CH 19

Chapter Nineteen (Character Counts: 1069)

66 

The Stand-in’s heart went cold, and there is probably more to come.

The President said, “I unilaterally terminated the contract in advance, and the salary and severance compensation for the remaining months will be paid to you.”

The President said everything he had to say to the Stand-in. The Stand-in only nodded and said, “Thank you for your help over the past year. I will pack my luggage tonight and leave first thing tomorrow morning.” 

The President’s hand trembled slightly, and he whispered: “That’s not what I meant. I want to… court you.”

“Oh, I see.” The Stand-in suddenly realized, “Do you want to change the kept man contract to a romantic contract? Then we really have to re-sign the contract.”

“No! It’s a serious relationship!” The President said, “I like you!”

The President’s voice grew louder, and people nearby noticed the two of them. The President lowered his voice again and said very seriously, “I like you. I want to start over with you. Is that okay?”

Lf kjlafv obg atf Vajcv-lc’r gfqis, yea atf Vajcv-lc vlvc’a tfrlajaf, jcv delmxis gfqilfv: “Vbggs, kf jgf cba relajyif.” 

Ktf Ugfrlvfca kjr raeccfv.

Ktf Vajcv-lc rjlv, “P’w cba kbgats bo sbe.”

67 

Jbwqjgfv klat atf Ugfrlvfca’r mbcrafgcjalbc, atf Vajcv-lc ibbxfv nfgs mjiw. Lf rjlv: “Tbe jgf jc filaf ktb ugjvejafv ogbw j ubbv rmtbbi, ktlif P vlvc’a ugjvejaf ogbw tlut rmtbbi. Tbe mjwf ogbw j ubbv ojwlis, ktlif ws qjgfcar kfgf ujwyifgr jcv ifoa wf klat j iba bo vfya. Tbe tjnf sbeg bkc yerlcfrr, ktlif P jw pera j mbgqbgjaf rijnf vblcu ibk-ifnfi kbgx.”

“Perhaps because I resemble Mr. X so much, you mistake your feelings for him for your feelings for me.”

The President said, “It’s for you; it has nothing to do with him; it’s you I like.” 

“Why are you living backwards more and more?” The Stand-in said, “He’s the one who is truly suitable for you. I can’t even call myself a stand-in; at best, I am an inferior copycat. You can’t downgrade your consumption, right?”

The President didn’t say a word.

The Stand-in said, “I am really not worthy of you, you are so good, suitable for the best person.” 

That meal ended up being extremely silent, but the Stand-in didn’t regret that he refused so decisively.

Because the best puppies have to like their best owner and be loved by their best owners.

And he is nothing but a lowly man, and all things related to good have nothing to do with him. 

68

When they got home, the President started the conversation again.

“I think there is no such thing as unsuitable when it comes to love.” The President said, “You are motivated, gentle, and attentive, which others do not have, and I admire you very much.”

“Is that very motivated person still taking their own undergraduate exams?” The Stand-in said, “You flatter me too much.”

The Stand-in added, “And gentle and attentive… You’re saying the person who often orders takeout for you is very gentle and attentive?” 

The President said: “You only order takeout when I’m happy. Whenever I’m the most tired and annoyed, you must cook in person. I don’t even know how you found out.”

On the busiest days, he must have his favorite food when he comes home. And on a day when he doesn’t want to go to work the most, when he opens his eyes that day, he also has his favorite breakfast. Sometimes he hadn’t even noticed his emotions, but the Stand-in had already noticed them.

The Stand-in said, “You won’t send me a message when you go to work on busy days. You certainly go to bed late the day before you don’t want to go to work. You will watch the game when you are in a bad mood… As long as you observe more, anyone can find out.” 

The President said, “But no one has ever found out.”

The Stand-in suddenly felt that the President was a little pitiful.

He simply said, “There will be better people who like you.” 

The Stand-in was about to go back to his room to pack his luggage when the President called him again, “Do you like me?”

The Stand-in said, “Being a kept man is spineless enough. How can I be stupid enough to like someone I shouldn’t?”