CHAPTER 131: NOT HARD ENOUGH

His teasing expression deepened, his lips curving as he leaned just a little closer. "Your red face says it all."

Yeri’s breath hitched.

Shin continued, his tone deliberately nonchalant but his eyes burning with mischief.

"It’s daytime. We’re not in a bedroom. It’s not considered inappropriate for a couple to work out together, right?"

Yeri: "..."

She had walked right into his trap again. Talking to this man was hazardous to her IQ. Every time he opened his mouth, she lost brain cells or maybe, just maybe, it was because her own mind was already straying in that forbidden direction, and Shin, sharp as a hawk, had noticed.

"I can’t work out," she said finally, her voice softer than intended, trying to sound reasonable. "It’s not good for me. My constitution’s... weak."

Shin’s smile widened in a way that was both infuriating and unfairly attractive. "Silly. I’m not asking you to carry a dumbbell or do push-ups. Just keep an eye on me. See if I’m doing the right posture, or help me monitor the time."

Yeri blinked. Was he an athlete now? Why did a man like him need her to coach him of all people?

Every nerve in her body screamed to flee, to avoid getting cornered by his games. But another part of her, the stubborn part, refused to back down. She hated the idea of him smirking later and calling her a coward.

"Fine," she said through gritted teeth. If he wanted her presence, then he would get it.

And if he ended up distracted and "assaulted" by her accidental clumsiness, well, he had only himself to blame.

The private gym was spotless, mirrors stretching across the walls. Dumbbells sat neatly arranged like obedient soldiers, and in the center, Shin rolled up his sleeves with a deliberate slowness that made Yeri regret every life decision that led her here.

He stood on the mat, stretching, and she swore he was doing it on purpose, rolling his shoulders back, flexing muscles that had no business being so distracting.

"Posture check," Shin said casually, glancing at her from the mirror.

Yeri cleared her throat and crossed her arms. "You look... fine."

"Fine?" he echoed, his brows lifting. "That’s all I get?"

"You want me to clap?" she shot back, trying to keep her voice steady. "Bravo. Outstanding posture."

His lips curved into that dangerous smirk again. "Better."

He began his routine, slow push-ups, then planks, then squats, each movement so precise it made Yeri wonder if he’d been born in a training facility instead of a hospital.

Shin suddenly straightened, moving to grab a weight. "Come here. You’re supposed to check my form."

"I am looking," she protested. "At a safe, respectable distance."

"Respectable?" he repeated, like the word offended him. Then he stepped closer, holding a pair of light dumbbells. "Watch carefully."

He began curling them, his arms flexing with every movement.

Yeri "..."

She edged a little closer, determined not to give him the satisfaction of seeing her flustered. But as she leaned forward, trying to inspect his "posture," her foot caught on the edge of the mat.

"Ah—!"

The next second was a blur. She stumbled forward, arms flailing. Shin dropped the dumbbells instantly, catching her around the waist.

For a heartbeat, victory gleamed in his eyes until momentum betrayed him too. They both toppled onto the mat in an ungraceful heap.

Yeri gasped, finding herself sprawled across his chest. His arms still circled her, steadying her as if he had no intention of letting go. His heartbeat thudded under her ear, strong and quick.

"Clumsy," he murmured, his breath tickling her hair. "Or was this an excuse?"

Her face ignited. "You—! You’re heavy! Get off me!"

"You’re the one on top." His smirk was audible.

Before she could sputter back a retort, the door creaked open.

"Shin—"

Both of them froze.

Standing at the doorway was Master Keir, his sharp gaze flicked from Shin to Yeri, taking in the full scene: his son flat on the mat, Yeri draped across him like a caught lover in some scandalous novel.

A long, heavy silence.

Master Keir’s lips pressed into a thin line. "...I see you two are... busy."

Without another word, he turned on his heel and shut the door with almost comical swiftness.

Yeri’s soul nearly left her body. So much for her so-called reputation.

Shin, however, was laughing, full and rich, the sound vibrating against her.

Yeri smacked Shin’s chest, her cheeks still burning. "Don’t laugh! It wasn’t my fault. I just lost my balance!"

"Mm." Shin nodded gravely, as though coaxing a sulky child. "Of course. My baby simply tripped. Nothing to be embarrassed about at all."

The patronizing tone made her puff her cheeks, half indignant and half flustered.

She got up in a huff, brushing invisible dust off her clothes. "I’m leaving."

She stormed toward the door, but her steps slowed.

What was the point?

Master Keir had already seen them foolishly tangled up on a mat. He probably thought she was shameless. Her reputation might already be ruined in his eyes.

Well then. If the damage was already done, she might as well do the thing she had been itching to do since the moment Shin started showing off his muscles.

Whirling back around, Yeri marched toward him with sudden determination.

Shin blinked, startled at her return, but before he could speak, her hand pressed against his firm abdomen. Her fingertips brushed lightly over the ridges of his abs, lingering just long enough to make his smirk falter.

"Not hard enough," she muttered with a teasing smile. "Needs more workout."

Shin’s entire body went still. For once, the great Shin Keir, the man who schemed, teased, and always stayed in control was caught completely off guard.

But before he could react, Yeri had already darted away, as quick as a breeze, vanishing out the door.

Left standing in the gym, Shin slowly touched the spot she had poked. Then his lips curled upward, meaningful and slow.

"Not hard enough, huh?" he murmured, his voice deep with amusement.

---

Meanwhile, that same morning at a distance, the Sin Melle’s golf area was alive with activity.

The manicured greens shimmered under the sun, a playground for professionals and golf enthusiasts gathered for a friendly sporting event.

Among the attendees, Calin Ricci stood out effortlessly. Dressed in a pristine all-white sports outfit, her ponytail swinging elegantly behind her, she looked angelic like she had stepped straight out of a commercial.

Men’s gazes followed her everywhere, admiration written in their eyes. Calin was used to it. She had long since mastered the art of ignoring admirers who, unfortunately, never quite measured up to Shin Keir’s stature.

Her eyes swept the field until she spotted Saeki Jie chatting casually with a group of businessmen.

With practiced grace, she approached and greeted them all, earning polite smiles and subtle glances of awe.

"Brother Saeki," she said warmly. "I’m glad to see you here. I’m not a sports person, so I rarely know the people in this crowd."

Saeki returned her greeting. Calin was, after all, one of his company’s prized talents, and they had always gotten along decently.

"By the way," Calin asked, her tone light, "is Brother Shin not coming?"

"Why would he be here when sis—" Saeki almost bit his tongue. He nearly said sister-in-law.

Clearing his throat with an awkward chuckle, he quickly amended, "You know how he is. Always busy with work. Workaholic to the bone."

Calin’s brows furrowed, but only faintly. Had he just... slurred? Or was she hearing things?

"Miss Ricci seems very close to Shin Keir," one of the nearby men chimed in, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. "I’d be interested to hear from you directly about the rumors going around lately."

At that, the others pretended to not care, though their ears tilted subtly in Calin’s direction.

She shook her head demurely, but crucially, she didn’t deny it outright. She left just enough room for speculation to bloom.

Since her fateful encounter with Shin Keir at the auction house, Calin had finally made up her mind. Enough of the endless games of playing hard to get, pretending to be aloof, weaving schemes like it was all business. None of it had worked.

From now on, she would be direct. She would show him her heart.

No more running.

No more pretending.

No more taking the long route.

Saeki, oblivious to the storm brewing in her thoughts, raised a hand. "Don’t put Calin in an embarrassing spot with baseless gossip. I’ll tell you myself, there’s nothing going on between my big bro and her."

Calin: "..."

The crowd nodded, most of them convinced. Saeki Jie was known as Shin’s close friend, and his word carried weight.

Calin bit her lip. She had to clear this up. Pulling Saeki aside, she asked softly if they could speak in private.

At a quieter spot, she dropped the act completely. "Brother Saeki... can you help me with Brother Shin? I really like him."

Saeki stared at her, dumbstruck.

He had once promoted Calin to Shin but what did he get? A beating.

He had assumed she had a minor crush, nothing more. But this... this sounded serious.

Scratching his head, he sighed. "Calin, there are so many men out there who adore you... men with the same status as you. It’s not going to work with my big bro."

Calin’s face crumpled with wounded dignity. "Brother Saeki, you know me. How can you say that? Do I look like I’m lacking? Even Elder Madam Keir likes me. If I persist and show him my true feelings, surely I can warm his heart."

Saeki swallowed hard. This was getting dangerous. "Calin, this isn’t about status or family prestige. Big bro doesn’t care about that."

"Exactly," Calin interrupted eagerly. "That’s why I want a chance for him to know me personally. Even if he doesn’t care about status, he’s still a man. Or..." She lifted her chin stubbornly. "Or do you think my appearance isn’t up to his standards?"

Saeki was speechless. As much as he wanted to spare her feelings, lying would only make things worse.

She was his talent, his responsibility and seeing her like this was like watching a graceful swan throw itself into a fire.