Chapter 33. A Satisfactory Compensation (1)

Translator: Lili

Woo Taepyeong, also known as Palseon, had been Chairman Shin’s personal shaman since the founding of Sungwon Group. In simple terms, he was a male shaman.

Like many other chaebol chairmen, Chairman Shin was deeply superstitious, and Palseon’s abilities must have been impressive enough for him to keep the man close for a lifetime.

But at the end of the day, he’s just a shaman.

If she hadn’t known his background, she might have mistaken him for a businessman. Palseon carried the unmistakable scent of the secular world, reeking of money and power. He had likely made quite a fortune riding on the chairman’s coattails.

In the original novel, Sera Shin and Palseon had maintained a distant, indifferent relationship. A few years ago, Palseon had begun openly supporting Lee Rowoon, and even the reckless original Sera had sensed the threat in that shift. She had tried—too late—to win him over, but the tides had already turned.

As these memories surfaced in her mind, Palseon spoke.

“Your energy… your spirit—they feel different now.”

For a fleeting moment, Sera’s expression cracked. Her heart clenched violently. But she quickly composed herself, curling her lips in amusement.

“Oh? Then does that mean my future will change too? If you have time, why don’t you read my fortune?”

Even in the face of her blatant mockery, Palseon let out a hearty laugh.

“Miss Sera, your future is beyond my ability to predict.”

His cryptic tone and the subtle pressure he exuded unsettled her. Suppressing her irritation, Sera offered a polite smile before turning away. One unpleasant person after another.

Then again…

The one she was about to meet probably topped the list.

Tonight, she had an appointment with the so-called pretty piece of trash—Cha Jaeheon.

Before the Raum Group party, she hadn’t particularly hated him. His rudeness had been unpleasant, but considering all the terrible things the original Sera had done, she had viewed it as mere immaturity rather than outright cruelty.

But the moment he had abandoned his fiancée to face public humiliation and violence alone, any excuse for him ceased to exist.

She had no intention of actively hating him, but she also had no desire to understand him. More precisely, she refused to waste any emotion on him at all.

‘I have something to discuss. Just an hour of your time.’

She had kept her message to Cha Jaeheon as formal and detached as possible.

“Wow… it’s beautiful.”

The meeting was set at a luxury hotel’s high-rise sky lounge. Arriving early, Sera admired the breathtaking city lights sprawling beyond the glass. The view was stunning, the lights twinkling like scattered stardust against the dark sky.

If there was one upside to being Sera Shin, it was the chance to experience a level of extravagance that Han Jia never could have even imagined. The ability to casually sip wine while gazing at this view—that was a privilege reserved for someone like Sera.

No situation was entirely bad. She was reflecting on this rare moment of optimism when—

“Why did you ask to meet?”

Her peaceful moment was shattered by a voice as cold as an ice pick. Her face twisted in irritation. Cha Jaeheon had arrived earlier than expected, gazing down at her with the same lifeless expression as always.

He looked as annoyingly perfect as ever. His meticulously styled hair, expensive suit, and upright posture—flawless to an irritating degree.

As much as she hated to admit it, he was the type of man who would draw a second glance. His composed demeanor contrasted with a subtle rebellious streak, likely due to the slight smirk that never quite left his face.

This was the first time they had met since the Raum Group party.

She hadn’t expected an apology. But she also hadn’t expected him to act so nonchalant, as if nothing had ever happened.

Compared to him, even Lee Rowoon was more human.

And Seo Jungwon? He wasn’t even worth mentioning—just a nuclear waste pile of a person.

“Sit down.”

There was no reason to be polite to someone so blatantly rude. Cha Jaeheon’s brows furrowed, but instead of arguing, he silently took a seat.

Such a waste of a beautiful view.

It was a shame to mix this stunning nightscape with the presence of Cha Jaeheon. But she had chosen this location for a reason. She had heard that many gossip-loving chaebols were gathering here tonight.

The humiliation she had suffered at the party had already spread like wildfire. Speculation that she was mistreated by her own fiancé was just as rampant.

If she had to meet him anyway, she might as well maximize the impact.