Chapter 96

#96 <Comfort and Gifts (2)>

Yoo Myung-sun shook his head at Son Kwang-yeon’s question.

Park Woon-chul had a knack for being enigmatic, never revealing his true intentions. Even in the past, as a friend, Son could only guess based on his actions and the look in his eyes. Over the years, their interactions grew sparse, and it had already been over two years since Park had secured his position. Rumor had it that his heart failure had worsened, and he was barely surviving, relying on an ECMO oxygen mask.

Back in the day, Yoo Myung-sun had also speculated whether Park, in his fervor to take in Son Mun-ye, had set conditions to care for Son Kwang-yeon. But that dark-hearted man never revealed anything and seemed destined to take his secrets to the grave.

Noticing Yoo Myung-sun’s serious expression, Son Kwang-yeon quickly changed the subject.

He wanted to steer the conversation in a desired direction.

“How have you and your family been?”

“Hmm. The eldest, despite being kicked out, seems to be doing well. Haha! As for the second…”

Yoo Myung-sun chuckled, recalling Yoo Mun-sik.

It was surprising to see such a bright expression on his face after his mother’s death, especially at the age of 50.

“The second is busy developing some semiconductor machine. He’s quite the achiever.”

As if the seriousness had never been there, Yoo Myung-sun’s face lit up.

He tapped on a report labeled “Saein Machinery Equipment Development” with his index finger and continued.

“He talks about some complex processes, aiming for domestic development. Ki-jun, who’s in charge of the chemical division, is also working on some new drug. Different chemicals for each process, he says.”

Yoo Myung-sun shook his head, muttering about how complicated it all was.

Jin Hyuk strained his ears, not wanting to miss a single word.

So, Uncle Hong Ki-jun has already ventured into direct semiconductor production. Just from the casual clues Yoo Myung-sun dropped, Jin Hyuk could grasp the trends.

“The world moves too fast. I wonder if my father ever thought the same when he looked at me in his lifetime.”

“What kind of thought?”

“That it’s not just young people adapting well to a rapidly changing world, but rather that smart, young people are the ones driving and accelerating change.”

After a brief pause, Yoo Myung-sun continued.

“I have to admit. It’s time to step back. I’ve found a more than capable successor.”

His expression was serene.

“Leaving something behind for future generations, whether it’s wealth or power… that’s priceless.”

As he spoke, his gaze shifted to Jin Hyuk, who was pretending to be busy in the distance.

When Son Kwang-yeon’s eyes also found his son, Yoo Myung-sun concluded.

“…Or people.”

Yes, I’ve left people behind too. Son Kwang-yeon was momentarily lost in a warm, sentimental feeling. But he couldn’t let his emotions distract him from his son’s important request. He brought up the question Jin Hyuk had insisted he ask on the way to Seoul. Glancing at his son, who was a few steps away.

“By the way, is it true that Daejung supported the independence movement?”

It was a question his son had urged him to ask, something related to Daejung.

Given that Daejung was the only suspect, it was a natural question.

Yoo Myung-sun’s answer was firm.

“What nonsense. Daejung clung to the Japanese and grew big because of it.”

Jin Hyuk’s ears perked up.

Son Kwang-yeon furrowed his brows, puzzled.

“Recently, in a monthly magazine interview, CEO Park Woo-jung said—”

“I saw it.”

Yoo Myung-sun cut him off, his expression hardening.

“Haha, he handed over his wife’s wealth to the Japanese and pocketed a lot. Then, after liberation, he squandered it all on bribes here and there.”

“I hadn’t heard that.”

“Only I and the Parks know this. How many people from back then are still alive? Supporting the independence movement? Hahaha, Jeong Won would laugh.”

Son Kwang-yeon’s jaw tightened, and his eyes widened.

Jin Hyuk, eavesdropping from afar, had a similar reaction. He almost let out a sound but clenched his teeth and held it in.

Misreading Son Kwang-yeon’s shocked reaction, Yoo Myung-sun slightly raised the corner of his mouth.

“Ah, there was a Jeong Won. I don’t know his surname or face. I only heard about him from the Parks and never met him. He liquidated his assets early to join the independence movement and led his followers into battle during the war. He entrusted the remaining funds to the Parks, trusting their business acumen. That’s all I heard from them. Even when drunk, that black-hearted man never spoke in detail. The fact that he told me even that much means he considered me a close friend…”

If such a friend entrusted the Parks with money, it was probably to use it for good causes. But the Parks never spoke of it. Yoo Myung-sun clicked his tongue in frustration.

Without a hint of agitation, Son Kwang-yeon spoke. Jin Hyuk’s eyes also showed remarkable composure.

“By any chance—”

“Yes.”

“I’m not well-informed, but weren’t independence fighters excluded from military records?”

“It was common. It was probably due to some kind of conflict. It’s more accurate to say it was due to the unilateral rejection by the national defense forces at the time. How many people and events were left out of history to suit the victors’ narrative? But why do you ask?”

“No reason. I just thought there would be some record of such a person. Anyway, it’s surprising that Daejung was involved.”

Having gained certainty, Son Kwang-yeon quickly changed the subject, his reddened eyes trembling uncontrollably. His voice was the same.

There was no record in the national army or the independence army’s records.

How could one express this frustration?

Yoo Myung-sun continued to speak, not bothering to gauge Son Kwang-yeon and Jin Hyuk’s reactions. After all, talking about the era he lived through was an old man’s pleasure, even if the kids found it boring and wandered off, while his beloved daughter just munched on cookies.

Thus, the reunion with Son Kwang-yeon was also a comfort to Yoo Myung-sun.

“Daejung didn’t support the independence movement; they received help from independence funds. No matter how important corporate image is, it’s shameless to give such an interview. It seems the Parks’ son is just like his father. Come to think of it, your mother also invested a lot in the Parks.”

“My mother too?”

She wouldn’t have had the means. Son Kwang-yeon almost asked but stopped.

After all, Son Kwang-yeon didn’t know the details, and Yoo Myung-sun only had fragmented information from Park Woon-chul and his mother.

“Yes, that’s what I heard. You know I don’t like prying into details. I was even more reserved when I was young. But your mother was the same. Even though we were like siblings, we hardly saw each other. No phones, busy lives—how many times did we actually meet? We never had the chance to share our inner thoughts. If I had known your mother would leave so soon, I would have given her more brotherly affection. But time seemed infinite to this mayfly…”

The old man’s distant reminiscence echoed.

Son Kwang-yeon looked down at the documents on the table, swallowing hard, lips tightly sealed, unable to respond.

Jin Hyuk also closed his eyes and clenched his teeth.

His clenched fists tightened.

‘Jeong Won… Son Jeong Won.’

A person who only existed in the stories his grandmother told his father and in old photos.

A man with a dashing mustache, smiling brightly in a military cap and uniform.

Sparks flew in Jin Hyuk’s eyes.

A puzzle buried like a relic had risen to the surface, propelled by the force of fate.

***

Jin Hyuk stopped by the bathroom and turned on the faucet.

Tears flowed without reason.

His heart, usually dry and unfeeling of sorrow or anger, now understood the meaning of tears shed in frustration.

‘Grandpa and Grandma were so pitiful.’

Was it a coincidence that past articles about the descendants of independence fighters struggling crossed his mind? Trusting their own people, only to be used and betrayed. In the end, leaving no trace.

Cold water washed over Jin Hyuk’s face, his eyes gleaming.

Though friends with Yoo Myung-sun, Park Woon-chul minimized revealing anything that could tarnish his image. Humans naturally steer narratives in their favor. Understanding that psychology didn’t mean he could empathize or forgive.

It seemed Grandma also had enough wealth to help Park Woon-chul. Probably left by Grandpa for her sake.

There was no need to look further.

Only Daejung threatened Son Kwang-yeon.

But the fact that Park Woon-chul’s lifespan was nearing its end was known to South Korea.

That left only one suspect.

‘Park Woo-jung.’

In this life, overshadowed by Hong Ki-jun, but in the past, he was one of the top businessmen. Born when Park Woon-chul was eighteen, he must be nearing sixty now.

According to Yoo Myung-sun, Park Woo-jung holds the key.

‘Is it about money? Does he have some notarized documents in Grandpa’s name?’

Assuming evidence existed was unrealistic, but that was the only thing worth suspecting.

There were also rumors that he killed his half-brother studying in the U.S. If true, it was likely to avoid splitting the inheritance.

How much would half, or even a quarter, of Daejung be worth?

At least 120 trillion won. Regardless of the current corporate value, by future standards in thirty years, it’s entirely possible.

Anyway, if big money was involved, it could be a motive for Park Woo-jung to harm his family.

‘Someday, I’ll wring him dry and tear him to pieces.’

Like a flounder.

Though part of him wanted to smash things with brute force, that was the easy way out.

True revenge is taking away what someone truly loves and cherishes.

Even in his anger, Jin Hyuk calmly planned for the future.

‘This will be a good test of their abilities.’

If Moon Seok-il brings back the same results Jin Hyuk knows, it will prove their usefulness. He hoped they would return safely, no matter the method.

He needed people to deploy.

Jin Hyuk had to go to school.

‘Park Woo-jung. What a cursed connection.’

In a past life, Park Woo-jung’s drug-addicted third son was handcuffed on his wedding night, high on drugs. At forty, he married Hong Soo-jung, over ten years his junior, but old habits die hard. He must be a college student now, probably starting to dabble in drugs again.

Hong Soo-jung cut ties with Hong Ki-jun that day, and the once lively and kind Hong Soo-jung descended into a dark, drunken path.

Everyone lamented it as the biggest mistake of Chairman Hong Ki-jun’s life.

Trying to treat a golden leaf with care, only to end up with a pile of dung.

‘Well, he probably didn’t know. That the guy was a drug addict.’

Still, she’s his only daughter. He should’ve investigated better before sending her off.

Tsk! Jin Hyuk clicked his tongue sharply.

He had to protect his family and prevent Hong Soo-jung from falling into ruin.

‘And I have to prepare for midterms.’

Too much to do.

***

Son Kwang-yeon had nothing more to ask, nothing more to say.

Yoo Myung-sun had already poured out everything he knew.

Perhaps from speaking too long, his breathing seemed labored.

Though frustrated and angry, Son Kwang-yeon was skilled at suppressing his emotions and calming his mind. He no longer intended to sit quietly in defeat. With two strong allies by his side.

One of those allies re-entered the study.

Yoo Myung-sun gazed intently at Jin Hyuk.

That tall middle schooler, seemingly just browsing the study’s books, had an unusual glint in his eyes. It was clear he was intently focused on the conversation between Yoo Myung-sun and Son Kwang-yeon. This piqued the old man’s interest.

‘Is this the kid Ki-jun mentioned?’

Hong Ki-jun, who frequented the study daily, had spoken of Jin Hyuk.

Though he only recently revealed that Jin Hyuk was Son Kwang-yeon’s son, he had mentioned putting effort into the boy, not just recruiting but capturing him.

At first, Yoo Myung-sun dismissed it as his son-in-law’s clumsy attempt at humor.

‘So, you’re the one destined to be my grandson-in-law?’

Despite his aversion to arranged marriages, curiosity stirred. It wasn’t unusual to pair promising young talents early, even if they were still young.

The long lashes on his slightly drooping eyelids reminded him of his grandmother. Or perhaps he resembled Han Yu-young. Thinking his days were numbered, the old chairman’s eyes shone unusually bright.

‘Ki-jun has a good eye.’

Now, Yoo Myung-sun would believe anything his son-in-law said, even if he claimed to make bean paste with red beans. His granddaughter had even muttered the boy’s name in her sleep. Yoo Myung-sun nodded slightly, stroking his chin.

After a while, Son Kwang-yeon cautiously called Yoo Myung-sun. He thought Yoo Se-ra had zoned out mid-conversation, a family trait.

“Sir…?”

“Oh, yes. Where were we?”

The old man awkwardly smiled at Son Kwang-yeon’s puzzled expression.

“I’m planning to start a business. I don’t want to live crouched anymore.”

“That’s good. You’ll do well.”

Yoo Myung-sun smiled contentedly, meeting Son Kwang-yeon’s eyes.

“Yes, what I wanted to say is. Through a partnership with Saein Group, specifically Saein Distribution and Food, I want to gain management know-how and systems—”

“Hahahaha!”

Yoo Myung-sun’s hearty laughter cut Son Kwang-yeon off.

The old chairman placed a hand on Son Kwang-yeon’s bewildered shoulder.

“That’s something you should discuss with our son-in-law now.”

“Huh? But you’re the head of the group.”

“Nonsense. I’m heading to Soo-jung’s place today, right?”

“Yes.”

“Go and see for yourself.”

Who the real owner of Saein is. Yoo Myung-sun’s curved eyes, still laughing, said the rest.