Sahee sat down to put on her shoes, her gaze drifting toward the pond where voices echoed. She locked eyes with Taeon, who seemed to have noticed her presence. The moment she gave a brief nod, the man standing beside him, who seemed to be his secretary, turned around.
“Oh, hello! You must work here!”
“…Hello.”
“Please take care of us for now.”
The man’s voice was bright, his demeanor friendly. Without that warmth, she might have just slipped away, pretending she didn’t want to interrupt their conversation.
Sahee stood up, clutching the trash bag, and met the eyes of the two men.
“CEO, the cleaning is done. You can go inside and continue your conversation.”
“Miss Yeon Sahee.”
Just as she was about to head back to her room to rest, CEO Jung Taeon called her. His gaze was heavy. It felt as though she was bearing the weight of a stone as she looked at him.
“…Yes, CEO.”
In contrast, the man beside him moved without hesitation. He bent down slightly and extended his arm, offering her an iced coffee. His hand was so large that the tall coffee cup looked like a child’s toy.
“Take it.”
In that brief moment, the sound of Mrs. Chun’s gasping moans echoed in her mind, along with the image of the condom box glaringly placed on the nightstand.
“No, thank you.”
Her response came out instantly. She should have just accepted it since he was offering, but her refusal was sharp and unnecessary. It was as if she’d unwittingly exposed her own hostility.
CEO Jung Taeon’s expression didn’t change, but she might have offended him. Whether she was welcomed or not, it didn’t matter, yet the anxiety gnawed at her.
“…I’ll be going now.”
Fearing she might hear something unpleasant, Sahee bowed deeply instead of making excuses.
On her way back along the stone path, she hoped Mrs. Chun would recover soon. It had only been two days since the esteemed guest arrived, but she already felt mentally drained.
****
It was just three words.
No. Thank you. I’ll be going now.
The refusal was firm, the discomfort evident. Taeon chuckled as he replayed her blunt rejection of his gesture.
Taking a sip of his iced coffee, the cold liquid flowed smoothly down his throat. Yeon Sahee was limping along the stone path, the trash bag dragging behind her.
Who would eat her up?
Her hurried steps screamed of someone desperate to escape. It was almost amusing to think about why she seemed even more irritable than this morning. Then, the image of the condom box on the nightstand resurfaced.
When he’d returned from his walk, it had been his mother’s passive-aggressive warning, prominently placed on the desk. It seemed she was determined to make him give up in disgust.
He figured the woman must have seen the item he had placed on the nightstand out of frustration. She had been so startled she slammed the door shut just from catching him mid-change.
Recalling the sound of her limping steps beyond the door, Taeon looked down at his secretary.
“Secretary Kim, it was you, wasn’t it?”
“…Pardon? What do you mean?”
“The condom.”
Secretary Kim smiled awkwardly.
There might be condoms here, but the ones Taeon used were a specific size. It would be horrifying if his mother knew that.
“You should have just ignored it.”
“I’m sorry if it made you uncomfortable.”
“That’s enough.”
“…Did something happen with the madam?”
“Who knows. She’s sensitive.”
Taeon shrugged and sat down on the landscaping stone, crossing his legs. The secretary took a step closer, his frustration slipping through.
“I understand why the madam is sensitive. It’s frustrating for me too.”
“Secretary Kim, what’s got you so frustrated?”
“Isn’t it obvious? The CEO is always pushed into difficult situations while he gets all the protection! Jung Taejun was a done deal!”
Taeon, resting his chin on his hand, tapped the tip of his shoe against the ground.
While it was true that the chairman protected Jung Taejun, it was more accurate to see it as a way to keep Taeon in check.
From the automotive sector to construction, Taeon had achieved significant results. Thanks to that, the media spotlight was always on him. Recently, there were even whispers that he, not his father, might become the next head of the group.
Chairman Jung, while outwardly pleased at the idea of his grandson succeeding him, often hinted in private that he didn’t want to be overshadowed.
Moreover, Jungmoon Construction was about to bid for the largest redevelopment project since the group’s founding. If Jungmoon Construction secured the contract, all eyes would be on Taeon, making this unreasonable exile somewhat understandable.
They wouldn’t give it up easily.
Taeon chuckled softly, picturing Chairman Jung’s face flushing with jealousy.
“It’s the same with Yeonghwadang. There’s already so much gossip, and pushing the CEO to stay there… Look at this grand building. All of it was funded by our group. I’m thinking of getting a shamanic blessing when I retire.”
“Please do.”
Taeon chuckled, rising to his feet and brushing off his seat. As he walked back to the annex building, he briefly turned his neck to take in the scenery.
Somewhere in the majestic mountains surrounding the annex lay the graves of his great-grandparents.
During a turbulent period for Jungmoon Group, Chairman Jung had sought out Park Jisun, a renowned shaman, on his secretaries’ advice. The moment she saw Chairman Jung’s face, she wept as if the world was ending, claiming his parents were lying in a pool of blood.
The next day, iron spikes were found driven into the graves of his great-grandparents. Chairman Jung was shocked. Park Jisun suggested removing the spikes, relocating the graves, and appeasing the spirits. She then targeted the chairman of their rival company, TJ, and drove iron spikes into his parents’ graves.
Some said Park Jisun staged the incident to secure Chairman Jung’s favor, but whether it was a revelation or a scheme, Chairman Jung kept Park Jisun by his side.
The relocated graves were in those mountains, and the land Park Jisun received as a reward was Yeonghwadang.
As times changed, Yeonghwadang remained in the shadows of Jungmoon Group, but during times of crisis, Chairman Jung still sought Park Jisun’s guidance.
Nine years ago, when his uncle leapt from the construction building’s roof, it was the same.
Taeon still remembered that winter when black sedans lined the road to Yeonghwadang. He recalled the pale girl standing on the sidewalk, wearing wool earmuffs and boots, with a suitcase larger than her body, silently watching the procession of black cars.
The memory lingered only for a moment. Delving deeper would be pointless sentimentality.
Taeon turned his gaze to Secretary Kim, who had followed him inside.
“The spring baseball opening game is in two weeks, right?”
“Oh, yes! The team sent an invitation. The players are very motivated after the recent stadium upgrades.”
Secretary Kim cautiously gauged Taeon’s reaction.
“Let’s go up then. In two weeks, things should be settled, and the chairman will realize how unreasonable his suggestion was in the first place.”
“Yes, I’ll inform the madam right away.”
“Maybe it’s better to surprise her.”
Who knows what kind of tantrum the chairman might throw.
“Is that so?”
“Let’s do that.”
Secretary Kim’s face visibly brightened. Listening to his enthusiastic chatter about the upcoming event, Taeon walked across the room indifferently.
There was still much to be done.
****
Helping out at Yeonghwadang made the day pass quickly. From preparing ingredients to washing dishes, the absence of Mrs. Chun was keenly felt that evening. The smell of food dulled her appetite, and she ended up leaving the table early.
The walk from the main building to the small sarangchae was longer than it seemed. Sahee strolled, taking in the changing scenery as the seasons shifted. A short walk to clear her head felt like a good idea. Her ankle throbbed from moving around all day, but she could bear it for a while longer.
Just as she was about to head inside, her pocket vibrated several times. She took out her phone and saw a series of messages.
[Yeon Sahee Writer]
[Good news]
[(Emoticon)]
A brown bear character waved on the screen. Without hesitation, Sahee pressed the call button.
“What’s up?”
─ Hey. You don’t even say hello anymore, just jump straight to the point. I’m almost at your place.
“What?”
─ Look up. Hang up and see for yourself!
When she looked up, a bright red sports car was approaching. No matter how many times she saw it, she couldn’t get used to that flashy entrance. Sahee stood still. Soon, a man with a friendly smile stepped out of the car, grinning from ear to ear.
Kim Juhwan was Sahee’s college classmate. He was a year older and had quickly become friends with everyone during orientation. Having spent most of his childhood abroad, he hated being called oppa or hyung, insisting it was cringeworthy. He couldn’t stand seeing anyone left out.
Sahee, who had always struggled to make friends, had a more lively college life thanks to Juhwan.
“Hey, Yeon Sahee, why do you look like a drowned rat?”
“I’ve been busy with guests.”
“You too?”
“I have to earn my keep.”
“How much do you even eat? You’re such a picky eater.”
“What’s the good news?”
Ignoring his scolding, which felt more like a sibling’s teasing, Sahee changed the subject. Juhwan’s grin widened, as if he’d expected it.
“Impatient as always. Hold on.”
He opened his briefcase and pulled out an envelope.
“Here.”
“What is it?”
“Can’t you tell? It’s a recommendation letter for a university abroad.”
“…What?”
“Just read it. You’ve got two weeks to give me an answer.”
The envelope was practically shoved into her hands. As she held it, Juhwan’s grin softened.
“It’s not just for you. Yujeong and Philip got one too. You’re Yeon Sahee, the writer, so don’t start whining.”
“I wasn’t whining…”
“Hey, Yeon Sahee. Who do you think kept you fed during college, huh?”
Juhwan raised his voice, acting as though he’d personally raised them all.
Even though some classmates were five or six years older, he always acted like their big brother, shamelessly calling them “kids” and using other ridiculous terms.
Sahee shook her head, exasperated.
“I’m an adult. I could feed myself.”
“Anyway! It’s a great opportunity. Just read it. You don’t have to worry about a thing. Just go. It’ll be good for you to get out of here.”
“…”
“I’m leaving now.”
Living abroad would be better for her leg, she knew that much. But a job where she just had to show up? Those kinds of things didn’t exist.
As Sahee glared silently, Juhwan decided to flee. She tried to grab his sleeve, but he suddenly stopped and looked in another direction.
“Hmm?”
Following his gaze, Sahee turned her head.
It was CEO Jung Taeon.
Before Juhwan could identify the tall man, Sahee flinched, her fingertips trembling. Juhwan looked at her, puzzled. Sahee quickly composed herself, nodded formally to Taeon, and then forcibly pulled Juhwan.
“Let’s talk in the car.”
“There’s nothing left to say, Yeon Sahee, seriously! Why are kids these days so disrespectful? You’re stretching my clothes!”
“Kim Juhwan!”
“I’m going! Love you!”
Juhwan shook off Sahee’s grip and ran to his car. As he slammed the door and started the engine, Sahee watched him drive away, biting her lip.
At the same time, she felt someone’s gaze on her. Sahee looked up and met Taeon’s eyes.
Leaning against the fence, he was smoking a cigarette, watching her intently.
His eyes were unreadable. In the cold silence, the recent commotion felt especially loud. Realizing he had witnessed her bickering and yelling like a child made her face flush.
Sahee adjusted the crumpled envelope in her hand. She felt too drained to even think about taking a walk now. Just as she was about to offer a stiff greeting, Taeon spoke first.
He flicked the ash from his cigarette with a long finger and turned away, like someone who had lost interest after briefly observing a spectacle.
The spot where he had stood was now empty, with only the faint scent of tobacco lingering. Sahee shook her head and pushed through the gate.
Does she even have the right to feel uncomfortable?
He was a distinguished guest of Yeonghwadang. A very special guest, who meant nothing in her life.
****
Back in her room, Sahee opened the envelope Juhwan had given her.
Inside was a recommendation letter from her college professor and a pamphlet about the scholarship program run by Juhwan’s father’s arts foundation.
“Now, of all times…”
She placed the documents on her desk and then lifted her gaze to the drawings taped to her wall.
Even while majoring in fine arts, she’d never truly expected it to become her career. Those four years had been dedicated to a fleeting dream, pursued with nothing but a pure heart.
After graduating, Sahee returned to her hometown and took a completely different path. It was unexpected, but she told herself that the wind must have its reasons. After all, she was still painting, and that was enough.
Sahee pressed her temples, releasing a long, tired sigh.
She’d been planning to leave this house soon anyway. The idea was to finish her current deadline and then head to Seoul to explore her options. But now, an unexpected opportunity had fallen into her lap.
“Hey, Sahee. It’s me.”
Just then, her uncle knocked on the door. Sahee got up and opened it. He was sitting on the porch, hair slicked back, wearing a bright blue shirt, a wide grin plastered across his face.
“Don’t laugh.”
“This girl is so prickly. Here, eat this. I bought it on my way back from my date. Heard you skipped dinner.”
“What is it?”
“A hotdog. From the market.”
“You took your girlfriend to the market?”
“Hey! I’m not that cheap. I just stopped by after dropping her off.”
Her uncle patted the spot next to him, gesturing for her to sit. With a sigh, Sahee sat down a handspan away. He handed her a light blue plastic bag, the scent of fried oil wafting out.
Sahee grabbed the wooden stick and pulled out the hotdog. Her uncle fished out some ketchup from the bottom of the bag, squirting it in zigzags over the hotdog. Having skipped lunch and gone all afternoon on an empty stomach, her hunger was finally catching up to her.
As she took a bite, she glanced at her uncle. A thick gold necklace, which she’d never seen before, gleamed around his neck.
“What’s with the necklace?”
“This? It’s fashion.”
“Seriously.”
“Why? You think it’s tacky?”
“I’d say your girlfriend really loves you.”
“Really?”
“It’s not a compliment.”
Whether he cared or not, her uncle stood up and did a ridiculous little dance, shaking his hips. Sahee rolled her eyes and took another bite of the hotdog.
“Did you hear we’re visiting the graves tomorrow?”
“Yeah.”
“Oh man, that place is rough. When their eldest son died, everyone was drenched in sweat climbing up there. That’s when I realized nature is a great equalizer. Everyone, whether they were chaebols or not, turned pale and their legs shook, but no one dared to complain in front of Chairman Jung.”
On that day nine years ago, Sahee had been on a train heading to Seoul. The Jungmoon family had been swarming with people, and both her uncle and Mrs. Chun had been deeply frustrated that they couldn’t go with her.
She remembered it as a particularly bitter winter. Sahee vaguely recalled the line of black sedans rolling into Yeonghwadang as she left for the train station.
…Could CEO Jung Taeon, that man, have been among them?
“Even amidst all that, the Poison Trio climbed the mountain without breaking a sweat.”
“…What’s that?”
“Our Seonnyeo, Chairman Jung of Jungmoon, and CEO Jung Taeon. Those three. The successful ones are different. If you stabbed them, they wouldn’t bleed — they’d ooze poison. CEO Jung Taeon was studying in the U.S. back then, but even then, I knew he’d inherit Jungmoon.”
Uncle Bang raised his chin arrogantly, as if his prediction had been spot-on. Hearing him boast about his supposed “shamanic sense” after working at Yeonghwadang for three years, Sahee chewed and swallowed her last bite of hotdog.
Maybe if she’d left a day later that winter nine years ago, she might have seen him.
“Uncle, hurry up, wash up, and go to bed.”
“Huh? I can’t.”
“Why not?”
“There’s no LTE signal up there. I have to keep my phone close tonight, or my girlfriend will get mad.”
“That sounds exhausting.”
Sahee rose to her feet. Uncle Bang crumpled the plastic bag in his hand, stood up, and stretched as he looked around the yard.
“Oh, I need to clean up this place when I get some time. What a mess. It looks like ghosts might come out. Yeon Sahee, are you pulling another all-nighter?”
“Yes.”
“The hotdog was good, right?”
“It was.”
“You didn’t get caught by the Seonnyeo, did you?”
Only now did he reveal the real purpose of the warm, crispy bribe. Sahee nodded absently and waved her hand in the air. Uncle Bang chuckled, looking relieved, and headed back inside.