“As you know, I’m a businessman. To do business, besides paperwork like this, networking is really important. Didn’t I tell you before? Worldly matters can be resolved with money and people. Among these, I’d like to ask Yeonrok-ssi for help with matters related to ‘people.'”
While nodding, Yeonrok was puzzled. His only network was the people from the knitting group, so he didn’t think he could possibly help Yeom Cheonho. In this regard, Choi Hwan or Moon Gyeonwoo would be more suitable. And naturally, Yeom Cheonho didn’t need Yeonrok’s network.
“As part of that networking, I need to attend some important gatherings. One of them is a social meeting this weekend, and bringing a partner is mandatory.”
Yeonrok’s eyes, which had been listening intently, wavered. No way? It couldn’t be? However, Yeom Cheonho said with a gently smiling face,
“I’d like Yeonrok-ssi to accompany me to that gathering as my partner.”
“Me…? Won’t that be difficult?”
He meant whether someone like him could attend such an important gathering as a partner. The other person seemed to understand that meaning, but whether pretending not to know or not, this answer came back.
“Don’t worry. It won’t be very difficult. You just need to go, greet people a bit, eat delicious food, and listen to a boring opening speech before coming back.”
“I feel like there would be someone more suitable than me…”
“For me, bringing a Hwamyeongja is essentially mandatory to such a place, so if there’s a more suitable candidate, I’ll take your recommendation.”
Though there were two candidates, his lips didn’t open easily. First of all, Choi Hwan had been avoiding Yeom Cheonho as much as possible since the drug incident. Moreover, the moment he appeared at such a gathering, it would become a public relationship… Even if he somehow attended the meeting, it seemed like he wouldn’t listen and would cause trouble. On the other hand, Moon Gyeonwoo had been treating Yeom Cheonho coldly ever since the conversation at dinner last time. Neither of them seemed like they’d be cooperative at all.
Only then did Yeonrok understand why Yeom Cheonho had called him. He was the only option. Yeonrok asked in an earnest voice.
“Do I really have to go…?”
“If it seems too difficult, you can refuse. Don’t worry about me.”
The voice considering Yeonrok’s feelings was endlessly thoughtful, kind, and affectionate.
Yes! It’s difficult! I don’t want to go! Though he wanted to shout that, Yeonrok only pursed his lips. Since it was an important gathering, wasn’t Yeom Cheonho making this request even to him? Yeonrok clenched his fist. But…
No matter how he thought about it, he had no confidence he could do well at such an important gathering. He should refuse after all.
It was Yeom Cheonho, of all people. If it was an “important” gathering he was attending, surely impressive people would come. For someone like him, it would be a refined atmosphere difficult to endure. He’d just go, break out in a cold sweat, and come back! No matter how he thought about it, he couldn’t do it.
“Well…”
Yeom Cheonho smiled warmly and waited for Yeonrok’s answer with his lips quietly closed. After squeezing his eyes shut once and opening them, Yeonrok opened his mouth with difficulty.
“I really just have to attend?”
* * *
For several days, Yeonrok regretted what he’d said as he waited for Sunday to come. It was really strange that among three Name Partners, he was the only one who could attend the social meeting. Did other Name Partners all fight like this too? Looking at posts on the Name Manifestor community, most of them seemed to get along lovey-dovey with love overflowing…
In the midst of such anxiety, the long-awaited Sunday finally came. Though the gathering was in the evening, he had no choice but to wake up early in the morning. After washing with all his might until he was scrubbed clean and shining, Yeonrok stood in just a robe, lost in worry. He was agonizing for a long time with the wardrobe open about what on earth to wear when a knock sounded.
“Yeonrok-nim, may I come in?”
“Yes, come in!”
Kim Jeongseong, who opened the door and entered, saw Yeonrok’s appearance and smiled politely.
“You were choosing clothes.”
“I don’t know what to wear…”
Yeonrok, who’d been clutching his head, looked at him with a gaze begging for help. As if he’d expected this, Kim Jeongseong nodded.
“Then I’ll gladly help you. Shall we move downstairs for now?”
When the relieved Yeonrok followed Kim Jeongseong out, the scenery of the reception room had changed in the meantime. Led by the familiar Director Park, several people were waiting for Yeonrok with clothes, shoes, watches, and other accessories laid out. Yeonrok, who’d thought he’d become quite used to such things since starting to live in a wealthy environment, stepped back.
“I’m wearing… a suit?”
All the clothes hanging on the rack were suit styles. A gathering attended in suits? Though he’d been prepared, it became clear once again that this wasn’t a small party casually held by Yeom Cheonho’s friends or acquaintances. Kim Jeongseong explained in a voice like this was nothing.
“Since it’s a formal party, you need proper attire.”
What kind of party? He wanted to cancel even now since the terminology he’d never heard in his life was unfamiliar. However, with Kim Jeongseong pressuring from behind and Director Park welcoming him with a bright smile from the front, Yeonrok had no choice but to advance into the center of everyone’s attention.
“Customer Lee Yeonrok! I’ve only seen you at the shop before, but thank you so much for inviting me to your home like this.”
Though he’d never invited him, Yeonrok smiled awkwardly. Director Park, quick-witted, quickly pulled out a shapely gray suit instead of saying more about this. Since he’d never worn a suit in his life, Yeonrok awkwardly touched the hem of the clothes. That’s when he noticed something.
“What’s that? Do I have to do that?”
What the shocked Yeonrok pointed at with his finger was a ribbon tie. Reading the reluctance in his voice saying “this” and “that,” Kim Jeongseong sent a look. Director Park quickly cleared away the pile of ribbon ties.
“Ah, you mean the ribbon tie? I brought it as a sample. I suppose it’s not to your taste.”
“Ribbon tie…”
“It’s not such a strict occasion, so you won’t necessarily have to wear a tie.”
Knowing well that he was already finding this matter difficult, Kim Jeongseong also coaxed and soothed. Soon a hanger with lighter, more casual setup suits came forward. Relieved just by the absence of formal three-piece suits and ties, Yeonrok’s eyes lowered. Director Park made his heart lighter.
“It’s not much different from a guest’s outfit at a wedding, is it? It’s a composition you could wear in everyday life too.”
At his words, Yeonrok gathered courage and chose an outfit. After changing clothes, he stood awkwardly in front of the mirror. The combination of a simple inner shirt without a tie, jacket, and pants was better than he thought. Director Park praised him until his mouth ran dry.
“It suits you even better than expected. Perhaps because it’s clothes made for you, the lines look great!”
Yeonrok thought it was just something he was saying, but it really was clothes made for him. No wonder every outfit he put on fit his body perfectly. When Yeonrok chose a few outfits, the rest of the clothes were neatly arranged and headed to his dressing room. Kim Jeongseong said amiably,
“You won’t feel out of place at all when attending this banquet. Now then, this way.”
“What? A banquet? The President said it was a gathering…”
There was a huge difference between a gathering and a banquet. Though Yeonrok asked in dismay, no one pretended to hear.
As soon as Kim Jeongseong seated Yeonrok, stylists rushed in and began decorating him with all their might. Thus, when Yeom Cheonho finished his company work and returned home, Yeonrok, who’d been groomed for a long time until smooth and sleek, had gained quite a bit of confidence and his eyes sparkled.
“President! Do I… look okay dressed like this?”
Yeom Cheonho blinked wordlessly for a moment, looking at Yeonrok. Soon he approached closer. Standing in front of Yeonrok who looked up nervously, he lightly caressed his flushed cheeks and slightly parted lips. His mouth, dried from fatigue, curved.
“It suits you very well. More than I expected, even.”
The low voice tickled his ears. Yeonrok stepped back shyly. The stylists carefully helped Yeom Cheonho get ready. Dressed in a similar style and color to Yeonrok, they looked like partners to anyone who saw them.
“Shall we go then.”
When Yeom Cheonho, looking more splendid than usual, politely extended his hand, Yeonrok awkwardly took it. Unfamiliar with such treatment, his toes inside his shoes kept wriggling. He was walking along with a slightly excited feeling when—
“Ha, today’s really fucking exhausting… Huh?”
Choi Hwan, who’d just returned after finishing his afternoon schedule, saw the two and his eyes widened. After staring at Yeonrok as if entranced, he suddenly exclaimed.
“Wh-what?! Where are you two going dressed like that?!”
Wrinkles formed on the bridge of his nose and his straight eyebrows twisted sharply. Strangely, he seemed both a bit angry and restless. But what reason could there be for that?
