Chapter 23
Chapter 23
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 23
Chapter Title: JUF-009 (18)
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In one corner of the parking lot, her foreign luxury car was parked.
She'd told me she kept one as a spare for emergencies.
I had no idea when a Bentley had become an "emergency vehicle," though.
"... Crazy. An open-top? Convertible?"
"Yeah. I added it as an option for trips later on. As you can see, I've been way too busy to use it."
She started the engine herself and opened the roof.
With a majestic rumble, the car roof vanished into the trunk.
Truly, the life of a golden spoon career woman was on another level.
"... This is insane."
"What? You like my car, oppa? Want to take it for a spin?"
Sure, I liked cars, but I wasn't shameless enough to drive someone else's without insurance.
I shook my head firmly.
But she must have noticed I secretly wanted to, because she forced me into the driver's seat.
Then she plopped into the passenger seat and pretended to flop over cutely.
"Aah, A-ran is so tired... Drive for me."
Her adorable consideration made me think I'd found a keeper.
She was doing it on purpose so I wouldn't feel bad about my pride—pure wife material.
"Honey, you're extra lovable today."
"Hehe. Really? Then go on a date with me today."
"A date? Anywhere special you wanna go?"
When I asked, she sprang up like her fatigue had vanished and started fiddling with the navigation.
"Let's eat first. I know a great place—we'll go there."
— Navigation starting — Once she entered the address, the navi's guidance kicked in.
But the destination name seemed off.
Pungsojeon? Isn't that the super expensive eel restaurant?
It was our first date and first meal together—I'd planned to treat.
Pungsojeon was a top-tier Korean restaurant charging over 300,000 won per person.
... Shit. How much do I have left? Probably under 600,000 won.
I'd bled cash on those luxury earrings before.
A bead of cold sweat trickled down my spine.
That's when Choi A-ran, gauging my expression, slyly spoke up.
"Oh right. The money I said I'd give you this morning? How much was it again?"
"... Money? What money?"
"You know, the money for the service from oppa. You were so good at the role-play. Would it be rude if I paid you?"
Ah, that money.
I'd been tempted for a second, but it was best not to take it.
As she said, it was half role-play, and I'd enjoyed the part.
Besides, having grubby cash change hands in our relationship didn't sit right with me.
At first, it seemed like easy money, which was intriguing.
But seeing her pure intentions made me feel guilty about it.
"Hmm. A-ran, I'll be straight with you. As you know, I'm broke as hell. Can't afford fancy food like this. And no way I'm taking that money."
"......"
"So just let me beg you to treat me. No point in me pretending otherwise—it changes nothing. I don't plan to mooch off you. So, pretty please, treat your screw-up oppa to something tasty? I'll eat it gratefully and repay you with what I can."
She stared at me blankly for a moment, then reached out with a bright smile, rubbing my cheeks vigorously.
"Eeee, you're so cute I could die. I'd grant any request like that. Thanks for being honest—I was worried you'd feel awkward. I was fine with it, but didn't want you hurt. Don't worry about date costs. I'd never be disappointed over a few bucks."
Good. Frontal assault worked.
A man had to beg with this much dignity.
"Thanks for understanding. But what's your angle, feeding me pricey eel? Kinda worried."
— Vroom — As I shook off the serious mood and started the engine, she hid a naughty smile behind her hand.
"Hehe. Nothing's free in this world. You said it yourself—you'd repay with what you can. I'm investing since I'll collect later."
Her lips twitched with lewd imaginings.
"Oh, ma'am, going after Dolsoe, are you? One eel and you'll drain me dry."
Choi A-ran groped my arm bossily.
"My, Dolsoe's got such a sturdy build. After eel, it'll be bulging."
"Ma'am, what do you plan to do with it? This lowly one doesn't know much."
"Hohoho. No need to know. It'll all come in handy."
She leaned her face on my shoulder, beaming happily.
Yeah. I'd just make her happy my way.
She didn't want a rich guy anyway.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "Table for two?"
"Yes, two."
"Reservation?"
"No, but here's my membership card. Best room available, please."
"Yes, Ms. Choi A-ran. Welcome. This way to the Jeongunjeon."
Pungsojeon's interior was modern hanok style.
A sprawling estate with multiple buildings.
Jeongunjeon was the priciest, with a serene pavilion overlooking a pond.
"Whoa, this place is no joke."
"Right? Oppa, stand here. Let's take a pic together."
She spotted the waterwheel in the pond and suggested a couple shot.
I posed by the pond as requested.
She stuck right beside me, checking the angle.
"For SNS?"
Like any woman, she loved trendy SNS like Staddum.
"Yeah. Should I not?"
"Nah. If it's going up, make it fun."
"Fun how?"
I glanced around—no other guests.
I scooped her up princess-style.
My training paid off; no strain on my arms.
"Kyaa! You're nuts! In this pose?"
"Yep. First reveal's gotta be epic—no wimpy standing shot."
"Ugh, fine. Smile?"
— Click — We took a few more shots, then I set her down.
Her face flushed, she checked on me.
"You okay? Wasn't heavy?"
I gave the classic response.
"Heavy? Too light—didn't even break a sweat."
She beamed with relief.
"Always so slick."
Excited to post, she hummed while scrolling her gallery.
She found a good one and squealed.
"Oppa, this one? Perfect, right? This for the post?"
It nailed the Staddum vibe: her beaming, arms around my neck.
But my face showing was iffy.
"A-ran, blur my face if you can. Company folks'll see."
Pouting like she expected it:
"I don't mind at all. Worried about misunderstandings?"
"Yeah. Lots know me. We'll go public properly someday. Cool?"
"Of course. You're not going anywhere."
She edited a wolf emoji over my face.
It highlighted her body, giving wild vibes.
"Pfft. Oppa, you look like a beast now. Check those veins."
"Better this way? Post it—I wanna see reactions."
She fired up Staddum, updating her feed after a week.
300k followers, mostly international fans.
📰 Staddum Post [My lovely wolf ♥︎] 💬 Comments — AranChoiFan A-ran Choi! Who's that sexy wolf? Boyfriend? — QueenAranStan Oh my god... Such a tragic turn of events... — LoyalFan4Life Our noble queen has abandoned us :( — HotAranLover A-ran! That guy's hot! Perfect match! — SmileWithAran You look so happy laughing ♥︎ Makes me happy too ♥︎ — WolfAdmirer Adopted a fine wolf, I see. — AranUpdates First guy pic in forever! 5 years since Staddum debut! — WiseFan She's cautious, so it's gotta be a good wolf. — JealousDude Damn it! So jealous of that wolf! — CoupleGoals More couple pics please! Surprisingly, most were congratulatory.
Female ratio seemed higher too.
"Thought it'd be dude central, but more girls?"
"Yup. Lots of female fans. Girl crush vibe?"
"Makes sense. Self-care on point, killer career."
"Still get hate sometimes."
"Hate? Like what?"
"Varied. Jealous cow-tit jabs. Demands for lingerie pics. I ignore 'em."
She brushed it off maturely, but at 23, it probably stung.
I hugged her lightly from behind, warm but not clingy.
"Whine to me from now on. Tell me everything tough. I'm always Team You."
She nodded shyly.
Her sharp, proud nature meant no venting to anyone.
This mushy vibe was probably awkward for her.
Sure enough, she killed Staddum and fake-coughed.
I poked her cheeks playfully.
"Embarrassed? Won't if it's cringy."
She shook her head in surprise.
"N-no... Just shy... First time anyone's said stuff like that..."
"Really? You and Ms. Eun seem close."
"Work buddies. Spilling guts is dumb."
"Perfect then. Got a compatible owner who listens well. Spill worries freely. Yeah?"
"... Yeah. To Master from now on."
"Not free, though. One kiss per session."
She grinned and peppered my cheek with kisses.
— Mwah! Smack smack! "There! Hundred advance kisses! Hundred free sessions?"
I softly kissed her lips.
"Payment received. Spill everything to me."
I tightened my hold a bit.
Happiness bloomed on her face.