Chapter 135

Chapter 135

[A price worth paying (2)]

I never got used to being in the presence of people from the political world.

Even after a year, it hadnt changed.

Children who were born and raised in the world of the elite took it for granted that they were bossed around, and they had an excessive amount of pride in the family they were born into.

Above all, they were arrogant.

Even though they were friendly on the outside, they were hiding their condescension on the inside.

Hayang could tell.

The emotions contained in the mana that children unconsciously shed.

The same was true for the children belonging to the Alice Group affiliates.

The children who were forcibly dragged away by their parents secretly looked down on her, filled with envy and resentment.

Her grandfather and mother frequently introduced her to the children of the affiliates, but she couldnt help but feel uncomfortable dealing with them.

Hayang, are you sure youre okay? Dont you really like any of them?

Yes, Im fine, unnie.

Okay, but if you change your mind, you have to tell me.

At that moment, Min Su-jin looked at her worriedly as she said that she wouldnt meet any more children.

Hayang understood the reason why she wanted to introduce her to the children.

Like Sena did, like children from other chaebol families didshe wanted her to go around with the kids from the subsidiaries.

But she resisted the idea of been with people who werent her friends and treating them like servants.

In the end, she couldnt separate friends from factions, nor could she adapt to ordering people around.

Nevertheless, she could do well.

She had learned etiquette well enough, and she had memorized the faces of everyone attending the party.

Unlike before, her friends were also attending the party.

She had no reason to be afraid.

There was no need to worry.

After the incident at the training camp, she had grown significantly and had the confidence not to be flustered no matter what happened at the party.

Only a two-year difference. You can comfortably call me oppa. Do you know who I am?

But did something like this have to happen?

Hong Jin woo touched her face without permission.

She hadnt expected a direct descendant of the Dangun Group to act this way.

Her mother had told her not to deal with him.

She knew who he was.

Shed been a mouse at the gatherings of the children of the Jung family, but shed heard rumors about him.

He was known to have a fierce personality and had no qualms about harassing girls from a young age.

He was even rumored to have sexually assaulted his half-sisters.

Her grandfather and mother had also warned her to stay away from Hong Jin-woo of the Dangun group.

Come to my house next time. We have a lot of fun things to do, youll definitely enjoy it.

Uhumm, Ill think about it.nove(l)bi(n.)com

Think?, just do it, when I tell you, just say yes and come over.

She couldnt figure out why he was acting so unruly at the Alice Group party.

She couldnt understand what he believed or where his confidence came from.

As far as she was concerned, he was just another member of the group, two years older than her and in the top ten in the hierarchy.

But the way he was telling her what she had to do and what he said was just plain rude.

What should I do?

In their world, arguments among kids dont end as simple arguments.

Their actions and words are a reflection of their familys reputation.

Right now, Hong Jin-woo was tarnishing the name of Dangun Group and insulting Alice Group in front of many people.

His behavior could not be ignored.

If he backed off, it would give the impression that Alice Group had bowed to Dangun Group.

It was an insignificant gesture, but in their world, even insignificant gestures are given unnecessary meaning.

I have to respond, but I wonder how I should do it.

She could feel the childrens eyes on her and Hong Jin-woo.

Even YH Groups Choi Ye-jin, who had spoken to her in a friendly manner just a few moments ago, was looking at her curiously.

Their gaze was an evaluation of me.

If I dont handle this properly here, it will be a weakness that will be taken advantage of.

However, she couldnt take it lightly.

If she raises her voice in a situation that could be resolved with a single word, it would be a tremendous embarrassment.

This is why a child who grew up poor can only be poor she was sure to hear such insults.

The problem is, she doesnt know how much power she can wield.

She knew how much power the Alice Group held in their world, but she didnt know how much power she could wield.

Last year, she confronted Sena from KK Pharmaceuticals, but dealing with the leader of a group and dealing with a familys direct heir are completely different.

Moreover, Hong Jin-woo was the eldest son of the person who was likely to be the second chairman, and he was the direct line of the group, ranking in the top ten in the hierarchy.

Eunha?

What do you think you are doing?

Are you okay? You dont look very well.

Thats when Eunha interrupted.

He had a worried look on his face.

Hayang was momentarily surprised.

She knew that he was acting, but she hadnt expected him to show genuine concern.

Eunha is worried about me.

Looking him in the eye made her feel really unwell.

She tried to leave as naturally as possible so that he wouldnt get into trouble later.

There was no way that Hong Jin-woo, his pride bruised, would just walk away.

Hey. Who do you think you are, doing this in front of me?

Oh no, this is bad.

Hayang swallowed hard. Her heart was racing.

It wasnt because Eunha couldnt confront the Dangun Groups heir in their world.

Eunha wouldnt hesitate to stand up to anyone he disliked, even if they were from the Dangun Group, and even if it meant using magic.

But now, a terrifying aura emanated from Eunhas body.

No! I have to stop him!

Im very grateful for what he did.

But I had to stop him, if only for his sake, if only to prevent something worse from happening later.

Its okay.

No, Eunha!

Its not okay at all!

Hayang had forgotten that this was a gathering of the children of the Jung family, and she was on the verge of tears.

If this goes on, theres going to be a real mess.

Not to mention the relationship between the Alice Group and the Dangun Group would get worse, and the Dangun Group wouldnt leave him alone.

Whats wrong with him?

If it werent for the arrival of Han Seo-hyun, a direct descendant of Sirius Group, the situation would have been irreversible.

Han Seo-hyun,

Was she here too?

After collecting his mana, Eunha looked at Han Seo-hyun, who was walking towards him without a care in the world.

Perhaps because it was a gathering of the children of the powerful in the business world, she seemed to exude an air of dignity.

Her hair rested on her shoulder, as if she had just descended from the moon.

She faced Hong Jin-woo, the heir to the Dangun Group, with an unchanged expression.

Whats up, Han Seohyun? You were here too? If you were coming, you shouldve told me earlier. We could have come together

Eunha felt uncomfortable under their stares.

Even though they were chatting, he felt that something was wrong with the atmosphere.

Moreover, Seohyun was urging him to speak up.

Right.

My fathers boss is her father.

For now, Eunha decided to say it like it is.

I had no desire to join Seohyuns faction, but attending her social gatherings was proof that I was in her faction.

Still, you shouldnt treat him like this.

What is wrong with that?

For a moment, Hayangs eyes wavered, but she quickly regained her composure and continued.

Seohyun, looking down at her, didnt change her expression. She just flicked her hair back and spoke up.

Cant you do that?

What?

Our followers are supposed to do that. Didnt Chairwoman Alice suggest you to take some kids with you?

She did, but it feels like Im bossing people around

Ha.

Seohyun let out a disapproving sound.

Do you think were bossing people around without reason?

Do you think we treat people as if they have no minds of their own? Do you not understand why they choose to follow us, even lowering their heads for us?

Those people have their reasons too. Instead of us bossing them around, they seek our protection.

Protection?

Do you really think that weak and powerless individuals in this world can survive without someones protection?

Hayang fell silent.

Now she could understand.

In this world, those without power would be easy prey for those with power.

We too seek protection here.

We do?

This place isnt just for doing business. Its a place where people meet, where words and dignity matter.

Do you think we can wield power in this place?

A single mistake in words can tarnish the reputation of a family, a house, that is already on shaky ground. Conversely, a single word can bring down an opponent who is not to our liking.

But you why arent you wielding power? Look over there.

Seohyun gestured with her gaze.

Hayang followed her gaze to survey her surroundings.

The children of Alice Groups subsidiaries followed behind the kids forming the factions.

At times, they exchanged awkward smiles and awkward laughter.

Originally, they were the ones she should have brought with her. However, unable to receive her protection, they struggled to gain the protection of others.

A direct member of Alice Group cant properly take care of even one of her own subsidiary kids, and instead, shes foolishly wandering around, receiving poor evaluations and being attacked by these insignificant kids

Seohyun scolded with a cold face.

Hayang couldnt take her eyes off the scattered kids from the subsidiary companies.

Do you have any idea what your position as a member of Alice Group means?

You have the authority to command these kids as you please. You also have the duty to protect them.

But to treat my friends

Why do you call them friends? They are not friends.

They are people who have come together for mutual interests, not friends.

How you handle the factions is up to you. Its better if you maintain good relations with them. They will serve as a protective wall for you.

But would they think of you as a friend? The moment you treat them as friends, youll become vulnerable to them.

Learn how to maintain distance and protect whats yours before you learn to command those beneath you. Follow me.

What?

I said follow me. Are you just going to stand by and watch them while they chase after others and make a mess of things?

Seohyun turned away.

Hayang hesitated. Then, she gathered her resolve and followed her.

Gradually, the children who had been away from Seohyuns side began to gather around her one by one.

They moved as if they were a single entity, following her every move.

Its better than not having a faction at all.

Han Seo-hyun seemed to want to introduce her, but she couldnt trust her that easily.

If he were her, he could trust her.

Eunha was about to turn away from seeing Seo-hyun introducing the kids she knew to Hayang.

If she hadnt called him.

Where are you going?

Huh? To have lunch.

Werent you in my faction?

Well, technically, yes, but

Do I have to join you?

Do you want to get in trouble?

Haa.

Eunha had no choice but to follow Seohyun.

But Seohyun, I didnt expect you to take the kids with you, you usually go alone.

Are Sirius Group affiliate parties the same as other groups parties?

Theyre different, but I didnt expect you to have so many friends outside of the affiliates.

Theyre not friends.

What?

Not friends.

Then what are they?

Business associates.

.

What.

Eunha looked at her with a pitying gaze.

Shed been keeping a poker face all this time, butwhen she felt his gaze, she frowned.

.

What do you want to say.

Ha, I cant help it.

What?

Ill be your friend since you dont have any. You cant go around saying you dont have any friendsouch!

Seohyun pinched him.

Meanwhile, Hong Jinwoo who left the banquet hall,

Do I have to suffer such humiliation?

The children in the car were all silent.

If they spoke, they might get beaten up.

In times like this, you have to keep quiet.

They knew this from experience.

Ill get those assholes. Ill get them.

The car entered the tunnel, and Hong Jin-woo gritted his teeth as he looked out the window at the yellow light passing by.