Heat & Spice

AUTHOR'S NOTE – 𝕰𝖘𝖕𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖆𝖌𝖊 𝖔𝖋 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝕳𝖊𝖆𝖗𝖙 ✨

Hey, lovely readers! 💙

This chapter—"Heat & Spice"—was everything. Andrea poking at Eunwoo's walls, Eunwoo refusing to budge, and that tiny crack in his armor? Chef's kiss. 😏

We all know Eunwoo is the definition of composed, but did you catch that almost-smile? 😳 Oh, Andrea did. And now? She's not letting it go. This entire moment felt like a challenge—a battle between icy restraint and fiery persistence. And let's be honest, Andrea is not one to back down.

✨ So tell me:

🔥 Do you think Andrea will ever get Eunwoo to truly smile?

🔥 Is Eunwoo secretly enjoying this little game? (Because I think he is. 👀)

🔥 What was your favorite part of this chapter?

I love reading your reactions, so don't hold back! Drop your thoughts below! ⬇️💬

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Thank you for reading and supporting Espionage of the Heart! Next chapter coming soon—stay ready. 🔥 

— Penola.s💜✨

💮💮💮💕

Andrea stood by the window, her arms crossed as she gazed out at the sprawling city beneath them. From the 41st floor, everything looked miniature—the people, the cars, even the towering buildings below. The sky was painted in soft hues of blue and gray, with wisps of clouds drifting lazily across. It was a view that should have been breathtaking, but at the moment, her mind was elsewhere.

Behind her, Eunwoo's voice cut through the silence. "Did you order the food?"

Without turning, Andrea replied dryly, "I'm not Chinese, sir. I can't speak Chinese."

Eunwoo sighed. "Alright. Then let's go outside for lunch and breakfast."

—

Andrea stretched her arms, leaning against the back of the chair as she watched Eunwoo work through his phone. His expression was unreadable, but the slight furrow in his brow told her that he was deeply focused.

"So," she said, breaking the silence, "let's talk about this fiancée act."

Eunwoo's eyes lifted from his phone, locking onto hers. "What about it?"

Andrea smirked, resting her chin on her palm. "Well, if we're supposed to be engaged, shouldn't we at least act the part? You know, like a couple?"

He arched a brow. "We just need to be convincing."

Andrea rolled her eyes. "Yeah, but people aren't stupid. If we look awkward together, they'll know something's off. We should establish some… ground rules."

Eunwoo set his phone down and crossed his arms, waiting. "Go on."

Andrea tapped her fingers against the table. "First, we need to figure out how affectionate we're supposed to be in public."

Eunwoo leaned back slightly, his lips curling into the faintest smirk. "Are you saying you want me to touch you?"

Andrea scoffed. "I'm saying that if you suddenly act like a statue when I hold your hand, people will know this is fake."

His expression didn't change, but something flickered in his dark eyes. "Fine. What else?"

Andrea thought for a moment. "Pet names."

Eunwoo's smirk faded. "Absolutely not."

Andrea grinned. "Come on, fiancé, what's wrong? You don't want to call me honey?"

Eunwoo pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling. "Stick to my name."

"Boring." Andrea sighed dramatically. "But okay. What about our love story? We should have something prepared in case someone asks how we met."

Eunwoo studied her, then reached for his tablet. "We met at a business event in Seoul."

Andrea made a face. "That's so typical. No one's going to believe a romance started at a business event."

Eunwoo raised a brow. "Because it didn't."

Andrea sighed. "We need something more interesting. How about we met in a bookstore?"

Eunwoo gave her an unimpressed look. "A bookstore?"

"Yeah, why not? It's romantic."

"I don't read romance novels."

Andrea smirked. "Exactly. That's why it would be funny. Imagine me standing in the romance section, and you accidentally pick up a book because you thought it was about business."

Eunwoo's expression remained blank.

She waved a hand. "Fine, fine. You choose."

He tapped his fingers on the table. "We met in a hospital. You were a patient."

Andrea blinked. "Excuse me?"

"You had a minor injury. I was visiting for work."

Andrea narrowed her eyes. "Did you just make me the weak damsel in distress in our fake story?"

Eunwoo didn't reply.

She sighed. "Fine. But I get to add a detail. I was there because I saved a child from getting hit by a car."

Eunwoo's lips twitched slightly. "Dramatic."

Andrea grinned. "You love it."

He sighed. "Fine. We met in a hospital after you recklessly saved a child."

Andrea clapped her hands. "Perfect."

Just then, Eunwoo's phone buzzed. He glanced at it and stood up. "I have a call. Be ready in an hour. We're going to review the guest list."

Andrea saluted. "Yes, boss."

As he walked away, she watched him, her smirk lingering.

Maybe this wouldn't be so boring after all.

📑.______.📑.______.📑.______.📑.______.📑.______.📑

As they stepped out of the hotel lobby, the crisp Shanghai air greeted them. The city was alive—neon lights flickered in the distance, and the streets buzzed with people moving in every direction. Andrea adjusted the strap of her bag, her baggy jeans slightly brushing the pavement as she walked beside Eunwoo.

He glanced at her outfit, his sharp eyes noting the black tee, oversized jacket, and casual sneakers. "You always wear black," he remarked.

Andrea didn't even look at him as she replied, "I'm here for a mission, but I'm human too. As a woman, I wear what makes me feel comfortable, not what pleases others."

Eunwoo let out a small huff of amusement. "Fair enough."

They walked side by side through the bustling city, their matching black outfits unintentionally drawing attention. Eunwoo himself was clad in a black tailored coat, fitted trousers, and a dark shirt underneath—his usual sleek and intimidating look.

As they strolled past glowing signs and busy storefronts, he casually added, "You know, black isn't just for men."

Andrea raised a brow. "Obviously. It represents power and aura. It's made for us, too."

Eunwoo smirked at her response but said nothing more.

They entered the elevator, and a comfortable silence settled between them as the floors descended. When the doors slid open, the cold night air hit them again as they stepped out onto the streets of Shanghai.

The sidewalks were crowded with late-night shoppers, businessmen, and street vendors selling everything from souvenirs to steaming bowls of food. The scent of spices and sizzling oil filled the air.

Eunwoo glanced at Andrea. "What do you want to eat?"

She thought for a moment. "Something vegetarian and spicy. I heard Chinese food is some of the spiciest in the world."

Eunwoo nodded. "Korean food is spicy, too."

"I know," Andrea said with a small smirk. "But I want to try something different."

Eunwoo didn't reply, but he took the lead, guiding her through the crowded streets. Soon, they stopped in front of a noodle shop—one that specialized in both vegetarian and seafood-based dishes.

Andrea looked around, taking in the warm glow of the restaurant's decor. Red and gold lanterns hung from the ceiling, and intricate calligraphy lined the walls. The scent of freshly made broth and chili oil filled the space.

She leaned closer to Eunwoo and asked in a low voice, "Why is everything red?"

Eunwoo glanced at her before responding, "Red represents luck, prosperity, and happiness in Chinese culture. It's used a lot in decorations, especially in places like this."

Andrea nodded slowly, looking around again. "It's beautiful."

They stepped inside, the warmth of the restaurant immediately wrapping around them as they were ushered to a table near the window. Andrea glanced outside at the city's night lights before turning her attention to the menu in front of her.

"This should be interesting," she murmured, glancing up at Eunwoo, who was already scanning the menu with his usual composed expression.

✒️.______.✒️.______.✒️.______.✒️.______.✒️.______.✒️

Andrea tapped her fingers against the wooden table as she scanned the menu, her eyes darting between the unfamiliar Chinese characters and the occasional English translations. The restaurant was cozy, the dim lighting adding to the warmth of the red and gold decor. The hum of quiet conversations and the distant sound of sizzling woks filled the air.

Eunwoo, seated across from her, had already set his menu down. He leaned back slightly, his sharp gaze fixed on Andrea. "Need help choosing?"

She hummed, still staring at the options. "I want something vegetarian and spicy, but everything here looks intense. What's málà?"

"It means numbing and spicy," Eunwoo answered smoothly. "It's made with Sichuan peppercorns. It won't just burn your tongue—it'll make it tingle."

Andrea's eyes lit up with curiosity. "That sounds fun. I'll try it."

Eunwoo nodded, calling the waiter over. He placed their order in fluent Mandarin—one bowl of málà spicy noodles for Andrea and a seafood hotpot for himself. Andrea watched him, impressed by his ease with the language.

When the waiter left, she leaned forward. "How many languages do you speak, Mr. Perfect?"

Eunwoo picked up his teacup and took a slow sip before answering. "Five."

Andrea blinked. "Seriously?"

"Korean, English, Mandarin, Japanese, and French."

She scoffed, shaking her head. "Of course. Rich, smart, and multilingual. Leave some talent for the rest of us."

Eunwoo smirked but didn't reply.

A few minutes later, their food arrived. The steam rising from Andrea's bowl carried a sharp, mouthwatering aroma—red chili oil glistening on the surface, peppercorns and dried chilies floating between thick noodles.

Andrea picked up her chopsticks, lifting a portion of noodles and blowing on them slightly. She glanced up at Eunwoo, who was already watching her. "What?"

He shrugged. "Nothing. Just waiting."

She rolled her eyes and took a bite.

For a moment, all she could taste was delicious, rich broth—garlicky, deep, and layered with spices. Then, the heat hit her. A slow burn spread across her tongue, intensifying with each chew. And then—the numbing effect. A tingling sensation bloomed on her lips and the roof of her mouth.

Andrea swallowed, her eyes widening. She grabbed her cold drink and took a sip, but it only seemed to make the spice settle deeper.

Eunwoo chuckled. "Too much?"

Andrea coughed slightly but shook her head stubbornly. "Nope. I love it."

He raised a brow. "Liar."

She huffed, taking another bite despite the burn. "I can handle it."

Eunwoo smirked, stirring his hotpot. "We'll see."

The meal continued with Andrea occasionally fanning her mouth but refusing to admit defeat. She might have been struggling with the heat, but she wasn't going to let Eunwoo have the satisfaction of seeing her give up.

As they ate, the conversation flowed more easily. For once, there was no tension—just two people enjoying a meal in the middle of a bustling city.

But Andrea knew better than to let her guard down.

This wasn't a date. This wasn't friendship.

This was just another step in the game they were playing.

✨.______.✨.______..______..______.✨.______.✨

Andrea paused mid-bite, chopsticks hovering just inches from her lips. Her gaze locked onto Eunwoo, who was still smirking slightly as he watched her struggle with the spice.

"You should smile more often," she blurted out.

Eunwoo's smirk instantly faded. His expression shifted back to its usual unreadable coolness as he set down his chopsticks. "I don't like smiling," he said flatly.

Andrea scoffed, shaking her head. "That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard."

He leaned back slightly, his gaze unwavering. "It's unnecessary."

She narrowed her eyes, tilting her head. "Unnecessary for what? Do you think it makes you look weak or something?"

Eunwoo didn't respond, but the way his jaw tightened told her she wasn't far from the truth.

Andrea took another bite of her noodles, waving her chopsticks at him. "You know, for someone so meticulous, you don't seem to realize how good you look when you smile."

Eunwoo raised a brow, unimpressed.

She continued, undeterred. "I'm serious. When you smile, it actually feels real—like, you're smiling with your heart, not just because you have to."

His fingers tapped lightly against the table, and for a split second, something unreadable flickered in his gaze.

Andrea took another sip of her drink, not even looking at him as she added, "You're not a robot, Eunwoo. Maybe try acting like it once in a while."

Eunwoo exhaled, shaking his head slightly. "You talk too much."

Andrea grinned. "And you smile too little."

The air between them shifted again—not tense, not playful, just something in between.

Eunwoo picked up his chopsticks and resumed eating, his expression neutral. But Andrea caught it—the slight twitch at the corner of his lips, like he was holding back something more.

She didn't push further, but she filed it away in her mind.

The mighty Eunwoo King could smile.

And for some reason, she wanted to see it again.