Chapter 4

EP.4 The Plotting Me #3

Over the course of a week, Sehwa’s expression improved day by day.

At first, she came to school with a sullen face, but now she enters the classroom with a bright expression.

Of course, it’s because Marcella and I have been steadily improving the situation.

But it seems that her appearance has caught the attention of the guys.

Today, a second-year senior confessed to Sehwa.

And he even barged into the first-year classroom.

“I already have a boyfriend…”

“I know. But just because there’s a goalkeeper doesn’t mean the ball won’t go in.”

Where the hell did that blond, tanned punk learn such a cheesy line…

But he is as handsome as a golden sun.

To the point of confessing despite the embarrassment.

Sehwa’s expression turns serious.

“I’m sorry.”

Her stiff response makes the second-year senior’s face turn red.

Looking around the classroom, he quickly disappears, perhaps embarrassed by the mocking glances of the first-year students.

“You must be really tired.”

A female classmate remarks.

This kind of thing isn’t a one-time occurrence… It’s understandable.

Sehwa gives a faint smile and doesn’t deny it.

Does she really think she’s so pretty that she’d date a pushover like Yoo Seunghyun?

What’s so great about that guy… Of course, I also liked that justice-filled Yoo Seunghyun when I played the game.

Thinking about it, I didn’t even notice Sehwa coming to my side.

“Why are you spacing out? Thinking about today’s class?”

“Huh…? No, just thinking about the assignment I submitted yesterday. I want to make some changes, but I already turned it in…”

Sehwa makes a disgusted face at that.

“That’s so you. You’ll definitely get an A.”

Sehwa was holding a coffee.

It’s definitely the same latte I gave her a week ago…

No way… No way…

“Here, drink this.”

Sehwa places the coffee on my desk.

This is it! You really are grateful to me, huh?

A different temperature compared to how she treated the second-year senior earlier.

The classmates go “Ooooh…” and make a fuss.

Shut up, you guys. You know Sehwa’s boyfriend isn’t me, right?

“I’ll drink it well. Thanks.”

Sehwa nods at my thanks and sits down next to me.

Good progress.

But let’s pretend not to care, flipping through a book filled with dense text and pretending to study.

Sehwa glances at me and takes out her own book.

Then, hesitating, she whispers.

“Have you heard from Attorney Lim Mijin?”

Lim Mijin was Marcella’s alias.

“Heard from her? About what?”

“About the boyfriend incident…”

Of course, I get daily reports.

Very detailed ones at that.

I know everything that happens around you.

But I’ll pretend not to know.

Can’t get caught peeping, right?

“That’s your request. I haven’t heard anything. Why? Is something not going well?”

“Things are going well. But I feel a bit sorry… The attorney seems really busy. She seems to have a lot of other cases…”

She looks busy, but in reality, she only has your case.

“She’s always busy. If you’re worried, bring her some supplements or something.”

“I should do that. Thank you so much.”

“You said you’d help me too. So no need to thank me.”

“Even so, I’m still grateful.”

Sehwa with a determined expression.

I faintly smile.

“Got it. So stop making that scary face. It feels like I committed a crime.”

“Did I? Sorry… Hehe…”

Sehwa’s silly smile was really pretty.

Show me that smile when we meet alone later.

So I can gather more strength to take you away.

@@

A few days later, evening, at a playground.

“Thank you so much. Really… really thank you!”

Yoo Seunghyun expresses his gratitude several times into the phone.

It was gratitude towards Marcella.

After a short conversation with her, he presses the end call button.

He even checks if Marcella hangs up first.

Seeing Yoo Seunghyun’s bright expression, Sehwa asks.

“Is it resolved?”

He hesitates for a moment, then shows a bright smile.

“Yeah. It’s resolved.”

“Wow… That’s such a relief!”

The two hug each other and jump around, sharing their joy.

After holding Sehwa tightly for a while, Yoo Seunghyun lets her go.

“We can’t relax yet. We’re not bankrupt or criminals, but there’s still a lot of money to pay back.”

“But it’s been reduced a lot! From billions to just twenty million…”

“That’s true. We should treat Attorney Lim and Song Jihyuk to a big meal.”

“Of course. Let’s set a date.”

“But…”

Yoo Seunghyun tilts his head.

With a puzzled expression.

Sehwa asks.

“What’s wrong?”

“About Song Jihyuk… Why is he helping us like this?”

“Why…? Because he’s really kind. Just overly kind, like you…”

“Even so, getting free consultations from a lawyer who clearly charges high fees?”

“What are you trying to say?”

“Could it be that he likes you… or something?”

“Hmm…? I don’t know… He doesn’t have parents either. I told you, the car accident…”

Yoo Seunghyun’s face turns sympathetic.

“Yeah, I saw the article you mentioned. I can’t understand that feeling. It’s not like our parents passed away when we were young. But why did his parents die?”

“We’ve had some serious conversations lately, and I think we just have a lot in common. Maybe he’s helping because he empathizes?”

“Maybe?”

“Let’s think that way. What’s certain is that he’s definitely, definitely not a bad person. I can vouch for that. And can’t we just accept kindness as kindness? We just went through a huge ordeal and escaped.”

Yoo Seunghyun finally agrees.

He trusts Sehwa’s judgment, having been hit on by many guys, and if it weren’t for Song Jihyuk, his life would have completely fallen apart.

“Alright. Let’s set something up soon. First, I need to find a job again.”

“Yeah. Let’s work hard together.”

The two share the joy of the resolved situation.

Yoo Seunghyun didn’t notice the slight edge in Sehwa’s tone when he doubted Jihyuk.

And Sehwa was the same.

@@

[Good news! Everything’s been resolved smoothly!]

I chuckle at Sehwa’s message filled with emoticons.

Of course, she’s happy to have barely escaped the pit of despair.

I won’t reply.

There’s something more important right now.

“The hotel acquisition is complete.”

Marcella smiles brightly.

I smile back at her.

“Good, what about the underground nightclub?”

“That’s also done. We raised the base pay and increased the commission, so all the girls agreed to stay.”

“The managers too?”

“Of course.”

We’ve just acquired a hotel near Yoo Seunghyun’s house.

It’s more of a motel with a nightclub attached.

In such places, it’s easy for the girls to go for a second round.

They just drink and sing with the customers, and if the customer wants a second round, they get a room card, take the elevator, and that’s it.

Since the entire hotel is involved in the nightlife business, it’s relatively safe from exposure.

And even if exposed, throwing money around can fix anything.

Why did we acquire this place?

To give Yoo Seunghyun a job.

Customers who are busy partying with the girls are too lazy to go buy hangover relief or cigarettes.

So, we need an errand boy.

I plan to have Yoo Seunghyun work as a waiter and errand boy.

Paying him so much that he’d feel bad not working.

“Ah! Demon King! Yoo Seunghyun is using the computer!”

Marcella, excited, jumps around after looking at the monitor.

We’re currently spying on Yoo Seunghyun’s home computer.

I knew that diligent guy would start looking for work as soon as things were resolved, and I was right.

With a meaningful smile, I ask.

“Is the setup done?”

“Done long ago. The job posting can only be seen on Yoo Seunghyun’s computer.”

“Kuku… Good, let’s keep watching.”

The job posting is for simple serving, full-time night shifts.

The pay is slightly higher than other places.

If he shows interest, we can grill him in the interview.

So please, take the bait.

Click!

While I was thinking, the monitor screen changes.

Yoo Seunghyun, interested in the posting, clicks on it.

With expectant eyes, I silently watch the screen.

Soon after, the mouse cursor moves to [Submit Resume] and clicks. I smirk.

“Got him.”

Marcella is also very happy.

“Isn’t that guy really a fool?”

“He couldn’t suspect because you did well.”

“Heehee…”

“Don’t get too excited. Have him come for an interview immediately after disguising.”

Marcella looks puzzled at that.

“Huh? Today?”

“Of course. The hotel is still operating, right? Grill him properly. Make him agree no matter what, even if it means throwing money at him.”

“Understood…”

She drags out her answer, shoulders slumping, and disappears somewhere.

It’s said that under a ruthless employer, you have to work like crazy.

Just suffer a bit more, they say there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

Once Yoo Seunghyun starts working, he’ll sleep in the morning and work at night, so his time with Sehwa will drastically decrease.

I’ll use that gap to infiltrate Sehwa’s daily life and become very close to her.

Also, given Yoo Seunghyun’s personality, he’ll tell Sehwa he’s doing simple serving at a nightclub or karaoke.

Then, I’ll naturally guide Sehwa to see Yoo Seunghyun working.

Honestly, even if Yoo Seunghyun works at a nightclub, Sehwa’s love won’t change as long as he doesn’t touch other women.

The key is the lie.

If Yoo Seunghyun feels guilty and lies about working somewhere else, and Sehwa finds out the truth, distrust will settle in her heart.

Of course, this won’t break your love.

I don’t want you two to break up.

I just want Sehwa to have a little distrust towards Yoo Seunghyun, enough for me to slip in and occupy her heart.

Just feeling a slight liking is enough.

If I can fill the transformation device’s gauge through sex with her, that’s it.

Once we reach that situation, I’ll mix my essence into the device and slowly break her down.

‘Of course, the plan to infiltrate Dr. Cash’s lab must succeed first.’

After finishing my thoughts, I look at another monitor.

It’s for tracking Dr. Cash.

But despite having the technology from parts 1 to 5, Dr. Cash remains elusive.

She’s definitely in Korea, and definitely in Sehwa’s neighborhood.

When Sehwa and Yoo Seunghyun are in dire straits, Dr. Cash appears and transforms Sehwa.

I could take Yoo Seunghyun’s place in that crisis.

But I can’t deviate too much from the guidelines.

I’m already walking a tightrope, so let’s stick to the basics.

Send Yoo Seunghyun far away after Sehwa’s transformation, and I’ll slip in.

That plan is already in my head.

‘If I can just transform, that’s enough.’

Feeling at ease, I lower my head as my phone notification rings.

[What are you doing? Sleeping?]

Sehwa texts again.

She must be itching to share the news.

With a smirk, I reply.

[No, I was doing homework and didn’t check my phone. Congrats!]

A reply comes almost immediately.

[Thanks! If there’s anything you want to eat, just say it. I’ll treat you tomorrow until you burst!]

[That’s kind, but tomorrow’s Sunday…]

[Don’t you eat on weekends? It’s close to your place anyway. Are you free for lunch? If you have plans, that’s fine…]

Wow, already trying to make a move?

I like this.

I should call her over.

To be continued―――――――――――――――――――――

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