Chapter 56. An Unwelcome Guest and a Scoundrel
The atmosphere in the parlor grew heavy at the suggestion of studying abroad.
But Choi Myeong-eun continued, unfazed.
“If your dream is to become a film director, I can help you. Studying in the U.S. would be better than in Korea. And Antony also said he wants to help you…”
“No.”
Chairman Joo cut her off without hesitation.
“Absolutely not!”
His thunderous voice filled the entire room.
The normally mellowed elder now wore the fierce look of his youth.
“Did you forget the promise you made when you left?”
“No, I didn’t forget.”
Despite the sharp energy radiating from the chairman, Choi Myeong-eun didn’t back down.
“But Taeseong is an adult now, and I think his opinion is what matters most.”
“I allowed him to study film, but I will never allow him to go to America!”
“I don’t need your permission. I’ll follow whatever Taeseong says.”
“You—! So you didn’t come because you missed him. You came to drag him to America!”
Taeseong bit down on the inside of his mouth while the adults argued.
Choi Myeong-eun ignored Chairman Joo’s glare and turned back.
“Taeseong, if you’re willing, let’s prepare for NYU admissions together.”
“…”
“When you said you wouldn’t take over the company and wanted to pursue film, I understood how serious this dream is for you. And I can help you get closer to that dream more than anyone else.”
Her voice, though composed, was also urgent.
“Taeseong, don’t think about anything else. Just think about your dream. You’re at an age where that’s all you should focus on.”
After her repeated attempts to persuade him, Taeseong slowly blinked and opened his eyes again.
He spoke clearly and decisively.
“I’m not going. To America.”
Because what was more precious than his dream… was already here.
After leaving Chairman Joo’s house, Choi Myeong-eun headed to her reserved hotel.
“Taeseong, please think it over again. I understand that you don’t want help from someone you don’t feel close to, but this really is a great opportunity.”
“…Okay.”
The reluctant response she got as she left the house still lingered in her mind.
She had thought he might at least consider it, even if he disliked her.
Especially after he’d told her himself that he didn’t truly hate her.
Everyone in the film world dreams of Hollywood—not just for fame or fortune, but because all creators want their work to reach the world.
That’s why her offer should’ve been incredibly appealing for someone like Taeseong, who was just beginning his journey.
Especially when the Chairman probably didn’t even fully support that dream.
“But why… Why didn’t he even hesitate?”
She instinctively knew it wasn’t just because of his attachment to his grandfather.
Whether it was the time difference or the way things had unfolded, a headache was coming on.
She decided it would be better to stay in Korea a bit longer and assess the situation.
With that, she closed her eyes and rested her head on the seat.
The next morning, Choi Myeong-eun went down to the lounge for breakfast.
Her face was haggard from a restless night.
As she sat by the window—
“Um… are you Director Choi Myeong-eun?”
Someone recognized her and casually sat across from her.
The impolite behavior made Choi Myeong-eun frown, just as the person introduced herself.
“It’s me, Minju. Jo Minju. Do you remember?”
“Wait, from Jaseong Daily…?”
“Yes! I’m the Jo Minju who was close with Taeseong as kids!”
Looking closely, the face of childhood Jo Minju was still recognizable.
Choi Myeong-eun smiled brightly.
“Oh my, it’s really you. I didn’t recognize you.”
“Of course. It’s been years. Honestly, if I hadn’t seen you in the media, I wouldn’t have recognized you either. You’ve become so… hip.”
Back in the day, Minju and Taeseong often visited each other’s homes.
Choi Myeong-eun had been friendly with Minju’s family—though those ties had naturally faded when she left.
Happy to reconnect, she beamed.
“What brings you here?”
“Oh, just a solo hotel stay for a break. Then I happened to see you here.”
Minju’s lighthearted tone relaxed Choi Myeong-eun even more.
Her smile melted the resentment that had built up after last night’s cold welcome.
“Are you still close with Taeseong?”
“Of course.”
“Minju.”
Choi Myeong-eun softly covered Minju’s hand with hers and called her name gently.
“To be honest, I came to Korea to see Taeseong. As you know, I’ve done a lot wrong. He’s been keeping his distance…”
“Ah…”
“Could you tell me how he’s been doing? Anything is fine.”
Moved by her desperate eyes and touch, Minju gently nodded.
“Of course. I’ll tell you everything I know.”
Her convincing tone completed the carefully calculated performance she’d planned.
Years apart made their conversation long.
What Minju shared went far deeper than anything the housekeeper Jincheon had said.
After nearly two hours, Choi Myeong-eun finally shared her concern in a downcast voice.
“I understand why he resents me for leaving when he was so young. But to give up the chance to study abroad just because he’s uncomfortable with me…”
Minju’s expression flickered briefly with something unspoken.
She sensed this could be used to her advantage.
Having made up her mind, Minju changed her expression completely.
“Don’t say that. Honestly, Taeseong really missed you—even if he doesn’t show it.”
“Thank you… even just hearing that.”
“It’s true. He even started dreaming of being a director because of you. And remember that four-leaf clover keyring you gave him?”
“Yes, why?”
“He kept that with him until he was grown. Called it his lucky charm.”
Choi Myeong-eun’s lips parted in surprise.
Her eyes welled up.
“Really? That’s true?”
“Of course. So don’t blame yourself so much.”
Minju gently patted her hand in comfort before continuing.
“And this is just a guess… but maybe there’s another reason he rejected studying abroad so firmly.”
“Oh?”
“I’m not sure if I should say this, but…”
Minju lowered her gaze, hesitant.
Choi Myeong-eun urged her gently.
“It’s okay. If it’s about Taeseong, I’ll take responsibility for anything.”
At the word “responsibility,” Minju finally looked her in the eye and said:
“Well… Taeseong got married. Early last year.”
“…What?”
“From what I heard, it was an arranged marriage—something about a promise his grandfather made to an old friend. I don’t know how he really felt about it, but…”
“They must’ve used his dream as leverage.”
Choi Myeong-eun ground her teeth, as if she knew all too well how that worked.
“It may have been forced, but it seems he’s grown quite close to his wife. I think… maybe that’s why he’s hesitant.”
“Oh… ha…”
Choi Myeong-eun looked completely lost, overwhelmed by where to even begin.
“Thank you for telling me, Minju. Really. I’ll treat you to something delicious next time.”
“Here’s my phone number. If you ever need help while you’re in Korea, please contact me.”
Minju jotted her number on a memo pad and handed it over.
Though this might not completely shatter their relationship, a fracture had likely formed.
Still, the minor satisfaction of restoring her pride made Minju smile wider.
Meanwhile…
The factory president at the gwamegi plant mentioned that a relative had come down to visit, so Haeyoung got an unexpected extra day off.
She spent it lounging around at home all day.
Just then, Boksun came into the living room and sat next to her.
Haeyoung perked up playfully.
“Haha—Boksun-ssi, want me to peel you some tangerines?”
“Sure. Let’s see what tangerines taste like when peeled by my granddaughter.”
As they ate tangerines and debated whether to boil sweet potatoes, their peaceful time was suddenly interrupted.
Creak. Clack—
“Long time no see, everyone.”
An uninvited guest opened the door without warning.
“Huh? Grandma’s grandson is here—why those faces?”
“…Cha Haejin, you!”
“Cha Haeyoung, what’s with the look you’re giving your brother?”
Cha Haejin.
An unwelcome guest, a scoundrel—and Haeyoung’s one and only older brother.
