Chapter 4

At first, I even doubted it.

I couldn't believe that I had borrowed such a large sum of money.

Just as I suspected, there was no memory or record of borrowing the money.

I went to the bank and pulled out old records, but there was nothing at all.

"Why did you go to the bank?" asked my husband, to which I vaguely replied that I just had something to check. However, as time passed, my doubt turned into certainty, and sometimes I even vividly remembered doing it from my childhood.

I always hated losing in a game or owing someone a favor. Anyway, once it was certain that I borrowed 1 billion, the next question was how to repay it. Regardless of my competitive spirit, I had to repay the large sum. The problem was how.

"A loan…" I muttered briefly but then shook my head. I couldn't borrow more money to repay a debt.

Another day passed, and while going to work, I spotted him riding a bicycle.

I hid myself instinctively and sighed in relief. "…!"

I felt relieved not to run into him, and an idea flashed through my mind.

"He's a man after all…"

The method of repayment might involve using my body. But I soon lamented the thought of selling myself.

Even while organizing the new teachers' information at work, eating lunch, taking a brief bathroom break, and as the end of the workday approached, the thought of selling my body dominated my mind.

There was no other way.

Having made up her mind, she headed to the warehouse where Oh Hajoong was.

§

Days passed without seeing even a shadow of Seo Hyejeong.

I wondered if she was intentionally avoiding me.

"How long do I have to wait, tsk." I

scratched my head, thinking it was taking longer because of the extensive details in her resume.

"Should I go find her myself?"

This was a new situation for me, and I didn't know how to handle it. I even wondered if our previous encounter was just a coincidence and a false hope.

The alarm on my phone rang, signaling the end of the workday.

"If it's not resolved by tomorrow, I'll have to rewrite the resume."

I resolved and was about to leave when Seo Hyejeong appeared in front of the door, about to knock.

"Ah."

Startled by the suddenly opening door, Seo Hyejeong quickly retracted her hand and said, "Excuse me."

I thought to myself that she never greets properly and replied, "Yes, what is it?"

"About the repayment…"

"What about it?"

Seo Hyejeong, with her arms crossed, looked at the warehouse.

"Let's talk inside."

Perhaps worried that other teachers might see, she suggested going inside.

I agreed and entered the warehouse.

"When will you pay the 1 billion? You know it's a huge amount."

Seo Hyejeong glanced at the ground at my question. "I know. It's a large amount. I don't have the money or a way to pay it right now."

"…"

I was surprised by her audacity.

Even if I had never actually lent her money, this would have been her response.

When I stared at her in disbelief, she continued, "Instead, do this."

"What?"

"I'll give you my body, so consider the debt paid."

"…"

I inwardly rejoiced.

Her reaction was slower than an old computer, and I was worried, but luckily, it seemed to work out.

"So… Ms. Seo Hyejeong, you mean that you… with me, is that right?"

"Yes, that's right. I'll do it, so please consider my debt paid."

"Just once?"

"Yes." A billion for one sexual encounter. It seemed too much, even for a celebrity.

"I don't want that." I

stated firmly. Even if I enjoyed it once and had to rewrite the resume, it would take too much time.

"Repay by tomorrow lunchtime, or I'll call the police."

"…!"

"I'll call the police and even sue, so just keep that in mind."

Seo Hyejeong didn't seem fazed by this, but I had to be firm. I was worried for nothing, as Seo Hyejeong's face and body visibly shook.

"That can't happen."

"Why not? It's not a few tens of thousands, it's billions, oh, damn it."

"Did you just swear?!"

Seo Hyejeong glared at me, her eyes blazing.

"Yes. Just repay it now. I'll call and inform your husband too, about you selling your body and the 1-billion debt."

Mentioning her husband made her go pale.

"I'm, I'm sorry about that."

"Move aside, I need to leave. It's 5:57 PM now, so repay it by 8:00 PM."

I pushed past Seo Hyejeong and opened the door. The rusty iron door creaked open, and Seo Hyejeong desperately grabbed my shoulder.

"Wait, please." "Ah, why, damn it."

I had no intention of leaving and just closed the door, looking at her.

"Don't tell my family or the police. I'll find a way to get the money."

"How? You have 2 hours left for 1 billion."

"…"

Seo Hyejeong couldn't say a word. Her flustered appearance gave me a slight sense of pleasure. "Seriously, think about it. 1 billion. 1 billion."

"…I… know."

"To be frank, if sex was worth 1 billion, damn, is that even reasonable?"

I raised my voice and swore. Usually, she would have retorted, but she avoided my gaze and hunched over.

"Even in brothels, you can have sex for 100,000 won, and even high-class ones don't charge a billion."

"…"

"Huh…"

She was either upset or angry, with tears welling in her eyes. I was annoyed seeing her cry without being hit.

"You're the one at fault, why are you crying? Eh? Answer me."

"…I'm sorry."

Her voice was meek. At this point, I offered her a compromise.

"Fine. If you sell your body, I'll reduce the debt."

"…"

Seo Hyejeong looked up at me.

"But there's a condition."

"What is it?"

"Just go to the city center, and you'll see plenty of young, fresh 20-something college students, much younger than Ms. Seo."

My bet with her. She hated losing. Competitiveness only kicks in when there's a competitor.

"You're in your 30s."

"…Yes."

"Married."

"…Yes."

"So, are you better than them in any way?"

"…"

She never answered if it was disadvantageous.

"My condition is this. I'll generously charge 200,000 won per time."

"…"

"Don't like it? Then it's up until 8:00 PM."

She seemed insulted that her body was worth only 200,000 won, trembling and biting her lower lip. Her previously defiant demeanor showing this side was satisfying.

"If you don't want to, just say so."

"…500,000 won…"

"Are you joking? Just give me 500,000 won a day. I'll just go to the city or downtown."

"…" She couldn't afford to pay 500,000 won a day, let alone 1 billion. A public servant's salary wasn't that high.

And she couldn't tell her husband, making her even more frustrated.

"Not repaying 1 billion immediately, not wanting to pay in installments, not wanting to sell your body for 200,000 won. If you're going to keep this up, I'm leaving."

"…Wait. I'll do it."

"What, for 200,000 won?"

"…Yes."

I barely held back a smirk.

"Just so you know, that's more than what prostitutes get. And the time will be… the same as them, 2 hours, and we'll do the same things. I'll teach you."

"…Okay. But have you been to such places? How do you know so much?"

Seo Hyejeong looked at me with disdain. She would soon be the same.

"Yes, I've been. So, when will you start? Right now?"

"…Tomorrow."