The Deal: Between Love and Favors

The Min family owned several subsidiaries and lived in a delicate balance between legal and illegal activities. The youngest son, Min Jun-ho, was at his club, the only real thing he considered his own. Although he worked overseeing the family's assets, he was not seen by his father's partners as a man of honor. They formed a powerful clique, controlling a significant portion of the country's GDP, both legally and behind the scenes.

— Why aren't you eating? — asked the finance director of MJ Transport, turning to the youngest son of the family.

— I don't feel like it anymore. And what are you doing here? — he retorted, irritated by the way her hand rested on his shoulder.

— I'm only 38, Jun-ho. I can have fun.

— Feel free, but don't touch me again. — His tone was sharp. For his own reasons, the contact disgusted him.

The woman immediately withdrew her hand. Confused, she tried to sit next to him, seeking attention. But Jun-ho diverted his gaze to the dancers performing. He had no romantic interest in them, but he admired the profession and dedication. All his employees were beautiful, friendly, and undeniably charming.

— You're quite handsome, Min. — she tried again.

— Stop, Kim. I'm not interested.

— I'm just curious about the rumors. — She ran a hand down his arm.

— That's in the...

— Kim, I ask you to leave. — A security guard appeared, pulling her hand away from Jun-ho. — There are rules here. I believe you have not respected his wishes. Please leave and do not return.

The woman was stunned, but Jun-ho simply confirmed with a nod.

— Do you agree she shouldn't come back, sir? — asked the guard. Upon receiving confirmation, he forcibly removed her. Later, she would be fired.

Jun-ho didn't condemn people's curiosity, but the disrespect for his boundaries irritated him deeply. He stood up and went to the bathroom, where he washed his arm incessantly until he felt clean.

(...)

They simply don't listen, no matter how direct I am.

I dried my arms and hands, then left the bathroom. I lifted my eyes and observed the semi-naked woman doing her best in her dance.

Her eyes met mine. She showcased her body in a performance deserving of praise. Maybe she also wonders if the rumors about not getting too close to me are true.

But they are true.

I smiled at her, blew a kiss, and received a shy smile in return. At least, she only existed there, at that moment. Despite working here for years, she never approached me outside of working hours, and if we met, she kept a comfortable distance.

She was charming in her own way, and that's the best I could acknowledge.

At the end of the hall, there was a man waiting for me.

— Would you like me to drive for you, sir?

— No need, and I intend to go alone.

— Sir, you'll be making a collection. Remember, there's no need for force.

— Do you think I can't judge something correctly? I might even forgive the loan if necessary.

— I believe your father wouldn't be pleased with that.

— He'll be pleased if I take it from your salary.

He paused for a few seconds. We both knew this solution wouldn't bother the old man, as long as it was clarified and the numbers added up in the end.

When I arrived at the location of my collection, I found a comical scene. Despite owing my father, Kim Soo was spending money on his fiancée. And as if that wasn't enough, I had to witness this couple being affectionate. I like showing up unannounced at people's homes, but this was the first time I've encountered such an emblem. It's not good for me to use violence, but he deserved it.

In the end, I took the diamond ring as collateral to ensure Kim Soo would pay the rest of the debt. He couldn't blame me, the ring was the most valuable thing he had at that moment.

On the road back to Promise Club, my mother called me.

— Son, I arranged a date for you tomorrow. She's a nice girl. I hope you fall in love with her.

She said, always excited about the idea.

— Okay, Mom, thanks. — I replied, even though I knew nothing would come of it.

I don't have libido and feel disgusted by physical advances from anyone who insists. I might take an interest in someone, but I don't feel desire. I don't get to the point where I want to unite with them in an act. What I feel is repulsion and shortness of breath. I never imagined this would become such a big obstacle, and because of that, my last relationship didn't go anywhere, and I was betrayed. The way it ended just destroyed me because I was forced to compensate for the shame I brought to my family and allies.

As if that wasn't enough, despite my effort to become the leader of Golden, my parents said I'd only inherit the throne if I found the damn true love. In their minds, even though I'm like this, I'll find the right person. Like some ridiculous fairy tale. Even though I was already married, they want me to somehow overcome everything that happened with unwavering and overwhelming strength.

And I'm working on actually doing that. But I don't need and don't want any woman by my side right now.

I was just a block away from my destination when, distracted, I almost didn't notice someone running across the street. I tried to brake as quickly as possible in those fractions of a second before everything turned into a pool of blood. With good brakes, the impact wasn't hard, but he still fell to the ground, clearly intoxicated.

I quickly got out of the car. Hitting someone would make everything worse.

People on the street started to gather with phones in hand. I needed to avoid the cameras. The guy was fine and alive, just lying on the ground because he wanted to. I crouched down and helped him stand.

— Whoa, thanks, you were fast! I almost died. — said the guy.

— Are you okay? — I asked, as did the people around us.

— Of course I'm fine! Don't worry! He's going to take me home. — He yelled at the people, as if I actually planned to do that.

— What? — I quickly stood up and he fell backward.

— Didn't I call you? You came to take me.

— No, you didn't call me. I'm not a taxi driver! — I said. — By the way, were you trying to kill yourself? Why did you run across the street? — I asked, still stunned by the behavior of the guy with black hair.

— To get to the other side. — He answered seriously, while with great effort, he got up. He staggered and leaned on me.

— Don't touch me. — I said, moving away from him.

— Ah... — He grunted, throwing himself at me. He was about to fall again, so I caught him. His hair fell to the side, and I finally saw his face.

— Park Salin? — His eyes wandered, but it was definitely him. He raised an eyebrow as he looked at me.

— Me? — he asked, confused.