Episode 9

Lee So-jin had recently quit her job and was actively searching for a new one. Her nickname was the firm So-jin, but...

"So, you broke up again?"

"Of course, I had to. That guy gave me a second-hand gift for our 100-day anniversary. I thought he was just being frugal, but he used all his savings to buy another girl a bag?"

So-jin, notorious for her knack for attracting peculiar partners, couldn't hide her anger and slammed her fist on the table. Hye-young chuckled.

"You're amazing. How do you always find such uniquely strange guys? It's almost a talent."

"I don't know. They all seem normal at first... Forget it. Just thinking about them raises my blood pressure."

So-jin had found herself in numerous relationships since her teenage years, none of which ended well. She acknowledged this fact while aggressively chewing on her food.

"Well, you can always meet another guy. Who knows? He could be the one."

"Hey, I'm focusing on finding a job now. It's better this way. I don't have to worry about anything else."

"Come on, if you meet a good man, you should seize the opportunity. Who knows? Your future boyfriend might be right here with us today."

"Forget it, let's just drink."

Hye-young scanned the room, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Hey, what about that guy over there? He's really handsome."

"...Where?"

"The two guys sitting diagonally behind you. Drop your spoon and take a look."

So-jin feigned the accident and leaned over to pick up her spoon while sneaking a quick glance. As Hye-young mentioned, there were indeed two strikingly handsome men surrounded by a group of women.

"Oh no, someone already approached them. I was hoping to find a prince for you."

"..."

"Still, should we try?"

So-jin remained frozen and continued staring at the two men. Hye-young continued grumbling.

"Somebody slap me. There's no way my ideal type is just standing there and I'm not approaching them."

"Brother-in-law?"

"Exactly, your brother-in-law... What?"

"I'll be right back."

Despite the different hairstyle and outfit, So-jin immediately recognized Hyun's face. Confirming that Kang-chan was also there, she marched straight to their table.

"Brother-in-law?"

"..."

"...Brother-in-law, right?"

Everyone turned to face her. Hyun gazed at her but remained silent, his expression confused. His raised eyebrows seemed to interrogate her.

"Brother-in-law?"

"..."

"Who are you to suddenly appear and call me brother-in-law?"

"Oh dear, Mr. CEO! You've had much to drink!"

Kang-chan quickly covered Hyun's mouth and saved the situation.

"What are you talking about? I had one drink..."

"How much did he drink that he's unable to recognize his sister-in-law? This isn't going to work, let me help him up too."

"What?"

"I apologize. Our CEO is very drunk. We'll see you another time."

Kang-chan stood up and grabbed Hyun's shoulder, but Hyun didn't budge. Distressed, Kang-chan whispered urgently.

"Please, let's just go..."

"Why? I haven't done anything wrong."

Hyun frowned, refusing to move. As So-jin stood there, stunned, Kang-chan resorted to his last option.

"I'll tell you where your cousin is."

"You should have said so earlier."

Hyun, satisfied with Kang-chan's promise, stood up. His eyes briefly met So-jin's, but without a word, he turned away. Kang-ghan nodded before So-jin and followed Hyun out.

---

"Mom."

"..."

"Mom!"

"Oh, sorry. Did you finish the slide?"

So-jung was at home, playing with Harim on her day off from kindergarten. Her thoughts, however, kept drifting to Soo-ah's daughter, who was now attending the same kindergarten as Harim.

Given the Dongyoung Group's status, it only made sense for Soo-ah's child to be sent there, but the speed of the transfer suggested outside help from a more influential group.

At four years old, Soo-ah's daughter would attend the same class as Harim.

So-jung hoped the children wouldn't get involved in their complicated situation, but it seemed inevitable. Besides, the two were relatives.

Who would have expected the person Han Soo-ah wed was that man's cousin...

"Harim."

"Yes?"

"If anything happens at kindergarten, you must tell mom right away, okay?"

"Like what kind of thing?"

"Hm... anything that surprises our lovely Harim."

"Okay!"

Harim's confident response brought a smile to So-jung's face. She didn't have high expectations, but she patted the child's head.

Beep beep beep.

The sound of someone entering the password at the front door echoed. It was Mi-ae.

"Mother?"

Surprised by her sudden arrival, So-jung quickly stood up. Mi-ae glanced around the toy-strewn living room with disapproval.

"Why are you living in such a mess? Don't you clean up?"

"No, it's only like this when I'm playing with Harim. I usually tidy up afterward."

"If this child only played more quietly, it wouldn't get this messy. I don't know who Harim takes after to be so wild."

Harim clung to So-jung's leg as she sensed Mi-ae's disapproving gaze.

"Harim, go play with the nanny in your room. Mommy needs to talk to Grandma."

Only after Harim was situated in her room did So-jung and Mi-ae sit at the dining table.

"Would you like some tea?"

"No, I won't stay long."

Mi-ae waved her hand dismissively and went straight to the point.

"You know the company anniversary event is nearing, right?"

"Of course."

The meeting, attended by many executives and important figures, was well-known. But this year's event posed a significant problem.

"Hyun, as he is now, will not be able to attend."

"...I understand."

So-jung had anticipated this. Currently, Hyun is a twenty-year-old student, not the hotel CEO. His appearance would undoubtedly cause a stir.

"That's right. So you need to go and handle it properly. Make sure there's no gossip."

"I understand. Don't worry."

"Ugh. This is such a big problem..."

Despite So-jung's reassurance, Mi-ae appeared stressed as she rubbed her forehead. So-jung quietly sipped her tea.

"Oh, by the way, have you been to the villa recently?"

"...I went once to drop something off."

"Why didn't you send someone? Why did you go yourself?"

Mi-ae was disgusted to hear So-jung had already stopped by the villa.

"If you keep going back and forth, it won't be good for the media. Just send someone unless it's important."

So-jung knew the true reason behind Mi-ae's concern; Han Soo-ah. Mi-ae seemed to favor Soo-ah and didn't want clashes. But even without her interference, So-jung was aware she couldn't help her husband regain his memories.

"Yes, I will do that."

So-jung finally realized who had influenced the kindergarten decision. Though she didn't bother to mention it.

"Anyway, handle it well and make sure you behave properly. Understand?"

"Yes, Mother. Goodbye."

After Mi-ae left, the housekeeper emerged from the room.

"What about Harim?"

"She is asleep. She must have been very tired from playing."

Harim was sleeping soundly. So-jung glanced at the child and began picking up the scattered toys.

"Oh, please, let me do it, ma'am."

"I'm just setting aside Harim's favorite toys. You can handle the rest."

She needed a distraction. Just then, the doorbell rang once more.

...Was today the spawn of bad luck?

So-jung's face showed her fatigue, exhausted from the visitors. The housekeeper, who had left to check, informed her of the person in question.

"Ma'am, your sister is here."

"Pardon?"

So-jin?

So-jin rarely visited unannounced. Startled, So-jung approached the door. There, the camera show-cased So-jin boring a troubled expression.

---

Prev || Toc || Next