Episode 31
Sejin, who had been quietly observing the scene, was taken by surprise.
'Wow! Giving them shares? As expected, CEO Kang is bold. In my past life, the uncles couldn’t renew their contracts in time because of uncle Hajin… After that, I died, so I don’t know if the remaining members ever renewed or not, but the group probably didn’t do well without him. This is such a relief. In this life, all the uncles can continue doing what they love.'
While Sejin was quietly rejoicing inside, Team Leader Park explained the details of the contract that included a second round of shares for the members, going over each point one by one.
The members, who listened attentively, eventually signed the contracts, finalizing their renewals.
"It’s all done. Here’s a copy of the contract for each of you. Then, I’ll head out now. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me."
"Yes, thank you, Team Leader."
"Great work, Team Leader Park."
After saying goodbye, Team Leader Park gathered the documents and left the office.
Once the door closed, CEO Kang turned to Sejin with a smile.
"Our Sejin. You must’ve been bored, but you waited so patiently! What a good boy!"
"Seriously. Isn’t Sejin so reliable for his age?"
"Sejin, is there anything you want to eat? Should we go get something yummy with your uncles?"
They all praised Sejin for waiting quietly even though it must’ve been boring.
"It’s okay. This was important for Uncle, so I stayed quiet."
"Aww, is that so?"
"He’s so precious I could just die."
Then, as if something came to mind, CEO Kang said.
"Oh, right. You guys decided to do that parenting reality show, didn’t you? Are you sure you’re okay with it?"
At that, Hajin, who had been giving cookies to Sejin, responded on behalf of the group.
"Yes. Honestly, we weren’t going to at first, but Sejin really wanted to do it. And the other guys all agreed to it, too."
"Yeah, I heard from Manager Kim. It’ll definitely help you guys a lot, but Sejin will be exposed to the public, and that worries me a little. There are so many weird people out there these days…"
"Yes, we know. But if not now, when else will we get to do a show with Sejin?"
"Exactly. And let’s be real, there are already too many creeps around anyway…"
"We’ll just deal with that later. For now, we want to make lots of great memories with Sejin."
CEO Kang nodded at the members’ words.
"Alright. Once it’s confirmed, we’ll need to coordinate with the broadcasting station about the details, editing, safety, things like that. You guys just focus on filming well. The company will handle the rest. Manager Kim might have a hard time mediating, but if the station gives you trouble, let me know. I’ll step in if I have to."
"Yes, understood."
Cheolhwan quickly replied.
"Also, we’ll be announcing the contract renewal tomorrow. Just a heads-up, it might get a little noisy."
"Will you be mentioning the shares too?"
"Yeah, we have to. Even if we don’t, the news will leak eventually. Better to just announce it all at once."
"Got it."
"So, are you guys heading back to the dorms now?"
"We’re thinking about eating out with Sejin since we’re already out."
"If you go, try to pick a place with private rooms."
"Of course, we will."
"I’d treat you all, but I’ve got a lunch meeting. Let’s eat together next time."
"Okay! We’ll get going now, then."
"Goodbye!"
"See you next time, CEO!"
"Bye bye!"
"Alright. Take care, Sejin. And you guys, don’t linger too long, just eat and head home."
After Sejin said goodbye as well, the members left the CEO’s office.
Although he had been in the room the whole time, Cheolhwan finally let out a deep breath only after they stepped out.
After greeting the secretary, the group took the elevator and headed back down to the 5th floor.
When they entered Team 1’s office, the staff greeted B-One and Sejin warmly.
"Oh? Long time no see!"
"Hey, you look great!"
"Wow~! Hi there, Sejin!"
B-One and Sejin exchanged greetings with those welcoming them, then walked over to Cheolhwan’s desk.
"Hyung, want to join us for lunch?"
"Nah, I’ve got to eat with the team and get some work done. Are you guys heading out right away?"
"Yeah, that’s the plan."
"Where are you going? If it’s too public, people might gather…"
"How about going to Joo-ah noona’s restaurant?"
"Oh! That sounds perfect."
"Yeah, it’s been a while since we went there."
"Joomin, check with her and see if there’s a table."
"Got it."
Following Jaewon’s suggestion, Joomin made a phone call.
After a short conversation, he reported back.
"She says it’s fine. She’ll keep a private room ready for us."
"Oh! Awesome, awesome!"
"Wow~! It’s been ages since we ate out!"
Hwan and Roy, excited, lifted Sejin up and bounced him playfully.
"Kya-haha~~"
Sejin burst into cheerful laughter, making the adults smile warmly at the sight.
"Then ask Minsu to drive you guys to the restaurant. Be careful on your way back after lunch."
Cheolhwan said, Jaewon smiled and responded.
"Aww, come on! What are we, kids? Don’t worry about us, Hyung, just take care of your own lunch. Alright, we’ll head out now."
"Alright. Take care."
After saying goodbye to the office staff, the B-One members carried Sejin and headed down to the underground parking lot.
Minsu, who had been informed in advance, was already waiting and quickly opened the car door for them.
"You're here?"
"Yeah. You know where Joomin’s sister’s restaurant is, right?"
"Yes, I do. Should I take you there?"
"Yup. We’re planning to have lunch there. You should join us."
"Oh! Can I order something expensive?"
"Of course. Order as much as you want! Today’s on me!"
"Waaah~~!!"
At Jaewon’s declaration, not just Minsu but the entire group cheered in delight.
Riding in the car Minsu drove, they arrived at a restaurant about 30 minutes later.
As they entered through the door, the hall manager welcomed them with a bright smile.
"Welcome! It’s been a while since we saw you!"
"Yes. Hello."
"Manager-nim, where’s Noona?"
"Chef-nim is in the kitchen."
"Ah, I’ll say hi later. For now, could you show us to our seats?"
"Of course. This way, please. We’ve prepared a private room for you."
The floor manager stepped forward to guide the group.
Because the entrance was blocked off with plants and decorations, the other guests didn’t notice who was coming in. But once B-One’s members became visible, a stir broke out among the customers.
"Whoa! It’s B-One!"
"I heard this place was run by one of the B-One member’s family, guess it’s true."
"Oh my god, they’re so handsome!"
"Kyaa~!"
As the buzz spread, the B-One members smiled and politely bowed in greeting before quickly making their way into the reserved private room.
Once everyone was seated around the central table, the manager handed them the menus.
"Here are your menus. Once you’ve made your selections, just press the bell. Please enjoy your time."
After giving the usual service spiel, the manager closed the door and left.
The members flipped through the menu, deciding what to eat.
"Sejin, is there anything you want to eat? They’ve got steak, spaghetti, pizza… all sorts of stuff."
Roy, who was sitting across from Sejin, asked him gently.
Sejin quickly responded.
"Meat!"
"Meat? Hahaha! Then we’ll get steak for sure."
"Yeah!!"
Sejin nodded enthusiastically, making everyone laugh.
"Haha! Sejin’s definitely a meat lover, huh?"
"Of course! Meat is the best."
"Let’s just order a bunch of stuff. We can all share."
"Yeah, good idea."
Joomin pressed the bell, and soon a staff member came in.
"May I take your order?"
"Yes. We’ll have four medium-cooked tenderloin steaks, one cream shrimp risotto, one seafood tomato pasta, one gorgonzola pizza, one bulgogi pizza, and one salmon salad and one chicken salad, please."
"Certainly. And what would you like to drink?"
"Two orange ades, two grapefruit ades, two green grape ades, and one cola, please."
"Got it. Let me confirm your order: four medium tenderloin steaks, one cream shrimp risotto… Is that correct?"
"Yes, that’s right."
Once the order was confirmed, the staff member left, and the group finally relaxed into their chairs.
"Minsu, if we run out of food later, order more. Sejin, if there’s anything else you want to eat, don’t hesitate to say so."
At Jaewon’s words, both Sejin and Minsu nodded.
Then, after glancing around a bit nervously, Minsu hesitantly asked the members something…
"By the way, hyungs, did you renew your contracts?"
"Yeah, we just came from signing them. But it’s confidential until tomorrow, so don’t tell anyone."
"Come on, hyung. Who would I even tell? Don’t worry. You know I can keep a secret."
"Haha, we know. Just wanted to make sure."
"Congratulations on renewing your contracts! That’s really great news. I’m so happy we can keep working together!"
"Ahaha, thanks. We like working with you, too. Thanks for always taking care of us."
"Aww, it’s just part of my job."
Then Hajin, who had been listening quietly, suddenly asked as if he just remembered something.
"By the way, what have Jungwoo and Jinkyoo been up to lately? Haven’t seen them in a while."
"Ah! They’ve both been temporarily assigned to other teams. Since we haven’t been active, other teams requested support. Jungwoo hyung went to Japan with Violet’s concert schedule, and Jinkyoo hyung is currently filling in for actor Choi Daegyu’s manager, who got into a car accident."
"Oh, really? Was the manager badly hurt?"
"Not too bad, thankfully. Nothing serious elsewhere, but he fractured his arm and it’s in a cast, so he can’t drive. He’s expected to return to work in about a month."
"That’s a relief. I’m glad it wasn’t anything worse."
While they were chatting and catching up on everyone’s recent activities, the food arrived.
"Enjoy your meal! Please ring the bell if you need anything."
After setting the dishes on the table and giving a brief bow, the server left the room.
"Alright, let’s eat."
"Wow! Looks delicious."
Everyone picked up their forks and knives and started tasting the food.
"This is so good!"
"Joo-ah noona still has her magic touch."
"Sejin, do you like it?"
"Yup!! It’s yummy."
Sejin happily chewed the steak Hajin fed him.
'As expected of Joo-ah noona. I’ve eaten her cooking before, but she’s still got it. Sooo good!'
Still inwardly amazed, Sejin eagerly chewed and swallowed his food.
He opened his mouth again to receive another bite Hajin was feeding him.
As the group was nearly done with their meal, someone knocked on the door.
"Yes, come in."
It was Joo-ah, Joomin’s sister, dressed in a white chef’s uniform.
"Oh? Noona!"
"Noona! Long time no see!"
"Hi, everyone. It’s been a while. Did the food suit your tastes?"
Joo-ah greeted them with a warm smile as the members welcomed her.
"Come on, of course it did. We already know you’re amazing in the kitchen."
At Hwan’s playful comment, Joo-ah burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! Thanks. Was there enough food?"
"We’re stuffed."
"We ordered plenty, so don’t worry."
"That’s a relief. Here, this is a gift for our little guest who came for the first time today!"
Joo-ah placed a beautifully arranged plate of assorted cakes in front of Sejin.
"Hi there! You must be Sejin, right? I’m Uncle Joomin’s sister. Nice to meet you."
Sejin hesitated a little, then climbed down from his chair and walked up to her, bowing politely.
"Hello, Auntie! I’m Lee Sejin. I’m three years old."
"Wow~! You’re so polite! And seeing you up close, you’re absolutely adorable."
At Joo-ah’s admiring words, Sejin smiled brightly and replied,
"Auntie, you’re pretty too!"
"What? Hahaha! Thank you."
Joo-ah laughed heartily.
Once the laughter had settled a bit, she gently patted Sejin on the head.
"Sejin, all the food you just ate? Auntie made that. So if you ever want to eat it again, come visit anytime. For our Sejin, it’s free for life. Got it?"
"Okay! Thank you!"
Sejin beamed and gave her a big hug.
"Oh my! You’re giving Auntie a hug? How can everything you do be so precious?"
Joo-ah hugged him back tightly, clearly moved.
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1 Comments
Thanks
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