Chapter 216: Blind date
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 216: Blind date
“Ugh, Yoo Ah-rin.”
I was trying to act like I was working out of a sense of duty, but she had to go and expose that I’d put up a private bounty because of my own bike.
Seriously, that girl can’t stand to see me succeed at anything.
Still, I decided to stop worrying about the bike for now. I’d already filed a report at the police station, and since there was CCTV at the PC Bang, I figured I’d find it soon enough.
[This stop is—]
It was almost time to get off.
I remembered it being around lunchtime when I first boarded the bus. By the time I stepped off, it was pitch black, making me feel like I’d just flushed a precious weekend day down the drain.
Maybe I shouldn't go in on Monday.
I grumbled to myself, thinking about how everyone else got to rest over the weekend while I didn't, trying to manufacture an excuse to skip school on Monday.
As I walked out of the bus terminal, I ran straight into my Big Hyung, who was waiting for me in front of a car.
Even though his face was fairly well-known as a businessman, he wasn't a celebrity, so no one really recognized him. People probably just thought he was a handsome guy. Some might have even tried to approach him to flirt, but...
“Hello, Young Master.”
With a blonde beauty sitting in the passenger seat, who would dare?
“I didn't expect Big Hyung to come pick me up, let alone Sister-in-law.”
“We just got off work. On our way back, Mother asked us to bring you home,” she replied.
“Ah, I’m glad I dumped my work on Hyung and ran away from home. Working until this hour on a weekend? Is that even a life?”
“...Stop talking nonsense and get in.”
The backseat of a luxury sedan.
I hadn't thought much of it before, but now that I rarely had the chance to ride in one, the difference was stark. Maybe it was because I’d just spent hours on a bus, but the ride quality was on another level.
My bike also had a ride quality so luxurious it stood out from others.
“A man needs to make money. I realized that through my bicycle.”
“There really is a big difference between an expensive bike and a cheap one, isn't there?”
“Yes, definitely.”
As I grumbled and sprawled out in the backseat, Big Hyung shot me a glance before turning his eyes back to the road.
Suddenly, a question occurred to me.
“But why are you driving, Hyung? Doesn't the secretary usually do it?”
“She’s off the clock now.”
Ah, so the secretary drives during work hours, and Big Hyung takes over once they’re off.
“You’re surprisingly whipped.”
“Be quiet.”
Everything is 'be quiet' with him.
Eventually, we arrived at the house.
It was still as flashy, luxurious, and unnecessarily spacious as ever. Dishes were already lined up along the long dining table, where Little Hyung and my pregnant Second Sister-in-law were waiting.
“Where’s Father?”
“Mother went to get him. They’ll be here soon.”
I naturally took my old seat.
I used to take this kind of dining table for granted. Having lived away for a few years, I couldn't help but let out a hollow laugh at the sight—it looked like something straight out of a drama.
“I’ve seen this scene in a drama before.”
“What are you talking about?”
When I cracked the joke with a smile, Little Hyung just chuckled and let it slide. Since I wasn't the only one who had moved out, I figured he was probably thinking something similar.
“Ahem.”
“Look at my sons, each with a woman by his side.”
Mom arrived with Father.
As always, she lightened the mood. She never seemed to age.
The meal itself was quiet.
Once Father picked up his spoon, everyone else started eating. I wondered if it had always been like this.
If it’s going to be like this, why can’t we just eat in our rooms?
No phones, no TV, and no real conversation.
At least the food was good. I hadn't eaten anything today besides what I had at the PC Bang, so I was starving. The lavish home-cooked meal was hearty and satisfying.
As the meal was drawing to a close...
“Un-i.”
Father called out to Little Hyung.
“Yes, Father.”
“When is the due date?”
“December,” Little Hyung answered.
Father’s gaze then shifted toward Second Sister-in-law.
She was a famous personal broadcaster. I remembered her having very colorful hair, but now it was dyed black. Was it because of Father?
“Stay here for the time being.”
“Pardon?”
“It’s better to have the housekeepers around than to be home alone while pregnant. Your mother did the same.”
It was a heavy suggestion, to say the least.
Little Hyung glanced at his wife. His eyes asked if she’d be okay with it, and she wore an uncertain expression.
“W-would it be alright if I continued my work here?” she asked cautiously.
As long as she had a room and a computer, she could do her internet broadcasts, so I didn't think it would be an issue. However, Father’s heavy gaze bore down on her.
“Your body is not just your own. If there is even the slightest chance of a negative impact on the child, I cannot allow it.”
“...”
“Internet broadcasting. I am aware it is popular these days. But I have also heard that it involves listening to a great deal of filth.”
Hm?
“The foul words heard by a mother reach the child as well. Do not even think about using the internet for a while.”
“Ah... Yes, I understand.”
In the end, Second Sister-in-law backed down. She looked disappointed about not being able to work.
But Father wasn't finished.
“Un-i, once you’re done eating, go speak with Lawyer Kim. There are matters to settle.”
“Settle matters with a lawyer?”
Little Hyung looked confused, but Father didn't offer any further explanation. While Little Hyung remained silent in his confusion, I thought I knew what was going on.
“Father, do you know a lot about internet broadcasting too?”
Suddenly, everyone’s eyes were on me. They probably wondered what the family troublemaker was blathering about now.
“I mean, calling a lawyer usually means you’re going to sue someone, right? And if you’re assigning him to Little Hyung, it must be related to Sister-in-law.”
I figured he was planning to sue the malicious commenters harrassing her.
“If there is even a chance...”
Father paused for a moment before replying curtly.
“...of anything negatively affecting the child, it must be removed entirely.”
To be honest, I thought Father would dislike Second Sister-in-law because of her profession. I didn't think it fit the family of a conglomerate chairman.
But it seemed Father didn't care about that.
Second Sister-in-law looked touched, and Mother nodded beside him.
“This is why I married this man.”
“Ahem.”
Look at him giving her the eye to stop talking. Now I know who Big Hyung takes after.
“Woo-jin.”
After finishing with the second couple, Father’s gaze landed on me.
“Yeees?”
I tried to act like the cute youngest son to lighten the mood, but Father’s expression immediately soured.
“I’ve arranged a meal with Chairman Choi Gil-seop’s daughter for tomorrow lunch. Be there.”
“...What?”
What was he talking about?
As I stammered in surprise, Father let out a sigh.
“Seeing you get tangled up with that strange girl last time, I realized I can’t leave you be. I went to great lengths to arrange this, so go and talk to her. You’ll find you have much in common.”
“Yun-ji isn't a strange girl.”
I stood up abruptly to protest, but Father glared at me.
“She might not be strange, but her father is a death row inmate.”
“How is that Yun-ji’s fault?!”
“Sigh. So, are you dating this Yun-ji girl?”
“...”
Well, not exactly.
As I fell silent, Father shook his head.
“I know your relationships with women are complicated. Clean them up this time.”
“Haa, Father. My standards are damn high, you know?”
As I slapped my forehead in frustration, Mother slid her phone toward me. It was a photo of a very beautiful woman.
“...”
“Do you think your father wouldn't know that?”
She was pretty, I’ll give her that. No, that’s not the point.
“I won't stand by and watch you get hooked by some strange woman. Just meet the person we introduce and get married.”
“Ugh, what is this, the Joseon Dynasty? I told you, I have someone I like!”
When I shouted back, Father bit his lip and asked, “Who?”
“...Pardon?”
“Who? Seo Ye-rin, Choi I-seo, Yoo Ah-rin. Yes, all three of them are fine. They are well-mannered, and their families are decent. But which one are you actually dating?”
“...”
“How dare you waffle around while talking about 'choice' and 'liking' someone! That is something you should never do to those girls!”
Why?
Why is it that every time I talk to Father, it ends like this?
How does he always manage to leave me speechless? It’s uncanny.
“Stop acting out and go have that meal tomorrow. If you don't like her, I’ll look for someone else.”
Words rolled around on my tongue, things I wanted to say to him.
But not yet...
Since I hadn't even received permission from the three of them yet, I had no choice but to bite my lip in silence.