The Perfect Vol. 4 Chapter 6

Some patients were still in shock from the “baby bird” comment, staring at me with horrified eyes. It felt good when I heard it alone, but being called that in front of others was embarrassing. Living in a self-centered world and liking cheesy romance novels had this downside when you became a lover.

“Why did you tell them not to come?”

The organizer finally regained his senses and asked.

“I sent a radio message in advance. Told them not to come.”

“So you deliberately broke the radio that connects to the outside… was it you?!”

“Deliberately? I just put a little force, and it broke. It’s the weak radio’s fault.”

The organizer jumped up as if to curse, but Yangsimless smiled as if the weak radio was a beautiful story. The patients’ expressions worsened. It looked like a spitting contest on a smiling face might break out.

“Why do we have no reason to leave?”

“You lost the bet. None of you became a couple, so you all have to stay on the island. But not me.”

Yangsimless moved as if to grab my hand again, so I crossed my arms and tucked my hands under my armpits. But he didn’t care and put his arm around my shoulder.

“This beautiful, small, delicate baby bird flew into my arms.”

I hoped the patients would take “flew” as a rough term for a weapon, not an onomatopoeia. Of course, that was a futile dream. The patients’ souls were half gone from the shock of not being able to leave the island, combined with the cheesy language. They seemed like they wouldn’t live long due to the emotional wounds rather than physical ones. The scarred muscly man, who was the least injured thanks to me, stood up.

“Hey, James. We don’t care if you became a couple with the baby bird or not. But we need to leave the island. Can’t you see everyone is hurt? You did this! If you were angry about the sudden hunt, I understand. But it was all Song Youngdal’s orders. You heard who he is, right?”

Yangsimless answered with a smile again.

“Then ask Song Youngbal to let you off the island.”

I looked at the room where Song Youngbal was lying. He couldn’t move a finger and needed help to move. The scarred muscly man frowned.

“Hey, don’t be sarcastic. Do you think we don’t know what state Song Youngbal is in? Song Youngbal… damn, Song Youngdal aside, it’s too much to prevent the others from getting treatment.”

“Stop whining. We made a bet, so we’re sticking to it. Just because your face looks like crap doesn’t mean your brain has to be crap too. Use your crappy memory to recall what bet you made with me. Your crappy talk is making the baby bird tremble.”

I swear it’s because I’m embarrassed. Fortunately, the patients seemed to have gotten used to the baby bird term, and the incredulous looks directed at me had decreased. Then someone asked.

“Doesn’t that mean you can’t leave either if the boat doesn’t come?”

“With a crappy brain, you think you need a boat to leave the island.”

If not a boat, then what? A tube? Flippers? My crappy brain could only think of crappy things. A raft?! Do we have to make a raft? As I was horrified, Yangsimless said he had something to check and went outside. He wasn’t looking for wood to make a raft, was he?

“Hey, Han Jemyung.”

A voice calling me broke through my raft worries.

“Do something about this.”

“A raft can’t be made for more than two people.”

“What?”

“Yes?”

The muscly man who spoke to me looked confused. Another muscly man stepped in.

“Mr. Han Jemyung, do you think this is right? Do we have to keep the injured on the island without treatment?”

“Treatment is necessary.”

“Then talk to that annoying guy. You’re a couple now. You’re the baby bird, so persuade him. You’ve had your fun with him, so talk to him.”

“We haven’t had all the fun. We’ve only tried a few positions.”

I answered honestly, but I got looks that said, “What kind of lunatic is this?”

“That’s enough! You’re not writing a book, are you? You two have had enough!”

The organizer interrupted, excited. I felt a bit embarrassed. How did he know I was planning to write a book? After experiencing a new world, I finally wanted to write new stories. I planned to finish the story I’d been working on for over a year and write a sensual, evocative novel. While I hesitated, the organizer approached.

“Mr. Han Jemyung, please talk to Mr. James. Okay?”

“I can talk to him, but he won’t listen.”

“But you spent such a hot night with Mr. James.”

“What good is a hot night if I end up on a raft?”

But the organizer didn’t believe me.

“Are you saying you’ll save yourself? Leave us all behind and escape the island alone?”

“It’s not that. I can’t persuade him about the bet. He takes bets very seriously.”

“More seriously than the CEO of 4K?”

“…Yes.”

“The person lying in that room is the CEO of 4K, who will chase you to the ends of the earth for revenge. If you leave him untreated, he won’t let it go.”

Several muscly men nodded at his words.

“Right. Mr. Song Youngdal got caught off guard, but if he prepares and starts his revenge, James is nothing. Do you think the CEO of 4K is infamous for no reason?”

Get caught off guard twice, and you’ll end up in the afterlife. I looked around at the muscly men who still believed they were caught off guard and noticed one avoiding my gaze. He was the one Yangsimless had brought in. Unlike the others who didn’t fully grasp the sudden attack, he had seen Song Youngdal get taken down and didn’t agree with them. Feeling my gaze, he actually helped me.

“Leave it. Do you think James isn’t scared? Whether it’s Song Youngdal or the CEO of 4K, let him handle his revenge. He’s lying there because of his own actions.”

He glanced at me and added.

“We didn’t do anything right either.”

The others bristled.

“If you want to be precise, Mr. Song Youngdal is the one who did wrong. He suggested changing the rules, pushed for the hunt despite everyone’s concerns, tied up the organizer at the headquarters. He did it all. Let’s get the facts straight.”

“Yeah, let’s get the facts straight. Is it right to follow him like idiots just because he said he’s the CEO of 4K? Even if Song Youngdal egged us on, we were accomplices. And we all enjoyed it, didn’t we? We got caught because we didn’t realize how big the world is. This is our own doing.”

“Is this the time to argue about who’s at fault? We can’t leave the island, and you’re talking about this?”

“No matter how urgent, we need to get things straight. Instead of pestering Mr. Han Jemyung, we should politely ask for help.”

I was surprised. Honestly, I was impressed. It’s not easy to voice a dissenting opinion when everyone else agrees, especially when it reveals wrongdoing. Even if he saw Yangsimless’s prowess alone, it was impressive that he could speak up like that. When I realized the boat wasn’t coming, I thought these guys were screwed, but I didn’t feel sympathy or pity.

Song Youngbal’s condition wasn’t good, but he wouldn’t die from missing a day or two of treatment. There were emergency medical supplies here, so staying on the island longer wouldn’t be a problem. So no matter how much they asked me to persuade Yangsimless, I had no intention of doing so. But it was hard to refuse a sincere request from someone reflecting on their actions.

“If you get off the island first, please send a boat for us.”

I nodded at his words. First, I had to succeed in making a raft. But some still weren’t satisfied with my answer. They wanted to leave the island immediately on whatever came to pick us up. One person grumbled, not giving up hope.

“If you don’t want to live in hell for the rest of your life after being marked by the CEO of 4K, you’d better help us now. Tell James too. Life will be miserable after being marked by the CEO of 4K.”

At this point, I was amazed by Song Youngbal. How much trust did he inspire in people to be feared even while lying beaten? Since Yangsimless didn’t say anything, I kept quiet too, but now I felt I should reveal the truth.

“Actually, the CEO of 4K is…”

But before I could speak, a loud noise interrupted. It was so loud it shook the ground, and everyone stood up, limping in surprise. The source of the noise was a helicopter landing in the open space in front of the headquarters.

“A helicopter!”

People shouted and rushed outside. I was shocked too. Not a raft?! This was like something out of a novel. Why was a helicopter here? Even as I went outside, I didn’t think Yangsimless had called it. After all, the helicopter had an insurance company logo on it. Did they come knowing there were insurance beneficiaries on the island?

I wasn’t the only one with this thought. Several muscly men’s faces lit up. But as the helicopter’s propellers stopped and the deafening noise and wind ceased, no one approached. Two people got out of the helicopter and bowed to Yangsimless. Everyone fell silent. After a while, someone asked me.

“What does Mr. James do?”

“He’s a hunter.”

“Then why can he call an insurance company’s helicopter?”

“Good question.”

“Is he connected to the insurance company?”

“I don’t know.”

“Did he take out a massive insurance policy with XX Insurance or something?”

“Maybe.”

“What do you even know?”

I was frustrated. I know much more than you think. I almost revealed Yangsimless’s true identity to give everyone a heart attack, but the organizer stepped in and supported me.

“They’ve only been a couple for a few days, so it’s possible. Besides, they’ve been going at it like animals without time to talk, so it’s natural not to know much about each other.”

The grudge from being forced to listen to our relationship on the first night in the bathroom seemed to linger.

“But I know everything I need to know.”

“Maybe just their name.”

I didn’t even know his name. I awkwardly averted my gaze and looked at Yangsimless. Fortunately, he was coming towards me.

“How did you call the helicopter?”

“With the radio.”

“No, I mean…”

“I’m a VIP of that company.”

So he did take out a massive insurance policy. With many enemies, it made sense. I understood completely.

“Let’s go.”

“Just us?”

“Of course.”

A firm answer. One of the patients couldn’t hold back and shouted.

“This is too much! You called a helicopter while we can’t even take a boat!”

“Then you shouldn’t have made a bet.”

“Hey, even if it was a bet, we didn’t bet our lives on it, so why…”

“I did. I always bet my life on a bet.”

It was the most truthful thing Yangsimless had said so far. Unfortunately, I was the only one who understood that. Then the organizer stepped forward.

“I didn’t make a bet, so I can go with you, right?”

“No.”

“Why not?!”

“You can’t leave this island until you properly compensate.”

Compensation? Shouldn’t the organizer be the one receiving compensation? While everyone was puzzled, Yangsimless pointed out with one leg crossed.

“The emergency rations you gave us had tampered expiration dates.”

The organizer flinched. His pupils shook.

“W-what are you talking about?”

“You reprinted the expiration dates. The original font wasn’t used.”

“It was too urgent to… But the food wasn’t expired or spoiled.”

The organizer tried to explain, but the participants’ faces were already filled with anger. Especially Yangsimless’s.

“I had to fish like crazy because you gave us such trash.”

But he was a human trawler, catching fish with every cast.

“Do you know how hard it was to eat nothing but fish?”

It was delicious. He ate more than I did.

“I’ll charge you for all the mental anguish and physical labor, so stay here.”

The organizer’s face twisted. Ruining the meeting, not being able to leave the island, and having to pay compensation made him explode.

“Who do you think you are?! What makes you think you can do whatever you want?!”

“Calm down, Mr. Organizer.”

I quickly stepped in. I didn’t want him to provoke Yangsimless further and create more grudges. If not for the one who had reflected on his actions, I wouldn’t have intervened. But my uncharacteristic act of goodwill was a mistake. To the angry organizer, my action was like pouring gasoline on a fire. He slapped my hand away and shouted.

“You’re just like him! You ate all my cup noodles! That’s why your face is so puffy in the morning!”

“Shut up. Mr. Han Jemyung is always like that.”

Yangsimless defended me. I turned to stop him, but he wouldn’t tolerate lies about me.

“How dare you blame Han Jemyung’s puffy face on ramen? Even when he skipped dinner because he was broke, he woke up with a swollen face. This morning, his face was so puffy from the sea breeze that he could barely open his eyes. Do you think such a ridiculous steamed bun face is common in the world?”

The organizer fell silent. I shut my mouth too. Yangsimless looked at me with pride, having won.

“Don’t worry. I’ll always stand up for you.”

Shut your mouth. I was about to shout when one of the muscly men spoke.

“Even couples have their own ways of messing with each other.”

He pointed out the exact truth like a documentary. Yangsimless’s eyes narrowed.

“The only things I’ve given Han Jemyung are lobster, truffles, fish, and my… essence. Don’t spread false information.”

Someone more accurate than a documentary was here. I couldn’t believe my ears. What did he say after fish?

“What did you say after fish?”

Someone asked, and Yangsimless raised his chin and stepped forward.

“My ess…”

“Director Kook!”

I called out, blocking him.

“Stop it.”

“I can’t. These people are spreading false information about Han Jemyung. They need to know the truth.”

“No, shut up.”

“You can’t forgive so easily.”

If you keep talking, I won’t forgive you.

“Enough, stop it.”

“No. I can tolerate lies about me, but I can’t stand anyone tarnishing Han Jemyung’s honor.”

He was the one trampling on my honor.

“Enough. I said enough.”

“Listen carefully, you unusually ugly person. I’ve never given Han Jemyung anything bad. Again, the only things I’ve given him are lobster, truffles, fish, and my…”

“I’m hungry!”

I shouted, cutting him off. He turned to me.

“Hungry?”

“Yes, let’s go quickly.”

I nodded eagerly. As I grabbed his arm to leave, someone’s words stopped me.

“We’re hungry too.”

I stopped and turned around. Most of the patients had given up and looked defeated. I made eye contact with the only muscly man who still had his wits about him. He looked away first.

“Please contact the boat and send it to the island.”

I found myself asking. I knew it wouldn’t work. He’d probably argue, asking if I’d compensate for everything. I’d be lucky if he didn’t threaten me.

“Alright.”

…What? I couldn’t believe my ears. What did you say?

“You want me to send a boat to the island.”

This time, all the patients couldn’t believe their ears. Someone asked if he was sending a dog to the island.

“Don’t send dogs to the island.”

“I know. Dogs get seasick easily.”

Oh, really? Cute little things get seasick. This wasn’t the time to be amazed by new knowledge.

“I won’t put dogs on the boat to the island.”

“So you’re really sending a boat?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

He looked at me strangely.

“You just asked me to.”

Snap. I stepped back in shock.

“You don’t mean I have to compensate for the bet, do you?”

“Do you want to?”

“No!”

I shouted and awkwardly looked around, stopping at Yangsimless. He was smiling at me with a perfect James expression. It felt like he had become one with James during our three days on the island. I felt an inexplicable unease but brushed it off, thinking it was just on the island.

“Your expression of being moved is quite unique.”

I wasn’t moved yet, but his compliment brought a new unique shock. Yangsimless gave instructions to one of the men who had gotten off the helicopter and then led me onto the helicopter.

“Are we just leaving?”

“Should we take revenge first?”

“Please, let’s just go.”

As I fastened my seatbelt, I saw some patients standing and trying to approach the helicopter. But the man who had gotten off the helicopter stopped them and handed out some papers.

“What is he doing?”

“Giving useful information.”

“What kind of information?”

“Useful information for life.”

It meant shut up. But I didn’t feel bad. I was still stunned that he had given up on revenge. Was it really because of me? Because I asked? I wanted to confirm it several times, but I couldn’t speak. Instead, I asked another question.

“Why didn’t you reveal your identity?”

“What do you mean by identity?”

“That Song Youngbal is a fake CEO of 4K, and I’m the real one.”

Yangsimless replied as if it were nothing.

“I was James.”

I couldn’t respond after that. It was just because of that. I thought he would reveal everything in the end and surprise everyone, but Yangsimless never cared from the beginning. Moments later, the helicopter soared into the sky with a deafening noise. The island quickly receded behind us. I stared outside for a while before speaking to him. I just felt like I had to say it now.

“I kind of… like Director Kook.”

“You kind of like me? Of course.”

I smiled awkwardly, and he smiled too. It wasn’t a romantic conversation, shouting over the noisy helicopter, but at this moment, I felt like the protagonist of my novel. The man in front glanced at us curiously, but the smile didn’t leave my face.

* * *

Manager Lee had worked at the insurance company for nearly 20 years, experiencing all kinds of accidents and meeting countless people. Thanks to this, he was confident he wouldn’t be shaken by any situation. He was known for handling everything calmly and professionally, which recently led him to a special task.

There was someone who had been a simple investor in the company but was now its actual owner. He didn’t participate in management, but the money he poured in to save the company was enormous. The company should have gone bankrupt due to the massive insurance payouts to policyholders, but it was still running smoothly.

Everyone called it a miracle, but few knew that one person had created that miracle. Naturally, no one would believe it. Moreover, if they knew that person had no goodwill, it would be even harder to believe. Manager Lee could only believe it after meeting the person called VIP.

“The only reason you get paid is to recover my investment. The sole purpose of this company’s existence is to get my money back, and that’s why you work your asses off.”

He was a lunatic. Manager Lee considered quitting, but with the insurance industry collapsing, finding a job in the same field was impossible. So he became the exclusive manager for the company’s biggest VIP.

“If you have a policy with XX Insurance, please check the terms regarding insurance loans in the guide. Our insurance products covering settlement payments for lawsuits were discontinued long ago, but if you have this product, please let us know separately.”

“Hey, what are you doing?”

One of the patients huddled on the island asked. Manager Lee looked at them with a puzzled expression.

“I heard you made a bet with him. Is that correct?”

“Yes. But we just heard that a boat is coming. Isn’t that right?”

“Oh, the boat will come. However, if you don’t sign the liability agreement on the back of the document I gave you, the boat won’t come to the island.”

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone flipped their papers. Their faces twisted in unison. The document was simple. If they lost a bet with the VIP, they had to pay the agreed compensation or an equivalent amount. The compensation was based on the VIP’s current hourly rate. For reference, the VIP’s hourly rate was in the billions.

“What kind of nonsense is this?!”

Someone shouted in disbelief. Manager Lee was surprised by the unexpected reaction. Usually, there were two responses to the notice. One was to despair and beg to lower the settlement amount.

The other was to feel wronged and angry but still try to find conditions to nullify the bet and lower the settlement amount. But now, the angry ones weren’t trying to lower the settlement amount. They were just incredulous, asking why they had to pay. Manager Lee soon realized. Oh, do they not know who they’re dealing with?

“This ridiculous compensation is impossible. That annoying guy’s hourly rate is in the billions? Ha, who do you think you’re fooling? Who in the world gets paid that much?”

“Director Kook of 4K does.”

The patients hesitated.

“Director Kook? But Mr. Song Youngdal is the CEO of 4K.”

“No. Mr. Song Youngdal is not the CEO of 4K. Director Kook is.”

“How do you know that?”

“The CEO of 4K is our company’s VIP.”

“Then who is Song Youngdal?”

“I don’t know.”

The patients fell silent again, blinking. Manager Lee felt like he was talking to kindergarteners.

“If you don’t have a pen, please raise your hand. Sign at the bottom and hand it over. The organizer will receive a request for information through a lawyer, so please send their personal information…”

“Excuse me.”

The organizer raised his hand.

“I heard that Director Kook from 4K has a very high value. Is Mr. James also that skilled?”

“Yes. To be precise, their skills are the same. Because they are the same person. If anyone wants to pay for the bet with their body, they can stay on the island as a settler instead of getting on the boat… What is it now?”

“The same person?”

“Mr. James is Director Kook.”

“Mr. James is the CEO of 4K?”

Manager Lee nodded strongly, indicating that the answer was correct. He was about to continue with the rest of the announcement, but he noticed the expressions of the patients. Everyone looked dazed. However, Manager Lee had no time to comfort them. A crazy VIP was waiting in the helicopter.

“By the way, could you pass a message to Mr. Song Young-dal? Starting from this moment, concealing assets is illegal, and even if bankruptcy proceedings are initiated, all assets must be disclosed.”

As soon as Manager Lee finished his business and turned around, the patients stood up from their seats. Anger resurfaced in their eyes. That’s how Song Young-dal’s injuries became much worse. After Manager Lee finished everything and boarded the helicopter, a heavy lump of metal soared into the sky as if it had been waiting. The flight to the island was boring. However, overhearing the conversation of the passengers sitting in the back was even worse.

“I like Director Kook…”

A man who had become a couple with the VIP at the island meeting suddenly confessed. The problem was that he said it out loud in the noisy helicopter without wearing headphones. Manager Lee was about to tell him to use the microphone with his noise-canceling headphones on, but the VIP’s response came first.

“You like my cock? Of course.”

The person who heard the answer smiled satisfactorily. Manager Lee’s expression hardened. He thought he should correct their misunderstanding, but then he also turned his head away. Whatever, cock or not.

* * *

No matter how cliché my novel is, there is one thing that doesn’t appear. That is the people around the protagonist, Wi Siwoo, who try to stop his love. In the novel, no one dislikes him, so naturally, there is no opposition from those around him. Everyone loved him, and his decisions were always supported. However, reality was always the opposite of my novel.

“No way. Director Kook from 4K is absolutely not allowed.”

The first person to hear the news frowned and opposed my relationship. I was suddenly called to the special agency a few days after leaving the island. Here, I happened to meet the director of the restoration agency. His first greeting was that very sentence.

“That guy is absolutely not allowed.”

How did he even know that I was dating Director Kook? We haven’t even registered as a couple yet!

“Do you know how ridiculous it was when your couple registration came out?”

“We’re registered?”

“You didn’t know? See, he did it. Are you really a couple?”

Yes, I answered, and he looked at me as if I were horrible.

“Don’t you have any sense in choosing people?”

I don’t entirely disagree with his reaction, but it seems too harsh.

“Director Kook’s personality isn’t the best, but there’s no need to say it so harshly.”

“Work at the restoration agency, and I’ll show you what’s really harsh.”

Ah, right. The restoration agency.

“Anyway, break up right now. I absolutely cannot approve. Unless you never want to see me again for the rest of your life, it’s absolutely not allowed.”

“…We haven’t contacted each other for 3 years, you know?”

“Do you want to make it 30 years?”

“I don’t care.”

The eyebrows of the restoration agency director twitched. Then he smiled.

“Fine. Then let’s do the opposite. If you date Director Kook, I’ll contact you every day. I’ll send you text messages and calls asking how you’re doing, and I’ll come and ring the doorbell every time you two are rolling around together.”

Come on, I’m not a child. I was really annoyed, but he seemed happy that his threat worked and disappeared with a laugh.

“I won’t acknowledge the two of you until the restoration agency’s grudge is gone!”

It sounded like he was saying that it wasn’t me he cared about, but that everyone opposed Director Kook’s partner because of the restoration agency’s grudge. The problem was that if he said he would do something, he really would. It looked like there would be a lot of trouble in the future. Damn it. Why did I come to the special agency? I grumbled, and then my phone rang. I looked at the number for a long time before pressing the answer button. It was a call that I couldn’t receive with a clear mind without calming down first.

[I heard you’re dating the CEO of 4K? Good for you.]

The head of the population management agency, Mr. Yu, congratulated me right away. However, I wasn’t happy at all. What good news could this person possibly bring?

“I heard you’re receiving a pension?”

[Did you hear? Hahaha—well, a little is coming out. Hahaha—just enough to live on. Hahaha—]

As expected, the mention of the pension brought a burst of laughter. I felt a pang in my stomach.

[You may not know why you refused, but now that the pension is coming out, all the hardships of the past have disappeared, and all illnesses have been cured. Money is indeed good.]

“I didn’t refuse, you know?”

[Still, you’re dating a decent person now, so you’re better off.]

A decent person? I was taken aback because Director Kook had never been rated so highly.

“Director Kook does have a decent appearance.”

[Director Kook? Isn’t it CEO Na? Was it Director Kook?]

“…Yes.”

[So that’s why the Restoration Department called and made a fuss.]

“Yes.”

[…]

“Don’t laugh.”

[Can’t cry, can I?]

Crying might have been more heartfelt. I ended the call, feeling mocked by someone who had even secured a pension. When I entered the office, the atmosphere was strange. Although GM week hadn’t ended, everyone except those participating in the meeting was present. Especially the looks I received upon entering were not friendly.

“Is something going on?”

“There is.”

Deputy Director Kim approached as if he had been waiting.

“The Special Department Chief was fired. Do you know anything about it?”

The Special Department Chief was fired? I was surprised and shook my head. But the sharpness in Deputy Director Kim and the others’ gazes didn’t disappear.

“You heard about the Special Department being raided, right? An investigation into the corruption of Special Department 2 or 201 has begun, and everyone involved has been suspended. Do you really know nothing? They say the CEO of 4K raided the Special Department.”

“I don’t know anything.”

I answered and glanced around, but the gazes directed at me were cold. However, two people were different. From a distance, two people smiled and waved at me. What’s with them?

“Is that why you’re treating me like this?”

“What? What are we doing?”

That. I almost pointed at Deputy Director Kim’s chin but held back.

“I really don’t know anything. Does this affect our office?”

“No. Do you want it to?”

Yes. I barely held back from answering. Why are you picking a fight out of nowhere?

“Anyway, the Internal Affairs Department is investigating, so go to the 4th-floor conference room and then come back to work.”

“Internal Affairs?”

“Yes. They told you to come by 2 PM.”

It was 2:10 PM.

“Why are you telling me this now?!”

“Don’t be arrogant, thinking we’ll tell you everything.”

I wanted to leave the real Deputy Director Kim on a deserted island. But there was no time to complain to him now. Internal Affairs, damn it. If I was late to meet those strict people, I’d have to be prepared for a scolding. I turned to leave immediately, but Deputy Director Kim asked incredulously.

“Hey, are you just going?”

“Didn’t Internal Affairs call me? I’m late.”

“So you’re just going? Ha, now that you’re a couple, the office staff who were like family are strangers?”

How did you know I became a couple? And when were we ever like family? We never even had a company dinner because of low pay. I looked back in disbelief, and Deputy Director Kim spoke firmly.

“At least buy us coffee. Do you know how much money we lost because of you?”

I finally understood. The cold stares were from those who lost money in the bet. These people were worse than strangers. I barely shook off Deputy Director Kim, who insisted I buy coffee or at least gum, and left the office. I finally got the relationship I wanted, but no one was happy for me. Internal Affairs was no different.

“So you became a couple with 4K Director Kook. Why?”

I had nothing to say. Fine, if they knew Director Kook, they could ask that. Why with someone like him? I honestly revealed my pure love.

“The sex was good.”

I see. The Internal Affairs staff nodded in understanding.

“Then it will be hard to break up.”

“Do I have to break up?”

“If you want to keep working at the Special Department, it would be better to break up.”

What are you talking about? I can’t get the pension, and now I have to quit my job too?

“You know the Special Department Chief was removed while investigating the ant nest corruption, right? Especially the close ties with L&Y are a big problem. But there’s also evidence of irregular dealings with 4K. Specifically, you, Mr. Han Jemyung. The contract using you as a cooperating employee doesn’t look normal to anyone. Were you forced to sign it?”

I did it voluntarily.

“There was pressure from the Special Department Chief, right?”

Not really.

“I understand. As a low-level employee, you had no choice but to do what the Special Department Chief said.”

I did it eagerly. But I couldn’t reveal the whole truth. I swallowed my frustration and made an excuse.

“As far as I know, there’s no corruption between the Special Department Chief and 4K.”

There was just a dirty conspiracy to get revenge on me.

“I know. But I have to submit the report. It’s definitely a strange contract. And then Mr. Han Jemyung, who was forced to 4K, became a couple with 4K Director Kook. Hmm. Something’s definitely off, right?”

“I don’t know. Is there any reason I can’t be a couple with Director Kook?”

“Not really. But with the L&Y and Special Department Chief’s close ties exposed, we’re focusing on corruption with major hunting companies. If a Special Department employee dates the CEO of 4K, a person of interest, it will raise questions.”

Ah, so I have to quit the Special Department to date.

“If Mr. Han Jemyung quits the Special Department, we won’t raise any more issues.”

“I have to quit because of potential future corruption? That doesn’t make sense.”

“That’s your personal opinion. Now that you have a wealthy lover, it doesn’t matter if you quit, right? Continuing to work is stranger.”

Wealthy? He just paid off his debts. His bank balance is probably similar to mine. He might have new debts from buying lobsters and truffles. Lost in these thoughts, I missed the Internal Affairs staff’s muttering.

“Also connected to XX Insurance.”

“Sorry, what?”

“Nothing. Insurance is related to accidents.”

“I don’t have insurance.”

“I know.”

You do?

“Your bank account is empty too. We checked your financial status as part of the investigation.”

“That can’t be. I still have 916 won.”

Just 84 more won, and I can meet Yi Hwang. But the Internal Affairs staff still saw me as a pauper.

“Well, now you have a lottery ticket, so money doesn’t matter. But it matters to the Special Department. By the way, the contract with 4K, made under the Special Department Chief’s pressure, will be terminated, so report to the Special Department starting next week. Of course, if you quit voluntarily before then, we won’t dig further into Mr. Han Jemyung.”

“What if I continue working?”

The Internal Affairs staff raised an eyebrow.

“Then we’ll have to monitor Mr. Han Jemyung’s every move.”

“……”

“You can’t have everything you want. Love or work, the choice is yours, Mr. Han Jemyung.”

I thought the world would turn rosy when I started dating. But now I’m facing unemployment, someone I haven’t contacted in three years is threatening to call me every day, and my colleagues look at me like I stole their money. Still, it was better than the reaction from the 4K family. When I went to say my final goodbye, someone had already spread the news of my relationship.

“Did you come back from the Special Department? Was it hard to trot around with those small feet?”

James-ified Yangsimless was standing there. Again, my foot size is 275mm. I glanced nervously at the 4K family. They were already speechless with a mix of shock, fear, and horror. The mentally weak one was even staggering. The muscly man barely sat him down, and when he handed him a shot of soju, he downed it in one go.

“What happened at the Special Department? Your beautiful eyes are filled with rosy worries.”