WGD Ch 26

The assistant director’s eyes widened, having been unexpectedly protected by Siheon. It was unfamiliar to see him handle the situation so firmly, having only ever witnessed his usual kindness and gentle voice. Reporter Nam Giseon, who had created this situation, also didn’t hide his amusement.

“I heard that he was tougher than he looks… I don’t think someone with this kind of personality would have decided on a divorce for a trivial reason.”

His words, muttered as if intended to be overheard, were all fragmented and clipped. It was a disrespectful attitude with no trace of courtesy for someone he was meeting for the first time.

Siheon’s face was gentle as he smiled, but his eyes held no warmth.

“I have something to do, so I’ll be going now.”

“It’s not a difficult interview. If you keep hiding and staying silent like this, the rumors will only grow. I’m trying to give you a chance to manage this before that happens.”

So this was the annoying part. Giving him a chance. The smile on Siheon’s lips deepened.

“It’s a sign of interest for a celebrity to have a rumor or two. In fact, you came to me because of those rumors, reporter.”

“Cha Wonwoo. Divorce. Kang Siheon divorce reason. CH. Kang Siheon trait. Kang Siheon clinical trial. Experiment.”

“….”

“If the related keyword search function still existed, this is what would have appeared when you searched Kang Siheon. Keywords reflect what people are most curious about and searching for at this moment. Wouldn’t it be frustrating not to have anything about your career come up? You have a comeback ahead of you, too.”

“Are your questions, reporter, solely related to my name, my career, and my works? I don’t think so. Even if they were, seeing you at the press screening would be sufficient.”

It meant there was no reason to do an interview here and now, either way. The moment Siheon turned around after conveying his firm intention,

“Then how about these search terms?”

The condescending voice caught him.

“Kang Siheon drugs. Cha Wonwoo blackmail.”

Siheon’s eyes met with the assistant director’s, whose head was slightly lower than his. The assistant director’s dark brown eyes, startled, wavered with bewilderment. Lowering his head, Siheon spoke quietly.

“Um, could you go ahead and tell them I’m going to be late?”

“…Will you be alright?”

The assistant director’s gaze flicked over Siheon’s shoulder and returned as he asked. Siheon nodded, indicating he would be fine.

“I can’t keep the investor waiting. Please go and explain the situation to them so they don’t feel offended.”

“Don’t worry about that.”

“Don’t worry about me either.”

“Okay, then…”

He couldn’t keep the other person waiting indefinitely either. The assistant director turned and ran towards where the large bus was parked across the way. Hadn’t he said that was where the investor was, just around that bus? Siheon only faced Nam Giseon again after the assistant director was out of sight.

“Reporter.”

He continued cautiously.

“Regarding that matter, I heard that everyone, at least among reporters, knows it’s not true.”

“That’s right. I also heard through the grapevine that a big shot circulated Kang Siheon’s test results. Saying they were completely clean.”

“I wonder why the person you know brought that up. I’m curious about their intentions.”

“Yeo Jeonghyun, who was once your close colleague, has been detained for further investigation… Oh, you don’t know yet. There should be articles about it by now. Anyway, I heard he kept mentioning Kang Siheon’s name during the investigation. So I got curious. Is he really clean? Weren’t the results manipulated? Look at what’s going on these days. CH, who even killed their own son with illegal clinical trials, could easily cover up something like drug use for Kang Siheon, couldn’t they?”

Ah. At that moment, Siheon realized why the reporter had stopped him.

Drug addiction is bound to show. The reason Yeo Jeonghyun mainly focused on commercial filming might be because prolonged exposure in videos would reveal signs of drug use. When they met in front of the car back then, he only seemed irritable and impulsive, so he probably wasn’t severely addicted.

However, after being half-forced into retirement from the entertainment industry, his drug dependency could have increased. He could have been caught. Or maybe even that was deliberately set up by Cha Ijun.

In any case, if Yeo Jeonghyun’s addiction was clearly evident, he would have assumed that Siheon, who he testified had used drugs with him, would be in a similar state. Even now, the reporter’s eyes were darting around, trying to find any small trace.

“Reporter, I would first like to correct the ‘close colleague’ part. Please remove the term ‘close’.”

“The rest is true?”

Siheon asked, not avoiding the persistent gaze. At the question of whether he looked like a drug user, reporter Nam Giseon gave a short reply.

“You can’t tell just by looking.”

Siheon immediately grasped the core of the answer.

“Saying you can’t tell just by looking ultimately means I look fine.”

Nam Giseon, who had been staring at Siheon, nodded several times in segments. His head, bobbing briefly up and down, was less an act of agreement and more an attitude of, “Fine, I’ll concede that point.”

It didn’t seem like he was doing it on purpose, it just seemed like that was his usual demeanor. Siheon wore his usual calm smile.

“I’m glad the suspicion has been cleared.”

“The suspicion is cleared, but the question remains.”

And you keep speaking so curtly. Holding back the urge to comment on the discourteous conversation, Siheon tilted his head to the right.

“What question?”

“Why would Cha Wonwoo look after Kang Siheon, even after the divorce? Isn’t that right? Whether Kang Siheon used drugs or not, from Cha Wonwoo’s standpoint, he could just cut ties and say it’s none of his business now that they’re divorced. If anything, he could draw a line and say that the divorce was because of Kang Siheon’s drug use.”

“….”

“They’re not even married, so whether Kang Siheon gets involved in something strange or not wouldn’t affect CH or Cha Wonwoo. But he keeps looking after him. Even going as far as blackmail.”

“…….”

“Well, was Cha Wonwoo caught with a weakness or something? I’m very curious about what that weakness is.”

The questioning conclusion was arbitrary.

Honestly. Sigh…

At this point, Siheon felt like asking how his and Cha Wonwoo’s relationship appeared in other people’s eyes. It wasn’t sponsorship, they had a public relationship, a grand wedding, and a quiet divorce.

He couldn’t understand why everyone thought so calculatingly, without considering the ‘emotional aspects’ like remaining affection or lingering feelings between them.

Nam Giseon, catching the flicker of annoyance in Siheon’s eyes, smirked.

“Other places will probably distort Kang Siheon’s words or not report them properly. But we’re different. We only report the truth. We can print what you want to say, even if it’s something that will turn this country upside down. So, how about it? Want an interview?”

The person in front of him had revealed his true intentions. Whether Siheon used drugs or not was secondary; his real target was Cha Wonwoo. He came to see if he had any weaknesses and if Siheon was willing to sell them at a high price.

This wasn’t some opportunity to help a struggling ex-spouse against a wealthy figure. If it were, he would have approached it seriously.

Siheon could distinguish whether this was a genuine offer to give him a platform to speak or a blind pursuit of gossip.

Further conversation was pointless in front of such blatant intentions. The reason he had responded even slightly was because of the keyword ‘Cha Wonwoo blackmail’, not ‘Kang Siheon drugs’. He didn’t want him to get caught up in unnecessary trouble, especially since he was already being criticized everywhere. But it was pointless.

“Could you give me your business card?”

Siheon held out his hand. It was to end the conversation quickly.

“Good thinking. Then when would be a good time for the interview?”

Thinking he had landed a big scoop, an uncontainable smile spread across Nam Giseon’s face as he handed over his business card. Worried that Siheon might change his mind, he hurriedly added a string of disorganized words.

“As an actor, you know this too, Kang Siheon-ssi, but unless it’s a truly outrageous drama, people’s interest wanes after the climax. You have to make a big splash when the buzz is high to get attention. And it’s only when the attention is focused that you gain power, Kang Siheon-ssi. That’s how public opinion works. Now is the perfect timing. You know?”

Some people lose points the more they talk, and this person was a perfect example. However, it was easy to keep up appearances. Taking the stiff business card, Siheon feigned ignorance and smiled.

“I know very well.”

After responding appropriately, he turned away, citing a prior engagement. He had to hurry his steps as quite a bit of time had been wasted on this non-conversation.

It was when Siheon was halfway up the slope, following the path the assistant director had taken, that a large figure suddenly emerged from the blind spot created by the bus.

The man who strode out in a three-piece suit was none other than Cha Wonwoo. With an angry look on his face, he was walking straight towards him without slowing down.

Why is he here?

“Why are you…”

Just as he opened his lips in bewilderment.

Suddenly, the area uphill became noisy.

Tilt.

A black box, stacked and secured on a cart, seemed to have its fastening come loose. The dozens of tilted boxes finally succumbed to gravity and tumbled to the ground. Everything happened in an instant.

Crash!

Sounds echoing off the ground followed one after another.

Due to the nature of the site, the black metal boxes used sturdy frames to mitigate external impacts and store items for extended periods. This meant they were heavy, despite their seemingly small size.

However, the boxes currently cascading down were larger than typical luggage trunks. Moreover, they were bulky and heavy enough to have wheels attached to their bases for easy transport when loading and unloading them from carts.

“Oh no!”

“Get out of the way! Move! Clear the area below!”

“Get back!”

Screams and shouts mingled urgently. The dozens of boxes, gaining momentum due to their wheels, were unfortunately heading straight for the two men.

In that brief moment, the eyes of Cha Wonwoo, approaching from one direction, and Siheon met.

“Hyung!”

“Cha Wonwoo!”

Without hesitation, both of them ran towards each other.

Cha Wonwoo pulled Siheon into his arms, prepared to absorb the impact with his own body. Siheon, on the other hand, considering their size difference, tried to push him to safety by grabbing his shoulders instead of shielding him.

The ground was uneven, causing several people to nearly trip today. The opposing actions, combined with the difference in their strength, instantly disrupted their balance. With their feet tangled, they were about to fall to the ground entangled, contrary to their intentions to protect each other.

Cha Wonwoo’s head, as he volunteered to be on the bottom, was exposed and vulnerable. It was clear he would injure his head if they fell like this.

While Cha Wonwoo, a dominant alpha, might have better physical abilities, Siheon’s coping skills and agile movements, accumulated from filming action movies, were also considerable. Twisting his body and extending his hands in that instant, Siheon wrapped both arms around Cha Wonwoo’s head.

Thud!

The disaster of Cha Wonwoo’s back of the head hitting the ground was narrowly avoided, but Siheon’s hands had to bear the full brunt of the impact. He gasped at the inevitable, stinging pain, his forehead hitting Cha Wonwoo’s shoulder as he collapsed. A metallic taste filled his mouth as he bit his lip to suppress a groan.

Fortunately, the dozens of boxes didn’t collide with them, quickly rolling past and tumbling down.

“Hyung!”

Cha Wonwoo abruptly sat up. Then, with Siheon positioned on his thighs, he quickly examined him almost like he was conducting a search.

“Hyung, look at me.”

“I’m… alright…”

Siheon, having reflexively answered that he was fine, moved his hands. The back of his hands were scraped and throbbing, but there seemed to be nothing out of the ordinary. His fingers were tingling, but they moved alright.

It doesn’t seem to be fractured or broken.

Once he decided he was genuinely okay, Siheon erased any signs of pain and looked at Cha Wonwoo. The color of his face was fluctuating between pale and white. Siheon playfully furrowed his brows.

“I didn’t know your head was so heavy.”

“Hyung…”

Cha Wonwoo, pausing mid-sentence as if choked up, added with a ragged breath,

“…Is that really what you should be saying right now?”

Seeing him flustered like a lost child made Siheon want to laugh.

“Don’t be angry. If I hadn’t shielded you, you would’ve hit your head. That would have been a concussion at least. Should I have just let that happen?”

“I wouldn’t die from a concussion.”

“Neither would I. I won’t die from a broken hand.”

Seeing Cha Wonwoo’s lips open as if to retort, Siheon cut him off and soothed him.

“Wonwoo, I told you.”

“…What?”

“I don’t want you to get hurt either.”

It didn’t sound quite right, saying that while straddling him.

While Cha Wonwoo, at a loss for words, remained silent, Siheon, who was sitting on his thighs, composed himself and stood up.

People were rushing down from afar.

“Are you alright?!”

“Oh my, are you badly hurt?”

The surrounding staff members wrung their hands. Then, seeing Cha Wonwoo brushing himself off and getting up, they hesitantly backed away.

“….”

It was understandable. Cha Wonwoo’s expression, as he scanned the people around him between short breaths, was beyond cold; it was icy. If the staff were CH employees, it was the look of someone who would fire them all on the spot. As he repeatedly clenched and unclenched his fists without saying a word, the assistant director, who had approached him at some point, took control of the situation.

“Props team, quickly go down and take care of the luggage, and those with free hands, please help them! Come on, quickly!”

The staff, who had been hesitantly watching Cha Wonwoo and Siheon, went further down to retrieve the luggage, leaving only the three of them midway up the slope.

“Actor-nim, are you alright?”

Perhaps due to the sudden incident, the assistant director’s title and voice were stiff again. Siheon smiled to lighten the mood.

“Yes, I’m fine. You must have been very surprised.”

“Oh, I think you must have been more surprised than me, actor-nim. We called our medical team for the ritual, you see? Not that we called them expecting to use them…. Anyway, wouldn’t it be best to go there and have your hand checked first?”

At the assistant director’s words, Cha Wonwoo’s forehead veins bulged.

“We should go to the hospital, why would we go there?”

The assistant director covered his mouth. It was because he had read the meaning in Cha Wonwoo’s eyes.

‘Forget the ritual and everything, get lost before I put something other than a pig’s head on that table.’

Of course, he could be mistaken, but the assistant director cleared his throat and immediately agreed.

“I think it would be good to follow the Chairman’s opinion. Don’t worry about the ritual. If you leave your injured hand unattended, it could become uncomfortable later on.”

“Ah, I’ll make sure it doesn’t interfere with filming.”

“Oh! You know I didn’t mean it like that.”

Siheon was just pointing out the part he was worried about causing trouble, but the assistant director waved his hands excessively.

“Filming hasn’t even started yet. You should take care of yourself first, actor-nim. Health is the most important thing.”

“No, it’s fine. But what about the investor who is waiting…?”

He trailed off, asking out of concern, and the assistant director, clasping his hands respectfully, pointed to the side.

“He’s right next to you. That investor.”

Just as he thought. Glancing at Cha Wonwoo, whose expression was still grim, Siheon decided to send the assistant director away before talking to him.

“I’ll at least make a brief appearance at the ritual site and leave early. Things are chaotic inside and out, and I don’t know what people might say if I’m not there from the start.”

At his insistence on returning to the ritual site, Cha Wonwoo opened his lips again. Siheon didn’t know what words would come out of that opening. He quickly placed his uninjured arm around Cha Wonwoo’s back and patted his broad back soothingly. His gaze was still fixed on the assistant director.

“If you go first, I’ll follow soon.”

“Yes, yes, then…”

He sent the assistant director away again, as he had earlier. Siheon, with his arm still around Cha Wonwoo’s back, pushed him as they walked behind the large bus.

In a blind spot, invisible from the outside, a car that seemed to be Cha Wonwoo’s was parked. The driver’s seat was empty, whether he had driven himself or if Driver Kim was away momentarily. Siheon let out a hollow laugh.

“You parked your car here. Investor-nim.”

But there was no reply. Sensing something strange, Siheon approached the man, who had his head hung low, and bent his knees slightly.

“Wonwoo?”

At that moment, an unsettling wave of pheromones, as if a rein had snapped, washed over him. Simultaneously, Cha Wonwoo clutched his chest.

“Gasp.”

Letting out a short groan, he leaned against the car and slid down, gasping for breath. Siheon, instinctively kneeling down to support him, also stiffened.

“You…”

Cha Wonwoo’s face, as he gasped for breath, was pale and drenched in sweat.

It seemed that his short breaths from earlier, the repeated clenching and unclenching of his fists, the chilling stare fixed on one spot, and his consistently grim expression weren’t simply due to anger.

Siheon reached out and loosened Cha Wonwoo’s tightly knotted tie.

“Are you feeling suffocated and dizzy?”

Cha Wonwoo barely managed to nod.

“Are you cold? Can’t see well either?”

Again, Cha Wonwoo’s head bobbed weakly up and down. His hands, like Siheon’s as he unbuttoned the neatly fastened buttons, were trembling.

“Are you feeling anxious and scared?”

“…I feel… like I’m going to… haah… die.”

Even after loosening his tie and unbuttoning his shirt down to his chest, Cha Wonwoo’s panting didn’t stop. Siheon, with trembling hands, placed his hand on Cha Wonwoo’s heart. It was beating violently, as if it would burst out any moment.

Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.

Short and fast. There was no need to count his heartbeats while counting down 60 seconds.

Suddenly, Cha Wonwoo gripped his wrist tightly. It wasn’t like him to use force against Siheon unless it was something serious. His pale fingertips clutched Siheon desperately.

Above all, Siheon could feel the fear, amplified by their resonating pheromones, that had caused Cha Wonwoo to lose control.

Perhaps due to the panic, Cha Wonwoo kept losing focus. Siheon hid his own anxiety and tried to maintain eye contact with him.

“Wonwoo.”

He wasn’t a doctor or a nurse, so he couldn’t make a hasty diagnosis, but it seemed like a panic attack. The symptoms usually peak within 10 minutes and then subside. He knew this intellectually, but his heart raced.

What if it wasn’t a panic attack?

He couldn’t just shove him into the car when he couldn’t even move. Siheon, unable to even think of basic actions like calling 119 or asking for help, just massaged Cha Wonwoo’s stiff muscles.

“Hyungnim!”

Fortunately, it wasn’t long before people came running to help. It was Kangsan, who had come looking for Siheon, and Driver Kim and Secretary Yang, who had returned from somewhere.

As the astonished group approached and tried to help, Cha Wonwoo vehemently resisted and burrowed into Siheon’s arms.

“Hyung…”

Secretary Yang, observing the situation, made a calm assessment.

“It would be best to wait another five minutes and then call 119 if the situation doesn’t improve. He might calm down in the meantime.”

Calling 119 meant being prepared for the story to leak. That was the worst-case scenario. Of course, it would be best if Cha Wonwoo recovered before that.

As Siheon held him in his arms, the assistant director’s words suddenly came to mind. He looked at Kangsan with a composed expression.

“Kangsan, call the assistant director and ask him to send any member of the medical team they called today.”

Even if a doctor came, Cha Wonwoo might still refuse treatment, but they needed to be prepared for an emergency.

“Hyungnim, he’s not answering. I’ll just go!”

As Kangsan rushed out, a raspy voice stopped him. It was Cha Wonwoo. Leaning against Siheon, he gave the order to stop.

“It’s alright, so don’t make a fuss…”

At his trailing words, everyone fell silent, staring at Cha Wonwoo. He fidgeted and whispered,

“Hyung… my pheromones…”

“Yes.”

As pheromones with a different scent than before enveloped them, Cha Wonwoo gradually regained his composure in Siheon’s arms. His ragged breathing calmed down, and his heartbeat returned to normal.

Siheon watched the whole process with his head lowered. He saw his hazy focus gradually sharpen, until his dark eyes fully reflected Siheon’s image.

When Cha Wonwoo lifted his chin and looked up, their gazes locked. They blinked their eyelashes, as if sharing a silent kiss. Only after confirming each other’s safety did the trembling completely subside.

Siheon, breathing a sigh of relief, stood up first and helped Cha Wonwoo to his feet.

“Are you alright?”

Secretary Yang, gauging the atmosphere, approached and asked. Cha Wonwoo wiped his face with his hand and nodded.

“I’m fine. What about the item?”

He hadn’t noticed in the chaos, but Secretary Yang was holding something in his hand. He hadn’t seen it due to the commotion. Come to think of it, Driver Kim’s clothes were slightly disheveled as well.

“As expected, the reporter didn’t come alone. There was a photographer hiding separately. This is the recovered memory card.”

Photographer. Memory card. Recovered.

Hearing the words coming from Secretary Yang, he could roughly guess the situation.

“I wondered why a reporter would act like that. He wasn’t just testing the waters, he was trying to create a scene. Imagine if I had lashed out at his provoking words and lunged at him or grabbed him by the collar.”

The scene would have been captured perfectly by the camera. It was obvious what the person who obtained the photos would demand. He had thought they had simply come to dig up rumors, but the reporter’s uncharacteristic behavior and speech were all calculated. Suddenly, Siheon gave a puzzled look.

“But how did you know? That there was a separate photographer. Did you come here today because of that reporter?”

Instead of Cha Wonwoo, who was buttoning his disheveled shirt, Secretary Yang answered.

“He didn’t visit because of the reporter. If the Chairman had known, he would have told you in advance, actor Kang. He would have made sure you didn’t meet.”

“Then he must have found out after the assistant director went and told him.”

“Yes, he was told that a weekly magazine called ‘Focus On’ was holding you and requesting an interview. It’s a familiar outlet, so we immediately grasped the situation and took action.”

“Familiar?”

Siheon had never heard of it. He mainly checked entertainment news to keep up with industry trends, but since meeting Cha Wonwoo, he had been thoroughly reading economic and current affairs news as well. Since he was keeping up with everything regardless of political stance, he should naturally know of any media outlet that CH was aware of. But he couldn’t recall it.

“You probably don’t know it, Hyung.”

Cha Wonwoo, who finally managed to button his shirt after several fumbles, continued.

“It’s an online-only news outlet that Cha Yiryeong and Cha Ijun run behind the scenes.”

Cha Wonwoo’s next target, his hand with prominent blue veins, was his tie. Instead of re-tying the loosened tie, he took it off completely and put it in his pocket.

“I think they introduced themselves to you grandly as a weekly magazine or something, but that was just a pretense. They have multiple names and multiple business cards. And it’s a media outlet that profits from settlements.”

“Settlements?”

“They dig up the private lives of celebrities and politicians and take pictures. Affairs, drugs, things like that. Sometimes it seems like they even have prosecutors and police involved.”

“Cha Yiryeong and Cha Ijun aren’t short of money, so why?”

“It’s not about money, it’s about gaining leverage.”

Information isn’t just about handling classy and sophisticated matters. The more secretive and private the information someone wants to hide, the more despicable it can become.

A settlement is as good as an admission. Cha Yiryeong, more than the small amount of money, obtained the vulgar photos and the information that they had acknowledged their wrongdoing by paying to suppress the articles.

Cha Ijun was simpler. He offered sponsorships to obscure entertainers desperate for exposure and gave them main articles in the entertainment section of the site. Or he used it to spread rumors for those who wanted to slander their colleagues.

Rumors are dangerous because of the ‘online’ space. No matter how small the initial rumor, once someone starts spreading it, the ripple effect can become too much for an individual to handle.

Moreover, deleting articles from popular bulletin boards or main pages is useless. People continue to mention it. These days, with video sites causing such a stir, it’s incredibly difficult to correct information once it’s been wrongly posted online.

“The smaller the media outlet, the easier it is to avoid public scrutiny. Larger outlets are mentioned by name with things like ‘patch’ or ‘fact-check’, but no one mentions the source when something originates from a site plastered with adult advertisements.”

It wasn’t that they didn’t want to, but they couldn’t. They probably wouldn’t even remember where they saw it.

There were countless sites plastered with advertisements to the point where the media outlet’s name was invisible. When visiting such sites, most people were busy clicking the ‘x’ on pop-up windows and skimming the information they wanted, or clicking ‘back’ or ‘close window’.

If they then employed people to spread the information using open chat rooms and social media, it became much easier to obscure the source. If the subject of the rumor is a celebrity, anti-fans with malicious intent join in, further blurring the presence of the original source. If it’s a public official, they are plagued by the permanently etched information.

These days, it’s possible to track down the source with time and money. But by then, the false information, or the factual but private information they wanted to hide, would have already spread everywhere. People chose to send money to Cha Ijun and Cha Yiryeong’s site to delete the photos, rather than deal with the fallout.

“Then, they must have used a similar method for the rumors Yeo Jeonghyun spread about me last time.”

Cha Wonwoo nodded. His complexion had returned to normal, and except for the missing tie, his appearance was perfectly composed.

“The reporter in charge of posting those rumors said that, didn’t he? That he received the tip in an open chat room.”

“Right. I remember.”

It was what Kangsan had told him while drinking tea after Siheon was discharged from the hospital and returned to their newlywed home. It seemed that Cha Wonwoo was being kept informed about everything related to him even then.

“Why do you think there’s no progress after my agency asked the police to find the original source? It was someone influential like you, Hyung, who handed it over, and I even put in a word, asking them to look into it.”

“Really?”

This was news to him. Cha Wonwoo looked at him as if it was obvious and added,

“But there’s been no progress past a certain point. This clearly indicates internal pressure within the police, and these kinds of entertainment rumors are usually related to Cha Ijun.”

And Cha Ijun used drugs with Yeo Jeonghyun.

“Hyung, can I see the business card?”

Siheon handed him the business card he had just received. Cha Wonwoo, holding the rectangular white paper, muttered in a monotone voice,

“Clueless bastard.”

Unlike Cha Yiryeong, who was shrinking back due to the situation, Cha Ijun, perhaps because his brain was addled with drugs, couldn’t read the room. Not only did he approach Siheon and try to take pictures, he also subtly tried to dig up weaknesses related to Cha Wonwoo.

“The Cha Ijun card was for defense, not offense.”

Cha Wonwoo, who had been looking at the small business card, raised his head. The tired and exhausted look was fleeting. His eyes once again held a purpose to move forward. He spoke without taking his eyes off Siheon.

“He’s still clinging to his delusions and approaching you like this. There’s no reason for me to hold back anymore.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Cha Ijun said that in New York, didn’t he? ‘Just you wait and see.’”

To be precise, it was, ‘Fucking hell, let’s see how long you and Cha Wonwoo last!’

“He probably already planned to frame you with a drug scandal using Yeo Jeonghyun back then. He seems quite disappointed that it didn’t go as planned…”

Cha Wonwoo gritted his teeth and crumpled the business card in his hand.

“How humiliating and infuriating would it be to have their own tricks used against them? Don’t you think?”

His heavily lowered gaze shifted past Siheon’s shoulder.

The owner of the business card had hurriedly fled the scene the moment Cha Wonwoo showed his anger. If he hadn’t, he might have been grabbed by the collar by Cha Wonwoo himself, instead of Driver Kim and Secretary Yang, who had gone to retrieve the memory chip.

In any case, thanks to their quick thinking in splitting up to retrieve the chip, the reporter had left empty-handed.

He would probably be contacting Cha Ijun or a middleman by now, making excuses. Saying he didn’t know Cha Wonwoo was coming here today, the photos were all taken, their tail was caught, and what were they going to do now.

It was fortunate that they had failed, but Siheon also had concerns.

“If Cha Ijun’s wrongdoings come to light now, it will all become your fault, Wonwoo.”

Drug use by a third-generation chaebol. Unlike celebrities, who were seen as familiar figures, chaebol heirs were considered to live in a different world, so the public paid less attention to their drug use. They might curse them once or twice, and that would be it.

But now, everyone’s eyes were on CH Group, especially Cha Wonwoo, who had just become chairman, looking for any fault to criticize. Even though they were only connected by the title of family and had no significant interaction, people would still criticize and point fingers.

“It’s my responsibility anyway.”

He responded as if being a scapegoat was nothing to him. Siheon’s face contorted.

“Is that something someone who was gasping for breath a moment ago should be saying?”

“That was…”

“That was?”

His voice hardened as he pressed for the next words. Cha Wonwoo stammered and made an excuse.

“The thought that Hyung could have been hurt… suddenly… I’m usually fine.”

That’s not fine at all. He suddenly remembered Cha Wonwoo hyperventilating after his car accident. He had told Cha Wonwoo, who was worried about him, that he was fine and that he wasn’t usually like that. How similar their words to each other were.

“Like I said before, I don’t care what others say.”

“I care, Wonwoo.”

“I’ll make sure there’s no noise surrounding you, Hyung.”

“Not me, you. I care about you hearing bad things about yourself.”

His eyes widened in surprise. Siheon looked at him as calmly as possible. He wanted to bear all the negativity of the world alone. Of course, that was impossible. That’s why he felt bitter.

“Someone like Cha Ijun can’t even distinguish what he has, what he holds, and what he lacks.”

As if trying to persuade him, Cha Wonwoo spoke hurriedly.

“Song Wonjoo, Cha Eunho, Cha Yiryeong. These three are at least better. They’re opportunists who act based on calculated gains and losses. But Cha Ijun is a ticking time bomb. He’s stupid, and his nature is bad, so he’s more trouble for the team than the enemy.”

Secretary Yang, who had been listening, subtly interjected, supporting Cha Wonwoo’s opinion.

“It’s like that bomb game you know, actor Kang. The best strategy is to either completely eliminate the dangerous element within the time limit or pass it on to someone else. And now is the optimal timing.”

Secretary Yang didn’t seem too concerned about whether Cha Wonwoo received criticism or not. He seemed to think it was better to get it over with quickly if it was inevitable. It seemed that in the eyes of those who worked with him, Cha Wonwoo, their superior, was seen as someone impervious to harm.

Screech.

In the heavy silence, Siheon dragged his right foot across the ground. The rubber sole scraping against the ground broke the suffocating stillness. He kicked a small pebble that had popped up and raised his head.

“There’s this film director.”

At the sudden change of topic, Cha Wonwoo’s eyes filled with bewilderment. Siheon’s following voice was quite calm.

“I heard he hates Korea, so I don’t like him much either… Anyway, I heard he said this. Family is something you want to throw away when no one’s looking.”

“….”

“But you have to throw away your family in real-time, in front of everyone.”

At that, Cha Wonwoo let out a chuckle loud enough for everyone to hear.

“What are you talking about?”

It was clear mockery. Siheon just stared blankly at the unexpected reaction. Cha Wonwoo handed the crumpled business card to Secretary Yang.

And then, stride.

As he closed the distance between them with his long strides, a faint pheromone stimulated his nose. It was a gentle and comforting scent, almost intoxicating.

“Hyung, I can throw all those people away. I’m just returning what they did to me. And they weren’t my family in the first place. Just because we share blood doesn’t make us family.”

His large hand hovered near Siheon before finally settling down, gently brushing his disheveled hair back.

“You are my family, Hyung.”

Whether you want it or not, that’s how it is for me. The trailing words were barely audible.

Cha Wonwoo removed his hand and stepped back. His gaze lingered on Siheon’s face.

Cha Ijun was the type to only flap his mouth even if he fell into water. He knew it was better to deal with him while Cha Wonwoo was willing to take all the blame, rather than let things escalate while Cha Ijun clung to him relentlessly.

But the problem was that emotions weren’t a matter of logic or calculation. His marriage with Cha Wonwoo was the same. He had chosen an inefficient and irrational outcome.

“Then make one promise with me.”

Siheon looked at Cha Wonwoo with an uncompromising, if not cold, gaze.

“I will.”

Cha Wonwoo nodded readily, as if he’d do anything.

Ever since hearing about him and the child, Cha Wonwoo had been desperate to retaliate against those who had hurt them. He vaguely thought of it as a burning, sometimes cold, desire for revenge.

But today, he had shown symptoms that resembled a panic attack. So he wondered if this blind pursuit of revenge was a way of tormenting himself. Was he constantly blaming himself while taking revenge on the other Chas, thinking that he was no different from them?

The area behind the bus became noisy, as if the staff who had gathered their belongings were climbing the hill again.

Amidst the commotion, a flicker of pain and sadness appeared and disappeared in Siheon’s eyes. He closed the distance that Cha Wonwoo had created.

“Give me your tie.”

Cha Wonwoo tilted his head, puzzled by the abrupt request for his tie without any mention of a promise. Yet, he took it out of his pocket and handed it over obediently, which was absurd.

Siheon, taking the tie, wrapped it once around Cha Wonwoo’s neck. He reflexively lowered his upper body so Siheon’s arm wouldn’t strain. Letting out a small chuckle as if witnessing a cute trick, Siheon began to tie the knot.

“This is the promise. No matter what I do, no matter what happens to us,”

His expression was serious, and his movements were skillful.

“You will never blame yourself.”

After finishing the knot, he smoothed the tie from the knot to the tip. There were no wrinkles. Finally, he tucked the pointed end neatly inside the vest.

Stepping back half a step, Siheon scanned Cha Wonwoo from head to toe.

Not to mention the three-piece suit that hugged his body, the tie filled the empty space like the last piece of a puzzle, making him look perfect, even in Siheon’s eyes.

“You promised, so don’t go back on it.”

Tap.

Siheon, after playfully tapping the area where Cha Wonwoo’s tie should be with the back of his hand, feigned a frown.

Cha Wonwoo, belatedly grasping the situation, opened his lips to say something, but it didn’t work on Siheon. He smoothly changed the subject.

“By the way, what’s your relationship with Lotus? Is it yours?”

“My funds are in it, but strictly speaking, it’s my aunt’s. The representative name is under her.”

Cha Wonwoo let out a resigned sigh and played along.

“Aunt? Ah…”

Kwon Suyeon’s classmate and the woman who stayed with a young Cha Wonwoo at the crematorium. She was a character who briefly appeared and disappeared in Cha Wonwoo’s stories, a presence he had forgotten. He had said he couldn’t stand by and watch his aunt struggle raising a child alone.

“I paid her a salary because I knew she wouldn’t accept it if I just gave it to her. Thanks to that, I was able to comfortably invest in your movie, Hyung.”

He could feel Cha Wonwoo’s intentions, having helped her by borrowing her name so she wouldn’t have any difficulties in life.

“And CH Venture Capital decided to acquire it because of the recent domestic integrated OTT investment. My aunt was also embarrassed by the nominal representative position, so she was eager to hand it over. Anyway, since your comeback film was the last investment Lotus made, I came here to show my support…”

“And this happened.”

Siheon, shrugging, realized something and sighed.

“Ah, lotus is ‘lotus’ in English, right? Then your mother’s last name…”

“That’s right. ‘Yeon’ for lotus.”

Lotus might have been a link connecting Cha Wonwoo and his aunt to the memory of Kwon Suyeon.

“Later…”

Siheon began.

“When things calm down, introduce me to your aunt. And let’s go see your mother too. She’ll probably be upset that her son-in-law’s greetings are so late.”

Cha Wonwoo nodded, his face holding back tears.

＊＊＊＊＊

The ritual, which had been troublesome from the start, thankfully ended without incident.

Director Pyo, hearing about Siheon’s injury, insisted he go to the hospital, but he was allowed to make an appearance on the condition that he disinfected and bandaged his hand.

Of course, there were other minor incidents as well.

Because of the sudden strong wind, the candles wouldn’t light, so they huddled together, creating a windbreak with their hands.

The elderly teacher, who was supposed to read the ritual prayer, forgot his glasses and suddenly passed the task to Jinseok.

Jinseok was in a cold sweat, worried that the ritual would be interrupted because he couldn’t read the Chinese characters.

In the end, they decided to think positively, saying it was a sign that the movie would do well, and considered it a way to ward off bad luck.

The news of the energetic ritual site was quickly reported.

The behind-the-scenes footage, replacing the now-defunct entertainment news programs, was edited and uploaded to video sites a few days later.

As Honey Pots exclaimed, “Shocking! Kang Siheon’s movements!” watching and re-watching the video, realizing his comeback was real, breaking news started appearing at the bottom of the TV screen.

[Breaking News] Chaebol Heir Drug Scandal Breaks, Popular Actor Implicated

[Breaking News] Drug Charges, Arrest Warrant Requested for Cha Ijun of CH Family

[Breaking News] Cha Ijun of CH Construction Arrested for Drug Use

[Breaking News] “Did Cha Ijun Distribute Drugs as Well?” CH Construction Remains Silent

＊＊＊＊＊

An inconspicuous black sedan entered the affluent Seongbuk-dong neighborhood. The vehicle, moving at a moderate pace, was headed towards the CH Group’s guesthouse.

Nokunwon (綠雲園), meaning “where green clouds reside” or “lush with green leaves”.

Established for the convenience and privacy of visitors, Nokunwon boasted stunning natural scenery and was located close to the city center, yet secluded.

“Cha Ijun, son of Cha Eunsik, CEO of CH Construction, has been arrested and indicted on charges of habitual drug use and supplying drugs to others. The police, who were initially investigating a reported crime involving the chaebol family and the entertainment industry, immediately arrested Cha at Incheon International Airport upon his arrival from New York on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act.”

Past 8 p.m.

Inside the car navigating the darkened roads for a secret meeting, the calm voice of the anchor resonated.

“Cha, through his lawyer, claimed his innocence, stating, ‘The police escorted me without a warrant.’ In response, the police clarified that there were no issues with the arrest process, as they had executed a pre-issued arrest warrant from the court to secure his custody. Regarding the unusually swift indictment…”

Cha Wonwoo, leaning back in the seat with his legs crossed, watched the live news broadcast on his tablet. The screen showed images of a haggard Cha Ijun and Yeo Jeonghyun interspersed in a cross-edited sequence.

“If his sentence isn’t finalized yet, can’t he wear civilian clothes?”

A shadow fell on the screen as the anchor mentioned habitual drug use with popular actor Yeo. Cha Wonwoo, glancing up, looked affectionately at the face tilted towards him and agreed.

“That’s right. Under current law, unconvicted detainees can wear civilian clothes when attending legally mandated investigations. That’s why politicians and CEOs of large corporations enter the court in suits.”

Originally, it was customary to wear prison uniforms. However, due to revisions in the Act on the Treatment of Inmates, they could wear civilian clothes during trials or investigations after review by the warden.

However, Cha Ijun on the screen was wearing a familiar prison uniform. A puzzled look appeared in Siheon’s eyes. He was wondering why Cha Ijun was wearing a prison uniform. Cha Wonwoo explained.

“They can make him wear it if there’s a high risk of flight or a justifiable reason. You know, like when someone escapes during an investigation or trial. It’s a precaution for those situations. It’s easy to distinguish him from civilians during a chase, and even if he escapes successfully, people will find it suspicious and report him when he tries to acquire civilian clothes.”

However, the reason Cha Ijun was wearing a prison uniform was less due to the risk of flight and more due to someone’s influence. Siheon also didn’t believe that Cha Ijun, whose face was known and who had a lawyer, would run away.

“Did you do it?”

“No. But I guess it’s because of me.”

“Hmm, you didn’t order it, but you’re the reason… meaning someone did this to get on your good side?”

Wearing a prison uniform, and having others see you in it, carries a significant psychological impact. In a world where even a single photo can be permanently etched online, imagine having your image in a prison uniform broadcast nationwide and captured in photos.

This was the intention of the person who exerted their influence.

Humiliation.

And putting Cha Ijun on display like that for everyone to see.

“Perhaps…”

Siheon, after some thought, recalled a person. He didn’t think the prosecution or the police would have taken the initiative.

“CEO Cha Eunsik?”

“Close. Not Cha Eunsik, but Cha Yiryeong.”

Cha Eunsik and Cha Yiryeong were people who felt more indignation than shock at the revelation that they weren’t Cha Hyunchul’s biological children. They were afraid of losing everything they considered theirs. Even though it wasn’t theirs to begin with, making the term “losing” a contradiction in itself, they still felt that way.

The fact that they had no biological relation to Cha Hyunchul wasn’t public knowledge yet. But the fact that they had been struck by a sudden misfortune remained unchanged. Although they probably felt robbed rather than unfortunate.

In any case, Song Wonjoo coldly calculated the potential gains and what she had to give up.

Cha Eunsik was similar. He had been at odds with his nephew for a long time, and having reached a certain age, his thinking was conservative, and his actions prioritized safety. He no longer dreamed of the entire CH Group but focused solely on the construction company.

Cha Yiryeong, however, was different. What good would it be if Cha Eunsik kept his position and controlled CH Construction until his retirement? He wouldn’t be guaranteed anything. As an opportunist, he readily offered his half-brother as a sacrifice to Cha Wonwoo.

“Furthermore, children of wealthy families, including those from other chaebol companies, have come under investigation as accomplices, raising the possibility of a so-called ‘Cha Ijun drug gate’ scandal.”

As the anchor smoothly continued, Secretary Yang, sitting in the passenger seat, glanced back and added,

“He keeps mentioning you during the investigation, actor Kang. The police are overlooking it because they know the circumstances… but you know how it is.”

Cha Wonwoo frowned deeply.

“If this gets reported, you might have to cooperate with the investigation to prove your innocence…”

Secretary Yang calmly conveyed the intention of the investigative authorities. In the worst case, it meant quickly confirming the suspicions and ending it there.

Clinging to Siheon was Cha Ijun’s last desperate attempt. It was a way of saying, ‘I’ll drag you down with me if you don’t get me out of this.’ It was ridiculous when he thought about it. He couldn’t even vent his anger or plead with his own father, Cha Eunsik, or his half-brother, Cha Yiryeong, yet he kept expecting something from Cha Wonwoo.

“Tell them to be prepared to lose their jobs if even a single syllable of Hyung’s name is mentioned in connection with drugs. I’ll reveal the identities of everyone even remotely related to Cha Hyunchul, down to the last detail.”

Cha Wonwoo gritted his teeth as if the person was right in front of him. Even if he couldn’t express it outwardly, he wanted to expose even their family photos. If they were going to mess with someone else’s family, they should be prepared to face the same consequences. He always tried to maintain boundaries, but the problem was that he didn’t want to when it came to matters involving Siheon.

“It would be nice for them to spend their later years in prison without worrying about food, clothing, or shelter after their bribery and illegal activities are exposed. Tell them I’ll grant them that wish if that’s what they want.”

After his scathing remarks, a chilling silence filled the car.

Siheon, smiling awkwardly at Secretary Yang, took his hand to comfort him. The scrapes on the back of his hand hadn’t healed yet. Seeing that, Cha Wonwoo, who had been gazing at him affectionately, abruptly turned his head away, as if his heart ached again.

“…We were taught that everyone is equal before the law, regardless of social status or wealth. We will continue to watch and report on this case, which questions the fairness of the law along with the severity of the drug issue, to see if this principle holds true. This concludes today’s news. Thank you for watching.”

As the anchor’s closing remarks ended, the warm lights illuminating the long entrance of Nokunwon came into view.

The participants in today’s secret meeting were key figures from the board of directors and heads of TF teams representing affiliates. The only unexpected person was Siheon, who had no connection to the company.

The purpose of the meeting was to convey Cha Wonwoo’s intentions regarding the company’s management. There were no security vehicles positioned before or after the entrance, as they didn’t need to attract attention at a time like this.

A single black sedan, blending into the darkness, stopped at the illuminated entrance. Security guards protecting Nokunwon rushed towards them.

They expected Cha Wonwoo to exit, as he usually sat near the door for easy access, but it was Siheon who appeared. He nodded slightly as their eyes met and reached inside the car.

Cha Wonwoo usually avoided physical contact or relying on security guards in most situations. However, as if Siheon was an exception, he gently grasped the offered hand and leaned heavily on him as he got out. It was a sight the Nokunwon security guards, who had never seen him use close protection in a private setting, had never witnessed before.

An awkward air settled, but Secretary Yang, getting out of the passenger seat, broke the silence by asking someone a question.

“Is everyone here?”

“Yes, we’ve confirmed the list and escorted them inside.”

One of the secretaries who was greeting visitors at the entrance with the security guards answered. Hearing the desired response, Secretary Yang stepped forward and guided Cha Wonwoo.

Just then, a senile yet indignant voice was heard from somewhere.

“Give me back my son!”

At first, Siheon thought he was mistaken. But he caught a glimpse of a man rushing towards them beyond the human wall formed by the security guards, who moved in unison to surround them.

“Quickly escort them inside!”

Someone shouted. As they moved forward under the protection of the security guards, the harsh accusations continued.

Only after Cha Wonwoo and Siheon safely passed through the entrance and the heavy doors closed behind them did the man’s voice fade.

However, they had already heard everything they needed to.

There were two victims who died from the illegal clinical trials.

Cha Geumho.

And the lover of the perpetrator of the car accident that crashed into Cha Wonwoo’s car.

The man beyond the door was claiming to be the father of the deceased victim.

“Didn’t you meet with the family of the perpetrator of the car accident and the bereaved family of the deceased victim?”

Siheon asked, his lips moving slightly.

“I did. I told you, Hyung. You don’t need to meet separately with the deceased victim’s family or the other participants who agreed to the illegal chip implantation. I said I would provide appropriate compensation.”

“Then why…”

Siheon’s voice trailed off weakly, perhaps due to the confusion in his head. Secretary Yang, observing the situation, offered to check what was happening outside.

“It would be best for the two of you to go inside first. I’ll check the details and report back to you.”

Secretary Yang hurried to the entrance, and Siheon entered Nokunwon with the others.

“Hyung, are you alright?”

After walking a short distance, Cha Wonwoo, looking concerned, stopped and examined Siheon.

“This won’t do. Hyung, don’t come in. Go rest somewhere.”

“No, I’m fine.”

“You wouldn’t say that if you saw your face right now.”

“You said there was something to discuss there.”

“I originally intended to discuss it in your presence. But I don’t think you’ll be able to focus right now even if you come in, so I’ll come out and explain everything as quickly as possible.”

As Cha Wonwoo gestured with a firm expression, the security guards split into two teams.

“I’ll be right back.”

Whispering as if soothing a child, as Siheon usually did, he gently pushed Siheon’s back, urging him to go. Flustered, Siheon gave up and followed the guidance down the hallway.

He glanced back at the end of the hallway. Cha Wonwoo was still standing there, watching him.

Turning the corner under his gaze, Siheon was greeted by a wide-open indoor space. The area, designed like a hall with a rounded ceiling, was clearly intended for relaxation. With sports facilities like a billiard table and a ping-pong table, and leather sofas surrounded by stools placed here and there, it seemed like a comfortable place to sit and converse.

The three tall walls were filled with books, paintings, and alcohol. Usually, such a jumbled arrangement would be distracting, but the spaciousness and the clean design prevented it from feeling overwhelming.

Siheon passed by the neatly arranged bottles, glasses, and scanned the bookshelves. Among the well-maintained, stiff spines, one book stood out. A book that, at a glance, showed signs of wear. He picked it up without thinking.

It was a poetry collection.

He hadn’t intended to open it, but the page with the bookmark fell open, revealing page 98. The title “Family” was written there. Siheon quietly murmured the word.

“Family…”

“It was Geumho’s favorite poetry collection.”

A calm voice came from behind. Turning around with the book in his hand, he saw a woman approaching.

It was Catherine.

Her gaze flickered towards the book in Siheon’s hand.

“There’s something about things that are a little worn and old, showing signs of being loved, rather than those kept pristine. Like a stretched-out tape from being played too much, or the book in your hand. Though no one uses tapes these days.”

Things that show signs of being loved because they are worn and old. Things that bear the marks of human touch. For Siheon, the actor, it was his scripts.

“I didn’t know you were coming today.”

“I have a lot of small shares I never wanted. Geumho was desperate to give me anything, whether under my name or someone else’s.”

“But why are you here…? The meeting seems to be on the other side.”

“I heard about it roughly through Wonwoo. By the way, it was quite noisy out there.”

A vague answer came back. It seemed she was asking, already knowing about the incident at the entrance to some extent. Just as Siheon was about to answer that he didn’t know much, Secretary Yang approached them. He bowed to Catherine and went straight to the point, explaining the cause of the commotion and the man’s behavior.

“I’ve only confirmed the basics, but he is indeed the father of the deceased victim. Biologically, that is. But he abandoned him when he was young and never visited him once. It seems he came to extort some money.”

Siheon frowned.

“In such cases, don’t they usually go to the company or the house?”

“Yes, that’s correct. So we are currently investigating how the location and schedule were leaked. This might take some time.”

Siheon lowered his gaze. His eyes wandered over the title of the poem, “Family”. The letters didn’t register. He knew that while family was a strong support system for some, it was a yoke or restraint that others wanted to escape.

He always thought about this whenever he played a character whose family was a source of misfortune. If parents needed to be certified, how many would qualify?

He was angry that someone who didn’t even know what kind of pain Cha Wonwoo had endured to change his innate traits dared to speak of parents.

“He told me to report that you were very startled, actor-nim. You don’t need to dwell on it too much, as he’s just after money. Our legal team can handle this. The Chairman also told you to rest comfortably.”

Then, seemingly very busy, he quickly moved to another location, not giving Siheon a chance to ask any further questions.

A heavy silence fell over the room, leaving only him and Catherine. Siheon, his face shadowed, flipped through the pages of the book and then put it back on the shelf without a word.

“I’m going to smoke. Is that alright?”

Catherine asked as she walked away. She seemed strangely different today. It was an atmosphere he hadn’t sensed from her before. He assumed she was probably feeling a sense of satisfaction watching the downfall of Cha Hyunchul and the turmoil within CH Group. Siheon nodded.

Returning after opening the terrace door wide, she unbuckled the metal clasp of her bag and took out a cigarette and a lighter.

Siheon approached her, took the lighter with a polite and practiced hand, and held it to the cigarette in her mouth.

Click. As he flicked the lighter, a small flame sparked. Catherine, lowering her head, inhaled deeply to light the cigarette. The tip of the cigarette quickly turned red. Turning her head towards the terrace, she exhaled the smoke like a sigh. They were close. The pungent smell mixed with the scent of alcohol.

Siheon, returning the lighter without a change in expression, stepped back and sat down on the billiard table.

“Try not to combine alcohol and cigarettes. It’s very damaging to your health.”

Catherine scoffed, as if rebuking his unsolicited advice.

“It’s a mourning period. I’m holding a funeral that should have been held a long time ago. What about you? Why the long face?”

The scent of vegetation wafted in from the open terrace. Solar-powered pick lights were dotted throughout the garden, which also served as the building’s backyard. The light dispelling the darkness was not intrusive. Siheon inhaled slowly and exhaled a long breath instead of cigarette smoke.

“The insults towards Wonwoo that I only saw in comments… hearing them directly is different…”

“What? Some crazy guy’s ranting?”

Siheon nodded. Honestly, if the criticisms or insults were directed at him, he wouldn’t have cared.

Indeed, that was the case. Even when some guys in the bathroom snickered and made vulgar remarks about him, or when people who didn’t know him made up stories and gossiped, his heart remained unaffected. He didn’t give them the right to hurt him. There was no room for wounds amidst their insults.

But it was different when it came to Cha Wonwoo. He was bothered even when he saw it happening online… But that was nothing compared to this. Written words and spoken words were quite different.

Dirty bastard.

“When that man yelled at Wonwoo earlier, I heard it too.”

Murderer.

“My heart dropped. Honestly, I didn’t show it because I was embarrassed in front of Wonwoo, but my hands were shaking, and I think my legs were too.”

You should die the same way.

That was a sanitized version; the man’s actual words were far more vulgar and malicious. He couldn’t describe how shocked he was by the excessive verbal abuse and curses.

Yet, Cha Wonwoo had acted as if nothing was wrong, shielding him and entering Nokunwon.

He had thought that he should be understanding, as the man was understandably emotional. But after hearing the full story from Secretary Yang, he realized it was nothing more than verbal excrement spewed at Cha Wonwoo. Nevertheless, the aftershock of the incident lingered.

“That man acted that way because of money, but other people… really think of Wonwoo that way.”

Cha Wonwoo would have removed everything related to Cha Hyunchul without a trace, down to the last speck of dust, if he could have replaced his blood.

Family. Dominant traits. Wealth. Appearance. Physique. Personality.

Everything he was born with, everything that made people envious, was inextricably linked to Cha Hyunchul, and now these factors provided a convenient excuse for people to look down on and slander Cha Wonwoo.

“I met Cha Hyunchul.”

Siheon looked at the woman at the sudden mention of the name. Catherine stared into the darkness hiding in the corner of the garden, pushed back by the lights.

“He looked like a living corpse. But when he saw me, he started yelling like before. It was just disgusting and pathetic. Not scary at all.”

Catherine scoffed, a cigarette between her fingers, as if recalling the moment.

“The old man couldn’t even sit properly because his arms were tied. At that moment, I thought, ‘Well, I’ve come this far, so what’s stopping me? Let’s go all out.’ There was no justification of doing it for Geumho. I just wanted to vent my pent-up anger. So I grabbed that vermin by the hair, who couldn’t even move properly, and made him sit up.”

She brought the cigarette to her lips and inhaled until her cheeks hollowed, then exhaled. The smoke veiled her face like a thin curtain.

“And I slapped him.”

Slap!

He heard the phantom sound of flesh hitting flesh.

Did it hurt? Cha Hyunchul probably felt more humiliated than hurt. But she hoped he would feel the pain, even if it was belated, even if it was when he was alone.

“My hand stung.”

Her lips moved slowly with the smoke.

“Perhaps because of the ring, the corner of his mouth split open and swelled, but my palm hurt too. Then I realized. If I want to be a weapon and hurt others… I have to be prepared to bear the consequences as well.”

The smoke surrounding Catherine dispersed instantly. Her now clearly visible eyes turned towards Siheon.

“There’s no such thing as elegant and refined revenge. There’s no revenge without pain. Revenge stems from the pain I’ve already endured, doesn’t it? So I hit him again. I think I almost went crazy, hitting, scratching, and pulling his hair.”

“Did… it feel good?”

“Of course, it felt good. Wonwoo probably couldn’t even slap Cha Hyunchul once. And he doesn’t even show you what state Cha Hyunchul is in now, does he?”

“He says there’s no need to see him. Why bother when it would only bring back bad memories?”

Such a kind soul. Her voice was so low it was difficult to discern her tone. She tapped the cigarette precariously perched on her fingertip against the clear ashtray.

“I hit him until I felt relieved, and then I came out…”

She took one last drag of the cigarette and crushed it. Exhaling the smoke, Catherine leaned back deeply into the leather sofa.

“I was so joyful, but not happy.”

Catherine said joy and happiness were different.

“Joy appears on the lips, and happiness resides in the eyes. No matter how many hundreds or thousands of times I take revenge, Geumho is gone. I can’t see him anymore.”

It’s too late.

Catherine added. Siheon opened and closed his mouth several times, wanting to say something, but no sound came out. In the end, he closed his mouth. Looking ahead, he saw Catherine with her arms crossed, her chin slightly raised.

“Geumho and I were afraid. We were afraid of losing our honor, our money, our position as the heir of CH Group… for countless reasons, and in the end, we lost each other. Isn’t that foolish?”

He couldn’t nod. He just tightened his grip on the billiard table. He couldn’t tell what her intention was. But it felt like advice, that trying to hold onto everything can lead to losing it all. Perhaps he was interpreting it the way he wanted to.

“Perhaps every moment I have left will be Geumho’s funeral.”

Catherine stood up.

“I’ll transfer all the shares Geumho gave me to Wonwoo. That’s why I came today. It seems like the last thing we, as a couple, can do for him. It would be shameless to call ourselves parents, so please tell him it’s a gift from his pitiful Hyung and his useless Hyungsu.”

She stared at Siheon for a while, then turned around as if brushing off dust.

Click, clack. Her low-heeled shoes moved towards somewhere.

Catherine headed for the bookshelf. Her unhurried steps stopped in front of the section where Siheon had placed the book. She gently bent her index finger and pulled out the poetry collection, Desperately, So Foolishly by Ahn Do-hyun, holding it preciously in her hand. Catherine, having taken everything, left without a backward glance. As if she would never return to this place. Just like that.

The single sound of footsteps felt so lonely and desolate that he wanted to see Cha Wonwoo right now.