Touch Therapy: Where Hands Go, Bodies Beg-Chapter 368 - 367: Dong’s Mansion

The Dong family residence was less a home and more a statement of architectural ambition—a sprawling modern estate perched on the slopes of Bukhansan, offering panoramic views of Seoul that justified every square meter of its exorbitant cost. The driveway alone was longer than most city blocks, winding through meticulously landscaped gardens that blended natural beauty with deliberate design.

Joon-ho’s car navigated the curved path with Yurin seated beside him, her posture slightly more formal than usual, her hands clasped in her lap. She’d been quiet since they left the city, her thoughts evidently occupied with the significance of this visit. Meeting Dong Min-jae in his own territory was one thing; meeting him alongside Chae-won—South Korea’s most acclaimed actress—was something else entirely.

"It’s beautiful." Yurin observed as they approached the main entrance, her eyes taking in the modern lines of the building, the extensive use of glass and natural stone, the way the structure seemed to grow from the mountain itself.

"It is." Joon-ho agreed. "The Dong family has always appreciated architecture that makes a statement. This place was designed to impress, and it succeeds."

They stopped at the grand entrance, where a uniformed butler was already waiting to receive them. He stepped forward with practiced elegance, opening Yurin’s door before moving to assist Joon-ho.

"Welcome to the Dong residence, sir. Mistress Yurin." His bow was respectful but not obsequious, conveying the refined service that characterized households of this caliber. "Master Dong is currently occupied in the game room, but he’s been expecting you. Mistress Chae-won is also at home and will join you shortly."

"Thank you." Joon-ho acknowledged with a nod. "We appreciate the welcome."

The interior of the mansion was equally impressive—a vast open space that seamlessly blended living areas, entertainment zones, and more intimate corners. The design was modern but warm, with careful attention to lighting, artwork, and the kind of subtle details that spoke to substantial investment in both aesthetics and comfort.

The butler guided them toward the game room, a space that clearly served as Dong’s personal sanctuary. The door was open, revealing a setup that would make any serious gamer enquire—multiple high-end monitors arranged in a curved configuration, a custom-built gaming chair that looked more like a spacecraft cockpit than furniture, sound systems that could deliver immersive audio without disturbing the rest of the household.

Dong was seated in the center of it all, his attention completely focused on the screen, his fingers moving with practiced speed across keyboard and mouse. He was clearly in the middle of an intense match, his expression concentrated, his body leaning forward as he navigated the virtual battlefield.

Before Joon-ho could announce himself, soft footsteps approached from the staircase. Chae-won descended, moving with the easy grace of someone entirely comfortable in her own home. She was dressed in nothing more than a luxurious bathrobe, the silk fabric clinging to her curves in a way that was casual yet undeniably alluring. Her hair was loose, falling in soft waves around her shoulders, her face fresh and bare of makeup.

She looked different from the polished actress seen on red carpets and magazine covers—more relaxed, more approachable, but no less beautiful for it. This was Chae-won in her private space, unguarded and authentic.

"You’re here." She greeted them with a warm smile, descending the last few steps to join them. "I was hoping you’d arrive soon. Dong’s been in a particularly competitive mood today, and I think he could use the distraction."

Joon-ho turned, his appreciative glance encompassing her relaxed appearance. "It’s good to see you again, Chae-won. You look... comfortable."

"I am." She acknowledged easily, unbothered by her state of undress. "This is how I prefer to be at home—no cameras, no stylists, just myself. Dong understands, and he’s never been one to insist on formality when it’s not necessary."

She turned her attention to the game room, where Dong was still absorbed in his match. "He’s losing, you know. Badly. It’s been quite entertaining to watch, actually—his frustration builds, his competitiveness kicks in, and he becomes absolutely determined to turn things around. He’s missed having a worthy opponent since you last visited."

Joon-ho’s lips curved into a smile. "I can see that. Shall we rescue him from himself, then?"

Chae-won’s gaze shifted to Yurin, who was standing slightly behind Joon-ho, her posture deferential but her eyes taking in everything with genuine interest. "And who is this lovely companion? I don’t believe we’ve been introduced formally."

"This is Yurin." Joon-ho made the introduction, his hand finding the small of her back in a gesture of reassurance. "She’s been assisting me at the clinic, and she’s proven to be remarkably capable. I thought she might enjoy seeing how the other half lives."

Yurin bowed respectfully, her manner acknowledging Chae-won’s status without being subservient. "It’s an honor to meet you, Mistress Chae-won. I’ve admired your work for many years."

"The honor is mine." Chae-won’s response was gracious, her eyes studying Yurin with genuine interest. "You’re quite beautiful, you know. Joon-ho has excellent taste in the women he surrounds himself with."

Yurin blushed at the compliment, her cheeks coloring faintly. "Thank you, Mistress. That’s very kind of you to say."

Chae-won’s attention returned to the game room, where Dong’s situation had deteriorated further. His character had been cornered, his health depleted, and his chances of recovery were dwindling rapidly.

"I’ll handle introductions properly." Chae-won decided. "You go on in and rescue Dong from his misery. He’ll be thrilled to see you, I’m certain. I’ll take care of our little sister here—show her around a bit, make her feel welcome."

"Little sister?" Yurin repeated the phrase, slightly surprised by the familiarity.

"Of course." Chae-won’s smile was warm and inclusive. "We’re all connected through Joon-ho now, aren’t we? That makes us something like family, in a way. And I’ve always believed in taking good care of family."

She slipped her arm through Yurin’s, guiding her gently away from the game room and toward the staircase. "Come with me. I have a much better idea of how to spend this time than watching grown men lose themselves in virtual battlefields."

Joon-ho watched them go for a moment, appreciating the natural way Chae-won had taken Yurin under her wing, then turned his attention to the game room and the man losing himself within it.

Dong’s frustration was palpable even from the doorway—his muttered curses, the aggressive way he attacked his keyboard, the tense set of his shoulders. He was completely absorbed, his competitive nature fully engaged, and he was losing the battle against opponents who clearly had superior coordination.

Joon-ho approached quietly, waiting for a moment of opportunity before speaking.

"Need some help there, Brother Dong?"

Dong’s head snapped up at the familiar voice, his irritation transforming immediately into recognition and then genuine pleasure.

"You made it!" He abandoned his keyboard without hesitation, turning his chair to face Joon-ho with a welcoming grin. "I was beginning to worry you’d been detained elsewhere. These opponents tonight... they’re frustratingly competent. I’ve been trying to coordinate a counterattack, but my team is scattered, and the opposition is relentless."

He gestured toward the empty gaming chair beside his own. "Hop in, brother. I could use a partner who actually knows what they’re doing. Between the two of us, we might salvage this match yet."

Joon-ho didn’t need to be asked twice. He settled into the custom chair, the equipment immediately familiar and responsive. Within moments, he was logged into the same match, his character joining the fray as Dong’s ally.

The dynamic shifted instantly. With Joon-ho coordinating their movements, communicating strategy through rapid-fire commands and callouts, the tide of battle began to turn. Their opponents, who had seemed unstoppable moments ago, now found themselves facing coordinated resistance that systematically dismantled their advantage.

Dong’s competitive spirit was reignited, his frustration replaced by focused determination. He and Joon-ho fell into an easy rhythm, their movements complementary, their strategies building on each other’s strengths. It was the kind of synergy that came from shared experience, from understanding each other’s playstyles and instincts.

Meanwhile, upstairs in Chae-won’s private suite, the atmosphere was considerably different. The space was elegant and feminine, decorated in soft colors and comfortable furnishings that reflected its owner’s taste. Large windows offered views of the garden below, while carefully curated artwork added personality without overwhelming the space.

Yurin found herself following Chae-won into this intimate environment, her nerves fluttering despite the older woman’s warm demeanor. Being in the presence of Chae-won—someone she’d watched on screen for years, whose face graced magazine covers and billboards across the country—was genuinely intimidating. Chae-won was at the pinnacle of her profession, celebrated and admired by millions, while Yurin was... well, Yurin was just Yurin.

"You’re tense." Chae-won observed, leading her toward a comfortable seating area. "Relax, little sister. I promise I don’t bite—not unless asked, anyway."

She guided Yurin to a sofa, settling beside her with an easy grace that put nothing between them but honest conversation. The bathrobe she wore slipped slightly, revealing more of her skin, but she seemed entirely unconcerned, her attitude reflecting a comfort with her body that Yurin found enviable.

"Joon-ho mentioned you’ve been working with him at the clinic." Chae-won began, her tone conversational rather than interrogative. "That’s a significant responsibility. How do you find it?"

"It’s... challenging, but rewarding." Yurin replied carefully, choosing her words with consideration. "Joon-ho is an excellent boss. He’s fair, he listens, and he genuinely cares about the people who work for him. I’ve learned a great deal from him."

Chae-won nodded slowly, her eyes studying Yurin’s face. "He has that effect on people, doesn’t he? The ability to make you feel seen, valued, even when you’re not entirely certain you deserve it. It’s one of his more remarkable qualities."

She shifted slightly, her expression becoming more thoughtful. "You’re beautiful, Yurin. Not just physically—though you certainly are—but there’s something about you, a quality of gentleness, of sincere dedication. It’s not difficult to see why Joon-ho appreciates you."

Yurin’s cheeks warmed at the praise, but there was something in Chae-won’s tone that made her hesitate before accepting it completely. "Thank you, Mistress. But I’m not sure... there are so many other women in Joon-ho’s life who are more accomplished, more beautiful, more useful to his plans. I sometimes wonder if I really belong among them."

Chae-won’s eyebrows rose slightly, and she turned fully toward Yurin, her expression serious. "Is that what you think? That you don’t belong?"

Yurin nodded slowly, her honesty compelling her to speak her doubts. "It’s hard not to. There’s Mirae, the famous actress who’s been with him from the beginning. There’s Harin, who manages his company with such capability. There’s Yura, who already has his child. There’s Seo-yeon, who comes from such a prominent background and can help him in ways I never could. Compared to them, I’m just... ordinary."

"Ordinary." Chae-won repeated the word as if testing its flavor. "I see. And what does Joon-ho say about that?"

"He’s never made me feel inadequate." Yurin acknowledged. "He’s always been kind, always treated me with respect. But kindness and respect aren’t the same as... well, as being someone he can’t live without. I worry that eventually, he’ll realize he doesn’t really need me after all."

Chae-won was silent for a moment, absorbing Yurin’s words, then she let out a soft sigh that was part sympathy, part understanding. "I think you’re misunderstanding something fundamental about men like Joon-ho, and about yourself as well."

She shifted closer, her hand finding Yurin’s, her touch warm and reassuring. "Beauty comes in many forms, Yurin, and usefulness takes many shapes. Joon-ho is surrounded by capable women, yes—women who can help him with business, women who can open doors, women who bring specific advantages to his plans. But that doesn’t mean he values you any less, or that your place among them is any less secure."

"How can you be sure?" Yurin asked, her voice small.

"Because I’ve seen how he looks at you." Chae-won replied simply. "And because I understand something about the way men think, especially successful men who are used to having options. They don’t keep women around who don’t add value to their lives, but the value they seek isn’t always about utility or advantage. Sometimes, it’s about comfort, about devotion, about having someone who sees them as a man rather than a means to an end."

She squeezed Yurin’s hand gently. "You need to be more confident in yourself, Yurin. You have qualities that other women don’t—qualities that Joon-ho clearly appreciates. But confidence isn’t something that comes from others’ approval; it comes from recognizing your own worth and owning it."

Yurin considered this, her brow furrowing slightly. "I’m not sure I know how to do that. I’ve never been particularly confident about anything. I’ve always just... done what was asked of me, tried my best to be useful."

"Then perhaps it’s time to learn." Chae-won continued, her tone shifting from gentle advice to something more direct. "Confidence isn’t arrogance, Yurin. It’s knowing what you have to offer and being willing to offer it without hesitation. And when it comes to men like Joon-ho, there’s a particular kind of confidence that’s absolutely essential."