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Kang Chan met Michelle at 9 pm.
He was already waiting in front of his apartment when she arrived. Once he had gotten inside her car, they headed to the wine bar in Apgujeong-dong[1].
Michelle definitely knew the best places to go.
Going into the ‘Jazz in The Clouds,’ which was located on the second floor, they found an overweight middle-aged woman singing along to the accompaniment being performed by a four-person band.
The two sat at a corner table, and Michelle ordered for them since she was more familiar with places like this.
They gave the performers a round of applause when the song called ‘Summer Time’ ended. Around the same time, Kang Chan and Michelle were served cheese, as a side dish, and wine.
“You can smoke in here,” Michelle said. She was wearing a black suit and a white shirt, making it seem as if she coordinated with Kang Chan to wear matching clothes.
Kang Chan poured them wine and took a sip, then lit up a cigarette.
“Michelle,” Kang Chan called.
Michelle looked at Kang Chan with her blue eyes.
“I’m thinking of working for the government starting this Wednesday. You probably won’t be able to contact me.”
Michelle blinked. White women were born with really long eyelashes.
“My presence in your life will probably put you in danger, so here.” Kang Chan placed a thumb-tack-shaped transmitter on top of the table. “My mother attached it to her wallet, but you can attach it to anything that you always carry with you. That way, I’ll be able to track your location.”
Michelle opened her purse, took out a wallet, and attached the transmitter to it.
“Like this?” Michelle asked.
“Yeah.” Kang Chan sighed softly.
“Channy,” Michelle called as she extinguished her cigarette on the ashtray. “For as long as you’re doing this because you want to, and for as long as it gives you that look in your eyes, then I’ll be okay with it even if it’s dangerous. I’d like to be someone who can provide you with rest whenever you’re having a difficult time… After your parents, of course.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I know, but I’m doing this because I’m happy to. I don’t want to be a burden to you, so don’t worry about me and just focus on your work. All I ask in return is that you don’t forget to meet up with me at least twice a month,” Michelle said with a mischievous look. Kang Chan just smirked.
“If you skip even a month, then I’m going to ask for something bigger the next month. I don’t like that you’re growing up more and more into an amazing man, but that’s probably the real reason why I fell for you,” Michelle added.
“You’re cringey.”
“You’re a player!”
“I’m a player?”
“Not only do you have a pretty female student, but you also have me, Eun So-Yeon, and Kim Mi-Young!”
Saying that he had something going on with Heo Eun-Sil was out of the question, and he didn’t even know if Eun So-Yeon liked him. It was unfair, but it was also difficult for him to make excuses.
Smiling, Michelle brought her face closer to him.
Doing things like this as they were talking was just everyday life for French people. When Kang Chan lightly kissed her, Michelle sat up straight with a broad smile.
To read the uncut version, go to pawread dot com.
Although a lot of people were dressed up around them, the gazes were still all on Michelle, just like in any other bars they had gone to.
“If something dangerous happens, I’ll probably check on your location. Try not to go out alone if possible or be alone with someone you don’t know in secluded places. It doesn’t matter if it’s for work,” Kang Chan said.
“Channy, my birthday is next month.”
Damn it! I’m doing my best to tell you that things will get dangerous!
Nevertheless, Michelle still said something irrelevant. The look in her eyes showed that she was really looking forward to it.
“You know what I want as my birthday present, right?” Michelle asked.
“What?” Kang Chan really didn’t know.
“Let’s spend a night together—just that day in the entire year. Don’t refuse that.”
Phew!
Kang Chan exhaled deeply.
At times like this, changing the subject would be best.
“Michelle, I’m thinking of buying a building. Look into that for me,” Kang Chan said.
“A building?”
Kang Chan told her that Seok Kang-Ho had been scammed not long ago.
“What’s the budget?” Michelle asked afterward.
“I’m not sure. I think it won’t hurt to spend up to a hundred billion won.”
Michelle exhaled with a shocked expression.
“I’ll need about two floors. Aside from that, it’d be great if it can accommodate Kang Yoo Motors, my mother’s foundation, and D.I. as well,” Kang Chan continued.
“What about facilities?”
“A private elevator that goes down to the basement, a private basement parking lot that I can use, a gym, and showers.”
“A bedroom!” Michelle quickly added. “We’ll probably have to renovate the building’s interior, then.”
“You think so?” Kang Chan cocked his head.
Michelle shook her head. “Channy, there’s barely any pre-existing buildings that are built like that. It’ll be better to just buy land and build a new building instead.”
“Wouldn’t that take too much time?”
“Alright. I’ll look into it. You have the money ready, right?” Michelle asked.
“The money is with Cecile.”
“Phew!” Michelle sighed. “I fell in love with a man who’s far too great for me.”
New singers and accompanists climbed up the stage and prepared to play.
Michelle pointed to the seat next to her, implying that they should watch the performance.
Kang Chan sat next to Michelle, and she leaned toward him and hugged him.
The accompanists sweetly played ‘Fly Me to the Moon’[2]. At that moment, Kang Chan realized for the first time that jazz was good.
“Channy, don’t do anything dangerous.” Michelle held Kang Chan tightly in her arms. “When I was having tea with your father and mother, I realized they’re both proud of you but are also anxious about what you do. I feel the same way. If you find yourself in a really dangerous situation, then think of your parents. Think of me as well. Okay?”
“Sure.” Kang Chan raised his right arm and stroked Michelle’s head.
“How did you know that my head is my erogenous zone?” Michelle asked.
When Kang Chan was startled, Michelle smiled mischievously. “Stupid! I already told you that my only request is the present I want for my birthday next month.”
Phew! I’m definitely no match for Michelle when it comes to things like this.
As performers began the second song, the host explained that the song was for people who enjoyed dancing. Hence, three or four couples went out to the area in front of the stage.
“Let’s go and dance,” Michelle said.
“I’m shit at dancing.”
“Leave it to me.”
Michelle stood up and pulled Kang Chan by the hand. The people around them immediately looked at them.
This was crazy.
As soon as they got to the dance floor, Michelle reached out and placed her arms inside Kang Chan’s jacket, embracing him. Wrapping his arms around her back, she felt hot. He felt not only Michelle’s chest but her lower body as well.
In front of people who were looking at him with envy and jealousy, Michelle snuggled up to Kang Chan, hugging him tightly. He couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable.
At that moment, it felt as if Michelle was consoling herself while loving and longing for Kang Chan.
Kang Chan lowered his head on top of Michelle’s, then hugged her softly.
“Kiss me,” Michelle said.
“There are too many people.”
“Then promise me that you’ll be with me on my birthday.”
Kang Chan sighed softly. He felt as if the music had been going on forever.
“Alright,” Kang Chan answered. When he did, the music ended.
Michelle looked disappointed, and the guys around them sighed. They all had the same expression.
When they went back to their seat, Michelle had a coquettish look in her eyes. “I’m happy.”
Kang Chan didn’t know what to reply to things like that.
“Channy, if you ever have time, then at least go to Jeju-do with your parents on the weekend,” Michelle said.
“Jeju-do?”
“Yeah. It’s not like you don’t have the money, so go to Jeju-do. Give your parents good memories. They probably can’t say that to you.”
“Isn’t that just because they’re busy?”
“See? You really don’t know anything when it comes to this. Your parents can’t ask that from you because they’re afraid that they’ll burden you. At times like this, you should ask them to spare you some time and surprise them with a trip during the weekend. I’ll book the trip.”
Kang Chan stared at her blankly, and Michelle just laughed as if she found him funny.
Jeju-do?
That wasn’t a bad idea. He could find some time on the weekend for his parents once they had finished training.
***
Michelle was still happy when Kang Chan sent her home. He then took a taxi home, arriving around a little after midnight.
For some reason, Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook were still in the living room.
“You’re still awake?” Kang Chan asked.
“Yes, but we should head to bed now.”
Were they worried that I would sleep with Michelle, by any chance?
Kang Chan couldn’t help but laugh up his sleeve.
“Right, are you free this weekend? There’s this place I want to take you both to,” Kang Chan asked his parents.
“This weekend? Is it on Saturday or Sunday?”
“We can probably leave Saturday morning and be back on Sunday.”
Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook looked at each other.
“I’m free on the weekend. What about you?” Kang Dae-Kyung asked Yoo Hye-Sook.
“‘I’m not busy, honey. Where are we going, Channy?”
“That’s a secret.”
“But we have to prepare clothes and other things... Are we going to go to a pension house?” Yoo Hye-Sook asked.
“No. It’s a secret. So you’re both free, then?”
“Yes. Are you really free, honey?” Yoo Hye-Sook asked, to which Kang Dae-Kyung responded with a nod.
Kang Chan thought this was probably the first time he had ever seen Yoo Hye-Sook look so excited. Meanwhile, Kang Dae-Kyung looked as if he wanted a hint.
Michelle was definitely a cut above Kang Chan for things like this.
Kang Chan washed up and headed to bed.
***
On Tuesday, Kang Chan met up and headed to Misari with Seok Kang-Ho.
“I met Michelle last night. I told her to find a building that we can buy,” Kang Chan said.
“That’s a good idea.”
Due to the current season, red leaves could now be seen along the faraway riverbank.
As an employee brought over their coffee, Kang Chan took out a cigarette.
“Anyway, how are you feeling?” Kang Chan asked.
“My wounds are about healed up.”
“Already? it's only been a day.”
“I went to the hospital yesterday after we parted ways and asked them to tightly tie up my wounds. Don’t even think about using my wounds as an excuse to exclude me from this.”
“I got it, so don’t overdo it. Don’t give us a headache by coming with us all tightly bandaged just to lie down in pain.”
“Captain,” Seok Kang-Ho called Kang Chan with a serious tone.
This fucker is acting like this to change the mood, isn’t he?
Seok Kang-Ho remained firm even though Kang Chan looked at him suspiciously.
“I got a call from the school today.”
“A call from the school? Why?” Kang Chan asked. He couldn’t help but feel worried, thinking they were trying to get him back to school again.
“A teacher I’m close with called me to ask how I’m doing. I was told that a lot of kids have been visiting Su-Jin at the hospital, so her and her parents’ anger has melted away. Can you ask the administration to let Su-Jin go to school again?”
“Can’t they just tell the school that Su-Jin will be attending again?”
“It’s not that easy. She didn’t take time off from school; she dropped out. I think she can go back to school if the school board or something exerts its influence.”
“Hey, didn’t Mr. Yoo Hun-Woo say that she has to be hospitalized for more than a year?” Kang Chan argued.
“It looks like there’s a way for as long as the administration or the school board gives their approval. Su-Jin’s father is a professor, so he’s looking deep into this, but it seems he can’t make this work by himself.”
Kang Chan cocked his head. “Let’s look into it.”
“It’s fascinating, isn’t it? I thought Ho-Jun and Eun-Sil could never become decent human beings. I heard that even those discharged from the hospital have been obediently going to school. Phuhu, Ho-Jun apparently has complete control over them and really pressures them to stop them from ever bullying other kids again.”
“Do you think they’ve really got their act together?” Kang Chan asked.
“Isn’t it only proper for us to correct them whenever they do something wrong and praise them whenever they do something right?”
Is that right?
“Let’s think about this after the training tomorrow,” Kang Chan said.
“Alright. I just thought I should mention it.”
Kang Chan glared at Seok Kang-Ho, feeling as if he lost.
“What’s wrong?” Seok Kang-Ho asked.
“No matter how badly you want to go, you can’t go with us if you don’t get better.”
“Hey! Won’t we see how I’m doing tomorrow?” Looking shameless, Seok Kang-Ho tried to take a sip of his coffee but spilled some of it on him. “Ow! Hot!”
1. Apgujeong-dong is a neighborhood of Gangnam-gu in Seoul, South Korea. It is considered one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in South Korea ☜
2. this is an actual song by Count Basie and Frank Sinatra ☜