DD Ch 2

Sahee sat down to put on her shoes and glanced towards the pond where voices were coming from. She made eye contact with Taeon, who seemed to have noticed her presence. As soon as Sahee gave a brief nod, the man who appeared to be his secretary turned around.

“Oh, hello! You must be working here!”

“…Hello.”

“Please take care of us for the time being.”

The man had a bright voice and a kind impression. If it weren’t for that, she could have quietly left, using the excuse that she couldn’t interrupt their conversation.

Sahee stood up, gathering the trash bag, and received the gaze of the two men.

“CEO, the cleaning is finished. Please go inside and continue your conversation.”

“Miss Yeon Sahee.”

Just as she was thinking about returning to her room to rest, CEO Jung Taeon called her. His gaze was quite heavy. Sahee stood there, feeling as if she was carrying a heavy stone, and looked at him.

“…Yes, CEO.”

In contrast, the man’s actions were without hesitation. He bent his waist and extended his arm, handing her an iced coffee. His hand was so large that the tall coffee cup looked like a child’s toy.

“Take it.”

In that brief moment, the sound of Mrs. Chun’s gasping moans echoed in her mind, along with the image of the condom box prominently placed on the nightstand.

“No, thank you.”

The response came out immediately. She should have just accepted it if he was offering, but it was an unnecessary refusal. It was as if she had revealed her sharp hostility.

Although CEO Jung Taeon’s expression didn’t change, she might have offended him. Whether she was welcomed or not, it didn’t matter, but she still felt anxious.

“…I’ll be going now.”

Fearing she might hear something unpleasant, Sahee bowed deeply instead of making excuses.

On her way back along the stone path, she hoped Mrs. Chun would recover soon. It had only been two days since the esteemed guest arrived, but she was already mentally exhausted.

* * *

It was just three words.

No. Thank you. I’ll be going now.

The refusal was sharp, and the discomfort was blatant. Taeon chuckled as he reflected on the firm rejection of his goodwill.

As he sipped the iced coffee, the cold liquid flowed smoothly down his throat. Yeon Sahee was limping along the stone path with the trash bag.

Who would eat her up?

Her hurried steps seemed desperate to escape this place. It was amusing to think about why she was even more irritable than in the morning, and then he remembered the condom box placed on the nightstand.

When he returned from his walk, it was his mother’s warning, placed on the desk as if in protest. It seemed she was determined to make him give up in disgust.

He figured the woman must have seen the item he had placed on the nightstand in frustration. She had been startled and slammed the door shut just from seeing him change clothes.

Recalling the sound of her limping steps beyond the door, Taeon looked down at his secretary.

“Secretary Kim, it was you, wasn’t it?”

“…Pardon? What do you mean?”

“The condom.”

Secretary Kim smiled awkwardly.

There might be condoms here, but the ones Taeon used were a specific size. It would be horrifying if his mother knew that.

“You should have just pretended.”

“I’m sorry if it made you uncomfortable.”

“That’s enough.”

“…Did something happen with the madam?”

“Who knows. She’s sensitive.”

Taeon shrugged and sat down on the landscaping stone, crossing his legs. The secretary took a step closer and expressed his frustration.

“I understand why the madam is sensitive. It’s frustrating for me too.”

“Secretary Kim, why are you so frustrated?”

“Isn’t it obvious? The CEO is always pushed into difficult situations while he gets all the protection! Jung Taejun was a done deal!”

Taeon, resting his chin on his hand nonchalantly, tapped the tip of his shoe.

While it’s true that the chairman protects Jung Taejun, it’s more accurate to see it as a check against Taeon.

Taeon had achieved significant results, from the automotive sector to construction. Thanks to this, the media always focused on Taeon, and recently, there were even talks that he, not his father, might become the next head of the group.

Chairman Jung, while seemingly overjoyed at the prospect of his grandson succeeding him, often hinted in private that he didn’t want to be left behind by the times.

Moreover, Jungmoon Construction was about to bid for the largest redevelopment project since the founding of the country. If Jungmoon Construction was chosen as the contractor, all the spotlight would be on Taeon, so this unreasonable exile was somewhat understandable.

They wouldn’t give it up easily.

Taeon lightly laughed, imagining Chairman Jung’s face flushed with jealousy.

“It’s the same with Yeonghwadang. There’s already a lot of talk about it, and pushing the CEO to stay there… Look at this grand building. All of it was funded by our group. I’m thinking of getting a shamanic blessing when I retire.”

“Please do.”

Taeon chuckled and stood up, dusting off his seat. As he walked back into the annex building, he briefly turned his neck to observe the scenery.

Somewhere in the majestic mountains surrounding the annex lay the graves of his great-grandparents.

During a difficult period for Jungmoon Group, Chairman Jung sought out Park Jisun, a renowned shaman, on the advice of his secretaries. As soon as Park Jisun saw Chairman Jung’s face, she wept as if the world was ending, claiming his parents were lying in a pool of blood.

The next day, they discovered iron spikes driven into the graves of his great-grandparents. Chairman Jung was shocked, and Park Jisun suggested removing the spikes, relocating the graves, and appeasing the spirits. She then targeted the chairman of their rival company, TJ, and drove iron spikes into his parents’ graves.

Some say Park Jisun staged the incident to secure Chairman Jung’s favor, but whether it was a revelation or a scheme, Chairman Jung kept Park Jisun by his side.

The relocated graves were in those mountains, and the land Park Jisun received as a reward was Yeonghwadang.

As times changed, Yeonghwadang remained in the shadows of Jungmoon Group, but Chairman Jung still sought Park Jisun’s help during difficult times.

Nine years ago, when his uncle jumped from the construction building’s roof, it was the same.

Taeon still remembered that winter when black sedans lined the road to Yeonghwadang. He recalled the pale girl standing on the sidewalk, wearing wool earmuffs and boots, with a suitcase larger than her body, silently watching the procession of black cars.

The thoughts didn’t last long. Delving deeper would be pointless sentimentality.

Taeon turned his gaze to Secretary Kim, who had followed him from the yard.

“The spring baseball opening game is in two weeks, right?”

“Oh, yes! The team sent an invitation. The players are very motivated after the recent improvements to the stadium.”

Secretary Kim cautiously observed Taeon’s reaction as he spoke.

“Let’s go up then. In two weeks, things should be settled, and the chairman will understand it was an unreasonable suggestion in the first place.”

“Yes, I’ll inform the madam right away.”

“Maybe it’s better to surprise her then.”

Who knows what kind of tantrum the chairman might throw.

“Is that so?”

“Let’s do that.”

Secretary Kim’s face visibly brightened. Listening to his excited voice as he anticipated the event in two weeks, Taeon walked across the room indifferently. There was much to be done.

* * *

Helping out at Yeonghwadang made the day pass quickly. From preparing ingredients to washing dishes, the absence of Mrs. Chun was keenly felt that evening. The smell of food made her lose her appetite, and she ended up leaving the table early.

The distance from the main building to the small sarangchae was considerable. Sahee walked, contemplating the changing scenery of the seasons. A short walk to get some fresh air seemed like a good idea. Her ankle ached from walking all day, but she could endure it for a while.

Just as Sahee was about to turn and leave the house, her pocket vibrated several times. She took out her phone and saw a series of messages.

[Yeon Sahee Writer]

[Good news]

[(Emoticon)]

A brown bear character waved on the screen. Sahee didn’t hesitate and pressed the call button.

“What’s up?”

─ Hey. You don’t even say hello, just ask what’s up. I’m almost at your place.

“What?”

─ I can see you. Hang up for now!

When she looked up, a bright red sports car was approaching. No matter how many times she saw it, she couldn’t get used to that flashy entrance. Sahee stood still. Soon, a man with a friendly face got out of the car, smiling broadly.

Kim Juhwan was Sahee’s college classmate. He was a year older than Sahee and had become friends with everyone during the orientation. Having spent his childhood abroad, he hated being called oppa or hyung, saying it was cringeworthy. He couldn’t stand seeing anyone left out.

Sahee, who had always struggled to make friends, had a lively college life thanks to Juhwan.

“Hey, Yeon Sahee, why do you look like a drowned rat?”

“I’ve been busy with guests.”

“You too?”

“I have to earn my keep.”

“How much do you even eat? You’re such a picky eater.”

“What’s the good news?”

Ignoring the scolding that felt like it was directed at a younger sister, Sahee changed the subject. Juhwan smiled as if he expected it.

“Impatient as always. Wait a moment.”

Juhwan opened his briefcase and took out an envelope.

“Here.”

“What is it?”

“Can’t you tell? It’s a recommendation letter for a university abroad.”

“…What?”

“Just read it. Read it and give me an answer in two weeks.”

The envelope was practically shoved into Sahee’s arms. As she held it, Juhwan grinned.

“It’s not just for you. I gave one to Yujeong and Philip too. You’re Yeon Sahee, the writer, so don’t start complaining as soon as you get it.”

“Who said I was complaining…”

“Hey, Yeon Sahee. Who do you think fed you during college, huh?”

Juhwan raised his voice, acting as if he had taken care of everyone.

Even though some classmates were five or six years older, he always acted like he had raised them all. Despite claiming he wasn’t used to hierarchical relationships, he shamelessly called them “kids” and used other cringeworthy terms.

Sahee shook her head, exasperated.

“I’m an adult. I could feed myself.”

“Anyway! It’s not a bad offer, so read it. You don’t have to worry about anything; just go. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Living abroad would be better for you than staying here.”

“…”

“I’m leaving now.”

She agreed that living abroad would be better for her leg, but a position where she just had to show up? Such things didn’t exist.

As Sahee glared silently, Juhwan chose to flee. She tried to grab his shirt sleeve, but he suddenly stopped and looked in another direction.

“Hmm?”

Following his gaze, Sahee turned her head.

It was CEO Jung Taeon.

Before Juhwan could identify the tall man, Sahee flinched and her fingertips trembled. Juhwan looked at her curiously. Sahee quickly composed herself, gave a formal nod to the man, and then forcefully pulled Juhwan.

“Let’s finish talking in the car.”

“There’s nothing to talk about with Yeon Sahee, seriously! Why are the kids these days so disrespectful to their elders? You’re stretching my clothes, stretching them!”

“Kim Juhwan!”

“I’m leaving! Love you!”

Juhwan quickly shook off Sahee’s hand and ran off. As he shut the car door and started the engine in a hurry, Sahee watched, biting her lower lip.

At the same time, she felt a gaze on her. Sahee looked up unconsciously and was met with a steady stare. Leaning against the fence, Taeon was smoking a cigarette while watching her.

His eyes were unreadable. In the cold silence, the recent commotion seemed particularly loud. Realizing he had seen her bickering and yelling like a child made her face flush with embarrassment.

Sahee adjusted the crumpled envelope in her hand. She felt too drained to even think about going for a walk now. Just as she was about to awkwardly greet him, CEO Jung Taeon spoke first.

He lightly flicked the ash from his cigarette with a long finger and turned away, like a spectator who had lost interest after briefly observing a commotion.

The spot where he had stood was left with only the quiet scent of tobacco. Sahee shook her head and pushed through the gate.

Does she even have the right to be uncomfortable?

He was a distinguished guest of Yeonghwadang. A very special guest, who meant nothing in her life.

* * *

Back in her room, Sahee opened the envelope Juhwan had given her.

Inside were a recommendation letter from her college professor and an information booklet about the scholarship program run by Juhwan’s father’s arts foundation.

“Now, of all times…”

She looked at the documents on her desk and then raised her head to gaze at the drawings on her wall.

Even while majoring in fine arts, she never hoped it would become her career. Those were four years dedicated purely to a short-lived dream, with a pure heart.

Returning to her hometown after graduation, Sahee took a completely different path. It was an unexpected direction, but she thought there must be a reason for where the wind leads. After all, she was still living her life painting, and that was fine in its own way.

Sahee pressed her temples and sighed deeply.

She had been thinking of leaving this house soon anyway. She planned to finish her current deadline and then go to Seoul to explore her options, but suddenly, an unexpected choice had presented itself.

“Hey, Sahee. It’s me.”

Just then, her uncle knocked on the door. Sahee got up and opened it. Wearing a bright blue shirt and with his hair slicked back, he was all dressed up and sitting on the porch, grinning at her.

“Don’t laugh.”

“This girl is so prickly. Here, eat this. I bought it on my way back from my date. I heard you skipped dinner.”

“What is it?”

“Hotdog. From the market.”

“You went to the market with your girlfriend?”

“Hey! I’m not that kind of guy. I stopped by on my way back from dropping her off.”

Her uncle gestured to the spot next to him, inviting her to sit. Reluctantly, Sahee sat down a handspan away. Opening the light blue plastic bag, a savory oil smell wafted out.

Sahee grabbed the wooden handle and pulled out a hotdog. Her uncle found some ketchup deep in the bag and squirted it in zigzags over the hotdog. Having eaten lunch and spent the whole afternoon with an empty stomach, she was starting to feel really hungry.

As she bit into the end of the hotdog, she looked at her uncle. A thick gold necklace, which she’d never seen before, gleamed around his neck.

“What is that necklace?”

“This? It’s fashion.”

“Seriously.”

“Why? Don’t women like it?”

“I’d think your girlfriend really loves you.”

“Really?”

“It’s not a good thing.”

Whether he cared or not, her uncle stood up and danced, shaking his hips. Sahee giggled and took another bite of the hotdog.

“Did you hear we’re visiting the graves tomorrow?”

“Yeah.”

“Oh dear, that’s a really tough place. When their eldest son died, everyone was drenched in sweat climbing up there. That’s when I realized nature is truly a fair god. Everyone, whether they were from a chaebol family or not, turned pale and their legs were shaking, but no one could say anything because they were afraid of Chairman Jung.”

On that day nine years ago, Sahee was on a train heading to Seoul. There were not enough hands to serve the Jungmoon family, and both her uncle and Mrs. Chun were deeply upset that they couldn’t accompany her.

She remembered it as an especially cold winter. Sahee vaguely recalled the procession of black cars entering as she left Yeonghwadang and headed to the train station.

…Could CEO Jung Taeon, that man, have been among them?

“Even amidst all that, the Poison Trio climbed the mountain without changing their expressions.”

“…What’s that?”

“Our Seonnyeo, Chairman Jung of Jungmoon, and CEO Jung Taeon. Those three. Successful people are different. If you stab them, they wouldn’t bleed but ooze poison. CEO Jung Taeon was studying in the U.S. back then, and I knew right away that he would inherit Jungmoon.”

Uncle Bang raised his chin arrogantly, as if his prediction had come true. Hearing him jest about how he also had a shamanic sense after being at Yeonghwadang for three years, Sahee chewed and swallowed her hotdog.

She thought that maybe if she had left a day later on that day nine years ago, she might have met him.

“Uncle, hurry up and wash and go to bed.”

“Huh? I can’t.”

“Do you have something to do?”

“There’s no LTE signal there. I have to keep my phone by my side all night so my girlfriend doesn’t get mad.”

“That’s tiring.”

Sahee bent her knees and stood up. Uncle Bang laughed, crumpling the plastic bag in his hand, and stood up from the porch. Stretching and looking around the yard, he added cheerfully.

“Oh, I need to clean up here when I have time. What a mess. It looks like ghosts would come out. Yeon Sahee, are you staying up all night again?”

“Yes.”

“The hotdog is good, right?”

“It’s good.”

“You didn’t get caught by the Seonnyeo, did you?”

Only now did he confess the real purpose of the warm and crispy bribe. Sahee nodded roughly and waved her hand in the air. Uncle Bang grinned as if a burden had been lifted from his shoulders.