18. Jason Lim

"Mr. Kwak, if you see a pharmacy, please stop and get me some headache medicine," Jason said, taking a deep breath and letting it out. "I don't know why my head feels so heavy."

"Yes, sir," the middle-aged driver replied, giving a quick nod, "I'll drive more slowly."

That man with a well-defined oval face with sharp but refined features loosened his tie and unbuttoned the top button of his shirt. Then adjusted his sitting position so that he could lean his head against the seat, and closed his eyes. Hoping the tension would ease even a little.

Not long after, the car came to a gentle stop.

"Sir, do you need anything else besides the medicine?"

Jason slowly opened his eyes, blinking away the haze, "No. I don't need anything else. That's all."

The driver nodded before stepping out of the car.

Jason grabbed the water bottle next to him and took a long and refreshing sip.

His schedule had been brutal over the past month. A lot of work piled up. And one engagement after another, each demanding his presence and attention. Including social events in various places that drain his energy and patience. He didn't seem to realize that he had been sleep deprived for quite some time and was neglecting his own well-being.

He sighed deeply, as if trying to push out something from his lungs. In order just to feel a little more relieved.

Peering through the rearview mirror, he saw his driver walking along the sidewalk towards the back, weaving through the crowded area. Curious, Jason turned his head slightly and looked back. Behind his car, there were many other cars parked and forming a very long line down the street. He then glanced at the buildings around the area.

There must be a lot of cars parked near the pharmacy for the man to have to stop so far away.

Jason sighed again. Feeling stuffy with the busy scene of people living in this city.

As he shifted back to face the front, his gaze caught on something through the large glass window of a nearby restaurant—a familiar silhouette.

Just to his right, there was a restaurant with a large transparent glass. That allowed him to directly see the people inside from where he was sitting in the car at the moment. 

That’s where he spotted Ashley Song.

The girl was sitting by the window, chatting animatedly with another woman who had distinctly Western features. The two looked immersed in conversation.

Whether this was a coincidence or bad luck, Jason couldn't decide. He felt compelled to check it out right away.

A mischievous grin curved his lips as he picked up his phone, fingers moving swiftly across the screen. He hit send and waited. 

The reply came just as Mr. Kwak returned with the medicine.

At that moment, his grin grew wider.

Turning his head again, Jason’s eyes locked on Ashley and her friend. Somehow, the dull ache in his head seemed a little lighter. Whilst he hadn't even touched the medicine yet.

Jason could already picture the chaos that might happen if he passed on the information he got. Even so he still had to do some small confirmations. But he knew it would undoubtedly cause some trouble. He also knew that he would be a bit affected and had to clean up the mess. But despite the risks, this kind of thing was quite fun and entertaining for him.

"Should we wait a bit until you feel better, Sir?"

Jason shook his head while tearing open the plastic wrap off the medicine.

"No need. Let's just go now."

He took a capsule, put it into his mouth, and chased it down with a gulp of mineral water.

"The sooner we get there, the better, Mr. Kwak. I might have to head home earlier today."

He leaned his head back and closed his eyes again.

The middle-aged man nodded. "Understood, Sir. I'll drive as comfortably as possible."

The car moved slowly afterward, weaving smoothly through the bustling city streets, slipping past other vehicles that seemed rushing to beat the clock.

From their current location, it would take about fifteen minutes to reach the destination. It wasn’t much time, but for Jason, it was enough to let his mind unwind—even just a little. Away from the endless work matters and everything else that weighs him down.

He opened his eyes when Mr. Kwak informed him that they had arrived.

The car stopped right at the entrance of a grand, luxurious restaurant—one of the most prestigious in the city. Renowned for its talented chefs who crafted dishes with extraordinary flavors, the place also enforced a strict guest limit. And only opening for lunch and dinner at specific hours.

The exclusivity made it ideal for private or closed-door meetings.

Just like the one he was about to have.

There was someone of significant status from a major corporation he needed to meet. They had to discuss a matter involving their financial flows. One of his financial flows, to be precise.

Jason adjusted his suit before stepping out on his own. He informed the welcoming staff of his reservation, and they guided him toward the restaurant’s private dining section.

However, to reach the private rooms, they had to pass through the main dining area—a spacious, open space filled with chatter and clinking glasses. And right there, at one of the tables, he spotted someone he hadn’t expected to see—once again.

He couldn’t help but let out a small, amused snort. Excitement mixed with disbelief filled his chest.

It hadn't been long since his suspicion took root, but he had already found his answer far faster than expected. He thought he’d have to dig a little, maybe put in some effort to investigate what he'd suspected earlier. But it seemed the universe was on his side today.

Not only did he not have to break a sweat, but fate had handed him the answer, practically landing right in front of him. Two coincidences in a row, as if gifted just for him without even lifting a finger.

Jason spotted Sharon, an annoying woman who had been leeching off his family like a parasite for far too long. She was getting up from her seat and walking toward the restroom, leaving a man alone at the table.

Who else could it be but Josh—his youngest brother.

"Could you tell me which room my reservation is in?” he asked the staff, then giving a subtle gesture toward Josh, “I see someone I know over there. So I might drop by for a second"

The staff smiled and replied, "Your room is number five, Sir. on the left side near the entrance. If you need any assistance, I’ll be at the front desk, or you can approach any of our staff members here.”

Jason gave a small nod, acknowledging the information, then walked casually toward Josh.

He could barely hide his smirk. Eager to see his little brother’s reaction when he caught him off guard. It would surely light up his day.