If asked to name Korea’s leading conglomerate, most people would undoubtedly mention the SG Group. With over twenty subsidiaries across industries like electronics, chemicals, and telecommunications, SG Group was a global giant, with operations not only in Korea but around the world. Its chairman, Moon Gwang-Ho, known as a living legend and the founder of SG Group, usually had a schedule packed down to the minute. But today was different. In the luxurious residence located in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu—on land alone worth over 40 billion won—Gwang-Ho sat in the spacious living room. He watched his wife, Kim Jung-Sook, brewing tea, though more precisely, his attention was on Byeol, who toddled around beside her. “I wish Daddy came with me. That would’ve been even more fun!” Byeol said. “Grandma thinks so, too. Next time, make sure to bring him along, okay?” “Ahem.” Gwang-Ho cleared his throat and unwrapped a gift box he had set aside. Inside was a penguin doll with glasses—a Pororong doll, incredibly popular with children. He had rushed to get it when he heard Byeol was coming over today. Feigning surprise, Gwang-Ho acted as if he had just stumbled upon the doll, drawing Byeol’s attention. “What’s this? A Pororong doll in a place ?” When Byeol saw the doll, her eyes widened in disbelief. “Pororong!” Byeol dashed over to the doll, which was just under a meter tall, roughly her own height. She stared at it in a trance, completely captivated. Seeing her reaction, Gwang-Ho couldn’t help but grin, a wide smile tugging at his lips, but he quickly regained his dignified expression. “Hm. Why is this here?” he muttered, as though the doll were an inconvenience. Byeol turned to look at him. Noticing that he had her full attention, Gwang-Ho added, “Grandpa has no use for Pororong.” At that moment, Byeol’s eyes sparkled. “I love Pororong!” she exclaimed, her eyes shining brightly. Gwang-Ho almost burst into laughter but managed to hold it back with difficulty. “Is that so?” “Yup! I watch Pororong every day. I even watched it yesterday!” “Well then, what should I do with this doll?” Byeol gasped and picked up the doll, carrying it over to Gwang-Ho. “I can take Pororong for you!” “Oh, really? That would be great. Grandpa would love that.” Gwang-Ho nodded, and Byeol, thrilled to have the Pororong doll, jumped up and down in excitement. Gwang-Ho smiled warmly, watching Byeol fall asleep on the sofa, clutching the Pororong doll tightly. Was there any child as adorable as her? Truthfully, he wasn’t particularly fond of children, but Byeol was an exception. “How’s it going with that man?” he asked seriously, looking at Ae-Kyung. Ae-Kyung coughed lightly and nearly choked on her tea. “That man,” of course, referred to Do-Jun. She recalled their previous date. To be honest, their current relationship couldn’t be described as romantic. “As I mentioned before, if that man were to join our family, I’d consider grooming him as the SG Group’s heir.” “Yes... you did say that.” Ae-Kyung had chosen to live as a Hunter. At first, her decision wasn’t well received, but as one of the world’s most renowned Hunters, she couldn’t be forced to take over the business. She had already reached the pinnacle of her world. “He probably wouldn’t be interested,” she said. “Is that what Lee Do-Jun said?” Gwang-Ho asked. Ae-Kyung shook her head and replied, “I haven’t brought it up, but I know he wouldn’t be interested.” “Not interested in becoming the heir to SG Group? No civil servant would say that. If he heard about it, he’d rush over immediately.” A low-ranking civil servant versus the next chairman of a conglomerate—there was nothing to think about. And it wasn’t just any conglomerate; this was SG Group. “Father,” Ae-Kyung said, her tone serious. “Supervisor Lee is... beyond what you could possibly imagine. If he wanted to, not only could he surpass the SG Group....” She trailed off, understanding that until Do-Jun revealed his true identity, he wouldn’t want any unnecessary rumors spreading about him. “Surpass the SG Group...?” Gwang-Ho asked, confused as to why Ae-Kyung couldn’t finish her sentence. “Never mind,” Ae-Kyung decided not to say anymore. Gwang-Ho sipped his tea, reminiscing about his first encounter with Do-Jun—a tall, young man in his twenties visiting with his daughter. Having faced numerous hardships, Gwang-Ho vividly recalled the strange and unfamiliar unease he experienced during their meeting. While each person has an aura, Do-Jun, despite his youth, exuded an unexpectedly mature and seasoned presence. “There’s no need to force anything. If that man is as remarkable as you say, we’ll find out in time,” he said. The entire thirtieth floor of a forty-story, five-star hotel was reserved exclusively for Ae-Kyung. The room was pitch black, lit only by the city lights streaming through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Ae-Kyung sat, fiddling with her smartphone, reading through her texts with Do-Jun. There wasn’t much meaningful content, mostly work-related messages about the Core. Still, she kept rereading those messages again and again, probably thousands of times. Do-Jun: Next time, I’ll treat you. Let me know when you’re free. Her scrolling finger stopped at that particular line. Her heart raced wildly. She sighed deeply. How had she fallen for him so hard? The more time passed, the more her feelings for Do-Jun grew. She had met many men in her life, but this was the first time she felt this way. It left her bewildered. Why? Was it simply because of Do-Jun’s immense power? No, if that were the case, she would’ve fallen for Kang-Hyun or Jun-Yeol long ago. She met Kang-Hyun and Jun-Yeol when she first Awakened, and they formed Behemoth Guild. Both were stronger than her. Despite spending ten years together and enduring countless life-and-death situations, she never felt anything for them. So why now? She couldn’t understand. A second sigh escaped her lips. She glanced at the time displayed on her phone. It was 2 AM. Would you like to buy me dinner now? Ae-Kyung thought this rather abrupt question and typed the message into her phone. But before pressing send, she shook her head and deleted it. If she sent such a message at this hour, he would surely be annoyed. Deciding it was time to sleep, she reached for the back button. However, instead of pressing back, her finger accidentally tapped the call button. Startled, she quickly moved to end the call, but just as she was about to press the button, a voice came through. —Yes, Hunter Ae-Kyung? Ae-Kyung gasped and accidentally dropped her phone. Do-Jun’s voice came from the receiver again. She bit her lip, cursing herself for such a careless mistake, but answered, “I-I’m sorry. I accidentally...” —Ah, I see. For a second, I was worried something might’ve happened to you. After a moment of silence, Ae-Kyung slowly parted her trembling lips and asked, “Are you free right now...?” Googlᴇ search nοvelfire.net It was her indirect way of asking to share a meal. The silence that followed felt like an eternity to her, though it was only five seconds. Then she heard Do-Jun’s voice. —I haven’t eaten yet either. I was just about to finish work. Her eyes widened. She hadn’t even mentioned wanting to eat together, yet Do-Jun spoke as if he already knew her intentions. “You’ve been working late this whole time...?” Ae-Kyung asked. —Yes, it happens every now and then. After a brief pause, she heard Do-Jun’s voice again. —But most restaurants will be closed by now. “Ah, y-yes, I suppose so. Maybe next time...” She was interrupted by Do-Jun. —I guess I’ll have to cook for you. She blinked, caught off guard. “S-sorry?” Do-Jun entered his apartment with Ae-Kyung and turned on the living room lights. She fidgeted nervously, worried it might be rude to disturb others who were likely sleeping. It was 3 AM, very early Saturday morning, and not exactly a good time for a visit. “Please, make yourself at home. It’s just the two of us here,” Do-Jun said. “J-just the two of us?” “The kids are spending the night at a jjimjilbang.”[1] Do-Jun stepped out of the bedroom after changing into his casual clothes. The idea of being alone with him made Ae-Kyung’s heart race. She worried he might hear her loud heartbeat. “Do you like stew?” Do-Jun asked. She could eat anything. In fact, she wasn’t even hungry. This whole dinner was just an excuse; she just wanted to be near him. “Take a seat and wait a bit,” Do-Jun said. “No, no, you’ve had a long day at work. Let me—” “It’s only right that I serve you today.” Do-Jun smiled softly, leaving her with no choice but to sit down. The rich aroma of doenjang jjigae wafted through the kitchen. Do-Jun also prepared a rolled omelet, setting steaming bowls of white rice and various side dishes on the table. Strangely, her pounding heart began to calm down. The tension dissipated, replaced by a feeling of peace. Ae-Kyung couldn’t understand why. She quietly watched Do-Jun’s back as he worked. Do-Jun’s smartphone on the table vibrated. Unconsciously, her eyes drifted toward it to see a message from his senior, Hyuk-Soo, pop up. Hyuk-Soo: I heard you had to leave because of an emergency. I hope everything resolves smoothly. See you tomorrow. Her eyes widened slightly. Do-Jun turned and carried the finished stew to the table, prompting her to quickly look away. “Is everything really okay?” he asked as he sat down. They started eating silently. She had many things she wanted to say and had thought of countless topics to discuss if they ever dined together. Still, she couldn’t find the words. Being with him was enough. If only time could stop right here. “I wish I could stay over...” she whispered absentmindedly. Do-Jun stared at her for a moment, then smirked. “Feel free.” Her face turned red with embarrassment. “Sorry?” “It’s late, after all.” “W-wait, did I say that out loud?” “Weren’t you saying it for me to hear?” “No, no, that was just... my inner thoughts...” Do-Jun shrugged and stood up, his meal finished. “Just make sure to do the dishes in the morning. That’s all I ask.” Ae-Kyung couldn’t sleep. How could she, with Do-Jun lying right next to her? During her previous four-day stay here, she had fallen asleep easily. But now, it felt impossible. She turned her head. “Supervisor Lee?” No response. He appeared to be asleep, his eyes closed and completely still. The bed was spacious, with a good distance between them. She stretched out her arm toward him, but it didn’t quite reach. Quietly and slowly, she moved closer, reaching out again until her fingers brushed his cheek. Little by little, she moved closer until the gap between them disappeared entirely. Resting her head on his shoulder, she finally closed her eyes, her breathing steady. It didn’t take long for them to share the same pillow. Do-Jun’s eyes opened slightly. He considered moving her back to her original spot but paused, noticing her peaceful expression. Deciding not to disturb her, he let her be. 1. Jjimjilbang is a sauna/spa where you can stay overnight! ☜