The dinner had concluded with the ease of a meeting that had gone exactly as planned. Joon-ho made his exit with polite bows and genuine expressions of gratitude for Dong's hospitality, leaving the restaurant alone as night deepened over the city.
But the conversation between Chae-won and Dong continued in their private suite, the comfortable silence following Joon-ho's departure giving way to curiosity.
"You were unusually open with him." Chae-won observed, settling onto the sofa with a glass of wine. "I've watched you entertain plenty of business propositions over the years, Brother Dong. Some you hear out, some you dismiss immediately, and most you approach with a healthy dose of skepticism. But with Joon-ho… you actually let him make his pitch. And more than that, you seemed to be genuinely considering it."
Dong reclined in the armchair opposite her, swirling his own drink with thoughtful consideration. "Is that so unusual?"
