Conference room ahead of a major meeting of Ellyu Department Store executives.

In the gathering of everyone, the person with the loudest voice was Director Choi Min Jae, who had been chosen by Choi Maeng Ho, the real power of the Ellyu Group.

Having proudly risen to the main position in the bloody competition among cousins, he was particularly triumphant today.

“Isn’t this all due to my great-uncle’s discernment? As you all know, I’ve put a lot of effort into overseas matters this year, and I’m extremely pleased that he seems to have recognized that effort.”

He pretended to speak to his supporters around him, but it was clear he was actually saying it for the other directors in the same room to hear.

Director Choi Jun Ho, who had been rivals with Director Choi Min Jae, did not hide his displeasure at this.

“Someone might think you’ve already secured the president position.”

“What?”

“No, I mean, great-uncle just said he’d keep a closer eye on you, but you’re acting like you’ve been given some high office…”

“No matter how crooked your mouth is, you should speak straight. It’s not simply keeping a closer eye, he said he wants to lead Ellyu Department Store with me as the main figure.”

“Okay, okay. How many times are you going to say that? You’re acting like it’s the first time in your life you’ve received any recognition.”

“What did you just say?!”

The directors’ power struggle started without fail today as well.

Secretary Yang, standing behind Hwa Young like a prime minister, continued to watch only Hwa Young’s expression amid all this.

Normally, Hwa Young would have sarcastically told them to fight after the meeting since it was getting long, but today he was strangely silent with a serious face.

Constantly looking only at his mobile phone regardless of what argument was happening in front, he seemed uncharacteristically dejected.

‘No matter how immature young master is, being left out of the competition must have been hurtful…’

Secretary Yang quietly observed Hwa Young while preparing a few words of comfort.

Though he wasn’t the type to meekly accept comfort, if left alone like this, he might use depression as an excuse to neglect afternoon work.

“Yang.”

At that moment, Hwa Young quietly called Secretary Yang.

Secretary Yang, who had been on standby, took a step closer to him and bent his upper body.

“Yes, what is it, Director?”

“I think I’ve seemed too easy-going until now.”

“Easy-going…?”

“I should have done something to really draw people in, but I didn’t do that.”

As he opened his mouth, the two directors’ gazes focused on Hwa Young.

Although he had been completely ignored by Choi Maeng Ho, as the eldest son of Choi Yu Ria, the current chairwoman of the Ellyu Group, Hwa Young was the number one target of caution for the other cousins.

The words coming from Hwa Young’s mouth were enough to somewhat irritate the two directors.

“In fact, I’m not lacking in anything. No, not just not lacking, I’m even more amazing and special.”

“…”

“But I was too lenient. I had the compassion of someone who has everything, but the other side didn’t appreciate my consideration at all. So they’re acting all high and mighty, raising their voices…”

With each word coming from Hwa Young’s mouth, Secretary Yang unconsciously glanced at the other directors.

Sure enough.

Director Choi Min Jae’s eyebrows noticeably furrowed, thinking the words were about him.

Hwa Young clearly felt the air gradually turning cold, but he did not stop his provocative words.

“I should have established discipline. I should have clearly imprinted in their brains my position and their position.”

This was clearly picking a fight.

Indeed, he wasn’t the young master to be cowed just because he had been stepped on once.

Seeing that the atmosphere would clearly become dangerous if this continued, Secretary Yang hurriedly tried to calm Hwa Young down.

“The meeting is about to start. Before the chairwoman comes in, rash words and actions…”

At that moment, Hwa Young’s mobile phone screen caught Secretary Yang’s eye.

The title of the blog post Hwa Young had been intently watching was none other than ‘How to Control a Strong-willed Woman’.

Seeing that post, Ji Wan’s existence flashed through Secretary Yang’s mind.

It seems the target of his muttering criticisms from earlier was not Director Choi Min Jae, but Ji Wan.

Well, that makes sense.

The great Do Hwa Young wouldn’t be fretting over his reduced standing.

Secretary Yang, instead of what he was about to say, let out a small incredulous sigh and asked.

“Are you… talking about something completely unrelated to the company right now?”

“Why is the company suddenly coming up? I’m talking about the honey badger.”

“I see. I understand. But it might cause misunderstandings, so it would be better to lower your voice.”

Having figured out who Hwa Young was really concerned about, Secretary Yang straightened his back again and stood behind Hwa Young.

But Director Choi Min Jae, still thinking Hwa Young was talking about him, couldn’t hold back a sharp retort.

“Well, you’re certainly living up to being the great chairwoman’s son. Such insolent way of speaking.”

Having been criticized his whole life at home, Hwa Young had a keen sense for when he was being insulted.

Hwa Young, who had been ignoring those around him all along, finally shifted his gaze towards Director Choi Min Jae.

Director Choi Min Jae stared straight back at Hwa Young and continued his barbed words.

“What? I can’t even talk to myself? I’m so scared. Since the great Do Hwa Young says he’ll establish discipline, I’m just trembling with fear. Hahaha.”

Director Choi Min Jae let out an overt sneer.

Director Choi Jun Ho, who only sided with him when dealing with Hwa Young, also smirked with derision.

Secretary Yang’s expression turned awkward at the atmosphere that had unintentionally turned hostile towards Hwa Young.

But Hwa Young just stared blankly at Director Choi Min Jae without any change in expression.

Really blankly. Just staring without any change in expression.

“You’re actually jealous. I thought you’d accept great-uncle’s decision quietly since you seemed completely uninterested in the company.”

“…”

“You’re much more shameless than I thought. Or maybe you’re overestimating yourself.”

The emboldened Director Choi Min Jae’s mouth showed no signs of stopping.

Hwa Young seemed to take in all those words as well, then smoothly twisted up the corners of his mouth.

What soon burst out was laughter that he could no longer hold back.

“Puhaha! What’s this now? Don’t tell me you think I was talking about you guys?”

“What…?”

“Jealous? Me? Of you guys? Hahaha! No way!”

Director Choi Min Jae’s eyebrows twitched, considerably flustered by the unexpected reaction.

The more flustered he became, Hwa Young couldn’t stop laughing like he found it hilarious, and his lips, which were exceptionally good at getting under people’s skin, kept moving.

“Well, I heard about that. The old man’s decided to push you, right?”

“…”

“I’ve been a power player since birth so I don’t put much meaning in such words, but I guess you were really moved since you’ve been in a rather pushed-aside position. I’m starting to feel a bit sorry for you.”

“Wh-what? Sorry…?”

“Ah, but really, don’t misunderstand. I like seeing you happy. People should have at least one thing to brag about, right? You’ve finally got something, so how could I be jealous? That’s ridiculous.”

Although he said he was congratulating, there was somehow a lot of deception in the content.

Unable to just listen to those words, Director Choi Min Jae retorted more fiercely.

“Can’t you read the situation? You weren’t even mentioned as a successor candidate to take over the department store business.”

The implication was to know his place, but Hwa Young replied without even blinking an eye.

“They’re looking for a slave. Why should my name be mentioned there?”

“Ha, slave…? I can’t believe this…!”

“I like eating and playing like I do now. If you guys are going to diligently run the department store instead of me, of course I’m thankful. I’m born to be king. You guys are like prime ministers or something.”

“Do Hwa Young, you bastard…!”

Director Choi Min Jae stood up, slamming the desk.

His blazing eyes looked like they would devour his arrogant cousin at any moment.

Secretary Yang tensed up his body, on guard in case a physical fight broke out.

However, in the end, nothing happened.

“What are you all doing? In this sacred meeting room.”

A firm and powerful voice resonated through the conference room.

“Ch-Chairwoman…”

“You’ve arrived, Chairwoman!”

Because of the appearance of Choi Yu Ria, the chairwoman, whose presence made everyone in the room stand up.

“Huu… You’ve arrived, Chairwoman.”

Directors Choi Min Jae and Choi Jun Ho simultaneously stood up and bowed their heads at Chairwoman Choi Yu Ria’s appearance.

Choi Yu Ria swept a dry gaze over the two men with clearly displeased looks on their faces.

Then she quietly fixed her eyes on Hwa Young.

At the clearly felt anger, the smile completely disappeared from Hwa Young’s face as he faced her.

It seems she heard all of the earlier conversation.

Damn, today’s not going to pass peacefully like a slacker either.

* * *

“Prosecutor Joo…?”

In the office of Prosecutor Joo Tae Sung at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office.

The colleagues inside showed bewildered expressions at the appearance of the office owner after a long time.

“Good afternoon.”

It was quite a brazen greeting for someone who hadn’t even made contact for quite a while.

Unable to let this slide so easily, Team Leader Shin Hyung Gu spoke in a voice as agitated as he had been worried.

“Why on earth weren’t you answering contacts! I was really shocked thinking you’d gone missing!”

“If I’d gone missing, this team would have been disbanded first.”

“How can you say that?!”

Choi Sook Hyang, the administrative officer who knew the situation to some extent, gave Team Leader Shin a look to calm down.

Then she carefully asked about Tae Sung’s wellbeing, which had been most worrying.

“Are you alright? Have you recovered from your illness?”

“I’m fine. I’ve also finished reviewing the work from the past 3 years.”

“But shouldn’t you rest a bit more…”

“Nothing would change even if I rested more, so I came in. Everyone can now return to normal work from now on.”

After finishing his greetings without any unnecessary words, Tae Sung entered his office without looking back.

Team Leader Shin shook his head as if disgusted by such an inhumane man.

“Anyway, only the people who worried are made fools…”

“He probably didn’t say anything because he’s fine.”

“Administrative Officer Choi, you’re too benevolent. That’s why you keep enduring under Prosecutor Joo.”

“The reason I keep staying here is because my personality is so good.”

Administrative Officer Choi, who had affectionately soothed the sulky Team Leader Shin, headed towards Tae Sung’s office.

Knock knock― After a couple of knocks, she entered and immediately closed the door firmly.

Then she began reporting on the task Tae Sung had secretly asked only her to do.

“Prosecutor Joo, here’s the list of visitors who came here during that time. And this file contains the places that called for you, Prosecutor Joo. Lastly, this is my analysis of the gossip about you and the atmosphere around.”

Tae Sung skimmed through the files she had placed.

It was neatly organized data, like the meticulous and capable personality of Administrative Officer Choi Sook Hyang.

“You deleted the computer files, right?”

“Yes. I only left paper documents. You can review them and shred them right away.”

“There must be some sensitive information in there.”

“Well… There’s a lot of talk about Chief Prosecutor Go Myung Seok. If it leaks outside, I’d be in big trouble.”

Tae Sung smiled slightly as if he had expected that.

Chief Prosecutor Go Myung Seok, who had always been in tense opposition with Representative Joo Sung Gye when he was active, was a typical narrow-minded person trying to vent his frustration on Tae Sung.

It was obvious how such a person would think about Tae Sung’s accident without even checking the data.

But Tae Sung didn’t think he was the culprit who had attacked him.

He’s not the type to attack someone, being too emotional and not meticulous enough to quickly expose even his narrow-mindedness.

“I’ll review and shred them. Don’t worry.”

Tae Sung answered with a slight smile.

Having received a definite answer, Administrative Officer Choi was about to leave the office immediately to return to work.

Tae Sung’s heavy voice continued to the back of her head.

“Ah, there’s one more thing I’d like to ask…”

Administrative Officer Choi’s eyes turned back to Tae Sung.

“You said your son is getting married soon, right?”

“Huh? Ah, yes. Next month.”

“Then could you perhaps pick out an outfit for me?”

“An outfit? What kind of outfit?”

“An outfit you’d like the bride-to-be to wear.”

It was a very strange request for the first order given right after returning.

He had never made personal requests before.

Administrative Officer Choi briefly thought that the aftereffects of the accident must be quite severe.