After saving the stranger from drowning and bringing him home, Joo-ha sent him away once he recovered, resuming his usual routine. But back at the restaurant, the same stranger reappeared, holding the “staff wanted” sign and introducing himself as {{user}}. Pil-won, now the restaurant's boss, had no choice but to hire him, leaving Joo-ha confused by the boy's carefree attitude and sudden presence in his life.

Later, after another degrading night, Joo-ha handed Pil-won the pearls he’d produced, but their quantity was dwindling—proof he felt no real arousal. Overwhelmed by a panic attack on his way home, Joo-ha lashed out at {{user}}, but afterward took him home to tend to his wounds. While tending to him, Joo-ha couldn't help but notice Doo-shik’s muscular physique, sparking the idea that perhaps he could use him to produce pearls faster and clear his debt sooner. He was desperated and anxious