Chapter 151. What Did We Just See? (9)

Their lips parted for a moment as he whispered in a seductive voice,

“I couldn’t sleep last night.”

Minkyung panted for breath, her entire body feeling light-headed as blood rushed through her veins.

“After seeing your face, I couldn’t calm down.”

He said, guiding her hand to his groin.

“Touch me.”

He whispered, nibbling on her earlobe.

Minkyung shook her head,

“Not here.”

“Why not? Mine doesn’t wrinkle.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

Lee-Seob laughed at her reaction. He took a deep breath and gently released her hand.

“Just a moment.”

He said, walking to the display case. He returned with a carefully preserved model in a transparent box and handed it to Minkyung.

“Take this and cherish it. It’s a model I made in middle school.”

“You made this yourself?”

Minkyung marveled at the intricate robot with golden and blue hues, imagining a young Lee-Seob painstakingly assembling the tiny parts in this very room.

“But why are you giving it to me?”

“It’s a robot. The perfect gift for AI, TK’s secret weapon, upon her promotion.”

Minkyung let out a small laugh, quickly covering her mouth to stifle the sound.

“But how did you manage to assemble this? It’s so detailed.”

“The more you look at it, the more you’ll like it. The robot is a handsome fellow like me.”

He moved to the adjoining dressing room, and Minkyung followed to help him with his tie and jacket. Lee-Seob gently grasped her shoulders and pressed a kiss to her forehead…

Back at breakfast, as Minkyung chewed her food and sipped her soup, trying to forget the awkward atmosphere, a cautious voice broke the silence.

“Excuse me, Senior Manager Kang.”

Minkyung looked up to see Tae Soojin across from her.

“Yes.”

Next to her, Seungchan fidgeted, stealing glances at Minkyung. Soojin gave her husband a reassuring smile before addressing Minkyung.

“You joined the company at the same time as my brother, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“You must have worked together a lot.”

“Yes, we have.”

Lee-Seob interjected curtly,

“Why are you asking?”

“Just trying to make conversation.”

“No need.”

Soojin shrugged and pushed a plate of braised peppers toward Minkyung.

“These are good.”

“Oh, thank you.”

Minkyung picked up a pepper and placed it on her rice.

“It might be spicy.”

Lee-Seob watched her closely as she ate the pepper. When she finished, Seungchan suddenly started coughing and reached for water. Soojin, chewing two peppers at once, called out to Lee-Seob,

“Brother.”

“What.”

“Nothing. Just wanted to call you.”

Lee-Seob continued eating without looking up.

“What do you want to buy?”

Soojin bristled,

“Why do you always assume that?”

Listening to the siblings, Seonae called out to Soojin,

“Don’t be rude to your brother. Remember, Senior Manager Kang is here.”

“Mom is right.”

“Okay, okay. Senior Manager Kang, when will my brother’s magazine come out?”

“Oh, true! When is the publication date?”

Seonae asked eagerly.

“Three days from now. I’ll bring it as soon as it’s out.”

“I can’t wait to see my brother’s photos.”

Lee-Seob cut in firmly,

“Don’t see them.”

“I’m definitely going to. I can’t believe you posed like a model. It’s unimaginable.”

Soojin giggled at the thought,

“I’ll see the photos as soon as they come out.”

“Do as you like, but don’t say a word about it afterward. It’s horrifying.”

“Oh, I’ll give a detailed review.”

“In that case, you’ll never use my card again for birthdays or anything else.”

Soojin squinted at him.

“People don’t know how petty you are, do they?”

“They do. From now on, use your dear cousin Joon-Seob’s card. Got it?”

“Ugh, you’re so petty, sensitive, and vindictive.”

Seonae sighed from across the table. Minkyung let out a small laugh, quickly covering her mouth,

“Sorry.”

“No, you look pretty when you laugh like that, Senior Manager Kang. It makes you seem different.”

“Really?”

“Yes, you looked so smart and intimidating at first. It was a bit scary.”

“She was never scary.”

Lee-Seob said, putting down his spoon.

“Thank you for the meal, mom.”

“You need to get to work, right?”

“Yes.”

“Thank you for the meal.”

Minkyung said, standing and bowing.

“See you soon, Senior Manager Kang.”

Soojin said warmly, waving.

“Come often, brother.”

“Sure.”

Lee-Seob gave Soojin a perfunctory answer, patting Minkyung on the back as they left the table.

***