* * *

Doyoung was momentarily unsettled by how accurately Beom Sinje saw through him.

It must have shown in his expression or some other sign.

“Were you really planning something?”

Beom Sinje frowned, looking at him like he was a troublesome dog that wouldn’t listen.

“Of course not.”

The look on Beom Sinje’s face didn’t lose its skepticism, making Doyoung’s tone sharper in response.

Even though he had denied it, the lack of trust stung a little.

“As I said earlier, hyung, you need to take better care of yourself. You know things are different now.”

The topic shifted abruptly.

It was the same argument they had earlier about Doyoung’s health and his future activities.

“I already told you, I can manage myself just fine. So stop nagging. And when are you planning to move out of that house?”

Doyoung tried to sound more assertive.

The truth was, the house legally belonged to Beom Sinje, but why should he care?

He was the one living there now.

To continue enjoying a carefree retired life and his indulgent fan activities, he needed to secure a space of his own.

The main reason they had such heated arguments about his health was precisely this.

“Until the doctor clears you to live alone.”

Doyoung frowned at that response.

“I doubt that doctor will ever say anything favorable for me.”

“When did you get so close to the doctor?”

“What, you don’t like it when I get close to others?”

Doyoung tossed out the question like a joke, but there was no playful comeback this time.

The silence felt more awkward, as if he had accidentally struck a nerve.

It wasn’t his intention, but facing Beom Sinje made it difficult for him to be assertive.

Sadly, the person standing before him was his most cherished favorite.

Ultimately, he had no choice but to back down.

“No, I’m not close to them. If anything, aren’t you the one who’s closer?”

Thinking about it, Doyoung had something he’d been curious to ask Beom Sinje for a while.

He hesitated for a moment, considering the chaos around them, then decided to speak.

“By the way, did you properly investigate that doctor’s background?”

Beom Sinje stared at him, as if trying to figure out why he was asking.

Doyoung held his gaze steadily.

Beom Sinje was one of the few people who knew about Doyoung’s past.

He wouldn’t be oblivious to the reason behind the question.

“Their record was spotless. There were no disqualifying issues, almost like they were prepared for this from the beginning.”

“Medical professionals are expected to be diligent in their work. Of course, there shouldn’t be any problems.”

Doyoung smiled innocently, feigning ignorance.

After studying his expression for a moment, Beom Sinje seemed to decide not to press further and changed the subject.

“Let’s head back. The Cheonho Guild will be handling the dungeon as you wanted, so I’ll make the necessary reports. We’ll be busy.”

“Sure.”

He figured they were heading straight to the guild.

That assumption was half correct, half wrong.

“Get out.”

“Aren’t we going to the guild?”

“We are.”

Then why did they stop here?

Instead of asking, Doyoung glanced outside.

They were parked at the entrance of an officetel, not the company.

“Go on in.”

The implication was clear: he intended to drop him off here and go on alone.

Doyoung, instead of unbuckling, crossed his arms.

“I’m supposed to be your assistant, right? Shouldn’t I help the Guild Leader with their tasks?”

“There’s nothing for you to do today.”

“That’s your opinion. I can’t just take a paycheck without showing my face at the guild, can I?”

Besides, he had plans to return Beom Sinje’s sword, which he had taken from him.

“I was there for the dungeon too, wasn’t I? I might have some insights to share.”

‘Wasn’t he the one who assigned that position to him in the first place?’

He didn’t bother saying it aloud, confident that Beom Sinje would get the hint without needing to spell it out.

As expected, a faint look of acknowledgment flickered in the eyes that met his.

“Stubborn as always.”

“Oh, really now?”

Is he seriously trying to challenge me?

He wasn’t exactly a pushover before, but lately, he’s been treating me like I’m just a friend or a younger brother.

‘I’m clearly the older one here.’

It was the same in the novel, and in reality as well.

In the professional world, I’m technically his senior by a long shot, but I can’t exactly say that out loud. It’s frustrating.

Not that there’s any guarantee that Beom Sinje would change his attitude even if he knew.

“I have to go because I need to ask the doctor something.”

What else could I do? I had to give him a reasonable excuse.

“You said you weren’t close with him.”

“Why are you being so childish?”

“Why do you even want to meet him?”

He doesn’t give in, not even once.

Should I just post about this on Hunter’s Dotcom? “Beom Sinje isn’t actually a stoic, charismatic guild master—he’s just a whiny brat.”

‘Oh, right. That post I made earlier!’

The thought resurfaced, and I suddenly wanted to check it.

The reaction must have been intense.

To do that, I needed to either head to the guild or get off here.

“ATE Pharmaceuticals suggested we do a pre-market beta test. I need to ask the doctor some questions related to that.”

Now that I think about it, there’s no need to keep arguing with Beom Sinje.

It’s not like we’re going to use that item immediately.

“Fine, whatever. If I really have nothing else to do today, I’ll get off.”

Deciding it was better to wait for another chance, Doyoung unfastened his seatbelt.

He tried to open the door, but it wouldn’t budge.

“Unlock it.”

Doyoung demanded, but Beom Sinje just stared silently before sighing and saying nonchalantly:

“Let’s go together.”

He sounded like someone trying to soothe an upset partner.

“I’m good, thanks. I’ve got things to do, so I can go later.”

“You’ve got things to do?”

Beom Sinje’s eyes bore into him as if demanding an immediate explanation.

Doyoung realized he’d spoken without thinking it through.

“No, I mean you’re busy, so I’ll go later.”

Beom Sinje didn’t easily accept the excuse.

His distrust was almost pitiful.

“Just open the door. I’m tired and need to rest.”

That finally worked.

The lock clicked open immediately.

But it didn’t end there.

“What’s with you?”

“You said you’re tired.”

Well, I am, but that’s no reason for him to get off with me.

What he said next was even more absurd.

“I need to keep an eye on you in case you collapse again.”

Seriously, he doesn’t let a single comment slide.

‘This guy acts tough with bureaucrats, but here he is, acting like this with me.’

Recalling the pompous official they’d met earlier, Doyoung frowned.

In other areas, it might not matter, but if things continue like this, he might have to keep dealing with that insufferable guy on every assignment.

‘I should dig into his background, just in case.’

He crossed his arms, already planning how to handle it if necessary.

As Beom Sinje’s gaze lingered on him, Doyoung asked:

“What?”

“Nothing.”

Sensing the look, Doyoung squinted at him before changing the subject.

“Oh, right. I almost forgot. When you form the raid team, make sure to include a special-type hunter who’s good at terrain analysis.”

Beom Sinje looked at him questioningly.

“Sometimes there are anomalies inside dungeons that robots can’t detect. It’s faster for a special-type hunter to check those directly.”

“As expected, you’re better than me.”

“I’ve got years of experience.”

Doyoung scoffed, and Beom Sinje nodded in agreement.

“You’re right. You’re the one who successfully managed a massive organization.”

How can he say something so embarrassing with a straight face?

Doyoung scratched his neck as he stepped into the elevator.

* * *