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Chapter 27
So, have you finished your studies?”
Unlike Tae-gyu, who had scolded him for showing up unannounced, Chairman Han’s question had weight behind it. While shoveling rice and soup into his mouth, Jun-young gestured hurriedly for a moment to finish eating.
“It’s been so long since I’ve had a home-cooked meal. Manager Oh’s cooking is as amazing as ever.”
“Hey, brat. Your grandfather’s talking to you—answer him properly.”
Tae-gyu jumped in sharply, glaring at him. He was already annoyed that Jun-young had returned to Korea without notice, and being confronted with the family reunion in front of the chairman only made him more anxious.
He didn’t know what Jun-young might say or do next—and that unpredictability drove him mad. From head to toe, there was nothing about him he liked.
Seo-hee quietly observed the scene. Han Jun-young was actually very smart. From a young age, he had received thorough business training and had been the family’s golden boy.
He’d even inherited the electronics division from Tae-gyu and expanded the semiconductor business significantly. But his downfall had come swiftly—with drugs. While studying in the U.S., he’d gone to a hospital to treat an injury, encountered propofol, and got addicted. Soon after, he moved on to stronger substances and couldn’t escape addiction.
The media went wild over the “chaebol heir’s shocking scandal,” and the family disowned him. It wasn’t until much later that he learned the person behind his ruin had been his half-brother—Han Yi-soo.
That future was still unknown to him. Nor did he realize that she intended to prevent it this time.
In this life, Seo-hee wasn’t going to let Jun-young collapse like before. He was a talented businessman, and as a partner, someone she could trust.
She’d bring him to her side—before Yi-soo could make his move.
Jun-young smiled teasingly at Yi-soo, who was glaring at him from across the table.
“Yes, I’ve finished my studies safely.”
That was true. He had graduated early with excellent grades. He hadn’t told the family because he knew exactly what would happen if he did—Tae-gyu would’ve immediately demanded he return to Korea and start working. And since he’d be working there for life anyway, what difference would a few months make?
His hairstyle and clothes told the same story. Tae-gyu always demanded his children look neat and proper, but Jun-young wanted—just once—to do things his own way.
So he’d hidden his graduation, indulged in a bit of rebellion, and then boarded a plane home. The timing—right before a family gathering—was perfect.
“Father, I’ll have Jun-young start at Electronics tomorrow,” Tae-gyu said quickly, fearing the chairman might explode. Though Jun-young had deceived him, this situation could work in his favor. Since Seo-hee had announced she’d join management, Jun-young could serve as her counterweight.
“Of course,” said Chairman Han. “That’s why I spent so much money sending him to America.”
At the chairman’s approval, Tae-gyu’s face brightened. He glanced triumphantly at Seo-hee.
No matter what you try, you’ll never beat Jun-young. You’d better focus on getting married instead.
He smirked inwardly. Tae-eun had confidently told him to leave Seo-hee’s marriage in her hands—she was unmatched when it came to such matters.
“Then again,” the chairman added, “if you plan to show up at work looking like that, you might as well fly back to the States.”
“Grandfather, come on. You think I’d actually go to work like this? I do have some sense.”
Jun-young replied with a playful grin.
“You’d better. You’ll need even more sense if you’re going to take responsibility for Electronics one day.”
“Oh, I remember what you said—‘anyone can make it if they prove their ability,’ right? I’ll work hard!”
At his grandson’s bright tone, the chairman’s expression softened a little.
“President Han.”
“Yes, Father.”
“Assign Jun-young as an entry-level employee.”
“Father!”
Tae-gyu’s startled protest came immediately.
“Surely not an entry-level position… He kept great grades in the U.S.….”
“Tell me, President Han—have we ever hired a new employee at Shinsung Electronics who didn’t have good grades?”
There hadn’t been. Even though the company claimed not to discriminate based on school or background, they always chose high achievers with strong résumés—many from overseas as well.
Chairman Han wasn’t the type to hand out positions just because of bloodline. Once his word was final, arguing was pointless. Tae-gyu could only bow his head.
“…Understood.”
Feeling overshadowed by Jun-young’s dramatic return, Tae-kyung hurried to reclaim attention.
“Anyway, Han Jun-young—welcome back home. If your dad gives you a hard time, come see me. You heard we hit the jackpot this time, right? We could really use someone like you on the team.”
He said it knowing full well that Tae-gyu would never let Jun-young go. His transparency was almost comical.
“Father, can we talk after dinner?” Tae-gyu said. “The Amadan project manager’s been a bit of a headache—I’m not sure how best to handle it. You met with Suar too, didn’t you?”
At that, Chairman Han’s gaze briefly flicked toward Seo-hee. If only that useless son of his had been more forthcoming, he wouldn’t have to hear such nonsense now. His appetite vanished.
Perhaps sensing that, Tae-gyu tried to shift focus—by poking at Seo-hee instead.
“Seo-hee, how’s school?”
Seo-hee looked up from her plate.
“It’s fine. So-so.”
“Yeah?”
Tae-gyu tilted his head, pretending curiosity.
“I heard from Yi-soo that you’ve been skipping classes.”
“Dad!”
Yi-soo gasped, pretending to stop him—ever the performer.
“It just sort of happened,” Seo-hee replied calmly.
Instead of attending lectures, she’d spent most of her time buried in the library—researching and gathering data. Yi-soo, unaware of that, must’ve reported that she was absent from class.
“It’s not because you’re too busy dating, is it? I looked into that friend of yours—he seems decent.”
At that, even Chairman Han paused his conversation with Tae-kyung. Seizing the moment, Tae-gyu continued,
“Law major, right? Park Jae-min, son of a law professor. Comes from an academic family. Not bad-looking either.”
Everyone at the table immediately thought of one man—the chairman’s disfavored son-in-law, Kim Chan-sung.
Sensing blood, Tae-kyung joined in.
“Oh? Seo-hee’s dating? Love over status, huh? Well, your dream was to be a perfect wife, wasn’t it? Who cares if the guy’s not that capable—you’ve got enough for both of you. Your aunt’s doing fine that way, right?”
His tone sounded like teasing encouragement, but a trace of mockery lingered underneath. Seo-hee, who had listened quietly until now, finally spoke—her voice flat, emotionless, as if she were discussing someone else entirely.
“Did Yi-soo not mention the rest?”
“What rest?”
Tae-gyu frowned, and Yi-soo’s face froze. Since she’d started it, Seo-hee decided to finish it.
“Park Jae-min’s seeing someone.”
“Oh, really? Then I must’ve misunderstood.”
Tae-gyu already knew about it from his own investigation—specifically, that Jae-min was involved with Yi-soo. Did Seo-hee actually know? He had to shut her up somehow.
“Unni, what are you—”
“You might as well let me finish.”
Yi-soo and Tae-gyu both went pale, while the rest of the table looked on with thinly veiled amusement. It wasn’t their problem, after all—just another family drama to enjoy from the sidelines.
“I only heard he’s seeing someone,” Seo-hee said, still staring straight at Yi-soo. “I don’t know who.”
She couldn’t let the two of them continue so easily. Love that intense could hurt others if left unchecked.
“I’m seeing someone myself,” she added calmly. “So please don’t involve me with that senior anymore.”
Then she returned to eating as if nothing had happened.
“Oh, right—Uncle,” she said suddenly, turning to Tae-kyung.
“Yeah?”
“Suar.”
He looked confused.
“The Amadan Suar.”
“Ah…”
“Please remind the field team to review every document carefully. Everything needs to be completely in order, or it could become a problem later.”
It was her project, after all—she had every right to say it. And it was also a warning to Tae-gyu and Tae-kyung: Don’t mess with me anymore.
“I just heard it through the grapevine,” she added with a faint, knowing smile.
