Chapter 18
Three Times a Day
Seodo Group Headquarters, Chairman’s Office.
“This is the legal team’s response, Chairman,” Chief Choi said, placing the report on the desk.
“Legally, there’s no issue.”
Only then did Chairman Ha pick up the report and begin to read.
As he reviewed the report, Chief Choi stood at attention, waiting.
After reading thoroughly to the last page, Chairman Ha set the report down and spoke, a hint of intrigue in his expression.
“A new wind has begun to blow.”
“We’ll release it to the media as soon as it’s finalized.”
“Do that,” Chairman Ha replied with a brief nod.
“He left in a hurry,” Choi added.
“He must be going to meet someone,” Ha replied.
“Are you not concerned?”
“What is there to worry about? Whatever he chooses, it’s his own responsibility.”
“But didn’t you have the highest expectations for him, Chairman Ha?”
“Geonwoo… that boy. In many ways, he resembles me the most—but in others, he resembles me the least.”
Among Chairman Ha’s three sons, Geonwoo inherited his intellect and temperament most strongly, but appearance and ambition the least.
Even when Myeongwoo and Jongwoo tried to antagonize or undermine him, Chairman Ha simply observed.
He believed that a son like Geonwoo could withstand their challenges.
Yet Geonwoo avoided their attacks in his own unique way.
It disappointed Chairman Ha because he wouldn’t have chosen such a method, but at the same time, it was the only way Geonwoo could manage it.
“Aren’t you worried?” Choi asked again.
“Marriage is a skill. Whether it’s a business strategy or a game of love, if it gives you the ability to control Seodo Group, it counts as skill.”
“And if, by chance, the Vice President and Executive Director oppose him…”
Choi’s voice trailed off.
Chairman Ha knew full well that the throne he occupied was earned through sheer effort, which meant that even if he considered Geonwoo the next chairman, he could change his mind at any moment.
The weak are not fit to lead Seodo Group—this was the way Chairman Ha thought.
“One mistake.”
Chairman Ha’s words were brief, but Choi understood the weight behind them.
“That one misstep can topple a carefully built tower.”
Choi’s face stiffened under the icy glare.
“An owner must never err. Every choice carries responsibility,” Chairman Ha added.
Choi’s throat tightened at the mention of ‘responsibility,’ knowing how cruel and ruthless it could be.
BANG!
The Vice President’s office door swung open violently, and Jongwoo stepped in.
“Hyung! Did you see the company announcement email?”
“Lower your voice. My head’s ringing.”
Jongwoo’s booming voice echoed through the spacious office, making Myeongwoo frown and squeeze his eyes shut.
He had just arrived after drinking until dawn, and it was past eleven. He hadn’t even turned on his computer yet, still battling a hangover.
And now, Jongwoo—also suffering from a hangover—was yelling at full volume. It felt like the world itself was shaking.
“This is not the time to complain about a headache,” Myeongwoo snapped.
“What?”
Normally, Jongwoo would have immediately cowered like a well-trained dog, but today, his shouts irritated Myeongwoo even more.
“Ha Geonwoo… he got a transfer notice.”
“What?”
Though he used the same word, the tone, breath, and emotion were completely different.
Jongwoo stared, shocked, at Myeongwoo, silently urging him to explain.
“This morning, Chief Choi personally instructed HR. But… it’s…”
“Don’t cut me off. Just say it.”
“He’s been appointed head of the Cultural Business Department.”
“What the hell is that?”
“I just came after hearing it myself. I don’t get it. If Choi gave the order personally, it means Father’s instructions. But why suddenly assign him as head of Cultural Business? What is he thinking?”
“Head of Cultural Business, really?”
“Check the company email,” Myeongwoo said, finally pressing the computer power button.
As the computer whirred to life, quieting the office, Myeongwoo launched the company messenger and opened the .
“Ha… damn it…”
Myeongwoo barely restrained a curse, his face twisting in disbelief.
From deputy to department head in a single day.
Geonwoo, who had never produced any remarkable results or achievements, was suddenly promoted.
The department itself—Cultural Business—was less important than the fact that this promotion included Geonwoo in the line of succession.
“Call Ha Geonwoo.”
“Got it.”
Jongwoo, reading the seriousness in Myeongwoo’s expression, quickly pulled out his phone and dialed Geonwoo’s number.
The phone rang, but no one answered.
Jongwoo’s face darkened with frustration as he listened to the endless ringing.
“Ha, this brat…”
Grinding his teeth, he glanced at Myeongwoo, fully aware of how merciless his older brother could be.
If Geonwoo didn’t pick up, the backlash would fall on him.
Just as he was about to hang up and try again…
“- Hello?”
Geonwoo’s voice came through the line.
Relief flashed across Jongwoo’s face, quickly replaced by anger at being put in such suspense.
“Hey! You answer your phone faster when I call…”
“- What’s up?”
The brash tone made Jongwoo speechless, his anger boiling over.
Geonwoo continued without pause.
“- State the purpose of your call.”
“You’ve lost your nerve, huh?”
“- If you have nothing to say, hang up.”
“Come to the Vice President’s office right now.”
“- I can’t. I’ll come later.”
“Didn’t you hear me?”
“- Busy.”
“What?”
“- Unlike you guys, I’m not free all the time.”
“Don’t hang up now—”
Click.
The call ended abruptly.
Jongwoo froze, mouth open, then his face flushed with rage as he realized the situation.
“I’ll bring this brat…”
“Forget it.”
Myeongwoo’s calm voice cut him off, light and deliberate.
Jongwoo looked at him, eyebrows raising, realizing Myeongwoo’s cruel, almost sadistic satisfaction.
“He said he’s busy. Our precious little brother,” Myeongwoo said, eyes glinting.
“Well, then, we just won’t make him any less busy.”
“How?”
“You remember what we found out yesterday?”
“Ah, right! The woman… heh, this is going to be fun.”
Jongwoo’s sly laugh echoed through the office. Myeongwoo nodded, eyes sparkling with interest.
It was just past 9 a.m.
Yeoul carefully handled her cello, afraid of leaving a scratch.
Despite their modest means, her parents had bought it for her, making it far more precious than any luxury item.
After securing the cello in its case like a backpack, she left the practice room.
Her phone vibrated briefly in her bag.
[Arrived at school. Take your time.]
How did he always manage to be so perfectly punctual? Yeoul marveled at how well he knew her.
She slipped the phone back into her bag and continued walking.
Exiting the music building, she found Geonwoo waiting right in front of her.
“Nice.”
The corner of his mouth lifted slightly.
“Yeoul Kang, three times a day.”
Her pupils flickered at his sudden declaration.
Every time he expressed his feelings so directly, she didn’t know how to respond.
“Senior…”
“No need to feel burdened.”
His soft voice carried firm resolve.
“I’m just trying not to hold back my feelings from now on.”
