499

 [Chapter 137]

[Those Who Live Above No Eunha]

My son got a girlfriend.

It was something to welcome.

It meant the kid who seemed uninterested in others had found someone he liked.

To be honest, I was relieved.

He had always seemed precarious, like he was left by the water's edge.

"Is this kid finally growing up..."

A child who seemed like he would move forward without a word to those around him if I took my eyes off him for even a moment.

Then he might plunge into the water.

It would be a heart-stopping story for those who saw it.

That child was my son.

"Now that you have a girlfriend too, I hope you'll pay attention to your surroundings instead of just looking ahead... I wonder if this kid will actually do that."

A child who tried to move forward alone, hugging something as if being chased.

I couldn't understand what Eunha was looking at, but I could faintly sense that it was in a very distant future.

The world called it ambition.

"How did such a child end up being born in our family... Neither I nor his mother are people with much ambition."

Having dreams is a good thing.

But a person shouldn't be consumed by dreams.

One should also be able to see reality.

But that kid was only looking further ahead than reality.

Now that such a kid got a girlfriend, he would hopefully look around somewhat instead of just looking ahead.

As a father of a child, it was very fortunate.

Without ambition he wouldn't be No Eunha, but with only ambition he wouldn't be No Eunha either.

I, we don't want No Eunha to be consumed by ambition.

In that sense—

"—We can trust and leave it to Ha-yang."

I felt reassured about Jeong Ha-yang who had spent time with Eunha since childhood.

His mother and grandmother said they felt the same way.

She should be able to take care of my reckless son.

I really hope she can do that.

I want to stop working now.

"When I heard you were being investigated by Galaxy Group, I really thought I was going to die. It was the same when you did that outrageous thing in Japan..."

Anyway, I can now set aside my worries about Eunha.

But about a month after Eunha started dating Ha-yang—

"—Whose son is this kid? There's no way my son would torment me like this..."

I wanted to deny the current situation.

For a moment I wondered if the baby had been switched at the hospital.

My son says he's going to get engaged.

To whom?

To our chairman's daughter.

"...What on earth is going on."

It was a few days ago.

Seo-hyun who had been studying abroad in Japan came to greet us saying she returned to Korea.

Han Seo-hyun who I saw after several years had grown into a proper young lady.

While the executives including myself were looking at her fondly—

"—Engagement... My son says he's going to get engaged without even telling me... Okay, I can understand that. But why is the partner the chairman's daughter..."

She said she decided to get engaged to No Eunha.

Han Seo-hyun dropped a bombshell.

The chairman seemed to not have heard about it beforehand either, as he had a dumbfounded face along with me and the executives.

At that time, the chairman and I surely felt the same.

Where in the world do people get engaged without their parents' permission?

"Hah..."

But you can't beat your own child.

What can I do if Eunha says he wants to?

It's not that I dislike Seo-hyun, I just don't want to become in-laws with the chairman.

If it was Seo-yeon it would be different.

If the partner was Seo-yeon I would have strongly objected.

"Seo-hyun is fine too... That kid Eunha couldn't resist Seo-hyun's words either. In that sense, she has some advantages over Ha-yang..."

The one inheriting Sirius Group is Han Seo-yeon, not Han Seo-hyun.

So even if Eunha gets engaged to Seo-hyun, he won't be bound by Sirius Group's name.

On the other hand, it could be said Eunha now has very solid backing.

But the problem is—

"—He says he'll date Ha-yang and be engaged to Seo-hyun? Oh boy..."

My son is dating Ha-yang.

But he says he'll get engaged to Seo-hyun.

I wonder what kind of situation this is.

There were many people among those in the political and business world who thought of fiancées and lovers separately.

I never dreamed my son would be like that, though.

I was used to thinking about it, but I don't know how surprised his mother was when she heard this news.

Not just his mother.

The whole family was shocked.

"Hah, how did you think to date not one but two people. I'm not sure if you're really my son. You enviable... no, two-timer."

Half proud that he's indeed my son.

Half ashamed that this is my son.

Now I sighed while adapting to reality.

I wonder what Alice Group will think.

The ridiculous situation of dating Alice Group's direct descendant while getting engaged to Sirius Group's direct descendant.

Would Alice Group welcome it?

It was obvious they would feel insulted.

I was afraid my son would incur Alice Group's wrath.

But—

"—Alice Group gave permission?"

Alice Group says they'll allow my son and Han Seo-hyun's engagement.

It essentially meant they would be satisfied even if Jeong Ha-yang became the second wife.

This was very unexpected.

Unlike in the past, Alice Group now had the power to compete with Sirius Group if they wanted.

But they stepped back obediently.

There must be some scheme.

"Well, did Seo-hyun and Ha-yang join hands or something?"

It's an absurd assumption.

I brushed it off as a joke and decided to finish preparing for Eunha and Seo-hyun's engagement.

Anyway—

"—Just try making them cry. Then I'll really teach you a lesson."

Our Eunha, I leave it to you now.

☆

Time flowed so quickly.

Not long after the day Han Seo-hyun proposed engagement, the engagement ceremony was set.

Eunha couldn't keep up with the overly rapid handling of affairs.

To think I'm really getting engaged...

But how did Seo-hyun talk to Ha-yang? Given Ha-yang's personality, she wouldn't have easily allowed it...

So it didn't feel real.

On the other hand, he felt uneasy hearing that Han Seo-hyun persuaded Jeong Ha-yang in just a few days.

Somehow it feels like I'm being tricked.

But Eunha didn't have time to calmly assess the situation.

Because he had to be harassed by family and friends.

"—Just whose belly did you come out of?"

"...I came out of mom's belly."

"I don't remember giving birth to a son who two-times. I can't live..."

"..."

"Eunha."

"Yes."

"Is this how mom taught you?"

"...No."

"Sigh..."

First, his mother was greatly shocked and just sighed whenever she saw Eunha.

His mother's eyes were full of disappointment.

So Eunha automatically shrank when facing his mother.

As a mother, she probably never thought her son would proudly two-time.

"Child, it's a good day but are you going to keep tormenting Eunha? Eunha won't be able to properly have the engagement ceremony because he's so conscious of you."

"Mom, who doesn't know that? But he needs to be scolded for what he should be scolded for."

"What can we do when Eunha is so popular. It's not like Eunha brought it up first, the daughter-in-laws brought it up first."

"Mom!"

"I'm not deaf, child. Be quiet and take care of Mr. No. Scold Eunha after it's over when we get home. I won't stop you when we get home."

Meanwhile, grandmother just laughed.

Grandmother also didn't seem to welcome the situation that deviated from values, but she didn't try to scold Eunha.

Rather, when she heard he was having an engagement ceremony, she was happy.

Saying she got to see her grandson get married.

Though the engagement ceremony would just end with the two families meeting for a meal and exchanging rings.

"Yes, mom. Let's smile since it's a good day. How sad would Seo-hyun be if she knew? Okay?"

"Noona... I only have noona after all."

Just then.

Eun-ah opened her mouth as if protecting Eunha who had been constantly scolded by their mother all the way here.

Eunha who had become gloomy was touched and turned to Eun-ah who was taking his side.

And—

"—Who are you?"

"..."

"I don't remember having a brother who two-times."

No Eun-ah's cold gaze.

Eunha froze on the spot.

Come to think of it, the person who welcomed the current situation the least after mother at home was his sister.

At first, Eun-ah was happy as if it was her own business when she heard he was dating Jeong Ha-yang.

But after a month when she heard he was going to get engaged to Han Seo-hyun, she made a disappointed expression at him.

"I told you to be honest with your feelings, but this isn't right. No, how can you date Ha-yang while getting engaged to Seo-hyun. Aren't you doing something rude to both of them now?"

"...I'm sorry."

"You shouldn't apologize to me. Anyway... all men are the same. To think even my brother was no different from those bastards..."

"Eun-ah, it's a good day so stop."

"Mom, you scolded Eunha too so why are you saying that to me?"

"That's... because you're being harsher than me."

Eunha had been ignored by Eun-ah for the past few days.

Or he would hear harsh words from her like today.

Eunha could now clearly see how scary the situation became when his sister was disappointed.

Even his mother who had been scolding him showed an awkward look and tried to stop Eun-ah.

...I don't have anyone on my side.

Dad who was at least neutral went to meet Han Seo-hyun's father...

Excluding the idiot brother, Uncle Bruno is busy playing with Avenir...

The No family was a family where women's power was very strong.

So even if the women of the No family criticized him, Eunha had to just listen silently.

Though he sometimes felt dissatisfied, Eunha knew the house could be turned upside down if he expressed his dissatisfaction.

Of course, there was one woman who took Eunha's side.

She was—

"—It's okay, Eunha boss. The first time is always difficult. But boss took in two from the start, so next time when you take in more you'll think it's natural, right?"

"Noona, what are you saying?"

"Can't someone who two-times three-time, four-time, five-time?"

No Julietta.

Is she praising him?

Or is she cursing him?

She said while patting his drooping shoulders.

Julietta strikes a fighting pose.

Eunha retorted with a sullen face.

☆

Jamsil, Luminous Tower.

An observatory that creates the illusion of having the world at your feet.

Eunha slowly walked while looking at the night view.

Father had already headed to the Korean restaurant where dinner was reserved.

...It's uncomfortable.

Eunha kept touching his nape with a sullen face.

He wanted to loosen the tie choking his neck.

He belatedly regretted wearing a suit to match the formality.

The engagement ceremony was going to be simple anyway.

"I knew this would happen. No Eunha, stop there for a moment."

"...Oh, thanks."

They would meet the Sirius Group people after turning the corner.

Before turning the corner, Eun-ah looked back and sighed.

She approached and fixed his tie.

"Still, it's a good occasion so you should show your best appearance as much as possible. What would Seo-hyun think otherwise?"

She seems to have calmed down somewhat.

Eunha quietly looked down at Eun-ah who was fixing his hair while standing on tiptoe.

She dusted off his shoulders and smiled.

"So do well today. It's enough for us to curse you. I mean do well so Seo-hyun's family doesn't curse you."

"...Thanks for worrying."

"How did someone like you end up becoming my brother? I said to love only one person..."

No Eun-ah glares.

Eunha subtly avoided her gaze.

She didn't seem to intend to get angry anymore either.

She pouted her lips and said.

"Anyway, do well. You really have to do well."

"Don't worry, I'm telling you I'll really do well."

"I'm saying this because it won't work out just because you say you'll do well. You two-timer. Do you think Seo-hyun's parents will think well of you?"

"...I'll do well. And Seo-hyun will probably help too."

"Sigh..."

He understood what Eun-ah was worried about.

But Eunha believed Seo-hyun would have handled things well somehow.

She persuaded Jeong Ha-yang.

She even talked with her parents and got their permission for the engagement.

So unlike Eun-ah, Eunha wasn't very worried.

Eventually when the two turned the corner, they saw people talking in front of the Korean restaurant.

Father and Han Seo-hyun's father.

And Han Seo-yeon.

"—Oh? Eunha came? Hi Eunha?"

The family seemed to have gone in first.

Eunha greeted Han Seo-yeon who brightly welcomed him with his eyes.

Then he quickly approached Han Do-young, Han Seo-hyun's father, while observing his father's reaction.

"Hello."

"Yes, Eunha. It's been a while since I saw you in Japan. Have you been well?"

"Yes, I've been well. How have you been, Chairman..."

"Father."

"Pardon?"

"You should call me father now."

"...Yes, father."

"Haha, that sounds good. Director No is becoming my in-law, and Eunha is becoming my son-in-law? Good, good!"

"Um... Chairman. Today is the engagement so it's not marriage yet..."

"Why do you keep trying to back out? Good things are good!"

Han Do-young laughs happily.

In contrast, father's attitude was cautious, treating him like a superior.

"Yes, Eunha."

"Yes."

Then Han Do-young stopped laughing and put his hand on Eunha's shoulder.

Eunha looked at him smiling benevolently.

"To be honest, I'm not without worries. This is Seo-hyun's second engagement so I can't help but think skeptically. Actually, I'd like to keep Seo-hyun by my side for life, but that can't be done. Seo-hyun needs to find her match too."

"...Yes, I know."

It's a father's face.

Eunha nodded seeing Han Do-young who cared deeply for Han Seo-hyun.

He somewhat understood his feelings.

But—

—If you were thinking that, why did you try to engage her to Choi Jung-hoon?

Eunha tilted his head inwardly.

It was awkward to bring up the name of a man whose engagement fell through at a good occasion.

So Eunha just listened to Han Do-young's words.

"...But with you Eunha. I felt I could trust you."

From what he heard, Han Do-young seemed to have liked how he didn't hesitate to save Han Seo-hyun in Japan.

Eunha felt embarrassed hearing his heroic tale through his mouth.

 But father, Eun-ah, and Eun-ae who were listening to his story seemed to think proudly of him.

"Anyway, I entrust my daughter to you."

"I'm the one who should ask for your favor."

Soon Han Do-young held out his hand.

Eunha shook hands with him.

Just then—

"—But Eunha."

"Yes?"

"I heard you're dating Ha-yang..."

"..."

"You don't plan to break up, right?"

"...No."

Han Do-young suddenly gritted his teeth and whispered in Eunha's ear.

Eunha paused hearing the abruptly changed tone.

But he quickly regained his composure and conveyed his intentions.

Han Do-young who released the handshake softly sighed.

"Well, if that's your intention, how can I stop you? But just try neglecting my daughter. Then I'll really..."

Han Do-young grits his teeth.

Only then did Eunha hear his true feelings and give a dry laugh.

It seemed he had incurred his dislike.

Moreover—

"—That's right, oppa. If you make Seo-hyun unni cry, I won't stand by either."

"Weren't you my little sister?"

"When oppa marries Seo-hyun unni, she'll become my unni too. So now I'm also Seo-hyun unni's little sister."

"Raising a little sister was useless..."

Even Eun-ae isn't on his side.

Eunha stuck out his tongue at his little sister who quietly spoke while entering the restaurant.

He felt hurt inside.

Then Eun-ae said—

"—But I'm still on oppa's side."

"How very grateful."

"Hey, you don't believe me?"

Eun-ae giggles.

Eunha snorted.

It's too late to act cute now.

Just then, as if it was a secret, she made Eunha bend his knees and whispered in his ear.

"Mom said whoever marries oppa won't be able to do anything to me. So if the unnis bully oppa, I'll scold them instead."

"...Really?"

"Of course! So I hope new unnis come soon! It's okay even if there are many. I'll be stronger anyway."

The future sister-in-law grins broadly.

Eunha stuck out his tongue seeing his little sister's big picture.

A very scary sister-in-law.