Mr. Billionaire Matchmaker

A few days later…

Ha-na took a deep breath before stepping into the luxurious foyer of the Cha Family Mansion. She was nervous. She hadn't felt this nervous since her CSAT* exams. She already memorized what she was going to say – she hoped she would finally be able to sign the Cha Family's son into her agency before her competitors did.

She followed the butler into a sleek, modern living room. A tall, slim, middle-aged woman sat at one of the white Chesterfield sofas dotted around the space. When Ha-na entered the room, she rose to greet her.

"You must be Oh Ha-na from TruHeart Matchmaking Agency, am I right?"

The woman's dainty hands wrapped around Ha-na's affectionately. Seeing the gentle smile on her radiant face, which had fewer wrinkles despite her advanced age, Ha-na felt the tension leave her body almost immediately.

A large, professional smile stretched her lips. "Yes, I am. Nice to meet you, Ms. Na Yoon-ah. I hope we'll work well together."

They both sat down on the sofa. Yoon-ah ordered tea and pastries for Ha-na before they got down to business.

"You see, my son can be very stubborn and rigid-minded," Yoon-ah explained, smoothing down the gathers of her green coat dress. "He's determined not to get married. I've tried to get him to meet someone through blind dates and casual events, but nothing has worked."

She glanced uncertainly at Ha-na. "Hope this won't be too much of a problem?"

Ha-na grinned. "You don't have to worry yourself, Ms. Yoon-ah. I've dealt with worse clients before. I assure you; I am able to handle him."

"I just want him to find someone he cares about. I worry he works way too hard."

"Whether he works hard or not," A gruff, male voice coming from outside the living room suddenly interrupted. "The fact remains that he must get married soon. Or else, I'll take away the company from him."

Ha-na rose to her feet as soon as the voice materialized into a middle-aged man with salt-and-pepper hair – and entered the living room. His face was austere, and his aura commanded respect and power. Ha-na was in no doubt that she faced the renowned Chairman Cha, Owner of Korea's number one jewellery empire, G & L.

He fixed her a severe look. "I've heard many praise-worthy comments within my circle about your matchmaking skills, Ms. Oh Ha-na. But I guess we'll get to see whether it's true or not."

Chairman Cha made himself comfortable at one of the sofas. Yoon-ah didn't look too happy at his intrusion. "Ha-na here was just telling me how the matchmaking for our son will go."

"I see." Ha-na once again found herself under the stern gaze of the formidable Chairman Cha. She gulped nervously, but she wasn't one to back down from a challenge. "

"Let's hear what you have to say, Ms. Oh Ha-na. I want to know if this is worth my time." Chairman Cha glanced at his silver wristwatch.

Ha-na plastered a mechanical smile on her face. "Of course." She brought out a couple of documents from within her handbag and began talking in a professional voice.

"Our matchmaking process is simple: we'll talk with your son to understand his character, values, preferences, and what he seeks in an ideal partner. Then, we'll hand-pick a couple of suitable matches from our client database and set up a date with each of them. We have a professional relationship coach in-house to help your son be more open to emotional connections."

She handed them each some colourful brochures and a document file. "This is a copy of the contract to be signed before your son officially becomes an exclusive member with us. It contains all the necessary information and time limit for the process."

Chairman Cha looked it over, his glasses hanging low by the bridge of his nose. "I'll have it examined by my lawyer." He rose from his seat. "I have high expectations from you, Ms. Oh Ha-na. Don't let me down."

***

Several minutes later, Ha-na once again walked down the foyer – but with Yoon-ah in tail this time.

"Thank you so much for meeting with me here. I hope it wasn't too much trouble."

"Oh, no, not at all. It was a pleasure meeting you, Ms. Na." Ha-na shook her hands.

Yoon-ah smiled broadly. "Please, call me Yoon-ah. And let's keep in touch regularly. I'd like to know how the process is going with my son – if he's interacting well at the dates."

"Of course. You can rest assured."

"What's this talk about dates?" A deep baritone boomed from behind Ha-na. She whirled around to see a towering man with blazing black eyes under long, slashing brows glaring at her. 

The aristocratic features of his face and long, straight posture in his black, three-piece suit spoke of his undeniable handsomeness. But his eyes were ice-cold and full of contempt. Ha-na felt herself instantly shrinking under his gaze.

"Ji-hoon, you're back!" Yoon-ah made her way towards him, all smiles, but stopped halfway after her phone rang. She picked it up.

"Sorry, Ji-hoon, I have to pick this. We can discuss over dinner. I have much to tell you." Yoon-ah turns to Ha-na, gesturing. "This is my son, Ji-hoon. You two can chat for a bit."

With that, she scurries away, leaving Ha-na alone with the imposing man. If this was the client she had to deal with, she was in for a long haul. She attempted a cheerful smile, gathering her composure to appear polite.

"Hello. I don't believe we've met. I'm Oh Ha-na." Ha-na offered her hand for a handshake, but Ji-hoon only stared at it with disdain.

"How much were you paid?"

Ha-na blinked. "Excuse me?"

"How much were you paid to leg-shackle me into marrying you?"

Ha-na felt her brows climb higher in surprise. "You think I'm here to marry you?"

He gave her a quick, disinterested once-over and spoke in a bored voice. "I've seen this one too many times. Playing ignorant won't fool me." 

Ha-na swallowed a laughter that rose up her throat. She figured they hadn't briefed their son yet on the matchmaking business, considering the doggedness of his character – as she just witnessed now.

The situation felt so humorous that she decided to play into his hands. "Yes, you're right. I did come here for such a purpose, but not in the way you think."

He stepped closer to her. With the way he regarded her, Ha-na felt like he'd sooner burn a hole into the back of her head. She did not mistake the frosty undertone in his voice.

"Then, let me make it clear once and for all. I'm not interested in marriage. Never. So, do yourself a favour and don't waste your time."

Staring up at the irate Adonis before her, Ha-na groaned inwardly. It looked like the heir of G & L would be her biggest challenge yet.