To My Brother’s Friend - Chapter 61

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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 61
Hee-jo made her way to Jeoksanwon.
Today was one of those rare occasions when Chairman Beom Hun-young conducted his business from his mansion rather than the office.
As the heavy main gate swung open and she crossed the meticulously manicured garden, she steadied her breathing again and again.
The oppressive weight that always accompanied her visits to this place remained, yet her hands trembled far less than they once had.
The paradoxical truth that she had nothing left to lose had brought with it a terrible, almost serene calm.
The moment she stepped into the office, the subtle fragrance of agarwood enveloped her, and she caught sight of Chairman Beom reviewing documents.
“Why would this old man be summoned at such an hour? I was under the impression you were occupied with Foundation matters.”
At the low, cunning timbre of his voice, Hee-jo settled quietly onto the thick silk cushion across from him.
Breaking through the heavy silence, Hee-jo spoke first.
“I would ask that you move forward the timeline of our agreement.”
The gold-inlaid fountain pen that had been gliding gracefully across the documents came to an abrupt halt.
Chairman Beom slowly lifted his gaze.
Behind his magnifying glasses, his eyes pierced through her with an unwavering stare.
“Move forward the timeline?”
“You told me to endure, however heavy the burden, that it wouldn’t take long. I’m asking you to honor that promise sooner.”
Chairman Beom set down the fountain pen he’d been holding. The weighty gold-plated instrument, custom-made with the family seal engraved upon it, produced a cool metallic ring as it touched the desk.
“It seems you’ve made your resolve. Well, why wouldn’t you, when sordid rumors have even drawn your biological mother into the fray to lend her voice?”
“….”
“That woman even contacted my secretarial office. Whether then or now, I’ve never understood why those who abandon their own children and flee always arrive in precisely the same manner. They criticize everything else as outdated, yet this particular pattern never changes. Wouldn’t you agree?”
At Chairman Beom’s acrid jest, Hee-jo drew in a shallow breath.
Please, let the baby be sleeping. I hope she never hears such words. I will never abandon you. No matter what happens, I will protect you.
Having silently reassured both her child and herself, Hee-jo lifted her head.
“I apologize for the trouble I’ve caused you.”
“Trouble? As if you alone could trouble me.”
His matter-of-fact tone—implying that a creature of her insignificance could never possibly trouble him—paradoxically brought Hee-jo relief.
Kwon Yeol, who resembled Chairman Beom most of all, would surely feel the same way.
Her existence would leave no mark upon his life, not even the smallest of scratches.
“Since I’ve caused damage to the Group, I will depart without accepting anything.”
“No, that won’t do.”
Chairman Beom flatly refused.
“If you leave empty-handed, you might later claim it as proof of your sincere devotion to Kwon Yeol, and that could lead to complications.”
“….”
“As I said, some things never change, whether past or present. Just as your biological mother sought money, you too should accept compensation before you go. It leaves no room for future grievances.”
Chairman Beom continued as he capped his fountain pen.
“I’ll see that you receive a generous settlement. You’ve performed your role admirably, beyond my initial expectations.”
Moreover, Chairman Beom found Hee-jo’s understanding of her place and her knowledge of when to withdraw quite agreeable.
In a world overflowing with people who widened their eyes and thrashed about desperately for even a single grain more, those like Hee-jo who willingly released what they held in their own hands were rare indeed.
He also appreciated that she neither grew conceited nor arrogant, despite having Kwon Yeol’s affection at her back.
Most of all, that crystalline clarity in her eyes—something no one consumed by greed could ever possess—had left a deep impression upon the cunning old man’s vision.
Would I ever meet another child like this?
The idle thought passed quickly.
Beom Hun-young nodded and opened his mouth.
“You need not concern yourself. I will handle everything.”
“Thank you, Chairman.”
“This will be the last time I see your face.”
“…I have caused you considerable trouble during this time. I apologize.”
Apologize? There were truckloads of men who’d caused far greater inconvenience and yet held their heads high without a shred of remorse.
But Beom Hun-young swallowed those words back down.
Humans are creatures who cling desperately to even the smallest glimmer of hope.
His trivial comfort might become some beacon of hope for this clear-eyed child in the future, drawing her back to him once more.
Just as her biological mother had done.
“Kwon Yeol will depart for New York on an early morning flight tomorrow.”
Tomorrow at dawn….
I was hearing this for the first time.
So he no longer even informed me of such schedules.
Kwon Yeol was clearly preparing to distance himself.
Hee-jo nodded quietly.
“It will take time.”
“I understand completely.”
“It is somewhat regrettable that I will no longer taste the dasik you made.”
At those words, Hee-jo offered a pale, delicate smile.
In that moment, something deep within Beom Hun-young’s heart stirred.
An unfamiliar sensation, inexplicable in origin, gave even the seasoned man pause.
He could not fathom why that smile weighed so heavily upon him.
Watching Hee-jo’s retreating figure as she bowed respectfully and withdrew, Beom Hun-young fell into contemplation.
He had heard that Han Young-sook, his teacher, was quietly preparing to return to her hometown.
It appeared Hee-jo would accompany Han Young-sook to the provinces.
By next year, Han Young-sook would have overseas lecture engagements scheduled, so Hee-jo would naturally travel with her.
The child had handled matters with such precision—there was no need to worry.
Everything was proceeding smoothly, yet for some reason the afterimage Hee-jo had left behind lingered before his eyes, and Chairman Beom adjusted his glasses once more and turned his gaze back to the documents.
As though nothing had occurred.
* * *
Hee-jo headed toward the Transmission Hall.
She planned to have lunch with Han Young-sook and spend time together before returning home.
There was hardly anything to pack anyway.
Everything in that house belonged to someone else, not to her.
Each time Hee-jo put on clothes, a bag, shoes, or accessories, she handled them with such care, and removed them with such deliberation.
She had never once considered them her own.
They were merely stage costumes borrowed for a brief performance.
Just as I would become Kwon Yeol’s wife.
“Teacher, I’m here.”
Han Young-sook, who had been waiting after receiving Hee-jo’s call, greeted her warmly.
“Welcome. It’s been such a long time seeing you at this hour, hasn’t it?”
“Yes. I’m so happy.”
Hee-jo smiled brightly and embraced Han Young-sook, nestling into her arms.
“My, you’re really happy, aren’t you? Showing off all your affection like this.”
“I think I can finally feel at ease now.”
In that single phrase, I could feel the full weight of the burden Hee-jo had been carrying all this time.
Han Young-sook, moved by compassion, gently stroked Hee-jo’s back before leading her inside.
“Come, let’s go in. I’ve prepared your favorite.”
As we approached the kitchen, the savory aroma of home-cooked food wafted through the air.
Strangely, nothing Han Young-sook had prepared felt unpalatable.
The modest yet immaculate dishes spread across the dining table—Hee-jo devoured them all with genuine relish for the first time in ages.
“I think I can head down tomorrow.”
“Seung-won actually called me this morning. He said it would be fine to come down and stay, that everything’s ready.”
Hee-jo nodded quietly.
“Luggage?”
“Just the one duffel bag I always carry should be enough.”
Only a single bag leaving that grand mansion.
Han Young-sook suppressed the tightness in her chest and smiled with crinkled eyes.
“That’s good—traveling light is best.”
“Teacher, are you all prepared?”
“You take after me, after all. I have no luggage either. I’ve arranged for the caretaker at the Transmission Hall to handle the rest.”
Han Young-sook, who had been hesitating for some time, carefully opened her mouth.
“What about Beom Executive Director?”
“He’s leaving on an early flight tomorrow for a business trip. To New York. It sounds like it will take a while.”
“Then… you’re leaving without seeing his face?”

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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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