21.2

Seonho’s feelings for Chaeyoon had deepened to the point where the fear and pain became almost unbearable.

“Just wait a few days. I’ve adjusted the schedule just in case. Whatever has happened, you going there a day or two late won’t change things. Rather, if you fail to handle your current tasks properly and it reaches the honorary chairman’s ears, it’ll cause more trouble.”

Seonho’s patience had a limit of three weeks. Though he had said he wouldn’t go this time, Junsu hadn’t fully believed him and had considered this when planning the schedule.

“Don’t forget. You need patience and strength to get what you want.”

Junsu said warningly.

At that, Seonho closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Fortunately, when he opened them again, his gaze was resolute.

“Thank you. I’m glad I have you, hyung.”

Junsu thought to himself.

I never thought I’d hear these words from Seonho in my life.

“I’ll keep you updated with live reports for now.”

Junsu said, returning to his secretarial mode. This was the best he could do.

“Good. What’s on today’s agenda?”

Seonho shifted back into work mode.

***

Seonkyung held a Mughal emerald brooch in her hand with a satisfied expression.

“Congratulations, Vice Chairwoman.”

“It seems I was meant to own this piece.”

Seonkyung was still a little giddy from the excitement of the auction. The auctioneer’s way of keeping the bidders on their toes made her heart race for the first time in a long time.

It wasn’t just Seonkyung who had been captivated by the brooch; someone else had tenaciously competed until the end, making it quite a challenge to finally acquire it.

If it hadn’t been for Chaeyoon’s words yesterday that “jewelry chooses its owner,” Seonkyung might have given up. Nevertheless, perhaps because she had obtained it through such difficulty, she felt even more attached to it.

“Vice Chairwoman.”

Secretary Jang called out to Seonkyung quietly.

“It looks like we’re tight on time for our flight. We should go, Vice Chairwoman.”

Chaeyoon hurried over, tugging lightly on Seonkyung’s arm before casually linking arms with her. Over the course of their 2-night, 3-day stay together, they had become comfortable enough to do so.

Yesterday, they had seen a trendy musical and went to a strangely named standing pub called ‘The Queen and the Crown.’ Like a local, Seonkyung stood and drank three pints of draft beer without any snacks.

She couldn’t recall having this much fun when she went abroad for her studies, but being with Chaeyoon made her feel as if she had returned to her youth.

Do all daughters act this friendly?

Seonkyung wondered, then shook her head thinking about the daughters of acquaintances she knew well. Even Joo-eun, whom she had known for a long time, wasn’t like this with her mother.

Chaeyoon was, well, like the first sweet and fluffy cotton candy she had tasted as a child.

She used the phrase “like the first time” because it had really been a long time since she had such a sweet memory. It was a joyous feeling she might have felt when very young, which Chaeyoon had reawakened.

Would it have been like this if I had a daughter?

Probably not. I hadn’t been that kind of daughter to my own parents either.

Are such daughters born, or raised like this?

Seonkyung had grown up in an environment where she lacked nothing. Maybe because she had always had whatever she wanted, she had never felt deprived, but now she felt a fierce jealousy of a junior who had such a daughter.

“What are your plans going forward?”

As they got into the car, Seonkyung casually asked Chaeyoon.

“I need to finish my planned studies. If I want to get into jewelry marketing, I need at least another year of study.”

“Are you going back home after you finish your studies?”

“No. If possible, I want to gain experience working here while also traveling. I have friends from New York who are all over the world, so if possible, I’d like to visit them. I still feel I lack a broad perspective.”

“Do you have an ultimate goal?”

“It might change along the way, but currently, I want to sell not only my own designs but also my favorite antique and vintage jewelry. I want to discover and sell designer pieces that will become unique antique jewelry in 100 years.”

Chaeyoon rattled off her list of things she wanted to do, as if she’d prepared it in advance.

“Are you not going to make your own?”

“Of course, I will.”

“You’ll be busy then.”

No time for love, then.

“There’s a lot I want to do, right? I’m quite ambitious. But with proper planning, I can manage it all. I’ve always lived like that.”

Chaeyoon’s voice was full of confidence. It was the confidence of someone who had experienced accomplishment.

“Having talked with you these few days, I’ve noticed you have a strong business mindset.”

“What?”

“If the goal is to make delicious dishes, you’re a chef, but if the goal is to use cooking to generate sales, you’re a businessman. Whether you become a chef or a businessman, the process is different. If a chef acts like a businessman, or a businessman acts like a chef, it usually ends badly. So, make sure you decide whether you want to be an artist or a businessman. It’s great if what you like and what you’re good at align, but often, they don’t.”

“My mother used to say the same thing. That liking something and being good at it can be different.”

“Really?”

“Yes. She said not to get too stressed if I can’t do something as well as I want. Just do enough to be happy.”

“Just enough to be happy, huh.”

Seonkyung pondered for a moment. It was a concept she had never considered.

To dominate others, you had to possess, and you couldn’t let others take from you. For that, you had to win.

There was no room for ‘happiness’ in the process. It just had to be done, no matter what.

“You’re lucky to have a mother who says such things.”

Seonkyung had never heard or said such a thing before. She reflected on herself.

How much do I have to do to be happy? Even if I had the whole world, can I really be happy? No, what should I do before that to be happy?

“I think so too.”

“I’m not sure about your artistic talent, but you seem to have a knack for business. Personally, I’d rather you not waste it. I prefer high achievement to low-goal happiness. But I suppose it’s up to you to decide.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. That’s very helpful. Thank you, Vice Chairwoman.”

“And…”

Seonkyung held out a box.

“…?”

Chaeyoon looked at the box, puzzled.

“Don’t take this the wrong way. It’s not a gift.”

Seonkyung quickly added.

“Ah, okay.”

Chaeyoon awkwardly smiled.

“Open it.”

Upon opening the box, it contained the garnet she had seen at the auction preview.

“Oh? This is…”

“I don’t know how many clients you’ve had, but I wanted to entrust you with a gem that resembles me. Since you recommended the raw stone, create some jewelry that suits me. Will you accept this commission?”

“Uh… although it’s sudden, what designer would refuse a commission? Thank you for trusting me with your jewelry. I’ll repay you with the best outcome.”

Chaeyoon spoke with a voice filled with eagerness.

Seonkyung preferred Chaeyoon’s promise of delivering the best outcome over merely doing her best.

The best is for amateurs. In the professional world, it’s the results that matter, not the process.

She’s definitely business-minded. She understands quickly.

“Tell Secretary Jang the production cost and your account number.”

“Yes.”

Chaeyoon carefully placed the box containing the garnet into her bag.

Now I must be crazy too. Even the way she treasures the stone in the box looks beautiful to me.

Seonkyung swallowed the sigh that threatened to escape and turned her head away from Chaeyoon to look outside. They were getting closer to the airport. The weather was overcast, making her feel gloomy.