Episode 27

So-jin stepped away from the truck and hastily dialed So-jung's number. After a few tones, So-jung's voice resonated from the other end.

—Hey, what's up?

"Sister, Sister. Do you happen to know what your husband's up to today?"

—No, I don't... Why do you ask?

"He's apparently in our neighborhood right now! And he's alone!"

So-jung, taken aback by So-jin's words, fell silent for a moment.

—...Why is he there?

"I have no idea either. Il-gwang claimed he was walking around the area. Judging from how he mentioned the style of dressing changed, I'm one hundred percent sure. one hundred percent."

— ...

"I mean, there's no reason for your husband to be here in our neighborhood. Or could it be that his memory is starting to come back?"

This was the best conclusion So-jin could speculate upon. So-jung then asked:

—Do you know exactly where he might have gone?

"I didn't catch that part. But we should probably find him quickly. Otherwise, if people around here recognize him, it could get tricky. Where are you right now, Sister?"

—I was on my way home after finishing a gathering with Harim and the mothers.

"Alright then. I'll keep an eye on Harim, so come over to our neighborhood as soon as you can."

—...Alright, got it. I'll also consult with Kang-chan.

As So-jin turned, Il-gwang stood holding a neatly wrapped bundle of sundae. So-jin approached with an awkward smile and handed her cash.

"Here, I added extra cheese today. Enjoy the meal with your friend!"

"Thank you. And... did you happen to see which direction my brother-in-law went?"

"Hmm, he seemed to be headed towards the hillside."

"The hillside?"

"Yes, the place that offers a great view of our neighborhood, as you know."

"Ah..."

Everything seemed to click at that moment.

"Thank you, Mister! I'll definitely come again!"

"Sure, bring So-jung and Hyun next time. I'll make it a special treat for you all, on the house."

"Thank you, I'll make sure to pass that along."

Alright, now to call my sister...

"Took forever. Are you finally done?"

Just as So-jin was about to pull out her phone, Woon approached and stood before her. Only then did she recall his presence. Her face contorted.

"You really..."

"What? What are you trying to say?"

"Shut up. You weren't of any help to begin with, but why now, of all times... Whether it's you or them, I can't live these days thanks to the Chois'..."

Wait a minute... Choi?

Choi. A foreign name. Wealth.

At that moment, something swiftly flashed through So-jin's mind. She cautiously opened her mouth as she reached an unsure conclusion.

"What? What about Choi?"

"Well, that..."

Momentarily hesitating, So-jin urgently continued,

"Hey, you said you wanted to pay off your debt, right?"

"Oh, that's right."

"Alright, listen carefully. Call the best and most expensive taxi in the area right now."

"What? If that's all, I could just call my own car. What's next?"

"And you ride it. That's how you're going to help me."

"Are you kidding me?"

At Woon's incredulous exclamation, So-jin's mind raced.

She wasn't certain yet, but for now, it would be better to prevent them from meeting.

Hyun and Woon. So-jung could inform her later about their relationship. So-jin pointed towards the sundae stir-fry.

"Anything's fine, just go get me something to drink that goes with this. That's my wish. Or get that expensive wine you're always bragging about."

"You want to drink that wine with this cheap food? Are you kidding? Where's the sommelier when you need..."

"Whether I drink it with sundae stir-fry or tteokbokki, just go get something for me! I want to drink it right now!"

Meanwhile, she dialed So-jung's number once again. So-jin urgently pushed Woon's back.

"Do you know where my house is? Meet me there later! Take your time, think long and hard before you come!"

"Hey, hey!"

Woon called out in bewilderment, but So-jun was already sprinting towards the hillside.

"Hey, Sister! Where are you right now?"

With one hand firmly clutching her phone.

---

Before long, the sun had set, painting the sky a dark blue as night prepared to descend. In the alleyways where people were heading home stood Hyun.

"..."

It didn't feel like it had been that long.

Over the span of ten years, this place had gradually changed. However, for Hyun, these changes felt awkward.

Perhaps Hyun's visit to this neighborhood stemmed from a simple reason—this was where he first encountered Soo-ah, a place rich with memories. Or perhaps, he sought clarity amidst his increasingly muddled emotions of late. Regardless, he wanted to make sure. Was it his place to come here anymore?

Initially, that was the case. Hurriedly leaving home, boarding any bus, and disembarking at random neighborhoods...

Choi Seok's only son. The sole heir to Kyungmoon Group.

That had been Hyun's norm throughout his upbringing. Consequently, he had applied himself diligently to his studies. That was to maintain the prestige associated with being an heir, to avoid disappointing his father.

"Right, how's that young one doing these days?"

Young one?

It was late during the night, and Hyun was on his way to Seok's study when voices drifted through the door, causing him to halt with his hand inches from the handle.

"Yeah, that's the current situation... Yes, being abroad, it's unavoidable. Just continue managing it discreetly. We must ensure it doesn't reach my wife's ears. If news of the child spreads, it will certainly cause a stir."

The conversation was brief, but its implications were profound. Hyun's hand trembled uncontrollably. He struggled to comprehend what he had just overheard. No, he refused to accept it.

Suddenly, a memory flashed in Hyun's mind. He recalled his father's occasional, deeply contemplative looks whenever he mentioned his desire for siblings. Now, his father was discussing a child that his mother must not know about.

Why was his father taking care of such a child? Could it be his illegitimate son or daughter? If so, why did he give birth to another? Was his only son not enough? Was it because he failed to embody the qualities expected of a successor?

Choi Seok's only son. The sole heir to Kyungmoon Group.

The pillars upon which Hyun had relied for decades seemed to crumble and vanish in an instant.

As Hyun came to realize he was no longer the only focus of his father's attention, he gradually grew broken. He abandoned his diligent studies and roamed aimlessly, avoiding returning home altogether. Witnessing her son's deteriorating behavior, Mi-ae eventually decided to send Hyun abroad for studies. Of course, at the mention of studying overseas, he embraced the notion.

After his impulsive escape, there wasn't much else to it. He simply boarded whichever bus stopped in front of him, riding without direction until... Hyun disembarked in a quiet neighborhood. There was no specific reason for his stop; he simply noticed a bar up ahead. At that moment, he just craved a drink.

One glass, two glasses, three glasses...

How many had he consumed? He couldn't recall. He vaguely remembered engaging in a heated physical fight with people at the adjacent table while heavily intoxicated. Then, somehow, he found himself completely cleaned out. His wallet was empty.

But he didn't return home. He walked and continued walking. Before he knew it, he found himself at a dead-end where the neighborhood unfolded below him from atop a hill. Unintentionally, he had ascended to the summit of that hill.

Of course, with the aftermath of drinking and the previous altercation, Hyun's senses were already stretched thin. Slowly losing feeling in his body, he eventually stumbled and collapsed onto a patch of grass. Night had descended, and the surroundings had grown darker.

"What's wrong? Hello? Hello?"

As Hyun's consciousness began to blur, he heard a woman's voice. Nonetheless, already fed up with everything, Hyun simply lay there with his eyes closed.

"Wait, don't tell me this is a dead body?"

The mention of a deceased individual was truly harrowing. Despite Hyun's initial inclination to ignore it, he finally responded softly to the woman's solemn tone, debating whether to dial 112 or 119.

"...I'm still alive."

Despite the swelling from the altercation, his condition wasn't life-threatening.

"Oh, is that so? But you appear to be bleeding. Are you alright?"

"Yeah. I'm fine, just leave me..."

"If you're alright, could you please move a bit? I need to photograph the area you're lying in. I need the flowers."

Before Hyun could say anything more, he was gently rolled to the side. Amidst this surreal moment, Hyun's eyes finally opened. In the dim light, he could discern someone tending to the flowers that had been trampled on.

"Oh, goodness... I guess I'll have to blow away these dandelion seeds."

The woman gathered the trampled dandelions and dispersed their seeds with a graceful flick into the breeze. Perplexed by her actions, Hyun inquired.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm scattering the seeds. This area is filled with dandelions. At this time, they turn fluffy and form a picturesque sight."

"Hmm..."

Losing interest, Hyun turned his head away and closed his eyes. Despite this, the woman persisted with her questions.

"But how old are you?"

"Why do you ask?"

"You speak so casually, so I thought we might be close in age. I'm twenty years old. And you?"

"Thirty."

"What's your Chinese zodiac sign?"

"..."

As Hyun fell silent, the woman continued.

"Judging by how you reacted to me being twenty, you must be around the same age, right?"

"..."

"Oh, come on. Don't tell me you're underage. A minor drinking? I should report this to the authorities..."

"I'm twenty!"

"I knew it."

The woman chuckled softly. Hyun frowned and turned away completely, shaking his head. Of all the people he could have encountered, why did it have to be this odd individual?

---

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