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Chapter 14
[I’ll wait.]
What part of “No” didn’t she understand? Irritated, Yoon Jinwoo switched off his phone screen.
Because of his stubborn insistence, his lead role in The Fifth Testimony was now official. He even sat down to dinner with Writer Kim—who claimed to have been his fan for years—and the CEO of Bi-yoon Film.
Predictably, articles popped up everywhere, criticizing his first-ever attempt at a film. Negative press or not, Jinwoo couldn’t care less.
When had he ever acted to please the eyes of the world?
As usual, he met up with Jung Hana near the agency for lunch.
“Jinwoo, do you really have to take this project?”
“Why?”
“I mean, the action scenes are brutal, the shoot’s bound to be grueling… And honestly, Kim, that writer? Both of his successful dramas were just lucky hits. This is his first time even trying an action thriller. Wouldn’t it be safer to go with something more stable?”
“I’ve already decided.”
“But the agency’s against it, and getting investors is going to be tough. Hm?”
The only reason Jinwoo had been able to continue acting despite family opposition and constant sabotage was thanks to Jung Hana’s family—TK E&M, the country’s top entertainment investor.
“Don’t worry about the money. Funding won’t be an issue.”
On another day, he might have yielded to her. But not this time. Even putting aside the fact that Kang Dasom had pointed him toward Bi-yoon Film, Jinwoo felt this project was right for him.
“It’s a mid-sized production. At least ten billion won just to start.”
“From what I heard, a company pledged to invest before I was even cast.”
Of course, Jinwoo wasn’t blind to the financial risks. He knew that with Hana’s opposition, finding investors would be a nightmare.
“Oh! You don’t need to worry about that. There’s an investor who decided solely after reading Writer Kim’s script. They’re even considering covering over 80 percent of the production budget.”
That mysterious investor was a company Jinwoo had never once heard of: Night Investment.
Despite her protests, Hana eventually had to throw up her hands.
“Honestly, I don’t know why you’re being so stubborn all of a sudden…”
Her cheeks puffed in sulky discontent, leaving Jinwoo to spend the rest of the day soothing her temper.
Warm sunlight spilled over the carefully kept garden beyond the high stone wall. On one side of the yard, clothes, handbags, and jewelry were laid out on display.
“How about this color? It’s a new release, perfect for spring, and it suits you beautifully.”
“Yes, I’ll take it. And that necklace too.”
“Of course.”
Even if she had once been dismissed as a foolish girl, Kang Dasom had been the daughter-in-law of Cheonmyeong Group in her past life.
“I won’t let myself be humiliated so clumsily this time.”
Ranked among the top 5,000 MVVIP members of the department store, Dasom enjoyed bespoke shopping at home with her personal seller, Director Min, and her coordinator. More than half of her purchases, she charged to Yoon Seonghun’s account—brazenly, almost daring him to notice.
“Miss, a guest has arrived.”
Dasom turned her head. Standing there was Baek Seongtae, secretary to Kang Youngjun.
“You’re here.”
“The Vice Chairman is in his study upstairs.”
“I’ll be right there.”
“He says you can take your time.”
“Understood.”
Smiling faintly, Dasom rose.
“We’ll have to cut today’s shopping short. Sorry to trouble you.”
“Not at all. You have important matters.”
Director Min glanced at the purchase list his assistant had jotted down. Just today’s selections already far surpassed their monthly sales target.
“Thank you. You always work so hard for me.”
Dasom patted his shoulder lightly before heading upstairs to the study.
“A birthday party?”
“Yes. I’d like to hold it at home. Will you allow it?”
“I’ll book you a hotel. Do it there.”
Though Seo Miyoung had grown more cautious since Dasom began openly dating Yoon Seonghun, she still despised the girl. If Dasom dared host a birthday party at home, Seo would foam at the mouth in fury.
“I’m having dinner with Madam Jang next week. With Seonghun oppa. Will you join us?”
Jang Jubin—the real power behind Cheonmyeong Group. Everyone in the know was aware that Chairman Yoon Hyuktae never made a major decision without consulting her.
For Youngjun, eager to cement his own position as the group expanded, this was an opportunity he couldn’t ignore.
He toyed with an unlit cigarette.
“Not bad at all.”
He had thought Dasom’s only asset was a pretty face.
“I’ve received enough help. It’s time I gave some back.”
“You even know your place.”
“……”
“Use the annex. I’ll handle Mother. Don’t worry.”
Dasom bowed politely before leaving the study. On her way back, she “happened” to meet Sang-andae, one of the household staff—though in truth, Sang-andae had clearly timed it to intercept her.
“Did you enjoy your shopping, miss?”
“Yes, thank you. Ah, would you clear off my desk later? Everything on it can go.”
“Gladly.”
Sang-andae’s face brightened. She was greedy, and Dasom knew it. From that day on, Dasom always made sure to buy her little gifts during shopping trips.
She didn’t trust the woman’s dark heart, but in this house, no servant was more trusted than Sang-andae.
As expected, Seo Miyoung refused to let Dasom host her birthday party at home. Her shouting in the living room carried all the way to Dasom’s ears:
“She’s not even married to Seonghun and she dares act like this?”
Dasom had anticipated as much.
Later, in the garden, Youngjun called her over, cigarette smoke curling around him.
“Upset?”
“I’m fine.”
“Tell me which hotel you want, I’ll book it.”
“Seo-yeong Hotel, please.”
“Not a larger venue?”
“I didn’t expect Mother to oppose it this strongly. If I pick somewhere too extravagant, it’ll only upset her more.”
Her reasoning was smooth, convincing. Youngjun ordered his secretary to secure the Seo-yeong Hotel.
“But do you even have enough friends to fill a birthday party?”
“I’ll make some.”
“I’ll invite a few girls I know. Be friendly with them.”
“Of course.”
Preparations were easy—the hotel took care of most details.
— Birthday party? Sorry, I’ll be overseas on business that evening…
“No, it’s my fault for not telling you sooner.”
Min Yoorim no longer shared a bed with Seonghun, but she still pried for gossip about him. Through her vast department store and socialite network, she knew which women he was involved with and what he whispered to them.
Dasom had already learned from her that Seonghun wouldn’t even remember her birthday, conveniently “away on a business trip.” If not for that, she wouldn’t have bothered with a grand party in the first place.
The party only needs to serve one purpose—showing the other chaebol families that Yoon Seonghun and I are perfectly fine.
— I’ll stay with you until I leave for the airport. You can expect a present, too.
“Thanks. I’ll look forward to it.”
After ending the call, Dasom sent a message to Yoon Jinwoo.
[I’m not going.]
She didn’t expect a reply, but one came almost instantly.
“You’ll come anyway.”
Every time she looked at Jinwoo, Dasom saw something of herself reflected back. Perhaps that was why she felt so certain—he would show up.
Time passed swiftly, and at last, the day of Kang Dasom’s birthday party arrived.
