“He was so smart that he didn’t miss being the top of middle and high school for six years straight. I thought he would soon join the company after hearing the news that he entered a good university, but I never thought I would receive a wedding invitation. I was very sorry to have missed such a talented person. Now that I think about it, I feel like I should be Suyeon’s dad. If it made you uncomfortable, I apologize.”

Hyunjung offered a kind smile along with a sincere apology.

Suyeon, who should have quickly responded that she didn’t feel uncomfortable at all, was unable to easily open her mouth due to the unexpected conversation, overwhelmed with emotions.
Noticing the unusual atmosphere, Yeongseon quickly picked up on Hyunjung’s words.

“Oh, you know our Suyeon?”

“Well, I only saw her a few times when she was young, so Suyeon probably won’t remember much.”

“She’ll remember. Even just listening to your words, it seems you liked Suyeon a lot, right?”

“I haven’t properly talked about it… Anyway, if she remembers, I’d like to treat her to a meal someday. Every time I visited Chairman’s house, we only talked about work, and I barely exchanged greetings with Suyeon.”

“If President Kang can spare some time, I’ll arrange a meeting. Our youngest will probably be happy to hear about President Kang.”

“If Suyeon is happy, I’ll be very pleased too. Please contact me anytime. I’ll be waiting.”

Hyunjung smiled sincerely, his face filled with genuine emotion. Watching him discreetly, Suyeon finally breathed a sigh of relief. It was all so overwhelming.

No one knew that the person with Seo Inho’s face was actually Choi Suyeon, so these flattering words weren’t suitable. Suyeon couldn’t believe her story could take such a heartwarming turn.

Originally, her relationships were not extensive enough for her story to come up anywhere. Moreover, she had only heard negative stories from Daeho and Hyegyeong. She couldn’t have anticipated such an unexpected turn of events.

A warm feeling kept emanating from deep within her chest, giving her the courage she had been longing for.

“If it’s not too intrusive, may I ask one thing?”

Suyeon fixed her gaze on Hyunjung, moving her lips instinctively.

Hyunjung, who was tilting his glass and gulping down his drink, quickly responded.

“Sure, go ahead.”

“As someone who remembers my wife’s childhood and has been a family friend for such a long time, why are you suddenly trying to help us?”

Curiosity arose. Although there had been prolonged disagreements over work issues, the Hyunjung in her memory was not someone to make foolish judgments based on momentary emotions.

Even if he had completely sided with Daeho and introduced a company executive to support TK, why would he go to such lengths?

It was a sensitive question, and despite thinking she shouldn’t ask, she couldn’t help herself.

Contrary to expectations, Hyunjung promptly responded without hesitation.

“Yes, I hope Taeshin continues to thrive as a healthy company for a long time. However, I judged that it might not be possible with Chairman Choi’s management style. That’s why I’m here.”

“…”

“And, if Suyeon chose TK, or if TK chose Suyeon, I thought I could trust it. Does that answer your question?”

Hyunjung concluded his response with a meaning-laden smile.

What could be his intention? Suyeon instinctively pondered.
Unable to discern the exact meaning, but it seemed like Hyunjung’s gaze was supporting Choi Suyeon, who had become a member of TK rather than Taeshin. Because of this, she could wear a brighter smile than before.

“Since we’re talking, do you have someone in mind for the next chairman? With the company in turmoil, it doesn’t seem viable to leave the chairman’s position vacant for too long.”

Hyunjung, who was engaged with Suyeon, suddenly turned to Yeongseon and spoke.

“Indeed, I’ve been considering that issue. From our perspective, considering it’s a position that should encompass the entire company, it would be best for one of Taeshin’s existing middle managers to take it. However, we haven’t identified trustworthy individuals yet.”

“If Madam is okay with it, may I recommend someone?”

“If President Kang suggests it, we would be very grateful.”

Yeongseon nodded with a flush on her face.

At that moment, a knocking sound echoed in the enclosed space, and the ordered food was served. The paused conversation resumed only after all the dishes were prepared.

In a gathering meant to discuss pulling down a company chairman, economic discussions were quite out of place. Hyunjung, Yeongseon, and even Jintae shared their thoughts, blossoming a conversation of diverse opinions.

However, Suyeon couldn’t concentrate on their conversation; she was lost in her thoughts.

The next chairman of Taeshin.

Even though I didn’t have the authority to decide such a thing, after hearing those words, Hyunjung’s face appeared even clearer. It was as if her instincts were telling her that Hyunjung was the most suitable person for that position.

Captivated by that thought, she found herself absentmindedly playing with her food instead of eating.

She didn’t realize that Hyunjung was watching her, seemingly engrossed in her own thoughts.

“Seo-gun seems to dislike the food.”

Hyunjung’s sudden voice snapped Suyeon back to attention.

With a worried expression, she quickly nodded her head.

“Oh, no.”

“If that’s not the case, you should eat. It would be a waste if the food gets cold.”

“Oh, yes…”

Reluctantly responding, she looked at the food, but the desire to eat still eluded her. It seemed she wouldn’t be able to eat anything until she uttered the words hanging at the tip of her tongue.

“Sorry for interrupting, may I say something?”

Although the response of permission didn’t come, the silence indicated understanding.

Suyeon calmly composed herself and expressed her opinion firmly.

“Sorry for speaking out of turn, but regarding the issue of the next chairman.”

“…”

“What if President Kang took on that role?”

Hyunjung and even Yeongseon’s pupils widened at the unexpected suggestion.

Although Yeongseon’s gaze seemed to grab her thigh in surprise, Suyeon focused only on Hyunjung without flinching.

“Oh, Seo-gun. I didn’t bring up that topic with the expectation of such a suggestion…”
Hyunjung, showing signs of confusion, faltered at the end of his words. His demeanor appeared genuinely uninterested in the position of the chairman, confirming Suyeon’s belief.

“I understand. Just because, I don’t think there’s anyone as capable of filling that position as President Kang.”

“…”

“I kindly request it. If the motion to dismiss Chairman Choi Chaeho is approved at the board meeting, please accept that position, President Kang.”

Even with Suyeon’s reiterated words, Hyunjung remained silent. As a position that carries responsibility for a company, he would likely need some time to consider. Instead of repeating the same words, Suyeon gently smiled towards Hyunjung.