MJ | Chapter 9

Leaving the bank, Jungin sat on a bench, sighing deeply. He’d visited every bank he had dealings with, but there were no more loans available. He didn’t know where to go or what to do next.

Sitting there, dazed, he eventually got up and headed to his car. His steps felt like they were weighed down by stones, and he felt cold inside and out. Even after starting the engine, he sat there for a while, unable to drive off.

The loan sharks, who promised to give him time, had started pressing him since yesterday, and his uncle was completely unreachable. He planned to visit a lawyer a friend recommended in the afternoon. Because of this, he had to cancel all his appointments for the day.

Lost in thought, he finally drove off. Arriving at the shop, he parked in front and noticed someone standing there. It was the man who had visited the orphanage. As he got out, the man greeted him politely.

“What brings you here…?”

“The person I serve is waiting inside.”

The person claiming to be Grandpa’s acquaintance? Mom worried it might be a scam, but maybe it wasn’t. Entering, he saw an unfamiliar figure with hands clasped behind his back. Dahye came out with tea from the back. As the elderly man turned, he looked familiar.

As Dahye set the tea down, the elderly man naturally took a seat on the sofa. Jungin hung up his coat and sat across from him, glancing at the man who introduced himself as a secretary. What should he say? He claimed to know Grandpa, but why was he here…

Bowing, the elderly man asked his secretary to leave. Once Dahye, the secretary, and the bodyguard left, only the two remained. The elderly man, staring at his teacup, raised his eyes to Jungin.

“Nice to meet you. I sent someone to your home a few days ago. Did your mother tell you?”

“I know roughly…”

The elderly man glanced around the shop.

“How much is the rent here?”

Jungin’s eyes widened slightly. Asking about the rent right away seemed rude. When he didn’t answer, the elderly man sipped his tea and looked Jungin up and down.

“Even if you sell the shop, it won’t cover your uncle’s debt.”

At the mention of debt, Jungin’s expression hardened.

“Yeongsan Group has decided to build a resort, so they won’t back down easily. And your mother doesn’t seem like someone who’d move the orphanage easily…”

The elderly man knew more about Jungin’s family than he expected. Suddenly, he felt wary. Why was he here? He was curious but also wanted him to leave.

“What do you want to say to me, sir?”

The elderly man handed Jungin a notepad and pen. Jungin’s eyes lingered on them before meeting the man’s wrinkled face. He still looked familiar. Why?

“I want to buy your time. Write down the amount you want. What do you think?”

Did I hear wrong?

“What are you saying…”

“I have a son, a fine alpha. But he’s causing trouble. It’s put me in a difficult position.”

Jungin finally recognized the man and widened his eyes. He’d seen him in the media. A famous businessman, recently frequenting political news, Kim Manho. Before he could process it, the man’s next words were shocking.

“Marry him and live together for four months.”

“What?”

“Until the election ends.”

Jungin stared at the man in disbelief. Now he understood why he’d asked if Jungin was an omega.

“You’re joking, right?”

“I’m serious.”

Jungin opened his mouth, then closed it.

“Sir, I’m sorry, but I’m not an omega.”

“I know.”

At this point, it seemed like a joke. Yet, hearing the proposal and seeing the paper in front of him, he felt conflicted. Just then, the loan shark called. Jungin rejected the call and sighed softly.

“I don’t understand why you’re doing this to me.”

“As I said, my father had a connection with your grandfather. He helped him when no one else would. Before he died, he left a will. If you find his child, have them marry.”

It was a familiar story. But why now, before the election? It was obvious. The man wasn’t honoring his father’s will; he just needed Jungin.

“What do you think?”

Jungin didn’t answer. A contract marriage? He’d never imagined it. He owed tens of millions. Even if he sold the shop, took out the house deposit, and got loans, it wasn’t enough. The phone rang again. It was the loan shark.

Ignoring it, a message came through.

‘Ryu Jungin, if you don’t answer, we’ll visit the orphanage. Let’s not make this ugly.’ Kim Choonho’s menacing face seemed to loom before him.

He closed his eyes tightly, then opened them as Kim Chairman pushed the paper closer.

“Write any amount you want.”

His neck stiffened. He couldn’t retort, asking if he thought he was a commodity. He desperately needed money. But marrying a stranger wasn’t an easy decision.

As Jungin sat there, unable to decide, Kim Chairman watched him intently. Despite being a beta, he had a pleasant scent like an omega. He was quite tall and handsome, a good match for Kim Hajun. Plus, his father was a respected figure known for his dedication and service.

“Does your son agree to this?”

“Of course not. Didn’t I say he’s a troublemaker?”

“Then how…”

“Don’t worry. He’ll do it. I’ll make sure of it.”

An unusual father, forcing his son into marriage without asking. The son must be quite a headache too.

“One condition. Let’s keep your beta status between us.”

Jungin looked up, surprised. What?

“My wife and mother-in-law would oppose if they knew you’re a beta.”

“……”

“After four months, you’ll have more money than you can imagine. Think of your family and the orphanage kids. Just focus on them.”

“But…”

“Are you going to let them be homeless this winter?”

Though it sounded considerate, it was almost a threat. Jungin fell silent. A contract marriage in the 21st century? Plus, he naturally didn’t get along with alpha men.

As he hesitated, Kim Chairman pushed the paper closer.

“Take your time to think. My secretary will leave a card. Contact us when you’ve decided.”

Kim Chairman stood, and Jungin, biting his lip, called out urgently. But when he did, he couldn’t find the words.

“I know this is shameless, but can’t you just lend me the money? I’ll pay it back somehow.”

Kim Chairman’s gaze was firm.

“My father’s will was clear. Marriage.”

Jungin couldn’t say anything. Why repay a debt with marriage? But it seemed he wouldn’t help otherwise. As Kim Chairman left, his secretary handed Jungin a card and departed.

As soon as they left, Dahye came in, eyes wide at the card on the table.

“Woojin Group? Is it the Woojin Group I know? One of the top ten in Korea?”

She bombarded him with questions, but he couldn’t answer. Right on cue, loan shark Kim Choonho called. Jungin’s eyes darted between the white paper and the phone, filled with confusion.

***

Chairman Kim stayed in his study, looking out the window. Though the cold had passed, the chill remained, and today felt especially bleak. Turning, he sat down, habitually reaching for a cigarette. In front of him, Secretary Yoon stood, awaiting orders.

“No flaws?”

Chairman Kim had asked for more information on Ryu Jungin. Had he done anything questionable in the past? Any major disqualifications?

According to Secretary Yoon, he worked at his shop on weekdays and helped the orphanage on his days off. Most of his earnings went to the orphanage. Compared to Kim Hajun, he was exemplary.

“Cut off Ryu Jungin’s money. Did you contact the loan shark?”

“Yes, Chairman.”

“Tell them to pressure him more. When cornered, he’ll take the bait.”

“Yes.”

“And that brat Hajun…”

Just saying Kim Hajun’s name gave him a headache. That damn kid. His wife, Joo Hyeryeon, had hinted about the marriage, but there was no response. It was infuriating. Was he being ignored?

“Find something to entice him.”

As Secretary Yoon was about to respond, the door burst open, and Kim Hajun entered. His face was flushed, likely from learning about the travel ban. Joo Hyeryeon followed, trying to calm him, but Hajun snapped.

“Are you really doing this?”

Chairman Kim stubbed out his cigarette, responding coldly. What?

“How could you stop me from flying? Am I a criminal?”

Hajun was incredulous. An agency actor was injured overseas, hospitalized, and he’d rushed to the airport, only to find he was banned from leaving. He’d thought it was a mistake until he remembered Chairman Kim.

“Are you getting revenge on me?”

“You already try to cut me off, isn’t that enough? Why are you so angry over this?”

“Fine. Fine. I won’t do it anymore. Lift the ban. I need to leave now.”

“I heard from your mom. I met that person today.”

His anger flared. The travel ban made sense now.

“Father!”

Raising his voice, Chairman Kim met his gaze. His stubborn lips twisted further.

“Stop talking and get married.”

“Have you lost your mind?”

“Live together for four months. After that, divorce or whatever, I don’t care. Just get married. I’ll give you whatever you want.”

Hajun stared at Chairman Kim in disbelief. The old man had lost it. Selling his son’s life for an election.

“If you want it so bad, why don’t you run again?”

That brat. Chairman Kim stood abruptly, and Joo Hyeryon quickly intervened. Hajun, incredulous, asked.

“Does the other person know what you’re planning?”

“Of course.”

Unbelievable.

“And they’re okay with it?”

If so, they weren’t normal either. A crazy old man obsessed with elections, marrying a stranger. Just then, Secretary Yoon’s phone rang. After a brief call, he whispered to Chairman Kim.

A satisfied smile spread across Chairman Kim’s face. Hajun felt a chill.

“It seems they’re willing to marry you.”