By Zephyria 
“As you know, I am a businessman. To do business, networking is really important in addition to this paperwork. Didn’t I say before? World affairs can be solved with money and people. Among them, I want to ask Yeon-rok-ssi for help with matters related to ‘people.’”
Yeon-rok nodded, but he was still puzzled. His only connections were the people from the knitting group, so he didn’t think he could be of any help to Yeom Cheon-ho. In this respect, Choi Hwan or Moon Kyeon-woo would be more suitable. And of course, Yeom Cheon-ho didn’t need Yeon-rok’s connections.
“As part of that networking, I have to attend some important gatherings. One of them is a social gathering this weekend, and it’s mandatory to bring a partner.”
Yeon-rok’s eyes, which had been focused on listening, wavered. Could it be? No way? But Yeom Cheon-ho said with a gentle smile,
“I would like Yeon-rok-ssi to accompany me as my partner to that gathering.”
“M-me? Wouldn’t it be difficult?”
He meant, would someone like him be okay to attend such an important gathering as a partner. The other person seemed to understand that meaning, but pretending not to know, this answer came back.
“Don’t worry. It won’t be too difficult. You just have to go, say hello, eat something delicious, and listen to a boring opening speech.”
“I think there’s someone more suitable than me…….”
“It’s almost mandatory for me to have a Name bearer accompany me, so if there’s a more suitable candidate, I’ll take recommendations.”
There were two candidates, but the words didn’t come easily. First of all, Choi Hwan had been avoiding Yeom Cheon-ho as much as possible since the drug case. Besides, the moment he appeared at such a gathering, it would be a public relationship…… Even if he somehow attended the gathering, he felt like he wouldn’t listen and would cause an accident. On the other hand, Moon Kyeon-woo had been cold to Yeom Cheon-ho ever since their conversation during dinner last time. Neither of them seemed very cooperative.
Only then did Yeon-rok understand why Yeom Cheon-ho had called him. He had no choice but himself. Yeon-rok asked in a desperate voice,
“Do I really have to go……?”
“You can refuse if it’s really too difficult. Don’t worry about me.”
The voice that considered Yeon-rok’s feelings was infinitely thoughtful, kind, and gentle.
Yes! It’s difficult! I don’t want to go! He wanted to shout that, but Yeon-rok only moved his lips. It was an important gathering, so Yeom Cheon-ho wouldn’t be making this request to him unless he had to. Yeon-rok clenched his fist. But…….
No matter how he thought about it, he didn’t have the confidence to do well at such an important gathering. He should refuse after all.
It was Yeom Cheon-ho, no one else. If it was a ‘important’ gathering that he was attending, there would definitely be amazing people there. It would be a sophisticated atmosphere that someone like him would find hard to endure. He would just sweat profusely and come back! No matter how he thought about it, he couldn’t do it.
“Th-that…….”
Yeom Cheon-ho, with a gentle smile, waited quietly for Yeon-rok’s answer with his lips tightly closed. Yeon-rok closed his eyes tightly once and then opened them, struggling to open his mouth.
“I really just have to attend, right?”
For several days, Yeon-rok regretted what he had said and waited for Sunday to come. It was strange that there were three Name partners, but he was the only one who could attend the social gathering. Do other Name partners all live fighting like this? Judging from the posts on the Name Awakened Community, most of them seemed to be living happily and sweetly…….
While he was anxiously waiting, the long-awaited Sunday finally arrived. The gathering was in the evening, but he couldn’t help but wake up early in the morning. Yeon-rok, who had washed with all his might to look his best, was worried, wearing only a gown. He opened the closet and was wondering what to wear when he heard a knock.
“Yeon-rok-nim, may I come in?”
“Yes, come in!”
Kim Jeong-seong, who opened the door and came in, smiled politely at the sight of Yeon-rok.
“You were choosing clothes.”
“I don’t know what to wear…….”
Yeon-rok, who had been tearing at his hair, looked at him with eyes that pleaded for help. As if he expected it, Kim Jeong-seong nodded.
“If that’s the case, I’ll gladly help you. Shall we move downstairs first?”
Lee Yeon-rok, relieved, followed Kim Jeong-seong out, only to find the reception room transformed. Led by the familiar General manager Park, several people were waiting for Yeon-rok, displaying clothes, shoes, and accessories like watches. Yeon-rok, who thought he had grown quite accustomed to such things since starting to live in a wealthy environment, took a step back.
“I have to wear a suit……?”
All the clothes hanging on the rack were suits. A gathering where you wear a suit? He had braced himself, but it became clear once again that this wasn’t a small, casual party with Yeom Cheon-ho’s friends or acquaintances. Kim Jeong-seong explained in a voice that implied it was nothing special.
“Since it’s a formal party, a formal attire is required.”
What party? He was unfamiliar with the term itself and wanted to cancel it even now. However, with Kim Jeong-seong pressing from behind and General manager Park greeting him with a bright smile in front, Yeon-rok had no choice but to step forward into the spotlight.
“Lee Yeon-rok-nim! I’ve only seen you at the shop, so thank you so much for inviting me to your home like this.”
Yeon-rok awkwardly smiled, even though he hadn’t invited them. General manager Park, quick-witted, didn’t dwell on it and swiftly pulled out a stylish gray suit. Yeon-rok, who had never worn a suit in his life, awkwardly touched the hem of the garment. That’s when he noticed something.
“What’s that? Do I have to wear that?”
Yeon-rok, shocked, pointed to a bow tie. Kim Jeong-seong, sensing the rejection in his voice, gave a look. General manager Park quickly removed the pile of bow ties.
“Ah, are you referring to the bow tie? I just brought it as a sample. I see it’s not to your taste.”
“A bow tie…….”
“It’s not that strict of an occasion, so you don’t necessarily have to wear a tie.”
Kim Jeong-seong, well aware that he was already finding this difficult, coaxed and soothed him. Soon, a rack with lighter, more casual set-up suits was brought forward. Yeon-rok’s eyes softened, relieved that there was no formal three-piece suit or tie. General manager Park made him feel even more at ease.
“It’s not much different from what you’d wear to a wedding as a guest, is it? It’s a composition that’s good to wear casually.”
At his words, Yeon-rok mustered the courage to choose an outfit. After changing, he stood awkwardly in front of the mirror. The combination of a simple inner shirt, jacket, and pants without a tie looked better than he had expected. General manager Park showered him with compliments.
“It suits you even better than I expected. It’s like the clothes were made for you, the lines are so flattering!”
Yeon-rok thought he was just saying that, but in reality, the clothes were indeed made for him. No wonder every outfit fit him perfectly. As Yeon-rok chose a few outfits, the remaining clothes were neatly organized and taken to his dressing room. Kim Jeong-seong said kindly.
“You won’t feel out of place at all when you attend this banquet. Now, this way.”
“Yes? A banquet? CEO said it was a gathering……?”
There was a huge difference between a gathering and a banquet. Yeon-rok asked, dumbfounded, but no one seemed to hear him.
No sooner had Kim Jeong-seong seated Yeon-rok than stylists rushed in and began to primp him with all their might. Thus, when Yeom Cheon-ho returned home after finishing work, Yeon-rok, who had been groomed for a long time and had become smooth and polished, had gained quite a bit of confidence and his eyes sparkled.
“CEO! Do you think…… I can wear this?”
Yeom Cheon-ho stared at Yeon-rok, blinking silently for a moment. Soon, he came closer. Standing before Yeon-rok, who was looking up nervously, he lightly caressed his flushed cheeks and slightly parted lips. The corners of his mouth, which had been dry from fatigue, curved into a smile.
“It suits you very well. Even more than I expected.”
His low voice tickled his ears. Yeon-rok stepped back, feeling shy. The stylists carefully helped Yeom Cheon-ho get ready. Dressed in a similar style and color to Yeon-rok, they looked like partners to anyone who saw them.
“Shall we go, then?”
Yeom Cheon-ho, looking more dashing than usual, politely extended his hand, and Yeon-rok awkwardly took it. He was so unfamiliar with this kind of treatment that his toes kept wiggling inside his shoes. He was walking along with a slightly excited feeling when it happened.
“Ugh, today is really hectic……. Huh?”
Choi Hwan, who had just finished his afternoon schedule and returned, widened his eyes when he saw the two of them. He stared at Yeon-rok as if possessed, then suddenly shouted.
“What, what?! Where are you two going like that?!”
Wrinkles formed on the bridge of his nose, and his straight eyebrows furrowed. Strangely, he seemed a little angry, or perhaps anxious. But why would he be?