To My Brother’s Friend - Chapter 34

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 34
For the first time, Hee-jo’s expression wavered subtly—her composure cracking as she tried to pass through without answering any of their questions.
A reporter, seizing the opening, was about to speak again when—
The heavy gate swung open, and Han Young-sook stepped out from within.
“How kind of you to show such interest in our Transmission Hall from this early hour. You’ve all come because you’re curious about knot work, I presume?”
The reporters hesitated momentarily, intimidated by the dignified presence of the master knot artisan dressed in her elegant hanbok, but soon their questions redirected toward Han Young-sook.
“Did you know about your disciple Yoon Hee-jo’s marriage?”
“There are rumors it’s a political marriage—could you comment on that?”
“I’m amazed you sleep at night, so consumed with other people’s private affairs.”
Han Young-sook slowly adjusted her impeccably arranged clothing before speaking.
“This is my personal practice space, and Hee-jo isn’t a public figure. Do you think you can simply trespass like this? Or are you planning to compensate us generously for the intrusion?”
Han Young-sook continued with an unhurried smile.
“As it happens, my household has someone who specializes in law.”
She turned her head slightly.
“Seung-won, take down the names and affiliations of everyone here today. I’m sure we’ll be seeing them again at the courthouse.”
A handsome man standing inside offered a chilling smile and nodded.
Yet the reporters lingered, reluctant to leave.
The prospect of the “Cinderella of Beomho Group” was simply too appetizing a story to abandon.
Finally, Han Young-sook clicked her tongue and wrapped an arm around Hee-jo’s shoulders.
“Before the Beomho Group Legal Team contacts you, you’d all better leave. Hee-jo, come inside.”
Han Young-sook pulled Hee-jo inside, leaving the relentless reporters behind.
“Wait, just a moment—!”
Thud.
But the gate had already closed.
“Well, looks like that’s all for today.”
The reporters grumbled.
“No kidding. If we get on the Beomho Group Legal Team’s radar, we’re finished—completely finished.”
“Not just us. In the business world, one wrong move against Beomho and you’re done in an instant. Let’s share any good information we get later.”
“Sure, let’s do that. Let’s honor the solidarity of this small, swift-moving elite group.”
As the reporters dispersed, grumbling, one bespectacled male reporter remained, his eyes gleaming as he stared intently at the firmly closed gate.
‘She definitely wavered.’
When he mentioned her brother’s death, Yoon Hee-jo’s eyes had trembled—just for a moment, but unmistakably.
The man wiped his camera lens with a contemptible smile playing at his lips.
He could almost hear the sound of money falling from the sky.
* * *
With the heavy gate closed, the chaos of the outside world was finally shut out.
“Why do they swarm like that and cause such a fuss? They should show some interest in the Transmission Hall during normal times.”
Han Young-sook grumbled irritably, brushing off her clothing.
Beside her, Hee-jo, who had been keeping her head down, carefully opened her mouth.
“I’m sorry for the trouble, Master.”
After a brief silence, Hee-jo added softly.
“I’m also sorry about canceling the Art Center classes.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, child. Stop apologizing like that. We all saw this coming anyway.”
Han Young-sook spoke as though it were nothing at all.
“Madam Jung’s heart has always been petty, hasn’t it? She smiles so elegantly on the surface, but we both know her pettiness runs as shallow as a soy sauce dish.”
Han Young-sook snorted dismissively, then noticed Seung-won standing awkwardly nearby and introduced the two of them.
“You’ve met him before, haven’t you? My grandson Seung-won. I called him to help organize the warehouse, and he stopped by this morning for a bit.”
Ryu Seung-won offered Hee-jo a gentle smile and bowed his head respectfully.
“Hello, Hee-jo.”
“Hello. I’m sorry for the commotion this morning.”
Hee-jo gave a light bow, and Seung-won hastily waved his hands.
“No, not at all. I’m embarrassed I couldn’t protect you properly.”
Han Young-sook watched her blushing grandson and clicked her tongue inwardly.
So Seung-won had taken a liking to Hee-jo. The way he looked at her made it obvious.
In truth, it was somewhat disappointing.
She had known that Hee-jo harbored an unrequited love for Kwon Yeol for years, but she never imagined that affection would actually bear fruit.
‘A contract marriage is irritating, but perhaps it’s for the best.’
The walls of that household were far too high and formidable to overcome with love alone.
Besides, there might come a chance for this foolish grandson of hers later on.
If the other party were Hee-jo, Han Young-sook would welcome her back with open arms even if she divorced and returned.
She knew better than anyone the pain this child had endured, and how steadfastly she had endured through those harsh trials.
If it were possible, Han Young-sook’s honest wish was for them to become a true family, not merely teacher and student.
Well, time would tell.
“Come inside and have some tea.”
“Yes, Teacher.”
Just as Seung-won was about to slip inside behind them.
“Seung-won, you need to finish organizing that warehouse.”
“Yes? But couldn’t I just have some tea first…?”
“These two have important things to discuss, so you should stay and work like a proper servant. I’ll prepare a hearty meal for you later.”
At his grandmother’s blunt words, Seung-won reluctantly turned toward the warehouse, his face full of regret.
Two teacups sat side by side on the Reception Room table, as if prepared in advance.
Between the two seated figures, the warm fragrance of tea rose gently into the air.
“Don’t worry about the canceled classes. My hands weren’t in great shape either. The doctor says I’ve recovered enough to cook, but he wants me to be more careful for now.”
“…”
“I mean it. If you don’t believe me, I can have you call the doctor yourself. This isn’t empty talk to ease your guilt—lift your head.”
I understood it was rough but heartfelt comfort from my teacher.
Unable to lift my head for the shame I felt, I answered in a voice barely above a whisper.
“I’m truly sorry. Because of me, you’ve had to…”
“If we’re being fair, all those classes you booked with the ladies of the Beomho Cultural Foundation were thanks to you anyway. Don’t worry about it.”
Han Young-sook picked up her teacup, savored its aroma, and then asked casually.
“By the way, when is the formal family meeting?”
At the unexpected word, Hee-jo’s eyes widened, and Han Young-sook deliberately raised her brows with a stern expression.
“Why are you so startled?”
“How did you know? I was planning to tell you today….”
“I can read between the lines. Last time, Beom Executive Director mentioned it. He said the wedding should be hurried along.”
Watching Hee-jo bite her lower lip, flustered and uncertain, Han Young-sook continued gently.
“Why that expression? Did you think I wouldn’t attend?”
“That’s not it, but….”
I had naturally assumed that my teacher would grant my request without hesitation.
Yet now that she had become such a reliable ally, my heart swelled with emotion in a way I hadn’t anticipated.
“There’s only one thing you need to worry about. Never lose your nerve. You’re practically my pride and joy.”
At those words, Hee-jo’s eyes grew misty.
“Especially in front of Madam Jung, don’t let yourself be intimidated. Simply show the respect due to a mother-in-law—no more, no less. You have every right to be confident.”
A lump formed in my throat, and tears threatened to spill over.
But I held them back.
This was a time for joy, not tears.
“…You’re saying the same thing Kwon Yeol did.”
“Beom Executive Director said that too? Well, he’s proving to be a decent husband after all. Though of course he should be.”
“I’m truly grateful, Teacher.”
“Grateful for what? Your happiness reflects well on me.”
Han Young-sook set down her teacup and patted the back of Hee-jo’s hand.
Her hands were rough and weathered, yet their warmth burned brighter than anything else.
“Tell Hee-jae not to worry either. Han Young-sook will stand firmly behind you, so have no fear.”
Hee-jo barely managed to nod, a smile blooming on her face.
With such steadfast support secured, my heart finally began to lighten.
“Then I should start preparing for the family meeting from today.”
* * *
The days blurred past with surreal speed.
Until the coming weekend—the day of the formal meeting—my schedule remained relentless.
Every morning I reviewed mountains of documents brought by the TF Team, and every afternoon without fail came summons from Madam Jung.
“To become part of the Beom House, every gesture must carry refinement—the angle of your gaze, the duration of your pause, even the sound of setting down a teacup. How many times must I repeat this?”
“My apologies, Mother. I’ll try again.”
“As you set down the teacup, recite the political and financial network map I mentioned earlier. One mistake and you’ll face the consequences.”
Madam Jung’s cool voice lashed across my back like a whip.
Etiquette, family traditions, and intricate networks of influence.
Even as my mind threatened to burst from the overwhelming schedule, I swallowed it all without complaint.
Of course, there were moments that made it bearable.
My steadfast teacher Han Young-sook, who always had my back, and Kwon Yeol’s messages that arrived throughout the day.
[Have you eaten? I’ll leave early today. Tell me if there’s anything you want to eat.]
Recalling the message he’d sent at lunch, a faint smile bloomed across my face.
“If you make even the slightest mistake at the upcoming Jinri Society bazaar, absolutely… Are you laughing right now?”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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