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chapter 37
The project known as the “Yedun City Project” had been in motion for quite some time. The plan was to construct an industrial-agricultural complex within the city, and beyond that, build a bridge connecting the large island belonging to Yedun City. That was the task assigned to Seun Construction.
As it was a national project, lawmakers and city council members were inevitably connected to it like links in a chain. This also meant that the future of Seun Construction was directly tied to the project.
“…….”
So, once the project broke ground, a regular shareholders’ meeting was scheduled. According to the plan, by that time, the shares would be transferred to him, and he would assume the role of CEO.
This was apparently one of the conditions of his parents’ divorce.
However, the existence of another son born to the old man in his later years threatened that plan. His father didn’t overtly reject him or take any specific action, but it was obvious that all his attention had shifted to the newly born youngest son.
Perhaps for this reason, his mother’s attention had grown excessive in recent times. Of course, after he lost his memory in the accident, her attention had become even more intense.
It was as if she were replaying the past, when she had tracked his father’s every move with obsessive scrutiny. He couldn’t shake the feeling that she was now doing the same to him.
“……Mom, you can grant my wish, right? Huh? So snap out of it. Snap out of it, I raised you, remember? Huh? Woo Jung-ha. Woo Jung-ha! Snap out of it!”
Jung-ha suddenly recalled his mother in the hospital, her face twisted almost madly, running her hands over the bandages wrapped around his head.
Since the accident that caused his memory loss, she had never gone a single day without bringing up the company.
He knew exactly why his mother was so obsessed with the company of her ex-husband she had divorced. She wanted revenge on the unfaithful husband. She intended to use her son to seize the company, leaving nothing for her ex-husband.
“Director, shall we depart?”
“No. One more person is coming.”
“Understood.”
One more person. Thinking of Seo Yeon-woo, Jung-ha gently closed and reopened his eyes.
His indifferent face turned toward the car window. The world he saw had been black and white for some time now. No color remained, everything was meaningless and monotonous.
At times, he felt he might not even know why he was alive…
Despite despising his mother’s grotesque schemes, he had ultimately followed her wishes for this reason. His meaningless life could at least be used to fulfill the selfish desire of the woman who gave birth to him, and that was enough.
“……Huh, ha, I’m… a bit late. Sorry.”
“Get in.”
Through the window, Seo Yeon-woo came in, panting.
Jung-ha’s eyes briefly skimmed her pale, almost ghostly face—he couldn’t tell if it was due to makeup or shock.
Beneath her pale skin, her neck glowed a peachy hue. Jung-ha tilted his head slightly.
It wasn’t black and white.
Just that realization alone gave him a strange fluttering feeling, and he pressed his head against the car window, closing his eyes.
Meanwhile, Yeon-woo got into the opposite side of the car, and the driver, sensing it was time, pressed the accelerator.
Thus, the car carrying them headed toward Yedun City. Toward the land where they had once shared Gojung-eup.
In the back seat, Yeon-woo kept glancing at Jung-ha, who remained with his eyes closed.
The sole reason she was late on her first day of work was simple: the project that started today was being conducted in Yedun City.
Yedun City, Gojung-eup, the blue-gated orchard house.
Knowing from Director Won that they were headed toward the place where they had spent their nineteenth year, Yeon-woo was easily gripped by fear.
“…….”
She recalled fighting with Jung-ha over trivial pride just before his accident and how it had provoked Park Jung-woon.
“I’ll answer now. I’m not going to Seoul with you. Even if I did, I don’t intend to remain acquainted with you.”
A torrent of thoughts flooded Yeon-woo’s mind. She imagined someone from Gojung-eup recognizing her, realizing she was the cousin of Park Jung-woon who nearly killed Jung-ha, and Jung-ha looking at her with disdain…
“Because of you, Jung-ha nearly died.”
The guilt that had lain dormant in Yeon-woo’s heart for ten years began to pulse. Since then, she had not been able to sleep well.
“Director, I’ll share the schedule with you.”
“Go ahead.”
Yet, seeing Jung-ha’s cold gaze, the eyes of a complete stranger, she felt her own chest settle.
She had been told that he wouldn’t remember. Director Won had said the same in a phone call last night. Going to Gojung-eup wouldn’t be a problem, and most of her classmates had already left.
So it should be fine.
“After arriving at the hotel today, there are no special plans. Tomorrow, you have a luncheon appointment with the mayor of Yedun City.”
“Location?”
“……The location……”
Taken aback by the sudden question, Yeon-woo hurriedly took out her phone.
“……You’re trying, at least.”
Jung-ha murmured a low laugh. Yeon-woo’s tone was awkward for a secretary.
Her tongue often stumbled, and her voice trembled at the end. Yet the way she kept looking at him was like a child left by the water.
Her attempts to communicate anyway were amusing, and so he simply laughed.
“……I’m sorry. I’ll try harder.”
As she raised her lips, turning her head, Jung-ha caught her face flush red in an instant.
Her lips moved slightly before pressing together, giving off a strange, lingering scent. Heat radiated even to her ears.
Mesmerized, Jung-ha’s gaze fixed on her.
“…….”
Seeing a woman tremble at his single word, he did not offer comfort. His long, dark lashes fluttered, then he withdrew his gaze.
A feeling like insects crawling on his neck pressed down on him.
Ironically, reality didn’t give Yeon-woo time to dwell on her anxiety.
“Excuse me, may I have the name of the reservation, please?”
“……Woo Jung-ha.”
“Please wait a moment.”
When they arrived at the only proper hotel in Yedun City, the sight was bizarre.
The hotel was a construction site.
Heavy construction vehicles, not luxury cars, moved about. From that moment, Yeon-woo sensed something was wrong.
Of course, she wasn’t the only one who noticed.
“What’s going on?”
Jung-ha, standing behind her, could not hide his irritation.
“……The ground weakened, so they’re doing repairs. Remodeling as well……”
“They wouldn’t fail to notify us during that process.”
“I’ll check.”
Although it wasn’t her fault, Yeon-woo bowed apologetically. Seeing her flustered, Jung-ha clicked his tongue.
“Madam, we have records of guiding you via both email and phone. May I help you confirm your email and number?”
“……Yes.”
The employee handed over a piece of paper. The email and phone listed were not Jung-ha’s, nor Director Won’s.
Ji-woo? No… Jisoo?
Yeon-woo only blinked her eyebrows in confusion.
