Chapter 174
Chapter 174
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 174
Chapter Title: Helping with the Move
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Who would've thought Painter Oh would be the first to reach out about living together again.
But it wasn't all that surprising.
She had been talking about it for a while now.
What puzzled me was why Director Go was reacting like this.
"Isn't it a good thing?"
At my words, she gave me a slightly odd look.
"It is a good thing. But..."
Just when I thought there was more to it.
Something completely out of character slipped from her lips.
"It feels awkward..."
"Yes?"
"You know, we've been apart for over ten years, and now suddenly living together? She's coming up with her stuff in just two days..."
No matter how long they've been apart, that doesn't change the fact that they're still husband and wife.
Especially since Director Go knew better than anyone that it stemmed from a misunderstanding.
Sure, it might feel awkward, but I couldn't understand showing this kind of reaction over something so minor.
"It feels uncomfortable too."
Uncomfortable...
'Yeah.'
Her words about feeling uncomfortable sparked a sudden thought.
Maybe she was mistaking other emotions for discomfort.
Once I thought about it that way, her behavior started to make sense.
So right now, Director Go was...
Heh.
'She's got this girlish sensibility about stuff like this.'
From what I could tell, she still loved Painter Oh.
And she was feeling that flutter of love at Painter Oh's desire to live together again.
It didn't suit her at all, but somehow, it made them a perfect match.
Just as I was wondering what to say to her—mistaking love for discomfort—a good idea popped into my head.
"Then you just need to get used to it."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"You said it feels uncomfortable. So, getting used to it should fix that, right?"
"Get... used to it?"
"Yeah. Speaking of which, we don't have much time until Daeun's exhibition. How about we wrap up all your assignments to me by helping out with this?"
"You mean, the tasks I give you can all be covered by helping with this one?"
"Yes. I think I can really help out with this."
She pondered for a moment before replying.
"You can really help me out?"
"Yes, but you have to do exactly what I say."
"What's that?"
"Promise first."
It might change her mind once she heard the details.
So I planned to get her to stamp the agreement before explaining.
Stamping a contract without knowing the contents?
That was something her usual personality would never allow, but given the situation, she agonized over it.
But no matter how much she thought, the outcome wouldn't change.
Nod.
"Alright. I promise."
At that, I smiled and said,
"Then get ready."
"For what?"
"To head down to Daegu."
"Daegu? Why?"
"The best way to get used to something is to dive right in."
"So you're saying..."
I grinned at her question.
"Yes. We're going to help Painter Oh with her move."
This was the surest method I could think of.
The next day, Daeun and I got ready to head to Daegu.
Director Go seemed extremely flustered by my proposal, but true to her word, she honored what she'd said and didn't object.
When it was time for her to pick us up, Daeun and I packed overnight bags and hopped straight into her car.
"You're here."
She greeted us warmly as we got in, and I replied cheerfully...
"Yeah, you're dressed casually today."
It was similar to the outfit she'd worn when we went fishing before.
She always wore stiff suits, so seeing her like this did feel a bit off.
"You're here to... help with the move."
I grinned and said,
"Yes, that's the perfect attitude."
With that, she let out a small sigh and started the car.
That's when Daeun chimed in with a smile.
"Daddy! Are we taking the train then?"
Maybe she had good memories of trains.
"Yeah, we're taking the train to Daegu."
"The train? Yay!"
"Yes."
"Okay!"
I blinked at Director Go, who was watching me through the rearview mirror.
Then I tilted my head slightly and asked,
"You're not thinking of driving all the way to Daegu yourself, are you?"
"No, I was, but..."
"No way, we can't do that."
"Why not?"
"To get used to it, we need to be in the same space. We'll take Painter Oh's car when we head back up."
"Stu..."
She looked displeased, probably because it was completely unexpected.
But we'd already made the promise.
"You're not going to back out, are you?"
"...No."
"Then let's head to Seoul Station."
"..."
With that, Director Go let out a small sigh without a word and turned the wheel.
Grin.
Maybe it was seeing this unexpected side of her, but Director Go didn't feel like her usual self today.
What was it... like a girl straight out of an essay?
I grinned and turned to look out the window, and soon enough.
Clunk!
We parked at Seoul Station, left the car, and headed into the station.
"I'll go buy tickets."
"No, I already got them."
"You bought tickets?"
"Yes."
Did she think I hadn't prepared anything?
Getting used to it couldn't just be her effort alone.
The moment she left yesterday, I'd kicked off this "getting used to it" project right away.
To bring in what might be the most important person for it.
"Here she comes."
I pointed, and Director Go turned her head, still full of questions.
Her face soon went pale.
"Hey! Over here!"
Spotting us from afar, the one running over was none other than Painter Oh.
"You..."
"You know you can't let it show."
"..."
Why was this so fun?
Maybe it was her reaction—so different from usual—that made it even more amusing.
But I was a pro.
Hiding my feelings, I welcomed Painter Oh as she approached.
"Hello. It's been a while."
"Great to see everyone. How have you been, Daeun?"
Then she looked up at Director Go.
"Anyway, I was really surprised. Never thought you'd come help with the move yourself."
"Th-that's..."
She glanced at me, but I hadn't said I'd cover this much.
This part was on her.
Left with no choice, Director Go said,
"I was just curious how you've been living. Don't get the wrong idea—I'm not helping because I want to."
Come on, skip that last bit.
But I knew she'd mustered a lot of courage to say it.
Painter Oh seemed delighted by it.
"Whatever the reason, I'm thrilled you're helping. I already bought the tickets, so let's go. Train's coming soon."
With that, we followed Painter Oh straight to the train.
Ding ding ding—!
Right on cue, the train pulled into the station, and we naturally headed for first class...
"This way."
'Huh?'
Or so I thought, but Painter Oh led us to the regular cars.
No major difference besides the seat space, but regular car?
"These are our seats."
The reason she booked regular became clear the moment I saw them.
"It's a two-hour trip, so going separately felt wrong. Only facing seats were available in regular."
She'd booked seats facing each other.
Probably figured Director Go would naturally sit elsewhere.
Given her personality, she definitely wouldn't sit next to Painter Oh.
This was likely the best way to travel together.
"Shall we sit?"
Then! Daeun dashed over and plopped down by the window like it was hers.
"Daeun, this one's yours!"
And I tried to sit next to her...
Swoosh.
But I couldn't.
Somehow, Director Go—who'd already calculated it in her head—snagged the seat beside Daeun first.
"Looks like I'll sit here then."
I couldn't tell her to move with her intentions so obvious.
But.
"Heh heh, guess I'll take this one."
Painter Oh, having anticipated even this, sat in the aisle seat facing Director Go.
Director Go's expression turned subtly strange at that.
'Checkmate.'
Two seats left for Director Go.
One facing Painter Oh, one next to her.
Neither easy.
Next to her, their arms would brush; facing, they'd stare at each other the whole way.
'Wow, Painter Oh's got her cornered.'
She couldn't very well ask Daeun to give up her seat.
I almost wanted to applaud Painter Oh's strategy.
Swoosh.
A troubled expression.
Face her or sit beside?
Just then.
Smirk.
Director Go's face lit up.
'Huh?'
Had she found a way out? Her expression brightened as she suddenly looked around and raised her hand.
"Excuse me!"
She'd called over a train attendant.
"Yes, do you need something?"
"The seats are uncomfortable. Any first-class seats for four available?"
"Oh, sure. One moment."
Did she really need to go that far? But this was the Director Go who'd come to our house over her discomfort.
The attendant, glancing at whatever she was holding up, frowned.
"Sorry, but first class is fully booked right now."
"Oh..."
Painter Oh smiled brightly at Director Go's visibly disappointed face.
"You don't take the train much, do you? First class is always full—especially at this hour."
Painter Oh knew her all too well.
I gave Painter Oh a thumbs-up.
'Painter Oh, you're the best!'
Trapped in Painter Oh's perfect plan, Director Go had no choice but to face her the entire two hours to Daegu.
Upon arriving at Dongdaegu Station, Painter Oh said wistfully,
"That was faster than I thought."
Hmm, speaks for you maybe.
Director Go had been tense the whole way, now rubbing her stiff shoulders.
How nervous had she been to need that?
'Well, I get it.'
I'd been the same with Hyorin at first.
"Then let's take my car from here."
She led us to her car, and we headed straight to her place.
Not far from Dongdaegu Station.
I'd assumed an apartment, of course.
Clunk.
"This is where I live. Well, used to live, I guess."
It was a quiet residential neighborhood.
Peaceful, serene, neat.
We parked in the alley, opened the gate, and stepped into a tidy yard.
Director Go remarked a bit snidely,
"You always said your dream was to live in a house forever. Looks like you've done well."
"Well, painting's all I did every day. Managed the yard at a leisurely pace."
Impressive how she deftly changed the subject—experience shows.
"Let's head in."
She crossed the yard and opened the door.
As we followed inside...
Halt.
We froze the moment we entered.
"Haha, it's been so long since I had guests, it's embarrassing."
"This is all..."
Painter Oh laughed it off, but Director Go couldn't finish her sentence.
And for good reason.
The entire house was...
'Papered with...'
Photos of Suryeon.