Chapter 116. Reconciliation (4)

Translator: Aura

It seemed that the possibility of Lee-Seob marrying Choi Hayoung since her family owned shares in TK and the relationship between the two parties had always been excellent, had faded in recent months. After it was learned that both the chairman and Choi Hayoung’s side preferred her to be with Joon-Seob, Lee-Seob’s mother also seemed to have ruled out the idea of a marriage with the Choi Family.

‘Therefore, other potential candidates to become Lee-Seob’s wife must have already been considered…’

— Yes, it’s done. It was narrowed down to five candidates and the order was established. As you know, Professor Choi’s daughter was excluded. A separate contract is being prepared regarding the shares held by Professor Choi’s side.

“When will candidates be tested?”

— It’s on hold.

“Why?”

— Ma’am wanted it so.

Joon-Seob chuckled as if he understood.

“Does that mean she wants me to marry first?”

“Yes. She said that a summer wedding is difficult to organize because many couples choose those months, but she still intends to celebrate it at the end of June.”

Director Yoo Inmok responded as if he had expected that question. Joon-Seob’s eyes narrowed slightly.

***

Seonae came out to meet him at the entrance. When Joon-Seob saw her, he bowed his head.

“Welcome.”

She led Joon-Seob to a small parlor inside. On the coffee table there were already appetizers and a teapot carefully prepared in advance. Once they sat on the sofa, Seonae personally poured the hot tea and gently offered him a cup.

“I would have preferred to prepare a meal, but I know you don’t have much time because you have to go back to the office.”

There were different kinds of rice cakes in bite-sized pieces and neatly lined up.

“I thought you might be hungry at this time in the late afternoon, so I made some small rice cakes. Do you find them too heavy for a snack?”

“No, thank you.”

Once he picked up a fork and started eating the rice cakes, she got straight to the point.

“I have previously discussed with the vice-chairman what I want to talk to you about.”

By vice-chairman she meant Tae Seo-Woo, Lee-Seob’s father, who was sent to the French branch on the chairman’s orders due to the slush fund scandal that occurred late last year.

“I understand, ma’am.”

“Ah…”

Seonae took a moment to continue as she looked at him in disapproval.

“Didn’t we agree not to call me that anymore?”

“It’s a hard habit to break. I’ll be more careful.”

“There will be a new member in the family soon, so please correct it. Your fiancée, who will be like my daughter-in-law, might feel uncomfortable if she hears it.”

Just as he looked up, a faint smile appeared on her face.

“I asked the vice-chairman for his opinion and he said that it’s okay for the Director Joon-Seob to marry first.”

“Do you think so too, aunt?”

“You know… I wanted Lee-Seob to be the first to get married. I was grateful when you asked the chairman to let the eldest grandson marry first. But I think it’s more reasonable for you to be the first since you have a partner to marry.”

“There’s no need for that.”

“If there is a need, the Director of Public Relations told me that some people in the company seem to know about the relationship between the two, so who knows how much gossip could spread if your relationship with Team Leader Yeon Wookyung is not formalized. If the wedding is delayed without reason, it will only cause harm to both of you. No one would like to be involved in unnecessary noise before such an important event. The chairman also insists daily that his grandchildren should marry as soon as possible.”

He slowly sipped his tea as he listened to Seonae. Even Kang Minkyung had noticed the relationship between the two, so there was some truth in her words. However, he knew that wasn’t the real reason.

“… And Lee-Seob stubbornly refuses to get married.”

‘Could it be because of Senior Manager Kang?’

Joon-Seob’s eyes reflected his curiosity.