Episode 4
What kind of company is the Cheongyoung Group?
In the world of The Chaebol’s Way of Love, it’s the top conglomerate. Ranked #1 in the country.
For reference, Haena’s family business, Hongil Group, is ranked #4.
‘Fourth is still amazing, but compared to Cheongyoung, it somehow feels… small.’
Like any proper male lead’s family in a romance novel, Cheongyoung Group was absurdly powerful.
They had two sons.
Even though the male lead was the younger son, he was already chosen as the successor.
How? In a traditional society where the eldest son usually inherits everything?
“Hey, Hong Haena. Are you ignoring me now?”
Ah. Now’s not the time for daydreaming.
Haena snapped back to reality and looked at the two little boys sitting in front of her.
Chubby cheeks from being well-fed, tiny butterfly ties, neatly ironed shirts, and comfy shorts. They looked exactly
like, “I’m a rich family’s son!”
One of them was…
“Sorry. I was just thinking about something.”
Baek Doyoon—the male lead of the novel and future heir of Cheongyoung Group.
On the book cover, he was drawn as a super handsome guy in his late twenties.
But now? He just looked like a cute little boy.
Okay, maybe with a “troublemaker” sign written all over his face.
This kid was supposed to grow up into that possessive, obsessive, love-crazed male lead?
No way. She couldn’t picture it at all.
Also—wow. The second the nannies left to get drinks, he started picking a fight.
He acted all nice and sweet in front of the adults. What a two-faced little rascal.
“…Did you just say sorry to me?”
Even chaebol kids talk like typical elementary schoolers.
Haena hesitated. The only kids she’d ever dealt with were customers’ children, so she wasn’t exactly an expert in kid-speak.
“Problem?”
Wait, was that too much?
Seeing Baek Doyoon’s face turn red and blue, it probably was.
“Hey, you little…!”
“Let’s not fight, guys. It’s been a while since we saw each other.”
Someone stepped in to break the tension between Haena and Doyoon.
It was Baek Jaehyun, the eldest grandson of the Cheongyoung Group Chairman—and the second male lead.
He looked about three years older than Haena and had a calm, mature vibe, unlike his younger cousin Doyoon.
‘Still just a kid though…’
Haena didn’t care about either of them.
Why? Because in the future, both of them fall head over heels for the female lead.
For Haena, that made them the top two people to avoid.
‘Well… At least Jaehyun doesn’t give up money for love.’
Jaehyun was an interesting second male lead. He wasn’t your usual clingy, self-sacrificing type.
He did love the female lead, but when push came to shove, he chose the company over love.
The company that Baek Doyoon threw away—Jaehyun took it.
‘Now that’s realistic.’
Even so, he was still someone Haena wanted to stay far, far away from.
He looked all kind and gentle now, but in truth—he was a scheming, manipulative second male lead.
In the story, that made him attractive.
But in real life? That just made him a scary sociopath.
Haena, who just wanted a safe, peaceful life with a stable paycheck, was totally incompatible with a guy like that.
“You’re too nice, Hyung. Hong Haena is seriously a weirdo.”
Baek Doyoon pouted and complained.
Weirdo? That’s harsh.
Haena didn’t like him to begin with.
Mainly because, in the future, they were supposed to be in a political marriage.
Sure, divorcing him later and getting a big settlement sounded nice.
But the best option? Never marrying him at all.
In the original story, Hong Haena married this guy and gave up her chance at inheriting the Hongil Group.
That was her one big mistake.
Even though she was a queen at spending money, she threw it all away for some silly love.
‘But I’m different.’
Haena was not going to make that mistake.
She was going to inherit Hongil Group and live the rich life forever.
No way was she settling for just some divorce money.
Which meant—she needed to destroy her relationship with this brat now.
“You know you’re not supposed to say mean words, right? Didn’t you learn that in kindergarten?”
“I did. You should go back to kindergarten. Sounds like you missed that lesson.”
“W-What?!”
Baek Doyoon stood up, fuming.
Too bad his little legs were still short and stubby.
Not scary at all. Haena was still taller than him.
“My teacher taught me to use nice words. You didn’t learn that, huh?
Then you better go back to kindergarten and start in the baby class.”
“Y-You! Youuu!”
According to the story, Haena and Doyoon were the same age.
And nothing annoys a kid more than being treated like a younger one.
Sure enough, Doyoon’s eyes started to water. He’d never been teased like this before.
“I’m going to elementary school next year, so I’ll be a big girl.
But Doyoon can’t go. He has to stay in the baby class and be my little brother. Nyeh!”
“No! I’m not your little brother! I’m going to elementary school too!”
“Nope. Bad kids don’t become first graders. They stay in kindergarten forever.”
“Liar! Who said that?!”
“My teacher.”
Doyoon’s face fell in shock. At that age, whatever the teacher says is law.
Haena felt a little bad for dragging her (unknown) kindergarten teacher into this so much today.
“No way! My teacher said I’d be a strong big brother!
That I’m all grown up now!”
“Oh yeah? Does your teacher know you said bad words?
I’ll tell her on Monday that you were mean and can’t go to elementary school.”
That hit hard.
Exactly three seconds later, Baek Doyoon burst into loud tears.
“Waaaahhhh!!”
Hmm. Shall I finish him off?
“Oh? You’re crying?
Then Santa Claus won’t bring you any presents~”
“Noooooooo!!”
“Miss Haenaaa…”
Her nanny came rushing in with a worried look and grabbed Haena’s hand.
Yeah, this part made Haena feel a little sorry.
When Doyoon cried loud enough to shake the house, both nannies came running.
His nanny picked him up and carried him out, still crying.
Now only Haena, Jaehyun, and her own nanny were left in the room.
“What do we do? If Master Doyoon gets too upset… the Chairman will be angry…”
Oh no.
Getting scolded by Grandpa? Hard pass.
Haena was about to say something to defend herself, but then—
“It’s not Haena’s fault that Doyoon cried.”
Baek Jaehyun cut in.
“Oh? Really?”
Even the nanny was surprised and looked at Jaehyun.
“Yes. Haena didn’t say much. Doyoon just got sensitive. Don’t worry.
I’ll explain everything to my grandfather.”
“That would be a big help, young master.”
Wait… why is he taking my side?
Everyone just saw me make Doyoon cry.
Haena eyed Jaehyun suspiciously.
Then again, he had just watched his cousin cry without lifting a finger…
Maybe he’s up to something.
“Doyoon cried so suddenly, so Haena probably got scared too.
As his big brother, I should’ve stepped in sooner. It’s my fault.”
“Oh no, young master. It’s normal for kids to argue sometimes.
This isn’t your fault at all.”
The nanny smiled warmly at Jaehyun.
“President Baek must feel very lucky to have such a mature and thoughtful son like you.”
“Not at all. I’m just doing what I should.”
With a perfect, model-student smile, Jaehyun turned to Haena.
“Haena, want to eat the rest of the cake with me?
You love cake, right?”
“…!”
“That’s a great idea! Miss Haena, you two enjoy the desserts together.
I’ll just—”
“No.”
Suddenly, Jaehyun smiled sweetly—so sweetly it could melt anyone.
“I’ll take care of Haena.
Please go check on Doyoon instead.”
“Huh? But—”
“Don’t you trust me?”
“!”
Wow.
Feels like I’m watching a morning soap opera.
