Congressman Chae and Congressman Jung were political and personal rivals who opposed and restrained each other.

“Jeong Taehyuk, it seems he’s slowly preparing to become a presidential candidate after the election… Huh.”

Muttering as if talking to himself, Congressman Chae raised the book placed on his knees.

“To get closer to the voters, publishing an autobiography like this is also a good method. So, did you read it?”

“Just briefly. What about Father?”

“I just skimmed through it.”

Although his voice was indifferent, Congressman Chae’s complexion somehow seemed dark. Was it possible that after reading the shrimp tempura incident, his feelings became unpleasant?
For a moment, a small suspicion crossed Yulli’s mind. Did Congressman Chae also harbor a slight hope that he might be loved by the wife who made shrimp tempura? After a while, the car carrying the two arrived at an upscale Korean restaurant with a camaraderie gathering. Known as a famous location for political meetings, the place boasted spacious gardens reminiscent of a palace, exceptional views, and dazzling lights.

Upon entering the reserved annex, the sight of Congressman Jung Taehyuk, who had already arrived, engaging in conversation with other politicians, caught Yulli’s eye. As it was a friendly gathering, the discussion was mostly personal rather than political. The politicians who had watched over Yulli since childhood warmly welcomed her. Most remained silent about the fact of her divorce from Minwoo. Only one, Congressman Park Changseon, who had long coveted Yulli as a daughter-in-law, spoke thoughtlessly.

“Yulli, these days, divorces, they’re nothing at all. There won’t be any flaw. It’s much better to break up before going than after going for nothing. Don’t you agree?”

“That’s right.”

If she truly loved Minwoo, she might have been hurt by Congressman Park’s words. However, Yulli, who was grateful for the divorce from Minwoo, smiled faintly. Congressman Park continued the conversation.

“How about it? If you have time, would you like to meet our second child? Age doesn’t matter; our youngest is also fine. Both kids take after me in terms of brains, personality, appearance—flawless. Hahaha.”

Unable to outright refuse, Yulli subtly turned her head toward Congressman Chae. In such situations, it was wisest to leave the refusal to her father.

“Congressman Park, let’s talk about that later. It hasn’t been long since the divorce…”

“I know. I’m just saying it in case someone else from another household tries to snatch our Yulli.”

“Got it. Since you understand…”

Congressman Chae stepped forward, gesturing for Yulli to go ahead and sit at the table. “Yulli, our youngest will be coming to Korea next month. Could you spare a moment to see him? Whenever you’re available?”

As Congressman Park continued to try to make plans with Yulli, Congressman Chae grabbed his arm and led him to the garden. Once the two left, Yulli searched through the name tags on the table to find her seat.

Surprisingly, her seat was right next to Congressman Jung Taehyuk.

As Yulli took her seat, Congressman Jung, who had finished talking with other politicians, naturally turned towards her.

“Hello. You’re Congressman Chae Hyeongshik’s daughter, right?”

“Yes, Congressman. Hello.”

As she engaged in conversation with Congressman Jung, Yulli found herself inexplicably tense.

“Always seeing you from afar and now seeing Yulli up close like this, it’s quite surprising.”

Perplexed by the remark, Yulli made a curious expression, and Congressman Jung smiled gently, nodding his head.

“I say that because you strongly resemble your late mother.”

“Yes, I hear that a lot around me.”
At that moment, the waiter brought a plate of shrimp tempura and began placing them on individual plates. Just as he was about to place a plate in front of Congressman Jung, he politely raised his hand to decline.

“I’m good. I have a crustacean allergy.”

“Allergy?”

The waiter asked, slightly surprised.

“Yes. It developed suddenly after entering high school. It’s not very severe, just some hives, but I try to avoid it whenever possible. Other seafood is fine.”

“Then, Congressman, would you like to change the menu to fish or squid tempura?”

“No, there’s no need for that. The others are fine.”

Listening to the conversation between Congressman Jung and the waiter, Yulli took a bite of the shrimp tempura. It was crispy, the batter breaking apart, and the savory taste spread in her mouth. However, due to her complicated emotions, she couldn’t taste anything.

If Congressman Jung developed a crustacean allergy since high school, he might never have had the chance to taste the shrimp tempura made by his mother, Soyeon.

“Hoo.”

Lost in her contemplation, Yulli laughed as if to say how absurd it was.

How useless is it to deduce alone like this? In the end, she couldn’t reach the truth…

It might be better to directly ask Congressman Jung, ‘How much did you love my mother? Have you not forgotten her yet?’