shell needs shedding.
Sweat beaded on her forehead.
"Feel free to take it off."
I said calmly.
"Y-Yes?!"
Lee Seo-ryeong startled, eyes on me.
Pupils shook.
"You look too hot. Make yourself comfy."
Probably workout clothes underneath.
No big deal.
"Ah... It's fine... I just worked out, so I look a mess..."
"Then definitely take it off. You look sweltering."
Even firm, she bit her lip, hesitating.
"I... sweat a lot..."
"Me too. It's fine."
I smiled, urging again.
Finally, she stood with a resigned, even redder face.
"Please... forget today's rudeness..."
She turned her back.
- Ziiiip...
Zip echoed through the room.
She hung the bulky kimbap husk on the sofa.
Then slowly turned to face me.
"......"
Outwardly, I showed nothing.
Nothing at all. Swear.
Probably.
But I instantly got why she'd resisted so fiercely.
Dolphin shorts baring her thighs, skin-tight thin white tank top.
Worlds away from her poised image—downright provocative.
Plus, fresh from workout, sweat glistened everywhere.
Describing it felt indecent.
"Hoo..."
Much cooler without the puffer—she sighed in relief.
Lee Seo-ryeong sat.
- Sizzle.
Her heat wafted over.
I'd heard of it.
Murim folk with innate overflowing yang energy.
Definitely...
Lee Seo-ryeong's that type.
Room temp spiked degrees in seconds.
- Click.
I casually killed the heater.
Human heater right here.
Then her eyes settled calmly.
"I've heard about today with Yu-wol."
Back to Shinjoon's White Lord in a flash.
Pro. Keeps work and personal crisp.
However.
"......Yes."
Now the issue was me.
She'd reset, but I—eyes stolen—
Couldn't regain composure, no matter how I tried.