Chapter 7 : "TAESOO'S FLOW"
Taesoo was back at the company building, having changed into a tailored gray suit and matching trousers that clung perfectly to his frame. The light fabric emphasized the sharp lines of his shoulders and jaw, making his strong facial features stand out even more — though his demeanor remained as cold and composed as ever. He carried himself with an air of quiet masculinity and deliberate distance, every movement measured and precise.
After finishing his change, he made his way to the executive office floor, where Hyunjin had already laid out lunch in his private dining space. The spread was simple but elegant — just as Taesoo preferred — and they ate in comfortable silence before returning to their respective duties for the afternoon.
At six o'clock sharp, they departed the building for one of his flagship properties: Liora Celeste, a combined hotel and restaurant that had been in his family for three generations. When he became Chairman and the last remaining heir to the Jang estate, he'd taken full authority over the establishment, pouring resources into maintaining its reputation as a global pillar of luxury.
The restaurant at Liora Celeste held a coveted 5-star Michelin rating, and the hotel itself stood as one of the world's most renowned, exclusive, and opulent destinations — a gleaming glass-and-steel tower that soared above the city skyline like a crown jewel. A-listers, global influencers, and industrial tycoons from every corner of the globe were regular guests; even heads of state, royal families, and cabinet officials from nations across the continent had dined in its sky-high private rooms or stayed in its signature suites. Rising 112 magnificent floors into the clouds — the tallest structure for hundreds of miles, visible from distant cities and along the entire coastline — it sprawled across two full city blocks at its base, with interconnected wings housing thousands of meticulously designed rooms and suites. A sprawling culinary complex spanned four entire floors, featuring fifteen distinct dining concepts from world-renowned chefs, while a collection of private event spaces included a grand ballroom capable of hosting gatherings of up to five thousand people. At the very peak, occupying the top three floors in their entirety with unobstructed 360-degree views of the metropolis, ocean, and distant mountain ranges, was a penthouse unlike any other on Earth — custom-built for the Jang family decades ago and now belonging solely to Taesoo, his personal sanctuary perched high above the world below. Liora Celeste ranked among the largest luxury hotels globally, an establishment of breathtaking scale and unwavering prestige that set the gold standard for hospitality across the globe.
Taesoo was heading there to eat that evening — it was his family's legacy, after all, and he made it a point to visit Liora Celeste regularly to ensure every detail lived up to its name. He'd stayed at the hotel on occasion before, mostly to tend to personal matters with his former Muses, though those visits had become fewer in recent months.
When their car pulled up to the grand marble entrance, where "Liora Celeste" was etched in gold across a towering archway, every staff member lined the foyer to greet him, their backs straight and heads bowed in deep respect. Hyunjin followed close behind, holding Taesoo's cashmere coat draped neatly over his arm. Inside, the space was sprawling and breathtaking — adorned with gold leaf accents, hand-carved wood panels, and imported Italian marble that gleamed under soft lighting. Every detail spoke to deliberate opulence, making it clear this was a world far removed from ordinary life.
Crystal chandeliers hung from every ceiling, their prisms casting rainbows across the floors — as common here as lightbulbs in homes across the city. The staff wore well-crafted, immaculate uniforms in deep navy and gold, tailored to fit each person perfectly — a visible sign of their generous compensation and the high standards set for Liora Celeste. Even the guests who passed through its doors wore attire that was not typical of everyday life — perfectly tailored gowns, bespoke suits, and formal wear that matched the hotel's grand theme. Commoners were rarely, if ever, seen inside; the establishment was designed exclusively for those who moved in the highest echelons of society.
Taesoo moved through the foyer toward the bank of private elevators, his gaze fixed straight ahead as he ignored every greeting. The staff knew better than to underestimate their Chairman; stories of his anger had spread through the ranks, and those who'd witnessed it spoke of a cold, quiet fury that left a hollow, uneasy weight in the air long after he'd gone. He stepped inside the polished steel car without pause, and Hyunjin followed close behind, pressing the button for the eightieth floor — home to Liora Celeste's main dining hall and private rooms, positioned high enough to offer sweeping views of the city. As the elevator began its smooth ascent, Hyunjin broke the comfortable silence.
"Sir — should we discuss the latest data over dinner? The Aurora Consortium team just sent through a full report with new information about Mr. Shin. I think you might want to hear it."
Hyunjin spoke while tapping on his phone — he'd just gotten a message from the Aurora Consortium team, with new information about Shin Juhyuk.
"By all means. I actually wanted to hear it... I can't wait for more details about that ridiculous place."
The words were crisp and direct, delivered in Taesoo's signature matter-of-fact tone. He already knew most of the details, but still wanted to hear it from Hyunjin — there might be something he had missed.
"Yes, sir. We've arrived. I'll assist you to your table, and I'll be back with my papers."
The elevator doors slid open, and they stepped onto the floor and into the restaurant. Taesoo made his way directly to a private dining room — reserved exclusively for him, where he would be eating alone. Staff members moved forward at once, beginning to prepare the space and arrange everything to his exact taste. Their movements were smooth and practiced, precise and error-free as always.
Taesoo settled into a lounge chair in the corner of the room, waiting quietly as the team finished their work. With Hyunjin temporarily away to meet with members of the Aurora Consortium and retrieve the updated information papers, a senior hotel staff member stepped in to assist, attending to his needs with careful attention. Moments later, his secretary returned, the thick folder of documents tucked neatly under his arm.
After ten minutes of careful preparation, every detail was in place. Some staff members quietly exited the room, while others remained at attention along the walls — their posture rigid and respectful, like attendants awaiting a king's command. Hyunjin arrived precisely as the last plate was set on the table. As several staff members began plating portions for Taesoo, he approached his boss's side, documents held firmly in hand.
"Right on time, Hyunjin. Why don't you start now? Let me hear what you've uncovered..."
Taesoo picked up his utensils, arranging the food on his plate with deliberate care as additional dishes were placed before him. Hyunjin opened his folder, spreading out pages filled with data on Juhyuk, Harin, and the men in her circle, and began his report.
"I'll start with Ms. Cha Harin. She's the second child in her family — her mother is a professor at Seoul National University, and her father manages operations at a major construction firm. While she currently works at Vesper Court, this isn't her first position in a high-end dining establishment. She was previously employed at several renowned restaurants but let go from each one due to a lack of formal culinary training. She secured her role at Vesper Court immediately, and our sources confirm this was through Juhyuk's stepbrother — it's widely said Harin and he are close friends..."
Taesoo listened intently as he ate, pausing only when staff attended to his needs — refilling his wine glass, adjusting his serving dishes, or clearing empty plates. After a few moments, he set down his fork and took a slow sip of wine, his gaze locking on Hyunjin. He already knew this information; he'd read every detail in the novel.
"What about Harin's male friends...?"
His voice was steady as he sat back in his chair, shifting his full focus to the report. His intuition told him there was more to this part of the story than what he'd already learned.
Hyunjin immediately picked up on the subtle shift in his boss's demeanor — the way his shoulders squared, his eyes sharpened. Without hesitation, he adjusted his papers and continued.
"Before I present Mr. Shin's updated information, I think it's best to first cover Ms. Cha's male acquaintances..."
Hyunjin's tone was focused and precise, every word chosen carefully to ensure clarity and thoroughness. Taesoo gave a slight, almost imperceptible nod — his silent signal to proceed at once.
"Ms. Cha has five male friends — the very ones at the center of all the circulating rumors. These men have been courting or pursuing her for months. Their advances grew so persistent that they recently caused a disruption at Vesper Court. All five carry genuine feelings for Ms. Cha, and not one of them is ordinary — each hails from one of Korea's most influential families...."
"1. Lee Gunho: CEO of one of Korea's largest real estate conglomerates. As the eldest of four brothers, he lost his mother to illness in his youth, and his father still serves as the company's chairman. Mr. Lee is widely known as a perfectionist — ruthless in business and unapproachable. There are credible rumors he once issued direct threats to his brothers to deter them from vying for leadership."
"2. Park Taejin: First-born of three siblings — with one younger brother and one sister — and holds the dual roles of Executive COO and General Manager at his parents' technology firm. A silver-spoon heir with a quiet demeanor that many find intimidating, his family founded one of the country's most innovative tech companies, whose products are used globally. He has built a reputation for being cunning and strategically sharp."
"3. Kang Hyuntae: Ms. Cha's childhood friend, from a prominent family that owns and operates a nationwide hospital network. While he assists in managing the family's expanding hotel business, his true passion lies in athletics — he is a nationally ranked professional fencer. An only child who later gained an adopted sister, he is serious-minded by nature and fiercely protective of Ms. Cha."
"4. Kim Jaeyoung: The third child in a family of five siblings, from one of Korea's most established investment dynasties. Their portfolio includes some of the world's most successful clubs and bars, with new locations launching regularly across continents. He works as a high-profile model and brand ambassador for luxury fashion lines, and is known as a womanizer who continues seeing other women while courting Ms. Cha — in short, a notorious playboy."
"5. Shin Eunsoo: Second-born in one of Korea's most prestigious academic families. His academic achievements are highly acclaimed — his father serves as an ambassador for the nation's top university, and his mother teaches at an exclusive international academy reserved for the wealthy and privileged. Mr. Shin leads his own scientific research initiatives and works as a senior prosecutor, renowned for solving complex cases without fail and earning recognition from the South Korean government, including the President himself."
The information swam through Taesoo's mind. He had read about each of these men in the novel, but seeing them brought to life in the real world felt entirely different. The facts on paper were familiar — their backgrounds, reputations, and connections to Harin — yet one detail eluded him. He had no sense of their faces, their mannerisms, or how their true personalities matched the descriptions he'd studied. Even with every detail documented, he found himself eager to meet them face-to-face.
He was eager to meet them — to sit across from each one, to hear their voices, to read their intentions firsthand. Just the thought sent a current of excitement coursing through him, thrilling and almost euphoric.
Taesoo's mind raced, fixated on the "preys" he was determined to understand and tame. Before he could drift further into his thoughts, Hyunjin — who had been observing him with quiet attentiveness — spoke up, his tone signaling urgency.
"Sir, there is one more critical detail to share."
Hyunjin moved closer, extending a crisp document across the table.
"Mr. Shin Juhyuk is an illegitimate child in his family — and he is Mr. Shin Eunsoo's stepbrother. Our latest findings confirm it was not Juhyuk who secured Ms. Cha's position at Vesper Court, but Eunsoo himself — she was hired with no formal culinary training required..."
Hyunjin paused as Taesoo leaned forward to read, his eyes scanning the pages with sharp precision. After a long moment of silence, Taesoo's voice cut through the room — low, sharp, and laced with irritation.
"So he's a bastard son from outside the family... That pathetic fool. He thinks he can string me along, using me as a free pass to climb his way to the top..."
The words hung heavy in the air, and every staff member in the room felt a sudden chill — goosebumps rising on their skin. Taesoo had never tolerated being underestimated; to cross him was to commit a grave miscalculation. Hyunjin remained steady, his composure unshaken — he had worked alongside his boss long enough to know this reaction was inevitable.
The room went silent for a moment. Taesoo's face was unreadable at first, but then the corners of his lips twitched into a sharp grin.
"Hyunjin, starting tomorrow, I want an official schedule drawn up. I will be dining at Vesper Court twice daily — lunch and dinner. Arrange for me to be made a formal member of the establishment immediately..."
Taesoo's instructions were clear and decisive, and Hyunjin listened with unwavering focus, noting every word without needing to write them down.
"And deliver this message to Juhyuk personally: half of every meal I order is to be prepared by Ms. Cha Harin. I will not tolerate any errors — or substitutions."
With that, Taesoo pushed himself up from his lounge chair and moved toward the door. The hotel staff instantly parted to clear a path, bowing deeply with their heads lowered as he passed. Hyunjin fell into step behind him.
As they stepped into the marble hallway, Taesoo's mind was already moving through his plan with meticulous clarity: first, he would begin with casual lunch visits to Vesper Court, framing his presence as nothing more than a desire to sample Ms. Cha's cooking; then, he would shift his evenings to the bar, using the space to observe and gather information while continuing to request her dishes.
It would be simple enough to trick and manipulate the girl.
First, show small, carefully placed interest in her cooking — just enough to catch her attention. Then, create a scenario to unnerve her, to make her feel vulnerable. After that, step in as the rescuer, sweeping in to set things right. Finally, weave carefully crafted half-truths to earn her trust and draw out her pity.
That was Taesoo's initial plan — he would follow this path methodically, adjusting his approach as he uncovered more about the world he'd entered.
Instead of retreating to his penthouse at Liora Celeste, he decided to head home. He spent the night drinking alone in his master bedroom, the amber liquid warming his throat as he replayed the day's events in his mind. Eventually, exhaustion pulled him into a deep sleep. It had been more than just tiring — it had been overwhelming.
He'd been killed by an Entity in his own world, only to somehow pull himself into the pages of a novel. And in this strange new reality, he'd crossed paths with Cha Harin almost immediately.
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Taesoo had been visiting Vesper Court every day for 3 weeks now, and slowly, Harin was warming up to him. He used his fake interest in her cooking to get her attention. He made sure Harin was the one making his food, so the girl would want to meet him more — since he was the only one showing interest in her passion for cooking.
The plan was working perfectly. Soon, he would execute his next step, but first, he would make sure they became friends first. Taesoo planned on talking and spending time with her at Vesper Court — whether in the restaurant or the bar — and made sure she was there each time. As expected, she was slowly letting her walls down. She got busier as Taesoo visited, and was motivated and eager to meet him. After a month, Harin finally considered Taesoo a friend...
Harin had become friends with Chairman Jang Taesoo. At first, she thought Taesoo was scary and hard to approach — his entire image screamed "dangerous person." But she was wrong, and she was glad she'd met him. She truly believed the saying "don't judge a book by its cover," because Taesoo was the complete opposite of his tough image.
Her first impression was nothing like how she saw him now. She couldn't explain how happy she'd been when Taesoo started initiating conversations, asking her about her cooking passion and her dreams. When Harin shared ideas for new dishes, Taesoo always listened, and even gave her suggestions — which made her even happier.
Harin sometimes asked Taesoo for advice, and opened up about her struggles and problems with cooking. Taesoo listened without judging her, and Harin was so thankful for that; it meant a great deal to her.
Once, a friend of Taesoo's came to Vesper Court, spotted the Chairman, greeted him, and asked who Harin was.
Harin, who was in the middle of serving Taesoo the food she'd cooked, got nervous. She'd forgotten that Taesoo was still a Chairman — a big shot no one could ignore. She quietly served and arranged the food, while some staff stood by behind her. She didn't expect Taesoo to answer such an unimportant question. Who would care about her, anyway? She felt she lacked skills and knowledge. She focused on her work while listening to their conversation, both were sitting at a table, and when Taesoo's friend asked the question a second time, Taesoo said one word: FRIEND.
Cha Harin was stunned. She never thought the Chairman would consider her a friend, despite the huge differences in their lives.
After that, she treated Taesoo as a true friend, they grew closer, and Harin found Taesoo admirable.
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