chapter 40 - 🔞
[User: Kim Hyeri]
[Age: 20]
[Height: 161cm]
[Weight: 46kg]
[Stamina: 9/10]
[Charm: 8(+1)/10]
[Sex Drive: 3/10]
[Mental Stability: 4(-4)/10]
[Satisfaction: Locked]
[Affection: Locked]
[Excitement about Internship]
[Expectation for a Romantic Drama] – Amplification Activated
[Affection for Lee Hyunwoo] – Amplification Activated
“Her [Obsession] faded, and her mental stability bounced back a little.”
Without hesitation, Hyunwoo immediately amplifies her [Affection]. He had felt it while dealing with Eunsul — [Affection] was far more powerful than he expected. Once it reached amplification, like with Eunsul, it was essentially game over.
If someone felt [Affection] toward him, he could weaponize that to take the upper hand in the relationship. That’s probably what Kim Hyeri had been doing all along. Expensive luxury gifts, meals, personal pickup service — even without seeing it, you could already picture the guys desperate to win her favor.
A fish trapped in a fish tank knows it’s stuck, but just when it’s about to give up, someone tosses in bait again and it flutters with excitement. What starts as one person’s innocent [Affection] turns into a tool of control when someone learns to monopolize it. They weaponize others’ [Affection] to rule them.
A sad truth.
Hyunwoo had been a chump before, so he knew that heartache well. That was why he avoided dating. Sure, developing interest and affection toward someone is natural between men and women — but when that interest only flows one way, it’s the one giving it who ends up in pain.
But now, the roles were completely reversed. The one who’d squirm, overthink, and get giddy from scraps of attention — was Kim Hyeri.
****
“It’s not even a challenge to fuck her at this point.”
But just going straight to it felt kind of boring. Sex without dramatic storytelling was like a bun without filling.
“I must’ve been a writer in my past life.”
Without storytelling, it all felt hollow — like a loveless relationship. Sure, men were supposed to be more sensitive to visual stimuli, but for Hyunwoo, the tension of the situation itself was just as arousing.
“Hmph...”
All day, Hyunwoo kept spinning in his chair, seriously pondering how to ‘cook’ Hyeri. He had offloaded most of his tasks earlier, so even while spacing out, he was in no rush.
“Manager Lee~ what’s got you looking so serious?”
Hyeri, who’d been sneakily watching him from the next desk, was now suddenly right beside him.
“Huh? Just going over this week’s task list?”
‘Plotting how I’m going to fuck you.’
“Lies. You’ve looked pretty free lately.”
“Shh... What are you saying? I’m super busy. Do I really seem that idle to you?”
‘I dumped everything off on someone else. Total jackpot.’
Hyunwoo kept up the small talk with Hyeri. He knew full well she was a sly fox deep down, but on the surface, she still looked like a bright, cheerful college girl. And honestly, Hyunwoo didn’t hate talking to pretty, younger girls. Who would?
– Vrrrmmm
“Your phone keeps buzzing. You’re not going to check it?”
“Ah... it’s fine. Anyway, my evening plans got canceled today, so I’ve got some free time...”
“And?”
“Geez, Manager Lee, you really can’t take a hint? Like I said before, let me treat you to dinner.”
– Vrrrmmm
Even as they talked, Hyeri’s phone kept vibrating nonstop. Hyunwoo glanced at the screen.
— Choi Hyun-min, Junior Manager
The same Choi Hyun-min who’d coldly pushed Hyeri away... was now the one nervously reaching out first.
[User: Choi Hyun-min, Junior Manager]
[Psychological Message]
[Annoyance with System Management] – Amplification Activated
[Affection for Kim Hyeri] – Amplification Activated (New!)
After Hyunwoo secured Hyeri’s [Affection], he reduced the amplified [Dislike] Choi Hyun-min had held for her.
Surprisingly, it didn’t take more than a few days before Hyun-min started showing signs of [Affection] for Hyeri again. Even before the manipulation, he had already been completely smitten — now, his feelings had reverted back to their original state.
“Yeah... there’s no way I’m skipping out on an NTR opportunity.”
With a spark of inspiration, Hyunwoo re-amplifies Hyun-min’s [Affection]. The one who once rejected Hyeri would now become desperate for her. Cupid’s arrow, wildly off-target. The side characters — all in Hyunwoo’s palm.
The pieces were in place. Time for the lead to take the stage.
“Alright. Let’s grab a drink after work.”
“Yaaay~!”
Excited by Hyunwoo’s cool response, Hyeri started humming at her desk.
****
After work, Hyunwoo and Hyeri headed to a nearby izakaya.
“So like... Manager...”
They passed sake back and forth. It wasn’t as strong as soju, but with Hyunwoo raising the tempo, Hyeri was clearly tipsy.
“Mm. I’m listening. Go on.”
“So, like...”
Maybe it was the sake, but the back of her neck had flushed red. Her face, in contrast, still looked pale and milky — maybe from her makeup. The contrast stirred something in Hyunwoo.
“Um... I... I like you, Manager.”
“Pffft!”
‘That was fast.’
It hadn’t been long since he redirected her [Affection] through the Business System — and here she was, coming at him full-force. Whether that boldness was her personality or a result of the system...
‘Or maybe both?’
Big eyes, sharp nose, flawless skin, and a see-through bang cut — the kind of girl that screamed “top of her class” just from looks alone.
Now, Kim Hyeri had her head lowered, nervously twisting her hands. Despite the bold confession, she was clearly embarrassed and tense.
“...”
“Are... are you not going to say anything?”
As Hyunwoo silently looked at her, Hyeri grew restless and urged him for a response.
“I don’t dislike you.”
“Kyah! Really?”
“But.”
“...”
“Weren’t you super into Junior Manager Choi just a little while ago? People were talking about it at work.”
“Oh, that? That’s all in the past.”
“Why? He wasn’t into you? Did he reject you? Don’t tell me you’re doing this now because he turned you down.”
At that, Hyeri clenched ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) her fists in frustration.
“No! That’s not it at all. I was into him before, but that’s all over now. It’s you now, Manager.”
“Yeah? Thing is, I saw Hyun-min still calling you earlier. You sure you’ve really ended it?”
“Yes... I keep telling him no, but he won’t stop texting.”
“Haaah...”
“...”
Hyunwoo sighed deeply, and Hyeri looked up at him, gauging his reaction.
What if he rejected her because of Hyun-min?
“Alright, how about this. Cut things off completely with Junior Manager Choi. Then we’ll talk about dating.”
“I have cut him off... He’s the one being clingy...”
The way she played the victim now was laughable, considering how she’d practically thrown herself at Hyun-min not long ago. Still, Hyunwoo held back and gave her advice, setting the stage for the next phase.
“Then give him a shock. Force the separation. First...”
As Hyunwoo continued, Hyeri leaned in, completely focused, determined not to miss a single word.
****
– KaTalk
"Yeah. Of course a bitch like you would act like that."
Frustrated with both his work and his love life, Hyun-min clenched his fist when he finally got Hyeri’s reply.
“She played hard to get enough. Time for the bigger man to forgive and move on.”
He still felt a little guilty for how coldly he had pushed Hyeri away when she tried to get closer.
‘Why did I even act like that? Was it just work stress?’
It was still a mystery. From the very first time they met, he’d been totally into Kim Hyeri. Twenty — the age more potent than ginseng. That youthful freshness, flawless white skin without a blemish, big eyes, and dainty features.
Hyun-min, who’d dated plenty of clever and sly women around his age, had been completely disarmed by Hyeri’s bubbly charm and fresh appearance.
He’d played it slow, knowing that the more desperate you are, the more you need to take your time. Thanks to his looks and wealth, he had never failed to get the woman he wanted — and he was just about to claim Hyeri too.
Then, all of a sudden, his feelings had gone cold.
‘God, I must’ve been crazy.’
A departing train never comes back, but with enough persistence, you might just catch a second chance. Determined not to let Kim Hyeri slip through his fingers again, Hyun-min started agonizing over the perfect date outfit.
– VRROOOOOM
The loud exhaust echoed through the quiet neighborhood. Hyun-min’s freshly washed pride and joy rolled up confidently in front of Hyeri’s house.
– Clack, clack
Puffing a cigarette while waiting, he heard the sound of heels echoing through the alley. Quickly, he stubbed out the cigarette with his foot.
“Did you wait long?”
“No, I just got here too.”
She usually put on makeup even for work, but tonight — maybe because it was a date — she was clearly dressed with extra care. Seeing that actually reassured Hyun-min.
No woman dolls herself up like that for a guy she doesn’t care about. Her makeup and outfit — those were good signs.
“Alright then... should we go eat something good?”
“You do know you owe me something super delicious tonight, right?”
“Hahaha, just say the word. Whatever you want — it’s yours. Let me make it up to you.”
“Then let’s go, I’m starving.”
Putting on a pouty face, Hyeri got into the car. When she said she was hungry, Hyun-min stepped a little harder on the gas.
– Clatter, clatter
A cozy, ambient restaurant. The two sat across from each other, a strange tension between them. A fine-dining place he’d reserved after much deliberation. Elegant interior worthy of the steep price, clean tableware, and an array of beautifully plated dishes.
But what mattered more to Hyun-min was Hyeri’s mood.
“What do you think? This place has three Michelin stars. They only ever take five reservations per night.”
“It’s good.”
“Hahaha... that’s a relief...”
“That’s it?”
Hyeri stared him down sharply. Maybe she was trying to set the mood, but to Hyun-min, it just looked cute.
“Uh... well... first of all, I’m sorry.”
“Sorry for what?”
“For ignoring your texts...”
“And?”
“For acting cold toward you...”
He picked her up at her house, brought her to a nice restaurant, and now he was offering a sincere apology. Anyone who knew the usual Choi Hyun-min would’ve been shocked to see him like this.
Choi Hyun-min — proud, arrogant, used to getting his way — now sitting here, humbled over a girl. That’s how desperately he wanted Hyeri. Of course, the [Affection] amplified by Hyunwoo’s Business System was a major reason too.
“... Since you’re saying all that, I’ll forget about being upset.”
“Hahaha, really?”
“But!”
“Yeah?”
“I want to see the ocean. Take me to the sea this weekend.”
“The ocean?”
“Yeah. I think if I see the open sea, all the bad feelings I’ve had lately will just wash away.”
“Sure. That’s easy. I know a great hotel in Haeundae, Busan. Let’s go there.”
– Zap
“You’re not thinking anything weird, are you?”
At the word hotel, Hyeri looked slightly wary.
“No, no! It’s just that the ocean view there is amazing. You’ll be blown away.”
“... I’ll trust you. Send me the address. Let’s meet at the hotel.”
“Huh? Why? Let’s drive together. It’s easier that way.”
“I just want to head there on my own. Is that okay?”
“Yeah, sure, why not? I’ll send you the address — see you there.”
To fully regain her trust, Hyun-min decided to comply with her request without complaint. Besides, she was the one who brought up going on a trip — no way he was letting that chance go.
‘Heh... Once we’ve gone on this trip, she won’t be acting all high and mighty anymore.’
With a long history of bedding women, Hyun-min was confident in his skills. There was no way a twenty-year-old college girl would resist for long. Once she was moaning in his bed, she’d naturally become his.
He was already excited just thinking about it. Under the table, his cock stood stiff as a rod. Even with those filthy thoughts swirling in his head, he kept a gentle, kind smile on his face for Hyeri.
And so, the two — with completely different intentions — finished their meal in the romantic atmosphere of the restaurant.