Empress Handbook

Chapter Fifty-Two | Salivating

A light morning drizzle dampens the city. It has pulled many curses and grumbles out of the most sophisticated-looking suits and ties. These days, the slightest shock can tug feet from the ground.

Jungkook finishes reading a short-term strategy proposal one of the more eager employees crafted and quickly types a list of things that need to be tweaked. He looks at the clock on his computer—it is nearly noon—but the approaching lunch break hour doesn't spark any excitement in the office outside.

Jungkook leans back in his chair with a smile. He has focused on work for three hours now, so he should reward himself. He takes his phone out from his top drawer and easily finds his conversation with Yeoreum, the only conversation he hasn't muted.

Did you get walked over by my mother again?

Jungkook watches the text message send through and shuts his phone. He knows Yeoreum will eventually respond, but it won't be soon. However, he still refuses to let go of his phone. It is stupid to have hope, but it is lethal not to have any.

Suddenly, a notification lights up his phone screen.

Do you have nothing else to do aside from harassing me?

Jungkook smiles as he types a response.

No.

Surprisingly, Jungkook receives a response almost instantly.

Fuck you.

A soft knock from the door disrupts Jungkook's self-reward time. He hastily sends a response, Fuck you too, and puts his phone back in the drawer.

"Come in," Jungkook says.

Jaeyoon pushes the door open and bows.

"Min Yoongi would like to see you, Mr Jeon."

"Okay, tell him to come in."

Jaeyoon nods and brings Yoongi inside the room. Jungkook has already directed his attention back to the strategy proposal on his computer, not looking up at Yoongi.

Yoongi briefly examines Jungkook's expression. "Good morning, Mr Jeon," he says as he bows.

"Good morning," Jungkook says. He finishes typing the last point to edit before he shifts his gaze to Yoongi's timid face. "What brings you to my office, Mr Min?"

"I would like to announce bankruptcy for my company," Yoongi utters with the perfect amount of determination and reluctance. "Also, I would like to resign from my parliament position."

Jungkook raises an eyebrow to seem as if he is bewildered by Yoongi's decision.

"Why would you want to do all that?"

"After that live stream, my company's reputation and net worth took a huge dip, and the parliament has warned me against staying in my position with that scandal hanging over my head. The best thing I can do for my shareholders and employees is to end this mess as soon as possible."

"Good damage control." Jungkook lowers his head with a smile. "Are you curious about who ruined that live stream?"

Yoongi deepens his gaze. "Frankly, yes, I am."

Jungkook widens his smile and passes Yoongi a stapled deck of paper filled with screenshots of emails and bank account transactions.

"Empress Dowager?" Yoongi shrieks as he thumbs through the pages with a compelling look of shock furrowing his eyebrows. "May I keep this?"

"Sure." Jungkook shrugs. "So, what are you planning to do now?"

"I do not know yet," Yoongi mumbles.