This man was no fool. There was no way he didn’t understand what Jeong Taeui was implying. If it were someone like Malik, he might smile calmly and pretend not to understand. But this man wouldn’t do that.

As expected, Aziz bowed his head slightly as lost in thought about something.

Jeong Taeui nodded, thinking of another person who might be sitting in front of Ilay at this moment.

It was an excellent choice. It was the right decision to send someone like a snake to Ilay……. But what were they talking about? Even if the end goal was the same, the conversation they presented would surely differ from each other.

Jeong Taeui glanced at the phone and Aziz, having finished his thoughts, opened his mouth to speak.

“Mr. Jeong Taeui, the person I serve, wishes to invite Mr. Jeong Jaeui to seek his assistance. We have contacted Mr. Jeong Jaeui multiple times, but his organization seems dissatisfied with this and communication has been difficult. We also told him to contact us, but he has not responded as expected.”

“Oh…….”

Jeong Taeui was about to say: ‘Maybe my brother was busy with something else and forgot’- but he closed his mouth. Based on the flow of the conversation, saying that wouldn’t be beneficial.

To get a response from Jeong Jaeui, one couldn’t simply request him to contact back after some thought. He was busy with many thoughts at once and such requests were often forgotten.

If they received a specific promise about the time of the response, it would be different, but merely asking for a callback rarely received a response after a while. Therefore, those who knew him often tried to get an answer immediately upon contact or to keep contacting him until they got a response.

But telling this to this man would only bother his brother……. upon reconsideration, it was a relief.

Jeong Taeui blinked a few times, then smiled at Aziz. Sorry, hyung~

“When my brother focuses on something, he often ignores other things. Especially unimportant appointments that can be made or not. So, when you contact him, make sure that you try to get an answer right away or keep contacting him until you do.”

When Jeong Taeui finished speaking, Aziz opened his eyes wide and nodded repeatedly. He murmured: “I see, I understand”, with a tone of surprise.

“Then please try contacting him again and I wish you good luck.”

Jeong Taeui smiled brightly, feeling like a burden had been lifted.

However, instead of the man standing up to solve the problem himself or reporting to his superior, he bowed his head and fell into thought again.

Under Jeong Taeui’s surprised gaze, the man that after a long contemplation, raised his head with a serious expression.

“The person I serve worries that Mr. Jeong Jaeui might not respond due to some unpleasant past incident.”

“Unpleasant incident?”

Jeong Taeui repeated Aziz’s words and tilted his head. What an unpleasant incident……. Taeui was about to ask when Aziz spoke first.

“As you know, Mr. Jeong Taeui, there was a time when we hosted Mr. Jeong Jaeui at the mansion and we thought he might feel hurt about something and avoid contacting us…….”

Jeong Taeui knew about that mansion resort. He had also been stuck there and eventually escaped……. and eventually, everything turned out this way, didn’t it?

Jeong Taeui scratched his head.

He wasn’t sure about what happened there in his absence, but it didn’t seem like his brother was mentally hurt. On the contrary, his brother seemed to live naturally in that peaceful and quiet space. If Jeong Taeui hadn’t been there, his brother might still be there.

If there was anything that hurt his brother, it was Jeong Taeui himself. Because the owner of that mansion didn’t like Jeong Taeui for some reason. But he was very polite and kind to Jeong Jaeui. Even in front of Jeong Jaeui, he maintained a courteous and gentle attitude towards Jeong Taeui.

Frankly speaking, Jeong Taeui didn’t like that man.

Even disregarding the fact that the man didn’t like him either, recalling that he didn’t keep his promise to release him after providing the design drawings and……. Ah.

“Yes……. Well, maybe my brother didn’t like the breach of promise.”

Jeong Taeui spoke vaguely, recalling the past.

Though he wasn’t someone who got angry or demanded clarity, he muttered to himself.

Aziz nodded with a heavy expression as he listened to Jeong Taeui’s mutterings. Then he looked straight at Jeong Taeui and spoke.

“Therefore, we would be very grateful if Mr. Jeong Taeui could help.”

Jeong Taeui startled, snapped out of his memories and looked back at Aziz.

He hadn’t expected the man to speak so bluntly. Well, given the sequence of the previous statements, this was an easy guess.

“I…….”

Jeong Taeui mumbled awkwardly.

In reality, there was no need to be awkward or to think more. Many people had sent requests like this to Jeong Taeui and each time he refused.

Perhaps if Jeong Taeui asked, Jeong Jaeui would grant most requests. This was similar to how Jeong Jaeui’s requests were treated and both brothers knew it.

That’s why Jeong Taeui didn’t relay others’ requests to Jeong Jaeui. He didn’t know if those requests were truly good for Jeong Jaeui or if Jeong Jaeui truly wanted them.

Even if Jeong Taeui decided based on his own arbitrary judgment, he only told Jeong Jaeui about things he believed were absolutely good for him, but those cases were rare.

And now was no different.

No, now he even thought it might be a bad thing. Above all, the person wanting to invite Jeong Jaeui was none other than – Abdul Raman Abid Al Saud – someone Jeong Taeui himself didn’t like much.

“This definitely isn’t because of my personal feelings……. but conveying such a request to him is a bit difficult.”

The first statement was a lie, but the rest was true.

Jeong Taeui frowned awkwardly at Aziz.

At another time, he would have outright refused, but that was the issue. The person behind Aziz was Raumaan and more broadly, it was the company funded by Raumaan or more broadly is Tarten’s lender.

After destroying their private mansion and even bombing their capital city, of course, the situation had weakened considerably. Very weak.

But still, he had no choice but to refuse.

No matter how thick-skinned Jeong Taeui was, he didn’t want Jeong Jaeui involved in the military or entangled in some fierce political power struggle.

“Of course, we don’t simply ask for a favor.”

Aziz didn’t back down. Indeed, phrases like ‘I refuse’ and ‘Yes, I understand’ didn’t easily occur in previous exchanges.

“We will provide every convenience during Mr. Jeong Jaeui’s work with us. Speaking of luxury, it will be no less than the royal family directly from my superior. There will be no negligence in the reception. Furthermore, we plan to provide adequate compensation so he doesn’t feel lacking. And――”

Aziz continued explaining in detail about the security, stability and amenities. When it came to specific figures, just listening made Jeong Taeui’s head spin.

After finishing the explanation about what they would provide for Jeong Jaeui, Aziz briefly added:

“And Mr. Jeong Taeui, if you help us, we will not disappoint you.”

Jeong Taeui, suddenly overwhelmed by the repeatedly mentioned enormous amount, responded wearily: “Ah, yes.”

Thinking back, he realized today had been an exhausting day. And finally, it was truly exhausting. He might not be able to wake up tomorrow morning.

“Thank you for saying that, but it’s really too difficult.”

He felt that if he prolonged this exhaustion, not only tomorrow but even the day after and the days following, he wouldn’t be able to get up. Jeong Taeui straightforwardly refused.

“I don’t intend to help with any requests regarding my brother. I haven’t in the past and I won’t in the future. I know my brother Jeong Jaeui, but I am not close enough to the genius researcher and developer Jeong Jaeui to accept such requests.”

Jeong Taeui spoke decisively and fell silent.

He quietly conveyed, with folded hands and leaning back in his chair, that he had no intention of listening to more on this topic.

Aziz bowed his head slightly.

Refusing wasn’t a pleasant thing, Jeong Taeui hoped this man would accept it and leave. He waited for the man to speak.

This time, the man seemed to think longer than before, then raised his head, his expression more serious……. perhaps darker.

Aziz adjusted his sitting posture. Then he looked straight at Jeong Taeui and spoke in a calm but seemingly more resolute tone than before:

“If possible, I hope you can agree. Currently, I am here as a guest of Tarten to meet Mr. Jeong Taeui, but soon…….when Tarten pays off the loan we lent, Mr. Taeui’s position in the next meeting might be different in status. You should reconsider.”

It wasn’t a threat. On the contrary, it seemed like he was offering regretful yet sincere advice.

This was the main point.

Jeong Taeui sighed, thinking about his circumstances like an unwanted terrorist. Then he shook his head.

“See you next time.”

When Jeong Taeui responded briefly, Aziz stared at Taeui in a daze for a long moment, then finally nodded and stood up.

“Sorry for disturbing you late at night” – Aziz said and walked toward the door. Before opening the door to leave, he hesitated a bit then turned back.

“I owe Mr. Jeong Jaeui something. Perhaps it’s a minor thing he doesn’t remember, but regardless, I received his help and always remember it. So, I don’t want to speak ill of his younger brother. The person I serve treats those who treat him well, but he never forgives those who don’t. So if Mr. Jeong Taeui helps with what my superior desires this time, it will be a blessing for you.”

Aziz spoke gently and concluded his words. His eyes on Jeong Taeui waited for a response. This was his sincere advice to Jeong Taeui.

However, though feeling grateful, Jeong Taeui had to shake his head once more.

Aziz nodded and finally gave a farewell before leaving the room.

**************

“We must make the most of it because we do not know whether it is right or wrong.”

Those were the sudden mutterings of Christoph.

Jeong Taeui who was tying the curtains, turned to look at Christoph. Bright sunlight shone all the way to the foot of the bed.

“No……. I did not mean it that cheekily.”

“Regardless of your tone, the meaning remains the same.”

This morning, Christoph was in an exceptionally foul mood.

In fact, he was never in a good mood in the mornings, but today was particularly worse. Yesterday, he could still walk but this morning, upon waking up he found that his lower back was immobile.

Jeong Taeui murmured: “Muscle pain is normal”, enduring Christoph’s irritability.

“Hmph……. If we could persuade you to bring Jeong Jaeui over, our ultimate goal would be achieved and they would set different conditions for us. They would not only get the desired Jeong Jaeui but also additional repayment terms from us. If that happens, there would be nothing better for them. You were right to refuse.”

“Yeah…….”

Though he did not regret refusing, it meant that now Jeong Taeui’s safety was certainly threatened.

However, seeing Christoph so cheerful about his refusal made Jeong Taeui feel a bit complicated inside.

“Come to think of it, the real authority over the loan belongs to Al Faisal. I heard he is the guardian of Raumaan, but are they that close?”

When Jeong Taeui unexpectedly posed the question, Christoph who had finally managed to lie flat, raised an eyebrow.

“Now Al Faisal has transferred all power to Raumaan. Since he has no sons, Raumaan is almost like a son to him. Now Al Faisal has retired from the front lines, living leisurely, spending his time gardening……. The world is truly unfair, allowing a man who built his power in business by devouring others without any compassion in his youth to live peacefully in old age.”

The first part could be considered an explanation for Jeong Taeui, but the latter part was just baseless resentment.

But today, no matter how irritable Christoph was, it was understandable. There was no issue. After all, Taeui knew very well that Christoph was in pain both physically and mentally.

Jeong Taeui nodded, feeling a sense of sympathy.

“Damn, I woke up wanting to kill that guy. I even dreamt of it last night.”

Christoph rolled over and groaned. He muttered angrily and gritted his teeth.

“Given our equal footing, if you fight Richard in this injured and unstable state, you will definitely be at a disadvantage.”

“Why should I be at a disadvantage!”

“If you can move freely, give it a try.”

Jeong Taeui shrugged. Christoph glared at him with sharp eyes.

“Whose side are you on?”

“…….If I stand on the wrong side now, Ilay will kill me…….”

Jeong Taeui muttered gloomily. Christoph looked at him dissatisfied. Then suddenly lowered his voice and asked.

“You like Ilay, don’t you?”

Jeong Taeui, who was unlocking the window, paused. He turned to confirm the soft voice he just heard.

Christoph, lying on his stomach on the bed, rested his chin on his arms. His gaze was fixed on the pillow and not looking at Jeong Taeui.

“…….Yeah.”

He said it with a bit of embarrassment, but it was not a lie and since Ilay was not here, it was easier to say.

“Okay…….” – Christoph said hesitantly. Jeong Taeui looked at him for a moment, then turned back to the window. The rusty and stiff lock was difficult to open.

As he lowered the latch and opened it with a creak, a whispering voice as if talking to himself came again.

“You won’t come to me…….”

Jeong Taeui opened the window and looked outside without turning back. He stood still for a moment and then turned to Christoph.

“What?”

“……..Nothing.”

Christoph muttered bluntly. Then he lay back and pulled the blanket up to his shoulders.

Jeong Taeui quietly leaned against the window and looked outside. The faint and clear sounds of early morning came from outside.

Some things are impossible and will always be impossible. In such cases, the sooner one realizes it, the better.

Jeong Taeui stared blankly out the window with a bitter feeling, occasionally seeing people hurrying outside to handle their affairs.

Thinking back…….

“Don’t you have any work today?”

Jeong Taeui turned back to ask Christoph.

Of course, making him work in such a physical condition would be too harsh but recently Christoph’s time was not entirely his own, so Jeong Taeui asked.

Hearing Jeong Taeui’s question, Christoph’s eyes immediately narrowed.

“How would I know? After all, it’s not my job.”

“Oh……. right…….”

Well, indeed, in such a miserable physical state, if he had to work for the person who put him in this condition, it would be the height of tragedy.

Jeong Taeui nodded in agreement.

“If Richard were human, he would not force you to work in this state…….”

*―Knock knock*

Just as Jeong Taeui finished speaking, there was a knock on the door.

Jeong Taeui stood silently and Christoph glared at the door with displeasure but did not respond. The door opened right after, not waiting for a reply.

“I told you yesterday that today’s schedule starts at 10:30.”

The person who entered said this was Richard – the one who might not be human.

Jeong Taeui followed his gaze, glancing at the wall clock and saw that it was just five minutes to ten. If they followed the schedule, it was time to leave now.

As Richard entered, he looked directly at Christoph then raised an eyebrow when he saw Jeong Taeui standing by the window.

“Why are you here?”

“Yes, nothing much.”

Jeong Taeui interrupted Richard. Seeing this man’s face made him uncomfortable, especially since Richard’s entrance had caused Christoph lying on the bed to emit a cold aura.

“Richard…….!”

Christoph’s occasional grumbling, lethargic voice came out in a low tone.

“You…….”

Christoph sat up. Though he immediately winced and stopped moving due to pain, he still slowly managed to sit up. The trembling of his body was not just from pain.

“You……. you bastard, how dare you come into this room…….!”

His lips were pale and trembling.

His hands, clutching the bed sheet, seemed ready to strangle Richard at any moment but ultimately could not stand up.

Richard stood just a step away from the bed, within Christoph’s reach if he could stand and step off the bed. He looked down at Christoph coldly and did not respond. Instead, he turned to Jeong Taeui.

“I need to talk to Christoph. Can you step outside for a moment?”

“I have nothing to say to you!”

Christoph shouted, his dry throat making him cough several times. Richard only glanced at him briefly before looking back at Jeong Taeui, indicating for him to leave.

Jeong Taeui hesitated for a moment, then shook his head.

“I don’t want to go out now.”

Jeong Taeui knew what had happened between them. It had not even been a full day.

In a confrontation between the rapist and the victim, leaving calmly at the rapist’s request would be akin to complicity in the crime. That was unacceptable. 

“Moreover, this is Christoph’s room, so if he does not ask me to leave, I will not.”

When Jeong Taeui added this, Richard looked at him silently. His mouth still wore a faint smile as usual, but his eyes did not smile.

“If that’s the case, it’s up to you. There may be some unpleasant things to hear, but please bear with it.”

Richard spoke politely, then turned away as if Jeong Taeui did not exist.