Chapter 174. I Can’t Let Her Go (11)

Weekly Chapter 2/3

“Is it Kang Minkyung?”

Lee-Seob’s head snapped up.

“That day… when was it? When I told you Kang Minkyung would be sent to the China branch, you went completely pale. After that, you were so out of it that I figured there must be something going on.”

“I’m sorry, Chairman.”

“Is that why you’ve been so worn out and a mess lately?”

“Her absence… has left a deep void in my heart.”

“I hear Kang Minkyung is doing well over there. Even better than before.”

Faced with the chairman’s sharp observation, Lee-Seob lowered his head, feeling utterly small.

“Yes…”

“She’s smart, I’ll give her that. But, Lee-Seob, marriage isn’t just about intelligence. You’re my eldest grandson, the heir to the TK Group.”

“It’s only natural that you oppose this. I understand. But still… I just can’t, Chairman. I can’t let her go.”

The chairman studied his grandson, who kept his head bowed,

“And if I oppose it to the end? What will you do then?”

His voice, though calmer than usual due to the late hour, still carried the authority and weight that could make anyone kneel,

“I’ll accept everything. If you take back everything you’ve given me—yes. I’ll accept that too.”

The chairman let out a long, weary sigh with his eyes closed,

“You think I won’t do it?”

“No. I know you can do even worse. I saw it with Joon-Seob. You love him more than me, don’t you? So much that you can’t live without him…”

At the unexpected, heartfelt complaint, the chairman chuckled,

“You think I don’t cherish you, Lee-Seob?”

“… No. That’s not it.”

A slight ‘tsk’ escaped the chairman’s lips.

“If I cast you out, what will you do?”

“I’ve thought about that. I’ve considered a few things. Unlike Joon-Seob, I don’t have enough money stashed away to control a company. I can’t exactly apply for a job elsewhere either. But… I do have enough to start a makguksu restaurant chain. At the very least, I’ll be able to support my family.”

Lee-Seob had braced himself for the chairman’s wrath, but instead, there was silence. He looked up from his kneeling position.

The chairman’s face was unreadable. The corners of his eyes carried the loneliness that often settled into the expressions of the elderly.

“What did you say? Makguksu? You? You’re going to run a makguksu restaurant?”

Looking into those wistful eyes, Lee-Seob’s heart ached.

“Not necessarily makguksu. I just mean… I’m prepared for that level of sacrifice.”

A faint smile formed at the chairman’s lips. He lifted his hand and gently moved it up and down—a gesture telling Lee-Seob to get up.

“It’s late. Go.”

As he lay back on the bed, Lee-Seob remained kneeling, watching him. The chairman waved his hand again, urging him to leave.

Looking at the frail hand resting on the blanket, Lee-Seob suddenly pressed his cheek against it.

“Chairman.”

“What?”

“Grandfather… I love you.”

It wasn’t something he should say after disappointing him like this, but if he didn’t say it now, he might never get another chance.

“You might not believe me, but even if you love Joon-Seob more than me… I’ve always loved you… even more than my father.”

The chairman let out a quiet chuckle and turned to face him, touching his cheek with his other hand.

“So that’s what’s been weighing on you all this time.”

“It’s not like that…”

“It’s different. The feelings I have for you and the ones I have for Joon-Seob—they’re different. Not in size, but in kind.”

Lee-Seob nodded,

“I wanted to be a good grandson. I’m sorry, Grandfather.”

With a remorseful bow, Lee-Seob stood up. He carefully tucked the blanket around the frail old man and looked at his small, thin face for a long time.

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