Reincarnated as a Housekeeper in a 19+ Gangster Romance Novel - Chapter 12

TLed by Mimo (Bedtime BL)

Jeong Hwanhui stared blankly at the ceiling of his room. He couldn't remember the last time he laid down and rested like this. His father, the boss of the Heavenly Dragon Faction, and his mother, a simple housewife, had both died when he was twenty, caught in the crossfire of a gang war.

After their funerals, Jeong Hwanhui naturally inherited his father's position. His father had always told him that as the eldest son, he had to protect his three younger siblings. Jeong Hwanhui had always believed this was his duty.

So, unlike his younger siblings who ran around carefree, Jeong Hwanhui followed his father around since childhood, learning everything he needed to become the next leader. So when his father died, though he was grief-stricken, he remained confident that he could lead the organization as effectively as his father had.

But that was a grave miscalculation.

Dealing with gangsters twice his age was no easy task. The older snakes were constantly trying to undermine him, while enemies outside the Heavenly Dragon Faction were sharpening their claws, eager to devour the organization.

Every day felt like living in hell. Only the thought of his remaining family kept him clinging to his position. Just when he thought he was finally settling in, he fell into a trap set by another gang. By now, they must be frantically searching for him. Jeong Hwanhui slowly rose to his feet.

His stomach still ached, but it was much better than before. All thanks to Kim Hanyul, the man who had treated him so rudely and the first man to ever do so.

Until now, the people around him either found him intimidating or treated him with contempt, never anything in between.

At first, he suspected the man was an enemy spy. But his demeanor was too detached for that. He acted like a salaried worker, performing his duties with mechanical precision: feeding him, changing his bandages, checking for any unusual symptoms, and leaving without a trace of lingering attachment.

On the first day, he crawled to the door to check if it was locked, fearing he was being imprisoned. But from that day forward, the door had never been locked, not once.

There were no suspicious figures lurking nearby, no signs of surveillance. Based on his observations, the man was likely just an ordinary civilian.

Perhaps I've finally met my savior.

Having done this for so long, I'd forgotten how to accept kindness. The thought that everything I'd been wary of was simply goodwill made my icy heart feel like it was thawing slightly.

Once Jeong Hwanhui realized it was kindness, he too gradually began to lower his guard.

He ate the food offered without complaint, helped Kim Hanyul wrap his bandages comfortably, and diligently took the medicine he was given. At first, it felt awkward to have someone taking care of him, but after a day or two...

Not bad. In fact...

It felt kind of nice. To top it off, he now found himself subtly looking forward to Kim Hanyul's visits. The best moments were always when they wrapped the bandages together. It was the only time Kim Hanyul, who always kept his distance, would approach him first.

My eyesight was poor, so I couldn't make out his face clearly, but when he came close, I loved Kim Hanyul's unique scent. It was so captivating that I initially wondered if he might be an omega, but after subtly releasing pheromones, I detected no unusual reactions, suggesting he wasn't.

That scent made my heart race.

The more I smelled it each day, the more curious I became.

What kind of person was Kim Hanyul? What did his face look like? What did he do for a living? Did he have enough free time to help me so much? What did he like?

Jeong Hwanhui's curiosity grew daily, but whenever they met,  he couldn't bring himself to ask any questions. He could only stammer "Yes" repeatedly to his inquiries like a fool. This was the first time he'd ever been curious about someone outside his family, and he didn't know how to express it.

"...I want to know a little more."

Jeong Hwanhui carefully rose from his seat and put on his coat, attributing his curiosity to the fact that Kim Hanyul had saved his life. Now, even this much movement felt effortless. Today, he plans to go out and call the organization from a public phone.

I need to explain the situation and start thinking about returning soon.

He couldn't just lie here forever.

The thought of returning naturally brought to mind his impending separation from Kim Hanyul. A sudden wave of regret washed over him.

To part like this...

If they parted now, they might never see each other again. He knew nothing about Kim Hanyul beyond his name.

Wait a minute. Do we really have to separate?

Why not just take him with me?

After much deliberation, Jeong Hwanhui shifted his perspective. There was no need to overcomplicate things. As his life's savior, he should keep him by his side until he fully repaid his debt.

With this realization, the weight on his heart lifted considerably.

Yes. I'll take him with me.

Having settled his thoughts, Jeong Hwanhui stepped outside.

Blinding.

The sunlight, which he hadn't seen in so long, was dazzling. He cautiously surveyed his surroundings, preparing for any potential threats, and headed toward the public phone booth. Though his vision was poor, he knew the layout of his neighborhood well. Public phones had long since become relics, but he remembered there being one remaining nearby. Despite its age, it should still be functional.


- "Hello?"

- "Scorpion, it's me."

- "...Boss? Is that you, Boss? It's really you, isn't it? Boss! You're alive!"

- "Yes."

- "Where have you been all this time?! I was terrified something happened to you that day! Do you know how worried we are?!"

When Jeong Hwanhui called his right-hand man, a deep, resonant voice boomed through the line.

As expected of someone who has been by his side for so long, Scorpion immediately recognized his voice and began firing questions in a tone that sounded like he was about to burst into tears.

Jeong Hwanhui calmly explained his situation.

- "Yes! I'll come get you right away!"

- "We'll leave at night. For now, just bring my glasses. I can't see a thing, and it's driving me crazy."

-"Yes, sir! I'll set out immediately!"

- "Good."

The call ended as quickly as Scorpion's crisp reply. With this, all preparations for his return were complete. Now, all that remained was to return to the motel and wait for Kim Hanyul to come back.

Finally, I'll see Kim Hanyul's face today.

What will he look like?

His voice sounded young, but what will he be like in person? Young? No, considering he used casual speech from the start, he might be an older man.

Of course, whether he was young or old... it didn't matter. He was his benefactor. He will keep him by his side until he repaid his debt in full.

Jeong Hwanhui smiled contentedly, like a well-fed beast.

-------------------------------------

"What should I make for dinner tonight...?"

My current dilemma, having gone from a gang boss to practically a housewife, revolved entirely around meal preparation. I'd always just cooked whatever I felt like eating at the moment or whatever Jeong Hwangyu asked for, but even that was starting to feel limited.

Besides, Jeong Hwangyu usually ate dinner outside, and Jeong Hwanseo never ate at home at all.

So I only need to worry about dinner for the young Jeong Hwanyeong and the ailing Jeong Hwanhui. But both were so quiet and undemanding that planning their meals became even more challenging.

Since today might be our last day...

...Should I grill some meat?

A quick check of the refrigerator revealed a cut of beef that looked unmistakably expensive. Considering Jeong Hwanyeong has been eating whatever I gave him lately, it seemed worth trying.

When it comes to meat, beef is king.

As soon as I made up my mind, I took out the beef and started grilling it. The aroma wafting from the sizzling meat was heavenly. First, I will take care of Jeong Hwanyeong. I cut the beef into bite-sized pieces and headed to his room.

Knock, knock, knock.

After knocking, I opened the door, as usual, without waiting for a response. Jeong Hwanyeong was already sitting at the table, waiting for me.

His cheeks looked noticeably plumper these days, thanks to the good meals I've been feeding him. Kids should look like this, after all.

"Today's a special treat, delicious beef. Chew it well!"

Jeong Hwanyeong's eyes sparkled. Thankfully, he seemed to enjoy the meat. Though he remained silent, his initial wariness had significantly diminished.

Looking at him now, I realized how much he resembled Jeong Hwanhui.

It was like this side was a wary cat, and the other side was a wary wolf.

After closing the door to let Jeong Hwanyeong eat in peace, I began packing Jeong Hwanhui's meal. Soon, I filled a lunchbox with meat, put on my usual mask, and headed outside.

Jeong Hwanhui's wounds have healed considerably, and he can now move around on his own. If I take care of him until today, he will be able to manage on his own from now on. I gazed at the carefully packed lunchbox.

He eats everything so well, so he must like meat too.

Since this was the last time, I made sure to put extra effort into it.

For Kim Hanyul, this was the end, but for Park Gyumin, the housekeeper, it will soon be their first meeting.

Worried the meat might get cold, he hurried to the motel.

CHAPTER 11 ⬅ ♥︎ ⮕ CHAPTER 13

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