Chapter 51 – GOY 51
#51
“The A-Class accessories are kept separately inside. Please follow me.”
“Seung-hyuk-ah, let’s just go with this one…!”
“Come along.”
Joo Seung-hyuk curled the corners of his lips and pulled me by the waist. He was smiling, but I felt an overwhelming pressure that I dared not oppose.
“Okay.”
I had no choice but to follow him.
The A-Class accessories were kept inside a special display case in the back.
Even at a glance, they looked far more luxurious than the items I had seen moments ago. The mana stones were larger, and even to a layman like me, it was evident that a great deal of effort had gone into the craftsmanship. Accordingly, the performance would be superior and the price would be exorbitant.
In the original story, Lee Yeon-soo used to collect accessory-type equipment unauthorized copyunder the pretext that they helped with Guiding.
At first, he bought things within the means of his own salary, but as his spending grew, he began dipping into the funds of the Seong Han guild.
When Joo Seung-hyuk blocked him from using the guild’s corporate card, he even resorted to private loans. He thought Seong Han would pay off the debt for him, but instead, Joo Seung-hyuk notified him of the termination of his Exclusive Guide Contract.
Ultimately, due to those private loans, Lee Yeon-soo’s life spiraled down a path of ruin…
Looking at the flashy rings before me, I remembered the A-Class ring that the original Lee Yeon-soo had bought while taking out private loans.
He said it was 700 million won…
I recalled the scene where Lee Yeon-soo lamented that his life had become a mess all because of one overpriced ring.
These rings are probably around the same price. At the cheapest, they’d be 700 million.
700 million isn’t a couple’s ring; it’s a wedding ring. I absolutely cannot accept this.
Moreover, considering how the original Lee Yeon-soo’s life was ruined because of an A-Class ring, I hated the idea even more. No matter how scary the Obsessive Madman is, this is too much.
‘I can’t buy an A-Class ring.’
With a firm resolve, I spoke.
“I think it’s too flashy…”
My voice was timid compared to my strong resolve, but it couldn’t be helped.
He’s scary…
I do not want to get on the Obsessive Madman’s bad side.
“You don’t like it?”
“Yeah. Just the one from before…”
A 56-million-won ring is better than 700 million. Yes, it’s expensive by my standards, but to Joo Seung-hyuk, it’s probably pocket change. If I have to buy something, I’d rather buy the “pocket change.”
However, Joo Seung-hyuk lightly ignored my words and asked the employee.
“There’s a special auction today, right?”
“Yes. It begins at 8 PM.”
A special auction?
S-Class items or special treasures obtained from Boss Monsters were sold only through special auctions held at the Ability User Department Store. I believe they happen once every fifteen days to a month; was it today of all days?
Between the fan signing and this, why am I so unlucky?
“It seems we’ll be heading there after dinner,” Joo Seung-hyuk said, checking his wristwatch.
“Seung-hyuk-ah, are you planning to go to the special auction?”
I heard that astronomical sums of money are traded at special auctions. Even the original Lee Yeon-soo, who was repeatedly described as extravagant, never dared to participate in a special auction.
“Yes. I’m sure there will be something there that Hyung likes.”
There’s no way!
“Seung-hyuk-ah, let’s just pick one here…!”
I shouted urgently. But Joo Seung-hyuk cut me off ruthlessly.
“Let’s go.”
“But…”
“Come out.”
It was a command. The Obsessive Madman’s switch was about to flip back on.
“Yes, sir.”
I hurriedly followed his will.
We went to a traditional Korean restaurant on the 9th floor. I was told the auction would be held on the 10th floor, the top floor of the department store.
Throughout the meal, Joo Seung-hyuk remained silent. A chilly mana filled the room.
He’s scarier now than when he’s actually angry. He’s probably holding it in because of the special auction, right? Because if he explodes here, he won’t be able to participate in the auction.
I must soothe the Obsessive Madman’s anger before 8 o’clock. If things continue like this, I don’t know what might happen.
“Seung-hyuk-ah!”
“One moment.”
Joo Seung-hyuk took a call. Of all times, [stolen content]a call comes right when I try to speak to [Read on Read BL Novels]him. [Read on Read BL Novels]Today really is a cursed day.
“Yeah. I did it. Because he was being annoying.”
Is he talking about destroying a building?
“Take care of that bastard. I tried to bury him quietly, but he’s doing something disgusting.”
I, who had been eating quietly while pretending not to hear the conversation, froze in place. Surely he doesn’t mean literally burying him in the ground?
“He brought it on himself. If he struggles, kill him. Why are you even asking?”
He spat out the words coldly. That wasn’t a joke or an exaggeration. He literally intended to kill someone.
“That bastard too. He’s an eyesore.”
He’s killing people just because they’re annoying or an eyesore? No, it’s nothing to be surprised about. This is who Joo Seung-hyuk originally was. He even killed the original Lee Yeon-soo with his own hands.
Having grown accustomed to Joo Seung-hyuk acting all sweet and innocent lately, I had momentarily forgotten his true nature.
“I’m sorry for taking a call during the meal.”
After hanging up, Joo Seung-hyuk smiled brightly. It was a refreshing smile that didn’t [Read on Read BL Novels]look like it belonged [stolen content][stolen content]to someone who had just plotted a murder.
“O-oh, no. It’s fine.”
“Do you have something to say?”
“Seung-hyuk-ah, by any chance… if I’m ever an eyesore or annoying, please tell me. I’ll correct it immediately.”
I had momentarily forgotten the situation. The price of a ring wasn’t what mattered. Surviving the Obsessive Madman’s grip was the priority.
“Hyung isn’t annoying.”
“I-I’m grateful you think so…”
“Ah, though it is a bit annoying how you’re racking your brain to avoid buying the ring.”
“……”
“It’s completely obvious.”
“……”
With every word he spoke, a chill dripped down. [stolen content]I had felt it since [unauthorized copy]he commanded me to come out, but as expected, he had noticed my thoughts.
At this rate, I might be the one getting “taken care of.”
“T-t-that’s not it. I like the idea of wearing couple rings with you. I was just surprised because it’s too expensive.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“You know, right? I hate it when people lie.”
“It’s true! I really wanted to buy the couple rings myself.”
“Why?”
“Huh? Why? Well…”
I had to come up with a plausible excuse. But looking into those pitch-black eyes staring straight at me, no thoughts came to mind.
“Because, well, I’m the Hyung here.”
“And?”
“Since I’m the Hyung, I should be the one buying them.”
Joo Seung-hyuk tilted his head. He seemed completely unconvinced. Even I thought it was a ridiculous excuse, so it must sound even worse to him.
Just as I was about to kneel and beg for forgiveness for offending the Obsessive Madman, Joo Seung-hyuk asked.
“Hyung is buying?”
“Usually, the older one buys, right? I’ve never dated before so I don’t know for sure, but I think I heard that somewhere…”
“Who told you that?”
Park Geon-woo…
But I had a feeling that if I said that, I might actually be imprisoned.
In the original story, how horrific were the things Kim Joon suffered after taking the sub seme’s side…?
“I just saw it on the internet. In the past, the Esper or Alpha bought them, but these days, the one with the higher rank or the older one buys.”
“So that’s why Hyung wanted to buy them?”
Joo Seung-hyuk’s gaze softened slightly. Fortunately, my answer didn’t seem too bad.
“Yes.”
“How much?”
“100,000 won.”
“10?”
“300,000 won.”
Watching his reaction, I hurriedly raised the price. Since he’s only twenty, I planned to persuade him to start with a cheap ring, but that seemed completely out of the question.
“300?”
Again, he didn’t seem satisfied.
“1 million won.”
If I suddenly spent 1 million won, my bank balance would be in unauthorized copydanger. I was already barely surviving by [unauthorized copy]breaking my savings account. I couldn’t [stolen content]exactly ask my parents for an allowance now. But it was a hundred times better than offending the Obsessive Madman.
“You should spend at least ten million.”
“Ten million?!”
I know that from Joo Seung-hyuk’s perspective, one million won is child’s play. But I thought he would be a bit considerate if I was the one buying; apparently not.
In my attempt to calm the Obsessive Madman’s anger, I was about to end up applying for a loan. Joo Seung-hyuk glanced at my startled expression and touched his smartphone.
Ten million. Do I really have to buy a ten-million-won ring? While I was panicking, my phone vibrated.
I looked at my phone. The moment I checked the message that had just arrived, my eyes widened.
It was a bank deposit notification. The sender was Joo Seung-hyuk, and the amount was…
Deposit – 100,000,000 KRW
How much is this? 100 million?!
“Seung-hyuk-ah!”
He had deposited money after a quick glance [Read on Read BL Novels]at my phone? Unlike my shocked state, Joo unauthorized copySeung-hyuk’s expression was serene.
“Now you can spend ten million. Right?”
I was surprised when he suddenly mentioned ten million. Did he mean I should spend the money he gave me?
I thought he had let it go since he hadn’t said anything until now…
“At first, I only put in a little because I thought Hyung might feel burdened, but I guess it was too little. You couldn’t even spend it.”
“…Seung-hyuk-ah, i-it’s not that.”
“Do you need more?”
“No!”
I hurriedly shook my head.
“It’s not that, but if you do this, it’s the same as you buying it. It only has meaning if I buy it with my own money.”
“We’re practically getting married soon, so what meaning is there in distinguishing between yours and mine?”
“S-still, these are couple rings. I [Read on Read BL Novels]don’t know about wedding rings, but I want to be the one to [stolen content]give you the couple rings…”
“Do you want to buy them that badly?”
“Yes. I’m the Hyung. I feel bad about being fed by you every day, so I should at least handle the couple rings.”
Joo Seung-hyuk said nothing. He seemed less angry than when we left the store, but his expression was by no means pleasant.
“Seung-hyuk-ah, this is delicious. Try some.”
I pushed the dish of braised short ribs toward him. When ordering the main courses for the traditional meal, I had ordered braised short ribs, and Joo Seung-hyuk had ordered grilled sirloin.
I offered it because it was the dish served only to me, but Joo Seung-hyuk’s expression actually hardened.
Does the Obsessive Madman not eat sweet things like braised short ribs?
Just as I was about to pull the ribs back while gauging his reaction, I heard Joo Seung-hyuk’s voice.
“Hyung should feed me.”
“Ah, right. Haha. Sorry, I wasn’t being thoughtful.”
I laughed awkwardly and quickly stood up. The table was large, so I had to move closer to feed him. I picked up a piece of braised short rib, cut into a bite-sized piece, and put it into Joo Seung-hyuk’s mouth.
“How is it?”
“It tastes delicious because Hyung is feeding me.”
“Really? That’s a relief.”
“Do you like braised short ribs?”
“Yes.”
Fortunately, the conversation returned to normal. Has his anger vanished…?
“What else?”
“I like everything. I’m not particularly picky. What do you like?”
“Lee Yeon-soo.”
“Huh?”
“I said I like Lee Yeon-soo.”
“I-I’m not something you eat!”
Startled, I stepped back, but he grabbed my hand and pulled. Due to the momentum, I ended up sitting on Joo Seung-hyuk’s lap.
I tried to get up quickly, but Joo Seung-hyuk hugged my waist tightly, preventing me from moving.
“Are you not something to eat?”
“No.”
“Can’t I eat you?”
He bit my earlobe. Is he seriously planning to do it here? My blood ran cold.
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