Yama Rising

Chapter 604: Escort

He knew that Miss Lee wasn’t simple. The fact that she even had intelligence on what exactly was going on was a clear indication of her influence. Thus, he couldn’t quite wrap his mind around why she would be the first one to come forward and stand at the frontlines at the earliest sign of trouble to Daehan.

Wang Chenghao waved his hand indifferently. At once, Qin Ye and his party of people immediately vanished from the spot, together with Lee Jung-sook. On the other hand, Jeon Yunji didn’t leave immediately, as he had earlier indicated. Rather, he simply stared vacantly at where Qin Ye and the rest were for several more minutes, before finally sighing wistfully and leading everyone to where the cars were already waiting.

As soon as he got onto the car, he stared at the roof and massaged his temples in anguish.

He didn’t dare delve any deeper into his current train of thoughts.

“So, this is Gonjiam Asylum, huh?” Lee Jung-sook glanced around at the interior of Gonjiam Asylum with great interest. She appeared just like a fish in water in the presence of evil ghosts.

At once, Lee Jung-sook rolled her eyes, “You’re talking about one of the top seven places in the world for paranormal sightings. Have you forgotten that I’m a lady?”

Lee Jung-sook glanced back at him as though he were an idiot, “Do you even realize that this is a mental hospital? Does it even make sense that I venture into these parts to begin with?”

Qin Ye yawned, “Speaking of which, why are you here?”

“Truth be told, my presence here makes no difference. Daehan will certainly bend over backwards and accept all of your conditions. After all…”

Without missing a beat, she gently waved her clutch bag around, “You might not know this, but 3% is a pretty significant number as far as the economic growth rate is concerned. Sure, it might be arbitrary, but it’s well accepted that a 3% growth rate would signify that there are no major problems with a country’s economy. But so long as it falls below 3%, it would represent problems in the country - and not an insignificant one to boot. Not too shabby, aren’t you? You’ve actually managed to stifle the economy of an entire country and achieved what many other countries aren’t able to do. Should I award you with a medal or something?”

“But don’t get ahead of yourself.” Lee Jung-sook pulled out a cigarette, “You’ve asked for too much. It’s well beyond Daehan’s bottom line, and I’m rather certain they wouldn’t be able to agree to it. Half of what you’re asking for would be a far more palatable option. Would you consider that?”

Lee Jung-sook glanced at him and then giggled softly, “How could I possibly be representing the government? You know, you should really learn a thing or two about finances.”

Lee Jung-sook skirted around the question completely. Instead, she continued to survey her surroundings within Gonjiam Asylum, illuminated only by the sunbeams peeking through the cracks and windows of the building. She took a puff of her cigarette and then exhaled the smoke with elegance and poise. And then, she suddenly quipped, “Do you find Daeian food palatable?”

Am I getting old? Why does it feel like I don’t understand what you’re saying anymore?

Qin Ye was led away, completely frazzled with confusion.

Wang Chenghao and Oda Nobutada stood right behind the two with their eyes bulging out. Several seconds later, Wang Chenghao coughed dryly, “It’s over… I can sense our big boss’ soul leaving his body.”

“How can you even compare the two of them in the same breath?! They’re worlds apart! Secretary Su might be a vixen, but I can assure you that I saw nine tails unravelling behind Lady Lee earlier!”

“... I don’t think I want to talk to you anymore.”

It was the scent of orchids, fresh but elegant. The fragrance immediately conveyed the imagery of a great beauty emerging from the gardenia after the rain, and without any forewarning whatsoever. It was akin to a pleasant, unanticipated surprise.

Any normal man approached by a top beauty in such a fashion would be beguiled by her in an instant.

Am I… finally going to get some after all these years? T-this is as blatant an invitation as it gets, isn’t it? Doesn’t this mean that she has feelings for me? Born out of a mutual reliance arising out of the fact that we are kindred spirits? Reliance and responsibility, huh… Doesn’t this mean that I should already start to consider what to name our children? What’s a good kindergarten to send them to? Unfortunately, we haven’t even begun to roll out any form of education industry back in the underworld, so we’ve got no choice but to send our kids to schools in the mortal realm… Ah, but that would make sense! Our children would be humans after all!

The etchings on her body were clear evidence of her life experiences.

Contradiction?

That said, his feelings for her were only limited to that of passive attraction, and would never instigate him to take any initiative in that regard.

“What’s on your mind?” Lee Jung-sook turned on the radio, and a pleasant tune immediately formed the ambience for their interactions, “Do you really think that we’re a good match?”

But what he hadn’t expected was just how much of a handle she had over his thoughts. It was almost as though she was running circles around him…

And lady, can you please be more reserved?!

“No… I think…”

Ah, there it is… Qin Ye knew that he couldn’t go on anymore. Several seconds later, he cleared his throat and attempted to change the topic, “Well, I was just thinking of getting to know each other better, since we happen to be kindred spirits.”

“... Did you have to put it so bluntly?”

What car?!

Lady, please have some restraint! Do you think I’d actually fall for such shallow seduction tactics?

They zipped through the roads, passing by cars and scenic fields alike. It was daytime. The clouds in the sky drifted about aimlessly. As he looked upon them, Qin Ye couldn’t help but feel as though the tension in his heart had eased all at once.

“Hotel Shilla, part of a group that is affiliated to Samsung. There’s a good restaurant located on the roof.” A valet officer immediately ran over as soon as the car stopped. Lee Jung-sook stepped out, tossed the car keys over in style and marched off without a care in the world.

“That’s fine. The usual will do. Two portions, please.” Then, without turning back, Lee Jung-sook approached the elevator and began to make her way up.

“This is one of the only two restaurants here in Daehan that have been awarded the coveted 3 Michelin stars. It’s also ranked as the 38th best restaurant here in the East Continent. It offers Daeian cuisine that is as authentic as it gets. Please have a taste.” As soon as she entered, a waiter immediately received their coats and led them to their seats.

The waiter specially allocated to serve them had already poured out the drinks for them. The transparent glasses held a milky white liquid. Qin Ye took a sip of it, and his eyes immediately brightened.

The balance of sweetness and slight tartness in the wine was perfect, and it even elevated the fragrance of the alcohol within. La Yeon was clearly a celebration of Daeian cuisine.

“Can you finally tell me now?” Qin Ye raised his glass respectfully to Lee Jung-sook, “Why do you say that you couldn’t possibly be lobbying for the Daeian government? And if that’s the case, what are your intentions here?”