Descent of The Demon Master [EN]: Chapter 458

‘You actually made it?’

It’s like a chronic disease.

The moment I speak, I can’t help but sigh.

‘When will I ever be honest?’

I need to fix this chronic problem where what I think and what comes out of my mouth are different.

Yet, Choi Yeon-ha wasn’t intimidated.

Because he’ll understand.

The man standing across from her was someone who could smile even at her barbed words. He was petty and timid in strange ways, so you couldn’t exactly call him broad-minded, but strangely, he was also broad-minded… a contradictory person.

He makes people anxious by not sending a single text, and then shows up at the airport when you least expect it… that kind of person.

He seems indifferent but is actually meticulous, and that’s what makes people’s hearts flutter… that kind of person.

Choi Yeon-ha chuckled.

‘He’s a player, this guy.’

She knows he doesn’t mean to be. This man isn’t capable of that. He doesn’t understand women’s hearts. He just moves as he pleases, and that’s what makes people flustered.

‘You’re a little late.’

‘What’s with you, not even a call?’

Her voice comes out curtly.

A part of her worries that Kang Jin-ho might be taken aback by her tone, while another part is annoyed at herself for not being able to speak softly.

‘I heard you were leaving.’

But Kang Jin-ho just smiled lightly, as if it didn’t matter.

That smile sticks in her mind.

‘I thought I should see your face before you left. China is quite far, and if you’re staying for six months, it feels like we won’t see each other for a long time.’

‘…We’re not exactly in a relationship where we need to see each other often.’

‘Hmm, I guess that’s true.’

Choi Yeon-ha bit her lip.

This is also a disease.

He took the time to come all the way here, and deep down, she’s so grateful, but why can’t she express it properly?

She had vowed to seduce him, staking her pride on it.

‘What’s so good about smiling? Like a fool.’

This is the bigger problem.

If she had taken the time to come and been treated poorly, Choi Yeon-ha would have gotten angry and left. No matter who it was. But Kang Jin-ho was smiling as if it didn’t matter.

‘Why do you keep smiling?’

‘I just feel like smiling.’

‘Seriously…’

Han Eun-sol shook his head, watching Choi Yeon-ha, who didn’t know what to do.

‘He’s her natural enemy.’

For some reason, Choi Yeon-ha’s stubbornness didn’t seem to work on Kang Jin-ho. Thanks to that, even when she got angry and annoyed, only Choi Yeon-ha got tangled up.

Unlike him.

‘At least try to show you like him a little less obviously.’

It was fortunate that the staff had been sent ahead because it was getting late. Of course, it was also because the staff, sensing Choi Yeon-ha’s low mood, wanted to get away from her first.

‘Aren’t you busy?’

‘I don’t have much to do these days.’

‘A man should have some busy-ness.’

‘I know. So I’m trying to do something, but it’s still in the beginning stages.’

‘…Then you’ll be busy soon?’

‘Probably.’

Choi Yeon-ha smiled slightly, as if relieved.

‘Then you won’t have time to look elsewhere.’

‘…Huh?’

‘It’s nothing. Eun-sol, get ready. We need to go in now.’

‘Yes, sis.’

Seeing Choi Yeon-ha looking relieved, Han Eun-sol started packing his things. After confirming that Han Eun-sol was organizing the carry-on, Choi Yeon-ha turned her head back to Kang Jin-ho.

‘What should I say?’

Seeing Kang Jin-ho in person made her feel like her mind had been bleached white. She knew she had to say something, but she couldn’t find the words. Even if she forced herself to come up with something, she was afraid that it would come out barbed again.

She’s not a child.

She knows that only children can get away with being petulant and annoyed. If she keeps acting like this, Kang Jin-ho will eventually get annoyed with her. Or maybe he’s already annoyed and just tolerating it. She shouldn’t take his kindness for granted.

Choi Yeon-ha took a deep breath and lowered her head.

Kang Jin-ho looked at Choi Yeon-ha with a puzzled expression.

‘Thank you so much for coming.’

‘…Huh?’

‘I didn’t expect you to come. Thank you so much for taking the time to come.’

Kang Jin-ho looked at Choi Yeon-ha as if she had eaten something wrong, then nodded as if he understood.

‘Is there a camera filming us?’

‘Hey, you! Jerk!’

Choi Yeon-ha, who had suddenly lost it and shouted, looked around in embarrassment. Fortunately, no one seemed to recognize her.

‘That was close.’

As the embarrassment subsided, anger surged.

‘I was trying to be normal for once!’

‘It’s awkward and strange because…’

‘Are you saying that me being normal is awkward and strange?’

‘That’s not what I meant.’

No way.

It was impossible to have a smooth and easy conversation with this man like other people.

‘You came to get on my nerves, to get on my nerves! You don’t need to make me angry on purpose, I’m going to do well even if you don’t!’

‘I didn’t mean to.’

‘Aaaah…’

Choi Yeon-ha covered her face.

‘What was I thinking?’

She had imagined a romantic farewell scene at the airport like in the movies, but such a beautiful moment was never going to happen in her life.

Choi Yeon-ha felt rather relieved.

‘This is better.’

With the burden lifted from her heart, she could have a refreshed face. She and Kang Jin-ho weren’t in a relationship yet. It was too early to film a farewell scene at the airport like a tragic heroine.

‘It’s cringey.’

Once she made up her mind, she felt refreshed.

‘Kang Jin-ho.’

‘Yes?’

‘Did you come because you missed me?’

Choi Yeon-ha smiled mischievously, seeing Kang Jin-ho flustered.

Yes, this is right for now. For now.

‘You don’t have to be so flustered. I’m just kidding.’

‘Yes.’

The reason she’s going to China is to become more confident. So, even if they could get a little closer now, she should push him away. A little more time needs to pass, so she can stand confidently in front of this man.

‘Then, I’ll be going.’

‘Yes. Take care.’

‘It’s good to do this and that, but don’t look at other women. There are so many who will make a fuss even if you just make eye contact.’

That’s enough.

Kang Jin-ho stopped Choi Yeon-ha, who was about to turn around with a bright smile.

‘Yes?’

‘Is this your first time going to China?’

‘Y-yes, it is?’

‘Be careful, the food might not suit your taste.’

‘The water is different, and if the environment changes completely, your body might weaken, so take your medicine.’

Choi Yeon-ha’s face turned red in an instant. What is this guy? So out of character…

‘Then, I’ll see you later.’

‘Okay.’

Choi Yeon-ha was about to turn around but stopped.

‘Wait.’

‘Yes?’

‘I just felt something strange, I think I felt a subtle emotion in that ‘Is this your first time going to China?’… Kang Jin-ho, have you been to China?’

Many times.

He lived in China.

But that’s not what Choi Yeon-ha is asking right now.

‘I’ve been there once before. For about two weeks.’

‘What, then? You have a visa and everything?’

‘Probably?’

‘Come visit.’

‘…Yes?’

‘You said you came for a trip anyway? If you came once, you can come again. When I go to China, I won’t be able to communicate and I won’t have anyone to hang out with, so I’ll be bored. So, pick a date and come visit.’

‘You don’t want me to?’

‘N-no, it’s not that I don’t want you to…’

‘Then you’re coming. Got it?’

Kang Jin-ho nodded silently. It felt like he would get punched if he said no here.

‘Hoo…’

Choi Yeon-ha took a deep breath, lifted her head, and stared intently at Kang Jin-ho.

‘Why, why are you…’

‘Be quiet.’

‘Yes.’

Kang Jin-ho, overwhelmed by her force, closed his mouth. Kang Jin-ho, who usually doesn’t get overwhelmed by other people’s energy, felt that Choi Yeon-ha was too serious right now.

‘This is a reward for me making a big decision to go to China, and it’s also a resolution.’

‘Yes?’

At that moment, Choi Yeon-ha rushed towards Kang Jin-ho and hugged him tightly. Almost clinging to him. Kang Jin-ho, understanding that he could avoid it but shouldn’t, raised his hands and hugged her waist to keep her from falling.

Choi Yeon-ha, who had buried her face in Kang Jin-ho’s shoulder without a word, took a couple of breaths and then pushed away from Kang Jin-ho’s chest.

‘I’m going.’

‘…Have a safe trip.’

‘Okay.’

As Choi Yeon-ha walked confidently towards the security checkpoint with a bright smile, Han Eun-sol hurriedly followed her.

Kang Jin-ho watched them quietly, then smiled softly and turned around.

‘I’m crazy.’

‘I’m really crazy. I’m crazy. Really.’

‘…Calm down, sis.’

‘Aoooh.’

Choi Yeon-ha, whose face was as red as a well-boiled octopus, collapsed on the spot, melting into a puddle. The surrounding gazes were all on her, but Choi Yeon-ha, as if she didn’t even notice, covered her face.

‘Won’t they think I’m crazy?’

‘Then why did you do it?’

‘Hey! Is that something you think about? I came to my senses and I was already hugging him, what do you want me to do?’

‘You really have no shame, really.’

‘What, you punk? You wanna die?’

Han Eun-sol shook his head, watching Choi Yeon-ha, who was shouting back.

‘It would be easier to keep up if she acted similarly in front and behind.’

But if that were the case, she wouldn’t be Choi Yeon-ha. Isn’t this Choi Yeon-ha’s charm?

‘Let’s go, sis. It’s too late.’

‘I’m so weak in the legs, I can’t get up.’

‘Should I carry you?’

‘Get lost? Where are you, a stranger, trying to touch me? I’ll sue you.’

Han Eun-sol chuckled and held out his hand.

‘But as your brother and best manager, I can at least hold your hand, right?’

‘Hmph.’

Choi Yeon-ha grabbed Han Eun-sol’s hand and stood up.

‘Oh, I’m so out of it. I’ll probably think about it again when I get on the plane. I have to sit still for hours… Eun-sol, tell them to prepare a blanket in advance. I’m going to have to carry it the whole way.’

‘Yes, ma’am, whatever you say.’

Han Eun-sol was lost in thought as he watched Choi Yeon-ha push her carry-on towards the security checkpoint.

‘A hand…’

Kang Jin-ho, who could hug her, and a stranger who shouldn’t touch her body. The subtle boundary between the two was where Han Eun-sol stood.

Her face was red, but she wasn’t in a bad mood at all, no, she was in a great mood. Kang Jin-ho had managed to lift her spirits in that short amount of time, something no one else had been able to do.

‘That’s enough.’

Han Eun-sol turned his head and looked at the place where Kang Jin-ho might be, and smiled warmly.

‘That’s all that matters.’

‘Hey, aren’t you coming, you punk?’

‘Y-yes, I’m coming!’

Han Eun-sol shouted as he ran inside, carrying his luggage.

‘I told you to check it in, why are you carrying all this?’

‘Do you even know how much this is worth? If something happens to it after checking it in, you’re diving into the West Sea [a sea known for its rough conditions].’

‘Aish, you’re really mean.’

‘What, you punk?’

The two of them entered the security checkpoint, bickering with each other.