Chapter 44 (2/2)

A thought that said perhaps coming here was a mistake entered her head.

”I….” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”Hey.” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Kim Hahn-Nah turned around to face him and firmly stated her position.

”You're an Invited, and I'm your Inviter.” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

”I know.” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”If you know, then you shouldn't behave like this. Don't you think you're being a bit inconsiderate here? Do I look that easy to you?” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

She began sounding quite a bit p*ssed off. Seol Ji-Hu stared at with his eyes blinking non-stop as if to show he had no idea what she was on about, before his tired voice left his mouth.

”I want to go back.” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”….Ng?”

”Right now, I want to go back.” (Seol Ji-Hu)

It was Kim Hahn-Nah's turn to blink her eyes. Her neck skin reddened up from embarra.s.sment only for a brief moment. The moment she confirmed the strange fervor in the youth's eyes….

”Let's go. Right now. I mean, we have the means, right?” (Seol Ji-Hu)

….Her own eyes narrowed to a slit.

‘No way. Can it be…?' (Kim Hahn-Nah)

As a matter of fact, she had been feeling that something odd was up. She also found it strange that the youth was unusually quiet during the mealtime, too.

What she initially worried about was Seol Ji-Hu not wanting to go back to Paradise after coming back to Earth. However, the truth turned out to be the exact opposite of that.

Not even one full day had pa.s.sed, yet Seol Ji-Hu wanted to go back to the Lost Paradise already.

The most convincing evidence was his complexion, which was now full of vigour as soon as he mentioned going back. She felt that the way he held her hand was like someone dearly holding onto the sole remaining lifeline. Kim Hahn-Nah began thinking that….

….That this wasn't right.

….That this was dangerous.

Every now and then, one would find people like this; people who were seduced by the charms of the Lost Paradise and discarded their lives here on Earth. It was kinda like putting the horse before the cart, in a way.

Such Earthlings would lose their lives pretty earlier on, ten times out of ten. They would get drunk on the adrenaline provided by the battles of the Paradise, and end up seeking out progressively more dangerous a.s.signments, that's why.

Other Earthlings called those kind of people the Paradise junkies.

Now normally, Kim Hahn-Nah should've welcomed his desires to return to Lost Paradise with open arms, but the thing was, Seol Ji-Hu wasn't some simple Contracted, nor was he a disposable p.a.w.n that could be thrown away after being used once or twice.

No, he was an Earthling that could become her trustworthy support and an important partner in the future. Indeed, he was more like a rough gemstone she needed to nurture very carefully.

She wanted Seol Ji-Hu to balance both of his lives in here as well as over there; she definitely didn't want to see him get addicted to the Paradise.

Besides, he only went there once, and he spent most of his time inside the Neutral Zone; it was rare to see someone who wanted to return to Paradise only after experiencing so little.

‘Something must've happened here.'

Remembering Seol Ji-Hu's past, she could think of a couple of things that might have happened.

”You can't.” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Kim Hahn-Nah firmly refused him.

”But, why not?” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”At the bare minimum, you gotta finalise the contract first.” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

”Give it to me. Let me sign it right now.” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”You think that's the end just because you signed it? I've got lots of things to say to you, and besides, aren't you curious about some things, too? What about your future plans, too?” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

”….I'll figure it out once I get there.” (Seol Ji-Hu)

Seol Ji-Hu's fervor cooled down a lot after hearing her angry voice.

”In any case, you can't. I want to get some sleep, too! Do you have any idea how tired I am trying to tidy this place up?” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Seol Ji-Hu forgot what he wanted to say now, his expression one of apology.

”You, get some sleep first. You looked like you'd fall asleep right away a minute ago, too. And…. well, when it's time for us to go back, I'll make you go even if you don't want to.” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

”….I got it….” (Seol Ji-Hu)

In the end, Seol Ji-Hu waved his white flag.

A short while later…

The light of the room was turned off.

A complicated expression formed on Kim Hahn-Nah's face as she watched the sleeping Seol Ji-Hu and his steady breathing.

She stood at the front entrance and deliberated for a while, before she settled down on a spot a bit of distance away from him. She draped the jacket around her like a duvet.

She was worried about him running off to the Paradise without her knowing. Her sharp senses would snap her out of sleep even if there was a minute disturbance, so she trusted that and decided to stay.

As his protector, she had to prevent him from ‘escaping' into the Paradise at all costs.

‘Really now, what a troublesome guy to look after.'

Kim Hahn-Nah stared at him for a long while, before closing her eyes as a yawn left her mouth.

Kim Hahn-Nah woke up first in the early dawn, confirmed that Seol Ji-Hu was still asleep, and quietly took a shower. She originally planned to lightly wash up, but had shed way too much sweat the day before cleaning this pigsty of a room, so it couldn't be helped.

She didn't want to wake him, so she took her clothes inside the bathroom with her, but then, the noises of the water must've woken him anyways; by the time she got out, Seol Ji-Hu was sitting up while rubbing his eyes.

The morning sun had already rose past the horizon when he finished was.h.i.+ng up as well.

She then dragged the youth out of his house and took him to a small diner located in some forgotten backstreet, so they could have some breakfast.

While waiting for the food to arrive, she demanded that he tell her everything that had happened yesterday. Seol Ji-Hu wasn't really keen on revealing them, but still told her everything. After hearing his story, her reactions were quite dramatic, to say the least.

”W, what?! You spent over ₩100 million yesterday?!” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

”………”

”How can you be that stupid? Are you even the same person?! Are you even that first-ranked survivor?!” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

”……..”

”Hey, you!! I told you to think about the difference in the time, didn't I?! What would they think when a gambling addict like yourself showed up after a month of silence with ₩5-60 million in tow, claiming to have given up on gambling completely out of the blue?! Ah?” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Kim Hahn-Nah was this close to losing her sh*t, and she nearly jumped up from her seat. She thought that he'd use the cash wisely; that was why she deposited some in his account to begin with. A guy who was so thoughtful and capable of solving all those difficult tasks quite easily back in the Paradise, did a 180 as soon as he returned to Earth. She could hardly believe how dumb he was.

”You dumb idiot b*tard really went and did it….” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Kim Hahn-Nah ma.s.saged her neck as she wallowed in the pits of despair.

”….It's not like I don't understand where you're coming from, okay? But, in that case, you should've just showed up with 2-30 million first or something. You should've gradually mend your old ties by apologising first, saying you've quit gambling for good, that you'd work hard to repay them, but you're too busy so you'll call them later on, etc, etc… What, you thought you could get back on their good grace in one shot? Your relations.h.i.+ps broke down years ago, remember?” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Her continuous stream of correct opinions caused Seol Ji-Hu to wordlessly scratch the back of his head. Even if he had ten mouths, he'd still have no excuses to offer right now.

”Haaaaaah….”

Kim Hahn-Nah spat out lengthy groans over and over again, before glaring at him.

”This can't go on.” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

”Although you haven't signed the contract yet, as soon as you do, I'm going to invoke the privilege of the protector.” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

”The privilege of the protector?” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”You want to make it right with your family. Correct?” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Seol Ji-Hu nodded his head as if that was obvious.

”I'm not planning to interfere with how you live your private life, but I'll be intervening in this matter, okay?” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

The food arrived then, so Kim Hahn-Nah's dissatisfaction had to pause for a while.

”Let's eat. We'll talk while we eat.” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Kim Hahn-Nah scooped some soup up with her spoon and continued on.

”Now, listen. Among my subordinates, there is this guy who went there when he was just a university student. He did okay, carved himself a nice little career, became famous and then got scouted by Sinyoung in the end. He even got married not too long ago, too.” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

”You even get married in that side?” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”Sure, there are some people who do, but that's not what I'm saying.” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Kim Hahn-Nah waved her hand around to emphasize the fact that it wasn't what she wanted to talk about.

”Anyways. He married a girl who's not involved with that world, know what I mean? So, what do you think happened?” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

”I wonder. Isn't it a bit, you know, dangerous? He could get discovered, right?” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”You think so? You see, his actual life is going pretty nicely. He comes to work in the mornings and transfer to that side, spends a couple of days there and comes back, but it's only the late afternoon over here. If he were to get delayed that side, then he would simply tell her that he'd been putting in some overtime. If he needs some extra time that side, then he just tells her that he's going on a business trip.” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

”But, his wife could show up at the company, though?” (Seol Ji-Hu)

Kim Hahn-Nah shrugged her shoulders.

”So? What's the problem? We just have to show her her husband working at the office.” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

”What if she shows up unannounced, or there's an emergency?” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”Even those are not a problem. If something happens to his household or his family, the company will be notified immediately. We'll tell her that he's working outside the offices, and at the same time, one of our guys will transfer to the other side and bring him back.” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

”You really are thorough in managing your people, aren't you?” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”That's the power of my company. And well, that's one of the reasons why I will be looking after you, too.” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Seol Ji-Hu nodded his head and agreed with her. The tone of Kim Hahn-Nah's voice was a bit combative, but he didn't mind hearing her out. Rather than her interfering, it sounded more like she was going to help him out, instead.

”In any case, what you're saying is that, you'll invoke this privilege of the protector, right?” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”That's right. Actually, I don't even really need to invoke the privilege in the first place. This is one of the responsibilities people like me, who were granted the rights to scout, must carry out.” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

”Rights to scout?” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”That's right. You think the rights are granted for free to us? Naturally, we have the responsibilities and duties to perform.” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Kim Hahn-Nah began munching on the rolls of kimbap before going Oops, after seeing the youth's vacant expression. Since he was so outstandingly capable back in the Paradise, she would sometimes think that he had figured most things out by himself already, and gloss over some stuff.

”Even if it's called rights, it's not that impressive. It's like, we can use the stamps, and get to figure out whether you're involved with that world or not - that much, I guess?” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

”You can do that?” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”Of course. Without such a thing, why would I have believed you back then? Just because you swore in your mother's name or something?” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

”Ok, so how do you tell, then?” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”Gimme your hand.” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Seol Ji-Hu opened his right palm and presented it to her. But she shook her head.

”Not your right hand. The hand where I planted that stamp.” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Seol Ji-Hu opened his left palm and tilted his head. From his perspective, it was just a hand with nothing on it and he couldn't see anything special there.

However, it must've been different to Kim Hahn-Nah, because she was nodding her head rather sagely.

”Yeah, I can see it pretty clearly now. It must be that vivid because you're a Gold Mark.” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

”You can see something on my hand?” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”Yup. There are three ways to distinguish those who are involved with that world and those who are not.” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

She licked the chopstick and unfurled her index, middle, and the ring fingers.

”Firstly, you recognise a person's face. Even you can do this, too. Secondly, you can take a look at the other's Marking. But the drawback to this method is, you don't know exactly where the Marking might be. Sometimes, you might find it in some weird place, you know?” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Seol Ji-Hu became slightly curious on what those weird places could be.

”The last one is to sense the ‘aura'.” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

”The aura?” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”There's this distinctive aura emitted from the Marks, you see. I have to be close enough to feel it, though. And I have to really concentrate, too.” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Seol Ji-Hu became deeply intrigued as they began discussing a topic related to the Paradise.

”In any case…. I guess my story got sidetracked by a lot, no?” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Kim Hahn-Nah clicked her tongue and pulled out the contract as well as a pen from her inner pocket.

”My point is this. I want you to balance your life over here as well as the one over there, just like that subordinate I told you about.” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

”That is….” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”Listen. I've been living on that side for far longer than you have. And also, got to meet lots more people than you, too. h.e.l.l, I'm someone who seduces others into entering that place, you know?” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Suddenly, the tone of her voice became lower in the middle of her speech.

”I'll be honest with you here. Ever since I began as a broker, I've never imagined that I'd say these words out aloud.” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Kim Hahn-Nah took a big gulp of water, adjusted her gla.s.ses and continued.

”I'm convinced of it after seeing how you acted last night. You may not need it when you're on the other side, but when you're here, you need a strict management.” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

”……….”

”More importantly, I'll not sit idly by and watch the guy I invited get addicted to that side and flounder around like a fool. Got that?” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Kim Hahn-Nah spoke up to here and placed the contract in front of Seol Ji-Hu.

”If you understand me and feel confident that you can do this, then sign the contract.” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Seol Ji-Hu remained quiet, before picking up the pen. And just as he pulled the contract in closer….

”Don't forget.” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Her voice was sharp.

”The place you need to be is here.” (Kim Hahn-Nah)

< 44.=”” the=”” place=”” he=”” needs=”” to=”” be=””> Fin.

(TL: Ok, here's the thing with the Korean dining culture - they dump/mix rice into pretty much anything remotely soup-y. If you don't know how Korean dining table is arranged, then it's usually bowls of rice, and some kind of soup for each diners, there's a plate of kimchi to share as well as other side dishes. Most, if not everyone, mix the bowl of rice with the soup to eat. Mixing cold rice - usually leftover rice - into the ramen soup is something of a tradition in South Korea.)