PIA 41

“I received a recommendation at the gathering. They say the owner here is very talented. I heard that the chairman also stops by here often. Anyway,I was going to meet you and the chairman today…”

It was when Ji-an’s eyes rolled with a sense of unease that Jeong Hee-seo cut Kang Boon-nam’s words coldly and intervened.

“My grandmother moved to another clinic as of today. She came here to rest, but there are too many unpleasant people around. What kind of connections are they trying to establish at the clinic? Don’t you think it’s strange, even from Madam’s perspective?”

Kang Boon-nam’s expression hardened at Jeong Hee-seo’s poignant words.

“Hmm… I heard everything about you from my Ji-an.”

The disapproving expression turned to Ji-an and then back to Jeong Hee-seo. It was an expression that seemed to say where did he get the audacity to impregnate someone’s precious grandson out of wedlock and still act so boldly.

“No matter what the era, even young people should understand the proper order and manners in society, but where…”

Kang Boon-nam immediately showed signs of discomfort as she could see that she would not be able to meet Madam Myeong. However, Jeong Hee-seo did not even blink and cut off Kang Boon-nam’s words again.

“A person who knows the order and manner so well would put his hands on someone with a child?”

Ji-an touched his forehead without even realizing it. Since the wound was not deep, a small band-aid was placed on it, but it seemed to have become noticeable.

Kang Boon-nam’s face turned bright red as she was criticized by the young man

“That’s our family business. As a grandmother, I have disciplined my grandchildren, so I don’t think it’s your business to meddle in.”

“I believe I’m in a position to speak up as well.”

Jeong Hee-seo raised his voice tone.

“If you continue to harass Ji-an like this, I won’t stay silent. Don’t you like me being your great grandchild’s father?”

“…”

“If you want to continue enjoying this situation, just keep quiet. That way, you’ll find an opportunity to intervene someday.”

As the imposing Alpha approached and intimidated her, the frail old woman staggered around. Jeong Hee-seo grabbed one of Kang Boon-nam’s arms and steadied her.

“Just give him herbal medicine like this time. That is Mrs. Kang’s duty as a grandmother.”

Kang Boon-nam stepped back with an annoyed expression. It was the first time she had been treated like this by another person, whether  from a young or old person, since she had risen to the ranks of rich people, so she was quite flustered.

It seemed like she would become more irritable as she got older due to her vicious nature, but all she did was just mumble. As expected, Jeong Hee-seo’s sense of intimidation was great. Even Ji-an, who was standing next to him, flinched at the momentum. Ji-an wondered why he was so angry.

“I’ll take Ji-an home.”

After finishing what he had to say, Jeong Hee-seo walked away as if nothing had happened. Jeong Hee-seo quickly suppressed his emotions and erased his facial expressions. He didn’t forget to bow and show minimal courtesy.

Kang Boon-nam would not need to look for Myeong Hyeon-suk separately after Jeong Hee-seo had fully criticized her and even mentioned her responsibilities. Jeong Hee-seo quickly left the Oriental medicine clinic, holding the surprised Ji-an by his side.

Ji-an, who had been dragged around by him for a while, only regained his senses after breathing in the outside air. When Ji-an flinched, Jeong Hee-seo finally released hir grip. Ji-an spoke while massaging his numb shoulder from being squeezed so hard.

“Hyung-nim, how did you recognize her, and why did you upset my grandmother like that?”

The band-aid attached to Ji-an’s forehead was literally the size of his little fingernail. It had been a while since the swelling had subsided. At first glance, it looked like a patch for pimples, but Jeong Hee-seo had good eyes.

Ha. Jeong Hee-seo sighed and rubbed his temples.

“Why do you always make people angry? Why do you always end up getting hit?”

He dodged the first blow, but…

“If you think about it, isn’t it your fault? You provoked Grandma, and that’s why this happened.”

Ji-an felt rebellious for no reason and pursed his lips.

“That’s why I’m taking care of things like this.”

“Hmph! You’ve already messed things up enough.”

In reality, it was inevitable that something like this would happen eventually, even if it wasn’t solely because of the drama’s development. Still, seeing Jeong Hee-seo standing up for him made him want to tease him more.

Ji-an was grateful that Jeong Hee-seo stepped up for him, which made him feel both thankful and ticklish. It was difficult to stand still because of the strange warmth he felt when Jeong Hee-seo held his shoulder tightly and stood by him to argue for him. The warmth of the hand that held his shoulder, and the lingering feeling of reassurance as he stood next to him like a rock remained.

However, it seemed that the anger had not subsided in the slightest.

“Didn’t you go back confident that you wouldn’t get hit?”

“Oh, that’s… I couldn’t dodge my grandmother’s unexpected attack.”

“What kind of nonsense are you talking about?”

“I didn’t know she would throw an acupressure stick and even an ashtray. I didn’t even know my grandmother had such good control. No matter how hard I try, it’s difficult for me to dodge such throws.”

Whether in this world or the other, being treated like a punching bag by Grandma just because he was recessive was the same. Moreover, in the other world, Ji-an grew up to the point where he could take a hit without flinching. Thanks to that, he was confident in his abilities.

So, he said it casually because it was really a daily occurrence for Ji-an.

Ji-an had no idea that Jeong Hee-seo’s mood at that moment would have soured beyond description.

“She threw an ashtray?”

“But I managed to dodge it a bit, so the injury wasn’t too bad. It just bled a bit and healed quickly.”

Ji-an murmured defensively as he looked at Jeong Hee-seo. This was because Jeong Hee-seo had his eyes tightly closed with a pale face as if he was about to faint. It was clearly visible that he was holding back his anger.

“Don’t be angry. Grandma only acts like that when she’s angry.”

“Let me take a look again.”

Jeong Hee-seo held Ji-an’s face in one hand with a stern look on his face.

“It’s fine. Let go. It’s nothing.”

“What do you mean it’s nothing?”

Because of Jeong Hee-seo’s serious expression, Ji-an couldn’t even laugh freely. It wasn’t a big deal, but seeing him so solemn and scrutinizing made Ji-an feel uncomfortable, as if something serious had happened.

“Don’t go home. Come with me.”

Ji-an was stunned and his mouth hung open. He felt the grip on his cheeks tighten even more.

“Why is the conversation heading in that direction?”

Unable to hold back the question, Ji-an spoke while being held captive, and he noticed his lips sticking out like a duck’s beak. Jeong Hee-seo smiled and relaxed his stiff face and hands.

“You seem to never miss a small opportunity, Hyung-nim.”

“That’s why I succeeded. Answer me, will you come with me?”

Ji-an rubbed his heated cheek and took a step back from Jeong Hee-seo.

“No. I promised my mom. I’m going to stay quiet at home.”

“…”

“…And I said I didn’t want to rush into marriage and wanted to think carefully about my life, but it would be strange to suddenly decide to live with you after a few days.”

It hasn’t been long since Ji-an decided not to develop any more feelings and to just live alone. Besides, in Ji-an’s current state, living in the same house with Jeong Hee-seo might be even more difficult. That’s the case even now. He was barely holding back his gaze, trying to avert it from Jeong Hee-seo’s lips.

Jeong Hee-seo tilted his head and looked down at Ji-an.

“Why, why not?”

Thinking he had been caught imagining the taste of his lips, Ji-an deliberately diverted his eyes.

“Is it considered prudent for a grown man to have to live with his mom?”

Jeong Hee-seo lowered his head to make eye contact. As a result, their faces came closer.

“I haven’t grown up yet. My mom still treats me like a baby.”

“Your actions are anything but cute for a baby.”

Jeong Hee-seo hugged Ji-an as he tried to escape. In the sudden motion of pulling him by the waist, their bodies pressed against each other, and his lower body brushed against Jeong Hee-seo’s thigh.

Ji-an was embarrassed and tried to break free, but the grip was firm. As the honest lower part began to exert more force, Ji-an’s face turned pale.

Ji-an tried to twist his body in fear of Jeong Hee-seo noticing the bulkiness of his lower body that started to raise, but he couldn’t beat Jeong Hee-seo. Just then a savior appeared.

“General Manager, you left your car keys and bag behind.”

Jeong Hee-seo held on to Ji-an and turned his head in the direction where the voice came from. Secretary Yoon came down with the car keys and Jeong Hee-seo’s bag. Even though Secretary Yoon widened his eyes in surprise at the unexpected sight, Jeong Hee-seo did not let go of his waist.

“Hello, Mr. Ji-an. It’s been a while since I last saw you. It seems I’ve interrupted…”

“No! Secretary Yoon! It’s absolutely not like that!”

Ji-an pushed away Jeong Hee-seo’s face with both hands. Jeong Hee-seo must have thought it was impossible to go any further, and only then did he let go. Ji-an pretended to tidy up his clothes by stretching out the sweatshirt he was wearing to cover his bottom.

“Keep pulling it like that.”

Jeong Hee-seo spoke in a tone that made it difficult to tell whether he was serious or joking. He looked down at Ji-an and licked my lips with my tongue. This was the spot where Ji-an’s hand touched.