Thrilled by Madness - Chapter 57
The youngest son who had narrowly escaped death and returned from a dispatch location crossed over to Spain not long after.
As it was a time when the dizzying fear of nearly losing a child had not yet dissipated, Chairman Tae, who was very worried about his son, assigned someone to keep an eye on Seo Jun.
That was how he came to know Eom So Yeon.
And the little boy who was her son.
Chairman Tae, who had been closely observing Tae Seo Jun for a long time, was well aware through the internal CCTV footage that about 4 years ago, his son had entered an ElStella Hotel room with an unfamiliar woman and child.
And when Chairman Tae somehow obtained a photo of Eom So Yeon’s child, he was convinced at first glance that the child was his own flesh and blood.
Why?
Because the child, shining like a jewel, was the spitting image of Tae Seo Jun in every way.
However, Chairman Tae, who liked to be certain about everything, had his people look for opportunities several times. But it was not easy to even approach the child due to the iron-clad defense of the Caucasian woman who was the nanny.
But where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Some time ago, just before sending someone to Canada, Chairman Tae, who was looking into Eom So Yeon’s identity, had to realize firsthand that it’s a small world and things are often right under your nose.
It turned out that Eom So Yeon’s father, Professor Eom Eun Hyuk, was the attending physician who had performed Chairman Tae’s heart transplant surgery a long time ago.
Moreover, Professor Eom was one of the few people trusted by Chairman Tae for his upright and respectable character.
Taking full advantage of that rare connection, Chairman Tae was able to naturally have a meal with Jo Yeon Hee and hold his grandson Hyun Woo, whom he was certain was his own, in his arms.
At that time, the small and chubby little boy who clung tightly to his body really felt like his own child. As expected, he was able to obtain a genetic test result confirming a 99.9% probability that the child was Tae Seo Jun’s biological son.
So now there was no reason to hesitate at all.
Before taking action, Chairman Tae first had to observe the relationship between Seo Jun and So Yeon. Unconditionally pushing the two together without knowing how they felt about each other was not the only solution.
For that reason, Chairman Tae urgently summoned Manager Bong to his Gahoe-dong residence.
“What? The two of them are together again?”
Manager Bong, who had been quietly listening, flinched and answered when Tae Seok Ho’s loud voice suddenly burst out.
“Yes, Chairman. A security guard saw Ms. Eom So Yeon entering the Nonhyeon-dong residence a little while ago.”
“Haha! For a while, I was frustrated that the two of them weren’t catching fire, but now things seem to be going in the right direction! But they won’t break up again, will they?”
“I don’t think you need to worry about that. I’ve never seen the young master so obviously obsessed with someone, which means he has no intention of letting go.”
An enemy was within. It was a bit puzzling that Manager Bong, Chairman Tae’s hidden collaborator, would gladly drink lye for Tae Seo Jun’s sake.
“Didn’t Seo Jun show much reaction to the child’s photo?”
“Since he showed interest, I went ahead and sent it to him. Though he didn’t say anything, his expression seemed quite bright.”
“And he didn’t ask where the photo came from?”
“I just told him I got it from Ms. Yeo Do Soon.”
“Good job. That arrogant kid who only knows how to act haughty in front of his father needs to learn a lesson. Let him experience the pains of raising his own child now. I’m the type who has to get payback for what I’ve been through, you know.”
“You know the young master has the exact same personality as you, Chairman? If that’s really what you want, I’ll pretend not to know anything until the day I die, for fear of the aftermath.”
In fact, it was Manager Bong, who cherished Tae Seo Jun more than anyone, risking danger to help Chairman Tae. After all, there was no reason to refuse finding a child for one’s superior and a father for that child.
“Well, you can do that. But Seo Jun really had no idea that the child was his?”
Chairman Tae, who nodded his head as if that was how it should be, asked one more thing.
“That’s how it seemed to me. Then how long are you planning to just stand by with your arms crossed, Chairman?”
“It won’t take long. Seo Jun is no fool, so until he figures it out himself, the three of us – you, Secretary Kang, and myself – will keep our mouths shut.”
“I’ll keep that in mind, Chairman.”
Not even ten billion, but a whopping 10% of Chairman Tae’s entire fortune was being transferred. So there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Tae Seok Ho thought it might be less of a waste if he could at least see his son struggle this time. It seemed like it would be a bit entertaining to watch.
“From what I can tell, Eom So Yeon doesn’t seem like an easy young lady to deal with. I guess Seo Jun has been agonizing a lot in the meantime?”
“Well, I can’t say that’s not the case.”
“Anyway, it seems Seo Jun has met his match. Heh heh heh…”
He had a grandson he never dreamed of, one he had wished for so much.
Just that fact alone filled Chairman Tae’s face with a satisfied smile.
[This is the timeline separator]It was early evening.
Won Hoo, who had visited the main house in Seongbuk-dong, was waiting for someone.
For Cha Yeo Jeong, who would soon arrive home after finishing her meal service volunteer work at a nursing home, demonstrating noblesse oblige in action.
Finally, when she appeared in the reception room, Won Hoo shot her a sharp look. He criticized his mother’s brazen and embarrassing behavior that was utterly unbelievable.
“Why did you do that!”
“Is it because of that girl? Let’s sit down first. You look tired.”
Contrary to her words, Yeo Jeong, showing no signs of fatigue and with a radiant and flawless appearance, took a seat on the sofa. Then, gazing intently at her son’s sneer, she slowly opened her mouth.
“Yes, I did it. I wondered what brought you home, and it was just for that?”
Yeo Jeong’s voice, uttered in a low tone, was colder than Won Hoo’s expression.
“You said ‘just’? Mother had someone threaten another person. No matter what justification you attach to it, it cannot be legitimized. Why on earth did you cause such a thing!”
Knowing that Eom So Yeon had no feelings for her son. But Yeo Jeong was all the more displeased by that.
Even if he liked her, she should like him back, but her attitude of boldly rejecting Yeo Jeong’s son despite her place really grated on her nerves.
“There was a good reason for it. You need to come to your senses now. I didn’t interfere with that silly company of yours since it’s your business, but this time is different! What are you going to do if that Eom So Yeon sets her mind on swooping in on you? She’s not one to have a spotless personal life.”
“Ms. Eom So Yeon is not that kind of person!”
“Of course she is! She acts innocent on the surface but I hear she’s quite loose-lipped behind people’s backs, so what do you like about a girl like that! Can’t you see she’s an unwed mother? That’s why I took some preemptive measures.”
“Mother!”
They both knew it was a meaningless clash. However, Won Hoo was very disappointed by his mother’s actions, and Yeo Jeong, who had anticipated this reaction from her son, intended to give him a stern talking-to this time.
“Look at that. You’re already raising your voice at your mother because of that worthless wench.”
“Is every unwed mother worthless? By that logic, what about you, Mother!”
“You, you… are you comparing me to that cheap thing right now?”
“I don’t see why not. Do you know why I don’t join Father’s company? The relatives still whisper about me being a child born out of wedlock. Isn’t Father’s company the very den where those people swarm! Do you know how it feels to hear those nonsensical words? You of all people should…”
“Enough!”
Yeo Jeong, cutting off her son’s words, shouted loudly.
“I don’t want to hear any more of it!”
“Mother…!”
For a moment, deep emotion flashed across the gazes of the fiercely confronting mother and son.
“Why are you bringing that up here! Since you mentioned it, let me make this clear! That’s exactly why you need a better marriage prospect. So that no one can ever say such things again!”
That was because Chairman Gu had been divorced once before marrying Yeo Jeong.
His ex-wife from an arranged marriage, who had been unable to bear him an heir for a long time, had to give up her position as the primary wife to Cha Yeo Jeong, who was carrying Chairman Gu’s child.
However, due to the legal battle launched by the ex-wife, high society was abuzz for a while, and as a result, Yeo Jeong was branded for life as the mistress who pushed out the primary wife.
The only reason people didn’t carelessly gossip about Yeo Jeong was thanks to her having Cha Yeo Jin, the older sister who was the lady of the household of the most wealthy and powerful family in both name and reality.
But for her son to dig up that unspeakable matter over some unwed single mother!
“It’s a matter of pride for you, your father, and myself. Anyway, that girl is a no-go! Otherwise, you’ll regret it, and I’m telling you I can do even worse things if it comes to that!”
Yeo Jeong stated firmly in a stubborn tone.
“It’s my life. Even if I end up with the bitter result of regret, I will marry according to my heart’s desire!”
“I know. You’re the type to do the opposite of what you’re told. But you can’t beat me.”
Yeo Jeong slowly removed the scarf from her neck without batting an eye and declared:
“Still, go ahead and try if you want. I’ll show you clearly who will win.”
“But first, you’ll have to apologize for the wrong you’ve done, Mother.”
“This kid, really! Why should I apologize to that pathetic thing! I never want to see her again!”
“We’ll see about that. Whatever it is, even if you do as you please, Mother, you won’t be satisfied with the outcome.”
It seemed like an endless parallel line.
Realizing the wall grew thicker the more he talked with Yeo Jeong, Won Hoo got up from his seat.
“I told you not to make assumptions about people’s futures. Please think carefully. I’m saying this for your sake, Mother.”
His words about doing it for Cha Yeo Jeong’s sake were sincere.
Because the price of wrongdoing always comes back like a boomerang to the one who threw it.
After seeing the black box footage, Won Hoo decided to let go of any lingering attachment to So Yeon. It would take some time. His heart would ache in the meantime too. Gu Won Hoo was slowly sorting out his feelings for Eom So Yeon.
He felt good every time he saw her, and they had great conversations too. Above all, her calm personality was really appealing. Perhaps her upright demeanor, in contrast to her delicate appearance, captivated his heart even more.
But as long as he didn’t give her up, it was obvious his mother would stop at nothing to threaten her, just like with the car accident. Moreover, he knew that Eom So Yeon only thought of him as the head of her agency. To Eom So Yeon, who already liked Tae Seo Jun, he was nothing more than an obstacle.
As Won Hoo turned his back coldly and left the reception room, Yeo Jeong shuddered so much that the scarf in her hand trembled.
“That, that kid…!”
When she gave birth to a son, she was as happy as if she had the whole world. It was the first time since their bond as mother and son began that her one and only son had stood up to her with an attitude that seemed to devour his mother.
All because of that wretched girl.
Yeo Jeong very much disliked Eom So Yeon, who made her flustered just thinking about her.
[This is the timeline separator]11 p.m.
You could call it a midnight date.
So Yeon, who had smoothly completed her schedule in Daejeon and arrived in Dogok-dong an hour ago, took a shower, roughly dried her wet hair, and came down to the apartment entrance.
She spotted the familiar black sedan as soon as she stepped out of the glass automatic doors, just as the refreshing night air replaced the sultry wind of the day and touched her skin. Worried someone might see, So Yeon quickly jumped into the passenger seat of the sedan and cautiously examined the back seat just in case.
“Mr. Park Sung Ho and Manager Bong didn’t come with you?”
So Yeon turned her gaze to the driver’s seat and looked at Seo Jun, who snickered as if dumbfounded.
“We barely have enough time for just the two of us, why would I bring anyone else.”
His expression as he spoke with a smile was so terribly attractive that So Yeon’s white face, devoid of makeup, flushed shyly.
She had clearly said she would return around midnight yesterday. And she had finished work early and come home sooner than planned.
She had exchanged text messages with Seo Jun like that and told him she would be waiting in front of the apartment 5 minutes ago. But as soon as she stepped out in front of the building, his car was conspicuously parked on the road.
So Yeon, who couldn’t help but realize that Tae Seo Jun had already come here while feigning innocence during their communication, blinked her exceptionally long and full eyelashes and asked.
“By the way, when did you get here? You just texted me to come slowly, and you acknowledged it too.”
“I can’t make my woman wait.”
“So when.”
“Around 9?”
“If you’ve been waiting since then, that’s easily two hours. Why did you come so early? Did you have nothing to do?”
“There’s always work to do. But what could be more important to me than Eom So Yeon?”
“…”
Was this man always so sweet?
She could feel his sincerity fully in his words and actions. Because of that, So Yeon looked at Seo Jun with an excited gaze, her mood turning sweet. Then she shifted the topic to something else.
“Do Soon passed out at our house instead of going to her own place. I guess she was tired from the long-distance driving. I need to go inside before she wakes up. Do Soon can’t know that we’re meeting.”
It was possible that Yeo Do Soon, an avid fan of Tae Seo Jun, might give Eom So Yeon a hard time. Understanding So Yeon’s story to some extent, Seo Jun already felt reluctant to send her home. He also realized for the first time that this is what it feels like to not want to send the woman you love back home.
So he said:
“Then, let’s meet tomorrow as soon as Ms. Yeo Do Soon leaves.”
“Yeah, we can do that.”
“Did the shoot go well?”
“Of course. The fact that we finished early is thanks in part to my stunning visuals.”
“…”
Perhaps because the joke fell flat, Seo Jun’s expression stiffened impassively.
“I was just kidding, did it sound like a princess syndrome?”
“Not a syndrome… just a princess.”
Seo Jun cracked a smile as he relaxed his stiff expression at the end of his sentence. So Yeon, newly realizing that his ability to pull off a straight face was also top-notch, couldn’t help but laugh too.
“You’re too honest. Hehe.”
“Should I be even more honest?”
“…!”
Wondering what he was going to say next, So Yeon suddenly drew in a sharp breath.
For a moment, Seo Jun’s face came close and stopped right in front of her. So Yeon tightly closed both eyes because she thought he was going to kiss her. But that was a misunderstanding.
The instant she heard a click, So Yeon realized her mistake and as soon as she opened her eyes, she started fanning her flushed face with her hand.
“Where should we go now?”
As Seo Jun, who had fastened So Yeon’s seat belt, started the car and asked, So Yeon raised her voice somewhat excessively, beyond feeling embarrassed.
“Somaek*! I wanted to down a shot after work. Call?”
[*T/N: Soju + beer cocktail]
“I guess we’ll have to go to a pojangmacha** then?”
[**T/N: Street food tent]
“If you do that, it would be the icing on the cake.”
“I know a place. Let’s go there.”
“Great!”
As he drove, Seo Jun thought.
The deeper the longing, the thicker the desperation.
Yielding Eom So Yeon to anyone else but himself ends today.
Tomorrow, he would use whatever means necessary to be with her all day long.
And it would be even better if they could be together for much, much longer.
When scheming men desperately battle for her favor in the male harem
This one’s also on my reread list! The rivalry, scheming between the men in the imperial harem are just as intense and thrilling as in classic palace drama novels, where concubines fight to the death. Give it a read, girls! I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Synopsis:
“I am not worthy of her… but I still want to be by her side, even if only as a loyal dog…”
Those were the painful whispers of Yue Guanyi – the proud Crown Prince of the Great Qi, who was torn between deep love and a guilty conscience. Despite holding the supreme power of the Imperial Guard, he still could not forget the dark past when he was sold into a brothel.
Fate played a cruel twist when Qiu Shuzhi – a young female official who had just passed the imperial examinations with top honors – stepped into his life. She did not know that she was the one who had saved him from a tragic fate many years ago. And now, her heart was the target of pursuit for both Yue Guanyi and the powerful Empress Dowager Qin Qing.
While Yue Guanyi only dared to silently care for and protect the one he loved from afar, the Empress Dowager Qin Qing openly expressed his feelings and did not hesitate to take advantage of his power to approach Qiu Shuzhi. The covert struggle between the two most powerful forces in the imperial court began…
Trigger warning: All men in this novel are yandere style.
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