TYW Ch. 1

With a report from Chief Director Cho Kwangun’s secretary, Woogeon got into the car in an irritated state. Frowning, he turned on the engine, took off his three accessory rings, and put them in the cup holder.

“That old man is like a fox.” He shifted gears and drove his red McLaren out of the parking lot.

“Until 6 PM, Korean restaurant in Pyeongchangdong”

Woogeon swirled up the spacious underground parking ramp and onto the road, then rubbed his left hair that was crooked from exhaustion. Today was Friday. After finishing work, he planned to have some drinks.

“Damn it, Cho Kwangun.” Woogeon loosened his already loose tie and cursed. “It’s clearly a woman. Tell that old man to stop.”

Suddenly, the phone connected to the charger rang. It was from his grandfather at Wooheonwon.

“Yes, Grandpa.”

“You’ve left already.”

“Yes, I’m on my way. I’m late because of work.”

“I told you not to be late.”

Woogeon frowned even more in annoyance. “Sorry.”

“Our Vice Director is busy.”

“Grandpa.”

“Hey, Woogeon.”

“Yes, what can I do for you?”

“You have to get married.”

Woogeon pressed the brake when the taillights of the car in front turned red. Without a word, he took the phone from his ear and sighed roughly.

“There are no plans until I become a director. Besides, my brother just got married 1 or 2 years ago.”

“Your brother is your brother, and you are you.”

“Grandpa.”

“I’ve been observing for a long time, that child needs someone to take care of her now.” Woogeon felt annoyed. “Is this old man senile?”

“Have you secured your director position? When did I ever say I would give it to you?”

A cynical laugh from the Chairman came through the phone. Woogeon rubbed his forehead with his fingers, irritated by the old man’s mockery. “The position I’ve prepared, I’ll come after showing my face.”

“Hmmm, no. I used to hesitate because you were young, but you are the right person.

Let’s set a date and have a meal together tomorrow. Don’t be late.”

Without waiting for an answer, his grandfather hung up quickly.

“How annoying.”

***

“Vice Director, she’s waiting for you. I’ll guide you.”

As Woogeon arrived at ‘Unnyeon,’ Director Choi, wearing a suit, immediately guided him. Woogeon, with a serious face, buttoned his suit jacket and entered ‘Moran,’ which had been prepared for him.

Woogeon’s forehead furrowed automatically. ‘Moran’ was a room used only by people from ‘Wooheonwon’ when they held important meetings.

“Vice Director Lee Woogeon has arrived.”

As soon as Director Choi announced, as expected, there was a woman inside the room. Woogeon was taken aback. Seeing the woman, his mind went blank, and he bit his tongue with his molars. The woman seemed to be around nineteen or twenty years old. A young, immature girl. One could even say she might still be underage.

“Hello.”

The woman’s voice startled Woogeon. Her voice was soft and sounded like that of an immature woman, even though she was supposed to be twenty.

Unconsciously, Woogeon couldn’t change his surprised expression and kept staring at the small woman. With a small body and looking very young, the woman bowed her head like someone guilty, not knowing what to do. Woogeon felt confused, even more confused than the woman. Considering his tall stature of 191 cm, the woman looked as small as a girl who had just entered high school. Don’t children grow up fast these days? This was the first time Woogeon had faced such a young, immature woman.

“Please have a seat.”

Woogeon said, pulling out a chair to sit. Director Choi was about to hand over the menu and prepare everything.

“Order what’s usually ordered for meetings.”

Woogeon spoke before the menu was handed over, and Director Choi nodded and quietly left. A long silence filled the room. Woogeon couldn’t take his eyes off the woman and only then realized that his tie was loosely tied, so he tightened it a little to look neater.

“How old are you?”

“Twenty-two.”

A very young woman. Woogeon was surprised to learn that she was already an adult but still felt like she had just become one and looked crazy. What relieved him was that the woman wasn’t underage, so there was no need to deal with any additional issues. Due to his habit of wearing rings, he automatically touched the ring finger of his right hand, even though it was empty.

The woman looked tense, yet as if she wasn’t thinking anything, which was even more unsettling for Woogeon. The silence between them lingered. The door opened, and appetizers and drinks were served. Director Choi ignored the explanation of the food. Woogeon couldn’t guess what was on the woman’s mind at all. She looked blank and didn’t seem to be thinking at all, which made Woogeon even more stressed.

“Now, I’m sitting here without knowing anything about this meeting. Name, age, oh, I just learned your age. I also want to know your relationship with my grandfather.”

Finally, the woman opened her thick lips hurriedly.

“Yeon, Rieul. I just dropped out of the University of Seattle, majoring in English literature.”

She cut her words short.

“What do your parents do?”

“My parents passed away when I was young, and I live with my maternal grandmother. Grandpa started helping us a few years ago. Recently, grandmother passed away, and grandpa took care of me.”

The woman’s answer sounded very obedient but quite surprising. Woogeon initially thought she was the child of an official, a businessman, or a professor’s child, but it turned out she was an orphan who came from America. Woogeon had suspected that something was amiss with the existence of the woman’s grandmother.

‘Is he falling in love at an old age? So, he intends to adopt this orphan girl? Is this related to charity?’

Woogeon felt dizzy.

“Do you know who Lee Jeonghak is?”

“Yes, he’s a famous businessman in Korea. It’s said that he’s very wealthy. He and my grandmother were old friends, he said. Therefore, he’s looking after me.”

Woogeon stared at the woman for a long time. The woman also looked very tense, seemingly unfamiliar with the situation. Her face looked like it was about to fall into darkness, as if she was about to faint.

“Alright, let’s just eat.”

“Uh, uh, sorry.”

“My name is Lee Woogeon.”

“Ah, this is all because grandpa insisted, right? I’m fine. Even though I’m only twenty-two, I’m not completely clueless. I know what grandpa wants, but I think he should be stopped.”

“Hm, I’m a man of my word.”

“But, I think this is too much trouble for you. Besides, I’m still too young to think about marriage; I’ve never even thought about it.”

Woogeon smiled coldly with a slight smirk.

“Have you tried to convince grandpa? That’s what you should tell him, not me.”

The woman turned pale.

“Nothing can be done here now. Let’s just eat.”

Woogeon ate without even looking at the woman in front of him. Although the dinner was boring and tense, for Woogeon, such situations were always common in his work— meaning, awkward and unpleasant dinners were always a regular occurrence.

“Do you like perfume?”

However, the young woman seemed to struggle with the awkward and uncomfortable silence, so she tried to start a conversation with some questions during the meal.

“No, I don’t like perfume.”

“Then, do you just use lotion?”

“Yes, I do that more often.”

“The scent is very deep, like wood.”

Woogeon didn’t really pay attention to what the woman was saying with a blank stare. The small questions were meaningless.

Around the time all the food was finished, including dessert, he opened his mouth.

“Thank you for coming and having dinner with me in this rather difficult place.”

“No, I don’t think so.”

“I’ll call a car for you. Once it arrives, you can go back in it.”

“No need. Michael, I mean, grandpa said a car with a driver is waiting. I can go straight to the hotel.”

“In that case, perhaps we should finish and leave now.”

Woogeon put his suit jacket back on, then unbuttoned a few buttons. A staff member helped the woman put on her overcoat. Woogeon walked first, across the restaurant. As soon as they exited the restaurant and stood in front of the elevator, the woman followed with quick steps.

“Thank you, I enjoyed the meal today.”

“I don’t think you could really enjoy the meal comfortably, so there’s no need to pretend.”

As Woogeon entered the elevator, the woman couldn’t hide her gloomy face and followed him.

“It was nice meeting you today, Lee Woogeon. Although I know this might be uncomfortable for you, thank you for keeping me company.”

“There’s nothing to thank me for.”

Woogeon felt awkward with the woman’s words and actions, which seemed too kind to him. Woogeon clenched his fist, then opened his hand and stared at the changing LED numbers in the elevator. The elevator finally arrived at the lobby, and the doors opened. After exiting and crossing the lobby, they reached the front door, and as expected, a car from Wooheonwon was waiting.

“Please get in first.”

The woman showed a disappointed expression on her face when she heard Woogeon’s words. Never mind. The woman forced a smile.

“Today, I was very happy.”

“Please get in.”

Woogeon said briefly, and the woman finally got into the car reluctantly. The driver closed the car door, while Woogeon walked towards his red McLaren, which was prepared behind, and opened the car door to get in.

***

“Right, have you set a date with Rieul?”

Woogeon headed to Wooheonwon in Seongbuk-dong and went straight to find the Chairman. As Woogeon walked through the garden towards the house entrance, he saw the Chairman, who seemed to have just finished tending to the bonsai in the greenhouse. The October night breeze was humid and cool.

“Are you planning to take care of that orphan?”

“Right.”

“Are you crazy?”

With a completely irresponsible answer, Woogeon was taken aback and smiled annoyedly, asking in a low voice. As Assistant Park opened the door, the Chairman turned and grumbled with a critical look.

“This crazy guy.”

“Are you having a late-life romance?”

“Right.”

Woogeon almost put his hand to his forehead, feeling dizzy.

“What the hell is this? Get a grip.”

“I can’t get a grip.”

“What about the grandmother who passed away? She did nothing wrong.”

“I know. It’s none of your business.”

The Chairman waved his hand in the gloves and handed them to Assistant Park before going inside.

“Give me some water.”

As soon as he entered, Han handed him the prepared cassia flower tea. He took the teacup and sat in the main seat.

“I can’t take responsibility for that woman.”

“You little brat. In that case, you won’t get the electronic display division from Korea Electronics.”

‘Has this old man lost his mind?’

“Anyway, this is a marriage that has to happen someday.”

In a calmer voice, the Chairman started speaking again. “Jeon Norang, the daughter of former Prime Minister Jeon Seonjoong. 29 years old. She won the grand prize at the Tchaikovsky competition for piano and has also released several albums.”

“Jeon Norang is beautiful and perfect as a bride. She suits your eyes that look for such women.”

“If you want to enter the political world, it’s better to choose the daughter of Prime Minister Jeon. I don’t want to marry a woman who will only harm me. A woman like Jeon Norang is flawless. You’re not that kind of person, Chairman. You’re not someone who would ruin your grandson’s marriage out of pity.”

“It’s not pity… Lee Rieul is beautiful and kind.”

“Ra Moeun, the daughter of Secretary Ra Hancheol, who served as the head of the National Security Department. She’s 32 years old, majored in management, and is now a board member of the Wooheon Scholarship Foundation at Korea Electronics. Her father, Jang Hancheol, is expected to be a strong candidate for the presidential election in two years. If you want to be a kingmaker, Ra Moeun might be better. Her father is an influential figure who served in the presidential office for two years. In the Joseon era, he would have held a high position. The daughter of someone still influential now would definitely help Grandpa.”

“No. Someone like you, who thinks quickly, doesn’t suit such a woman, but a woman with depth of heart, warmth, and a human touch, that’s what suits you better. You need to know how serious and deep Lee Rieul is.”

‘Huh, damn it. I’m surprised to the point of being speechless. Crazy, this old man.’

Although his grandson’s life path is wide open like an unobstructed road, it shouldn’t be like this, scattering ashes on the already open road. Woogeon is a businessman. Love and sweet words are not important to him. Love is a basic feeling that arises when two people have similar tastes, the right conditions, and can communicate well. But marrying a woman who has nothing and can’t help the company at the peak of his career doesn’t make sense. Does this make sense? How can this old man, who has controlled the company for 50 years with Korean Munhwa, say such things? Woogeon couldn’t understand at all.

“Why are you like this? Like suddenly becoming a philanthropist. Are you getting senile?”

“Ah, really stupid.”

“If you care so much, give her a decent position.”

“Isn’t she beautiful?”

Seeing the Chairman’s eyes filled with emotion, Woogeon was speechless. His voice even sounded soft. Is his grandfather this kind of person?

“Are you on drugs?” Woogeon was genuinely curious.

“You crazy bastard!”

The Chairman retorted with a sharp and fierce look. Seeing this, it seemed he wasn’t on drugs. However, his grandfather suddenly turned soft, as if hypnotized, and his usually harsh demeanor was gone. He was someone who could make the whole family tremble. A fierce man like a tiger with a rough temper, that was his grandfather. Although he was affectionate, his inherently angry nature made him far from gentle. Yet, how could his grandfather show such a face? As a grandson who had lived with him for thirty years, Woogeon couldn’t understand at all.

“You… because you see women who freshen your eyes too often, you don’t understand the beauty of a woman like Rieul who satisfies the gaze.”

“Did that woman give you some new kind of drug or something?”

“Damn it.” The Chairman raised the teacup and was about to throw it but stopped for a moment and stared sharply, then angrily put it back on the table. “Yebun is very obedient and beautiful.”

Woogeon, hearing this, was confused and moved his eyebrows.

“If you want to make her a mistress…?”

“Damn it!”

He then took the Asian orchid on the side table and threw it at Woogeon with all his might. Woogeon moved his head to the side to dodge.

“You damn bastard, don’t interrupt me until I’m finished!”

Woogeon bit his lip, holding his breath.

“If a kid like you were born in my time, you wouldn’t be able to meet Rieul! There’s no way a brat like you would know how beautiful and charming Rieul is!”

It’s a tearful love story. “Rieul is very beautiful, and her mother Cha Hyeon is also beautiful, just like her.”

“I’m leaving.” Woogeon stood up from his seat.

“Yebun’s body was stolen by an American soldier.” It was a melodrama I couldn’t listen to without crying.

“I feel so guilty for not keeping my promise. Yebun went to America like that. Even after going to America, Yebun was beaten to a pulp by that crazy bastard, her beautiful face was ruined, and she ended up limping. Cha Hyeon, despite everything, married the man she loved, but they both died first. Yebun, in a country she had no connection to, with a child only about six or seven years old, they both went through all kinds of suffering.”

“A woman so unfortunate and pitiful, I hate her even more.”

As Woogeon stared seriously, Chairman Lee Jeonghak couldn’t restrain himself this time and cursed directly, then shouted loudly. “Yes, it’s the blood of a damn family, that blood must have passed down. So, let’s do a gene replacement instead. I can’t take responsibility for such a woman. Why does Grandpa have to bear the sins she made and throw them at me? In that case, transfer an account in another name, or settle by handing over a building in Gangnam, that’s enough.”

“Call CEO Cho, now!” Because Woogeon didn’t give in and persisted, the very angry Chairman ordered CEO Cho loudly.

“Get out.”

Assistant Park looked at the Chairman and anxiously warned him.

“That kid needs to be kicked out of here immediately! He’s even enjoying life with the money I made, but he thinks he’s great! You got to that position with my money, not your ability!”

“Chairman, calm down first…!”

“Ah, I really look like this! Look at that kid’s behavior! If only Rieul was my granddaughter! Right, just give Rieul that villa in Hannam-dong! You don’t deserve to live there!”

Chairman Lee Jeonghak was like a rhino. Whatever he said, whatever it was, had to be carried out, no matter what. When the Korea Mining Corporation had just started to stabilize domestically and was trying to develop into a large company, he pushed the semiconductor business that was previously opposed by all executives, after Japanese companies started to achieve success in the semiconductor market.

The establishment of the Yeouido Financial Hub Center was also his will, and he also decided to buy the Korea Electric Power Corporation land in Samseong-dong for 1.1 trillion won to build a new headquarters. He also made part of the southern Gyeonggi Province the Korean Electronic Digital City. He was an old man who couldn’t be calmed down gently, and also an old man who couldn’t be opposed harshly.

Like the French Sun King, Louis XIV, who said, “I am the state,” Lee Jeonghak was Korea Electronics, and his words were equivalent to law within his family. If he said the sun rose from the west, then that’s what happened, if the earth was square, then that was also true, and if he said to make meju from red beans, then that was also the truth.

“Vice President Lee!” Assistant Park called Woogeon anxiously.

“You little bastard! If an adult does it, it’s a crazy person. You fool, don’t all orphans have ancestors? That brat talks a lot! Yebun is the daughter of a noble family, you brat!”

The Chairman threw his teacup and made a fuss. His face turned pale. “Vice President Lee! It’s because we didn’t know the Chairman had high blood pressure!” Manager Park and Mr. Han were shocked and didn’t know what to do. It was amazing, truly amazing.

“Vice President Lee!”

***

He snorted and exhaled like a dragon. “That damn kid now thinks I’m like a tiger with its teeth pulled!”

“Father, even though Woogeon is someone who doesn’t know his place, he wouldn’t move an inch in front of you, right?” His father tried to calm his grandfather’s anger with words that were unclear whether he was supporting him or not.

“Of course, Father. Woogeon is still the most afraid of you in the house. Don’t be too angry, okay? If your blood pressure rises, it could be dangerous, so please be careful.”

With his father’s words, his anger subsided a little. The Chairman, who was applying an ice pack to the back of his neck, gave an order. “Set up a date with Rieul tomorrow.”

‘Has he got dementia?’ ‘So surprising, this amazing grandfather, even if he says surprising things, it doesn’t have much impact.’

“I can’t. This isn’t charity. I won’t marry a woman who has no clear home or status. I don’t want to live like that.”

“Hey, you bastard…! Ouch, ouch, my neck. Ugh, that guy wants to kill me.”

“Father, calm down, your blood pressure could rise and it’s dangerous!” His father was worried.

“Father, please try to calm down first. Everything has its order. I understand your feelings, but shouldn’t Woogeon meet the girl a few more times?” His mother tried to calm his grandfather.

“If so, I’ll bequeath all my wealth to Rieul. Korea Electronic company shares, materials and goods, all belong to Rieul. If you don’t marry Rieul, or if you divorce, you’ll be kicked out without a penny.”

‘This is crazy. If he loves her that much, please donate a building in Gangnam. Don’t bother me. Damn… bastard!’

“If Rieul brings you here, I’ll definitely refuse strongly!”

“So, why me? If it’s you, Grandpa, you can match her with someone your age, right?”

“You say that because you don’t know how precious you are. In life, one must have something precious, right?”

“This forced marriage doesn’t feel precious to me. Chairman, you’re not the type to usually say fairy tale-like things. Why suddenly change like someone who has set their death date?”

“Woogeon, we didn’t raise you like this.” His father spoke with a troubled tone.

“There’s a teaching from Grandpa.”

“Hey, you rude kid! When did I ever teach you that? Using women for transactions, when did I teach you such things?”

“Doesn’t Grandpa remember when you first taught me about economic education? You always said, at least in life, don’t suffer losses. If you argue with others, it will relate to our profit and loss. Grandpa often emphasized and reminded me of that, right?”

“Damn…!”

“Father!”

“Woogeon, at least meet that girl a few more times. Have you ever seen your grandfather force something without a reason? There must be a reason behind his words, so try meeting that girl a few more times.” His mother’s voice finally rose, making Woogeon sigh deeply.

“And that marriage isn’t about business. You know how fragile marriages based on profit are, right?”

“Precisely, the marriage that will easily break is the marriage with that woman, in my opinion.”

“That woman? That woman?”

“Woogeon.”

“You’re really a rude child who won’t listen to your parents! Go! Get out and live your life as you please! You think your life will go smoothly without Rieul?”

‘Grandpa might live to a hundred years.’

Woogeon really didn’t understand what made his grandfather so insistent. If asked if his grandfather was usually a compassionate person, the answer was no. On the contrary, forcing something that went against his lifelong principles really made Woogeon feel like he was losing his mind. Even more strangely, Woogeon was even willing to marry a profitable arranged marriage to support his grandfather, the founder of Korea Electronics, but his grandfather reacted with excessive anger.

However, all this time Woogeon persevered, making his value in his grandfather’s mind must have soared. He didn’t know what made his grandfather try to pressure him with a low price before. At this point, Woogeon felt he was able to control the bargaining position with more favorable conditions. If he held on longer, he might even lose the additional profits he could gain. It was time to pretend to give in at a reasonable limit.

His grandfather must be cornered. As usual, his grandfather wanted to settle everything with a little debate before finally achieving his goal. But this time, Woogeon fought back harder, surprising his grandfather quite a bit. In his mind, his grandfather must be thinking of various offers and compromises just to make sure Woogeon really married that woman. Now was the right time to back down with maximum profit. The return rate was in line with expectations, and whatever was offered would be accepted. Even if he asked for more, his grandfather might curse him but couldn’t refuse.

“Give me the position of Head of the Electronic Display Division of Korea Electronics,” Woogeon said.

“You bastard! So you think this marriage is just a transaction?”

“Thank you for the compliment, Grandpa.”

His grandfather’s gaze weakened, as if he had no choice but to give in. After all, the head of the division position was already Woogeon’s share. It’s just that it would take a few more years, and in that time frame, job transfers could change everything. He didn’t want to waste time with uncertainties that could interfere with all ongoing plans. Woogeon smiled faintly, ready to land the final blow.

“Alright, you bastard. I knew you wouldn’t give up so easily. In that case, the Head of the Electronic Display Division, huh? But only after the marriage and one year after. If after I die you can’t take care of Rieul, that position will be taken away from you forever.”

“During this year-end reorganization. If Grandpa doesn’t confirm it now, I’ll leave.” Woogeon raised an eyebrow with a calm expression.

The tension in the living room felt like a thread ready to snap at any moment, but it remained tense for a long time.

“You bastard! You even calculate profit and loss for your own marriage! Alright, this yearend. During the reorganization or early next year, the Head of the Electronic Display Division of Korea Electronics will be yours. But if you fail to take care of Rieul forever, you’ll be discarded forever.”

This negotiation was full of give and take, with harsh words and insults thrown due to disagreements. But in the end, both got what they wanted. With a relaxed smile, Woogeon got up from his seat.

“In that case, I’ll take my leave now.” After bowing respectfully, Woogeon turned around. From behind, his grandfather kept cursing, calling him a bastard and a rude child repeatedly.

***

He was ordered to find out everything: name, age, date of birth, gender, affiliation, height, weight, posture, physical features, birth origin, living environment, including who she had met recently, her favorite food, her favorite sports, what her parents were like, and how her life had been. Woogeon sat down and quickly checked Yeon Rieul’s identity list and the latest investigation results uploaded on his tablet.

Name: Yeon Ri-eul

Age: 22 years old

Affiliation: University of Seattle, English Literature major (dropped out)

Height: 161 cm

Weight: 42 kg

An adult woman, but her height was very short and her weight was very light, which surprised him. 42 kg reminded him of his own weight in elementary school. Especially now that he was 191 cm tall with a weight of 93 kg. Her weight wasn’t even half of his. Young people these days usually grow tall because they eat and sleep well. Was she malnourished? After receiving the woman’s identity list from Manager Jung Eunseop, Woogeon scrolled through his tablet screen, leaning his long body back in the chair.

***

The man she had only seen in photos and videos had a deep, calming scent, like the fragrance of old wood that had endured time. America had more vast plains with dense trees than mountains, and from Lee Woogeon, the scent of those lush trees was strongly present. Deep, calming, and cool.

The strong and deep woody scent had surprised Rieul when she first saw the man. Although this was their first meeting, Rieul felt as if she knew him well because for more than two years, her grandfather had constantly talked about Woogeon. For Woogeon, Rieul might feel foreign, but for Rieul, the man already felt so familiar.

Even at that first meeting, seeing Woogeon’s face made her feel like she was meeting an old friend she hadn’t seen for years. And at that moment, Rieul realized something. In an instant, at that moment, she fell in love at first sight with the man named Lee Woogeon.

For more than an hour during the meal, the man’s image kept spinning in her mind—his face, his gaze, his large hands, his deep, heavy voice that sounded dry, and the woody scent that came from him. Until now, the deep scent of old wood continued to linger in her mind, not leaving her thoughts.

When she woke up from sleep, when she washed her face, when she changed clothes, even when she greeted her grandfather who came to pick her up in the afternoon, the residual scent was still clear. The hotel where they were staying, as usual, was so luxurious that it made Rieul feel awkward.

The previous night, her grandfather had called and asked her to pack her belongings because they would be moving. Following her grandfather, Rieul got into the luxurious black sedan that was waiting in front of the hotel. The car then crossed the famous Han River and continued to drive to an unknown destination.

“Rieul.”

“Yes, Grandpa.”

“I told you, right? Even though Woogeon is older and a bit arrogant, he’s not a bad person. In my life, I’ve never seen a better man. He’s very suitable to be your companion. You understand, right?”

As her grandfather tapped his fingertips on the armrest of the seat, Rieul took her grandfather’s rough, bark-like hand and held it gently. “Yes, I understand. Grandpa always says that.”

“I’ve warned him sternly, he won’t do anything wrong.”

“Yes, Grandpa.”

“Rieul.”

Her grandfather’s eyes, like her grandmother’s, and like all elderly people, had lost strength in the whites and faded in color. However, the gaze full of love and concern for his beloved granddaughter was clearly visible. Rieul knew that. It made her sad, but at the moment, she didn’t want to dwell on sadness that hadn’t happened yet. She just smiled softly at her grandfather.

“Grandpa, don’t worry too much. Everything will be fine.”

“I should be the one saying that to you.”

“Grandpa…”

“Yes, Rieul.”

“Grandpa needs to tell the other children and grandchildren soon. It’s time.”

“If Grandpa doesn’t say it, I’ll be considered a bad woman later.”

In recent months, her grandfather’s face seemed increasingly filled with wrinkles, and his body also looked thinner. His appetite had also decreased, and since they arrived in Korea, his face looked increasingly gaunt, perhaps because he was too worried about Rieul. Rieul was afraid. Afraid that her grandfather would suddenly disappear from her life. Afraid and anxious, until her eyes began to water. Seeing the loving expression on her grandfather’s face, Rieul unconsciously held his hand tighter and leaned her head on his shoulder.

“I can’t leave you… I feel very guilty for not being able to protect your mother and Yebun.” Her grandfather gently stroked Rieul’s hair with affection.

“I’m always grateful, Grandpa. If it weren’t for Grandpa and Grandma, I wouldn’t have been able to live like this.” Strange tears flowed down Rieul’s nose. Her grandfather gently patted the back of her hand, as if assuring her that everything would be alright.

***

That day, when ordered to go home on time, Woogeon finished his work with a rather lazy expression and returned to his house in Hannam-dong. As Jung Eunseop had said, the Chairman was sitting quietly in the living room of the Hannam-dong villa, with a young woman who looked like his granddaughter beside him.

“You two should have the wedding soon, right?” The Chairman seemed to be thoroughly enjoying his role as a doting grandfather.

“Grandpa…”

“Marriage is only once in a lifetime. The wedding dress must be worn.” The woman just smiled gently with an obedient face.

“Grandpa, you should tell them that…” Woogeon stared at the woman silently, then shifted his gaze to the Chairman. The loving look in the old man’s eyes was truly surprising and confusing to Woogeon. It felt like the man was looking at his own biological granddaughter. In fact, to be honest, even to his own grandchildren, the Chairman had never shown such a look.

“Woogeon.” With an expression he had never shown before, full of gentleness, the Chairman spoke.

“Yes, Grandpa.”

“I… it seems I won’t be able to live more than half a year.” Woogeon stared at the Chairman with a stern look, as if doubting what he had just heard.

“The cancer has spread to my internal organs, and there’s nothing more that can be done.”

After a long silence, the Chairman got up from his seat, as if trying to break the silence. The woman helped him stand. Woogeon also stood up from his place.

“Tomorrow, this news will be published to the media.”

“What about my parents…?”

“Besides Rieul, no one else knows.” Woogeon reflexively frowned. This wasn’t right.

“Tomorrow, everyone will know from the news.”

“Grandpa, all this is fine, but if you plan to bequeath the family fortune to a woman you just met, be prepared for legal challenges.” It wasn’t just Woogeon’s personal opinion— the rest of the family would react the same way.

“I’ll say it again, Woogeon. Your inheritance is in front of Rieul. If any legal issues arise, you’ll be the only one dealing with them. So, don’t worry. If you want to fight in court against your own wife, go ahead. Even though I never taught you to be so small-minded.” After saying that, the Chairman left the house with Assistant Park. Now, only Woogeon and the woman were left in the living room.

“I’m sorry…” The woman apologized for what her grandfather had forced, even though it wasn’t her fault.

“There’s no need to apologize. After all, no one can win against a stubborn old man like him.”

“How about your dinner?” Woogeon glanced at the woman briefly. ‘We’ve only known each other for a short time, why does she seem so friendly? Is this her personality? Or does she want to act like a wife already? Or maybe she acts like this in front of Grandpa too?’

“No need to bother.” As Woogeon turned towards the master bedroom, the woman followed him.

“But, Woogeon…” Woogeon’s forehead furrowed as usual. When he turned around, the woman smiled awkwardly.

“Grandpa said, Woogeon is someone who doesn’t pay much attention to his surroundings…”

“Are you worried about me now?” The woman’s face immediately turned red with awkwardness.

“A woman who has nothing but the clothes on her back… just because I’m a bit temperamental, you dare to worry about me?” Woogeon’s sarcastic tone made the woman sweat coldly.

“I’m sorry if I was too presumptuous. I’m just relaying Grandpa’s message.”

“You do realize, the one who should be pitied here is you, Miss Yeon Rieul?” The woman’s face now looked like she was about to cry.

“No need to bother worrying about me.” Woogeon ended the conversation firmly and turned around.

***

The next day, at 10 AM, the Korea Electronics media team released an official statement to the media. All media outlets issued breaking news simultaneously at 11 AM. Throughout the day, all media outlets reported news about Chairman Lee Jeonghak’s health condition, which was estimated to have limited time left. The company founder, Lee Jeonghak, was known as a figure who contributed to the Korean economy after the Korean War and introduced Korean semiconductor technology to the world, standing shoulder to shoulder with American corporate giants.

The media frenzy was not merely exaggerated sensationalism.

The only one who remained calm as usual was Chairman Lee Jeonghak himself. In fact, Woogeon’s parents, upon hearing the news, seemed more composed than expected. So did Woogeon’s siblings, who maintained a cold demeanor. It was the first weekend of October.

“There’s no need to worry.”

Since morning, the legal team led by Park Chayeol, along with the Chairman’s right-hand man and secretary, Cho Kwangun, and Manager Park Hyoseop, were overwhelmed by executives from various subsidiaries and relatives who kept arriving.

In the evening, Chairman Lee Jeonghak only invited the immediate family to Wooheonwon. The atmosphere was like a funeral home. Moreover, the immediate family at Wooheonwon also seemed to dislike the presence of a strange woman who had suddenly appeared.

“Rieul will not harm you. This is only Woogeon’s business, so there’s no need to think about it.”

Although everyone was silent, their attention was clearly focused on the woman, making her look pitiful in the middle of the situation. The aunts and uncles present didn’t dare speak in front of the Chairman, but their expressions of disapproval were clearly visible.

“Don’t hold ancestral rites.”

“Father.” Woogeon’s mother called in a low voice.

“Why? Does giving food once more to the dead make our business more successful? Seriously, you need to think clearly.”

“Father… maybe this is a symptom of dementia…”

“Hey, you bastard! Just because I’m diagnosed with half a year left to live, you think my brain only functions for half a year too? You rude child!” The uncle who tried to speak cautiously was scolded harshly.

“Father! You’re old, and in front of a new person like this…”

“Listen carefully! Regarding Rieul’s inheritance, only Woogeon will handle it. I’ve anticipated a bloody conflict among you after I die. So, even if you want to take Rieul’s inheritance, you won’t be able to. Now disperse! I’m exhausted. Woogeon and Rieul, you stay here.”

The relatives present began to rush out anxiously. The woman followed the Chairman like a pet dog. Woogeon stayed in the living room for a moment before finally standing up.

“Grandpa!” Suddenly, the woman’s voice rang out like a scream, making everyone stop moving.

***