Chapter 152: What Is Your Favorite Food?
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 152: What Is Your Favorite Food?
A strange tension filled the air.
Hyun-kyung glared sharply at Young-eun, who returned a triumphant smile. Meanwhile, Olivia watched the two women with an inscrutable expression.
"You two seem to get along quite well."
"Of course. After all, she is a major investor who poured a fortune into Jae-ho’s JH Health."
Young-eun clung tightly to my side. Her breasts pressed softly against my arm.
Is it really okay to do this with so many people around?
"I heard the news. You invested a lot in Oppa’s business. But you know, I’ve also decided to work as the advertisement model for his business this time."
"Oh my, so have I. That’s wonderful. Does this mean we’re all one big family now?"
It didn't look like their war of nerves was going to end anytime soon, so I stepped in between them.
"Isn't it great? Being able to work together like this."
If I left them alone, I was afraid they’d start a fight right here in the middle of a party meant for celebration.
"Oppa, I really wanted to see you so badly after coming back to Korea..."
"Wasn't it because Miss Hyun-kyung was too busy with her schedule that you couldn't meet? A global sports star wouldn't be left alone, after all. It just means she’s more popular with the public than Jae-ho is."
Young-eun spoke in a teasing tone.
"...That was unavoidable because of my contracts."
Perhaps that hit a sore spot. At Young-eun’s implication that her popularity was more important than me, Hyun-kyung replied on the verge of tears.
"She’s right. That was a clause included in the contract when I invested," Olivia chimed in. "Hyun-kyung needs to become the ultimate sports star, after all."
"You’re so mean, Ollie."
"Haven't you finished all the channels specified in that contract by now? Thanks to that, we can build high-quality tennis courts in Korea, so it’s a win-win for everyone. Hoho."
"Anyway, I’m going to come see Oppa often now."
Hyun-kyung leaned in close to my ear and whispered in a voice so small only I could hear.
"I don't want to lose you to that woman."
I couldn't help but think that if Young-eun had heard that, she would have found a way to kick Hyun-kyung out immediately.
It was while I was sharing these private words with them that someone approached.
"Oh, here you are!"
A middle-aged gentleman came looking for us.
"I’ve been searching for a while. Haha."
"Is something the matter?"
At Olivia’s question, the gentleman smiled gently and pointed at me.
"I wanted to meet our Mr. Choi and have a word. May I borrow a moment of his time from you ladies?"
Me? I naturally assumed he had come for Olivia.
"You mean me?"
"Yes. Would that be alright?"
"Is it something that can't be discussed here?"
"Yes, it’s a strictly personal question."
I followed the middle-aged gentleman. He led me toward a balcony where there were fewer people.
"What can I do for you?"
I wondered if he wanted a care service. I didn't really want to do it here. If I did it for one person, there would be plenty of other guests clamoring for the same.
"By any chance, do you only provide services for women?"
"For now, yes. I am focusing on caring for female clients. I am considering services for men in the future, but not right away."
"Hmm... I see."
"What is this about?"
Surely he wasn't asking for a massage for himself? While a short massage in a place like this was fine, I had no intention of bringing male clients into the gym yet. I simply wasn't interested in kneading a man's body for a long time.
"It’s nothing like that. It’s about my daughter."
"Your daughter?"
"Yes."
"What seems to be the problem?"
"I’m worried because she seems to be drowning in fatigue lately."
"Fatigue, you say?"
"Yes. Until recently, she was a child full of laughter, but it breaks my heart that her smiles and words have vanished since a certain point."
"Was there a specific trigger?"
"She started a new job recently. I suspect that might be the reason."
A job, huh?
"May I ask how old your daughter is?"
The middle-aged gentleman didn't look that old. Twenty? Since she had a job, I figured she’d be twenty-two at most.
"She’s twenty-seven this year."
"Twenty-seven?"
"Haha, everyone reacts that way when they hear her age. I had her quite early. And I suppose I have a bit of a youthful face myself."
"That is surprising."
"Is she here today?"
"She couldn't come because she was busy with work. I heard you know of massages or exercise methods that help with fatigue recovery, so I wanted to ask."
"I can certainly resolve the issue, but I’d need to see her in person at our center to be sure."
"I thought as much. Understood. I’ll bring my daughter by sometime soon."
The middle-aged man chuckled at my words and handed me his business card.
Answer Law Firm – CEO Han Seung-won.
Answer Law Firm?
I looked back and forth between the card and the man. If Jeil Group was Korea’s top corporation, Answer was a law firm so famous people said it was the top firm in the country.
And this man was the CEO?
"You’re quite a prominent figure."
"Haha, you flatter me."
Contrary to his calm appearance, he was a massive heavyweight. He looked like a typical middle-aged man you’d see in any neighborhood, giving off a plain, 'guy next door' vibe.
But this was Olivia’s party. Anyone invited here wouldn't even be able to show their face without a significant social standing.
Not bad.
Building a connection with the CEO of Answer Law Firm? At the very least, there was nothing to lose by being on good terms with a man like him in this country.
"Then I look forward to your visit."
"Ah, yes. Please come whenever you like. I’ll be waiting."
Whatever problem his daughter has, I’ll solve it in an instant.
After chatting about this and that, the party finally began to wind down.
Ting!
Olivia tapped a glass with a spoon, drawing everyone’s attention.
"The formal schedule for today’s party ends here. From now on, you are free to leave at your leisure."
As soon as Olivia finished speaking, those who had enjoyed themselves began to depart in small groups. The glamorous party hosted by Olivia came to a close.
"Are you three not leaving yet?"
Olivia asked, looking at me, Young-eun, and Hyun-kyung.
"I should get going now."
Just as I was about to stand up, Hyun-kyung and Young-eun both grabbed my wrists.
"You’re just going to leave?"
"Are you going already?"
I was startled by the two women speaking almost in unison. Since when did they get so synchronized?
"Huh?"
"Jae-ho, were you going to leave without giving us a massage after doing it for everyone else?"
"Wouldn't it have been nice to give me a demonstration when the other guests were getting theirs earlier?"
"Ah, don't tell me you’re taking us for granted because you’ve already 'caught' us?"
Taking them for granted? I had specifically chosen other people because I thought it would look less credible if I used my own members and investors. It wasn't that I was intentionally excluding them.
"Can't you just do it for us?"
Hyun-kyung slyly placed her hand on my chest.
"Where do you think you're touching?"
Young-eun brushed Hyun-kyung’s hand off my chest and leaned her head on my shoulder.
"Are you going to leave without doing it for me?"
"Didn't I just rub your hands earlier because you said you were tired?"
"That’s exactly why you should do it. I gave you that massage so you’d return the favor."
Slowly, Young-eun’s fingers slid down my arm and interlaced with mine.
"Me too! I can give you a massage too."
Hyun-kyung lunged at me as if refusing to be outdone.
"I can't do anything if you both cling to me like this."
I needed to cool down the rising heat between the two of them. I looked at Olivia.
"Miss Olivia, do you happen to have a spare room?"
"I have plenty of rooms."
"Then I think I should borrow one to give them a massage. Would that be alright?"
"Well, I don't mind."
"Thank you."
Hyun-kyung and Young-eun, stuck close to my sides, glared at each other with sparkling eyes.
"I hate that she’s getting one too, but..."
"You think I like it?"
"Now, now, let’s stop there and head inside. I’ll give you both a proper massage."
I led Young-eun and Hyun-kyung into the room Olivia had prepared. After washing up, they lay down on the bed, exposing their backs.
I won't be able to go all the way today.
I couldn't do it with Young-eun in front of Hyun-kyung yet, nor with Hyun-kyung in front of Young-eun. Miju, Ye-seul, and Dayoung were deep enough under hypnosis to understand such a situation, but these two weren't.
Actually, this is for the best.
If I massage them together, their resistance to each other will lessen over time.
I took turns massaging Young-eun’s smooth back and Hyun-kyung’s sun-kissed skin.
"Hngh...!"
"Ahhh...!"
Sweet moans echoed through the room. I wasn't having sex with them, but I provided a pleasure massage that allowed them to feel an equivalent level of ecstasy. I felt jealous glares whenever I massaged the other’s body, but this was better than them fighting.
As the massage neared its end...
"Haaahhh...!"
"Hyahhh...!"
Their bodies bucked before they slumped onto the bed, panting as they surrendered themselves to the blankets. Perhaps their bodies had completely relaxed from the massage; both of them drifted off into a deep sleep right there on the bed.
After covering them with the duvet, I wiped my sweat and stepped out of the room.
"Whew, that was exhausting."
Satisfying two people at once with just a massage was no easy feat.
"Are you finished?"
When I went outside, Olivia, who had come with Clarice, asked me.
"Yes. They’re likely in a deep sleep now, so they’ll wake up in about an hour."
"Ho, is that so? Your skills are impressive as expected."
Olivia smiled. Why did that smile look so ominous?
"Clarice?"
"Yes, Director."
"When those two wake up, give them something light to eat. Or something to drink."
"Understood."
"Jae-ho, follow me for a moment."
"Right now?"
"Yes. You have nothing to do until those two wake up anyway. Let’s talk. There’s something I want to ask."
"Alright."
Something Olivia wanted to ask? Could it be about Hyun-kyung? She had been making her feelings for me quite obvious. What should I say? That Hyun-kyung likes me? I might get slapped for that.
Lost in thought, I soon arrived at the suite where Olivia was staying. It was the most expensive room among the hotel’s suites. Entering the massive space that occupied an entire floor, I was greeted by a wide living room that looked like a lobby.
Thud!
The door closed automatically as soon as I entered.
"What is it you wanted to ask? If it’s about Hyun-kyung, there isn't much I can say..."
Olivia, who was standing with her back to me, spoke without turning around.
"It’s not about Miss Im."
"Then is it Young-eun? I can't really talk about her either."
"No. It’s not her either. Young-eun is like a close younger sister to me; she’s no longer someone I have other intentions for."
"Then what is it?"
Olivia turned around to face me. Her blue eyes locked onto mine. A cold, sharp gaze that seemed to analyze every detail of its target stared me down.
"The one I’m curious about is you. Choi Jae-ho, the CEO of JH Health, in whom I invested."
"..."
"I have many things I want to ask you."
"Go ahead. I can answer anything regarding that."
"Is that so?"
But what was she so curious about? I felt like I had told her everything I could. I’d already explained how I planned to make money, the operational methods, and the direction for future spending. I’d even mentioned that I’d likely be traveling abroad often.
What was left? Surely it was something business-related...
Did I not mention the cosmetics? Is she already thinking of opening a chain? She did say she wanted to establish branches in the capitals of every country.
After a brief pause for thought, Olivia spoke with a faint smile.
"Then... what is your favorite food?"
What?
"Pardon?"
"I asked what your favorite food is. I was curious about that."
"My favorite food?"
"Yes. What do you like, Jae-ho?"
What was going on? Olivia, her face flushing red, glared at me while gritting her teeth.
"Just what... what did you do to me?"
"I’m not sure what you mean."
"Why does my heart keep racing every time I see you? This has never happened to me in my entire life!"