DYEH 24

Chapter 24

For a while, Seohee kept a low profile. South Korea was abuzz with news of the contract between the Amadan government and Shinsung Construction. People weren’t just talking about construction bids and awards—they were even calling it an expansion of friendly relations between the two countries.

Although Seohee had played a major role in this, no one knew the truth. Chairman Han had strictly enforced secrecy, and Seohee herself preferred to remain unnoticed.

Thanks to this, she quietly reaped all the benefits she needed. Winning the large contract had also improved the mood within the group, and even at home, the atmosphere had brightened.

The Chairman hosted a rare family gathering. There was Taegyu, who only caused trouble; Taeun, who couldn’t let go of Shinsung even after marrying; and Taekyung, unremarkable in every way. With their families gathered as well, the house became lively and chaotic.

“Father, we’re here.”

The first to arrive was Seohee’s aunt, Taeun, the only daughter of Chairman Han. She was also the CEO of Shinsung Department Store and appeared adorned in luxury goods from head to toe.

She carried a handbag that had recently arrived in Korea in very limited numbers. Clearly, she cared more about decorating herself than selling items. After all, her greed knew no bounds.

She had always resented the fact that, as the daughter, she hadn’t received more than just the department store. That resentment had ultimately contributed to a crisis at Shinsung Group—she sold her shares and let them fall into someone else’s hands.

“This time, it won’t go your way, Auntie.”

“Have you been well, Auntie?”

Seohee, descending from the second floor, bowed her head politely to Taeun. She was not overly affectionate, but courteous and composed.

“And how have you been, Uncle?”

She also greeted Kim Chanseong, who was standing beside Taeun. He had joined Shinsung Electronics as a regular employee and eventually became Taeun’s husband—a real-life Cinderella story.

Taeun had visited the electronics branch and been struck at first sight by Chanseong’s handsome appearance and manners. She had threatened that she would go to any lengths, even death, if the marriage were not approved, and Chairman Han had reluctantly given his consent.

The Chairman’s initial opposition had never been made public, and their love story was romanticized, capturing public attention in South Korea. After all, the daughter of a conglomerate marrying a regular employee was newsworthy.

Although he opposed the marriage, the Chairman had some expectations. Chanseong had a decent record and reputation within the company, so he intended to mentor him slowly and entrust him with responsibilities.

But that expectation quickly changed. While Chanseong seemed intelligent, his abilities were limited by his commoner background. Handsome looks, good manners, quick wits—only that far.

The main reason Chairman Han opposed Seohee’s marriage was because of Chanseong. No matter how smart, some things couldn’t be changed, he thought.

It was a moment for Seohee to realize just how precise her grandfather’s judgment of people had been. She couldn’t take her eyes off Chanseong as she recalled his past.

Chanseong had been caught having an affair while his mistress was still around by Chairman Han. When Han tried to expel him without compensation, Chanseong sued his wife Taeun, claiming she had been unfaithful as well. Despite her innocence, the meticulously prepared case put Taeun at a disadvantage and damaged Shinsung’s reputation.

Public animosity toward the wealthy favored Chanseong. In the end, Taeun agreed to settle part of the alimony, finishing the ordeal.

“Chairman was always like that. No matter what I did, he never approved. Perhaps he never liked me at all. Honestly, the only thing Taeun had over me was being born into the Shinsung Group. That’s it! And yet he completely ignored me! Did he think I’d just take it lying down?”

These were Chanseong’s words to the Chairman before leaving Shinsung. He had been proud and assertive to the end, justifying his affairs as revenge for being ignored and his desire to fill the void of not being part of Shinsung.

Even if he had left quietly, things would have been fine. But he had meticulously prepared to strike back, reporting the group’s corruption to prosecutors. One major issue was how succession to the son had been arranged, which escalated the crisis. Shinsung faced tremendous pressure from the government, which advocated transparent governance.

The chain of events had started when he sought investment from Woohyeok just before his death.

“Seohee, it’s been a while.”

Taeun’s greeting pulled Seohee out of her thoughts. They weren’t particularly close, nor were they hostile.

“You’ve been well? You’ve become even prettier.”

Seohee smiled faintly and asked about her wellbeing.

“Oh, don’t flatter me. You’re about to graduate, right? Seohee, maybe it’s time you got married too.”

It sounded like a warning to avoid business and focus on marriage. She had no such intention, but there was no need to reveal it now. Seohee simply curved her lips slightly, and Taeun, reading the gesture, pried further.

“Are you seeing anyone?”
“No.”
“Then should I try matchmaking? It’d be nice for you to meet someone compatible, though that’s not easy for people like us.”

Did she even know how the love she trusted so completely would come back years later? Perhaps it didn’t matter. For someone whose love had driven her grandfather to death, even goodwill would be wasted.

“Auntie, thank you, but I’m fine.”

Seohee politely declined. Taeun, thinking she was being coy, refused to give up.

“They say monks cannot shave their own heads. Things won’t progress unless someone nudges them from the side. Don’t you agree, dear?”

Taeun sought Chanseong’s agreement. He nodded and added,

“She’s right. People have asked about you a few times…”

“Don’t waste energy on useless matters, Auntie.”

The voice that suddenly interjected belonged to Isu.

“Uncle, it’s been a while! You look more impressive every time. Auntie, you better watch out!”

Her bright, warm tone brought smiles to Taeun and Chanseong.

“Isu, you’ve grown too. Are you dating anyone?”

Taeun was perceptive as ever. Isu’s acting was amusing, but Seohee joined in.

“Auntie, what about Isu instead of me?”

Their gazes shifted to Seohee.

“She’s prettier, so wouldn’t it be better?”
“Maybe. You’re about the same age. Isu should meet a good person too.”

Taeun’s attention shifted to Isu, and the scene seemed to unfold inevitably. Isu waved her hands in refusal, redirecting attention to Seohee.

“Even cold water has top and bottom; how can I go first? No matter what, Seohee should go first…”

Seohee anticipated the rest. It was likely she would bring up Jaemin and make her uncomfortable. She cut her off.

“Auntie, I want to learn about the work. If I start working at the company, marriage will be postponed a bit.”
“So, you mean management lessons?”

Taeun’s eyes widened. Seohee, her most formidable rival, had always claimed disinterest in the company. Now, suddenly, she was entering the fray. Taeun’s warm gaze shifted subtly, though she hid it well.

“Why suddenly? Did your father force you?”

Taeun assumed Chairman Han had pressured her and began to lecture at length.

“Seohee, if you don’t want to, you don’t have to. People think we live however we like because we’re wealthy, but as you know, we don’t have that many choices. We enjoy a bit more than others, yes, but life itself isn’t ours.”

Seohee understood perfectly.

“That’s my intention. I hope you never let anyone else dictate your life.”

Seohee smiled faintly. Taeun, thinking her message was received, patted her hand.

Finally, it was Seohee’s turn to speak.

“So, I want to try it.”
“…?”
“In today’s world, being just a devoted wife seems boring. Like you said, I want to live a life not dictated by anyone. You’ll have to teach me a lot from now on, won’t you?”

Taeun’s lips twitched slightly at Seohee’s request.