IDMPYU 43

43. Foolish Woman
‘Haah…’

Hajun raised his hand and rubbed his tired eyes.

He tried hard to focus on his criminal law textbook for tomorrow’s quiz, flipping through pages and doing his best to concentrate, but nothing was sinking in. Mi-ri’s words kept echoing in his mind.

“She’s working under the Duke of the North now.”

‘Why did he reappear? Why is he trying to shake up poor Jihyun again?’

Deciding he couldn’t stand by and watch Shin Seungho manipulate Jihyun any longer, Hajun picked up his phone.

Rrrring—

The dial tone sounded, and soon a familiar voice greeted him. It was Minwoo.

“Oh, Kim Hajun. Long time no see. How’ve you been?”

“I’ve been okay, but… I’m calling because I need a favor.”

Skipping over any pleasantries, Hajun got straight to the point.

“How can I get in touch with Shin Seungho?”

“You? With Seungho? Why?”

Minwoo’s voice immediately filled with concern upon hearing the name. Hajun wasn’t the type to network for the sake of appearances. And Minwoo hadn’t forgotten how Seungho used to look down on Hajun eight years ago.

“I have something to say to him.”

There was an uncharacteristic silence from Minwoo.

“…Even if I gave you his number, it’d be useless. He rarely answers calls. Meeting him in person would be better, honestly.”

Hajun gave a faint, bitter laugh at the suggestion.

“Would Seungho even agree to meet me?”

“If you asked to meet? Definitely not. He’s surprisingly shy with strangers.”

Minwoo joked lightly, but Hajun knew it wasn’t just a joke.

He had already attended a few social gatherings he didn’t even want to go to, just for a chance to meet Seungho, but always came up empty. People said it was easier to spot a star in the sky than to see Seungho at a party.

Unlike before, he no longer met people easily. He was said to be buried in foundation and company affairs.

That was what troubled Hajun. Why would someone so focused on work go out of his way to keep someone like Jihyun—who wasn’t even in his field—by his side?

“Then tell me how I can meet him.”

A conflicted sigh came from the other end of the line.

“Seungho’s attending the Shinyang ES party. That’ll be your fastest chance.”

“…Thanks.”

Hajun’s voice cracked as he thanked Minwoo. He had to meet Seungho in person.

To find out why he wouldn’t let Jihyun go, why he kept hurting her. If necessary, Hajun wouldn’t hesitate to issue a warning. In the dark, his eyes glinted with resolve.

Thud!

Startled by the loud sound that shook the desk, Jihyun looked up. Seungho had slammed a thick stack of documents in front of her.

“These are the names of the party attendees and their business styles. Memorize them all.”

Jihyun frowned as she looked at the top sheet. It listed not only names, positions, and photos but also businesses, frequent spots, food preferences, and even favorite brands.

“You want me to memorize all of this?”

Seeing the sheer volume of information, Jihyun balked. Leaning against the desk, Seungho said casually:

“This is standard for an executive assistant.”

“All of it…?”

His eyes held a mischievous glint as he looked at her horrified reaction.

“Don’t tell me you can’t do it.”

“I can… but this is really personal information.”

Jihyun protested softly, thinking it felt unethical. Seungho tilted his chin arrogantly.

“That’s what makes it valuable. Do you know how much this information is worth? I don’t want excuses—just do it.”

She sighed as she read a section even listing people’s bedroom preferences. Seeing her hesitation, Seungho’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“Show the Whale Foundation your worth.”

Then his gaze dropped to Jihyun’s collar.

“Choi Jihyun…”

The playfulness in his eyes disappeared instantly.

“Where’s the card I gave you?”

“Sorry, I meant to return it… I forgot.”

As she scrambled through her bag, he stopped her.

“Do you think I asked for that damn card back?”

“Then why—?”

“I told you to buy proper clothes, didn’t I?”

His sharp tone made Jihyun shut her mouth.

The day he gave her the card and insulted her appearance, she had gone and bought a few outfits she thought were decent. But standing at the register, she hadn’t been able to bring herself to use his card.

Even though she knew the clothes were pocket change to him, her pride wouldn’t let her do it. She brushed her stiff collar with her hand.

“This is a nice outfit.”

At least it wasn’t from the bargain rack. It was a new arrival, not on sale. But Seungho, folding his arms, looked at her with open disdain.

“So what are you wearing to the party?”

Jihyun was caught off guard. She hadn’t even considered going to the party—especially not after being buried in this pile of prep work.

Even Minwoo had scoffed at the idea that Seungho would bring her. She hadn’t considered it, assuming she didn’t belong in such a place.

But admitting that to Seungho, whose gaze had gone cold, was too dangerous.

“Uh… I have something kind of similar to this…”

She rolled her eyes, grasping for a decent excuse.

“My words aren’t even worth more than a passing dog,” Seungho muttered and ran his hand through his hair. Then he picked up his phone and called someone.

“Yes, Manager Yoon? It’s me. Please bring a few decent outfits from the women’s department. Right away.”

The word “women’s wear” coming from his mouth sounded strangely out of place.

“I really don’t need that…”

But somehow, he heard her mumbling.

“No, that won’t be enough. Bring the entire F/W collection through the manager. Including shoes.”

At that, Jihyun curled her toes. He had clearly noticed her wearing house slippers.

“Size 230? Yes. Thank you.”

Less than an hour later, the doorbell rang.

From the monitor, Jihyun could tell just how powerful Seungho’s words were. As soon as she opened the door, three women in sleek black suits entered, carrying racks, clothes, and accessories.

Their golden name tags revealed their ranks. Only then did Jihyun realize these were the elite department store VVIP managers Seungho had called.

Two employees quickly assembled a garment rack and carefully hung up the clothes to avoid wrinkles.

Shoes and accessories were elegantly displayed by practiced hands. The highest-ranked manager walked over to Seungho, who lounged on the couch, and offered a glass of champagne.

“Would you like a glass while we prepare?”

“Sure.”

No sooner had he accepted than the champagne was poured with perfect froth. Jihyun stood in the corner, feeling like a spectator in a foreign world.

She had heard about private VVIP showrooms in department stores, but never imagined they did house calls.

And Seungho acted like this was all perfectly normal.

Just like Mi-ri had said—it really was a world only for “those people.” Suddenly, her stiff, proud collar shirt began to feel a little embarrassing. To think she’d insisted it was a good outfit…

One of the staff subtly signaled the manager.

“The product display is complete.”

Seungho brought the champagne to his lips and traced his mouth with a finger.

“Pick one.”

“Huh?”

Lost in thought, it took Jihyun a moment to realize he was speaking to her. And then she felt her cheeks burn.

All the staff turned to look at her. Though they remained professional, their surprise showed through. One staffer brought out a dark beige suit.

“Since you’re petite and fair-skinned…”

“Fair-skinned, my ass,” Seungho cut in with a smirk.

“She’s not just fair, she’s pale. Her skin is way lighter than yours.”

“I’m sorry,” the staffer bowed, paling.

Jihyun also turned pale.

‘What’s wrong with him? Is he drunk from the champagne?’

“I-It’s okay.”

Trying to ease the awkwardness, she reached for the suit, but Seungho said coldly:

“Next.”

The manager herself stepped in and pulled out an ivory two-piece suit.

“This ivory suit pairs well with brown hair and gives a strong, professional image.”

It was clearly made from high-quality materials. Jihyun swallowed hard—it was beautiful.

The delicate ivory shade was one she’d never seen at the mall or outlets. As the manager held it against her, Seungho’s eyes narrowed.

“Hmm. Not bad…”

Before he could say more, Jihyun quickly spoke up:

“I like this one!”

But when she glanced at the price tag, her eyes nearly popped out. She could never afford it. Her face paled.

“Next.”

Every time Seungho said “next,” Jihyun grew more flustered.

The staff exchanged annoyed glances and sighed. None of them could understand how this foolish woman remained so clueless about how many women would kill to be in her position.

Seungho stood up, his heavy footsteps drawing closer. The staff shrank back.

“Is this the best eye for VVIP clientele you can manage?”

His voice was low and calm, but piercing. The manager bowed deeply.

“I’m very sorry. Truly.”

Brushing past the manager, Seungho placed a hand on Jihyun’s shoulder and casually sifted through the rack.

“I told you, didn’t I? The world’s full of shallow people who judge by first impressions. Ah, this one’s good.”

His voice was soft, but the words cut deep like a blade. Leaving the staff red-faced behind him, he handed a dress to Jihyun.

It was a black dress, rich with the signature elegance and luxury of the D brand.