Episode 22
Chairman Bong-su wanted no one more than Seol-hee to marry his grandson. No one else ever caught his eye. He had
seen many potential daughters-in-law, but none were better than Seol-hee.
So why did Ha-yoon, who had confidently spoken in front of him a few days ago, keep popping into his mind?
“Please just trust me once. I can really do well. My love for him is stronger than anyone else’s. I’m great with elders too. Once you get to know me, I bet no one else will compare. So please, just give me a chance and see me kindly.”
He let out a chuckle. That baseless confidence was ridiculous—but strangely, it made him laugh. That wasn’t like him
at all.
Bong-su had always been strict and firm. Especially when it came to people who had nothing but confidence—he was
the harshest with them. But ever since meeting Ha-yoon, he didn’t understand why he kept thinking about her.
“I used to hate people with that kind of empty confidence the most.”
He could still see Ha-yoon’s shameless face every time he closed his eyes.
“Maybe I really am getting old…”
“What did you say, sir?”
“Oh, nothing. I was just lost in work thoughts. Sorry. I shouldn’t be thinking about work with such a lovely lady in front of me.”
Seol-hee set her teacup down on the table.
Honestly, she wanted to yell at him and let all her feelings out. She could tell from his face the moment she entered—
his attention was clearly somewhere else.
How could he be like this?
No one had ever ignored her like this before. Her whole body trembled. She just sat still, waiting for him to focus back
on her.
But it felt like Bong-su’s attention wasn’t going to return. She felt invisible, and shame washed over her.
What is he thinking about while I’m right in front of him?
The sudden change in his attitude made her nervous. Just a few days ago, he had been encouraging her to marry his
grandson. Now, it was like a different person was inside him.
She wanted to confront him, but she held back and forced a smile.
Stay calm. Don’t get angry. If this relationship ends, I’ll be the one losing out. So I have to hold it in and endure.
Still, she couldn’t do nothing. If she stayed quiet, she felt like her chance to marry Tae-jun would disappear.
That’s why she came here today. Since Bong-su’s attention seemed to be fading, she knew it was her turn to act.
Her family had told her not to go, not to do something that would hurt her pride.
“Seol-hee, I raised you better than this…”
“I’m sorry, Dad. But I can’t help it. If it’s not him, I don’t want anyone else.”
“There are plenty of men in this world.”
“I know half the world is men. But there’s only one him. Please understand. Trust me, just like you always have.”
In the end, her family gave up and let her go with a sigh.
“No, it’s me who should apologize for showing up suddenly. Thank you for taking the time to have tea with me,
Chairman. I know you’re busy.”
Her smile made Bong-su smile faintly too.
“Thank you, Miss Seol-hee.”
“I actually came here today to ask you for a favor.”
“A favor? From me?”
“Yes. It’s something only you can help me with. That’s why I had to come in person.”
She smiled beautifully, confident. No one had ever turned her down after seeing her smile.
“Let’s hear what this favor is, then.”
“I want to work at this company. I’m sure you can make that happen, right?”
Bong-su looked surprised. He had expected her to pressure for marriage, but instead, she wanted to join the
company.
He quickly gathered his thoughts.
“Honestly, I was going to push for marriage and ask you to help me convince Tae-jun. But I realized he might just end
up resenting me if I do that.”
“I don’t want to be a wife who’s hated. I want my husband to love me. Always.”
Bong-su’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“So I thought—what if I work with him? If we’re in the same company and we naturally spend time together, his
heart might slowly change. I’m confident. I can make him fall for me.”
“Hm…”
Letting her win over Tae-jun on her own wasn’t a bad idea. In fact, from Bong-su’s perspective, it was quite
convenient. But for some reason… as she spoke, all he could think about was Ha-yoon.
Her honest smile and sincerity popped into his mind. She wasn’t flashy, didn’t have much, and was very simple
compared to Seol-hee. And yet…
“Chairman, is something bothering you? If there’s something holding you back, please tell me.”
“It’s nothing. I was just surprised to hear you say that. This old man just needs a moment to process.”
“Are you worried I won’t do well?”
Seol-hee confidently pulled something out of her bag.
“I didn’t live off my dad’s money, you know. I didn’t just sit around doing nothing. I studied hard and worked various
jobs. This is my portfolio from the jobs I’ve done.”
Bong-su was impressed. The portfolio detailed all the work she’d done, very thoroughly.
There was nothing to question or criticize. She was more than capable, and creating a position for her wouldn’t be
hard at all.
“What do you think, Chairman? Don’t you think I’d be good support for Tae-jun? If you need more documents or
anything, I’ll prepare them. As long as I can be by his side.”
“Hm…”
It really wasn’t a bad suggestion. If things worked out, Tae-jun might end up liking her. And even if they didn’t, there
wasn’t much to lose… or wait—why did he think there’s nothing to lose?
Hah… what am I even thinking?
No. Tae-jun had to be with Seol-hee. Only then would his life be perfect, even without Bong-su.
“Alright then. If Miss Seol-hee wants to work here, this old man can’t ask for more.”
Ha-yoon and Tae-jun headed to a factory on the outskirts of Gyeonggi Province for a meeting with a ginseng
company. The smell of ginseng filled the air even outside the factory.
As they got out of the car and gathered their materials, Tae-jun stared at Ha-yoon quietly. His gaze was long and
intense, and Ha-yoon flinched.
“Why are you looking at me like that? Is something on my face?”
He didn’t reply. Ha-yoon began to worry she had done something wrong.
But she hadn’t. She had all the materials ready and had studied hard for the meeting. If anything, she deserved praise today.
“Director…”
“Don’t mess up. I’m just worried because you’re unpredictable.”
“W-What…?”
She was so shocked she couldn’t even respond properly. Even after seeing her confused face, Tae-jun just walked
away.
Ha-yoon tilted her head. Somehow, what he said didn’t feel like what he really meant.
What was he really trying to say…?
She quickly followed after him before he got too far.
