Reincarnated as a Housekeeper in a 19+ Gangster Romance Novel - Chapter 11

TLed by Mimo (Bedtime BL)

"Wow, that was a surprise..."

After bringing Jeong Hwanhui his meal and telling him to rest, I left the motel room.

I already thought Jeong Hwanhui was handsome even with his eyes closed, but when awake and talking, he was undeniably the male lead material. Even as a man myself, my first thought when he opened his eyes was, He's so handsome. That says it all.

He glared at me with cold, hard eyes, full of suspicion.

Despite that sharp gaze, his tone was surprisingly polite, creating an amusing contrast. Of course, I spoke casually, using informal language, to avoid being recognized—a departure from my usual behavior. Fortunately, judging by his reaction, he didn't seem to realize I was his housekeeper.

A week of care should be enough.

Considering his current condition, that should suffice. He's not as badly injured as I'd feared. I'll need to change his bandages later and make sure he eats properly... Busy, busy. Just another task added to my duties as a housekeeper.

First, I'll prepare breakfast for Jeong Hwangyu and Jeong Hwanyeong before coming back.

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"Have a good day, young master."

After sending Jeong Hwanyeong to kindergarten, I stretched and fell into thought. Jeong Hwangyu had already left, Jeong Hwanyeong had just gone to kindergarten, and Jeong Hwanseo hasn't been seen since yesterday. It was the weekend when Jeong Hwanhui didn't came home to visit, but everyone seemed unfazed, carrying on with their lives as usual, as if this was nothing new.

Well, it probably meant Jeong Hwanhui broke his promises so often that it became commonplace. That's just how it is being a gang boss—fiercely busy, day and night. I've lived that life myself. When I first took over as a boss, I was swamped around the clock, dealing with rival gangs starting fights and managing the gang's businesses. It was all work, work, work.

Should I pack lunch for him? No, he's probably still asleep. He hasn't been up long since eating his porridge, and I made sure he took his medicine before I left. Though, judging by the wary look in his eyes, there's a high chance he threw the medicine away...

Wait a minute. What should I prepare for dinner?

Should I give him pumpkin porridge again?

Jeong Hwanyeong seemed perfectly content eating only that, but Jeong Hwanhui would likely feel differently. Based on how he ate earlier, I think it'd be okay to mix in a bit more rice this time. And with plenty of meat at home, maybe I should make samgyetang (Korean ginseng chicken soup stuffed with glutinous rice)?

Alright, even if Jeong Hwanyeong eats it well, I can't keep feeding him just pumpkin porridge forever. Today, I'll try making samgyetang. I'll serve it separately from the pumpkin porridge and see if he eats it.

First, I should clean up...

I started cleaning right away, diligently tackling the housework. It was hectic being alone, but soon the female lead would arrive, adding another pair of hands to lighten the load. Unlike the foolish Park Gyumin, I plan to make her work as hard as possible. We will be getting the same salary, so she might as well earn her keep. But when will she arrive? If I remembered correctly, it should be around summer...

"...Oh? You finished it all?"

Time flew by as I worked tirelessly. I prepared dinner for Jeong Hwanyeong, who had just returned from kindergarten, and thankfully, the samgyetang seemed to suit his taste—he ate every last bite. Good. From now on, I'll try giving him various kinds of porridge instead of just pumpkin porridge. Maybe he'll start eating rice eventually.

After finishing the dishes, I returned to my room. It was time to head out. I hurriedly packed my essentials and left the house.

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"...Are you asleep?"

I noticed the motel room was dark. I knocked, but when no answer came from inside, I quietly slipped in.

"You've arrived."

As if sensing my presence, a voice as cold as ice came from the bed. After confirming Jeong Hwanhui wasn't asleep, I turned on the light. Jeong Hwanhui's pale face glared at me with a frigid expression.

Even if caution is warranted, I'm still the benefactor who saved you. His gaze is too cold.

However, in the short time I've been gone, he seemed to have recovered somewhat. Though still leaning against the wall at an angle, he was now able to sit up, something he couldn't do before.

His recovery is truly remarkable.

"Yeah. How's your body feeling?"

"I'm fine."

"Good. That's a relief. Here, eat this."

I handed Jeong Hwanhui the samgyetang I brought in a thermos. Unlike how he'd first suspected the pumpkin porridge, this time he readily accepted and ate it all. I glanced at the slightly bloodstained bandage. I should change that after he's done eating, I thought, rummaging through my bag for medical supplies. Just then, Jeong Hwanhui asked in a slightly awed tone, "...Are you a chef?"

"Why? Is it good?"

He didn't answer, but his silence was as good as a yes. It seemed he genuinely enjoyed my cooking. The fact that Jeong Hwanhui, who was wary of me the entire time, would ask such a question was telling. Well, I am confident in my cooking skills. After confirming that he had completely emptied the bowl, I climbed onto the bed with the bandage.

"What are you doing?"

As I climbed onto the bed, Jeong Hwanhui glared at me with wary eyes, looking like a wounded wolf. I shrugged to show I meant no harm and held up the bloodstained bandage.

"We need to change this bloodsoaked bandage and apply medicine to the wound. It won't heal properly if we leave it like this."

"...Understood."

Despite his docile words, his expression remained sharp enough to kill. Relax your eyes a little. Don't they hurt?

I'm only here to treat you. Just to treat you!

I carefully unwrapped Jeong Hwanhui's bandage. Fortunately, the well-stitched wound remained intact.

"Endure the pain."

"Ugh."

I poured antiseptic over the wound and applied medicine. Jeong Hwanhui clenched his teeth against the pain and finally let out a faint groan as if he couldn't bear it any longer. But there was no choice. This was necessary for it to heal quickly.

After meticulously applying the medicine, I pressed close to Jeong Hwanhui to wrap the final bandage. Since the wound was on his abdomen, I had no choice but to make physical contact as I wound the bandage around him. As I pressed close, I could feel Jeong Hwanhui tensing up, his body stiffening with tension.

He's sweating cold sweat...

A trickle of cold sweat slid down his collarbone, likely from the pain of the medicine. The sweat continued its descent, tracing the contours of Jeong Hwanhui's firm chest. Pressed so close, my gaze involuntarily followed the glistening droplets downward.

It wasn't just a few drops, it was a steady stream. Flowing.

It's oddly distracting...

Deciding I should wipe it away before it reached the bandage, I paused wrapping and raised my free hand to wipe away the sweat trailing down Jeong Hwanhui's chest.

At that moment—

"Ugh! What... what are you trying to do?!"

I was startled by his panicked voice and the sudden shove.

"No, I just saw sweat dripping down and wanted to wipe it off..."

I pointed at Jeong Hwanhui's chest with wide, surprised eyes.

I felt wronged.

Jeong Hwanhui glared at me as if I was a shameless pervert, then seemed to realize his upper body was drenched in sweat. His eyes flickered with embarrassment.

"I should have said something first. Sorry if I startled you."

I didn't expect such an overreaction.

"...It's fine," Jeong Hwanhui snapped, turning his head away. I noticed his ears were flushed red. He must have misunderstood my touch as having impure intentions. Between two men? What nonsense...

He seemed uncomfortable with me wiping him down by hand, so I got up, grabbed a towel, and used it to wipe his body instead.

Twitch.

Twitch, twitch.

Ugh, seriously? Why is he twitching so much?

He's not some blushing bride... what's with all the twitching?

It's like I'm teasing some innocent kid who doesn't know any better.

I thought only Jeong Hwanseo was so sensitive, but Jeong Hwanhui seems just as damn touchy.

He's built like a mountain... and what's this? He won't even look at me.

Jeong Hwanhui stared at the distant mountains, his face flushed crimson. Speechless, I threw down the towel, finished bandaging him, and quickly moved away. As I retreated, his complexion visibly improved.

"Take your medicine properly. I'll bring breakfast tomorrow morning. Don't move around before you're fully healed and risk reopening the wound. Just stay put and get some rest."

"Yes," Jeong Hwanhui replied meekly.

I waved goodbye to him, hastily tidied up the bedding, and stepped outside to let him rest. Just then, Jeong Hwanhui called out to me.

"Excuse me."

"Hm? What is it? Do you need anything?"

"Can you tell me your name? I'll be sure to repay this kindness."

If his expression is anything to go by, he looks more like he's plotting revenge than repaying a debt.

After a moment's hesitation, I spoke.

"Kim Hanyul."

"...Kim Hanyul?"

"Yeah, that's my name. Get some rest."

It has been a long time since I've spoken my real name aloud. I turned and headed home, leaving behind Jeong Hwanhui's faint murmur of "Kim Hanyul" behind me.

CHAPTER 10 ⬅ ♥︎ ⮕ CHAPTER 12