Chapter 174
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 174
Chapter Title: Tempted into Hwamong
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Should I give them a call?
Suddenly curious about what might be going on back at the studio apartment, I fiddled cautiously with my phone while eyeing the entrance to Hwamong, an atmosphere that made me hesitant to enter alone.
'Mom always said not to just barge into places like this.'
I was the type who actually listened to that advice pretty well.
How else could I have spent my time stuck in the car alone, even back at that entertainment spot my seniors dragged me to during army overnight leave—back when I could've lost my virginity in a flash?
'Honestly, I was just scared. Part of me probably wanted to go.'
Looking back now, it was only possible because Private First Class Kim Hyunwoo back then was so ridiculously naive and innocent about the ways of the world.
If it were me now, I'd have walked right in.
'They were a bit disappointed I didn't tag along.'
Maybe it was that sense of camaraderie from sharing the thrill of banging chicks together?
Hmm. Yeah, that could be it. They say bonds form when you share risky secrets. Or whatever.
"Hah..."
More importantly, was this really a place I could just walk into?
I stared blankly toward the shop's interior.
A long carpeted staircase descending underground, bathed in a subtle crimson glow... Anyone could tell this was a dangerous spot. Anyone.
'The driver dropped me off here, so it has to be the right place.'
Even as I thought that...
I was just getting spooked enough to consider calling Han Aebom one more time.
"Oh? Are you a customer?"
Shit. You scared the hell out of me.
My heart shriveled like a spring at the woman's voice from behind, then bounced back up with a vengeance.
"Ah, uh..."
I scratched my cheek and turned around, only to freeze with my mouth hanging open.
A woman in a tight white chain halterneck dress that clung to her body was looking my way with a shy half-smile.
And damn, she was insanely sexy and beautiful. The outfit especially accentuated her breasts and thighs...
'Whoa, you perv. What the hell are you doing.'
With nowhere safe to look, I lifted my gaze to her face—and got hit just as hard.
"......"
No joke. It was the kind of face that didn't even seem real...
As pretty as Oh Hana? No, if we're talking raw appeal right now, she might even top that. This stunning woman was blinking her round eyes, cautiously gauging my reaction. And it was driving me crazy cute.
'Why is a girl like this working here?'
She was gorgeous enough to outshine most female celebs on TV right now.
And she chose this place?
"Um... You're here for Hwamong, right?"
"Yes? Ah, yeah. Probably."
As I just stood there staring without a word, she cautiously asked again. I nodded, and—gasp!—her waist bent in half. A perfect 90-degree bow, like a fresh recruit snapping to attention.
"Whoa! Sorry! I've only been working here three days, so I haven't memorized all the regulars yet."
"No worries. This is my first time here too."
Breasts, fuck. Cleavage!
I'd already feasted my eyes on—and groped—the world-class racks of beauties like Oh Hana, Han Aebom, and Yoon Sua back at the studio apartment.
Yet my eyes were drawn irresistibly to the ones right in front of me. And my heart was pounding like mad. Was I losing it?
"Whoa, first-timer? That's kinda surprising. I heard only select guests come here."
"It just kinda happened..."
Lame excuse, but seriously, nowhere to look. Pale skin everywhere my eyes landed.
'Those tits are huge.'
Not quite Yoon Sua level, but full and voluptuous at first glance, perfectly shaped by the clinging dress. The kind you just wanted to grab.
Either oblivious to my lecherous stare or just innocently sweet, she beamed at me cutely.
"First time can feel kinda iffy to step in, right? The vibe screams 'no kids allowed.'"
"Yeah, exactly. I was hesitating over that."
"Pfft, I felt the same at first. Totally relatable! But once you're in, it's no big deal. Come on, let's go in together!"
"Wait, I just need to make a quick call..."
"Nope! Hesitate and you'll never go in. Come on, let's head inside. With me!"
Before I could get a word out...
She hooked her arm through mine and pulled me along. Her soft breasts brushed my arm precariously, sending delightful tingles straight to my heart.
'I'm gonna lose my mind.'
I shoved my phone in my pocket for now and tried picturing the women back at the studio apartment.
A wave of intense guilt and remorse hit me.
'Get a grip, Kim Hyunwoo. You're not some animal. What the hell are you doing? Snap out of it!'
I tried to calm myself and keep my composure. But as if mocking my efforts, my senses sharpened even more on the woman beside me.
Soft body. Intoxicating scent and voice. A face so ridiculously pretty... Fuck!
"Whoa, careful there! Don't trip. When I first started, I face-planted right there and had to head home early."
"Ah, thanks."
"There! Told you, nothing scary. Let's go in."
Just as she said. Snapping out of it, I realized we'd reached Hwamong's entrance. A door like an emergency exit, blocking the view inside.
'Feels like I got bewitched.'
Still dazed, she unlinked arms and opened the door.
A clean yet opulent interior greeted me.
The standout feature: a fountain with real koi swimming in it. I thought you only saw those in department store basements.
"Hello, Manager! I'm here for my shift."
"You're here. Go wait over there."
"Yes!"
I blankly watched her grab a book from the counter and walk away.
Even her backside was killer. Shit.
I swallowed hard, and suddenly the woman called Manager popped up beside me.
"You're Kim Hyunwoo, the one Chairman Han Se-ryong summoned?"
"Pardon? Ah, yes."
"Follow me. The Chairmen are already here waiting."
「Splash...!」
Amid the refreshing sound of the fountain, we walked about a minute down a plush carpeted hallway. At the end loomed a door labeled 'VIP Room.'
「Knock knock!」
The lady manager rapped twice.
"Come in."
"Yes."
I'd thought so on the phone, but her voice was still the same. Overflowing with confidence, like someone who knew their own worth better than anyone.
"Chairmen, excuse the intrusion. Your guest is here."
"Finally! Took you long enough."
"Look at this slowpoke. I sent the driver ages ago, and he crawls in now! Don't tell me he chickened out at the door like a scaredy-cat?"
The door opened, and I froze on the spot.
It stung because it hit too close to home, but more than that, I'd expected only Han Se-ryong—yet there was an unfamiliar face too. No women, at least. Thank god.
"Thanks for your help, Madam Jeong. You're dismissed."
"Yes, sir. Enjoy your time, Chairmen."
Han Se-ryong waved her off dismissively and grinned. Was it the buddy next to him? He seemed oddly excited.
"Hey, punk. Know who that dying old geezer is?"
"Pardon?"
"Go on, take a guess."
This felt more awkward than re-enlisting in the army.
Awkwardly rooted at the entrance, I stared at the old man Han Se-ryong pointed to. Maybe something would click if I looked hard enough. Yeah right. Right now, my head was filled with that girl's tits and thighs from earlier. Damn it.
"...No idea."
In the army, they taught us to say we don't know if we don't. And that's the truth.
What can you do if you don't know?
Han Se-ryong burst into laughter at my answer.
"Kahahahaha! Chairman Pyo, you got owned hard!"
"You rascal! Go ask random kids on the street these days. See if even one knows me."
I felt like I was losing my mind watching these old guys banter without me. One Han Se-ryong was tough enough—now another just like him?
"Aigoo. How about a drink from a young fellow?"
At least I wasn't totally clueless.
I swiftly grabbed the liquor bottle on the table at Chairman Pyo's mutter. Even the glass bottle screamed expensive.
Probably some fancy foreign whiskey?
"Kekeke! Quick on the draw, eh? Very quick!"
"Thank you..."
"Did your military service?"
"Yes."
"Gotta say where."
"Ah, uh... Rear guard unit."
"Aigooo...! This kid had it easy, real easy! A real man goes frontline. Or at least a tough unit like mine, the Tiger Division."
"Impressive."
"Here, you drink too. Down it all at once."
He was sucking the air right out of me. Too awkward to refuse, I turned my head and slammed back the whiskey he poured.
"......"
From the moment it hit my throat, it was like fire exploded inside. I barely kept from grimacing like an idiot or letting out a stupid noise.
Unlike me, Chairman Pyo was savoring the moment with delight.
"Kuh! Good stuff! Nothing beats a drink from a young buck! So, young man—what do you do that has a big shot like Chairman Han Se-ryong calling you here?"
That's what I want to know.
Instead of clueless me, Han Se-ryong answered.
"Don't listen to this fool! You think I'd call some nobody impressive or pretty? It's all 'cause my granddaughter's lost her damn mind over him."
"Come on, Chairman Han. You say that, but if you had zero expectations, you wouldn't have brought him here. I know you too well."
"Hmph."
Somehow...
The frivolous vibe that had felt almost vulgar moments ago shifted in an instant. The air grew heavy, and even the Chairmen's hearty laughs turned serious.
"Just my two cents, but half-smart folks are worse than total idiots. At least the dim ones are steadfast."
"Couldn't agree more. These days' kids are half-smart, half-fed brats with mouths bigger than their skills. Can't do a damn thing right."
Chairman Pyo glanced my way. It felt like someone grabbed my heart.
"Hey, kid. What's your name?"
"Kim... Hyunwoo."
"Mm, right. Hyunwoo. You play golf?"
A sport I'd never even considered. I shook my head.
And yet, shaking it, I felt this vague twinge of regret.
"No, never..."
Chairman Pyo smacked his lips softly at my answer, then chuckled a beat late.
"Kekeke. Then next time, call my grandson too—we'll make it four for a round. Sound good, Chairman Han?"
"No skin off my back."
Just casual chit-chat on the surface, but it felt loaded with meaning.
Driving me nuts. Was one whiskey already getting me drunk?
"I see. I get where you're coming from. Tough call, real tough. Retiring age and you're taking on more headaches. That's how ruthless you are—and how much you love this country. I like you for it too. Heh."
"Cut the nonsense and get outta here. Don't push yourself."
Chairman Pyo rose quietly after that cryptic remark. I tilted my head as I quickly helped support him.
What? Leaving already?
"You two enjoy some quality time."
"Bullshit! Soon as you're gone, I'll call in those pretty girls waiting outside and have a blast. You think I'm nuts enough to hang solo with this punk I can't stand?"
"Jealous. Still got the stamina for it."
"Tch. Drive safe. Don't keel over from a heart attack."
"Worry about yourself."
He handed Chairman Pyo off to the bodyguards waiting outside at last, then chuckled dryly at me.
"Long road ahead. Too damn long. Heh."
Definitely not talking about distance to home.
"That guy's down to his last days too. Next time I see him might be at the funeral parlor."
As I tilted my head in confusion, Han Se-ryong muttered bitterly, his gaze shifting to me.
"Anyway, now the sanctimonious old fart's gone. Shall we have some real fun? Call in a bunch of pretty girls and all."
I swallowed hard at Han Se-ryong's words, my emotions a tangled mess.