539
[Chapter 147]
[The Power to Fabricate Truth]
People in the political and business world actively engaged in social activities to build connections and exchange information.
For them, connections were opportunities to live better lives, and information was a weapon to seize a better life.
Therefore, the more opportunities and weapons, the better.
Yet of course, solid opportunities are much better than flimsy ones, and weapons made of high-quality iron are better than those made of poor-quality iron.
As a result, people implicitly ranked social activities in the political and business world.
"─Didn't you say you went to the billiards gathering Ye-jang hyung arranged last time? It must have been good? I heard the hyungs there talk about business all night..."
"What business talk... It was purely a billiards gathering. Last time I came home after playing billiards until dawn and got caught by my father. Just thinking about it still gives me chills..."
"Speaking of YH, I heard Choi Ye-jin was talking about engagement with the girls recently?"
"Huh? Is Ye-jin getting engaged?"
"No, not that... She apparently said she should look into engagement for the sake of the group?"
"How did you know about that? Isn't that gathering only for women to attend?" "I have a younger sister. I heard it from her."
Though the types and nature of gatherings varied greatly by age group,
The criteria for ranking any gathering were consistent.
Who arranges the gathering.
And who attends the gathering.
In other words, the presence of influential people determined the rank of that gathering.
For them, power flowed from top to bottom, not bottom to top.
Anyway, in that sense─
"─Doesn't it seem like there are more this year? It wasn't this much even last year..."
Among social gatherings for teens and 20s,
The summer gathering attended by direct descendants of the top 10 business groups was the most popular.
Especially this year.
YH Hotel Myeongdong Main Branch.
The number of people gathered in the banquet hall was incomparable to previous years.
Though the gathering hadn't even started yet,
Those who arrived early, unlike the direct descendants of the top 10 groups, whispered among themselves.
"Well, that's inevitable. Han Seo-hyeon is attending after a long time this time. Since we couldn't see her face for years while she was studying in Japan, everyone is attending to see her face after a long time."
"Even so... Isn't this number too much?"
"She's Sirius Group's direct descendant. Of course we should make a good impression, right?"
"But from what I know, that unni wasn't very popular because her personality wasn't good..." "Han Seo-hyeon isn't popular? Come on. Who did you hear that from?" "...Huh? I-I just heard it like that..."
"It's a fact that Han Seo-hyeon's personality wasn't good. She embarrassed guys who tried to hit on her to their faces, and openly criticized girls who sneered at her."
"But she was still very popular. She has the Sirius Group background, a mature atmosphere for her age, and her face is quite..." "To be blunt, she had no manners. But there were still quite a few kids who followed her."
"Was it since Seo-hyeon went to study abroad? People who were close to Seo-hyeon stopped coming to gatherings since then. The rumors that Seo-hyeon isn't popular probably spread because there was no one to defend her." "So you're saying people who haven't been coming to gatherings came out after a long time because that person returned?"
"There will be many such people... There are probably also people attending for other reasons. To see someone's face once."
""""Who?""""
Sirius Group's direct descendant Han Seo-hyeon.
The news that she would attend the summer gathering for the first time in 3 years after returning from Japan was the reason so many more people gathered compared to previous years.
And also─
""""─Don't you know Noh Eunha?""""
""""Ah...""""
Even people who weren't interested in the Player industry now knew his name.
How could they not know?
The news that an Academy student defeated a 4th tier monster alone was reported extensively in the media.
On the other hand─
"─He got engaged to Han Seo-hyeon recently. So he'll probably come out with her since she's attending the gathering after a long time."
Noh Eunha was Han Seo-hyeon's fiancé.
He had a justification for having to attend this gathering.
So people were certain he would attend this gathering.
"If they're engaged, they should publicly announce it for others to know. Where else is there a better place than here where almost all our peers gather?"
"So everyone gathered here today came to see those two people's faces?"
"Well, that's part of it, but..."
Lastly, there was one more reason many people attended the summer gathering this time.
"─Noh Eunha and Jung Ha-yang are dating now." "There was such talk. But why?" "Who do you think Noh Eunha will accompany to the gathering only direct descendants attend?"
"Huh?"
""""Ah...""""
"Han Seo-hyeon and Jung Ha-yang. Which of the two will Noh Eunha favor more?"
Alice Group's direct descendant Jung Ha-yang.
She was currently dating Noh Eunha.
Therefore, Han Seo-hyeon, Noh Eunha, Jung Ha-yang.
What kind of scene would they show when the three meet in the same place?
Above all, the separate gathering within the summer gathering that only people equivalent to direct descendants can attend.
Who will Noh Eunha attend that gathering with?
It could be said to be the political and business world's unprecedented interest.
"Hah... A direct descendant of Alice Group being a second, what second?" "Han Seo-hyeon is funny too... I heard Ha-yang decided to date Noh Eunha first. But she apparently pulled strings behind the scenes."
"Didn't Ha-yang follow Seo-hyeon a lot? How could she do that..."
"Both Han Seo-hyeon and Jung Ha-yang are so funny... They acted like 'I'm different from you~' when we gossiped about others until now... Aren't those bitches now engaged in a love triangle drama? This is why you shouldn't judge people by appearances." "Isn't this saying that those girls we thought were noble were actually vulgar like us in the end?"
"Why are you comparing us? Did we two-time, or become someone's mistress? You can't compare us!"
""""That's right, that's right!""""
"Anyway, aren't you really curious? About who Noh Eunha will favor more today, and how much of a battle of nerves those high and mighty people will have among themselves."
Envy, jealousy, covetousness, resentment.
The pleasure of pulling down an existence standing in a loftier position than oneself to beneath one's feet.
And pure malice.
Those gathered in the banquet hall snickered while wrapped in all kinds of emotions.
""""Wow, today will be really fun.""""
But contrary to the laughter,
They wore masks of good people.
And so the gathering began.
☆
YH Hotel Myeongdong Main Branch Sky Lounge.
While people from the political and business world were building friendships downstairs,
Students who were direct descendants of business groups or received equivalent treatment, and the partners they each brought, were quietly having intimate conversations.
"─It seems Choi Jeong-hoon isn't coming again?"
"That's good. I was sweating so much being wary of that guy... He doesn't need to come anymore in the future."
"Self-reflection is just about not being noticed by the media... Jeong-hoon must be quite heartbroken." "Hah, you think that guy would be heartbroken? I bet all my chips he doesn't care a speck about Choi Ga-in." "Who else didn't come besides Jeong-hoon?"
Direct descendants not belonging to the top 10 groups enjoying a card game in one corner.
They whispered among themselves while checking the direct descendants of the top 10 groups attending this year's gathering.
From Galaxy Group, a direct descendant of Galaxy Display attended in place of Choi Jeong-hoon.
He was a young man influenced by Choi Jeong-hoon.
From other groups─
"─Why don't you just continue the game you were doing? What? Is there something on my face?"
""""No!!""""
Sirius Group's direct descendant Han Seo-yeon.
And partner Gong Cheong-gi.
"Really... Why is she asking me for this? I'm an idiot for agreeing because I felt sorry."
Yeongwon Group's direct descendant Yoo Do-jun.
And female Player partner.
Other direct descendants in their teens and 20s from Yeongwon Group and their partners.
"..."
Direct descendants in their teens and 20s from Pine Group and their partners.
"Oppa, you don't still have lingering feelings, right?" "What lingering feelings..."
YH Group's direct descendants Choi Ye-jang and Choi Ye-jin.
And their partners.
Other direct descendants in their teens and 20s from YH Group and their partners.
"Geon-ung, I heard you had a big incident recently? Are you okay?" "Yes, hyung. Thank you for your concern. As you can see, I'm fine."
KK Group's direct descendant Kim Geon-ung.
And female Player partner.
Other direct descendants in their teens and 20s from KK Group and their partners.
"Ah, so annoying... Why do I have to come to a place like this? It's just people showing off, really..." "Young master. Everyone can hear you."
"What, why. This is that kind of place. Ah... I just want to go home and receive gift boxes. I have a strange feeling something good will come out today..."
"That's your imagination."
Donghae Group's direct descendant Jung Geum-jeon.
And secretary partner.
"You guys, can you stop splashing water? Can't you go play over there?"
""""S-sorry...""""
Representing Dangun Group,
Samra Group's direct descendant Oh Hae-in, newly risen to the ranks of the top 10 groups.
And male Player.
Other direct descendants in their teens and 20s from Samra Group and their partners.
""""...."""
The direct descendants of each group didn't even acknowledge each other except when exchanging initial greetings.
They maintained a certain distance and had indifferent expressions.
To others, it felt like the calm before the storm.
It was understandable.
The people of interest at this gathering hadn't appeared yet.
Finally─
─Creak
The sound of a door opening was heard.
People all turned their gazes towards the door that opened from outside.
Click click
A bracelet reminiscent of a kitten.
Only one accessory worn.
Yet flaunting beauty that wouldn't lose to others.
Han Seo-hyeon entered the Sky Lounge, her sky blue heels clicking.
""""...."""
There was no partner.
The corners of people's mouths, who were initially overwhelmed by her atmosphere as she entered confidently, slowly rose.
"What... She didn't come with Seo-hyeon?"
"Then is she coming with Ha-yang?"
"Poor Seo-hyeon. She's being embarrassed like this at a place where she's showing her face after a long time..."
Han Seo-hyeon's gaze was unwavering.
But in their eyes, they thought she was trying hard to keep a stern face.
So they planned to look down on her.
Acting so confident, but getting dumped once by YH Group's direct descendant Choi Ye-jang, and now being treated worse than Jung Ha-yang.
"Han Seo-hyeon is really─"
Borrowing the power of anonymity,
Just as someone was about to blurt out,
"─Wow! My little sister is really pretty. Seo-hyeon, is that the dress you said you got fitted with Eunha?"
"Yes."
"Getting clothes fitted together, how long are you two going to be so lovey-dovey? But is that all for accessories? Didn't Eunha say anything?"
"I hate cumbersome things. This one is enough for me." "Ah, is that the one Eunha gave you as a gift when you were in Japan?" "...Yeah."
"Wow, now that I look, my little sister was a complete romantic. Eunha should see how you look. By the way─"
""""...."""
"─Why am I the only one complimenting Seo-hyeon? Shouldn't you say things like welcome back or your bracelet is pretty to my sister who you're seeing after 3 years?"
Han Seo-hyeon's older sister Han Seo-yeon.
The most powerful person who can exert the greatest influence at the gathering now that Galaxy Group's direct descendant Choi Jeong-hoon isn't here.
Also a crazy bitch who clearly shows what social burial means to someone who falls out of her favor.
Those who were about to criticize Han Seo-hyeon suddenly realized what a foolish mistake they were about to make.
They applauded while being wary and complimented Han Seo-hyeon.
However, even so, the fact that she wasn't chosen by Noh Eunha remained unchanged.
""""...."""
Wary of Han Seo-hyeon,
Even if they couldn't say what they wanted to say.
What happens here today will soon spread to the world.
Above all, they firmly believed the situation would be revealed clearly when Noh Eunha enters the Sky Lounge with Jung Ha-yang, even if they didn't criticize.
Creak
Soon the door opened.
People's gazes turned towards the door again.
Click click
Jung Ha-yang entering while swaying the pink ribbon tying her hair.
She too was walking in with an unwavering gaze.
The problem is─
""""─...."""
The two spoke almost simultaneously.
Soon the two closed their mouths with disgruntled expressions.
In a situation where they each thought Noh Eunha would enter the Sky Lounge with them.
But Eunha didn't choose either of them.
"─Then who on earth is Noh Eunha coming with?"
""""...."""
A question thrown by someone.
That question represented the question of everyone present at this moment.
Just then.
Creak
The sound of the door opening again.
People carefully watched the person entering.
Their eyes widened.
""""...."""
It's Noh Eunha.
There were people here who remembered his face.
So people's gazes next turned to the partner he brought.
They just opened their mouths.
"─Why is he coming with Lee Yu-cheon?"
Luminous Group's direct descendant Lee Yu-cheon.
And his partner Noh Eunha.
People couldn't help but question the unexpected combination.
Could Noh Eunha possibly...?
But whether it was unexpected or not,
It didn't matter at all to people who were determined to tear down Noh Eunha, Han Seo-hyeon, and Jung Ha-yang from the beginning.
Rather, it was a good thing.
They could fabricate that Noh Eunha's feelings for Lee Yu-cheon were greater than his feelings for Han Seo-hyeon and Jung Ha-yang.
That Han Seo-hyeon and Jung Ha-yang were people with no charm at all.
The truth didn't matter.
It was sensational.
It was something that could greatly lower the reputations of three people, no, four people including Lee Yu-cheon.
But of course─
"─Eunha, I'm really sorry. This happened because I thoughtlessly asked you to be my bodyguard for this gathering."
"It can't be helped. You asked me first. I couldn't refuse belatedly." "I'm sorry, really." "If you're sorry, apologize to my fiancée and girlfriend."
"Okay, okay, I got it." """"...."""
Though the truth doesn't matter,
Fabrication should be done in moderation.
Who would believe such rumors?
The rumor that Lee Yu-cheon hired Noh Eunha as a bodyguard Player would be more credible than rumors about something special between Lee Yu-cheon and Noh Eunha.
Above all─
"─As expected of my friend! The truth is you love both your fiancée and girlfriend equally so you couldn't choose just one, right?"
""""...."""" "Your love for your fiancée and girlfriend is truly special. I'm really moved by your thoughtfulness. Ah... Even when I first drank poisoned soup, I never felt like this, tears are about to come out. Ah, tears." """"...."""
Though Lee Yu-cheon and Yoo Do-jun are shouting loudly as if reading from a textbook,
How would it look considering the circumstances?
Isn't it a story showing how precious Eunha considers Han Seo-hyeon and Jung Ha-yang?
No matter how they fabricate, it was obvious the world would see them as romantic people.
"Noh Eunha is actually gay...!"
"Stop it, you bastard! Who would believe such a thing?"
"Guys... Let's not be so childish doing this."
"He's really gay..." "Don't. It's embarrassing..."
"But those guys are amazing too. Aren't they ashamed to say such things?"
"It's touching... For Luminous Group's direct descendant and Yeongwon Group's direct descendant to do that, they must not be able to be Noh Eunha's friends."
"Look at Lee Yu-cheon unable to lift his head..."
In the end, they gave up fabricating.
They looked pitifully at Lee Yu-cheon and Yoo Do-jun who were still stubbornly trying to fabricate.
☆
When he heard Ryu Yeon-hwa say she had experience attending parties as a bodyguard,
Eunha regretted why he hadn't been able to think of such a simple idea.
Because of the choice of having to pick one of the two,
He ended up not being able to think of other options.
It was a peaceful solution.
Why did I go through all that trouble?
This is all I had to do...
He had to attend the gathering for Han Seo-hyeon and Jung Ha-yang's sake.
But he shouldn't favor only one of the two.
Then it's a simple matter.
Just accompany someone other than those two.
Of course, the person accompanying him couldn't be a woman at this time.
He couldn't abandon the two and accompany another woman.
If he did that, rumors would spread that he took in a third woman as a partner, and there was a high possibility Han Seo-hyeon and Jung Ha-yang would be seen as charmless people.
In that sense, Eunha looked for a male to accompany him.
Coincidentally, Yeongwon Group's direct descendant Yoo Do-jun was around him.
Of course, Yoo Do-jun─
'─Eunha... Think carefully. You don't seem to be in your right mind now. Is there any reason for me to get beaten to death by Ha-yang and Seo-hyeon noona?'
Yoo Do-jun flatly refused.
He didn't even try to listen, saying he didn't want to get caught in the crossfire.
In the end, Eunha had no choice but to ask Luminous Group's Lee Yu-cheon.
"Thanks, hyung. It's all thanks to you." "Eunha..."
"What?" "...Nothing. I'm glad it helped you. Hahaha... I won't be able to properly show my face for a while."
Lee Yu-cheon also showed reluctance.
But by bringing up that Eunha promised to fully support him in Luminous Group,
Lee Yu-cheon resigned himself and hired Eunha as a bodyguard.
"But Eunha. Can't we stop this acting now?" "Let's do it a bit more. We need to firmly establish it so others can't say otherwise later." "Damn it..."
Meanwhile, Eunha added one more move.
He wanted to let others know the circumstances of being hired by Lee Yu-cheon and the reason he had to make this choice so they wouldn't misunderstand.
Thanks to that, Yoo Do-jun and Lee Yu-cheon were in the middle of giving passionate performances at their discretion.
Do-jun, who said he would help with just this as he felt sorry for refusing Eunha's request, had reddened eyes.
Yu-cheon, who rarely swears, muttered something under his breath.
"─Hyung, Do-jun. Then please take care of the rest too. You know to sway public opinion that I'm on good terms with Seo-hyeon and Ha-yang for today, right?"
""Haha...""
Whatever reaction the two showed,
Soon Noh Eunha decided to find Han Seo-hyeon and Jung Ha-yang with light steps.
Coincidentally, the two were standing nearby.
No, they approached.
"─Seo-hyeon, Ha-yang! I did well, right?"
Eunha, feeling refreshed after resolving his worries, waved his hand happily and─
"─Are you happy?"
"─Are you happy?"
The two flashed their eyes, they say.