“I was so surprised to hear that Director Kim was hospitalized.”
As most of the people gathered were elderly, conversations about health naturally became a topic. Someone congratulated Director Kim on his recovery and asked about the secret to his health.
“Nowadays, once we get sick at our age, it’s hard to get up again. Please tell us the secret to your quick recovery.”
“What secret could there be? I just thought no matter what, I should endure it somehow because my family worried about me. At our age, we’re not living based on mental strength anymore, right?”
“Exactly. We have to live by tightly holding onto our sanity.”
“Listen to how worried everyone was after hearing the news.”
“Sorry for causing concern.”
“Don’t get sick, and stay with us for a long time. Hahaha.”
With friendly laughter and light banter, the conversation flowed.
However, these were individuals who had occupied the top positions in Korean society, experiencing various upheavals throughout the country’s history.
Everyone presented themselves in a polite manner, but deep inside, it was clear that there were individuals with hidden concerns, as if a few earthworms were wriggling in their hearts. In such an atmosphere, every word and action had to be approached with caution.
“After experiencing illness this time, I felt impatient because I’m getting older but still unable to do what I want and lying down.”
“Nevertheless, Director Kim, don’t you feel secure with Professor Kim Siyun helping you? Well, now he’s also the director of the Cultural Foundation.”
In response to one president’s words, another person intervened.
“Oh, Director Kim Siyun alone? No, my son, Director Kim Byungjun, is also doing his part.”
In this gathering of people who paid special attention to their age and succession arrangements, it was clear that Siyun was expected to succeed the Taehan Foundation. However, since it had not yet been officially confirmed, and perhaps considering it inappropriate to skip the son and only elevate the grandson, everyone praised Byungjun one word at a time.
With the conversation turning to descendants, Director Kim finally brought up what he had intended to say. Although he had not fully recovered, it was also the reason he had come to this gathering today.
“Being discharged is good, but we have an additional member in our house.”
As soon as he mentioned a new member, everyone looked at Director Kim with anticipation.
“This time, my grandson Siyun is getting married.”
The banquet hall fell silent for a moment.
Breaking the momentary stillness, someone clapped and congratulated, and then people continued to express their congratulations to Director Kim.
“Congratulations.”
Although they didn’t say it out loud, those present had already marked their feelings about their grandchildren. They were trying hard to connect with the Taehan Foundation in any way possible, and now, with the sudden announcement of the marriage, everyone struggled to express their genuine feelings, disguising them with congratulatory words.
“We already submitted the marriage registration in the U.S., and now we plan to hold a celebration in Seoul with the people here.”
They had already completed the marriage registration. The expressions on everyone’s faces were still frozen in surprise.
“Director Kim, was your recent trip to the U.S. because of this?”
“Yes.”
While everyone regretted missing the chance, there was curiosity about who had taken the golden opportunity.
“Well, since Director Kim’s grandson is coming in as a son-in-law, I’m curious about which family he comes from.”
Director Kim had anticipated such questions. Considering their family and reputation, if the other family was deemed inferior, they would undoubtedly turn away, finding fault. Even if the other family was considered better than theirs, it would be hard to digest, and there would be backbiting.
Nevertheless, Director Kim, as the head of the family, thought that he needed to announce the marriage news to dispel any futile rumors.
“Yes, we’re curious about which family he comes from.”
“Of course. After looking around, it seems that none of the people here are from that family.”
They were quick to catch on. Everyone was offering forced congratulations with awkward expressions.
“We value people more than the family.”
“What is this nonsense?” Some people looked at Director Kim with incredulous expressions.
“This is the child Siyun met while living in the U.S.”
“But still, they’re not a foreigner, right?”
Although it seemed like a joke, it was a question loaded with bones, aiming to find fault in some way.
“I’m fine with everything, but I did ask to exclude foreigners from the options.”
“The person who has learned as much as you have is too narrow-minded. Haha.”
There was a sharp edge in the laughter.
“Then you must be colleagues. Considering Siyun’s age, getting appointed at such a young age, and the person becoming your son-in-law, that’s remarkable.”
After delivering a blow, there was a planned question to hear a cheeky response.
“No, she’s a student. She studies well, has vitality, and, above all, our Siyun likes her very much. What more could I ask for?”
Siyun showed no interest in daughters from any household, whether they were from the political or business circles.
By expressing it as someone Siyun likes, Director Kim portrayed his granddaughter-in-law.
“As long as the person involved is happy, there’s no problem… …”
Even though the words were blurred at the end, there were expressions of disappointment and curiosity.
Afterward, questions continued about Director Kim’s prospective granddaughter-in-law.
It was not shameful to reveal that she was a hardworking international student with no parents. However, as Director Kim contemplated the criticisms and gossip that would rain down on Mi Joo once this was disclosed, he held back his words.
In the private club of the Wide Hotel, a group called “Five” was in full swing.
The Five gathering was led by overseas students or Koreans living abroad.
Not everyone could become a member of Five just because they were studying abroad. It was a gathering where only those recognized as the top 5% in terms of wealth and power in politics and business could participate. Hence, it was called Five.
Started with the intention of sharing what one had learned, it eventually transformed into a gathering for networking and information sharing among the upper class. Recently, those interested in such circles were the ones who mainly gathered.
The hot topic at today’s Five gathering was Siyun’s marriage announcement.
“Siyun Kim is getting married?”
“What kind of family is she from? There’s no one here, right?”
“Whisper it quietly. Siyun is here today to announce the news herself.”
“Well, it’s his wedding, so of course Siyun would come and share the news.”
Inside the club, everyone was eagerly waiting for Siyun to arrive.
Male lead reborn without memories — but he still falls for her.
The person he finds displeasing in this life turns out to be his cherished wife-master in previous life…
Xie Zhi and Fang Xianxing who had known each other for less than three days through a blind date sat in the same car in front of the civil affairs bureau. They had a disagreement and failed to get married.
Xie Zhi immediately took out his phone, slid through his contacts, and randomly selected the next marriage candidate.
The woman snatched his phone and hung up. Looking at his phone wallpaper, she awkwardly changed the subject: “An ancient painting, eh? It looks pretty good, it’s just that the person in the painting looks a bit like me.”
When he heard this, he sarcastically mocked her for being so delusional, completely unaware that, the person in front of him was the reincarnation of Wen Ru, the famous prime minister of Yuan Shun whom he most admired…
The female CEO who doesn’t want to get married with a divorce agreement in hand × The male archaeological researcher who will only get married if he’s sure he can get divorced
