CHAPTER 14 – New Year’s Gathering (Part 2)

On the gentle slopes of Pyeongchang-dong, large sedans were lined up one after another. When the driver opened the door, executives and their spouses stepped out of the cars. Perhaps because only high-ranking executives of the Hanseong Group were invited, their attire was exceptionally extravagant.

“CEO, what shall we do with the car?”

Halfway up the hill, Mr. Kim asked Dojun. Dojun looked at the row of cars lined up along the wall.

“Should we put it in the garage?”

Putting it in the garage meant that Dojun would stay at Yeonwoo House while asking Mr. Kim to wait nearby meant that he would leave without staying and just return.

“Please do that.”

With that, Mr. Kim turned the wheel. The car drove past the gate, where a line of cars stopped, and up the hill a little further. The driver pressed a button on the remote control and the garage shutters automatically rose.

“I’ll see you at work tomorrow.”

Dojun got out of the car, saying that there was no need to come home. Receiving the driver’s farewell, Dojun pressed the elevator button that directly connected the garage to the main house.

“CEO, you’re here.”

The butler greeted him as he stepped out of the lift. Dojun nodded briefly and asked him.

“Where’s the chairman?”

“He has gone down to the courtyard on the first floor.”

Yeonwoo House, built to take advantage of the sloping terrain, had two entrances: the main gate and the garage. Where Dojun entered from the elevator was practically the 2nd floor, but it was the 1st floor when viewed from the garage side with a high ground level, and the 2nd floor when viewed from the main gate side with a low ground level.

The concept of the 1st floor of a normal mansion was the 2nd floor of Yeonwoo House. There was a reception room, a spacious living room, and a dining room where family members gathered. It was connected to a cozy backyard garden.

The wide front yard, accessible by car from the main gate, was adjacent to the 1st floor. Yeonwoo House’s 1st floor was a large space divided into several sliding doors, used differently depending on the purpose.

When guests were staying, it was used as a guesthouse. When important meetings were held, it was used as a conference room, and on days like today, when the New Year’s gathering was held, all the sliding doors were opened wide, and it was used as a banquet hall.

Dojun descended the stairs leading to the 1st floor. Round tables draped with white cloth. Floral decorations are placed everywhere. Neatly arranged tableware. Servers bustling about. Passing through a place reminiscent of a hotel banquet hall, Dojun stepped out into the courtyard.

His grandfather’s back was the first thing he saw, and next to him stood his uncle. Just as Dojun was about to step forward towards Chairman Hwang,

“Look who it is, isn’t it Manager Yoon?”

He heard his grandfather’s voice and saw Seo-yeon coming up the stone steps in the courtyard. For a moment, Dojun stopped in his tracks.

“Thank you for attending this old man’s gathering.”

She looked similar to the usual Yoon Seo-yeon, but somehow different still. It was just a little more glamour and color, but it was eye-catching. She shone brightly as if a light had been turned on inside her.

“You’ve attended as a couple today. Standing together like this, you look very good together.”

Only then did Dojun notice the man standing next to Seo-yeon. It was Sehyun, smiling broadly.

“Chairman.”

Dojun called out to Chairman Hwang, who was shaking hands with Sehyun. When Chairman Hwang turned around upon hearing his name, he broke into a wide smile.

“I’m here. Uncle, you came early.” 

Dojun gave a quick bow to Yeongchan and stood beside Chairman Hwang.

“We were just exchanging greetings.”

Chairman Hwang smiled at Dojun. Dojun nodded his head in acknowledgment but didn’t move from his spot.

“Let me introduce you. This is Vice President Yoon Sangcheol’s daughter….”

“Heritage Manager Yoon Seo-yeon. I know her well.”

Dojun extended his hand first for a handshake. For a moment, their eyes met in mid-air. Seo-yeon quickly smiled and lightly took Dojun’s hand.

“Mr. CEO, how have you been?”

“Thanks to you, I’ve been well.”

Dojun said, squeezing Seo-yeon’s hand. Her small, white hand seemed to be engulfed in his hand. Before Dojun could say anything further, Seo-yeon smiled and withdrew her hand, explaining to Chairman Hwang.

“I’ve been assisting the CEO with his attire lately.”

“Oh, is that so? Our Manager Yoon has been doing a lot of work. If this fellow here gives you a hard time, just give me a call. I’ll straighten him out for you.”

“Yes, I’ll do that.”

Seo-yeon smiled and looked at Chairman Hwang and Dojun.

“And this is Manager Lee Sehyun. He’s President Lee Jang-soo’s son, and also someone who is soon to be married to Manager Yoon here. I believe our Vice Chairman Hwang built a bridge for them, right?”

“Yes. Many competitors were eyeing Manager Yoon, so it was a bit challenging. But you did well. So you should treat her well.”

“Yes, Vice Chairman.”

Sehyun replied loudly at Yeongchan’s nudge. Dojun reached out his hand to Sehyun for a handshake.

“I’m Hwang Dojun.”

“Oh, yes, CEO. I’m Lee Sehyun, Marketing Manager at Hanseong Department Store.”

Dojun briefly held Sehyun’s hand, then let go and looked at Seo-yeon. Seo-yeon smiled softly at Sehyun, an expression that twisted something under Dojun.

“So, when are you planning to set the date?”

“We’re not…”

Seohyun grabbed Seo-yeon’s hand as she was about to answer Chairman Hwang’s question.

“Soon, we plan to set the date. Isn’t that right, Seo-yeon?”

Seo-yeon smiled without saying a word. Observing the guests coming in, Yeongchan subtly signaled to Chairman Hwang.

“Young people don’t like being held back for too long. The wind is chilly; let’s head inside.”

“Is that so? The old man must be delighted to have gathered you all for so long. Make your wedding preparations well, and once the date is set, send me an invitation.”

Understood? Chairman Hwang looked at Seo-yeon with questioning eyes.

“Yes, Chairman. I’ll send them out to you first.”

Seo-yeon replied with a gentle smile. Her hair fluttered in the wind as she smiled. Seohyun stepped closer to Seo-yeon and pulled her hand, linking their arms together. Affectionately linked, Seo-yeon looked at Seohyun with a smile in her eyes. Dojun silently watched their interaction.

“Well then, please enjoy the food and have a comfortable time.”

“Yes, Chairman. Thank you for your greetings!”

Sehyun said, a little stiffly. Chairman Hwang smiled kindly and turned away. Although Vice Chairman Yeongchan stood next to him, Chairman Hwang turned back to call Dojun.

“Dojun.”

The orange lights of the banqueting hall behind the chairman were unusually bright. As Dojun headed towards the banquet hall, his expression remained impassive as he passed by Seo-yeon.