Chapter 22 – Boldness  

Friday afternoon.

The beauty shop was unusually busy today. Although the shop was large and seemed sparse, the number of celebrities getting ready to look their best was quite a bit higher than usual.

Eom So-yeon, who had finished her makeup, was also taking a short break on the main sofa before entering the dress fitting room.

The social party held at El Stella Hotel this evening is a major high-class event held every spring, with numerous celebrities from various fields expected to attend.

Rising actress Eom So-yeon, who is expected to have a presence beyond a supporting role in the grand drama <Master of the Sun>, has started to make a name for herself as CN Entertainment’s ambitious hidden card. People were very curious about her.

CEO Go Won-hoo, who considers responding to their interest as part of his business role, designated Eom So-yeon as the partner to accompany him to the party. So-yeon, understanding the CEO’s intentions, readily accepted the proposal.

However, as it was her first time attending such a large official event, So-yeon couldn’t shake off her nervousness since yesterday afternoon.

“Try drinking this.”

At that moment, Do-soon, who had returned from the pharmacy, handed So-yeon a liquid herbal medicine with the cap removed.

“I don’t like bitter things.”

“This one is bearable. Just try it.”

Though So-yeon detested medicine, she couldn’t refuse the herbal medicine. After all, drinking it was the only way to slightly manage her frozen expression.

“Good, drink it all! How is it, not bad, right?”

“Bitter.”

Despite saying it was bitter, her smiling expression was puzzling. Do-soon chuckled and brought up the conversation from yesterday again.

“If you insist on going through with it, I won’t stop you. But do you really have to go that far?”

Although the matter of family ties was not something to hide, it was natural for Do-soon, as her manager, to worry.

Around 2 p.m. yesterday, So-yeon returned home after spending a night at Seo-jun’s villa. Of course, nothing happened.

They had a comfortable conversation like friends, decided to spend the night at the villa when it got late, and slept in separate rooms. The next day, right after a somewhat late breakfast, Seo-jun kindly drove So-yeon back home.

Seo-jun’s demeanor was quite gentlemanly. Watching him, So-yeon saw potential. She hoped that as long as things stayed like this, she could create good memories with Tae Seo-jun during the drama project period.

That’s why she felt good all day, and even better news came last evening.

So-yeon had a long phone call with her mother.

‘Hyun-woo has been talking a lot more lately and often looks for his mom. So I’ve been thinking, it’s wrong for both the child and you, who left your little one behind. I think it’s right for you two to live together now. However, since you need to work, the nanny should stay with Hyun-woo. I’ll also be there until he adjusts to life in Korea. What do you think?’

As soon as her mother asked, So-yeon covered her mouth and sobbed. Just from the sound of her crying, Jo Yeon-hee promised to return to Korea with Hyun-woo next month.

However, to live with her child, there were things to sort out. For that reason, when she received the call and Do-soon went over to So-yeon’s house, she faced So-yeon’s unyielding determination.

When signing the exclusive contract with <CN Entertainment>, So-yeon regretted not being able to mention it because she couldn’t bring herself to speak. She decided that no matter what disadvantages might arise, she must reveal the fact that she has a child before it’s too late.

Determined to become a proud mother to Hyun-woo, So-yeon’s resolve seemed even firmer overnight, and she spoke without hesitation.

“I should have said it earlier, and I shouldn’t let my selfishness harm the company or Director Yoon’s work.”

“Should I speak on your behalf?”

The contract with the company might be terminated. Additionally, the current drama participation plan might fall apart, and she might face a situation requiring compensation.

Worried about So-yeon, who was willing to accept all that, Do-soon thought it might be better if she negotiated with the company instead.

However, So-yeon firmly said that she would handle it herself.

“No. It’s something I need to resolve.”

“My heart is pounding just thinking about what the CEO will say. But, you said next month? Your mother is coming to Korea with your little one.”

“Yes. I won’t have to be apart from Hyun-woo anymore.”

“Are you that happy?”

At Do-soon’s question, So-yeon, who missed her son dearly, crinkled her nose.

“Yes. Very much.”

“If you’re happy, so am I.”

What more words are needed when a mother decides to live with her child? Do-soon quietly patted So-yeon’s shoulder.

“Thank you, Do-soon…”

Having Do-soon, who meant more than just a manager, was incredibly reassuring for So-yeon.

“Ms. Eom So-yeon, please come this way.”

“Yes.”

Just then, a shop employee appeared and guided So-yeon to the dress fitting room.

***

How splendid would it be if the three brothers stood together as successors of <El Stella Hotel> on a day like today?

Every time, Yeo-jin felt uneasy having to pretend one of her sons didn’t exist. Her gaze fell on Seok-ho’s composed face.

“Yong-jun and Lee-jun are appearing prominently with their spouses, but Seo-jun doesn’t even have a partner yet, and I have to keep quiet about him being my son, so I’m saying this out of frustration. How long must we continue like this?”

“You know better than anyone that he’s not someone who’ll remain an actor forever. Besides, who else will trust him if not us?”

“That’s true.”

Cha Yeo-jin’s head nodded slightly.

“Of course, it’s about our child. Why wouldn’t I be anxious? But everything has its time.”

Tae Seo-jun was an extreme left-hander.

But now, he uses his right hand almost as well as his left, to the point where calling him ambidextrous wouldn’t be wrong.

Just like his exceptionally outstanding appearance and physique, Seo-jun’s tenacious pursuit of perfection is innate, and unlike his two gentle-natured older brothers, the youngest son has never been compliant, differing fundamentally.

To summarize Chairman Tae Seok-ho’s words, they should patiently wait until the youngest son realizes for himself how wonderful and valuable it is to build and protect a family with a partner.

“Anyhow, since my words don’t seem to get through, you should try persuading him.”

“I’m always keeping an eye on Seo-jun. Don’t worry and go down to the banquet hall.”

“Of course.”

Having come to see her husband briefly before the party started, Yeo-jin’s grumbling had gone on a bit long. As she got up, she gently placed her hand on her husband’s shoulder and asked.

“So, where is Seo-jun now? I heard he’s going overseas for filming soon, but I need to see him before that.”

“They say the darkest place is under the lamp. But instead of looking for the rebellious son, why not pay some attention to me?”

“You say the most obvious things.”

Smooch!

“I’ll be back.”

Leaving a light kiss and a charming smile, Yeo-jin hurriedly left the chairman’s office

“Hehe…”

Gently rubbing the cheek where his wife’s warmth lingered, Seok-ho chuckled and pressed the intercom connected to his direct secretary’s office.

• Yes, Chairman.

“What about the thing I asked you to look into earlier?”

• Since Benitoite is such a rare gemstone, it took some time to find.

“So, when?”

• You should be able to see it yourself by next Wednesday.

“Good, it’s earlier than expected. Well done.”

A pair of mandarin ducks.

Wasn’t this what a harmonious couple looked like?

Tae Seok-ho eagerly prepared a gift for his wife along with his thirty-sixth proposal, eagerly awaiting their upcoming wedding anniversary.

***

“My goodness…!”

A short exclamation burst from the shop master’s mouth as she intently gazed at So-yeon. She was deeply impressed by Eom So-yeon’s perfect appearance from head to toe.

While most famous celebrities, whether actors or models, have passed through this beauty shop, it had been a long time since she encountered such naturally radiant, transparent skin and outstanding beauty.

The makeup was not overdone, and the half-up hairstyle was incredibly lovely. The rose gold dress, hugging her slender yet curvy body, combined with the shimmering sequins on the sheer fabric, amplified So-yeon’s elegant figure several times over.

The fit of her slender waist and the firm, uplifted hips was slightly off. The shop master skillfully adjusted that part and seated So-yeon in a chair, asking.

“So, how is it?”

Though it was her handiwork, Eom So-yeon’s completed style was so beautiful that it could be described with the highest praise. Because of this, the shop master rounded her eyes lined with thick eyeliner, exuding confidence.

“This is the best styling I’ve ever had. Thank you, ma’am.”

So-yeon conveyed her genuine feelings as she took in her reflection in the mirror. The shop master, who completed her work by attaching a tiara decoration to the loosely braided hair, smiled with satisfaction.

“You haven’t had any work done on your face, have you, So-yeon? I can tell just by looking. And your skin—how can it be so flawless and smooth? It goes without saying, but you should really thank your parents for blessing you with such beauty.”

“Oh, you’re flattering me.”

“No need to be modest. CEO Go specifically asked me to pay special attention, but there’s hardly anything extra I could do because you’re naturally beautiful.”

“……”

Feeling shy and embarrassed by the continuous praise, So-yeon’s face turned red.

“Do you know this? No matter how beautiful the celebrities here are, none of them can match you in terms of atmosphere or looks, Eom So-yeon.”

Perhaps conscious of the people outside the fitting room, the shop master leaned close to So-yeon’s face and whispered.

“Surely not.”

“I’m just stating the truth. At today’s party, Ms. Eom So-yeon, you will undoubtedly stand out the most. So don’t be nervous and enjoy the envious glances from others. You’re someone who deserves it. Being confident and proud would be even better. Confidence will make you even more captivating.”

“……”

So-yeon continuously gazed at her reflection in the mirror.

Though it might be words spoken out of professional courtesy, perhaps the low and calm voice of the middle-aged woman gave her courage.

A mysterious energy lingered in her confident hazel eyes.

***

The chandelier lights of the high ceiling brightly illuminated the spacious banquet hall.

The guests, entering with luxurious appearances, were truly dazzling, and the so-called top 1% naturally blended into their kind, bursting into sparkling laughter as if to flaunt their status.

Eom So-yeon, who had just arrived at El Stella Hotel, entered the grand hotel lobby escorted by CEO Go Won-hoo.

Click, click…

The reporters lined up along the barricade line frantically pressed their camera shutters at So-yeon and Won-hoo.

Momentarily flustered by the flashing camera lights, So-yeon quickly regained her composed smile upon reaching the photo zone.

“CEO Go Won-hoo, please link arms naturally with Ms. Eom So-yeon!”

“You’ve been given a significant role in your debut work; how do you feel about it?”

Though the reporters’ questions poured in, So-yeon and Won-hoo waved their hands like a couple, striking plausible poses but refrained from speaking.

It wasn’t a place for interviews, but having had a rather serious conversation in the car on the way, both of them couldn’t help but remain tight-lipped.

Go Won-hoo had learned that Eom So-yeon has a child. At that moment, his mind felt like it was being pinched. Her expression was too solemn for it to be a joke, yet accepting it as truth was more than shocking and hard to believe.

‘Is it true?’

‘Yes. I’m sorry for not telling you earlier.’

Won-hoo asked repeatedly, and each time, So-yeon’s unwavering answer was the same.

‘It’s not something we can just keep to ourselves, so let’s discuss it with the drama production company. But nothing will change. The CN PR team will just have to work harder than ever.’

Just before getting out of the car, Go Won-hoo’s conclusion was to confront it head-on, as expected of him.

When Won-hoo and So-yeon changed their posture and looked towards the reporters.

“Hey, over there!”

“What?!”

“Wow!”

As the distinct presence of Tae Seo-jun stepped into the photo zone, surprised voices erupted from everywhere.

His sudden appearance was unexpected for everyone, including Won-hoo and So-yeon. However, because he rarely appeared in public, the reporters, now even more bustling, requested the two men to stand on either side of Eom So-yeon, eagerly rushing to cover the event.

As the three stood side by side, as requested by the reporters, their reactions heated up even more.

“Director Tae, what brings you here?”

“Just felt like stopping by out of boredom.”

“What about your outfit?”

“It’s not like I showed up n*ked, so what’s the big deal?”

A white shirt and black slacks instead of a tuxedo. Seo-jun’s attire was a bold departure from the norm.

But despite his disinterested attire for the party, his handsome face and physique, which perfectly carried anything he wore, played a part. Among those who passed through the photo zone today, if one were to pick the most dazzling person, it would undoubtedly be Tae Seo-jun.

He was the man who made you realize how unfair the world can be.

“…!”

What, what is this…!

Listening to the conversation between the two men like telephone poles, So-yeon suddenly felt dizzy.

Seo-jun had grabbed her hand from behind.