Chapter 46: NO TAKEBACKS

"YES, GARAM-SSI— you’ll be very busy starting next week." Garam’s brows furrowed after hearing what Myung Hyesu, the CEO of their agency, had just announced. He was supposed to visit Lee Eunsang at the hospital and bring breakfast to the kids. But their boss summoned him to her office. CEO Myung assured me that we’d visit the kids at the hospital later together, after this meeting. "Sihyuk-ssi also said the same thing, ma’am," Garam said, confused. Whenever he talked about Song Sihyuk, he would address the Alpha politely. The age gap between them was pretty big, after all. "What’s happening?" "Love calls from several advertisers and producers came pouring in." Oh. Of course, hearing that made Garam’s heart flutter in excitement. "You got an offer from huge local brands," Myung Hyesu said, obviously concealing her excitement. "First, the Noori Bank wants you to be their new face." Garam gasped out loud. That’s the biggest bank in Korea! "Second, the Jusik Food Industrial Company wants you to be their new model for the new flavor of their famous Jjang Ramyeon." And that’s the most famous instant ramen in the country! "Then they also want you to endorse JINSUN Soju." Oh my god. That soju brand is considered the ’national drink!’ Moreover, JINSUN Soju was known for featuring only the hottest stars. That means I’ve already made it as a celebrity. "Ilsung Group also wants you to introduce their new phone." Garam clenched his hands discreetly. I’m loyal to Ilsung Group, so I’m glad I finally get to be their brand model. "You’re also going to be the new face of Aera World Mall." Myung Hyesu said it as if it were already final. Honestly, Garam wasn’t surprised. Aera World Mall is a luxury department store owned by the SG Group. They only get the top stars of the country as their ambassador. Obviously, he was only chosen to be the department store’s face because of Song Sihyuk. He was fine with that, however... "Ma’am, unlike other department stores that are known for getting top idols as their model, Aera World Mall is known for only getting top actors and actresses. I’m not an actor," Garam said worriedly. "Won’t it be too obvious that Sihyuk-ssi is sponsoring me?" "I understand your concern, but you don’t have to worry about that, Garam-ssi," Myung Hyesu assured him. "Based on the business proposal that they sent us, Aera World Mall is trying to rebrand. And your image fits their new vision. So, I don’t think it’s going to create an issue." Oh. Sihyuk Hyung is really meticulous. "There are still other local brands that sent you offers. You’re free to check them and turn down those with values that don’t align with yours," the CEO said in a serious tone. "However, I strongly suggest you accept the offers from the big brands that I mentioned. And, I know I don’t need to tell you this, but you’re not allowed to turn down business proposals from SG Group and their affiliates." Yep, it wasn’t Garam’s imagination. He was right when he thought the offer from Aera World Mall was already a done deal. Not that I’m surprised. After all, some of the endorsements under their group’s belt came from SG Group’s affiliate companies. "I understand, ma’am." Myung Hyesu smiled and nodded, then she changed the topic. "You also got several love calls from variety show producers." Okay, that made Garam’s ears perk up. I haven’t had a solo appearance in a variety show yet. If not as a group, he would be invited to a show with at least another member. I can already feel my solo era starting. "Since you’re going to promote for your upcoming solo debut, we’re planning to send you to variety shows that are currently famous among the public," Myung Hyesu continued with a bright smile on her face. "Of course, we’re also sending you to shows that will showcase your talent as your group’s main vocal. You have to prepare a lot for that, Garam-ssi." Right. I’m the main vocal of the group, so I can’t have people criticizing my voice. "I’ll do my best, ma’am," Garam said, determined. "I won’t disappoint you." "I still have one more big news for you, Garam-ssi." "What is it, ma’am?" Myung Hyesu smiled widely before dropping the big news: "Euphemia— the giant luxury brand— wants you to be their global ambassador. You’ll be the first Korean artist to represent their brand." Oh my... Garam was truly shocked. Euphemia is my favorite luxury brand! He would often wear their brands, especially whenever he needed to fly. After all, ’airport fashion’ had been a trend these days. I’m glad that my favorite brand noticed me. Wait. Did they notice me, or is this also because of Sihyuk Hyung? "Congratulations, Garam-ssi." "Thank you, ma’am," Garam said, smiling. Then he asked a little awkwardly: "Ma’am, did Sihyuk-ssi already know about all of these in advance?" He already knew the answer. But I still want to hear it straight from my boss. "Yes, Garam-ssi," Myung Hyesu said carefully while nodding. "Song Sihyuk-nim is very much involved in your career building." Ah, as expected. So, everything is really because of Sihyuk Hyung. "Thank you, ma’am. I’ll make you and the company proud," Garam said politely. "And I’ll also make sure Sihyuk-ssi won’t regret handing me all these opportunities." Myung Hyesu made a conflicted face at that moment. But Garam would only find out why her boss made that face much later. *** WHILE waiting for Myung Hyesu to finish her videocall meeting, Garam went to the practice room and called Song Sihyuk. He just felt like he needed to talk to him now, even though they’d see each other later. "Hello, Sihyuk Hyung." "Yeah?" Aigoo. It was annoying how Song Sihyuk’s lazy voice sounded sexy. "Thank you, Hyung." "For what?" "I’ve already talked to CEO Myung, so now I know why you said I was going to be very busy soon." "Ah. She already talked to you about the love calls that you received from different brands and producers?" "Yes, Hyung. And I know you’re the one behind all of the sudden pour of offers to me." "And why would you think that?" "Come on, Hyung. Didn’t I just whine to you last night?" "Is that really what you think?" "Hyung, I know my place— I wouldn’t be where I am today without your support." Like Garam had been saying all this time, he knew that he wouldn’t achieve success without Song Sihyuk’s money. He was not in a position to act prideful. Hence, he could only accept everything he was given while preparing his body to pay the Alpha back later. "If you already know that, then be nicer to me." "I am already nice to Hyung." "Be much, much nicer." "By not making you wait any longer?" Yes, Lim Garam was talking about sex. He knew that it was the best way to repay Song Sihyuk for giving him all those opportunities that most idols would kill for. "I didn’t say that, Lim Garam." "But that’s what Hyung wants, right?" "I won’t deny that." Whew. To be honest, Garam didn’t feel as filthy as he thought he would feel now that he had to pay Song Sihyuk with sexual favors. Maybe it was because he had five years to prepare mentally? And maybe because Sihyuk Hyung has never treated me like a whore. In fact, it felt like Garam was dating Song Sihyuk. Which isn’t bad since we’re already married anyway. "Since I’ll be busy next week, let’s do it this weekend, Hyung," Garam said, gathering the courage in his heart. "You know what to prepare, don’t you?" He was talking about the fancy hotel suite. If he was going to lose his virginity, he wanted it to be special. "Are you sure about this, Lim Garam?" "Yes, Hyung. I’ve made you wait long enough." This time, Garam heard the excitement in Song Sihyuk’s voice. Excitement laced with a little sprinkle of ’threat.’ "No takebacks, Lim Garam." Garam took a long breath before he responded: "Yes, Hyung— no takebacks." I better get my ass ready— literally. *** SONG SIHYUK smiled after ending the call with Lim Garam. To be honest, he didn’t expect his wife to suggest doing it this weekend. Is Lim Garam that thankful to me? He smiled while looking outside the window. Song Sihyuk was currently in the backseat of the car being driven by Jung Han. He was headed to SG Group’s HQ because he had an early lunch meeting with his father and grandfather. I guess my vacation is finally over. But before that... He called Myung Hyesu because he needed to confirm something. "Yes, Sihyuk-nim?" "You didn’t tell Lim Garam that the offers came pouring in without my intervention, did you?" Yes, Song Sihyuk actually didn’t pull strings for Lim Garam this time. Those offers were organic— brands and people from the industry were genuinely attracted to his wife. And the reason was simple. First of all, Lim Garam was handsome and talented. Second, he had a good reputation. That kind of image attracts brands. Hence, even SG Group’s affiliate companies wanted Lim Garam as their model even without Song Sihyuk’s influence. That was why even his cousin wanted his wife to be the face of her beauty brand. "No, I didn’t tell him that, sir. That’s why Garam-ssi thinks it’s all because of you that he received those offers..." The problem with Lim Garam was that he had quite low self-esteem. It wasn’t that obvious because his wife had a fierce personality. But Lim Garam actually lacks faith in himself— he thinks he only succeeded because of me and not because of his talent. And he had no plan of correcting his wife anytime soon. Lim Garam doesn’t need self-confidence— I’ll just shower him with my affection. "Let Lim Garam keep thinking that way," Song Sihyuk said sternly, and then he paused when he remembered something important. "And, oh, one more thing— get rid of all the invitations that he received from those stupid waterbomb festivals." *** Please ADD <SECRETLY MARRIED TO A CHAEBOL ALPHA> to your LIBRARY to be notified when an update is posted. Thank you! :>