By Zephyria 
After the ceremony, they moved to the banquet hall, where the atmosphere was quite different. Hundreds of crystal-studded chandeliers sparkled brilliantly from the ceiling, and a giant screen behind the stage displayed the words, ‘50th Anniversary Founding Celebration Dinner.’
On a small stage to one side of the hall, a violinist and a cellist created a beautiful melody, while in the center, ice sculptures and a champagne tower made of stacked glasses provided a visual feast. People bustled between them, exchanging greetings and networking.
Kang Hee-shin sat at a round table with Yoon Se-na and her half-brother, but the mood was unsettling.
“Father really gave us a blow. I felt uneasy from the moment he said Im Gyeong was coming.”
“Stop making a fuss. He only gave one congratulatory speech.”
“Only? How can you say ‘only,’ Hyung? It’s not just any day; it’s the 50th anniversary. You know how meaningful this day is. I’m the one who organized this event. Why do you think he brought Im Gyeong here without even telling me?”
“Calm down. I’m sure there was no other intention.”
“Sena, what do you think? Do you agree with big brother?”
Yoon Se-na kept her mouth shut and shrugged her shoulders. She maintained her position as the youngest child—the one who knew nothing and had no greed for power—until the very end. However, Kang Hee-shin clearly remembered the expression on Yoon Se-na’s face as she glared at Im Gyeong standing on the podium. What seethed in her eyes was jealousy and a desire for power.
“Stop it. Father is coming.”
As Chairman Yoon entered the banquet hall, everyone stood up to welcome him. Im Gyeong and the executives followed behind him. The children instantly changed their expressions, shifting their demeanors to flatter their father as if the previous conversation had never happened.
After making his rounds and greeting guests, Chairman Yoon walked toward where the family was gathered. While everyone was standing, Im Gyeong whispered something into Chairman Yoon’s ear. The second son’s gaze was equally unpleasant as he watched this. Then, Chairman Yoon’s gaze shifted toward Kang Hee-shin.
Ah… why did I only realize it now? It wasn’t Chairman Yoon, but Im Gyeong’s intention that he be invited here.
Quickly straightening his clothes, Hee-shin approached Chairman Yoon and offered a polite greeting.
He tried to project an impression that was neither too subservient nor too stiff.
“It is an honor to meet you, Chairman. I am Kang Hee-shin.”
Chairman Yoon reached out his hand, and Hee-shin bowed his head as he took it.
“Gyeong told me he made a friend in Korea, so I was curious who it was.”
“…….”
“I wondered what had gotten into such a picky fellow. It was you.”
What should one say at a time like this? We’ve temporarily joined forces because our interests align, but we aren’t friends. And do you know? Your son is a strange guy. I barely restrained myself from reporting him to the police the other day. He had many things he wanted to say, but he swallowed them all. He had finally entered the castle built by Chairman Yoon, and he didn’t want to miss this opportunity.
“I was worried because he’s lonelier than he looks, but this is a relief. It’s good that he has someone to lean on in Korea.”
Chairman Yoon laughed heartily. The other executives and siblings also smiled, trying to play along.
“I expect we’ll be seeing each other often.”
Hee-shin bowed his head.
“I look forward to it.”
Having received the greeting, Chairman Yoon led the executives to another table. Seeing an employee who received a merit award crying with joy, it seemed the gossip that while his personal life with women was complicated, he took good care of his employees, was no joke.
However, Im Gyeong did not follow Chairman Yoon, but instead stepped close to Hee-shin.
Curious, Hee-shin looked at him, and as expected, Im Gyeong brought up his business.
“Let’s talk outside the hall for a moment. It’s important.”
Then, he immediately called Yoon Se-na.
“I’m borrowing him.”
Not taking, but borrowing? Moreover, it was a unilateral notification. Yoon Se-na couldn’t find a reason to refuse. When she gave a short, forced smile and replied, “Sure,” Im Gyeong grabbed Kang Hee-shin’s arm and pulled him away for all to see. “Let’s go.”
After being reluctantly dragged out of the banquet hall, they took the elevator to the top floor. There was a garden on the highest floor of the building, with landscaping trees and benches scattered throughout. It was a stark contrast to the bleak rooftop of the Prosecutors’ Office.
As soon as they arrived, Im Gyeong pulled at his tie without hesitation.
The loosened tie fluttered freely around his neck.
Walking to the edge of the roof, he leaned on the railing and took in the scenery. Hee-shin, who had followed him, also admired the night view spread out before them. In truth, there was so much fine dust that it hardly qualified as a night view. To be honest, just looking at it made him feel like his lungs were rotting.
“What is this important matter?”
“I figured there was no need to sit through the rest now that the objective has been achieved.”
“Objective achieved?”
“Didn’t you want to get into my father’s good graces?”
His words stung his pride, but he admitted what needed to be admitted. It was true that he had wanted to be noticed. It wasn’t just because the man was Yoon Se-na’s father. It stemmed from a desire to get even a little closer to the power he possessed.
Feeling as though his inner thoughts had been exposed, Hee-shin cast his gaze downward.
“Were you the one who invited me?”
“Are you disappointed?”
“By any chance, did the Chairman also order the search for Director Kwak?”
“You noticed. The person who made the financial director of Guyoung Construction resign and flee overseas was my father. Specifically, Executive Director Park, who works under him. You saw him earlier, right? The man who looks like a weasel. Isn’t it funny? They were biting and tearing at each other with Assemblyman Choi, and now they’re as close as peas in a pod.”
“Is it alright for you to tell me all this?”
“Why not? Just tell me if there’s anything I can help with. We’re in the same boat now.”
Im Gyeong gestured toward both of them. You and I. It felt as if he was saying they were now on the same team. Come to think of it, they weren’t fabricating crimes. It was a fact that Chairman Shim of Guyoung Construction had committed many wrongs, knowingly or unknowingly, and had even provided illegal campaign funds to a member of the National Assembly. But was it only Chairman Shim? If one dug into Chairman Yoon, he would likely be just as bad. There was simply no concrete evidence.
“The investigation will proceed according to protocol, and if there’s something fishy, I’ll pursue it.”
“Good. There’s nothing wrong with the materials I handed over.”
Despite Im Gyeong’s confident attitude, Hee-shin couldn’t completely let go of his suspicion. Just then, a breeze blew, and he felt a chill. Trying not to show it, he turned back toward the entrance.
“Let’s go back. Many people will be waiting.”
Suddenly, Im Gyeong blocked his path.
“That’s it?”
“Pardon?”
“I’m asking if that’s the end of it.”
“Then what? Should I give you a thank-you speech for inviting me here?”
Oh, thank you so much, Mr. Im Gyeong. As he spoke sarcastically, Im Gyeong’s brow furrowed.
“I didn’t expect a formal greeting, but I thought you’d be happy.”
“I am. I’m thrilled. Doesn’t it show on my face?”
“Did I do something pointless?”
“I said I’m happy.”
“Should I have given you a hint?”
“…….”
When Hee-shin remained silent at the end, Im Gyeong frowned.
“Thinking about it makes me annoyed. Why do I have to walk on eggshells around Kang Hee-shin?”
“When did I ever tell you to walk on eggshells?”
“Because you keep making that face, it makes me do it.”
You? As if. Hee-shin laughed in absurdity, and Im Gyeong leaned his face in close.
As Hee-shin frowned and stepped back, this time Im Gyeong smiled.
“They say if you have a mole under your eye, you’ll have many reasons to cry.”
“I don’t believe in such superstitions.”
“Why? I bet you’ve cried a lot in your life.”
“Instead of crying, I was the type to grit my teeth and endure.”
“I’m curious. I wonder what your face looks like when you’re holding back tears.”
“Are you a pervert? Why are you curious about that?”
“Maybe I am a pervert, just as you say.”
Hee-shin shook his head at the increasingly childish conversation. In truth, though he didn’t say it, he felt uncomfortable looking at him because of the incident that had happened at Im Gyeong’s house. He kept wondering just how many people he had killed.
Meanwhile, a strong wind blew, and goosebumps rose on his back.
As he shivered, Im Gyeong approached and checked his complexion.
“Are you feeling unwell?”
“…I’m cold.”
“A cold?”
It wasn’t exactly a cold, but he had been feeling chilly since morning. He had taken some expired medicine from his drawer, but it seemed to have no effect. He wondered if he should buy some cold medicine on the way home…
“Let’s go down. You shouldn’t get sick.”
All the way to the elevator, Im Gyeong had a joyful expression. He wondered if he was really imagining Hee-shin’s crying face. Perverted bastard… Yet, he too was curious about Im Gyeong’s crying face. What would it feel like to see that face cry? Well, he doubted he would ever see it in his lifetime.
As they entered the banquet hall, Yoon Se-na came over, linked arms with him, and smiled.
“What were you two doing?”
Im Gyeong’s gaze briefly touched the linked arms before drifting away.
“Getting some fresh air.”
Yoon Se-na replied, “Is that so?” and pulled Kang Hee-shin around. “Let’s go. People are waiting over there.”
As he followed Yoon Se-na, he glanced back. People were already crowding around Im Gyeong.
Even so, Im Gyeong’s gaze remained fixed on Kang Hee-shin for a long time.