Chapter 138

EP.138 Land of Opportunity, USA #2

I went around with the doctor to find sellers and expressed our intention to purchase Polymus.

Most of the sellers were elderly, and they were very surprised to hear that Isabel Parsons was raising an assistant.

And they were even more shocked to learn that the assistant was incredibly wealthy.

The purchasing process went smoothly. Although it was a verbal agreement, there was no need to worry since we could just take it back if they tried to scam us.

After securing enough material to make two suits and weapons, it was already dawn.

I had a cocktail with the doctor on the mansion balcony.

“You worked hard today.”

“It was you who worked hard, Doctor. But is a verbal agreement really enough? What if they decide not to sell…”

“Those people attend every seminar and hold the highest positions in their respective fields. Their credibility is more than enough, so don’t worry. Once the money is deposited, they’ll send it right away.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah. And it’s a bit embarrassing for me to say this, but… I’m really famous. If word got out that I got scammed by Polymus sellers, those fraudsters would never be able to approach the future science community again.”

“Well, that makes sense. Are we coming back here tomorrow?”

“If you want to, we can. If not, we won’t.”

“Since we’ve already got the Polymus… let’s not come back.”

“Alright.”

I turned my gaze to the people leaving the mansion.

Some were drunk and singing loudly, others were getting into their cars with their drivers, and some were grabbing people and spouting theories they knew…

Pathetic. Ignorant people with nothing but arrogance…

As I was setting the mood with my sunken eyes, the doctor, who had been sipping her cocktail, stood next to me.

“Disappointed?”

“About what?”

“These people didn’t meet your expectations, did they? I can see you’re feeling down.”

“The Polymus sellers had a sharp look in their eyes, though? They were very respectful towards you and me.”

“Of course they would be respectful since they’re connected to this side of the science community.”

Well, Polymus is a substance that’s actively being researched in the future science community.

If it weren’t for scientists, Polymus wouldn’t have come into the world, and it wouldn’t be used in the medical field either.

And the person at the pinnacle of this Polymus research is Isabel Parsons… that is, Dr. Jennifer Cash.

That’s why the sellers have no choice but to be polite.

“It’s refreshing to see people like this gathered here.”

“Really? In a few years, you’ll probably be setting foot here too. And then you’ll get fed up with it like me.”

“Me? You think so?”

“Definitely. You don’t fit in with a place like this at all.”

“Then where do I fit in?”

“The laboratory.”

I looked at the doctor and grinned.

“I want to stay by your side for a long time.”

It was a confession that could be misinterpreted depending on the listener’s thoughts.

If the doctor took it as a scientist, it would sound like she wanted me to stay as her assistant or partner.

But if she took it as a woman, she would feel troubled and confused.

“I feel the same way. Let’s do our best.”

The doctor’s response was calm.

So she took it as a scientist.

But seeing her confused expression, it seems like we’re not that far off.

Well, it’s been a long time since we’ve been working together. It’s about time you open up your heart.

You’ve seen me naked, haven’t you? Although I showed it to you on purpose.

The doctor put her cocktail glass down on the floor, leaned her elbows on the railing, and crossed her arms.

She took a deep breath of the cool evening air and apologized.

“Sorry.”

I loosened my bowtie and stuffed it into my pants pocket.

Then I leaned on the railing like the doctor.

Looking at the doctor’s profile, I felt a surge of desire.

Long eyelashes, a straight nose, a sharp jawline, and not a single wrinkle.

Who would think this woman is a widow turning 40 the day after tomorrow?

I smiled softly and said,

“Why are you suddenly apologizing?”

“I feel bad for bringing you to the laboratory. You’re in your 20s, but you’re not really enjoying your youth. You might want to leave later as time goes by.”

I’m enjoying myself just fine… Although it’s been a bit tense lately because of Silvia and Adeline, every day has been happy.

I looked at the doctor with a serious expression.

“Why do you keep trying to check my feelings?”

Then the doctor turned to look at me.

After staring into my eyes for a while, she said,

“You’re a capable and reliable partner. It’s natural for me to feel anxious.”

“I’ve said many times that I enjoy developing equipment in the laboratory and that I’ll always be with you. I just said it again.”

“I know. I just wanted to hear it again. And by the way, you look really good in that suit.”

“You look good too, Doctor.”

“You’re just not used to seeing me like this. You’ll think it’s nothing special later.”

“Then just show it to me often.”

At that, the doctor burst out laughing.

She brought her hand to her mouth, laughing, and then poked my shoulder with her finger.

“That won’t happen. Let’s go back before I get a headache.”

“Alright. Should we look for the back door?”

“Why the back door?”

I silently pointed inside the mansion with my thumb.

There, several people were staring at the doctor.

With eyes that confirmed she was Isabel Parsons.

The doctor frowned at them and said,

“Let’s get out of here quickly.”

“Understood.”

**

The next morning.

I ordered room service for food and went to the doctor’s room to ring the bell.

Not long after, the door opened, and the doctor came out with a frown.

She was scratching her messy hair and asked,

“Why?”

“Let’s have breakfast.”

“I’m too lazy to go down…”

“I ordered room service. Come to my room.”

“Really? Wait… let me just wash my face.”

“Sure.”

After returning to my room, I blocked the door with my bag and moved the food to a small table.

The doctor came over soon after.

She carefully closed the door, sat down, and smiled.

“Did you block the door so I could come in?”

“Yep.”

“Thanks. Bacon, huh?”

“Yeah. Come to think of it, it’s been a while since I’ve seen bacon in the morning, right?”

“Not really. Sometimes when I stay up all night and go home, I eat it. Enjoy your meal.”

“You too.”

We quietly ate breakfast.

After quickly finishing a traditional American breakfast, I decided to step on the accelerator just a little.

I got up and went behind the doctor to undo her hair tie.

The doctor was startled.

She quickly spat out the toast she was eating and slapped my wrist with her hand.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m going to tie your hair back.”

“No need.”

“Your hair keeps getting in your mouth. Just stay still.”

“Hey! You…”

“Stay still, okay? I’ll tie it up quickly.”

“…..”

The doctor, looking at me as if she couldn’t believe it, sighed and turned back to her food.

I grabbed the top part of her hair, brought the bangs forward, and tied it up carefully.

Then I went back to sit across from her and smiled brightly.

“Comfortable, right?”

“You…”

The doctor, calming her eyes, trailed off.

She opened her mouth as if to say something, but after seeing my innocent expression, she closed it again.

“What?”

I smiled brightly.

The doctor let out a shallow sigh and scolded me.

“Don’t just do that out of nowhere from now on.”

“Why?”

“Why? You should at least ask first.”

I thought she would say something like, ‘You have Sehwa.’

But she said to ask first?

If I had been a bit more sensitive after drinking cocktails last night, I might have understood, but I didn’t expect to hear this in a normal state.

It seems like she’s thinking of me more comfortably than I expected…

“Sorry.”

“No need to be sorry. Just be careful from now on.”

No way? I’ll keep doing it since I know it’s okay.

“Understood.”

“Alright…”

The doctor, subtly shaking her head, brought the bacon to her mouth.

After finishing breakfast, she rinsed her mouth with water and got up from the chair.

“I’ll get going now? Thanks for the meal.”

“Sure. Oh, Doctor.”

“What?”

“Want to go to the art museum today?”

“Art museum…? All of a sudden?”

“Let’s go sightseeing together.”

The doctor chewed her lower lip.

She seemed to be thinking about it.

“Shouldn’t we go back to Korea and deposit money for the Polymus sellers?”

“We can deposit the money from here, right? Just one phone call. Besides, why the rush? We agreed to start making the device once the Polymus arrives. It’s not like it’s coming right away… It’ll take at least four days, right?”

The doctor put her hand on her waist.

“Why are you so laid back? You never know when a demon might appear. Don’t you know that the most dangerous time is when everyone says peace has been achieved?”

“I’ve prepared. I linked the Evil Energy Explorer to Sehwa and Yuria’s devices and expanded the range. There’s also a built-in portal, so if a demon appears, those two will move immediately.”

The doctor, having nothing to say, closed and opened her eyes.

After a moment of contemplation, she said,

“The seminar was really disappointing too… I’ll consider it as saving one assistant.”

It was an acceptance.

Just say okay, why make excuses…

“Thank you.”

“But… let’s just go to the art museum and then go back to Korea. Texas isn’t my kind of place. It’s too hot.”

It’s because of her husband.

I can accept that much.

“Alright.”

**

“Please stop fidgeting? Just stay still.”

The doctor’s scolding from a distance, holding a phone camera.

Standing at the entrance of the art museum, I stretched out my arms in an unfair manner.

“What, what did I fidget? Is spreading my legs a crime?”

“It’s not the gestures, it’s the expression. Just smile, why are you sticking out your tongue?”

“Because I want to.”

“Don’t waste that pretty face, just be expressionless and look forward… No. Put your legs together and look to the side. Let’s set the mood.”

Pretty face? Naturally complimenting me? I’m so happy.

“No, just take the picture. It’s not that hard…”

“How many have we taken so far, and all of them had weird poses. Do as I say. Don’t regret it later.”

“No.”

“Stand straight. Quickly.”

She commanded firmly.

With a face full of dissatisfaction, I stood at attention like a soldier.

I even slapped my arms to my sides, making a “chop!” sound, and the doctor laughed in disbelief.

“Really? Why are you being so stubborn?”

“It’s not stubbornness, you’re trying to force me to change.”

“I’ll take a good picture, okay?”

“Then I’ll stay like this, so take a good picture.”

“This is really…”

As the doctor was about to scold me again, a nice-looking elderly couple approached and politely asked,

“You two make a lovely couple. May I take your picture?”

The doctor quickly waved her hands.

“Ah… I think there’s a misunderstanding… We’re…”

If I miss this chance, I’m an idiot.

I cut off the doctor’s words by shouting.

“Let’s take it together! Quickly!”

At that, the doctor, who had flinched, looked back and forth between me and the elderly couple, let out a long sigh, and handed her phone to the grandfather, then stood next to me.

I naturally put my hand on the doctor’s shoulder and pulled her towards me.

Then she smiled at the grandfather and mumbled.

“Take your hand off.”

“Why? Is it uncomfortable?”

“No, but… stop being cheeky.”

“The grandfather said we’re a couple. What’s weird about a boyfriend putting his hand on his girlfriend’s shoulder?”

“That grandfather must have poor eyesight. No one would think we’re a couple.”

Seeing her trying to explain, I think she feels sorry to Sehwa.

“He misunderstood. Mother and son would be more appropriate.”

“I don’t look that old, do I? You’re going to…”

As we bickered in low voices, the grandfather, who had been adjusting the angle with the phone, raised one hand.

Meaning he was ready to take the picture. The doctor stopped talking, put her hands together in front, and smiled brightly.

I burst out laughing at how quickly she changed her demeanor.

A moment later, there was a faint click, and the grandfather came over and handed the phone to the doctor.

“It came out well. Take a look.”

“Ah, thank you…”

“Wishing you a good love.”

With that, the grandfather walked away with his wife.

The doctor stared blankly at the elderly couple, then glanced at me.

It seems she’s self-conscious because of what the grandfather said last.

Trying to act nonchalant, she looked at the picture and gasped.

Because the picture had turned out really well.

Not just the composition, but our expressions were great.

The doctor, smiling brightly in a shy pose, and me, grinning next to her.

It looked so good that anyone would think we were a happily married couple or a loving pair.

The doctor’s gaze didn’t leave the picture.

Is she superimposing her husband’s face on mine? Are you reminiscing about the past?

She’s definitely feeling complicated.

An unexpected gain. May there be blessings in America.

I cheered inwardly, vowing to make that grandfather’s life as comfortable as possible, even if I conquer the world.

“It came out well, right?”

“Huh? Yeah… it came out well.”

“Shall we go in now?”

“Yeah… let’s go in.”

As I walked towards the art museum entrance, I looked back.

She was standing still, still looking at the picture.

I called out to the doctor loudly.

“Doctor! What are you doing? Aren’t you coming in?”

At that, the doctor snapped out of it, shook her head, and put the phone in her pocket.

As she approached me, she muttered,

“You’re really impatient, aren’t you?”

“I’m excited, that’s why. Let’s take our time looking around, have lunch, and then go back. Oh, can you send me the picture?”

“The picture? Ah… I’ll send it later… I’ll send it during lunch.”

I can tell she’s going to make all sorts of excuses not to send it.

I nodded and matched my steps with the doctor.

What should we do when we get back? It’ll take some time for the Polymus to arrive… I’m thinking of doing some active dates where we naturally touch each other’s bodies.

To be continued―――――――――――――――――――――

---