The address Lee Ahn sent led Yeorin to a secluded, upscale café nestled in the heart of Seoul's fashionable Gangnam district. As he stepped out of the taxi, the crisp autumn air carried the scent of freshly brewed coffee and the soft hum of conversation. The café's elegant façade, adorned with lush greenery, seemed to whisper exclusivity.
"Café Elysium" read the discreet sign above the entrance, where a polished bronze handle shaped like a lyre beckoned patrons. Yeorin's gaze lingered on the symbol, associating it with the mythological river of the afterlife. He pushed open the door, and a bell above it rang out, announcing his arrival.
Inside, the café transformed into a sanctuary of refined elegance. Soft, golden lighting danced across the room, casting a warm glow on the polished marble floors. The air vibrated with the rich aroma of specialty coffee, and the gentle chatter of the clientele created a soothing background hum. Yeorin's eyes adjusted to the warm ambiance, and he scanned the room for Lee Ahn.
Yeorin looked around the Café for a little while, 'The rich sure do know how to enjoy luxury.' he muttered to himself.
A hostess, poised and polished, approached him. "Welcome to Café Elysium. Do you have a reservation?" Her voice was as smooth as the café's signature blend.
"I'm here to meet someone," Yeorin replied his deep voice commanding attention. "Lee Ahn."
The hostess's gaze flickered, and she nodded. "Right this way, please."
She led Yeorin through the bustling café, past plush armchairs, and intimate tables, to a secluded section hidden behind a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf. The area was reserved for VIPs, with a private entrance and an unobstructed view of the Han River, secluded from the clanging of cups and chatting of people from the other side.
Lee Ahn stood by the window, her slender figure silhouetted against the cityscape. Her raven-black hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of night, and her piercing dark brow eyes sparkled as she turned to face Yeorin. A tailored, ivory-hued dress hugged her curves, exuding sophistication.
"Yeorin, it's lovely to finally meet you," Lee Ahn said, her voice friendly and confident.
Yeorin's gaze locked onto hers, his expression unreadable behind his black-framed glasses. "The pleasure is mine, Ma."
"Ma?" Lee Ahn said with a smile lingering over her face, "just call me Lee Ahn, okay."
"Umm... Okay, Ma, sorry I mean Lee Ahn." Yeorin stuttered.
As they exchanged courteous smiles, the hostess discreetly departed, leaving them to their private meeting.
Lee Ahn gestured to the seat across from her, and Yeorin took it, his movements fluid and deliberate. The table between them held a delicate, fine-bone china tea set and a plate of exquisite pastries.
"I must say, you're more handsome than your Dad, I didn't imagine you to be this cute," Lee Ahn remarked, her eyes crinkling at the corners.
Yeorin's expression remained neutral, but a hint of amusement danced in his eyes. "And you're more enchanting than I imagined you to be."
Lee Ahn chuckled, the sound like melodic chimes. "I suppose we both have our secrets."
As they engaged in small talk, Yeorin's gaze roamed the room, absorbing every detail. The artwork on the walls, the precision-cut crystal glasses, and the meticulously arranged floral arrangements all whispered of refinement and luxury.
Lee Ahn studied Yeorin's face to find out what he was hiding but to no avail. Yeorin was like an enigma kept in between the pages of an encyclopedia.
"Tae Gwang told me you're a lover of art, I can see how you've been looking around the Café and its artistic language." Lee Ahn pinched.
A server arrived, bearing a tray with an exquisite, handcrafted coffee service. "Our specialty blend, crafted exclusively for Café Elysium," she explained, as she expertly brewed the coffee.
The aromatic steam wafted up, enticing Yeorin's senses. He accepted the cup, his fingers brushing against the server's as he took it. The brief touch sent a spark of electricity through him, but his expression remained impassive.
Lee Ahn leaned forward, her voice taking on a serious tone. "Yeorin, I'm sure you're curious about the contract and I'm curious as to why you called me for a meet-up."
Yeorin's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze piercing. "Yes, I had some questions I wanted to clarify."
As the meeting progressed, the atmosphere shifted, charged with anticipation and unspoken expectations. Yeorin's instincts screamed that this encounter would alter the course of his life forever. He was about to make one of the greatest mistakes of his life.
Yeorin's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze piercing. "Ajumma," he began, using the honorific title for an older woman.
Lee Ahn smiled slightly, "Ajumma? Seriously, Yeorin?"
Yeorin kept his face straight, but his thoughts lingered as to why she'd want him to call her by her name, it was ethically wrong. "I'm sorry, I was brought up that was. I can't stick to calling you by your name."
"You seem to be well brought up and I like that. Don't feel bad, okay, I understand, it's hard to change that drastically." Lee Ahn said as she sipped from her cup.
Yeorin continued, "I must admit, I'm intrigued. What could possibly warrant a contract like this?"
Lee Ahn's expression softened, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Ah, Yeorin-ah, you're as perceptive as your Father said. Very well, let's get down to business."
She reached and retrieved a slim, leather-bound folder that Yeorin placed on the table. "This contract outlines the terms of our agreement. A two-year bonding contract, where you'll be in a relationship with my daughter."
Yeorin's gaze never wavered. "And what are the expectations for this... relationship, Ajumma?"
Lee Ahn's smile hinted at amusement. "Merely that you treat my daughter with kindness and respect. She's the social type, so attend social events together, and maintain a wholesome image... You know how it is."
Yeorin's eyes narrowed. "I'm not the social person, how does that work, and besides, what's in it for me, Ajumma? Forgive me, but I'm not one to enter into agreements without knowing the benefits."
Lee Ahn chuckled, a low, throaty sound. "Your father has already explained the... incentives. But let me reiterate: upon completion of the contract, your family's business will receive significant investments and connections. Your Father's reputation will be solidified, and your own future will be secured."
Yeorin smiled, 'solidified, connections, what is Father doing, why's he acting like we're some family in need of help.'
Lee Ahn took her time and waited for a response from Yeorin, but none came forth. "...and as a gesture of good faith, I already made a large sum of investment into Tae Gwang's law firm.
Yeorin's expression remained neutral, but his mind whirled with calculations. 'A large investment to his law firm, why? What has Father done this time that needed investment in his law firm?'
As he pondered, Lee Ahn leaned back in her chair, her eyes never leaving Yeorin's face. "I must say, I'm impressed. You're far more composed than I expected."
Yeorin inclined his head, a slight smile on his lips. "Thank you, Ajumma. I try to live up to my family's expectations."
"You're nothing like Tae Gwang when he was younger, you're more mature and composed than he is, even till now." Lee Ahn said and chuckled.
The air was thick with unspoken understanding. Yeorin knew that he was being pulled into a web of complex alliances and power plays, but he was willing to play along – for now.
As Yeorin listened to Lee Ahn's words, his mind whirled with calculations and reservations. He couldn't shake off the feeling that he was being manipulated, that there were hidden strings attached to this contract.