“How’s it going? It wouldn’t be easy to fix something that’s completely out of order and make it usable again. But I dare say, repairing something everyone else has given up on could be quite the experience.”
“We’ve barely made progress, still stuck at the stage of modifying the blueprint.”
“Even during its initial development, the blueprint phase took the longest. That’s what makes it special. If anything, the things you pour your heart and soul into never betray you—neither does a lover you pour your heart and soul into, for that matter.”
Sergey let out a boisterous laugh at his own joke, then leaned slightly toward Zhenya and whispered.
“So, when are you going to reveal it to the industry? You’ve got me on the edge of my seat.”
“I want to be careful, maybe years, or—”
Zhenya, who had been answering without hesitation, suddenly fell silent. It was right after meeting Kwon Taekjoo’s eyes as he entered the dining hall. Sergey turned as well and looked toward the entrance. Taekjoo looked much more presentable than he had earlier. Sergey raised his hand to welcome his guest.
“This way, please.”
The dining hall had a long table, easily seating forty people, but only Zhenya, Sergey, and Hong Yeowook were sitting at it. It was the first time Taekjoo and Hong Yeowook met officially. Their eyes met, and Taekjoo gave a small nod in acknowledgment. Hong, who had been eating in silence, returned the nod.
Apparently, Taekjoo’s seat had already been decided—right next to Sergey. It was the only seat with plates and utensils set, so it had to be. The waiter soon appeared and placed Taekjoo’s appetizer at that spot as well.
Sergey gestured for Taekjoo to hurry and join him. Taekjoo didn’t want to, but he had no excuse to refuse. He walked over and glanced at Zhenya, who sat across from him. Zhenya didn’t pay Taekjoo any attention, continuing to slice his steak. He didn’t meet Taekjoo’s eyes but gave a slight shake of his head, signaling he hadn’t found anything either.
Taekjoo shifted his gaze from Zhenya to Hong. The man didn’t join the conversation at all, simply eating in silence. When he finished his portion, he quietly rose from his seat and left. As he walked around the table to leave the dining room, his gaze lingered on the back of Zhenya’s head for a brief moment. It lasted only a second, but the gaze was sharp and intense. Had their cover been blown? Taekjoo felt uneasy.
“Another guest who’ll be staying for a while,” Sergey explained to Taekjoo.
As if he had waited for Hong to leave, Sergey immediately began a new conversation.
“So, this hacking program—is it widely adopted right now across the US and South Korea?”
Sergey seemed skilled at masking his nasty intentions behind a sleazy attitude. Taekjoo realized it would be easier to conceal his lies by speaking less, rather than more.
Taekjoo shut the man down as he wiped his hands on his napkin.
“I prefer to stick to discussing only weapons.”
“Oh, of course. My mistake, I’m sorry.”
Sergey’s apology sounded overly sincere. Perhaps thinking a change of subject would be a good idea, he began asking personal questions about Taekjoo’s hobbies and interests. Taekjoo couldn’t understand why the man was so eager to get to know a complete stranger.
As he thought about what to say in response, his eyes kept meeting Zhenya’s. Zhenya watched them with an amused expression, clearly enjoying the situation. He made no effort to change the subject or help Taekjoo. When Taekjoo silently urged him to intervene, Zhenya only grinned and slowly stood up.
“Please excuse me, but I should be going. It’s been a long and exhausting trip. You two should continue without me and enjoy the rest of your conversation.”
Zhenya left, leaving Taekjoo alone with Sergey. The smirk on Zhenya’s face as he walked away made it clear he was doing it on purpose. Taekjoo felt his temper rise, but there was nothing he could do. He only glared at Zhenya’s retreating figure, missing Sergey’s question in the process.
“—en?”
“I’m sorry, what was that?”
“I asked if you’re married or taken.”
Sergey repeated with a friendly expression.
“Does it matter whether I’m with someone or not? How does it affect your business decision?”
Taekjoo shot back with a bright, disarming grin. His tone, expression, and gesture all radiated ease and confidence.
Sergey frowned at the unexpected counterattack. His thick lips turned down, and his hand heavy with rings, gently settled over the back of Taekjoo’s hand. His thumb brushed lazily against Taekjoo’s skin, and his grip slowly tightened, turning more and more unwelcome.
“It depends.”
Sergey offered a vague reply as his hand slowly crept up Taekjoo’s sleeve. Taekjoo, who had tolerated the man so far, couldn’t take it anymore. He jumped up from his seat, shaking off Sergey’s hand. The man looked at him shamelessly, as if to question what had just happened.
“Please excuse me, but I have to go.”
Taekjoo forced a brief smile, flashing his even teeth, before turning to leave the dining hall. Sergey sat alone, watching Taekjoo leave blankly.
Not long after, the butler served him dessert. It was a brownie topped with chocolate mousse. Its moist, rich texture was obvious even at a glance. Sergey stared down at the brownie with a sour expression, smacking his lips. He put his fork back down.