A middle-aged man in a neatly tailored suit bowed respectfully toward Chairman Seo.

“Apologies for being late. I tried to get here early, but traffic slowed me down near the end.”

At his courteous manner, Chairman Seo let out a chuckle.

“There’s still about ten minutes until our scheduled meeting time. You’re as punctual as ever.”

The man greeted by a satisfied Chairman Seo was President Jang In-ho of Do Moon Electronics.

He was the eldest son of the Do Moon Group’s owner, and also the father of Jang Seo-young, whom Chairman Seo planned to match with Jae Heon.

Damn it. Jae Heon unconsciously scowled.

Clearly, to his grandfather, he was disposable.

Otherwise, why would he invite President Jang In-ho?

‘I clearly said I have no interest in marriage or matchmaking.’

He had momentarily forgotten that his personality, inherited from his grandfather, was to push forward once he’d made a decision.

The understanding and rational people were the most deceptive, after all.

“Please, have a seat.”

“Yes, Chairman.”

While Jae Heon gritted his teeth inwardly, Jang In-ho sat down next to Chairman Seo.

“It was a tough journey, wasn’t it? This area is always a bit congested. Don’t worry, I’ve already ordered food.”

“Thank you.”

“As you probably know, this is my grandson and the Executive Director of Geon Young Foods, Seo Jae Heon.”

“I am Jang In-ho.”

Jae Heon looked at Chairman Seo, eyes narrowing.

‘What is going on here?’

Chairman Seo deftly avoided his grandson’s fiery gaze with a fake cough.

…Hold on, just hold on. Think of it as a business meeting.

Taking deep breaths to calm himself, Jae Heon finally spoke.

“I am Seo Jae Heon. Thank you for coming.”

After all, he couldn’t let his personal feelings harm his grandfather’s or the company’s reputation.

Especially when Do Moon Group was otherwise a decent party to contract with.

Yes, a matchmaking proposal could simply be refused.

If he stood firm, the other party, having their own pride, would back off.

It was a well-known fact that President Jang In-ho dearly loved his youngest daughter. Particularly, he had famously turned down a meeting with an American semiconductor company to attend his daughter’s high school graduation.

The American company admired Jang In-ho’s familial commitment and eventually, both companies signed a deal.

This had been a big story, and Do Moon Group’s reputation remained high ever since.

“Haha, how have you been? I feel close to you since people keep talking about Executive Director Seo.”

“People talk about our Jae Heon like that?”

“Yes, Chairman. Where else could you find such an exceptional and competent person? I even read an article in a financial paper that called Executive Director Seo a ‘Master of Self-Management.'”

“Oh, really?”

“Yes. Executive Director Seo is obviously a chip off the old block. After all, aren’t you, Chairman, a living legend and a master of self-management yourself? No one would guess you’re in your 70s.”

Chairman Seo burst into hearty laughter at Jang In-ho’s words.

“Hahaha, it’s true. People are always surprised when they see me. I’ve even been asked if I’m really in my 70s. I often hear that our Executive Director looks a lot like me, and I have to agree.”

“Executive Director Seo is fortunate. He’ll turn out to be a magnificent man like you as he ages.”

Jingle jingle. Jingle jingle.

The ongoing flattery from Jang In-ho was grating on Jae Heon’s ears.

It wasn’t just Jang In-ho; what was even more puzzling was that his grandfather continued to entertain this flattery.

“Jae Heon, always be wary of flatterers and sycophants. The moment you show weakness, they’ll be the first to tear you apart.”

Where had the vigorous general, who used to say things like that, gone?
Sometimes I think I should be receiving royalties or something from that guy. Thanks to my genes, he’ll always have good looks and physique!”

“You’re absolutely right.”

“Hahaha!”

Why is it that only foolish kings fall for the cunning words of treacherous ministers?

He clearly intended to overvalue himself for some personal gain.

Unaware that his grandson had lost faith in him, Chairman Seo maintained a warm atmosphere with Jang In-ho.

“The trends have been really good lately. Chairman Jang also seemed pleased.”

“I was lucky. Many people around me were helpful.”

“If things continue like this, you’ll keep progressing. Oh, I heard you have good news in the commodities sector. A collaboration with French L Company, right? The first in Asia?”

“Haha, yes, that’s correct.”

“I heard it was a project led by Seo Yeon?”

“Ah, it’s a bit embarrassing to say myself, but my daughter took responsibility for it for the first time, and the results were good.”

Jae Heon chuckled. Finally, the conversation was shifting in that direction.

His grandfather’s plan to inflate his own worth was starting to kick in earnestly.

Heck no. He was already spoken for.

For at least three more months.

And even after that, he planned to be taken. Because he would make it so.

‘…Is she eating well?’

Thinking of Ra Jin made him miss her terribly.