Chapter 39
Chapter 39
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 39
Chapter Title: New Headquarters
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Good!
Gangnam's heart.
A black sedan pulled up in front of a sleek three-story standalone building.
Siwoo stepped out of the car and looked up at the structure.
It was Miracle's new headquarters, prepared by the Association.
The floor-to-ceiling glass walls gleamed mirror-like under the sunlight, dazzling the eyes.
He liked the simple yet modern design.
Far more impressive than expected, Siwoo nodded in satisfaction.
He pulled out his smartphone from his pocket and called Choi Minseok.
[Yes, sir.]
A deep voice answered almost immediately.
"Minseok."
[Speak.]
"I'll send you the location. Come over for a bit."
[...On my way.]
Choi Minseok didn't ask why.
When Siwoo called, he came. That was all.
After hanging up and sending the coordinates via message, Siwoo gazed at the building again before heading inside.
Kim Yaeun scurried after him.
"Whoa, is this our company?"
Kim Yaeun looked around excitedly.
Her sneakers echoed cheerfully on the pristine marble floor.
They passed the first-floor lobby, took the elevator to the third floor.
The farthest room on the third floor.
No furniture had been moved in yet, but a hefty door already bore a gold plate reading [CEO ROOM].
Siwoo stared at it blankly before opening the door and stepping inside.
"Oh..."
Just as Director Kim Youngsik had boasted.
The CEO's office was perfectly furnished.
Top-grade leather sofa, a solid wooden desk exuding mature elegance, and an ergonomically designed chair.
The wide floor-to-ceiling window bathed in afternoon sun created a bright, luxurious atmosphere.
Siwoo sat on the sofa, feeling the leather's texture with his fingertips.
Soft and springy.
"Yaeun."
Kim Yaeun, lost in peering out the window, turned her head.
"Yes?"
"Starting tomorrow, head to the Association's underground prison every day."
"Okay."
She replied nonchalantly, as if told to run to the convenience store.
"Find Red and mess with his head."
Siwoo's voice was dry, but the content was brutally cruel.
"Like today—no, worse."
"Mm! Got it. But how long?"
"Until he becomes a dog."
"...Is that really okay?"
"Yes. The Association has given their tacit approval."
"Yesss!"
Kim Yaeun pumped her fist in delight.
"And."
Siwoo added.
"Now you need to start working too, Yaeun."
"...Huh?"
Kim Yaeun's face fell instantly.
She pouted like a child who'd lost her country.
"You've adapted enough now, so I'm saying this."
"I hate going on weeks-long dungeon rentals..."
She looked at Siwoo with a face full of complaint.
Lounging by the CEO's side was bliss, but having to deal with others? Horrifying just thinking about it.
"Yaeun."
"..."
"I've realized something recently."
"Ah, fine! I'll do it! Happy now?!"
Kim Yaeun shouted desperately.
"That's not it."
"Huh?"
"It's just prejudice that hunters must go into dungeons."
"...Huh?"
Kim Yaeun blinked.
What else do hunters do if not dungeons?
"If you don't want weeks in dungeons, don't go. No forcing you."
"...Really? Is that okay?"
"Yes. Let's think together about what you can do."
"Yay!"
Kim Yaeun beamed openly, arms wide as if to hug him right then.
Bang.
At that moment, the CEO room door flew open.
Choi Minseok entered with a stern expression.
"Sir."
Kim Yaeun clicked her tongue and slyly backed off.
"You've arrived."
"Tell me. Where?"
Choi Minseok skipped greetings, straight to the point, unable to wait longer.
His eyes were bloodshot, his body radiating unchecked killing intent.
'He endured well so far.'
Days holding back with his wife's clue right there.
Paying respects to that patience, Siwoo handed him a tablet with the map app open.
"Incheon, Busan, Mokpo, Gangwon mountain valley. Four spots total."
Choi Minseok's gaze locked on the red dots on the map.
His hands trembled.
"Where do I start?"
"Busan first."
Siwoo handed over another document.
"I've spoken with White Tiger Guild, so rampage freely. Contract's on hold. Association's cooperating too—local branches will support."
"...Thank you, sir."
Choi Minseok's voice choked.
All tedious procedures handled by Siwoo already.
He just had to run.
"Leaving right away?"
"Yes."
Choi Minseok nodded, then paused.
"...Sir. What about Jiyu...?"
His feet wouldn't move, thinking of his daughter left alone.
"Don't worry. Jiyu will stay at Miracle. Temporary quarters on this floor— Yaeun or others will watch her. Go with peace of mind."
Choi Minseok bowed 90 degrees to Siwoo.
Genuine respect and gratitude in the gesture.
Always granting what he wanted.
Wait, and everything resolved; answers always given.
"Truly grateful. This favor... I'll repay it."
"...Rampage hard. Leave none."
"Yes."
Choi Minseok turned and strode out.
No hesitation in his steps.
Even his back seemed to blaze with rage.
Siwoo watched him go, then spoke.
"Yaeun."
"Yes?"
"Go fetch Jiyu? Pack her stuff too."
"Sure! Be right back."
With Kim Yaeun gone, Siwoo alone looked out the window.
Outside, Awakening Center staff had arrived, unloading trucks efficiently.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Late evening.
Siwoo headed back to the hospital.
Finding Lee Chaei's room, he was dealing with her pent-up separation anxiety.
"Uh, Chaei."
"Yes?"
She looked up at his call.
Practically clinging to his arm.
"...Never mind."
Siwoo swallowed a sigh.
No sign of letting go.
Any distance made her eyes tremble—no choice.
"Got it? The method I mentioned."
"...Yes. Streaming... right?"
"You okay with that?"
"Yes. I can do it. Not meeting people face-to-face..."
Lee Chaei nodded.
She'd seen ordinary people stream a few times—knew the basics.
That, she could handle.
"...Really okay?"
"...Yes! Then we can be together every day, right?"
Her eyes sparkled.
The stream didn't matter to her.
Using it as excuse to be with Siwoo—that did.
Means and ends swapped, but Siwoo didn't mind.
"Yes. Assigned a room right next to my office."
"Great. I'll do it, no question."
Siwoo turned to look at her.
Her eyes steady, resolve firm.
"Understood. Promo for a week, then start."
"Th-that soon?"
Her eyes widened in mild shock.
"So, discharge today?"
"Discharge?"
"Yes. Officetel leased. Live there. Come to HQ daily, test gear, get used to it."
Hearing this, Lee Chaei pondered, finger to chin, face complex.
Officetel.
Alone?
After long thought, she asked Siwoo.
"Wh-what about you, sir? You'll be there too?"
"Me? Always in the office."
"...Together every day?"
"Yeah, sure. See you at work."
"I'm in."
She answered firmly.
No trace of hesitation.
She hopped up, packing her scant belongings swiftly.
No wasted motion.
"Ready. Let's go."
Bag slung over shoulder, standing before Siwoo.
Siwoo stared blankly, then chuckled.
"Wait here. I'll handle discharge."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ One hour later.
Siwoo and Lee Chaei arrived at the Gangnam HQ CEO room.
"Whoa..."
Lee Chaei gawked at the grand office.
But awe was brief.
Kim Yaeun and Jiyu were already there.
"Uncle!"
Jiyu, munching snacks on the sofa, spotted Siwoo and ran to hug him.
"Back?"
Kim Yaeun waved lazily from her sprawl on the sofa.
"Staying here for a bit!"
Jiyu babbled, clinging to Siwoo's waist.
"Yes. Until Minseok returns."
As Siwoo replied, Lee Chaei behind him met Kim Yaeun's eyes.
Zing—
Lee Chaei shivered at the eerie vibe from Kim Yaeun.
Kim Yaeun glanced indifferently at Siwoo.
But Lee Chaei couldn't stop fixating.
Pretty.
Comfortable with Siwoo.
And Siwoo treated her casually.
"Ah, introductions. Lee Chaei, our new contract."
Siwoo introduced her.
Lee Chaei bowed shyly.
"...H-hello."
"Hey."
Kim Yaeun replied half-heartedly, uninterested.
Turning to Jiyu hugging Siwoo, she said.
"Hey, kid. Get off! Boss is tired."
"No way!"
"Wanna play rough?"
Kim Yaeun grinned mischievously and pounced.
The two tumbled on the sofa, laughing.
Giggles filled the room.
Lee Chaei watched blankly, thinking.
'That woman before too... Why so many?!'
She was displeased.
Thought discharge meant cozy alone time with Siwoo.
Imagined watching him work.
But no.
Here, a strikingly pretty woman and cute kid sister type already ensconced.
Atmosphere warm and cozy.
No room to squeeze in.
"Um... sir."
Lee Chaei tugged Siwoo's sleeve.
"Yes?"
"Do you... all stay together like this every day?"
Siwoo shook his head.
"...? No. Jiyu's temporary. Yaeun starts work soon."
'...I see.'
Lee Chaei's eyes gleamed.
Jiyu: temp custody.
Kim Yaeun: field work.
Me: streaming, daily to this office.
'Then.'
Lee Chaei clenched her fist.
Per Siwoo, only she'd stay by his side ongoing.
Physical distance, time.
Calculation done, jealousy turned to burning resolve.
She smiled at the sofa tussle.
'I'm in the best position.'