The New Host Is Too Good - Chapter 24: Midnight Stroll
Before she could explode in anger, Kim Namhu opened his mouth with perfect timing.
Knowing exactly when to interrupt a conversation and steer it toward his own pace was his specialty.
“Sometimes, wouldn’t it be nice to step outside and play a bit? I’m not suggesting anything like a secondary outing. Just a leisurely walk in the fresh air or catching a late-night movie would be fine. Why not try something different besides what you always do?”
Ha Ji-yeon paused, considering it.
After all, spending time here isn’t all that fun anyway.
It had started as revenge.
Among the hosts, none had caught her eye the way she wanted.
It felt too much like a little girl playing with random toys—entertaining, but never truly satisfying.
“Then shall we try it?”
Ha Ji-yeon nodded in agreement.
Kim Namhu felt the real game was finally beginning.
Just chatting and sharing beer inside the room was merely the prologue.
Can I actually seduce this woman?
Kim Namhu knew about Ha Ji-yeon.
But their meeting point was different from his memories.
In the original timeline, they should have crossed paths much later, in entirely different circumstances.
He had no idea how this variable would shift everything.
In his previous life, he had never made Ha Ji-yeon a regular customer.
By the time he met her, he already had a full roster of regulars and saw no reason to give her his absolute best.
But this time… making her a regular isn’t such a bad idea.
Confidence surged through him—the legendary host from his past life.
Seducing the wife of a prosecutor sounded like an amusing challenge.
Kim Namhu linked arms with Ha Ji-yeon as they stepped out into the night, his mind already racing through the details he had gathered about her.
Ha Ji-yeon was a famous true client, and her reputation was well-known in the waiting room.
And when she made one host her regular, it became the biggest topic.
A woman who had lived as a true client her entire life suddenly designating a host—it sparked massive conversations in the waiting room.
So how exactly did he seduce her?
The waiting room had filled with countless stories, and Kim Namhu had picked up a few clues.
Using that information, he began devising his strategy to win her over.
Interesting choice of host.
Women’s tastes in men varied wildly.
Some preferred soft, pretty boys, others rugged, bear-like types.
Sharp-featured men or gentle-looking ones both had their fans.
The one who had won her attention had been a round, sturdy man with a bearish build.
A niche preference, but one that still drew fans.
Yet I don’t look anything like that.
Kim Namhu had been hitting the gym hard and bulked up by eating tons of meat, but he still maintained a lean frame.
His face, if anything, carried sharper features.
So this woman’s taste clearly isn’t based on looks.
Just outside the bar, Ha Ji-yeon tested him by asking, “Then what shall we do?”
Most men would have felt insulted.
She was essentially saying, “I have no information about you—figure it out on your own.”
Even if he suggested a date, she’d reply with something vague and vague enough to throw him off.
But as a host, I have to read her like a book.
Whatever she throws my way, I’ll catch it.
Kim Namhu quickly scanned her from head to toe.
At this stage, reading the room was essential.
Sherlock-level deduction was required.
He had to read her hairstyle, makeup, body type, accessories, and fashion to uncover her true desires.
“How about we take a gentle walk first? North toward Uicheon, there’s a small stream. It’s quiet at night and perfect for strolling.”
Ha Ji-yeon immediately rejected the idea.
She hadn’t come here to play with a host, and she had no intention of following his lead just because he suggested it.
“At this hour?”
And Kim Namhu didn’t back down.
“Yes. You were wearing a beautiful dress, but you chose comfortable walking shoes. Plus, instead of a luxury watch, you had a smartwatch on your wrist. I figured you must enjoy walking, given how you dress.”
Ha Ji-yeon was visibly surprised.
But she still showed no sign of backing away.
“Walking shoes and a smartwatch? That’s too much of a stretch—does that mean I must love walking that much?”
“You’ve styled your hair, makeup, and every detail with such elegance from head to toe. Your fashion sense is clearly strong, yet something about those walking shoes and smartwatch felt out of place. For someone who actually cares about fashion, that would be a mistake. So I assumed it was intentional.”
Kim Namhu smiled and dropped the final piece of the puzzle.
“And earlier, I caught a glimpse of you checking your smartwatch. The step counter was already quite high. You’ve walked a lot today, haven’t you?”
Her smartwatch showed nearly ten thousand steps.
A housewife who spent her days at home and rarely left would find that distance nearly impossible to cover.
Ha Ji-yeon smiled, genuinely amused.
“There’s a stream? Then let’s go.”
She released the arm link.
And that wasn’t a bad sign at all.
It meant she was ready to walk seriously.
Kim Namhu and Ha Ji-yeon strolled in silence.
Ha Ji-yeon breathed in the cool night air and savored the walk.
Kim Namhu followed two steps behind her.
Soon, Uicheon appeared.
Walking paths lined both banks, neatly maintained.
The ground was soft and comfortable underfoot.
They walked for thirty minutes.
A light sheen of sweat formed on their skin.
Ha Ji-yeon finally spoke.
“I live near Mia, so I had no idea such a beautiful walking path existed so close to The Queen. And following me behind with such grace… thank you.”
“No need. I’m the one who’s happy you’re enjoying it.”
Kim Namhu asked next.
“Are you thirsty? There’s a convenience store just a little farther. Why don’t we grab a beer there?”
Ha Ji-yeon had been thirsty for a while.
After a light walk, she always loved the cool taste of beer.
Then a thought struck her.
“Why did you specifically suggest beer?”
“I heard the Queen only serves beer. If you’re not short on money and you like beer, that would make sense. Plus, the bar offers only Korean beer, while the convenience store has plenty of foreign varieties. It seemed like a good idea.”
Kim Namhu’s guess had been wrong.
She drank everything without discrimination.
She simply didn’t want to waste money on expensive drinks at The Queen.
Kim Namhu continued.
“Besides, among all the drinks, beer after a workout is the best, don’t you think?”
Ha Ji-yeon nodded enthusiastically at his final remark.
Even if his guess had been off, the important thing was that she wanted beer right now.
They arrived at the convenience store.
Ha Ji-yeon chose a German beer.
Kim Namhu followed her choice.
Four cans came to 100,000 won.
Kim Namhu paid the bill lightly.
In the past, it would have been her turn to pay.
A host spent a client’s money, not the other way around.
But spending 100,000 won to earn millions later? That would be stupid.
They walked back to the benches near the path, beers in hand.
They sat down.
Ha Ji-yeon took a sip and asked, “It’s the first time a host has paid.”
“Usually it’s like that. But if I truly like a client, I’ll spend money too.”
Ha Ji-yeon laughed out loud.
There was no woman who hated such honesty.
They slowly finished the two beers.
Staring at the flowing water under the night sky, they needed no snacks.
Then Ha Ji-yeon spoke.
“It’s truly strange. I never imagined I’d spend time with a host like this. It’s like suddenly running into an old high-school friend and playing around for a bit.”
Kim Namhu simply smiled and nodded.
They drank two more cans in silence.
“Time to head back.”
Ha Ji-yeon looked completely satisfied.
But Kim Namhu knew that satisfaction would not end tonight.
She still hadn’t fully opened her heart to him.
You couldn’t win a woman’s heart with just one pleasant hour.
Love at first sight was a fantasy straight out of cheap novels.
Seducing one woman required far more effort than that.
At the entrance to The Queen, Kim Namhu flagged a taxi for her.
She got in and said, “Thank you. See you next time.”