DYEH 10

Chapter 10

Seohui set her chopsticks down as she watched Yisoo return to the table.
There was something almost arrogant in the way Yisoo walked confidently toward her, without ever taking her eyes off her.

It felt as if she were saying, “You can’t beat me.”
But Seohui didn’t look away.

She didn’t smile, didn’t change her expression — there was no need to. No reason to.

She could almost taste the bitterness in her mouth, as if she were finally facing the true nature of someone she had once thought truly cared for her.

“Why’d you put your chopsticks down already?”

Chairman Han, who had kept his eyes on Seohui throughout the entire meal, spoke up immediately.

“I’m full. I ate a lot.”

There was still plenty of food she liked left on the table, but she didn’t want to continue this uncomfortable meal. So she lied, smiling softly.
Fortunately, Chairman Han seemed to buy it.

“Manager Oh, bring out dessert.”

He gave the order without a glance at Taegyu’s family, who were still eating. Manager Oh was his person, and she moved according to his word alone.

Soon, fruit and tea for digestion were served. Chairman Han praised the flavor of the tea with a laugh, while Seohui, as if steeling herself, set her cup down.

“Grandfather.”
“Yes?”
“There’s something I want to talk to you about.”

At those words, every gaze in the room turned toward her.
Everyone could feel that something about Seohui was different today.

Then, suddenly, Taegyu butted in.

“What’s this, our Seohui? Don’t tell me you’re dating someone. You’re acting all serious and heavy—unlike your usual self.”

He was indirectly criticizing Chairman Han for scolding Yisoo earlier.
The problem was, everyone at the table caught the subtext.

A quiet ahem escaped from between Chairman Han’s lips.
Sensing his mood, Yeonsuk tugged gently on her husband’s sleeve. “Honey, that’s enough.”

“It’s fine, Auntie. I didn’t realize Uncle was so worried about me. Especially about my love life.”

That kind of sharp, ironic reply wasn’t typical of Han Seohui, and both Yisoo and Taegyu glanced at her differently now.
Chairman Han, however, seemed rather pleased — a warm smile spread across his face.

“All right then. What is it you want to say?”

Seohui turned her gaze toward him.
Her decision and plan were already made. All she needed now was his help.

“Grandfather, I want to learn about the business.”
“The business? What business? You mean management?”

Chairman Han looked genuinely surprised.
Seohui had always been smart — brilliant, even — since she was young.

She had gotten into one of Korea’s top business schools entirely on her own merit.
Resembling his late eldest son, she’d once made him seriously consider grooming her as his successor.

He’d told her many times to learn the business so she could inherit the group,
but she had always flatly refused.

[Grandfather, my dream is to be a good wife and wise mother.]
[A good wife and wise mother?]
[Yes. I want to live like Mom — supporting my husband, taking care of my family, and being a warm mother.]

Chairman Han never argued that she could do both — manage the company and live that kind of life —
because he understood what those words meant from a granddaughter who had lost both parents young.

“Yes, Grandfather. I want to learn how the group runs.”

As soon as she spoke, Taegyu immediately interrupted — clearly flustered.

“Since when? You’ve been dreaming of being a housewife since you were a kid! What do you know about management? It’s not something just anyone can do.”

His tone carried an unmistakable note of condescension.
But Seohui didn’t waver. She turned her calm, steady gaze on Yisoo.

“If she can do it, why can’t I, Uncle?”

Yisoo was clever and quick-witted, yes — but Seohui had always been smarter.
If she had a fault, it was that she’d trusted her family too much, believing “family always means well.”

Had she not been subtly gaslit by the people she trusted most, she would’ve surpassed Yisoo long ago.

“Uncle,” Seohui said evenly. She even softened her normally expressionless face just slightly.

“Don’t tell me you changed your mind already? Actually, I heard the son of Inju Trading is interested in you. Maybe you should meet him—”

“That’s exactly why I want to learn — because it’s not something anyone can do.
If I’m going to do it, I want to do it right. I want to be as good as you, Uncle.”

One of the reasons Chairman Han disliked Taegyu was his lack of competence.

He had always been a troublemaker — drinking, chasing women, causing problems.
When his older brother died, Taegyu naturally became the presumed heir.

But Chairman Han knew all too well what would happen to the company in his hands —
so he never recognized him as a successor.

So Seohui’s words — doesn’t “anyone” include you too, Uncle? — hit him squarely.
Taegyu’s face flushed red.

“I think Shinsung Electronics, where you work, would be perfect.
Would you be willing to teach me?”

It hit him then — he’d just dug his own grave.
He’d tried to belittle her, and she’d turned it right back on him.

He couldn’t even refuse.
He knew how much his father valued Seohui.
If the chairman told him right now to take her under his wing…

“What’s there to ask about?”

As he feared, Chairman Han gave his approval.

“You’re about to graduate, aren’t you? No point in delaying. When do you want to start?”

Someone else was just as shocked as Taegyu — Yisoo.
Her eyes trembled as she looked at Seohui.

Shinsung Electronics was the core of the entire Shinsung Group.
Yisoo had been planning to start there herself after graduation — to prove her ability and secure the chairman’s favor.

She had already arranged to train under Taegyu.
And now Seohui was taking that spot?

Yisoo couldn’t say a word, not with the chairman watching,
but her shock was impossible to hide.

Seohui quietly watched Yisoo’s once-proud face twist with confusion.

Watch closely, Han Yisoo. See for yourself whether I can beat you or not.

She met Yisoo’s gaze and returned the same mocking smile Yisoo had given her earlier.

“The sooner, the better.”
“Good, good. I’ll make sure everything’s ready whenever you’re comfortable.”
“Then, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll head up first.”

She’d said all she needed to. There was no reason to stay.

She glanced at Taegyu, who looked like he was about to burst,
and for a second she almost pitied him — almost.
Then she dismissed the thought and stood up.

“Please, continue your talk. You too, Yisoo.”

With a calm expression, she bowed politely.
Yeonsuk forced a smile and murmured, “Of course.”
Taegyu’s face burned with humiliation,
and as for Yisoo — well, Seohui didn’t even bother looking.

She slowly climbed the stairs to the second floor.
As expected, the moment she left, Taegyu’s whining voice followed behind her.

“Father, how could you let Seohui join Electronics?”
“Is Electronics your company?”
“I’m the Vice President of Shinsung Electronics, Father!
Shouldn’t you at least ask my opinion?”

She didn’t need to hear the rest.
Quickening her pace, she moved away until the voices faded.

She’d just reached her room when she heard hurried footsteps behind her.

“Sis!”

Yisoo had followed her up. She was slightly out of breath but smiled — a forced, awkward smile.

“Can we talk for a bit, sis?”

Talk, huh.
Seohui didn’t answer right away, and Yisoo pouted, looking hurt.

Of course, Seohui didn’t fall for that act anymore.
After a brief pause, she finally spoke.

“Sorry. I’m tired today. Let’s talk tomorrow.”

She turned around swiftly, murmuring to herself words she couldn’t say aloud:

You must be burning inside. Better hurry and run to Park Jaemin.

“I just don’t get it.”

Leaving the main house, Taegyu yanked off his necktie in the car, frustration written all over his face.
His conversation with his father had gone nowhere — just two lines running in parallel.

Not that he had much choice anyway; all he could do was nod and say Yes, Father.

“Uncle? Aunt? And what’s with that sudden polite tone?
And joining the company? Yisoo, do you know anything about this?”

He glared at her through the rearview mirror, irritation in his eyes.
Yisoo bit her lip and shook her head.

“No. I just heard about it today, too.”
“Should’ve never come today. Everything’s gone wrong.”

Yeonsuk tried to calm him down.

“She said Yisoo didn’t know either, honey. But… what if Father really makes Seohui his successor…”
“Don’t say something that ridiculous. She’s barely graduating college — how could she possibly lead the group?”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“Forget it. Yisoo.”
“Yes, Dad?”
“Keep an eye on Seohui starting tomorrow. Find out what she’s thinking. Why she suddenly wants to join the company. I need to know that first.”

Yisoo nodded quietly.
She’d already been planning to.
Because to her, too, Han Seohui’s change was no small matter.

“I will, Dad.”