25.2

“Oh? Eunho-oppa. You’re back from studying abroad?”

Chaeyoon greeted Eunho warmly. He was Joo-eun’s maternal cousin, three years older than her.

“It’s been a while. I graduated in January and came back. It’s been chaotic here, talking about Joo-eun.”

Eunho said, glancing at Mrs. Ko, his aunt.

“Yeah. That’s what happened.”

She turned her head as she took a sip of her cocktail, spotting Seonhoo surrounded by ladies in the distance. 

Their eyes met briefly, but Chaeyoon quickly turned her head away, pretending not to notice, and looked back at Eunho.

“Did she have the baby already? Last I heard, she was almost due.”

“She’s due in about two weeks. I haven’t been able to visit yet. I’m planning to go tomorrow.”

“Is that so? Then can I go with you?”

“Would that be okay?”

Mrs. Ko had introduced Chaeyoon not as a friend of her daughter but as the daughter of a secretary she had previously worked with. This meant she hadn’t forgiven Joo-eun yet.

“We’re only connected on our maternal side, and we’re quite open about marriage partners, so it’s not a big issue. But I still have to be considerate of Uncle’s side.”

“That’s good. It’s nice that the maternal side is accepting.”

“It would be nice if my sisters paid more attention, but you know how indifferent they can be.”

“I guess you could look after her too, oppa.”

Chaeyoon smiled gently.

“As a guy, it still feels a bit awkward to just go visit.”

“I wish Chairman Cha would come around soon.”

“It’s different on Uncle’s side, because Joo-eun’s share is quite large, and his brothers are eager to take it.”

“Why?”

“The shares held by the three brothers are barely balanced. If Joo-eun’s share shifts to one of them, Uncle will have a hard time keeping the chairman position.”

“Really? Then they should actually protect Joo-eun instead. As his daughter, they can embrace her with love – what a great justification!”

“You think they’d leave it at that? They’ll hound him, saying he can’t even control his own daughter, how can he manage a huge group?”

“Is that what they’re saying? ‘Family harmony is the most important’? Since when did they care about that?”

Chaeyoon spoke sarcastically.

“Don’t you know? It’s like the saying, ‘What’s on your nose is a nose-ring, what’s on your ear is an earring.'”

T/N: This proverb implies that something can be interpreted or used in different ways depending on the situation or perspective. It suggests that there are no fixed principles, and things can be twisted or adapted as needed.

“Ah, I just don’t understand why they live that way. They have more wealth than they can even represent in numbers, and Chairman Cha’s side are all elites, educated people.”

Chaeyoon shook her head disapprovingly.

“Fighting over money is a mud fight, and fighting over positions is a pride fight. It’s all about who’s less than whom.”

“So they have to absolutely become the chairman? Is that really necessary? I try to be understanding, but I just can’t grasp the mentality of chaebol families.”

Chaeyoon smiled bitterly.

“It’s the old man’s fault. If he had decided on Uncle as the successor, he should have concentrated the shares so that his younger siblings wouldn’t dare to challenge him. Instead, he unnecessarily incited the competition in the name of the group’s benefit, leading to this mess.”

Eunho spoke in a calm voice.

“The elites probably didn’t expect to fight like elites.”

“It’s a relief, at least, that uncle’s brothers aren’t uniting their strength.”

“How about you, Oppa?”

“Us? We’re no different. It’s crazy. My sisters are trying to trample me.”

Eunho made a playful expression.

“Seeing you laugh like that, it seems you’re still managing okay.”

“I do have a good nature, you know.”

“I agree.”

Chaeyoon nodded.

Eunho, among Joo-eun’s maternal and paternal cousins, was the one with a gentle nature and who seemed the most humane. That’s why Chaeyoon felt comfortable talking to him like this.

“Wanna get out of here? You look uncomfortable staying here.”

“Ah, Oppa, you don’t like parties, do you? But endure it a bit. Connections are also a form of skill.”

Chaeyoon spoke soothingly.

“Still, being so blatantly pushed into this, it’s really not my taste.”

“Pushed into?”

“Don’t you know what the purpose of this party is?”

“Isn’t it a regular social party?”

“Don’t you think there are an unusual number of single people at this party?”

Eunho looked around at the children of conglomerate families gathered in small groups.

“This is a party to network for marriage prospects, isn’t it?”

“You really didn’t know, did you?”

“It’s not a circle I belong in, after all. It’s surprising to see you here.”

“I was dragged here by my aunt.”

“Well, to overcome your sisters, having a spouse is important.”

Chaeyoon nodded.

“So how did you end up here?”

“I’m no different from the staff here. The madam told me to greet people, and the Vice Chairwoman of SC Group gave me an invitation.”

“You came for a different business then. But aren’t you dressed too beautifully? There are quite a few guys hesitating whether to approach you.”

Eunho eyed Chaeyoon admiringly. She was beautiful, though not quite at the celebrity level, but she stood out today.

“Really? I was so overwhelmed by the ladies, I didn’t even get to enjoy their gazes. What a shame. That shop wasn’t for nothing, I guess.”

Chaeyoon looked down at herself, pleased with her appearance.

“Do you think you look pretty too?”

Eunho laughed at Chaeyoon’s honest reaction.

“Of course. Maybe it’s because I’ve been rolling around in my London studio, but I’m starting to be more human now.”

Chaeyoon sighed dramatically.

“What can I say? The charming and beautiful you is just too much.”

Eunho’s eyes were very soft as she looked at Chaeyoon.

“Can you please stop making such jokes with a serious face?”

“I’m not joking. ……Joo-eun really didn’t tell you?”

“About what?”

Chaeyoon cocked her head in confusion.

***

“Ah, really.”

Seonkyung sighed and approached Seonho, who was surrounded by women.

“Seonho.”

At Seonkyung’s call, Seonho slowly made his way toward her.

“What the hell are you doing?”

As soon as they were away from the crowd, Seonkyung quietly scolded Seonho.

“I’m just tolerating the boredom.”

“Can’t you even see that?”

Seonkyung jerked her head towards where Chaeyoon and Eunho were standing together.

“I have eyes, so of course, I see.”

Seonho immediately showed his displeasure.

“Then why are you just standing there?”

“Do you think I’m standing here because I want to? I’m trying to be patient and look for the right timing, in case I make a wrong move and cause problems.”

“How can you take your eyes off her even for a second?”

“Exactly.”

The mother and son agreed for the first time in a while.

“Let’s go.”

“Where?”

“Where else? We need to pull Chaeyoon away from that guy.”

“I trust Chaeyoon. She’s not the kind to be easily swayed. She has a strong will.”

“You can trust her. I just can’t stand seeing that.”

“I didn’t know you were so jealous, Mom.”

“It’s not jealousy, it’s possessiveness. Once I have something, I have to hold on to it till the end, didn’t I teach you that?”

“Not that I remember.”

“Well, remember it now.”

Seonkyung tugged on Seonho’s elbow and walked towards Chaeyoon.

“Eunho, it’s been a while.”

Seonkyung greeted Eunho with a painterly smile.

“Yes, Vice Chairwoman. You’re as beautiful as ever today.”

Eunho greeted Seonkyung with proper respect.

“How is your mother’s health?”

“She’s much better now. She’s even taking walks these days.”

“You must be very worried about her in many ways.”

“Definitely. That’s why she’s been urging me to get married soon. She wants to see her grandchildren before she dies. I never thought I’d hear such words from her.”

As Eunho spoke about marriage, looking back at Chaeyoon, sparks flew in the eyes of Seonho and Seonkyung.

“I see. With Joo-eun’s situation and all, you’ll need to find a good match.”

“That’s why I also want to marry the woman I love, regardless of family background, like Joo-eun did. I think that would give her a little more breathing room, don’t you think, Chaeyoon?”

“If that happens, Mrs. Ko might be more supportive…”

“Chaeyoon, you know my son, right? Seonho.”

Seonkyung abruptly cut off Chaeyoon’s words and gently pushed Seonho forward.

“Of course. We were classmates.”

“Hi? I didn’t expect to see you here.”

Seonho smiled languidly and lifted one hand.

“You’ve been doing well, haven’t you? I’ve heard about your accomplishments. Better than expected, they say.”

“Actually, Eunho, I had something to say to you.”

“To me?”

Eunho looked surprised.

“You two keep chatting. Let’s go, Eunho.”

With that, Seonkyung led Eunho out into the distance. Watching them leave, Seonho chuckled.

“Why are you laughing?”

“Mother’s actions are adorable.”

“Adorable? She’s still as charismatic as ever. Wow, how can her styling be so perfect? She manages to highlight the jewelry while not losing any of her own charm. I really need to learn from her.”

Chaeyoon’s voice was full of admiration.

“Yeah, yeah, you two keep at it. I don’t know if I should be happy about it or worried, geez.”

Seonho clicked his tongue.

“What are you talking about?”

“Anyway, let’s get out of here before my mom gets back.”

“Can we just leave like this?”

“That’s why she took Eunho with her. If we dawdle, I’m sure we’ll get a scolding, so let’s just get out of here. It’s really hard not to look at you.”

Seonho grumbled as he led Chanyoon out of the party.

“I know. The whole idea of you and I seeing eye-to-eye in this place is really out of the blue.”

Chaeyoon chuckled, amused.

“You find that funny?”

“You don’t find it funny?”

“No, I don’t. Do you know how annoyed I was watching you from afar? What were you talking to Eunho so intimately about?”

As they reached the parking lot, Seonho gave Chaeyoon a sideways glance while seating her in the passenger seat.

“It wasn’t intimate. He was talking about Joo-eun’s family situation. He suggested we go meet Joo-eun together tomorrow.”

“What? So? Did you agree to go together?”

Seonho’s eyes narrowed.

“Maybe? Ah, now that I think about it, we didn’t even exchange contact numbers. But if he wants to go, he’ll probably just contact me. It’s not like it’s hard to get my number.”

“You really are so carefree.”

Seonho’s tone was slightly irritated.

“Why are you getting annoyed? He’s just meeting his cousin.”

“He’s been quiet all this time, and now he’s coming to see Joo-eun with you?”

“He felt awkward going alone. Given the family situation, he must have been cautious too.”

“Ah.”

Seonho sighed heavily.

“What’s wrong?” 

Chaeyoon still seemed clueless.

“Never mind. Better you don’t know. Ignorance is bliss. No, it’s actually a relief that you don’t know.”

Chaeyoon was oblivious to Eunho’s feelings for her. It was better not to enlighten her and create unnecessary trouble.

“What is it?”

“I love you.”

“What?”

“I said I love you.”

“You were just irritated a moment ago then you say that?”

“I got irritated because I love you. Anyway, don’t forget. I really love you.”

Seonho winked at Chaeyoon, and Chaeyoon couldn’t believe it and just laughed.

***

“So you’ve made up your mind? You’re quite the actor.”

Chaeyoon muttered as she read the article on her mobile phone.

The front page of a portal site featured articles about the chairman of SC Group’s affair and illegitimate child, which were likely to stir up controversy for a while.

Seonho had sent a text saying he couldn’t come with her today. Considering he texted instead of calling, it seemed he wasn’t in a situation to talk.

Just then, an unknown number called.

“Hello?”

– It’s me, Eunho.

“I was actually waiting for your call. I didn’t have your number.”

– I was puzzled by your sudden departure.

“Something happened.”

Chaeyoon stifled a laugh, feeling sorry for Eunho, who was clueless.

– I’ll come pick you up. Give me your address.

“No, it’s fine. Let’s go separately. Can I send Joo-eun’s address to this number?”

– Are you putting up a wall now?

“It’s not about putting up a wall. It’s just faster if we go separately. Joo-eun was very happy to hear you’d be coming.”

Chaeyoon arranged a time to meet with Eunho and hung up the phone.