“If you’re going to spout nonsense, you might as well leave.”
“For the past ten years, avoiding my grandfather’s eyes, I’ve been searching for any trace of Jae In. Do you think I wouldn’t have found out that much?”
“It seems you’ve heard some old rumors. I don’t have time to listen to such nonsense.”
“The world has changed. In the past, it might have sufficed to control a few media outlets. Now, if I post on my personal SNS, word spreads quickly. In today’s world, even non-existent facts seem plausible and spread instantly on the internet.”
“…….”
“I truly believe I can make Jae In happy.”
Daehoon glared at Jaehoon with his mouth firmly shut, as Jaehoon cloaked his twisted desire for Jae In in the guise of true love.
“You also know that my grandfather is on his deathbed.”
“…So?”
Eight years ago, Jung Jaehoon, with his gentle face, kidnapped Yoon Jae In, shouting he would die with her. Now, he was seeking her with money and power in his hands.
Perhaps, if harnessed correctly, his long-standing obsession and madness could prove to be a significant advantage for Daehoon.
“All I need is Jae In. Aren’t you interested in the inheritance I will receive from Juan Group?”
“…….”
“I will liquidate it and give it to you. Just tell me where Jae In is now. And I hope you will help ensure that Jae In can choose me. That’s all I need.”
Daehoon did not respond. With the bid approaching and in need of every penny, it was tempting. Daehoon, furrowing his brow in thought, remained silent while Jaehoon stood up.
“I understand that you need time to think. Please contact me once you’ve made up your mind. I’ll be waiting.”
“Hmm.”
“Please forgive my rudeness. Chairman, I really will treat Jae In well. Please believe me.”
Having said his piece, Jaehoon bowed and left the office.
Daehoon pressed his temple. He was already displeased with Yoon Jae In causing a stir by suddenly appearing. Now, he was trying to gauge the value of a smitten Jaehoon, who seemed ready to give his all for Jae In, as his gaze sank into the darkness.
—Make sure the message gets through properly this time. It’s not just anything; it’s my mother’s birthday party. If this doesn’t get conveyed, Mr. Tae Seo will be in trouble. Are you listening?
“Yes, I’m listening.”
—And tell them my mother likes collecting scarves.
“Yes, I will relay exactly what you said.”
Yoo Da Jung hesitated as if she had more to say, then hung up the phone. Director Jang, leaning against the desk in the secretarial office, glanced at Tae Seo, who was fiddling with his phone.
“Division Chief, it was Jo Yu Ri on the phone. Saturday evening at six…”
“I heard you. Saturday evening at six, a rather large dinner to commemorate Director Ji Seunghi’s 60th birthday at that house, a scarf.”
“…Will you be attending?”
“Why would I? You know I have a standing appointment on Saturday evening.”
Tae Seo’s gaze remained fixed on his phone, the corners of his mouth lifted as if amused by something, showing no sign of dropping.
“I just thought I’d ask.”
“Whatever that woman says, don’t bother with it. Don’t you have enough to do? Are you still calling her a dozen times a day?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“It’ll quiet down soon. So let’s endure a little longer. From now on, just let all calls go to voicemail.”
What did he mean it would quiet down soon? Acquiring Hyunyang Construction wasn’t going to be as easy as talking about it. Director Jang felt a bit intimidated by Tae Seo’s words and nodded silently, sealing his lips.
“Isn’t next week when they announce the construction company for Hwami Apartment reconstruction and the redevelopment of the surrounding area?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Then, well, you must have done the groundwork through the officials and the head of the housing cooperative we’ve got in our pockets. Confident about winning the bid, you’re planning a big birthday party in advance to celebrate. It’s also a chance to flaunt the vitality of Hyunyang Construction.”
Director Jang let out a mixed laugh of admiration at Tae Seo’s words. How far had he planted his people? Without going through Director Jang or any secretary, Tae Seo knew a lot.
“We should celebrate it all—the 60th birthday, winning the bid. Didn’t I buy up a lot of stock to ensure the chairman of Hyunyang Construction is in good spirits? Plus, they must have received loans easily from various places and significant investments too. They landed a huge project, and on top of that, it’s his wife’s 60th birthday. He must be thrilled right now.”
Director Jang had also heard the news about the substantial investment proposal from the American side to Hyunyang Construction.
However, he thought it odd—there hadn’t been any major technological breakthroughs, nor had they secured overseas construction orders to warrant an investment proposal at this time.
And as for the stocks, that was news to Director Jang. The first thing Tae Seo did after deciding to withdraw from the Hwami Apartment reconstruction project was something he was aware of.
The Male lead Always Seduces Her with His Beauty (Matriarchy)
Xin Jiao Zhou is the leader of the world’s premier sect. She has just experienced betrayal from all sides, was poisoned in an assassination attempt, and faced death squad attacks while the poison was taking effect. After finally clearing out the scum from her sect, she was drugged again while trying to detoxify.
After waking up from a night of unconsciousness, she gained a “beautiful and kind-hearted” husband.
Xin Jiao Zhou: “???”
He fell ill.
She came to see him, bringing breakfast.
As she put down the breakfast and was about to leave, his hand slipped while holding the spoon. “Clank!”
She turned around upon hearing the noise.
He looked up at her, his eyebrows drooping: “My hand… has no strength.”
“Shall I… feed you?” she asked tentatively.
He opened his mouth cheerfully: “Ah—”
Thinking she was drowning, he jumped in without hesitation to save her, but nearly drowned himself. In the end, it was she who swam over to rescue him, giving him air underwater.
After emerging from the water, his ear tips turned red. He lightly brushed his cheek, tucking his sideburns behind his ear, revealing delicate, pink-tinged ear tips. He lowered his gaze, too embarrassed to look at her.
Xin Jiao Zhou: He’s truly beautiful, kind-hearted, and adorable.
A certain someone when disciplining subordinates behind the scenes: “If they don’t obey, just kill them.”
What’s that? She might already have someone she cares about in her heart? A certain someone: Find out who it is, kill them, and then there won’t be anyone.
What? She met a man by the riverside? What? That man even hurt her? A certain someone: Whichever hand hurt her, chop off his entire arm.
Love at first sight without realizing it, gradually falling in love, slowly getting closer…
Family and national grudges, schemes and desires, good and evil, crime and punishment, she and he face the future together, seeking justice with passion!
A naturally dark female lead who could accidentally destroy the world but is actually an honest person VS a weak, pitiful, and helpless but skilled fighter, beautiful white-cut black male lead
My heart is not of stone, how steadfast is your love? — Tao Yuanming “Imitating the Ancients (No. 3)”
— Reading Guide —
Cold female lead & dramatic black lotus with hidden yandere traits male lead
