Living in Simulation

Chapter 6. Exposure

In her private chamber, Kim Minji reclined, her eyes closed in repose, yet her mind occasionally conjured the image of Kang Haerin's fearful gaze.

Clearly, the girl was terrified, yet her demeanor would swiftly shift to one of delight, akin to a tranquil pond rippling with the descent of delicate petals. The exquisite surroundings stirred within Minji a desire to disrupt, to incessantly caress and possess like a coveted treasure within the palm of her hand.

"Director, regarding the plan to acquire Belif's chemical laboratory, do you have any ideas?"

"The sooner, the better." Kim Minji rubbed her temple, her gaze drifting towards her trusted aide, speaking plainly, "Especially regarding the key personnel in that laboratory. Investigate them thoroughly, scrutinize them relentlessly. We must continue to utilize our existing workforce, under no circumstances should any of them be allowed to resign or disappear."

For Minji to issue such a directive, it undoubtedly marked a task of utmost importance. Youngeum Lee ventured, "During your time at Belif, was your body exposed to any peculiar chemicals or radiation?"

"Not me."

Lee, the secretary, knew all too well the anguish Minji had endured for the past few months, and for whom.

***

Haerin curled up on the bed. She wrapped the blanket tightly around herself, silently surveying the vast expanse of this grand house.

The silhouette of the house still seemed vast, almost surreal. Haerin began to look around eagerly, searching for hidden corners she hadn't yet explored.
Perched on the renowned street favored by the city's elite, the penthouse offered unobstructed views of the winding Han River. As she blinked away the remnants of sleep, the room enveloped its owner in a symphony of luxury and opulence.

The furnishings of this penthouse exuded elegance and sophistication, a testament to the owner's aesthetic taste. Every detail, from the exquisite furniture to the meticulously selected artworks, spoke volumes.
"Bosch, huh? Quite eccentric." Haerin muttered to herself.

As Haerin gazed around, she suddenly noticed an underlying peculiarity, a subtle affinity with the artistic style of Hieronymus Bosch that permeated the space.
The furniture, crafted from the finest materials and upholstered in luxurious fabrics, featured intricate carvings and elaborate decorations reminiscent of Bosch's fantastical imagery. The lines and contours of the furniture reflected the twisted shapes and surreal landscapes found in the paintings of this artist, infusing the space with an allure from another world.
The architecture of this penthouse was equally impressive, with high vaulted ceilings and expansive windows flooding the space with natural light. Intricately carved moldings adorned the walls, while intricately designed chandeliers cast a soft, elegant glow throughout the room.

Haerin began to trail her bound feet along the wall, marveling at the meticulous attention to detail infused into every inch. From the hand-painted murals adorning the walls to the intricately patterned tiled floors, each element was carefully chosen to evoke a sense of sophistication.

Everything stood in stark contrast to her current state. Ironically surreal. Haerin couldn't help but smile bitterly.

The effects of the drug were slowly fading, replaced by a dull ache rising from her body, but Haerin dared not touch the wound. Kim Minji, with her eccentric personality, whatever she said, Haerin had to do, but doing anything without Minji's orders would also incur her wrath.

Haerin had long accepted the painful reality, accepting that she could not escape punishment.

The pervasive itch spread throughout her body, and she began to sink into sleep, where the icy sensation replaced the burning sensation, both polar opposites alternating to torment her with pain and fear.