Chapter 34: Heavy Drinking
by GideonCEO Moon Woo-jin was awestruck by the building’s grand, luxurious exterior and its seemingly endless height.
“Whoa, this is insane. It looks so high-end.”
The VVIP-exclusive dining room even had its own dedicated parking area—the entire building was just on another level.
“Welcome. We’ll escort you to the VVIP room.”
The service was impeccably attentive.
The two of them headed toward the VVIP-only elevator.
Moon Woo-jin wanted to act as natural as possible, but the unique tension of the unfamiliar environment, combined with the flawlessly sophisticated interior, seemed to demand perfect poise from him. He found himself acting stiff and awkward.
The atmosphere in the VVIP room was like a grand party.
All the actors from SUB Entertainment were lead-level stars. Even off-camera, maintaining their public image was their default setting, meaning the room was thick with what you could call, in plain terms, a lot of fake politeness.
“Oh my goodness, it’s so good to see you!”
“Sunbae! It’s been way too long, hasn’t it?”
They were clearly not happy to see each other, yet they greeted one another with exaggerated enthusiasm.
“I heard you’re working with Director Kim now! Congratulations!”
“I’m watching your current project every week. It’s so good!”
They poured out a stream of insincere compliments, forcing smiles as they pretended to be close.
It was the usual hypocrisy actors displayed. Of course, it was just a part of professional networking, so perhaps “hypocrisy” wasn’t the right word.
Normally, Jubin would have hidden his discomfort behind a forced smile, trying to fit in with them. But today, thankfully, CEO Moon Woo-jin was by his side.
Thanks to him, Jubin was able to mingle and exchange greetings effortlessly.
On his way to get a cocktail, Jubin overheard a conversation between some SUB Entertainment employees.
“I heard Actor Do Zion isn’t coming today.”
A man, likely an executive, complained with a worried sigh.
“Oh, this is bad. Actor Do is the only one who can keep CEO Park in check.”
“The contract renewal must be going south, huh? If that falls through, won’t our IPO be ruined?”
“Shh! Don’t say things like that so carelessly.”
Jubin turned away with his cocktail, pretending he hadn’t heard a word. Just as he turned, the phone in his pocket vibrated.
Senior Do Zion, don’t drink too much of the alcohol CEO Park offers today.
It was a message from Do Zion, filled with concern.
Yeah, don’t worry.
Grateful for the small gesture, Jubin sent a brief reply before slipping his phone back into his pocket and approaching CEO Moon Woo-jin.
“It looks like CEO Park hasn’t arrived yet.”
“Well, he’ll be here…”
His voice trailed off, laced with tension.
CEO Moon Woo-jin was the type to avoid conflict at all costs. When he sensed a threatening atmosphere, he’d defensively comply—a trait that made me wonder if he could even hold his own against someone as formidable as CEO Park Ji-bun.
“Ah, I have to be at work tomorrow morning,” Moon Woo-jin sighed heavily. “I’m worried I’m going to drink too much.”
Before starting SUB Entertainment, Park Ji-bun had earned a reputation for his legendary alcohol tolerance, once showing up to a shoot alone the day after a company-wide drinking party.
A lightweight trying to keep up with a heavyweight…
At this rate, Park Ji-bun was practically the public enemy number one within the company. Then again, his audacity in digging into a stranger’s private life, all while claiming it was “perfect contract preparation,” spoke volumes about his nasty streak.
Why did he insist on doubling the offer just to make this happen?
He was a man I could never figure out.
Speak of the devil… CEO Park Ji-bun appeared, pushing open the heavy private door.
All eyes turned to him, and he basked in the attention as if it were his birthright. As he stepped under the golden chandelier, the crowd naturally converged around him.
“CEO Moon Woo-jin, come stand by me.”
CEO Park Ji-bun gestured for him to approach, curling his fingers inward. The visibly tense CEO Moon Woo-jin tugged at Jubin’s collar. Jubin had wanted to keep his distance, but he found himself pulled closer than he’d intended.
A heavy tension, mixed with a strange wariness, hung over the table.
The atmosphere is so damn heavy.
“As of today, SUB Entertainment and MOON Entertainment will officially be walking the same path.”
His gaze lingered briefly on CEO Moon Woo-jin and Jubin.
“Thank you for taking the time to celebrate with us. We’ll need your support to soar even higher in the future.”
CEO Park Ji-bun lightly raised his glass.
“Thank you.”
There was no need for a formal toast.
As soon as CEO Park finished speaking, the actors and executives took the hint, clinking glasses with the people next to them. They exchanged glances, trying to break the awkward, tense atmosphere.
“Please, everyone, enjoy your meal.”
Only after CEO Park took his seat did the mood finally shift to a proper dinner. The food, befitting a VVIP room, was a luxurious spread that delighted all five senses.
Salmon and fresh shrimp, tossed in a tangy sauce, awakened their appetites.
“The seafood here is excellent.”
“Eat up, Jubin.”
I whispered a compliment to CEO Moon Woo-jin, but CEO Park Ji-bun, who had overheard, was the one who answered.
“Ah, yes. I’ll enjoy the meal.”
“Have a celebratory drink.”
He offered the alcohol as if it were a given. The atmosphere and the situation left no room for refusal.
“CEO Moon, please have a drink as well.”
Before I knew it, he was proposing a toast, urging me to drink. I had no choice but to turn my head and drain my glass.
“Wow, this pairing…”
Though I’d drunk it reluctantly, the satisfaction was immense. The harmony with the food was insane.
“The liquor is good, isn’t it?”
Overhearing Jubin’s quiet murmur of admiration, CEO Park Ji-bun naturally poured him more.
The high alcohol content was a given. Since it was a course meal, the food provided a perfect common ground for light conversation, and the alcohol helped the mood reach its peak.
As the strong liquor flowed, the executives and actors gradually dropped their facades.
On the surface, it was a convivial atmosphere—full of smiles, chatter, and lighthearted jokes. But beneath the veneer, the real talk was happening: the kind of candid conversations they could never have on camera, and a flurry of rumors about which actors were involved with which directors and staff members.
It was a fierce exchange of information and networking. Jubin found this kind of social gathering utterly draining. Having eaten enough, he stepped out onto the terrace to clear his head.
“Whew…”
He ran a hand through his hair and took a deep breath. The alcohol had him craving a cigarette, a habit he couldn’t seem to shake.
I really need to quit…
Jubin glanced at his wrist, where the wound was almost completely healed. He had to hold out. The chip implant was only possible if he abstained.
The additional cost for the chip was astronomical—he couldn’t let a smoking habit ruin his plans.
Suddenly, I missed Zion’s scent.
Everyone at SUB Entertainment, from the executives to the actors, seemed to bring up his name at least once. It felt like they were all riding his coattails, using Do Zion’s reputation to show off their own status. It just showed how rock-solid his position was within the company.
Yet Jubin was the only one who couldn’t say a word about him.
“Sunbae.”
His gentle voice brushed against my ear. I miss him. This crazy thought had been striking me without warning lately.
At first, it was just a fleeting moment. But now, I could vividly picture Zion’s smiling face, his gentle voice, his low tone, his kind way of speaking, his eyes full of worry…
Even his unique pheromone scent came back to me with startling clarity.
Just thinking about it sent a jolt of dopamine coursing through my entire body.
I pressed the back of my hand against my cheek, trying to cool the faint blush that had crept across my face.
“What is wrong with me…” I muttered, a self-deprecating sigh escaping my lips.
I can’t even smoke to calm my nerves, I thought bitterly. How am I supposed to deal with this mess of a mood?
Maybe if I drink more, I can finally stop thinking about Do Zion.
Just as I was entertaining the absurd thought, I sensed someone’s presence and turned my head.
“Actor Cha Jubin.”
It was CEO Park Ji-bun, the unwelcome guest. I’d been on edge the entire time, waiting for him to approach, so his appearance didn’t surprise me.
“What are you doing here?” he asked.
My gaze fell to the glasses of alcohol held in his hands. He looked like he’d come prepared.
“Just getting some fresh air,” I replied.
“You’re quite shy, aren’t you?”
“Yes, a little…”
He didn’t deny it, since it was true. CEO Park Ji-bun asked as he naturally took a spot beside Jubin.
“Care for another drink?”
“I’ve already had more than enough,” Jubin replied politely. He didn’t trust himself to hold back any longer, and another drink would definitely black him out.
“Actress Kang Ha-na used to praise you so much, saying you were the only one who could truly rival her.”
His tone suggested he’d been looking forward to facing Jubin himself today, and was now disappointed.
Kang Ha-na had been Jubin’s senior at the same agency. He’d learned to drink heavily after being dragged along to countless sessions by her.
“When I drank with Hana-sunbae, I didn’t even know my limit. I can’t drink like that anymore.”
“Still, we should have a celebratory drink since the contract is signed.”
How many of those ‘celebratory drinks’ has he already forced on me? The nerve.
Jubin shot a desperate SOS glance at CEO Moon Woo-jin, who was busy chatting with the other actors. But the CEO’s face was already flushed, and he was grinning foolishly. So much for getting help.
“I’ll drink with you next time.”
“Tsk, fine.”
Surprisingly, the man backed down without a fight.
“I’ll go offer him a drink instead. See ya.”
What did he just say?
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