IPSTDS Chapter 109

Chapter 109

Nahyuk knew he had to not only ask Yoon Taesik for help but also confess the truth about the project.

He had only sent a message asking when he might have time, but soon after, his secretary called to say that the chairman wanted him to come to the office around lunchtime.

Nahyuk agreed.

Of course, he didn’t want to risk running into Seo Dowoong at the company. But asking for help regarding Kim Daon wasn’t something that could be done over the phone or through a message.

He prepared slowly and left earlier than the appointed time, thinking it better to wait than to arrive late, especially since he had a request to make.

Yet, as soon as he checked in at the front desk, he was told to head straight up to Yoon Taesik’s office. Nervous, Nahyuk found himself fussing with his collar repeatedly as the elevator ascended.

At last, he faced the chairman in his office.

Even at his advanced age, Yoon Taesik sat upright, sharp-eyed, exuding a commanding aura that only heightened Nahyuk’s tension.

“Grandfather, I’m sorry I haven’t come to see you sooner.”

He spoke as warmly as if he were truly his grandson. A broad smile spread across Yoon Taesik’s face.

“Don’t just stand there, come sit down. You’re ill enough as it is, tsk.”

“Thank you for your concern.”

As soon as Nahyuk sat on the sofa, Yoon Taesik asked,

“The project is nearing its end. Are you cooperating well with Executive Director Seo?”

“Grandfather, the truth is…”

Nahyuk confessed. He had not contributed to the project at all—Seo Dowoong had lied.

Speaking the truth before a man as fierce as a tiger was terrifying.

But Nahyuk knew it was something he could not keep putting off. If he didn’t clear it up now, the lie could spiral out of control later. And Seo Dowoong might use it again to threaten him, just as he once had by leveraging Kim Daon.

Even now, the memory of that ridiculous blackmail was bitter. Reading Ruins in Bloom, he had never imagined Seo Dowoong would stoop so low.

“…But I am sorry for deceiving you. No matter the reason, I should never have lied. I should have told you the truth immediately… I apologize.”

He braced himself for Yoon Taesik’s wrath, certain that if it came, he would no longer be able to ask for help with Daon.

But instead, what came was a booming laugh that filled the office.

Nahyuk opened his eyes wide, startled, to see the chairman smiling broadly.

“Grandfather?”

“I knew.”

“…What?”

“I knew you hadn’t done a thing, you rascal! I can tell what you’re up to without even opening my eyes.”

So Yoon Taesik had known all along? Yet he had still praised him at that dinner with Seo Dowoong? Nahyuk was thrown off balance.

“I thought if I played along with Seo Dowoong’s lie, you might actually get excited and help the company. But you stayed uninterested to the end. And here you are now, confessing the truth.”

“…I told you, I have no interest in the company.”

“Hahaha, Noah.”

“Yes?”

“I like you better for that lack of ambition.”

“I don’t understand you. All of your children fight desperately to inherit the company, but you still pay attention to me—the one least interested, and even in poor health…”

Suddenly, Yoon Taesik’s face turned serious again. The playful cheer vanished, replaced by the stern, tiger-like presence that made Nahyuk tense.

“Because among all the schemers trying to win my favor, you’re the only honest one. Of course I notice you.”

So it was precisely his lack of ambition that drew his attention?

“Noah. Life is longer than you think. It may seem like you’ll live comfortably now, but who knows what the future holds?”

True enough. Noah might have enough assets to live richly in the short term, but whether he could sustain that in ten years was uncertain.

And would he even live that long? The thought of death flickered in Nahyuk’s mind before he quickly pushed it away. If Kangil were here, he would have scolded him for dwelling on such things again. The absence of the one who always pulled him back was keenly felt.

Was Kangil working hard now, after protesting about not wanting to go to the office? Maybe he should call him later. Perhaps that would lighten his mood.

“I understand, Grandfather. But I really am sick. If I get better, I’ll seriously consider your proposal. Truly. At that time, I won’t lie or avoid it.”

If only he had power like Seo Dowoong, Nahyuk thought, he could protect Daon himself, without having to come here.

Despite being reborn into a golden-spoon life, he felt frustrated that he couldn’t make better use of it.

“I know your illness isn’t something simple like a cold, so I understand.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

“Anything else to say?”

“Actually… may I ask one favor? If you grant it, I’ll do whatever you want me to—except working immediately.”

“Hoho, let’s hear it.”

Nahyuk explained the situation with Park Sangcheol, trimming the details carefully.

He didn’t mention the strange relationship between Seo Dowoong and Kim Daon. Instead, he explained that the two had simply been friendly, and a photo had been taken of them holding hands by chance.

He also didn’t say that Seo Dowoong had refused to help Daon. He didn’t see the need to add anything that wasn’t to his advantage.

Better to frame it as a small incident—not for Seo Dowoong’s sake, but for Daon’s and his own.

Yoon Taesik, after hearing him out, answered offhandedly,

“That’s not such a difficult favor.”

“Really?”

“Of course. Things like this happen all the time. But for that boy Kim Daon, it might weigh heavily. That’s why you asked me, isn’t it?”

“That’s right.”

“Very well. I’ll help. But in return…”

It seemed too soon to be pleased. The chairman fixed him with a narrow-eyed gaze.

What price would he demand?

To Nahyuk, Yoon Taesik already had everything. What could a man with no lack possibly want?

“…You must get healthy.”

“…What?”

It was the last answer he had expected. Nahyuk stared blankly at him.

“You need to be well so I can work you to the bone, don’t you think? Hahaha.”

Yoon Taesik laughed heartily, ignoring his seriousness, and reached out to ruffle his hair roughly.

“I won’t watch my grandson go before I do.”

“….”

It was the belonging he had always longed for—a family. For someone who had always felt hollow, rootless, it filled him with warmth.

Because his heart had been empty, he had yearned for love and for family. And now, as Yoon Noah, he felt he might gain both.

Like Yoon Taesik wished, he wanted to truly recover and fulfill his hopes. Before the old man passed, before regret could take root.

“I’ll get healthy. I promise.”

I want to live.

That desire was stronger now than yesterday, stronger than this morning, stronger than even an hour ago.

* * *

Nahyuk left the company after once more explaining the matter with Park Sangcheol to Yoon Taesik’s secretary.

Now, it felt as if Daon would be safe no matter what articles were published. After all, Yoon Taesik’s influence far outstripped Seo Dowoong’s.

Nahyuk felt refreshed. All he wanted now was to meet Daon. To puff himself up like a reliable older brother.

I’ve taken measures so nothing will harm you, all you need to do is trust me… It was a bit of swagger that strangely reminded him of the real Yoon Noah.

Since he was already out, he even considered meeting Daon before heading home. Just then, surprisingly, a call came from Kim Daon.

-Brother, where are you right now?

“I’m outside. Do you want to come out? Let’s meet.”

-Wow, what a coincidence. I was just calling because I wanted to see you.

“You wanted to see me?”

-Yes.

“……”

-I really wanted to see you yesterday too, but I held back.

“Why?”

-Because you were with Mr. Lee Kangil yesterday.

“I don’t mind if we meet together… but you don’t like Kangil, do you, Daon?”

He had expected to hear a quick “yes.” But instead, Daon seemed to take a deep breath before speaking heavily.

-I don’t like him. Still, I endured it, because it meant I could see you. But now, I just can’t stand watching you two being close anymore.

“……”

-Because of you, my head is a mess. What am I supposed to do?