TL: Aniea
“In the future, I plan to marry Woo-ju ssi.”
The one most shocked by Kim Eun-ha’s sudden bombshell was none other than ‘me.’
Of course, from the beginning, we had made a contract based on the premise of marriage. We’d even discussed it recently.
However, I didn’t expect her to announce it so suddenly in front of my family, so I broke out in a cold sweat, completely forgetting we were in front of others.
“...Eun-ha ssi, of course, I share the same thoughts as you. But don’t you think it’s a bit early to bring this up?”
“I apologize for mentioning it without consulting you first, but I felt this was the perfect moment. It’s a conversation we had to have sooner or later anyway.”
“Well, that’s true, but...”
I quickly darted my eyes to gauge the reactions of the others. My mother and sister were both so startled that they were covering their mouths with both hands.
Their eyes were trembling violently, revealing such a complex mix of emotions that it was hard to read them.
Whether or not she was aware of this, Kim Eun-ha continued speaking with a serious expression.
“As I mentioned earlier, I intend to marry Woo-ju ssi. However, the path to that won’t be easy. Today’s event will seem like child’s play compared to what’s to come.”
“...”
“I’d love for the two of us to elope, but in reality, that’s difficult. That’s why we need the support of family members."
“...Support?”
“The thing people say most often when they see Woo-ju ssi is that he’s a kept man, or that he got in through connections. Every time I hear that, it breaks my heart.”
“Eun-ha ssi...”
That’s all true, though.
I barely managed to swallow those words.
Except for her final remark, there wasn’t a single thing she said that was wrong.
From the beginning, I was hired as her ‘kept man’ to block her arranged marriage. And since I got an exclusive private audition in return, I couldn’t deny the “connections” comment either.
Of course, it’s not like I could tell my family that, but the reason I called her name wasn’t for any other reason.
‘...Was she always this good at acting?’
Her expression, the tremble in her voice, even the subtle detail of placing her tightly clenched fist over her chest and letting it shake lightly. To anyone watching, she appeared genuinely upset.
She was always skilled at hiding her emotions, but for her to display this level of acting ability now?
Honestly, she could star as the lead in a drama right this second without any issues.
“...Daughter-in-law.”
“...Unnie.”
Even I was unsure if this was real.
How could my family not fall for it, then?
They were all completely taken in by Kim Eun-ha’s performance, beginning to sympathize with her emotions. My mother’s eyes were already brimming with tears.
Seeing the two women like that, Kim Eun-ha nodded her head firmly, as if making a resolution, and looked them both in the eyes with an earnest gaze.
“Unfortunately, our Chairman isn’t a generous man. If things continue as they are, he will never approve of my marriage to Woo-ju ssi.”
“...”n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
“The reason I brought you both to the department store today is for that very reason. To wash away Woo-ju ssi’s negative image, I need your family’s support as well.”
“So, right now, we’re not up to their standards?”
“Mom!”
The one most taken aback by my mother’s blunt words was Kang Byul.
She hurriedly grabbed my mother’s arm to stop her, but Kim Ji-hye gently pushed her away and looked at us with an unusually serious expression.
“Daughter-in-law, did I understand you correctly?”
“It’s a bit of a blunt way to put it, but... If we’re dividing things in black and white, I’d have to answer ‘yes.’ Even if I don’t think that way, my family certainly does.”
“So, we could become your weakness, just like today?”
“Yes, that’s definitely possible.”
“...Thank you for being honest with me.”
At Kim Eun-ha’s resolute answer, my mother gave a heavy nod. She then closed her eyes, falling into deep thought.
It wasn’t the kind of atmosphere where one could easily break the silence, so everyone quietly waited for her to speak.
After a while, my mother opened her eyes. Her throat must have been dry, as she took a sip of the green tea that was on the table to soothe herself.
"Having a son like you has given me quite the range of experiences."
"Mother..."
"I’m not blaming you. Quite the opposite, actually. Who wouldn’t recognize how rare and valuable this situation is?"
Heh-
My mother gently placed the teacup back on the table, letting out a soft chuckle.
Though I couldn’t quite grasp the full meaning of that smile, one thing was clear.
There was no longer any trace of anxiety or nervousness in her expression.
"Daughter-in-law."
"Yes, Mother."
"So, what do you suggest we do? I have a feeling you’ve already thought of a plan, seeing how you brought this up."
"As expected of you, Mother."
Acknowledging my mother’s words with a nod, Kim Eun-ha remained composed. Then, as if waiting for the right moment, she picked up the receiver on the table.
"Ack! Oppa!"
"It’s too late, kid."
Hohoho—
Everyone burst out laughing as Kang Byul dashed forward, pleading for forgiveness.
Although there were a few small incidents like this, I found myself wishing for more days like today in the future, without realizing it.
*
After all was said and done, the VVIP event at the department store came to an end. But Kim Eun-ha’s plans didn’t stop there.
It wasn’t just about transforming my family’s outward appearance; she seemed intent on elevating our inner dignity as well.
"Hello. I’m Park Hyun-joo, and I’ll be helping you adjust from today."
"Nice to meet you, Hyun-joo ssi."
"Yes. I look forward to working with you."
Park Hyun-joo greeted us with a graceful bow. Her face was quite familiar to me.
It wasn’t surprising, as she was the lady who handled the cooking and cleaning at Kim Eun-ha’s house.
"From now on, she’ll visit you every day. She’ll be helping you learn things like table manners and subtle etiquette so that your family can adapt to this culture."
I’d heard that she had been with Kim Eun-ha since childhood, serving almost like a nanny.
If Kang Dae-ho had filled the role of a father figure, providing external protection, then she had filled the void left by the absence of a mother.
There was a slightly distant feeling between them, but I figured that was due to Park Hyun-joo’s personality—she was someone who clearly drew the line between public and private matters.
‘She’s the exact opposite of Team Leader Kang Dae-ho.’
On the outside, Kang Dae-ho appeared tough and rigid, but once you got to know him, he was incredibly warm-hearted.
On the other hand, Park Hyun-joo seemed gentle and kind on the surface, but she never allowed anyone to cross certain boundaries.
It was hard to say which of the two was better, but it was clear that there was a distinct ‘wall’ around Park Hyun-joo, making her the more difficult one to approach.
‘Maybe that’s why she’s more trustworthy.’
Since she doesn’t fully open her heart, no matter how long you spend with her, it’s impossible to trust her completely.
It’s a strictly business relationship with no room for emotions to interfere. Ironically, this makes her someone you can trust completely when it comes to dry, professional tasks—she’ll handle them without fail.
"Ajumma. If possible, I’d like to learn alongside them. Would that be okay?"
"No, that won’t be necessary."
"...What?"
"You’ve already surpassed what I can teach, young master. For more detailed aspects, it would be better for you to learn directly from the young lady."
"Ah, I see..."
Park Hyun-joo flatly rejected my request.
Feeling awkward, I instinctively turned my gaze toward Kim Eun-ha. She happened to be looking at me too, and for a moment, our eyes met.
But then, unexpectedly, she subtly averted her gaze, unlike her usual self. Just as I was about to wonder why—
"However, I could teach you cooking, at least."
"...Cooking?"
At that moment, Park Hyun-joo caught my attention again, and as I turned my head, I was startled.
There was a small smile at the corner of her lips. It lasted only for a brief moment, but it was so shocking that I couldn’t possibly mistake it.
"Yes, these days, domestic men—especially chefs—are considered top husband candidates. Such scenes often appear in dramas too, so it would be good for you to learn, young master. Above all—"
"...?"
Park Hyun-joo trailed off, drawing everyone’s attention. She then whispered in a low voice, as if revealing a great secret.
"Our young lady isn’t very good at cooking."
"Nanny!"
"It’s the truth, isn’t it?"
"Truth or not, that’s not the point!"
Kim Eun-ha’s face turned bright red—an unusual sight. She was so flustered that she used the familiar term “nanny,” which she normally didn’t.
Meanwhile, Park Hyun-joo remained as calm and expressionless as ever. Yet, strangely, there was a warm aura in her otherwise neutral expression.
‘...I still have a long way to go.’
It really goes to show that you can’t judge people by their appearance. Watching Kim Eun-ha and Park Hyun-joo bicker, I quietly stifled a laugh.
How much time had passed? Finally, having regained her composure, Kim Eun-ha looked at me and spoke again.
"Anyway, I’ll handle things here. Woo-ju ssi, you should focus on your main job. The first episode of <Peaceful Chaebol Life> is just around the corner."
"That’s true."
In the past few days, starting with my father’s surgery, so many things had happened, but merciless time kept moving forward even at this moment.
Whether it’s cooking or anything else, learning can come later. Now, it’s time for me to focus on my main job once again.
‘...Although, at this point, I’m a little confused about which one is my real job.’
Whether it’s being a show-window couple or acting in a drama, the essence of both is the same—acting. As a professional, I can’t neglect either. Balance is key, no matter where you are.
‘This experience will definitely come in handy.’
By accompanying Kim Eun-ha to meet the department store’s VVIPs, I got to observe what kind of people they were and how they behaved.
Thanks to that, I realized a few details I had overlooked before, allowing me to act with even more realism.
Only two days remain until the first episode airs.
From now on, this will mark the true turning point in my life.