Perhaps because it was the weekend, there was no one else in the building. Their footsteps echoed loudly as they walked. Holding Jinwook’s hand while walking through the lobby, Yeoul looked around curiously.

“It’s big…”

“Yeoul, do you know what Dad does?”

“You’re a film director.”

“That’s right. This is the company Dad established. We make Dad’s movies here.”

“Wow… That’s so cool…”

Soyu was also seeing his company for the first time and looked around with curiosity.

“Can you maintain this? In Cheongdam?”

“So far, yes. If the movie succeeds, that’s great, and even if it fails, we won’t have to close our doors right away.”

“Why are you thinking about failing?”

“I’m just saying. Who said anything about failing? I won’t fail. I have over a hundred people in my hands including employees and film staff. For their sake, I’m confident I won’t fail.”

She gazed with gentle eyes at Jinwook, who was grinning.

“Right. You won’t fail. May your film be a huge hit.”

“Thank you. Let’s go upstairs. I’ll show you my office.”

Taking the elevator to the fourth floor, Jinwook led them through a corridor with several offices and entered an area labeled “Production Department.”

“The second floor has an auditorium used for auditions, and the third floor has editing rooms. The fourth floor has offices for each department, and my office is inside the Production Department, over there.”

He pointed to the office at the very end.

“Let’s go in.”

Jinwook’s office, labeled “CEO’s Office,” was neither large nor small and was neat. It contained just a large sofa and a desk.

“You have your own room too. That’s nice.”

Jinwook laughed at Soyu’s comment.

“You should put up a building like this soon too.”

“Sure. Just wait five years.”

“Should I buy one for you?”

Soyu laughed at his words.

“No thanks. I’ll build my own building.”

“Of course.”

Just then, Yeoul looked at Jinwook’s chair and asked, 

“Dad, can I sit here?”

“Sure.”

After helping the child into the chair, Yeoul placed both hands on the desk and joked around.

“Mom, do I look like a boss?”

“Yes, you look like a boss.”

“When I grow up, I want to be a boss like Dad.”

Jinwook smiled and said, “That’s good.”

“Ahem!”

When the child cleared his throat like an old man, Jinwook and Soyu laughed. Soyu asked, 

“You said your home is on the fifth floor, right?”

“Want to see it?”

“Yes. You said there are ghosts there.”

At her mother’s words, Yeoul’s eyes widened.

“There are ghosts?”

Jinwook laughed awkwardly.

“Not exactly. I just feel uneasy there.”

“What does ‘uneasy’ mean?”

“Hmm. Like something doesn’t feel right? That’s what it means, but it’s still a difficult word for you.”

“Will I understand when I grow up?”

“Yes, you will.”

“Then I want to go to the fifth floor too. I want to see if there are ghosts.”

Yeoul got down from the chair, took the lead, then turned back and said, 

“Dad! If there are ghosts, I’ll scold them for you! Just trust me!”

Watching Yeoul walk away while swinging his arms, Soyu chuckled softly, while Jinwook looked startled.

“Do I act like that?”

“Yes. He’s becoming more and more like you.”

Jinwook’s expression grew complicated. It’s nice that his son is just like him… but it doesn’t feel entirely pleasant. He wasn’t sure why.

When they opened the door to the fifth floor and entered, Yeoul’s eyes widened.

“Wow! This is amazing!”

After seeing the interior, the excited child ran forward with quick steps. Soyu’s eyes widened too. It was larger and more luxurious than she had expected.

“Why would you leave a place like this to stay at Taeseop’s?”

Jinwook made an embarrassed expression.

“You know… that place…”

Soyu opened her eyes wide and asked, 

“So the ghost story was a lie?”

Jinwook waved his hands.

“No, the sleep paralysis is real. Whenever I sleep here, I get sleep paralysis. That’s why even after furnishing it, I stayed at hotels. The ghost is real.”

“What does sleep paralysis have to do with ghosts?”

“Huh?”

“That happens when you’re tired, right? There’s no such thing as ghosts.”

“No, it’s not like that. Whenever I come here, I feel this creepy sensation.”

“That’s because you have a vivid imagination. Do you still get sleep paralysis these days?”

“Not once since I went to Taeseop’s.”

“You know, that’s psychological.”

Soyu, who had been examining the furniture carefully, said, 

“When we furnish our home, can we take some of this furniture too?”

Jinwook frowned.

“I’m not taking anything except the alcohol.”

“What a waste. It all looks new and expensive.”

“The employees can use it as a break room. I’m only taking the alcohol.”

Jinwook went to the liquor cabinet and puffed out his chest. Soyu’s eyes widened.

“You collect alcohol?”

“Yes. Everything here is a rare item. Can’t buy them even with money.”

“I don’t know much about alcohol, so I can’t tell by looking.”

“Last time when Taeseop came, his eyes nearly popped out.”

“Right. When we were on vacation, Hyunwook asked you for some alcohol.”

When Hyunwook was mentioned, Jinwook’s eyes immediately turned hostile.

“That guy, I swear. He should just take money instead, but he always asks for things that are hard to get.”

Soyu looked at him curiously.

“It’s interesting that the three of you have the same hobby.”

“We’re not on the same level. I’m different. Those guys drink it, but I have a genuine affection for alcohol.”

“Affection, really?”

“This isn’t just alcohol. It has history and stories from all that time, you know? Plus, the sense of achievement when you get something that’s hard to find! Phew.”

Soyu shook her head.

“Fine. Maintain your hobby well.”

“When we move in, I’ll personally move the alcohol. I have to move it secretly from those guys. If Hyunwook sees it, he’ll definitely steal it.”

Soyu let out a hollow laugh as she watched Jinwook being unnecessarily solemn. Sometimes he seems like an adult, but at times like this, he seems younger than Yeoul. Alcohol is precious? It’s a hobby she simply cannot understand.

The wedding date was set for Saturday, September 20th. After the honeymoon and enjoying a brief newlywed life, film production would begin in November. Not only the couple but also their classmates were busy with wedding preparations. Everything was quickly prepared under Taeseop and Hyunwook’s overall command. Ji Seonwoo arranged the house that would serve as the venue. Wonwoo, who worked in the field, agreed to take charge of decorating the venue and flowers with his friends, and their classmate Oh Yeonsu agreed to do the bride’s makeup.

The classmates didn’t just help with wedding preparations. They also used their connections to introduce work to Soyu. Thanks to this, Soyu spent her time incredibly busy without a moment to rest. Then one day, a phone call came in. She tilted her head when she saw the caller. It was an unfamiliar number.

“Hello, this is Jang Soyu.”

[This is Jinwook’s mother. Could we meet for a moment?]

Soyu was surprised. This was the first time Jinwook’s mother had contacted her directly.

“Yes. When would you like to meet?”

[I’m at the café on the first floor of Yeoul’s office building. Are you available now?]

“Alright. I’ll come down.”

After hanging up, Soyu took out her pouch, applied light lipstick, and fixed her hair.

“Whew.”

Taking a deep breath, she left the office, telling Jinyoung, “I have a visitor, so I’ll be out for a bit.”

“Okay. Take care.”

She left the office and took the elevator down to the first floor. When she entered the café, she saw her mother-in-law sitting inside. Seeing Soyu, Soyoung smiled. Soyu sat across from her and greeted her first.

“Hello, Mother.”

“Yes. Have you been well?”

“Yes. What would you like to drink?”

“Any warm tea will do.”

“Okay.”

Soyu went to the counter, ordered hibiscus tea and a warm coffee, then sat down across from Soyoung. After staring intently at her prospective daughter-in-law, Soyoung spoke.

“You’re going ahead with the wedding, right?”

“Yes.”

“Have you set a date?”

“Yes. September 20th.”

“Was there a hotel available then?”

“No. We’re planning a small wedding. A friend has offered to lend us his grandmother’s house in Yangpyeong.”

At her words, Soyoung let out a deep sigh. Her face looked gaunt, as if she had been through considerable emotional distress.

“Are you not sleeping well? You don’t look well.”

“What parent would be comfortable when their only child is getting married on their own? What’s wrong with giving in to his father…”

“I’m sorry.”

“Could you please persuade Jinwook? That’s what I came to ask.”

Soyu answered politely but calmly, 

“I’m sorry. As I mentioned before, I don’t intend to play any role in this. I think stepping in would be disrespectful to Jinwook.”

“How is that disrespectful? A wedding isn’t just about what you two want. Besides…”

After hesitating, Soyoung sighed. She wanted to mention the child but knew that was a topic she shouldn’t bring up if she didn’t want to completely sever ties with her son.

“Soyu. Could you please persuade Jinwook just once? I feel like I might not live out my natural lifespan at this rate…”

“Why does Jinwook’s father dislike him so much?”

Soyoung sighed again before speaking.

“Though he was quirky, he was smart, and his father had high expectations for him since he was young. But then he suddenly said he wanted to major in photography, and all hell broke loose. That’s when their relationship soured. My husband hit Jinwook, and I’d never seen him so angry before. He wanted Jinwook to finish his MBA and join the group to train as a successor.”

“He’s not a direct descendant, is he?”

“That’s what became his regret. Since he couldn’t do it himself, he wanted Jinwook to fulfill it for him. Plus, the main family doesn’t have a son. So he became greedy. It was his father’s fault. How could he raise a hand against his child…”

Soyu quietly listened to her mother-in-law’s story. The mother seemed to misunderstand something. Jinwook wasn’t upset about being hit; he was disgusted by the coercive approach. And it wasn’t because of the college entrance exam—it was the eruption of something that had been festering since childhood. Soyoung said, 

“Soyu, please. If you two get married like this, Jinwook and his father will never reconcile.”