A child who looks like me

Jaegwang had developed a new habit. During work hours, he would often sigh while looking at photos of his granddaughter.

He had no idea that his two sons could be so adorable; was it because she was a grandchild? Or was it because she was a girl?

Or was it just that she was inherently beautiful?

Or perhaps it was because he couldn’t reach out to her easily?

“Don’t keep them waiting too long. I told you to hurry up and take care of things.”

It had been a week since he parted ways with Ji-heon at the genetic research institute, and he felt hurt by Ji-heon’s actions.

Jaegwang regretted the past. On the day he went for the paternity test, he should have been firmer. He should have clearly told Ji-heon to bring Yena and her mother within the week.

“I should have at least exchanged phone numbers.”

He had, in fact, managed to get Yena’s phone number through dubious channels. However, since they hadn’t formally exchanged numbers, he couldn’t reach out directly.

He was certain that if he called carelessly, he would just end up getting scolded by his son again. Knowing the number but being unable to contact her was its own form of torture.

At first, he had been waiting eagerly for a call, but as time dragged on, frustration began to bubble up. He felt tightness in his chest and nausea in his stomach.

That Ji-heon, even after becoming a father, didn’t even think about how his father must feel was infuriating.

“I have a great reputation at work. But my sons treat me like a joke.”

Jaegwang couldn’t vent to Ji-heon directly, so he quietly lamented to his secretary about his situation.

“What on earth are they doing? How busy can they be to not even send a single message? Find out.”

Unable to hold back, Jaegwang instructed his secretary.

After a while, the secretary returned with some information.

“Chairman, Director Ji-heon is currently at work, but…”

“But what?”

“It seems that there is a bit of a problem between Director Ji-heon and Assistant Lee Jung-o…”

.*. *. *. *. *. *.

After the BJ’s revelation about calling Jung-o his mistress, various comments spread overnight in the online world.

Of course, most users didn’t believe the BJ’s confession. However, some crafted narratives that suited their tastes and attacked Jung-o based on their beliefs. It was a stir created just for the sake of creating chaos.

Guk-soon had told them to be patient now that the restaurant was closed. If they remained quiet, those trying to cause trouble would tire themselves out and leave. Thus, Jung-o didn’t show her feelings too much either.

So, the next morning at Max Planning’s Production Team 2.

“Hang in there, Assistant Lee,” Eun-joo said, offering her encouragement. As always, her expression was as aloof as ever.

“Evil doers don’t just fall; they always take someone down with them,” Jung-o retorted before asking if Eun-joo knew what had happened the night before.

“I heard there are many people who will fight for Cha Eun-bi. It’s nice to see someone else stepping up to fight for her. Those people must be feeling sorry, not even realizing they’re falling alongside her.”

While it was nice to hear someone say “hang in there, don’t worry,” it was also a great comfort to have someone to curse with. Jung-o felt relieved by Eun-joo’s matter-of-fact remarks, like a scratch to an itch.

Yes, she would have to endure and not fall along with them. Just as she gathered her resolve and sat down, the phone on her desk rang.

“Yes. This is Lee Jung-o from Production Team 2.”

“I’m Jeong Jae-gwang.”
Jung-o was at a loss for words upon hearing the voice from the receiver.

“Can Ji-heon come to my office now? I’d like to talk.”
While Jung-o stood there in shock, a calm voice continued from the other end. It was a gentle tone that seemed at odds with the image of the stern chairman.

Jung-o hadn’t heard that the chairman would be visiting the company. It seemed like a sudden visit.

After answering, Jung-o hung up and immediately headed to Ji-heon’s office. His steps were stiff with tension as he reached the door, where his secretary opened it for him.

As Jung-o entered, Jae-gwang stood up from his seat. Ji-heon was nowhere to be seen, and the absence of Ji-heon made him feel even more lost.

“Hello, Chairman.”

“Yes, please have a seat.”

With a stiff greeting, Jae-gwang nodded and gestured toward the sofa. After Jung-o sat down, Jae-gwang took his seat across from him.

In the silence, Jae-gwang spoke first.

“I…”
“…”
“I’m lovesick.”

Jung-o flinched at Jae-gwang’s unexpected confession and looked up. He hesitated on how to respond, but fortunately, Jae-gwang continued speaking.

“When will I hear from my granddaughter? Will she call today? Tomorrow? When tomorrow comes, will it be today again…? It’s already been a week of waiting like this.”

It was a lament. A confession of lovesickness toward his granddaughter. The sorrow of an uncertain wait.

Hearing the heartfelt feelings of the chairman, who had seemed so distant, made him feel strangely close. The tension in his muscles relaxed a bit. However, it wasn’t a moment to smile. Jung-o seriously apologized.

“…I’m sorry.”

“No, I didn’t say that to get an apology.”

“…”

“My child was involved in a fake relationship or something.”

With a wave of his hand, Jae-gwang changed the subject. It seemed that Ji-heon had confessed to his past mistakes. However, Jung-o found it difficult to respond comfortably. It didn’t feel right to discuss such matters in Ji-heon’s absence.

Jae-gwang urged him, “Feel free to talk. I have a general idea already.”

“…Yes. That’s what I heard.”

“Because of that, he’s currently entangled with Cha Eun-bi.”

Having no choice but to give a one-word answer, Jung-o felt the pressure of further questioning, so he quickly asked, “Yes. Chairman, where is Director Ji-heon right now?”

“Director? Hmph.”
With a scoff that indicated his disdain, Jae-gwang pointed to a corner of the office. “He’s over there.”

“…”

“On the thinking chair.”

It was a spot obscured by a tall bookshelf, making it hard to see. Jung-o caught sight of Ji-heon sitting on a small chair, facing the wall. The gray top he wore blended in with the wall, camouflaging him.

Is he a chameleon?

Jung-o barely stifled a laugh at the absurdity of it.

“I told him to reflect and think a bit.”

A man over thirty, punished by his father because of a fake relationship.

“Let’s not worry about him and just talk,” Jae-gwang said.

Despite Jung-o and Jae-gwang’s glances and gestures, Ji-heon didn’t budge. Although he was in the wrong, there was something pitiable about him.

“The way he is must have made Yena’s mom very upset.”

“Yes, a bit.”

“Right? I figured as much.”

Only then did Jae-gwang’s spirits fully return. He felt that he could finally speak his mind in the conference room as if he were having a meeting.

Although he felt sorry for Ji-heon, Jung-o was very grateful to Jae-gwang. The slight grudge that had lingered after Ji-heon had approached him first and after Yena’s paternity test results came back melted away.

“I raised my son wrong. I’m sorry.”

“No, not at all.”

“He’ll be like this until Yena’s mother forgives him.”

“Yes. I feel relieved now too. But I’d appreciate it if Ji-heon could sincerely apologize to me about this.”

Jae-gwang turned his head to Ji-heon and said, “Did you hear that?”

“Yes.”

“Come over here and apologize.”

Ji-heon stood up and walked closer to Jung-o.

“I’m sorry.”

“Say it again with sincerity.”

As soon as Ji-heon apologized, Jae-gwang sharply pointed it out. Without any whining, Ji-heon immediately apologized again.

“I’m sorry.”

“Be sincere and tell me what you’re sorry for.”

“I’m sorry for causing a misunderstanding by having a fake relationship with Cha Eun-bi. I’m also sorry for making Lee Jung-o the target of slander.”

“What are you going to do now?”

“I’ll resolve this as quickly as possible.”

Ji-heon answered Jae-gwang’s question with a serious look in his eyes directed at Jung-o. The whole situation felt absurd, yet the people involved were unyieldingly serious, making it even funnier. Jung-o found it hard to respond to Ji-heon’s apology while stifling his laughter.

“Yes. I’m all good now.”

Jung-o answered.

Satisfaction. It felt refreshing.

“Are you sure there’s nothing else bothering you?”

“No, there isn’t. Well then, Chairman, may I leave now? I have a meeting scheduled for this morning.”

It was a relief that he could quickly leave this spot since he had another appointment.

“Sure, sure. We’ll meet again.”

Jung-o left the office feeling satisfied as Jae-gwang saw him off.

After Jung-o left, Jae-gwang sighed deeply in the now-quiet office.

“He calls me ‘Chairman.’”

Jae-gwang wanted to blame his son for the feeling of disappointment that arose from the title. With narrowed eyes, he expressed his dissatisfaction to Ji-heon.

“Honestly, I feel quite upset. I made my feelings clear that day, so why has it taken a week for you to show your face, just to show me a child? Do I have to come up with excuses to see you like this?”

But this son of his showed no signs of remorse and kept facing him.

“You should’ve persuaded Mom more,” Ji-heon replied.

“Why should I?”
“Mom came to the company. Jung-o wouldn’t take her in and only wants to raise the child.”

A rigid wrinkle formed on Jae-gwang’s forehead. In a household where there was no communication, he was unaware that such things had occurred.

“You haven’t been very concerned about it, have you? You knew there was conflict between your mother and Jung-o that day but never spoke to her directly.”

Ji-heon’s pointed remark made Jae-gwang’s voice shrink.

“…My mother doesn’t talk to me about those things.”

“To be honest, neither of you communicate with each other.”

“Where would we find the time to talk? More than half the year, I’m on business trips.”

“And yet you miss Yena.”

Jae-gwang clenched his lips. The excuse of being too busy was, in fact, a selfish justification.

He had always prioritized work over family matters. He had never offered a warm word to his wife. Naturally, he showed no interest in her trivial stories.

“I don’t know what we both like anymore.”

His mind had become rigid, unable to react to anything outside of work.

Meanwhile, an invisible wall had formed between him and his wife.

Furthermore, the issue with the paternity test had made Yeong-mi quite angry. Since she had yelled at him for causing trouble, Jae-gwang hadn’t dared to speak to her.

“…I’ll talk to her,” he said, acknowledging his negligence and vowing to make amends.

“Do you have any idea what Cha Eun-bi is doing now?”

“She’s been absent without leave for two weeks. She had also been neglecting her work before that.”

Jae-gwang let out a weary sigh.

“You might not know, but your mother liked Eun-bi a lot. Eun-bi did well, and even during those months when you didn’t come home, Eun-bi would come over and keep your mother company.”

“She must’ve found a suitable target.”

“I was grateful to that girl, but the lack of communication led to this mess…”

Jae-gwang realized that he had been quite deceived. The family, lacking strong bonds, had developed weaknesses of their own.

Now, what should he do? With that BJ or whatever causing a stir as well…

After falling into deep contemplation, Jae-gwang finally spoke again.

“Why don’t we just reveal everything?”

He was a person of resolute decision-making, just as much as his son.