Chapter 89
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 89
Chapter Title: A Long-Lost Friend Turns Out to Be the Executive Director's Daughter's Boyfriend?
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Resorts like this one offered a wide range of accommodations, from hotels and condos to glamping sites, camping grounds, and even capsule hotels.
They catered to solo travelers as well as large families, and there were spacious options perfect for club outings or company workshops.
Among them, the villas nestled in the mountains were especially popular, thanks to the perk of stargazing under a sky full of stars at night.
Each villa came with its own small pool, expansive yard, and complete privacy, and right in the middle of them all was a stylish café.
That made them a favorite spot for families and couples.
They were so in demand that booking was a hassle, leading to plenty of complaints about needing more expansions.
Since I'd been to one of these villas with Yoo Eun-joo before and knew how far up the mountain they were, this time we took Lee Eun-ae's car.
Vroom—
"Riding in a car makes this so much easier."
"You walked last time, didn't you? With Assistant Manager Yoo."
"Yeah. We even had a little race on the way up."
"Sounds fun. With a Miss Korea winner, no less?"
"Of course. When else would I get to hike a mountain path alone with a beauty like that?"
Zing—
"You've got a smile from ear to ear. Totally."
"Jealous? Come on, you're about to get married."
"Shut up. You messed up yesterday, so today you do whatever I say. Got it?"
"As long as it doesn't involve flashing anything."
"What do you take me for? Why would I make you do that?"
I'll make you do it to me later.
I played innocent with a smile and changed the subject.
"The festival's only five days away now, right?"
"Starts this Friday, so yeah."
"And your wedding's just a month out too."
"Don't remind me. It makes me uncomfortable."
"Not going for pre-wedding photos?"
"We are. My husband... comes back next week, so we'll head to Seoul then."
"Oh, mind if I tag along?"
"Are you insane? What makes you think you'd come with us?"
"I wanna bury it in a woman in a wedding dress."
"Hey! You pervert! What the hell?!"
Lee Eun-ae shouted, glaring at me. But why was her face turning red?
"You just pictured it, didn't you?"
"You... seriously, stop with the weird talk."
"Assistant Manager, your face is super red."
"That's because you're pissing me off!"
Still, it seemed she didn't want to risk her boyfriend—no, her husband—finding out.
She probably imagined it but steeled herself that she absolutely couldn't.
That just made it all the more intriguing.
Wonder if I could train her that much.
Lost in such fantasies, we arrived at the villa.
From here on, we'd have to go on foot.
I hopped out first and hurried to open the door for Lee Eun-ae.
"What's gotten into you?"
"Don't girls like a guy with manners?"
"This won't make me take you along. Don't get your hopes up."
"Wasn't my intention."
"Whatever. Come on. Let's finish up quick and hit the slopes."
Being familiar with the routine made everything go smoothly.
Word had spread by now, so most guests already knew what was up.
"Yes! I'll definitely come! I even booked a performance slot!"
"Lots of chicken deliveries coming in too, right?"
"Yep. Tons of vendors signed up."
"Awesome! I'll swing by for sure!"
"Heard Jin Se-ah's coming too—is that for real?"
"Hmm. That's a secret. But we do have a special invitee lined up."
"Tell me and I'll come."
"Just a hint... a super famous solo singer."
"It's Jin Se-ah!"
Every guest was buzzing with excitement for the festival.
"Tae-hu, you like Jin Se-ah too, right?"
"Eh. In the army, I never met anyone who hated girl groups."
"So you must've seen her a lot?"
"Yeah. Back when she was an idol. Especially the seniors—they were obsessed. Why? Is she really coming?"
"You didn't hear from Assistant Manager Yoo?"
"Hear what? Oh, if PR pushed for it, she'd know."
"Heh. Play nice today and maybe I'll spill."
"From the way you're talking, sounds like it's a done deal. Oh, I'm off that day. Gotta go see Jin Se-ah too."
Jin Se-ah was a singer who'd skyrocketed after going solo from her idol group.
With her rare blend of innocence and sex appeal, she'd captured the public's eye, and lately her acting chops had made her the hottest star around.
Now conquering CFs and variety shows, she had massive support among the 20s and 30s crowd.
Heard she even had a ton of uncle fans.
"How'd you snag a big shot like her? She's gotta be swamped."
"They say Assistant Manager Yoo pulled strings."
"Assistant Manager Yoo? How?"
"She wouldn't say. PR's got their secrets, I guess."
"Makes sense."
I wasn't particularly curious about those secrets.
"But wouldn't announcing a star like that boost promo more?"
"Secret mode. Rumors are spreading anyway—everyone who matters knows."
"Fair. Too many people and it'd be chaos."
"More importantly, Tae-hu. Ever jerk off to Jin Se-ah in the army?"
"What? Stop with the weird questions."
"Come on, spill. I'm curious."
"Nope. But she did pop up in my dreams."
"Pfft. Wet dream?"
"Didn't say that."
"Anyway, you're a guy too. Jin Se-ah's gorgeous and sexy—drives men wild."
"You're pretty too, Assistant Manager."
"W-what? Out of nowhere."
Tossing that line on purpose, I watched her blush adorably.
Laughing and chatting, we reached the next villa.
"Hello!"
A man in the villa's yard was lighting charcoal for a grill.
I ran over and greeted him right away.
"Yes. Hello. Who might you be?"
"We're hosting a beer festival here at the resort. Just stopping by to spread the word for promo. Got a minute?"
"Sure. No problem. But..."
The man stared right through me.
I met his gaze without flinching.
Something about him seemed familiar.
And we both recognized each other at the same time.
"Seo Tae-hu!"
"Oh Kwang-hu! It's you, right?"
"Man! It's been forever! Tae-hu!"
"Dude! What the hell? Why'd you bulk up so much!? You're a total gym rat now!"
Oh Kwang-hu.
My best buddy from high school soccer days.
We bonded in freshman year over both our names ending in 'hu'.
We were tight until my injury forced me to quit soccer. Even during UDT or now, I'd think of him sometimes.
Seeing him after so long filled me with joy.
"Gym rat? Haha. What about you? Shoulder okay? You've bulked up nice too."
"Did UDT. Rehab went great—shoulder's good now."
"Glad to hear it! Man, I hated seeing you quit soccer over that injury."
"You? How've you been? Heard you went pro."
"Made the team, but quit after a year. Level was way above mine."
Truth be told, I'd been skeptical when I heard he'd gone pro.
I was the better player.
Kwang-hu was decent but not pro-level, so it left me wondering if I could've made it too.
But hey, friends succeeding is great. I'm doing fine now anyway.
"Working here, huh."
"Yeah. Intern. Promotion soon, probably."
"Nice. Was worried about you."
"And you? What's your gig?"
"Gym trainer. Scored a hot girlfriend thanks to it—here vacationing."
"Cool. She's inside?"
"Yeah, showering. Who's the lady with you?"
"Hi. I'm Lee Eun-ae, Assistant Manager and Seo the intern's boss."
"Whoa... Hello. All the staff here are gorgeous."
We were chatting away when...
Creeeak—
Someone emerged from the villa.
A blonde in a navy dress with massive breasts.
But she looked too mature to be Kwang-hu's girlfriend.
"Mom, take it slow."
"No, I'll help out."
"Seo-yeon still showering?"
"Yeah, out now and dolling up. Wants to impress her boyfriend, I guess."
The blonde approached with a bright smile.
Curious who she was, I glanced at Kwang-hu, who whispered:
"Girlfriend's mom. Works here, stopped by briefly. Just dinner and she'll head out."
Mom?
She looked young for that—early 30s at most.
Her golden hair tied back gave a fresh, elegant vibe.
She exuded an invisible aura.
Like the epitome of a strong modern woman.
Her slightly blue eyes suggested mixed heritage.
She spotted us and froze.
"Long time no see."
Not directed at me.
Lee Eun-ae was beside me, fists clenched, trembling.
Lips pressed tight, glaring at her with flushed excitement.
"Yeah. Long time. Executive Director Kang Tae-hee."
What?
Kang Tae-hee, Executive Director?
Way different from the glimpse I'd caught before.
The dyed blonde hair, maybe.
"Heard you're busting your ass in Support Team. Coming all the way here for promo? Guess the rumors are true."
"Yes. Thanks to you, Executive Director, I'm working my bones to dust."
Sparks flew between the two women.
Like mortal enemies reuniting.
"And this is... Intern Seo Tae-hu, right?"
"Yes."
"Saw your promo video recently. Handsome, so I remembered."
"Oh? Tae-hu, you were the star of that video?"
"Yeah. Got lucky."
Kang Tae-hee spoke up.
"Can't ignore seeing my staff work so hard. How about that café nearby? My treat—coffee on me."
"No, I'm fine. Tae-hu, let's go."
"Tae-hu, you'll come to the café, right?"
"..."
Both glaring at me.
Tough spot.
Choice was obvious.
How could I turn down the Executive Director?
Reading my mind, Lee Eun-ae shot me a venomous look and turned away.
"I'll check other villas. Do whatever, Tae-hu."
She stormed off.
My instincts screamed to follow her, but the Executive Director's smile held me back.
Truth was, I was curious too.
Why Lee Eun-ae reacted like that.
What kind of person the Executive Director was.
Might as well find out.
"Shall we, Executive Director?"
We went to the nearby café and sat across from each other.
She retied her hair in front of me, flashing her armpit.
Impeccably maintained looks and figure.
The blonde hair made her glow even more.
Her cleavage peeked boldly from the dress—maybe just a tad smaller than Team Leader Baek's.
A young, stunning woman like this as Executive Director? My heart raced a bit.
Illustration: Executive Director Kang Tae-hee