Chapter 267. The Beauty at the Opening Ceremony (4)

Seol Jihu doubted his eyes for a moment.

That woman.

He knew her. In fact, he had met her personally and even held a conversation with her. Not in Paradise, but on Earth.

This is the second time, right?

The woman who suddenly appeared at the cafe where he was meeting with his older brother. It was Sinyoungs CEO, Yun Seohui.

Ah.

Kim Hannah who was standing like a statue finally snapped back.

Oh, what am I doing? Pardon me, I was just too surprised.

She quickly collected her thoughts and cut in.

Its been a while, Chief Kim Ah, excuse me, Miss Kim Hannah.

Yun Seohui smiled gently.

I was going to ask whether you were well, but it looks like I dont need to worry, judging by your face. I was worried about you. Really.

Oh, now dont you look happy?

I apologize for making Director Yun worry Thank you for your kind words.

b.i.t.c.h, I see you havent lost your glib tongue.

But you really surprised me. I never thought Sinyoung would come to our opening ceremony.

Why the h.e.l.l are you here?

To be honest, I was wondering whether I could go~ But Seora kept asking, so I finally decided~

You know why.

A conversation that should have been more coa.r.s.e came out, packaged in a flowery language.

Kim Hannah gently bit her lower lip. She expected Yun Seohui to at best mention Seol Jihu being affiliated to Sinyoung on Earth, but because she didnt expect her to mention Yun Seora, she wasnt sure what to say.

Ah, but I dont see Chief Yun here.

She was going to come with me, but something came up. You should have seen how dejected she was. Even I began to feel bad.

Yun Seohui gave a believable excuse before asking suggestively.

Can I come in?

Of course.

At that moment, Seol Jihu stepped in.

Thank you for stopping by. Hurry on in.

Thank you!

Yun Seohui greeted sweetly, a beautiful smile blooming on her face. Then, she hurried inside.

Kim Hannah went Ah. She had left Yun Seohui standing for too long.

It wasnt just because Sinyoung was publicly recognized as Paradises number one organization. Unless they were her mortal enemy, there was no reason for her to kick them out when they made the long trip here.

Of course, she could ask them why they were here, but Yun Seohui had already given a good explanation. A past relations.h.i.+p was still a relations.h.i.+p, after all.

Unless there was a clear reason for Valhalla and Sinyoung to hold each other in contempt, there was nothing wrong with them having a cordial relations.h.i.+p on the surface.

Currently, the two sides were neither friendly nor hostile. That was because Valhallas representative wasnt Kim Hannah, but Seol Jihu.

Kim Hannah had to admit. This time, Seol Jihu had reacted quicker.

Kim Hannah left the first floors reception work to Marcel Ghionea and followed Seol Jihu and Yun Seohui up the stairs. When the new guest entered everyone elses view, the cafeteria instantly turned silent.

It wasnt just the cafeteria. The entire tenth floor became dead silent. Everyones attention was directed to Yun Seohui, but she didnt shrink back in the slightest. But that didnt mean she was enjoying the stares either.

May I say h.e.l.lo?

After first asking Seol Jihu for permission, Yun Seohui walked with a straight and upright manner in between he cafeteria tables. Soon, she stopped in front of an old man sitting at a table before bowing respectfully.

As she bent down, her soft hair flowed down her neckline, making her look like a beauty who had come out of a painting.

h.e.l.lo, its my honor to finally meet you.

Jang Maldong blinked his eyes a couple of times. Yun Seohui slowly raised her head and introduced herself.

I am Sinyoungs Yun Seohui.

When she revealed her ident.i.ty, Kazuki, who was quietly sitting at the table furrowed his brows as if he doubted his ears.

Park Dongchun, who was busy getting acquainted with Hao Win, also stared in shock.

It couldnt be helped. Yun Seohui was chosen to be Sinyoungs next representative. Someone of her position attending Valhallas opening ceremony was an event that could not be seen as meaningless.

Ah, so it was Sinyoungs future representative.

Jang Maldong replied calmly.

Though it was long ago, I remember hearing your name a few times from Yun Seojin. Its good to finally meet you.

Im honored that you remember me. Ive also heard a lot about Master Jang from our chairman.

Yun Seojin talked to you about me?

He didnt do so a few years ago, but recently he has been reminiscing the past more often.

Her tone was somewhat different than when she was on the first floor. It was commanding yet not arrogant, and polite yet not servile.

Seol Jihu inwardly admired her ability to balance the emotion behind her words so perfectly.

Now thats hard to believe. That old grinch detests talking about the past.

He must have changed his mind after getting old. Hes still very healthy though.

Jang Maldong nodded.

Mm. Anyway, thank you for coming. Since youre here, please make yourself at home.

Thank you. Im happy to have had a chance to talk to you.

Say h.e.l.lo to Chairman Yun for me.

I will. Im sure Father will be very happy.

Yun Seohui replied politely before taking a few steps backward and turning around.

Then, Seol Jihu led her to a seat. While he was thinking about what to say, Yun Seohui broke the awkward silence first.

Im sure youre tired of hearing this by now, but I have to say it again. Congratulations on officially establis.h.i.+ng an organization.

Thank you.

I was surprised when I first heard the news. How did you turn a team into an organization in such a short period of time? I know this is rude, but Im dying to know.

Well, we ran into several difficulties when we began. I think the dedication shown by the team members was what made it possible. Kim Hannah, especially, was an indispensable part of the process.

Seol Jihu replied humbly.

I see. Chief Kim is indeed very able Ah, my apologies, Miss Kim Hannah. Ive gotten used to calling you that over the years. Fixing an old habit is difficult, as you know.

She put her hand up to her mouth in the middle of talking and then made a troubled expression. Anyone else doing this would have looked unnatural and fake, but it looked strangely graceful when Yun Seohui was doing it.

I hear the organizations name is Valhalla.

Yes.

Valhalla. Valhalla. Thats a pretty name. What is the meaning behind it?

Yun Seohui asked as she gave a sideways glance at Seol Jihu. It seemed like a casual question that wasnt strange. But suddenly

[Drop your head a little and loosen your pupils too. Try to remain as expressionless as possible.]

[A persons face, expression, glance, gesture, appearance, and even the sound of their breathing some can synthesize even the tiniest information to guess someones intention.]

Agnes advice crossed his mind. Seol Jihu fell silent for a moment before saying.

Its not that there isnt a meaning behind it, but I was actually kind of forced to go with this name.

You were forced?

I wanted to go with a different name, but the other guys were heavily against it.

Seol Jihu smacked his lips while truly looking regretful.

It couldnt be helped. I still have regrets though.

You must be disappointed. What name did you want to go with?

Yun Seohui consoled him with polite words before asking with her eyes twinkling. Seol Jihu said with a shrug.

Veni, Vidi, Vici.

Excuse me?

Yun Seohuis forehead creased for the first time.

I came, I saw, I conquered. Its a quote from Julius Caesar.

I know that, but you wanted to make that the organization name?

Yes. I thought it was a pretty meaningful name, but everyone laughed at me before even hearing me out.

Ah.

It doesnt sound bad. I dont understand why everyone thinks its so funny.

Seol Jihu said as if to seek confirmation.

.

Yun Seohui thought he was joking at first. It wasnt funny, but she was going to laugh out of courtesy. However

What do you think?

Seol Jihus face was very serious. Yun Seohui blinked.

Eh? She looked like she suffered an unexpected blow.

Yes um

She refused to admit he was saying this seriously, but he didnt look like he was joking judging by his face.

No matter how nicely she tried to say it, the best she could come up with was, That name is a bit odd But she had a strong feeling Seol Jihu would try to distance himself from her if she said this aloud.

I, I think it is a very unique name

She laughed vaguely and barely managed to reply.

Right? Its good, right?

But Seol Jihu asked again. He seemed adamant about hearing a clear answer. Yun Seohui avoided his gaze subconsciously.

H-How am I supposed to reply to this?

This was only the second time in her life that she heard such a vague question, the first being when she met with Haesol Research Inst.i.tutes CEO.

Kik.

Then suddenly, a peal of small laughter rang out.

Is someone trying to help me? Turning around with a bright expression, her face convulsed faintly.

Seo Yuhui was walking over with a round plate in each of her hands. Yun Seohuis expression settled down.

Hey. Yun Seohui greeted her first. Its been a while.

Yeah. h.e.l.lo. Seo Yuhui replied with a smiling face. That was it. Seo Yuhui put the plates down, then disappeared into the kitchen without saying a word.

Seol Jihu could feel a cold wind blowing between the two for a short moment.

Do they know each other?

Otherwise, they wouldnt have said h.e.l.lo so casually. Of course, Seo Yuhui might have left to let the two representatives talk by themselves, but it was true that her action was a little strange.

Just now, Seo Yuhui didnt look at Yun Seohui at all while she was putting down the plates. It was the same when she was replying to her greeting. They felt just like acquaintances who used to be close but stopped seeing each other after a huge fight.

However, Yun Seohui didnt seem to mind it too much. Picking up the neatly placed fruit slices from a plate, she chattered nonchalantly.

Seol Jihu replied half-heartedly while focusing on the flow of the conversation. Now that he let Yun Seohui in, he was doing his best to figure out why she came.

Of course, it wasnt as if he was entirely on the listening side. He asked about things that intrigued him. Or rather, he tried to ask.

Oh, yes! I suddenly remembered, the Eva incident!

Each time, Yun Seohui instantly changed the subject. Seol Jihu retorted flatly.

Ah, yes.

What you did was incredible.

Yun Seohui cusped her hands together and spoke.

That incident was what caught my interest the most. I might be a step behind, but it didnt feel right to come to an opening ceremony empty-handed, so

She glanced at one of her attendants who promptly walked up and handed her a thick envelope.

Heres a gift. I hope you like it.

Yun Seohui handed the envelope over quickly. Taking the envelope in the flow of the moment, Seol Jihu stared at it fixedly.

When he looked back up, Yun Seohui smiled and gestured at him to take a look. Seol Jihu opened up the envelope, his eyes narrowing. The first page of the doc.u.ment inside read:

Main Issues Regarding Queen Charlotte Aria and Evangelines Jung Sua

Main issues, huh.

The doc.u.ment was rather thick to call it a summary of just the main issues, being dozens of pages in length. It wasnt an amount he could read right now.

Even compiling the most recent issue wouldnt make the doc.u.ment this long

Seol Jihu was curious about what kind of information was written inside, but he closed the envelope for now.

Thank you for the gift.

No problem.

Yun Seohui replied clearly. Seol Jihu gave her a long stare.

Oh, yes.

Looking at Yun Seohui who seemed relieved for some reason, he finally threw in a question.

Regarding the organization name we were talking about before

Yun Seohui shut her mouth. A small ripple spread out in her tranquil, lake-like eyes. Soon

Im sorry.

She closed her eyes as if she was dizzy and pressed her forehead.

May I rest a little in a quiet room? Im not feeling well.

*

Yun Seohui really left, saying that she easily got motion-sickness and that riding the carriage over for a long time drained her energy.

Seol Jihu offered her a room to relax in for the rest of the day, and Yun Seohui accepted it while pretending to be reluctant.

Even after Yun Seohui moved to her room, Seol Jihu maintained his position until the end. Only after he sent off everyone who came for the event, did the opening ceremony finally come to a close.

Afterwards, Seol Jihu immediately went to the dorm area. Knocking on a door and opening it, he saw Kim Hannah standing in the room and looking down at a table.

On the table, of course, was the gift from Sinyoung.

Its over.

Seol Jihu spoke casually before rus.h.i.+ng into the room.

Why the heck did that person come here?

He plopped down on the edge of the bed and asked. Although he said this person, both he and Kim Hannah knew he was referring to Yun Seohui.

Did she come to put on airs and act domineering?

Shes not that childish.

Kim Hannah replied without taking her eyes off the report.

And if that was her intention, she would have brought Sinyoungs main force.

Then why?

Kim Hannah didnt answer for a long time. After a brief silence, the sound of paper crumpling was heard.

I dont know.

With her teeth clenched, Kim Hannah squeezed the hand that was placed on the paper.

Yun Seohui? Today? At Valhalla? For what? Why?

She couldnt figure out the two most important elements of the 5Ws and 1H.

Dont worry about it too much.

Seeing Kim Hannah so upset, Seol Jihu said calmly.

Maybe she came here without any hidden intentions.

Kim Hannah scoffed.

Must be nice to be so carefree.

Im just saying that you dont have to try to twist everything. Its not that Im trying to say we shouldnt do that, but it might be better to just accept things at face value.

Kim Hannah took her eyes off the report, agreeing with Seol Jihu to an extent.

Anyway, why did you do that?

Hmm?

Dont act like you dont know. Why did you ask her about the organization name so much?

Ah, I was curious.

Seol Jihu said while rubbing his chin.

I couldnt openly ask why she came here, so I asked that question without much thought and got a rather unexpected reaction.

It was just because of her reaction?

Well, I was a bit annoyed too.

Annoyed?

I can accept her coming here, but while we were talking, she kept asking me question after question as if she came here to satiate her curiosity.

Kim Hannah nodded. In Yun Seohuis perspective, Valhallas sudden appearance might really be shocking. After all, it wasnt so easy to create an organization. Not to mention, they had chosen to create an organization in Eva rather than Haramark.

She felt a bit manipulative, trying to make me answer all her questions like it was my job. I found an opportunity to ask her a question too in the middle, so thats what I did Whats up with that face?

Kim Hannah was looking at Seol Jihu with a renewed look.

Youre fricking awesome. Youre more discerning than I thought.

In what way?

Saying that shes manipulative.

Setting everything aside, that was one word that perfectly encapsulated Yun Seohui. As if she finally calmed down, Kim Hannah laughed.

Jeez, this is the first time Ive seen anything like it.

Like what?

Seeing the First Lady taking a blow in the middle of a conversation. Shes usually not the type to lose with words.

Seol Jihu smirked. He got up from the bed and walked over to the table. He figured it was probably pointless to talk about a problem they couldnt come up with an immediate answer to.

Hows the report?

Its fantastic info.

In more detail.

It records Charlotte Arias life and how Jung Sua came to be in her current position in detail. That includes their background. Its really not missing any info.

As expected, the gift surpa.s.sed their wildest imagination.

The importance of information did not need to be said. There was a reason people said, know your enemy and know yourself, and you will not be defeated in a hundred battles.

Is it usable?

Its not just usable.

The current situation was at a standstill. Although Valhalla had grasped the winds of triumph, Jung Sua was hanging onto the last bastion known as Evas queen.

And in such a situation, Sinyoung had given Valhalla a gift, a wonderful bag of goodies that could become a powerful weapon depending on how it was used.

Theres a lot.

?

Ways to attack their relations.h.i.+p.

Kim Hannah crossed her arms, looking troubled.

There are so many that I dont know which one I should poke at first.