Episode 7
“That’s just how life goes. Why did the Kwon brothers at Daegyeong Trading take such a hit? I’m a nobleman. Did you do anything right?”
At those words, my father coughed. Daegyeong Trading had its share of failures, but Grandfather Wang had lately taken a liking to Lee Hyun and Do-hyun, often calling on them when Dad wasn’t around.
Since Lee Hyun worked at DK Group, Do-hyun had asked him where he wanted to work after graduation.
“Do-hyun, don’t you know? Your older brother aced every year of college. Lee Hyun, still busy? You should get married soon.”
“Yes… I suppose I’ll have to, eventually.”
My brother’s frown deepened. I had always assumed he’d marry quickly, following our parents’ wishes, but surprisingly, he was stubborn.
“Do it quickly, hyung. Before you get too old.”
“Hey, what’s wrong with your brother?”
“As I got older, I started using my face to promote myself on social media.”
When Do-hyun entered Seoul National University, his ID photo made the news. As the youngest son of the DK Group, his CSAT score alone drew attention. Since then, the DK Group Strategic Planning Office managed his social media. Although the posts were few, his following had already surpassed five million—and kept growing.
His fame became a business asset. His older brother, in charge of DKON’s online division, created a brand appealing to men in their 20s and 30s. Lee Hyun kept a sizable collection of the clothes in Do-hyun’s room, forcing him to wear them.
It was marketed as clothing worn by chaebol sons. The fit was impeccable, and the promotional effect was enormous.
“Kwon Do-hyun, all you see is your face. At least contribute to the family. Don’t let the PR team get away with it. Do your job properly.”
Lee Hyun’s tone was harsher than usual today. He seemed thinner, his sharp expression even more pronounced. In times like these, it was best not to provoke him.
“I’ll get up first. Another lunch appointment awaits.”
“Blue House?”
“Yes. I’ll organize it and report later.”
As Lee Hyun stood, an attendant handed him a suit jacket. In a three-piece suit, he looked cold, perfect down to the last stitch.
“Going to the office? I’ll go shopping with Do-hyun.”
“Call the director and do it.”
“I’m full; I want to walk. Going on a date with my son.”
“…Director, shouldn’t you ask my doctor first?”
“You’re unemployed. Nothing to do, so help me carry Mom’s bag.”
“I’m not unemployed, I’m a student.”
Even as he complained, Do-hyun carried his mother’s bag for her.
“Your father’s jealous. He only goes shopping with you.”
“There’s plenty to be jealous of. Then go with him.”
“Hey, your father’s busy.”
Then I’m not busy?
Do-hyun’s evenings were packed with meetings and engagements just like his father’s.
“But if Mrs. Kang visits the store, isn’t that like an internal audit? Wouldn’t it make employees uncomfortable?”
“No. I’ll just look and buy what I like.”
“I guarantee it will make everyone uncomfortable.”
Do-hyun’s mother considered his words, then instructed the secretary beside her: bring new clothes to the VIP room, and she’d shop without fuss. Do-hyun applauded her decision.
“Nice. The manager’s cool.”
“Are you joking?”
He planned to escort his mother upstairs and leave. But as the elevator doors opened onto the 10th-floor restaurant street, his eyes caught a man and a woman walking together.
Seo Jin-ho. And Han Yoon-seo…?
Why are they together? How do they know each other? And why eat together at this hour on a weekend—not even near school?
“Oh my, isn’t that Jin-ho? He must have a girlfriend.”
“What girlfriend? No way.”
“Where are you going unnoticed?”
Mrs. Kang caught Jin-ho’s tentative step and grasped his wrist, studying the woman beside him.
“She’s pretty. Like a cat, gentle eyes. Modest, innocent, kind. Not like these kids today.”
“Okay?”
“Polite, but a little cold. She’d be even prettier if her sharp edges softened with age.”
“So, a diamond in the rough?”
“…Huh?”
Still rough, hard to see, but over time, it will shine.
If someone with a discerning eye finds her beautiful, who else wouldn’t? But she’s still a rough diamond. Over time, the man will become entangled.
“Still, looks like there’s a shadow. Jin-ho won’t have it easy.”
“Of course not.”
Not a shadow—rather, a thick, solid protective barrier surrounding Han Yoon-seo. His eyes clearly said: No, I’m not dating. The thrill will come when that wall crumbles.
The moment Seo Jin-ho tried to casually place an arm around Yoon-seo’s shoulder, Do-hyun moved swiftly, not letting Mrs. Kang intervene.
“She’s on someone else’s date. Do you really think Jin-ho’s that good? Director Joo, Jin-ho applied to the same university as Do-hyun, right? If we’re going together, we should go together. He likes his friends too much. After studying abroad, he might as well take a secretary job…”
Contrary to his mother’s remarks, Do-hyun’s gaze never left Han Yoon-seo.
Life doesn’t always go as planned.
Alongside tuition, Yunseo had saved prize money from a developer competition held by the Ministry of Science and ICT last year to pay her father’s hospital bills.
If only that accident hadn’t happened…
Her father had been in a vegetative state for seven years. She’d read articles claiming he might wake up with long-term care—but perhaps her efforts weren’t enough.
“Yunseo, come here.”
“Brother, you’re here already?”
“Hmm.”
Jin-ho tried to carry her bag. She shook her head. He didn’t insist, stepping back.
“Not too heavy?”
“This is fine.”
“If it’s too much, tell me anytime. What do you like about Oppa?”
“What about you, oppa? Even though your grades are lower than mine.”
“Oh, that’s because you’re abnormal.”
Seo Jin-ho had excellent grades too, despite being in a different department.
“Hey, if you have time this weekend, want to tutor math? Daechi Kids is aiming for medical school. Just one successful student nets a pretty good referral fee.”
It was tempting, but Yunseo worried it would eat into her study time. Tutoring within her department would save time. Still, helping one student reach medical school could secure enough funds for years of tutoring.
As she considered the offer, Jin-ho pressed the elevator button.
Seo Jin-ho always smelled good—not overwhelming, soft, well-maintained.
No matter how diligently she did laundry, poverty showed through her clothes. Seeing Jin-ho’s perfectly pressed attire reminded her of Han Jun-seo, always in wrinkled school uniforms. If only Junseo could grow up to be like Seo Jin-ho…
“Why are you looking at me like that? Makes people excited.”
“Oh, really. I just thought… who raised you? You’ve grown up so much.”
“What? You’re younger than me.”
Seo Jin-ho raised a hand as if to strike, then lightly touched her forehead and stepped back.
“I earned this acknowledgment by studying hard.”
“Let me do something.”
He laughed, incredulous at her confident tone.
“I’m cautious. You’re a little unusual. I guess that’s what they call witty.”
“I find you more amazing. Your grades make you look like a monster.”
“…Well. It’s life or death.”
“Seems so. No one bullies you at school?”
Yunseo closed her eyes and smiled. He acted like a protector, just like her older brother. She had never felt this sense of protection before.
“If someone bullies you, I’ll scold them?”
“There is?”
She hesitated. Could she call it bullying? Yunseo’s brow furrowed, thinking of the person who haunted her even on weekends.
But as they say, even a tiger comes when called—and the very man she was thinking about was approaching.
Why is he here…?
