# Chapter 10
[Title: The Secret Story of Daejin Group, Rank 2 in the Domestic Business World] (Views: 302)
I want to share a secretive rumor about Daejin Group that I’ve heard recently.
It’s widely known that Chairman Cha Taesan’s son is Cha Taehan, currently believed to be the only son of the Daejin family. And from long ago, the chairman’s love for his son has been known to be extraordinary.
According to rumors, Chairman Cha Taesan has one illegitimate child.
They say he’s a male, a few years younger than Cha Taehan, and Daejin Group thoroughly hides his existence.
But apparently this illegitimate son’s personality is so terrible that rumors have been circulating knowingly or unknowingly in both the chaebol and entertainment worlds.
Recently, they say this illegitimate son even made a sponsorship proposal to a rising rookie actor.
I don’t know if it’s true or not, but where there’s smoke, there’s fire…
↳ This sounds like typical gossip that would circulate in chaebol families.
↳ Given Chairman Cha Taesan’s personality, would he leave a disobedient illegitimate child alone?
↳ This seems too much…
↳ If it’s true, I’m curious who the rookie actor is. Does anyone know?
↳[This comment is hidden.]
↳ This is unrelated to the post, but isn’t Cha Taehan really handsome?
I was shocked when I saw his photo in the article.
↳ I was also shocked when I saw his photo in the article. The Daejin family has good looks.
Strange. The internet world is indeed frightening. Somehow rumors do get out. The post seemed to have been uploaded about an hour ago, and the view count wasn’t as high as I expected. It seemed to be a post that was gradually being buried as time passed. That’s fortunate. After reading the post, it suddenly occurred to me that I should be more careful with my actions from now on.
It’s already 4 o’clock? How long have I been on my phone? Looks like I won’t be able to take a nap. I should make a simple plan for dinner. As the dinner time approached, I was becoming somewhat anxious.
“Sigh… Will I be able to handle this well?”
In the novel, Cha Jaehyun was a gentle lamb only around Cha Taesan and Cha Taehan. For tonight’s dinner, I should just communicate my opinion as politely as possible, right? That I want to study abroad in America. I should watch for the right timing to join the conversation and say it directly.
“What’s the point of worrying now? I should just get dressed.”
I went back to the dressing room and started putting on the clothes Han Woojin had organized. When I finished dressing, I was radiating from head to toe.
With lots of money and a face as handsome as a decent celebrity, what was so uncomfortable that he always acted like a complete hooligan? Even if he didn’t receive his family’s attention and love. Cha Jaehyun, no matter how I think about it, is an incomprehensible person.
[Ding dong-]
As I was admiring Cha Jaehyun’s appearance in the full-length mirror, I heard the doorbell. It seems Han Woojin has arrived.
* * *
I’m now sitting in the backseat of what they call the “Chairman’s car.” Where are we having dinner? Han Woojin just drove silently, and an awkward atmosphere lingered.
‘He doesn’t say a word.’
Is he usually this quiet? Or does he dislike Cha Jaehyun so much that he doesn’t speak? Or are chaebol family secretaries usually silent? There was no way to know.
“Secretary Han, have you eaten?”
I gathered my courage and spoke first. Koreans connect through meals. I think I opened the conversation smoothly to avoid awkwardness.
“Not yet, sir.”
“Then I’ll give you a card, eat separately. Text me when dinner is about to end.”
“Thank you, young master.”
I placed the card in the car’s console box. He must have worked hard all day today too, so I hope he eats an expensive meal.
But the conversation didn’t continue. Is this person really a robot? I gave up on the conversation and looked outside. The streets of Seoul were frighteningly identical to the Seoul I knew. Even in a novel world, it’s still the same. It was both fascinating and sad, making me miss home.
After about 15 minutes, a skyscraper appeared ahead. Following Han Woojin, I passed through the lobby and got into an elevator.
We arrived at the 59th floor. As we stepped out, the luxurious entrance of a high-end restaurant came into view.
As I walked down the long corridor behind Han Woojin, my worry grew like a snowball. Will Cha Taesan grant permission right away? If he suddenly says no, what should I say? What if Cha Taehan suddenly picks a fight…
“Young master, we’ve arrived. You can go in.”
Han Woojin’s voice snapped me back to reality. Once I pass through here, I’ll face Cha Taesan and Cha Taehan.
“Good job. You can go.”
“Yes, young master. I’ll see you after dinner.”
Even Han Woojin left. With the feeling of entering a tiger’s den alone, I carefully walked inside and soon their faces appeared.
Cha Taesan and Cha Taehan were sitting at a round table. Next to them was someone who looked like Cha Taehan’s wife and a child who seemed to be his offspring. Is that Cha Taeha?
Cha Taeha. He’s Cha Taehan’s young son who briefly appeared in the novel. Seeing him in person, he looked incredibly cute. A noble face, eyes as big as marbles, and adorable chubby cheeks. He might be one of the cutest living beings in this novel.
‘I want to touch those chubby cheeks just once.’
“Chairman, Executive Director. I’ve arrived.”
I gathered my thoughts and greeted the two men.
“What time do you think it is to arrive now? For the junior to be the last to arrive. Tsk tsk…”
Chairman Cha Taesan raised his voice as soon as he saw me. The current time was 4:50 PM. I clearly wasn’t late. No, aren’t you the ones who came too early? Cha Taesan snapped at me, and Cha Taehan didn’t even acknowledge my presence.
While Cha Jaehyun is a hopeless person, if he’s always been treated like this at home, it’s understandable that his mood would be sour. I could somewhat understand Cha Jaehyun’s feelings, just a little bit.
Maybe it was because of my arrival, but the atmosphere was excessively cold for a pre-dinner setting. It felt like I’d traveled to Antarctica. If it was going to be like this, why did they call for Cha Jaehyun?
Still, I continued my act steadfastly. Studying in America—I must achieve today’s goal.
“I’m really sorry. The traffic was a bit congested on the way.”
The traffic wasn’t congested at all, but I lied to ease the atmosphere. However, the icy air showed no signs of improvement.
“Excuse me for a moment before dinner.”
I should go to the bathroom. Seeing them in person, they were more formidable than I had thought. If I’m not careful, I might not be able to say a word properly during dinner, overwhelmed by the aura of these two men. I needed to gather my thoughts.
“Ha, this isn’t easy.”
I muttered to myself as I entered the bathroom and began washing my hands. While looking in the mirror and adjusting my clothes to collect myself, I heard someone behind me.
It’s Cha Taeha. Cha Taeha had entered. Though he’s the son of the intimidating Cha Taehan, he still looks incredibly cute.
“Hi?”
I greeted him with a bright smile.
“Don’t talk to me, you with your filthy blood!”
Cha Taeha glared at me fiercely, snapped at me, and then immediately left the bathroom as if disgusted. I just said hello, and the child got angry.
That’s a KO. To hear such words from the mouth of a cute child who looks like a kindergartner. It was shocking in many ways, and I could only manage a hollow laugh.
‘In a way, he’s a pitiful guy.’
At this rate, isn’t he being treated almost like a cockroach at home? It’s pitiful. Well, whatever the case, I must bring up the study abroad topic today. Even if the Daejin people completely ignore me during dinner today, I’ll be fine as long as I can have the best study abroad experience in America.
When I returned to the dining table, appetizers were already served. The warm atmosphere immediately turned cold as soon as I entered. What’s with these people? They’re experts at making people feel uncomfortable.
“Taehan, how’s work these days?”
Cha Taesan gazed affectionately at Cha Taehan and asked. His eyes looking at his son were incredibly warm. They say he dotes on his son, and it seems the rumors are true.
“Yes, Father. I’m working hard.”
“I have high expectations for you. Even without saying it, I’m sure you’ll do well.”
“Haha, Father. I’ll keep that in mind.”
“How is Taeha doing these days?”
“Yes! Grandfather!”
As I sat quietly eating my food, the conversation started again. All sorts of harmonious talks were exchanged, excluding me.
Although they thoroughly treated me as if I didn’t exist, I joined their conversation, listened, and responded with laughter. When should I bring up the study abroad topic? I watched for the right timing, eagerly waiting for a chance to speak.
But ultimately, I wasn’t given the opportunity to speak. The meal is almost over. The dinner lasted about 2 hours, but they didn’t give me a single glance or word.
I didn’t realize the exclusion was this severe. With such a position in Daejin, if we part today, there’s no telling when I’ll meet the chairman again. It’s time to make a move.
“Chairman, thank you for inviting me to dinner today. I have something I’d like to ask you, may I speak a word?”
As soon as I opened my mouth, the atmosphere turned cold again. Chairman Cha Taesan’s eyebrow twitched as if he was displeased.
“First, I have a reason for calling you today. I also have something to say to you, so I’ll speak first.”
“Yes, Chairman.”
“Cha Jaehyun, leave for abroad.”
This is amazing. That’s exactly what I’ve been trying to say. I was anxious he might say something strange, but from my perspective, this is perfect.
“Chairman, I was about to say the same thing. I will leave for abroad as you wish. If the Chairman permits, I’d like to go to America.”
When I promptly responded as if I’d been waiting for this, it was clear that Cha Taesan was taken aback. It was certainly an unexpected answer.
“Last time you kneeled and even cried saying you didn’t want to leave, what’s with this sudden change of heart?”
Wait, you’re the one telling me to go abroad? Why are you suddenly questioning me? It felt like I’d entered a pressure interview.
“I’ve had a lot of time to reflect since the Chairman’s words last time. As you wish, I will go abroad to reorganize myself.”
As I conveyed my intention calmly without trembling, one side of my face felt like it was being burned. When I glanced slightly, Cha Taehan was shooting lasers with his eyes. No, he was pouring lasers. To make someone’s face burn just with a gaze, he’s truly a fearsome person. Still, I need to say what I need to say.
“Your words aren’t particularly trustworthy. But since you’re showing confidence for the first time, I’ll trust your words one last time. When will you leave for America?”
“I want to leave as soon as possible, Chairman.”
“Then leave in two weeks.”
“Yes, Chairman. Thank you.”
In two weeks? I can go sooner than I thought. As expected of Cha Taesan, a fiery and straightforward man. I was honestly a bit hurt being treated like an invisible person throughout the meal, but that resentment melted away in an instant.
Chairman, thank you for being cool about it. I’ll now quietly live in America, minding my own business.
“However, take Secretary Han Woojin with you.”
What? Things were going well, but what’s this now?
