TCE 24

Chapter 24

There’s a famous saying someone once said:

“If someone hates you for no reason, then give them a reason to hate you.”

We really liked that phrase.

Of course, maybe the other person did have their own reasons, but she wasn’t smart enough to think that delicately about it.

That didn’t mean we went around doing hateful things recklessly. At the very least, in situations where we had to face her, we made sure to show the proper courtesy—that was our effort.

“So, she hates even the way we address her. That’s it.”

The moment we deliberately called her “Mother, Young Miss”, she couldn’t hide her displeasure. Watching it, we swallowed back a laugh.

We weren’t at the stage yet where we wanted to give her a real reason to hate us, so we kept smiling as much as we could.

“Careful, she might see right through us.”

While glancing briefly at Eun-se, the innocent little lamb who was scanning us up and down, Hye-won spoke.

“You used to call me Madam so properly, and now you’ve suddenly changed. Looks like Yoon-jae must’ve helped you with that.”

In other words, she was asking if Yoon-jae had told us to.

We quickly shook our head.

“Now that we’re married, if I keep calling you that, you’ll be uncomfortable, Mother. I wasn’t thinking carefully enough.”

“…Right. This way is more comfortable. Of course.”

“Thank you for understanding. And I didn’t realize Young Miss would be here, too.”

“Why? Is there some reason I shouldn’t come?”

She smiled brightly, even pretending relief, and looked at us. Eun-se responded right away, as though waiting for it.

We hurriedly waved our hands.

“Of course not. We just thought only Mother would be here, so we only prepared one thing.”

“…Prepared? What?”

The two of them didn’t realize they’d already been drawn into our rhythm. Both pairs of eyes went to our hands.

Looking at the surprisingly gullible mother and daughter, we placed the shopping bag on the table.

“It’s just a small gift.”

And what we pulled out was a teacup set, stamped with the seal of a renowned ceramic master—anyone who loved such things would recognize it instantly.

“You didn’t think I’d have a single teacup, so you brought this… huh?”

At first, she seemed uninterested, thinking of course she had teacups already. But when she got a good look, Hye-won’s eyes widened.

She quickly pulled the box closer, opening it, and stared at the pearl-like set inside, completely captivated.

“Wh–where did you even get this? Is this real? When did Master Yi ever make something like this?”

These weren’t just plain white ceramics. With graceful curves and a unique elegance, these cups could rival any fine pottery.

As we’d expected, we simply smiled quietly.

For Ko Woo-ri, who loved beautiful things, collecting was essential. We even had connections to a firm that helped people acquire rare pieces. It was one of those obscure places known only to a few insiders, and we’d barely managed to get this piece, which had never been publicly released.

“It’ll be hard to manage again, though.”

It was lucky the manager’s contact hadn’t changed yet. He switched numbers so often it might not work next time—but what mattered was right now.

“It was difficult, but thinking of giving it to you, Mother, I did my very best. Do you like it?”

Like a sly fox, we asked a question we already knew the answer to, eyes sparkling.

Finally, Hye-won managed to pull her hand away from the box and looked at us through her glasses.

“You’ve got a decent eye.”

“Thank you for accepting it, Mother. I’ll have it delivered through the driver.”

She couldn’t hide her delight—it showed clearly.

Wasn’t she much more naïve than expected? Knowing what true venom really looked like, we smiled sweetly and didn’t forget Eun-se either.

“We’ll prepare something else for Young Miss next time.”

“Wh–who said I wanted anything?”

She answered curtly, but she was obviously flustered.

Meanwhile, Hye-won, finally tearing her gaze from the cups, rose to her feet.

“Let’s go. We didn’t come here just to sit around.”

“Yes, Mother.”

As we stood, she noticed our worn handbag and frowned.

Exactly as we’d intended.

“You always need to leave one weak point.”

Of course, we didn’t want needless scolding, but being perfect in this situation wasn’t wise either. By giving just enough openings, we could avoid poking at her lofty pride while still gaining ground.

Seeing her displeased glance at our bag, we spoke.

“My knowledge is still lacking. If you’ll guide me, Mother, I’ll do my best to learn.”

“…Will you?”

“Yes, Mother. Ah, just a moment. I’ll call a staff member.”

Without many words, our tactful attitude left her no room to be upset.

And besides, the gift we’d brought was far too exquisite.

As staff helped us with clothes and packages, Eun-se sidled up to Hye-won.

“Mom, what’s going on?”

“What do you mean?”

She looked completely confused.

“It’s weird. Why are you being so nice? Is it just because of the gift?”

“What nonsense. It’s not about being nice—it’s about proper manners. What kind of mother do you take me for?”

Rebuked, Eun-se shrank back while Hye-won went to put on her coat.

Left briefly alone, Eun-se grew confused.

“No, this is strange. What’s going on?”

Anyone would think this was a picture-perfect in-law relationship.

Normally, they would call a personal shopper or arrange a lounge session, but today the three of them deliberately walked through the store.

One by one, their purchases were sent up to the department store’s lounge, and the total was enough to make anyone gasp. Yet the supposedly poor, shabby daughter-in-law showed no surprise.

“Mother, shall we try that store next?”

No—instead, she looked more radiant, like a fish in water.

Watching us take the lead, Eun-se whispered,

“Maybe she’s not poor after all.”

One thing was certain:

“She’s got an eye.”

A very sharp eye.

Natural, yes—but also trained. And from what they knew, she’d grown up with little fortune.

At the end of the shopping, Hye-won stroked the medal on her handbag and said,

“What matters isn’t the price—it’s the value you can see and feel.”

She meant it as advice for her daughter, but Eun-se was too busy yawning to care. Meanwhile, we were quietly surprised.

“They say she was born into nobility… it’s true.”

Seo Hye-won.

Her great-grandfather was a four-term assemblyman, her father had been a minister, and her mother’s side had produced educators and renowned artists. She was the jewel of a distinguished family.

Setting aside her occasional pettiness, her grace was undeniable.

“Hm? I don’t think this was even in the pamphlet.”

And like us, she loved beauty.

Recognizing something at once, her eyes lit up, and a clerk stepped forward.

“This is a limited-edition collaboration with designer Paolo Bianca.”

“The Paolo of Succession?”

“Yes, madam.”

“He rarely collaborates. No wonder this looks different.”

It wasn’t dramatically different from the rest, but for those who knew, the mark and subtle expression were unmistakable.

We recognized the name too, but honestly found it underwhelming.

“Feels like he just repeats the same lines.”

While we were assessing with hawk-like eyes, Eun-se suddenly bounded over.

“Mom, mom, I want this one! Let’s buy it—”

“Young Miss, wait.”

“What? Where are you going? What are you doing?”

Snapping irritably, she clutched a large handbag from the store—one of the most expensive pieces, favored by overseas celebrities and hard for ordinary customers to obtain.

But being famous didn’t mean it was right for her.

We drew the excited girl aside and picked out something we’d been eyeing.

“You wear bright clothes and don’t carry much in your bag, so instead of this O-line, I think the A-line suits you better.”

“…What?”

“How about this? It’s from last month’s collection, and it looks perfect on you.”

We handed her a small bag that suited her better than the staff’s suggestions. Eun-se blinked.

It was exactly her taste, but admitting she liked it pricked her pride. Before she could react, we called the clerk.

“Mr. Yoon-jae will gift it to you. Please accept.”

“…Who?”

“Mr. Yoon-jae.”

Maintaining dignity—yet also a bribe. Just like the teacup set for Hye-won.

“We never said what the gift was for.”

Such sly tricks left the naïve girl flustered. We had no intention of forcing a sibling-like bond between her and Yoon-jae, but leaving such traces would eventually return as goodwill.

“…Fine.”

Since it wasn’t her own money, and we openly said it was from Yoon-jae, she didn’t refuse. Still, embarrassed, she muttered,

“Did you two make a deal to give gifts or something?”

“Huh?”

“Ha Yoon… oppa gave presents to everyone who helped at that food drive. He even brought the volunteer list to send them gifts, thanking them for helping you. And now you’re giving me this.”

“What?”

We had no idea. How could we? Unless he showed some hint, we’d never notice.

Stunned by this unexpected fact, we blinked and suddenly remembered our own words.

“…Don’t tell me he’s actually acting like a real husband?”

The joke we’d once made came back, and suddenly our ears grew hot.

Discovering this unexpected side of that indifferent man, a strange tickle spread in our chest.

Ba-dump, ba-dump.

Even the smallest thump of our heart.

“What is this? Hold on.”

Flustered by our own strange reaction, we shook our head quickly. Our imagination was running too wild, dangerously close to thoughts we shouldn’t have. Luckily, Hye-won’s voice cut in.

“Do you have any other designs?”

“There are more prepared in the inner lounge.”

“Bring some other pieces with similar designs there.”

“Yes, madam.”

Thankfully, Hye-won’s presence covered up our confusion. We sighed in relief and desperately tried to change focus.

“Let’s go too.”

Leaving our card and purchases with the staff, we returned to Hye-won with Eun-se.

Ba-dump, ba-dump. We ignored the restless beating in our chest.

Unknowingly helping us escape our turmoil, Hye-won led the way, and we arrived at the entrance to the lounge, draped with thick velvet curtains.

As we stepped forward to hold the curtain open, an unwelcome conversation slipped through the gap.

“They’re in the lounge. I heard she even brought her daughter-in-law along.”

“Daughter-in-law? After ruining the wedding, now she parades her around?”

“Yes. You wouldn’t believe how ridiculous they look. Did you ever imagine Seo Hye-won ending up like this?”

Just when one thorn had been removed, another sharp one drove in.

“They say even the lioness of Yeongdo Group has lost her fangs.”