Chapter 1382. Unfolding (2)

Han Eun-Sol tutted. “If you wanna put a hole in your phone, there are quicker ways than staring daggers at it, noona.”

Choi Yeon-Ha tutted right back. “Hey, Eun-Sol?”

“Yes, noona?”

“Do you know why a man should have situational awareness?”

“...?”

“Things you say without a second thought every day can get your skull cracked on the wrong day, you see? So? What do you think you should do today?”

“I think I should keep my trap shut.”

When Choi Yeon-Ha glared murderously at him, the whimpering Han Eun-Sol neatly tucked his tail between his legs and shrank back.

If looks could kill, Han Eun-Sol would have died at least thirty-six times over by now!

“Eun-Sol?”

“Yes, noona?”

“Do you know why people keep making trouble for themselves?”

“I,

uh

... don’t know...?”

“It’s because they can’t practice what they preach, okay?”

“...”

“I hope that one day, you become a man who can practice what you preach, Eun-Sol.”

“...Yes, ma’am.”

“Or your nose might break one day. Or get all of your hair ripped out.”

Han Eun-Sol smiled brightly while turning his head away ever so slightly.

Noona, you’re the textbook case of failing to practice what you preach, you know?

Of course, Han Eun-Sol wasn’t brave enough to say that out loud.

Choi Yeon-Ha’s moods sometimes resembled a stock market graph that rose and fell on a whim, but it hitting a depth this low, like today, was a rare occurrence indeed.

Crack!

Choi Yeon-Ha began chewing on her nails next.

“...! N-noona, nails! Your nails! We paid a ton of money to get those n...”

“Then, are you gonna give me your nails instead?”

“No, I’ll... pass.”

“Then, what should you do instead?”

“Clamp my mouth shut.”

“Don’t even answer me.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Han Eun-Sol nodded meekly. He was certain now. Even a little thing could set Choi Yeon-Ha off like a volcano right now!

A gloomy aura was gushing out from behind Choi Yeon-Ha, or at least that was what it felt like to Han Eun-Sol. If only a horror movie director was here to witness this scene! He would’ve offered her

billions

to cast her in his next movie!

Well, it’s not like I don’t sympathize with her.

Even Han Eun-Sol was having a hard time dealing with this anxiety, after all. If he were in her shoes, he’d also be unable to maintain his composure.

Actually, I might be even more anxious than her.

When looked at that way, maybe Choi Yeon-Ha should be praised for her mental strength?

“...!

Aaaaaahk

! That dummy! Why hasn’t he phoned me already?!”

Nope, Han Eun-Sol was wrong. He should cancel any thoughts of praising her.

Choi Yeon-Ha angrily tossed her phone on the nearby couch. At least she was aware of what she was doing, judging from how she didn’t throw the phone to the floor. That surely deserved a quick applause, no?

“Can’t he just, you know!? Call and say he’s still alive? Or let me know if he’s dead or something?!”

“Noona, how can Mister Jin-Ho call you if he’s dead?”

“Why not?! He can just pick up his phone, right?!”

Han Eun-Sol promptly gave up on holding a rational conversation with Choi Yeon-Ha. That seemed like an impossible challenge at the moment.

Seriously, though. When will this situation end?

If this situation didn’t end soon, never mind Choi Yeon-Ha, Han Eun-Sol might wither and die first!

“Noona... How about you call Mister Jin-Ho first?”

“What? Are you going to take responsibility if that phone call puts him in even more danger?!

Ah

?!”

What was he supposed to do here, then...!

Han Eun-Sol squeezed his eyes shut. He shouldn’t blame anyone but himself.

Out of millions of different jobs in this world, it was his fault for becoming a manager in the entertainment industry. And if he narrowed the blame down even further, then his stupid mouth was at fault for volunteering to work as Choi Yeon-Ha’s manager! Even though there were plenty of celebrities in search of a good manager back then!

One’s life was shaped by one’s choices. And every choice inevitably came with consequences one must pay for. Unfortunately for Han Eun-Sol, his

consequences

proved way too spicy for his liking.

“Seriously!” Choi Yeon-Ha yelled again. “A person can only be patient for so long, okay?! Just how much must we...”

That was when her phone began ringing loudly. Choi Yeon-Ha’s head snapped in that direction. As a matter of fact, Han Eun-Sol was momentarily worried about her neck snapping in half from how fast she had turned her head!

She reflexively threw herself on to the couch and snatched up the phone.

“Hello?!”

—It’s me, Miss Yeon-Ha. How have you been?

“...!”

Choi Yeon-Ha’s hand gripping the phone began trembling ominously.

Han Eun-Sol gasped inwardly.

H-hold on, her hair...? Is her hair standing up like a hissing cat’s fur?

For the briefest of brief moments there, he pondered if he should stop Choi Yeon-Ha right now. What if she started hurling all sorts of insults and unladylike names into the phone?

“Mister Jin-Ho! Are you alright? Are you hurt?”

Han Eun-Sol nearly fell off his chair just then before staring dazedly at Choi Yeon-Ha.

Eh? What’s this? This isn’t what I thought, though? Why is she speaking in that gentle voice?

Where did the demoness from Hell, who was clearly ready to stomp and destroy everything she could see, disappear to? And who was this angel speaking in such a warm, caring voice?!

Gee whiz... She could’ve conquered the Cannes if she wanted to!

Choi Yeon-Ha’s acting was so monumentally wonderful that it might even qualify as the Eighth Wonder of the World!

Han Eun-Sol stared at Choi Yeon-Ha in sheer stupefaction. Even though she was chewing on her lips to the point of almost drawing blood, she somehow produced a gentle-sounding voice. Talk about godly acting! Despite being her long-time manager, even he couldn’t help but sigh in admiration just then.

—Yes, I’m fine.

“Where are you?”

—I arrived in Korea earlier today. I think it’ll be okay for you to come home as well.

“You’re not lying, right? Are you really unhurt?”

—Yes, I’m not injured.

Choi Yeon-Ha sighed deeply in relief. It felt like all the choking tension in her body had finally let her go. Although, she wasn’t sure if this relief came from knowing Kang Jin-Ho was unhurt or that this strange situation had been finally resolved.

“Then, why are you calling me so late! Do you know how worried I was about you?!”

—I meant to call you earlier, but I got swamped with more work than I expected. I’m sorry.

“No, it’s fine. I’m just happy to hear that you’re fine. That’s what matters the most, anyway.”

Han Eun-Sol blinked furiously.

But, noona? Weren’t you busy saying Kang Jin-Ho dummy and Kang Jin-Ho idiot until a few minutes ago? Don’t you think your tune has changed a bit too much in the blink of an eye?

“Does that mean we can go home now?”

—Yes, I believe it’ll be fine now.

“I see. We’ll pack our stuff right away. Let’s talk once I’m back in Korea. Because I’ve lots of things to tell you, too.”

—Got it.

“Mister Jin-Ho, I... It must’ve been difficult for you.”

—No, it was fine. Actually, I should apologize for complicating your life like this.

“Nah, there’s no complication here at all. Besides, no need to apologize. Okay, let’s hang up now. Before it gets too embarrassing to talk anymore.”

Choi Yeon-Ha ended the call and shot up to her feet. “Eun-Sol! Pack our bags! He says we can go home now!”

“Yes, I heard!”

“Hurry up, will you! I’m so sick and tired of breathing in the Chinese air already!”

“

Huh

? Didn’t you say you had no idea how delicious the Chinese food was not too long ago?”

“Sure, I said that, but I can’t keep that up forever, you know?! I’m dying for a bowl of ramen right about now, okay! Let’s go home!”

Han Eun-Sol chuckled helplessly. Of course, he wasn’t going to criticize her here, since that was his exact sentiment, too. He really had enough of living in a foreign country. And he also didn’t want to lie to his family over the phone about why he couldn’t come home yet!

“Let’s hurry and go home, noona! It sounded like my mom was under the impression that I’d committed a fraud and had to flee the country or something!”

Choi Yeon-Ha looked surprised to hear that. “...Seriously?”

“Yes, noona! She was obviously holding it in, but I could tell, you know? I better get out of here as soon as possible and calm things down at home.”

“One more reason to leave, then! Get ready, Eun-Sol! We’ll find plane tickets when we get to the airport.”

“Got it. I’m gonna pack our bags. Help me, noona.”

Han Eun-Sol began packing their luggage, and naturally, Choi Yeon-Ha assisted him. Thanks to traveling overseas so often, they had become rather proficient at organizing their bags in no time at all.

They finished filling up their suitcases in the proverbial blink of an eye. After piling the suitcases neatly by the exit, the two of them scanned the interior of the luxurious room they had been staying in for the last several days.

Choi Yeon-Ha glanced at Han Eun-Sol. “You haven’t forgotten anything, right?”

“Nope. I’ve already run simulations maaany times in my head, you know? Besides, it doesn’t matter even if we forget everything, so long as we have our passports, wallets, and phones.”

“Well, I guess. Where are our passports, though?”

“Of course, they are right... here...

Eh

? But,

uh

...?”

Han Eun-Sol rummaged through his pockets, then began tilting his head in confusion.

“

Huh

? That’s weird? I definitely put them here, but...”

“Don’t be silly and find them, now!”

“Yes, ma’am!”

Han Eun-Sol freaked out and began rummaging through the suitcases. Thankfully, he eventually found the passports and waved them at Choi Yeon-Ha in embarrassment.

“I found them, noona.”

“...And I’m supposed to trust this guy, too.” Choi Yeon-Ha spat out a grand sigh, then pointed at the doorway with her chin. “We should at least tell someone we’re leaving, right?”

“

Ah

, you’re right. That’s the right thing to do. Can you wait here, noona? Let me go and inform Mister Cai.”

“Okay.”

Han Eun-Sol opened the door and rushed outside. Choi Yeon-Ha moved the suitcases outside the room, then secured the door behind her.

Moving these suitcases outside wouldn’t shorten her travel time, but she couldn’t help herself. The desire to reach the airport as quickly as possible was burning a hole in her heart right now.

I wanna go home and take a long, long shower!

The first thing she’d do after reaching Korea would be to take a shower, cook herself a bowl of ramen, then laze around on her own bed. And maybe a bottle of soju as a mini celebration, too...?

N-no, what am I even thinking about? I should go and see Mister Jin-Ho first! Because I’m gonna wring his little neck!

While thinking about this and that, Choi Yeon-Ha finished moving the suitcases. That was when she noticed Han Eun-Sol rushing back.

“Noona! They say Mister Cai isn’t home!”

“

Ng

? Where is he?”

“Out on a job, apparently.”

“...Really?” Choi Yeon-Ha tilted her head. “Do we know his number, though?”

“Nope.”

“Doesn’t that mean we don’t have any means of contacting him?”

Han Eun-Sol casually shrugged. “More or less?”

Choi Yeon-Ha nodded, her expression glowing refreshingly. “Well, it’s a pity, but it can’t be helped. I’m sure he’ll call us first if he thinks we skipped out on him or something. Okay, let’s go!”

“Yes, it sure is a pity.”

Han Eun-Sol hurriedly picked up the suitcases.

Choi Yeon-Ha tilted her head. “Hang on? Shouldn’t we call a taxi first?”

“When I told them we’d be heading to the airport, they said they’d provide us with a car and a driver.”

“Even though Mister Cai Kechang or whatever his name isn’t around?”

“They said we shouldn’t sweat it, since he told them to make our stay as comfortable as possible.”

“That sure makes our lives more convenient. I was worried about taxis not even wanting to come here, you know? Okay, let’s go.”

“Got it, noona!”

Han Eun-Sol picked up the suitcases and headed to the entrance of the courtyard. For some reason, though... When they first came here, each person only had to carry two suitcases, yet now, there were two additional suitcases waiting to be lugged around.

Han Eun-Sol tutted. “This is why I told you to control yourself while shopping, noona!”

“Don’t be absurd! Without the fun of shopping, how am I supposed to stay sane in this place?! And what about you? Stop playing those dumb freemium games on your phone already!”

“They don’t cost anything to play, though!”

“Really? Even though I’ve spent a lower percentage of my income on new clothes than what you’ve spent buying those in-game items out of your income?”

“...?

Eh

?”

Choi Yeon-Ha was right, wasn’t she? But that only made things even more unfair, though!

If that yardstick of percentages was applied here, Choi Yeon-Ha would always qualify as an exceedingly frugal person no matter what she did!

Considering how much her income was, she could stop by at a car dealer tomorrow and use her debit card to purchase a brand-new car on the spot, and it’d still be a drop in the proverbial ocean. Or something like an ordinary person buying a toy car for their child!

Han Eun-Sol tearfully glared at Choi Yeon-Ha. “You dirty capitalist.”

Choi Yeon-Ha tutted. “And who is drawing his wages from that dirty capitalist, again?”

“Mister Jin-Ho pays my wages, though?”

“That makes him an even dirtier capitalist, doesn’t he!”

“

Oh

... Yeah, that’s true.”

Unfortunately for an ordinary commoner like Han Eun-Sol, he seemed to be surrounded by a dirty capitalist and an even dirtier capitalist!

Another example of life’s unfairness was on full display in this place. Even the wealthiest person in Korea wouldn’t even dream of living in a palatial home like this, yet someone was doing exactly that.

This is why I’ll never get used to China.

Of course, this would come to an end pretty soon. Even though he’d have to come back here in the near future, Han Eun-Sol was still glad for a chance to kick and relax in Korea until then.

“Noona? There should be planes going to Korea today, right?”

Choi Yeon-Ha cocked an eyebrow. “You can always search online, though?”

“

Argh

... You know what? I don’t care anymore. Let’s just get out of here.”

“Yup, me too. I don’t want to stay here anymore if I can help it. Heck, I’m even prepared to sleep in the airport, too!”

“Totally agree with you, noona.”

The two of them picked up the last of the suitcases and headed to the courtyard exit.

Choi Yeon-Ha whined loudly. “

Owww

, why is the courtyard here so big? It’s not like we’re in an Olympic stadium or anything!”

“At least we got a room closer to the exit, noona. Imagine if we got a room further inside. Carrying luggage would’ve pooped us out, you know?”

“Yeah, that’s what I’m saying!”

After moving all the suitcases to the exit, Choi Yeon-Ha groaned deeply. “Whew, that’s finally done. Now, all we have to do is get to the airport! Wait, our car is supposed to pick us up by the exit, right?”

Han Eun-Sol nodded. “Yup, that’s...

Eh

?”

That was when his eyes opened wide. He could see a large black van leisurely gliding toward the exit from the back of the courtyard.

Choi Yeon-Ha also looked behind her and stared in surprise. “Why... is that van coming out of there?”

“Not sure?”

“And they say a dumb brain will make life harder for the rest of the body... Yup, that’s us, isn’t it?”

Choi Yeon-Ha chuckled in dismay. If she knew things would be like this, they could have waited by their room and then loaded the suitcases into that van!

“

Urgh

, whatever. Let’s load our bags into...”

Before she could finish, though, a weighty voice came from somewhere behind her.

“Are you leaving now, Miss Choi?”

Choi Yeon-Ha and Han Eun-Sol hurriedly looked behind them.

“...!

Ah

.”

Choi Yeon-Ha’s eyes powerfully quaked when she saw a tall, imposing man kitted out in a traditional Chinese attire strolling toward her.

That was... the Crimson King! And he was staring at his two guests.