Na-Eun averted her eyes, reflexively shaking her head.
“Th-that kind of task? I don’t think I’m capable of it. Whether Minho speaks is entirely up to him; just because I’m by his side doesn’t mean he’ll suddenly start talking to others.”
She spoke with care, recalling how Minho struggled to converse with his peers at the kindergarten.
“Even there, he talks to Han Jiho just fine, but he won’t say a word to any of the other children.”
Choi Kang-Woo stared at her, his voice firm.
“That does not matter.”
Na-Eun’s shoulders stiffened, taken aback. She studied his expression for a moment before lowering her voice.
“You’re making this proposal even though it doesn’t matter?”
Choi Kang-Woo hesitated, then exhaled deeply.
“You may find this unpleasant, but I have looked into your background, teacher.”
His gaze remained steady, though he turned his eyes away slightly, as if anticipating her discomfort. Na-Eun’s fingertips trembled.
“You ran a background check on me?”
Choi Kang-Woo frowned, letting out a small, flustered sigh.
“If you want to call it that, then so be it… though it would be more accurate to say I simply looked into the records available at the kindergarten.”
He spoke with a polite, cautious detachment. Na-Eun narrowed her eyes, unable to mask her displeasure.
“Even so, checking personal records…”
Choi Kang-Woo lowered his head in a respectful apology.
“I apologize. But we couldn’t proceed without knowing more about you.”
He paused, locking eyes with her once more.
“I would appreciate it if you could understand that I acted out of desperation. If you move into the annex at my home, you will be able to live with both Minho and Han Jiho.”
Just then, Han Jiho bit into his apple pie, stuffing his cheeks, and looked at Na-Eun with a radiant expression. Seeing that innocent face, Na-Eun’s resolve wavered. She glanced at Han Jiho, then turned back to Choi Kang-Woo.
His earnest gaze felt like a physical weight, pressing against her. She struggled to keep her composure, unable to find an easy answer.
“The annex? By the way, Minho’s grandmother visited recently, and…”
At those words, a surge of agitation rippled through Choi Kang-Woo.
*His mother had gone there?* She must have caused a scene. The thought that she might have scared Na-Eun away without hearing him out made him sigh.
“That is correct. Minho is the eldest grandson of Myeongseong Group. Yet, because he cannot speak and remains in that state, we are willing to spend any amount to try whatever might work. Right now, you are the only person Minho will converse with. If you move in with Han Jiho, you will have every convenience. Because it is the annex, you will not have to bump into my mother or father.”
It was an exceptional offer, yet she couldn’t answer immediately. There were too many variables. She had to be cautious.
“I… I will think about it.”
Choi Kang-Woo nodded.
“Of course, take your time. But there are things I need to know as well. If you tell me which aspects concern you most, we will do our best to accommodate you.”
Na-Eun met his eyes. He was a man of steel, the sort who wouldn’t bleed even if pricked. His face, as he discussed the terms, wore the mask of a man accustomed to closing countless contracts. His eyes, dark and intense, seemed to pull her in. Still, she gathered her thoughts.
“First, the children’s safety is my priority. That goes for both Han Jiho and Minho. If I were to move, I need to know the environment will be peaceful. A space where they can run around and study.”
“If that is your concern, do not worry. It is the main estate of Myeongseong Group. It is perfectly secure.”
“I’m worried that due to the difference in lifestyle, the child might feel intimidated or…”
“You don’t need to worry about that, either. As I said, if you live in the annex, you won’t even be able to approach the main house unless invited. Han Jiho will be free from any formalities.”
Na-Eun felt a measure of relief. Her guard softened.
“My personal life and privacy must be protected,” she said, her tone firm. She sat stiffly, her posture radiating caution.
Choi Kang-Woo gave a faint, playful smile. Na-Eun frowned.
“Ah, forgive me. It seems you have quite a busy personal life.”
He quickly hid the smirk, but Na-Eun blinked, flustered.
“Yes?”
Choi Kang-Woo tilted his head back, his voice nonchalant.
“From what I know, you seem to spend almost the entire day between the kindergarten and your home.”
Na-Eun looked away, hesitating before answering calmly.
“I still have a personal life, of course. I have weekends, too.”
At that, his smile deepened, and he asked in a low voice:
“Do you also have a lover?”
Na-Eun’s face hardened.
“That is rude.”
Choi Kang-Woo raised a hand, acknowledging the transgression.
“I apologize. Well, whatever kind of life it is, it is fine. Your privacy will be protected. However, I don’t think I can give you time off on weekends.”
The man, so confident in everything he said, stared at her with an arrogant squint, even as he apologized.
“I would like Minho to be with you wherever you go. That is the price I am paying. If you think it is too much to watch him even on weekends, you may demand more.”
Na-Eun met his gaze evenly.
“Then, can I do as I please on the weekends? Can I take the kids out to play?”
Choi Kang-Woo nodded firmly.
“Of course.”
“And I can go out anywhere freely by myself as well?”
He frowned, lost in thought for a moment, then nodded.
“For a little while, that is fine, provided the nanny is there to look after the children.”
Na-Eun nodded, accepting the boundary.
“I understand. I wouldn’t just leave the children behind.”
Choi Kang-Woo noted the sense of responsibility in her attitude.
“It seems we cannot set specific working hours. We will adjust as we go, but basically, you should consider that you will be with Minho almost the entire time outside of kindergarten hours. Just as you do while living with Han Jiho.”
Na-Eun turned her head, troubled.
“I will think about it. Minho is important, but Han Jiho is more important to me. If I am pushing myself, it is for his sake.”
Choi Kang-Woo remained silent, watching her earnest expression.
“Yes. That is all the more reason you should seize such a good opportunity, isn’t it?”
Na-Eun lowered her head, fiddling with her fingertips before looking up, seemingly resolute.
“I will treat Han Jiho and Minho exactly the same. My son is just as precious to me.”
Choi Kang-Woo nodded deeply.
“I understand. Of course you should. I do not like seeing young children discriminated against, either.”
He kept his eyes fixed on her.
“I can meet all the conditions you mentioned, so I look forward to your positive response.”
Na-Eun felt an unexpected weight in his voice. She was momentarily lost for words, caught in the strange emotions stirred by their conversation. Looking at Han Jiho, who was still eating his apple pie with an innocent face, she said:
“Yes. I understand, so please go ahead. I will get up after Han Jiho is finished.”
“I will stay here, too.”
Choi Kang-Woo didn’t even know why he had said it.
“Yes?”
“Truth be told, I haven’t paid much attention to Minho until now. I feel a bit sorry, and I’m also curious about the children. Since Minho won’t talk, would you mind if I stayed and talked to Han Jiho?”
“Yes. Of course.”
Na-Eun smiled brightly. Choi Kang-Woo’s sharp eyes tracked her.
*Is smiling like that a habit of hers?* When she smiled, it felt like being struck by a blow. *Is she shooting arrows with that smile?* My eyes are drawn to her, and I can’t stop thinking about her.