Chapter 18: Strategic Moves and Family Expectations

In the novel, Chairman Choi Man Sik buys Do Yoon an apartment, so my doing it aligns with the original plot. Plus, it gives me a solid excuse to dodge questions like, “Why are you suddenly buying a house?”

‘And if I avoid the apartment complex area, maybe Do Yoon won’t run into Hyung Joo later?’

In the story, Hyung Joo was found bloodied near Do Yoon’s apartment. My genius idea sent shivers down my spine. This is a two-birds-one-stone plan!

Beaming with pride, I noticed Do Yoon’s slightly bewildered expression.

“You’re… buying me a house?”

I cut him off before he could ask why.

“It’ll be more convenient, right? At twenty, you’re an adult. Living alone’s better. You can invite friends, maybe a girlfriend… anyway, our house is bad for commuting.”

I spewed nonsense. Sure, there’s no subway or bus stop near our house, but that’s because we don’t need them. Who’d cram into public transport when you have a private car?

My point was to subtly suggest, “Isn’t staying in this house inconvenient?” Do Yoon paused, then went quiet.

“I’ll… think about it later.”

As expected, he’s cautious. He probably thought agreeing too eagerly would reveal his intentions. No need to overthink, kid… Still, I nodded brightly. Achieving this small goal brought an unexpected smile.

“Great. My mind’s made up. Not a lease—I’ll buy it outright.”

Property in my name is less likely to be taken away.

Soon, our sea urchin bibimbap and dandelion noodle soup arrived, along with grilled short-rib patties. Maybe because I was in a good mood, it tasted amazing. Great food, a successful talk with Do Yoon, and a step toward securing my assets—I was practically humming. If only I could order a drink…

“Go ahead.”

“Huh?”

Did I say that out loud?

“Don’t mind me, drink.”

“Nah, it’s fine. You can’t drink, so…”

I waved it off, chuckling awkwardly. Then Do Yoon said.

“I can.”

Surprised, I stared. He was eating side dishes with his usual blank face, but I caught a faint smile flicker and vanish.

Is he teasing me? I glared.

But him drinking was unexpected. I assumed a model student like Do Yoon wouldn’t touch alcohol before twenty. I debated but held back, sighing dramatically.

“No way. Kids shouldn’t drink. You need to study—booze kills brain cells.”

His brow furrowed, and he muttered, exasperated.

“Kid, really…”

Then, picking at some seasoned burdock, he said.

“Why aren’t you wearing those clothes today?”

“What clothes?”

“The hoodie and shorts.”

“Oh…?”

Those were from the scooter incident. I scoffed.

“Who wears that to meet a teacher at school?”

“Wearing suits all the time… makes you look old.”

What?

I’m in a light beige suit with a white tee—hardly old-looking! Tons of people dress like this on campus. Even male idols I met on set wore this. I got a bit heated.

“You said it didn’t suit me.”

“It did. Just… made you look childish.”

“…”

My jaw dropped. Is this payback for calling him a kid? Guess it hit his pride hard.

“You said it was bad.”

“On second thought, it was good.”

“Unbelievable.”

I let out a deflated laugh, and Do Yoon chuckled too. The awkward air between us eased. Looking at him, I said.

“Kid, want me to buy you clothes?”

His brow furrowed instantly.

“…Stop calling me that.”

“Mad, kid?”

I snickered at his rare reaction. He stopped eating and stared.

Time to stop teasing.

Offering to buy clothes was impulsive, but surprisingly, he nodded readily. Even more shocking, he wanted to go to the same store where I got my hoodie.

I’d wanted to buy him something pricey since he wore his uniform at Grandfather’s birthday, but he insisted on that store, not a department store. It tugged at my heart—he’s still too conscious of others’ perceptions.

A Haewon heir could clear out a department store floor, and no one would bat an eye.

I didn’t let it show, instead hyping up a shopping trip for tomorrow. But our plan got pushed to the weekend.

The next day, Grandfather summoned me.

I entered his study nervously.

The chairman’s study was massive, one wall lined with bookshelves, a guest table in front. Grandfather sat on the sofa, cleaning his glasses, smiling kindly. Two delicate teacups steamed on the table.

“Our eldest grandson, no particular troubles lately?”

The sudden question threw me. Troubles? I’m a jobless loafer—what’s there to trouble me? His question felt like it could be sarcasm, so my reply lagged.

“None at all. You always take care of me.”

He paused cleaning his glasses and looked at me.

What? Was I supposed to complain he hasn’t done enough? Even I wouldn’t go that far…

“Sit.”

“Yes, sir.”

I hadn’t done anything wrong, but I tensed up. When someone at the top of the social and family hierarchy calls you, you replay your recent actions. Aside from frequent hospital visits, nothing stood out. He gazed at me and said.

“…Seung Hee recently finished a project successfully.”

I didn’t even know she was working on one. Why tell me? I smiled.

“That’s great.”

“Being in trading, I was worried, but she insisted on it. Sales is tough for a woman.”

Haewon Trading covers construction, commerce, and fashion; Seung Hee’s in overseas sales for commerce.

Sure, it’s tough for a woman in a male-dominated field, but Seung Hee’s different. With her skills and background, who’d dare cross her? Grandfather sipped tea and continued.

“But I hear she gets along well with colleagues and has earned their trust.”

“She’s always been sharp and capable.”

I agreed readily. In the novel, despite her prickly demeanor, Do Yoon always acknowledged her competence. Then Grandfather pulled a small rectangular case from his pocket.

“Give this to Seung Hee later. She’ll have more signing to do—should use something nice.”

It was a glossy black fountain pen, clearly expensive. I took it politely.

“She’ll love it.”

And I thought, He’s taking forever to get to the point.

There had to be a reason he was tasking me with this instead of giving it to her himself. Sure enough, after a brief silence, he looked at me.

“When will you get your pen?”

Here it is. I knew it. I’ve been idle too long—it’s time to do something. His face grew serious.

“When I started, it was construction. That grew, absorbing other businesses, becoming Haewon Trading. It’s changed a lot, but I’m most attached to it.”

“Glad Seung Hee’s doing well there.”

“…I’d hoped you’d take it over, like your father.”

Wow, praising Seung Hee one second and wanting me to take over the next? She’d be hurt. It also explained why she was so set on Trading—her need for recognition.

I thought Seung Hyun was handed the hotel from the start, but apparently not. I replied neutrally.

“The best person should take the role. Bigger companies mean bigger responsibilities. Seung Hee’s doing great and will keep doing so.”

“…If she marries, she’ll side with her in-laws.”