“Ha-yeon unnie. I believed in youuuu.”
Zhuge Hyang clutched her head in agony.
“Let’s make Im Ha-yeon the Shadowless Thief. The three of us have moved like one body over the past few months and succeeded in our plans, and Im Ha-yeon unexpectedly became the crown jewel of the Hao Moon Society.”
Finally, after everything was done, Zhuge Hyang had a glimmer of hope.
“I’ll help you.”
“Because we promised each other.”
“Since I’ve supported Ha-yeon unnie all this time, it should be my turn now. With just Ha-yeon unnie’s help, I could get closer to Master Kang.”
But…
“Why would you disappear right after the problem gets solved?”
“I believed in you! I really believed in Ha-yeon unnie!” Zhuge Hyang pounded on the desk, venting her small fury.
“Fine. Once this is over, I won’t say a word if Miss Zhuge monopolizes things for a while.”
“Master Kang is busy all day, and I’m the one stuck working at home! How is that monopolizing?!”
Sure, it felt like monopolizing. Because she was doing all the work that Im Ha-yeon had been doing.
“Ugh. I should’ve read the contract better.”
There’s a reason why the elders of the family always say to read contracts two or three times and consult them if you don’t understand. Zhuge Hyang rested her chin on the desk, recalling the departing Im Ha-yeon.
“I understand Ha-yeon unnie’s situation, but I can’t help but feel disappointed.”
Zhuge Hyang didn’t have deep resentment about the events of the past few months.
Ha-yeon unnie hadn’t intentionally tried to monopolize the attention. She had been considerate of Zhuge Hyang.
Every time Zhuge Hyang made a move near Master Kang, Ha-yeon unnie would say something to Master Kang to make him notice. And she always included Zhuge Hyang in whatever they did. Sometimes she even made sure they had time alone.
But still, disappointment was disappointment. Zhuge Hyang let out a small sigh.
“I also want to spend time with Master Kang like Ha-yeon unnie does!”
There was just too much work. Master Kang sometimes didn’t even come home. At this rate, she’d have to marry her work.
Zhuge Hyang closed her eyes, imagining clumsily suggesting to the busy Kang Yoon-ho.
“Master Kang, would you like to go out with me today?”
“Yes? Ah… sure. Why not?”
An ambiguous answer that was neither a refusal nor an acceptance. If Master Kang responded like that when he was busy and unaware…
“That’s not fair! It’s breaking my heart!”
Just imagining it squeezed her heart. Zhuge Hyang pressed her hands against her chest in emotional pain.
“I think it was better recently.”
She had feelings of envy, but there was a cozy atmosphere united by a single purpose. The fact that their aim was stealing seemed like a small problem.
The three of them worked together in the office, and whenever it felt quiet, Ha-yeon unnie’s gaze would be on Master Kang, or she would realize that her own gaze had turned toward Master Kang.
Whenever Master Kang noticed that strange vibe and looked up, their eyes would meet, and they would both chuckle every time. The flustered expressions as they hurried back to work were new and thrilling experiences for Zhuge Hyang.
Though she was alone in the office now.
Buried under piles of documents, of course.
“Like Ha-yeon unnie said, I have the chance to monopolize, but…”
Now, only Kang Yoon-ho and Zhuge Hyang lived in the mansion. There were no other interruptions left.
This was definitely a huge opportunity to advance love. But there was one big problem.
“I’m still the same…”
How could she approach Master Kang when she hadn’t changed much at all?
Zhuge Hyang sighed in frustration before picking up the brush again.
Morning.
Lunch.
Dinner.
Even finishing today’s tasks, she couldn’t see Kang Yoon-ho’s face.
“Miss Zhuge! Did you sleep well?”
The next day.
Kang Yoon-ho, who returned home around midnight, asked Zhuge Hyang with a lively expression.
“Yes…”
In the end, she hadn’t had even one meal with Master Kang the day before. Zhuge Hyang answered in a lackluster voice.
“Are you feeling unwell?”
“Ah, no. Master Kang. Here are the documents.”
She mustn’t let him think she was an annoying girl. Zhuge Hyang hurriedly shook her head and handed over the documents she had completed yesterday.
“Hmm…”
But Kang Yoon-ho kept his mouth shut and didn’t take the documents.
“Master Kang?”
What could be wrong? Did something happen? Zhuge Hyang raised her gaze to Kang Yoon-ho with a puzzled expression, and surprisingly, words came out of his mouth.
“Miss Zhuge. Let’s go out together today.”
Unable to refuse that irresistible smile, Zhuge Hyang felt compelled to go along with him.
“Miss Zhuge. We’ve arrived.”
“Was it Da-seo-gak? Is there a problem with Da-seo-gak?”
As soon as Zhuge Hyang stepped off the carriage, she looked up at me with a puzzled expression, wondering if there was a problem she needed to solve as the owner of Da-seo-gak.
The truth was for a different reason, though.
“I’ve been neglecting Miss Zhuge too much lately.”
I wasn’t clueless enough not to understand why Zhuge Hyang was feeling down. Though I had been busy dealing with workload explosions like overdue homework, I still had to take care of Miss Zhuge.
“I shouldn’t take Miss Zhuge’s kindness for granted.”
Miss Zhuge wasn’t my subordinate.
She was my match and currently my cohabitant, and I was only helping her. I couldn’t take her kindness for granted.
Knowing Miss Zhuge’s personality, her grievances would build up until she couldn’t voice them, quietly festering until she crumbled.
How could I uplift the demoralized Miss Zhuge?
“I should hold a little event for Miss Zhuge.”
I already had a plan in mind.
“Ah! The manager is here! Hello!”
As I entered Da-seo-gak, Ha So-so greeted me warmly. Other employees, startled by my sudden appearance from afar, began to approach, wanting to greet me.
“Hey, So-so. Tell everyone not to mind us and keep working.”
“Yes! Hehe! I’ll get back to work!”
I always liked how lively Ha So-so was. I led Miss Zhuge up to the second floor of Da-seo-gak.
“Master Kang, why did you come to Da-seo-gak?”
“I came to play with Miss Zhuge.”
“At Da-seo-gak?”
“Let’s go inside the counter.”
With a smile, I opened the side door to the counter as if I were a doorman at a fancy hotel and gestured toward a chair in the corner with my palm.
Because I had something prepared for her. Please take a seat.
“Huh?! By ‘play’ you don’t mean…?!”
Miss Zhuge, however, didn’t step into the counter and looked between me and the counter with shock.
“Hm?”
What’s strange about that?
Suddenly, Miss Zhuge’s face turned pale.
“I-I’ve heard of it! They say bright-minded young men and women can dawdle together while working! That charming scene of youth where just watching brings joy! Is that what you’re talking about?!”
“Ah, that…”
Were you serious about talking about the scene of handsome men and beautiful women expressing odd affection to each other while working at a café?
I had seen it occasionally. What a great time that must be. I always told those applicants who seemed to hook up with each other to stay in the kitchen out of sight.
How I envied them. It was quiet and nice. But I had to go. This place was now on my blacklist. No! If they had nothing to do, the dazzling scenes of youth were surely going to happen.
Not on my watch. You were now on a five-times-worth punishment of making S’mores cookies!
“I’m sorry! I’ll go back and work hard! I won’t dawdle in my room, drawing in the middle! I’ll work hard from breakfast to dinner tomorrow! P-Please don’t make me work the counter…”
Miss Zhuge seemed to have her trauma switch toggle on as the thought of working at the counter blurred her gaze.
“Hahaha. You don’t have to take orders or make food. Just sit next to me.”
I didn’t want to work either.
“Eh?”
“Come here and sit down. So-so. Do as I said.”
“Yes! Manager!”
I prepared a seat for Zhuge Hyang in the farthest corner and sat right next to her, encouraging her to come along, though she was still dazed.
“But why are we sitting…”
Subtly tilting her head, Miss Zhuge asked me.
“Shh. Quiet now. Listen closely.”
“How come?”
How should I ease Miss Zhuge’s mood?
Simply saying sorry or thanks wouldn’t soothe her greatly.
“I should show Miss Zhuge something fulfilling.”
I crouched down, as if eavesdropping, and smiled softly at Zhuge Hyang.
Soon it would be time for a small event for her.
“The artwork from this month’s Ho Pil’s author is finally up!”
“I’ve been waiting for this!”
“Huh?”
Zhuge Hyang turned her head in surprise toward the sound of enthusiasm.
Today was the day when Miss Zhuge’s new painting was being displayed at Da-seo-gak.
“Look at that painting. Simply overwhelming.”
“You can feel the resolve of Tang Jung. The will that can’t reach a lady without crossing over one’s own corpse!”
“No way?! Is that a painting of this month featuring Cheong Hong’s flower?!”
“The jealousy between them and love for Tang Jung, one might think it was a painting from life, not just a picture drawn!”
The spontaneous reactions from the crowd were a perfect day to witness.
“What is this?! Is this the Shadowless Thief walking on water? My goodness! How vibrant!”
“Uhhuhhuh.”
The corners of Zhuge Hyang’s mouth lifted.
When is an artist most delighted? When their work is received positively by others, of course.
Regardless of how hard it had been, when a good reaction comes forth, you can’t help but be overwhelmed.
Especially in a world without comments or the internet. There weren’t many ways to see people’s reactions.
“Miss Zhuge tends to avoid crowded places, so being in the counter is just right.”
Just like someone who doesn’t need to respond to every comment can still read them all, eavesdropping while hiding in the counter was the best method.
“Who is this artist who produces such paintings? I’ve never seen anyone with such abilities!”
“How on earth did Ho Pil find such an artist! Truly astonishing!”
“Uhhuhuhuh. It’s not that great!”
“It truly is.”
“Mas-Master Kang?!”
Did she momentarily forget I was beside her?
Miss Zhuge’s expression could not be controlled as her smile was too big, but when I spoke, her demeanor changed to one of surprise and attention.
“People are looking forward to Miss Zhuge’s paintings every month. On days like today, when Miss Zhuge’s work is displayed, people are crowded from the morning!”
“This is a moment to appreciate Miss Zhuge’s hard work,” I said with a sincere expression, looking deep into her eyes.
“Of course, it’s because it’s a work from Ho Pil.”
Miss Zhuge dropped her shoulders with a lack of confidence.
“While people also wait for that author’s work, it wouldn’t be this busy if it weren’t for your painting, Miss Zhuge.”
“Really?”
“Just listen. Everyone is full of compliments, are they not?”
I pointed toward the crowd gathered around where her work was displayed.
Miss Zhuge peeked her head out curiously, utterly absorbed in the sight.
Endless praise echoed. What a moment of joy for her.
“M-Master Kang?!”
I knelt on one knee and gazed at the flustered Zhuge Hyang.
Our eyes met. My face entirely filled her excited gaze.
“Miss Zhuge.”
I whispered her name softly.
“…”
Zhuge Hyang’s eyes trembled.
“Thank you for always being there. I feel grateful to the point where I can’t say it enough.”
“Ah?! Yes! Yes-yes-yes!”
Zhuge Hyang’s head bobbed eagerly up and down like a motor running overdrive.
“Now, let’s get moving.”
It was time to move to the next course.
“C-Can’t we stay a little longer?”
Looking somewhat regretful, she gazed at the scroll.
I knew she was happy about their reactions, but constantly worrying about it was also troublesome.
Was there a way to make her leave?
There was.
“Okay.”
“Huh?!”
Miss Zhuge looked surprised at my outstretched hand.
“I’ll treat you to lunch today.”
My hand or the reactions from the people. What will you choose?
“Uhhuh. Yes, yes.”
Miss Zhuge gripped my hand tightly, not even taking a moment to think.
“Uhhhh. Master Kang! Ha-yeon unnie will find out I was dawdling in Da-seo-gak!”
Don’t tell her, So-so.
In a place far removed from all the chaos of Wuhan.
If money were the starting point of all problems, then the mansion would reside in the tranquil eye of the storm hovering over the typhoon known as money.
The owner of the mansion, Man Geum-jeon, Jang Noya, watered the orchids in his flowerpot and spoke.
“How is Kang Yoon-ho doing lately?”
“The commotion around Master Kang seems to be settling down now.”
The Head of Guards of Man Geum Battlefield bowed his head and began to report briefly on Kang Yoon-ho’s recent activities.
“How is he with the granddaughter?”
“I heard from one of the guards stationed at Da-seo-gak that they went out to eat together holding hands today.”
“Oh my.”
Kang Yoon-ho held hands with the granddaughter.
Everyone would have a rough idea of the implications of a man and woman holding hands. Man Geum-jeon stroked his beard with a faint smile.
The orchids in the pot radiated freshness. They could be moved to the garden now.
Content, Man Geum-jeon nodded in satisfaction.
“Then, it seems time has come for Kang Yoon-ho. It’s time to have a chat with that child.”
