At Kyuchil’s good-natured response, Hyunji’s father immediately turned the conversation to the issue of finding a house.

“Well then, I’d like to discuss the issue of the kids’ house. You know well, but since Hyunji is my illegitimate daughter adopted at a later age, to be blunt, I don’t want my daughter to suffer. So, I’d like to ask straight away. How much are you thinking about the kids’ house?”
Malhui and Kyuchil, after a night of discussion, had initially considered a limit of 500 million. They planned to gather the money, cash out all the insurances, take out a loan with their current home as collateral, and settle Heeuk’s retirement pay early, providing the maximum amount possible.

However, when Hyunji’s father spoke up, Malhui felt the need to be a bit more ambitious. If they sold their current home and moved into a rental, could they possibly provide support for their daughter Heejin as well?

Before Kyuchil could speak, Malhui stepped in.

“With what Heeuk has saved, we should be able to prepare 2 billion. We want to make sure they can live comfortably in a good location in Seoul, even if it’s not a luxury apartment.”

Heeuk’s eyes widened.

Where does Mom have that kind of money? Where do I have it?

It seemed unreasonable for Mom to have that much money unless she won the lottery. How could we possibly afford that given our circumstances unless Mom comes into a lot of money through some other means?

Kyuchil, Malhui’s husband, also had a bewildered expression.

Heeuk’s doubts were soon understood with the answer given by Hyunji’s father.

“Then let’s do this. I will contribute 20 billion to what the son-in-law is preparing. It would be good if we could find a nice house at around 40 billion. Then both of them can start their newlywed life in a good house in Seoul.”

Heeuk’s eyes sparkled at his father-in-law’s generous investment. It was very exciting, but still, Mom’s statement was a cause for concern.

Starting in a good house is a good thing, but…

Can Mom really afford that money? Wouldn’t we become penniless due to Mom’s medical expenses?

After a long weekend, Monday arrived.

While at work, Soeun could confirm in the afternoon that Taejun had returned. In the midst of work, Taejun contacted Soeun’s desk.

“Mobile Services Team, this is Han Soeun.”

Even with a calm and leisurely voice, Soeun was startled and hunched over. Beside her, Bobae glimpsed her reaction and shot her a quick glance.

“Yes. Director.”

Soeun couldn’t answer immediately.

I missed you. But how can I say that now? I can’t hide and escape from your phone call. Even my colleague next to me seems to have noticed that it’s a call from the director.

While pondering how to delicately and flexibly talk about personal matters without being overheard, a picking sound came from the other side.

“Yes. I understand.”

He playfully teased for a moment before swiftly switching to work mode; he was a man with a quick switch.

After the call ended, in the brief moment of daze, Bobae spoke up.

“Director’s call? Kim Taejun, the director?”

“Huh? Uh… yeah… After work, come upstairs. Starting from today, it’s the TF team.”

“Wow. It’s really starting from today!”

Bobae’s voice was excited, and Soeun felt relieved that Bobae hadn’t noticed anything.

After regular work hours, Soeun went up to the 7th floor with Supervisor Jangeunpyo and Employee Park Bobae. Taejun was already seated when they arrived in the office.

“Director, hello!”

Bobae, with a bright greeting, was the first to say hello. Soeun and Eunpyo awkwardly greeted as well.

“Did you have a good weekend?”

Taejun, who had been looking through some documents, raised his eyes and greeted the three. Though it was a general greeting, Soeun somehow felt his gaze fixed on her. Despite returning straight from a weekend business trip, he seemed tireless, and his gaze was unburdened. Under that gaze, Soeun’s heart stung even more.

“Please, have a seat. Let’s get started.”

Soon, Taejun offered them seats and laid out relevant documents in front of them.

As soon as the three sat down, the briefing began.

“Last week, I asked Supervisor Han Soeun to thoroughly check the company’s part replacement list. She did a meticulous job, allowing us to review detailed records. Now we can proceed to the next step.”

Soeun nodded at Taejun’s explanation.

“Supervisor Han Soeun’s careful work allowed me to thoroughly check past records. Now we can proceed to the next step.”

Soeun, scrutinizing the documents, widened her eyes. The material was denser than expected. Given his regular schedule, business trips, and the heavy workload, when did he manage to prepare this? Astonished, Soeun sat back and carefully read the documents while listening to Taejun’s explanation.

“The most noticeable point in the organized data was regarding the replacement of the mainboards for mobile phones EH300 series, EW500 series, and AF100 series. There were quite a few inaccuracies, but upon examination, these products shared specific chips on the mainboard. It turns out these chips are subcontracted by K Electronics Philippines Corporation. They process parts from a subcontractor in the Philippines at the K Electronics Philippines factory to supply mainboards domestically.”

Taejun’s clear explanation continued in a resonant voice. Soeun, lifting her gaze from the documents, focused on Taejun. His explanation was a different kind of shock. The biased prejudice against a chaebol grandson who is loved without working was shattered in an instant. He was someone who knew how to work properly.

Was that man who called her a while ago and sarcastically asked if she didn’t want to see him, really the same person? The one who used to harass her because she couldn’t be controlled like other people.

His focused demeanor on work now looked even more admirable, and Soeun’s cheeks were tinged with embarrassment once again.