CS Chapter 29

As soon as Seowoo confirmed that she had passed the GED exam, she left the house for the first time in a while. Of course, she was accompanied by a chauffeur as a precaution.

 

Sure enough, as soon as Seowoo’s car left the garage, reporters seemed to follow and tail them. However, thanks to the veteran chauffeur’s skilled driving, they were quickly able to shake them off.

 

Arriving safely at the Seongbuk-dong mansion, Seowoo ran to Jinwoong with a beaming smile and hugged him.

 

“Grandfather, I passed the exam!”

 

She had been worried because of the difficulties she’d faced leading up to the exam, but she was relieved that it had turned out well.

 

“Of course you did, our Seowoo is so bright. It’s a natural result.”

 

“How’s the chemotherapy going?”

 

As Seowoo asked, Chairman Cha Jinwoong had several IV drips attached to his arm. Although he had received a terminal diagnosis, the hospital had recommended chemotherapy to prolong his life.

 

At first, Jinwoong refused treatment, saying he would live according to the lifespan God had granted him. But for some reason, he had changed his mind and started actively participating in treatment last week. It seemed the prospect of his grandson’s wedding had given him a renewed will to live.

 

Given his age, the side effects of chemotherapy were a major concern, but surprisingly, Jinwoong was tolerating the treatment well, without even the usual nausea or vomiting.

 

Korea’s top medical professionals were constantly monitoring Jinwoong’s condition and doing their best to ensure he could participate in clinical trials for new drugs being developed abroad. For now, everyone just hoped he would overcome his illness without any complications.

 

“Would you like to take a walk with this old man in the back garden for old times’ sake?”

 

“I’d love to, Grandfather!”

 

There had been many changes to the back garden, which Jinwoong cherished. A tranquil pavilion was surrounded by a yellow dirt path, which Jinwoong had ordered built after reading an article about the benefits of barefoot walking for cancer patients.

 

Seowoo held Jinwoong’s wrinkled hand tightly as they walked side-by-side along the yellow dirt path. Whether it was a placebo effect or genuine, the moment her bare feet touched the soil, she felt as if all the impurities in her body were being drawn out, and a sudden hunger pang hit her.

 

They slowly circled the pavilion for about twenty minutes, chatting amicably. Smiling at each other, they looked like a true family.

 

“Grandfather, they say life expectancy is just a statistical average. So, don’t let something like that get you down.”

 

Seowoo chattered incessantly like a songbird.

 

“I even looked it up in online cafes. Someone was given three months to live, but they’ve survived for ten years now, and they’re so healthy now that they even participate in marathons. You’re strong, Grandfather, so I’m sure you’ll live for at least another fifty years.”

 

“Haha. If I live another fifty years, this old man will be over 130 years old, you silly girl.”

 

“You have to live a long, long life, Grandfather. You must.”

 

“Yes, thanks to you Seowoo, you give me strength.”

 

Jinwoong’s eyes, as he looked at Seowoo, were free of any anxiety or worry. Seeing his peaceful face, Seowoo felt comforted as well.

 

“Oh, by the way, how was your visit with the Cheonsin Bosal? I should have asked sooner, I’ve been so preoccupied with my treatment.”

 

“Oh, yes…”

 

A pang of guilt struck her, but Seowoo continued with a white lie, pretending everything was fine. She didn’t mention the Bosal’s wails and lamentations about the scapegoat’s fate. She knew it would upset Jinwoong.

 

“The Cheonsin Bosal prayed for Mr. Minjun and me to live happily ever after. I’ll cherish her words and live a happy life, Grandfather. Don’t you worry.”

 

Seemingly satisfied with her answer, Jinwoong’s face brightened once more.

 

“Good. I couldn’t ask for anything more than for you two to live happily together. And one more thing…”

 

Jinwoong continued slowly.

 

“I’ve told everyone to keep quiet, but Minjun still doesn’t know about my condition, does he?”

 

“No… he doesn’t know yet… But, Grandfather, shouldn’t Mr. Minjun have time to prepare himself mentally?”

 

“You have a point, Seowoo.”

 

Jinwoong’s lips pressed together firmly. He seemed to be deep in thought, considering his grandson who had lost his parents at a young age.

 

***

 

Minjun, leaving work early, immediately picked up Seowoo and drove off somewhere. Seowoo assumed they were going out for dinner, but Minjun suddenly handed her a tablet.

 

“Look at this so you don’t get bored on the way.”

 

“What is this?”

 

“What do you think it is? Dresses.”

 

“…Dresses?”

 

“Did you plan on getting married without wearing a dress?”

 

At his words, Seowoo finally nodded.

 

What could a 23-year-old who had just passed her GED exam know about wedding preparations? Seowoo reflected, realizing she’d been too naive.

 

Thinking she should take a closer look now, Seowoo focused on the tablet Minjun had given her. Even in photos, the pure white dresses looked incredibly luxurious. But there was something even more surprising.

 

“One… ten… hundred… thousand… one hundred million? W-what kind of dress costs hundreds of millions of won?” 

 [Translator’s note: One hundred million won is approximately $75,500 USD]

 

Stunned by the exorbitant prices, Seowoo gaped. Glancing at her, Minjun spoke nonchalantly.

 

“My grandfather insisted that as the future granddaughter-in-law of Daehan Group, you should have nothing less than the best.”

 

“But even so, it’s too expensive…? You really don’t have to go this far…”

 

“You’re not choosing one today. Just try them on.”

 

“Okay…”

 

Seowoo quietly nodded. Indeed, she’d never had a real choice in the matter. It was best to simply be grateful for Jinwoong’s kindness and go along with it.

 

Minjun’s sedan smoothly entered a building that resembled an art gallery. As they stepped out of the car and headed towards the entrance, the head designer and other staff members rushed to greet them.

 

“We’ll escort you inside.”

 

Following the staff member’s guidance, they entered a large hall. Beneath a brilliantly shining chandelier, countless wedding dresses displayed themselves, as if awaiting Seowoo’s selection.

 

Seowoo listened to the designer’s explanations as she began to examine the dresses carefully.

 

A dress adorned with 10,000 beads, a cancan dress with a voluminous skirt, a mermaid dress that boldly accentuated the feminine form… There were so many names for the dresses that she couldn’t possibly remember them all.

 

“Try on whichever one you like.”

 

Minjun, sitting on a large sofa with his legs crossed, said with a nod. However, overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices, Seowoo hesitated, unable to pick a dress. She wasn’t particularly interested in fashion and had no idea what would suit her.

 

“There are too many, I can’t choose.”

 

“Then would you like to try on a basic design first?”

 

At her words, the staff immediately presented a simple silk dress without any embellishments. Compared to the dresses she had seen earlier, its relatively understated and classic style appealed to her, and Seowoo shyly nodded.

 

While Seowoo went into the fitting room, Minjun acted as if he were watching a boring movie. His expression was like completely watching a boring movie, making one wonder if he was really the groom-to-be. The staff members all exchanged puzzled glances.

 

‘‘Are the rumors about her being a gold digger true after all?”

 

‘‘I heard they’re getting married because of fortune-telling…’’

 

Unaware to the staff’s speculative glances, Minjun was lost in thought.

 

What if she looked like a middle schooler in an ill-fitting wedding dress? He’d be happy if he didn’t burst out laughing.

 

I should try to manage my expression, Minjun resolved. Even if he wanted to tease this young woman, he knew she’d be hurt if he openly laughed at her.

 

“The bride is ready.”

 

Just then, the thick curtains swished open, and Seowoo, finished with her fitting, carefully stepped out into the center of the hall.