As soon as the front door opens, Im t by my familys frigid stares. There is a cold atmosphere thats a stark contrast to the pleasant, comforting sll inside the living room.
Breakfast has been prepared, says the kitchen lady, Chief Kims mother, as she cos out of the dining hall.
It looks like everyone was waiting for breakfast. But is that because of ?
Everyone has read the atmosphere; nobody looks like theyre even thinking of moving Ah. Thats because theyre wary of Go Dae-mans presence.
Long ti so see, says a man I recognize as Go Dae-han, the eldest of the Gogwang Group leaders three sons.
He was forced to cut his business trip in China short and return to Korea. Hes able to be here because Amazin1, the biggest company in China, has postponed its decision as to whether to do business with him, but he cant stay away from his office for long. He looks anxious because they told him that theyll have a response for him today, but hes not sure what theyll decide.
Naturally, I already know how things will end up. This contract will solidify Go Dae-hans position as heir to the conglorate and his position as a leader in the business world.
If we were on good terms, Id tell him theres nothing to worry about
I respond with just a curt nod. Im tired as hell, so I cant be bothered with the proper greetings and everything else.
Why are you looking like that? Are you spending your ti getting into fights, now? Go Dae-han says.
He is deliberately making his tone of voice sound like hes worried, but I can hear the thorns in his words. They do say that the ones who treat you nicely on the outside are the ones who hate you most on the inside.
I look at myself in the mirror in the entrance hall. My clothes are a ss, covered in dust and blood, and there are scratches on my skin that I dont even know how I got. I really am a wreck.
Go Dae-mans eyes are cold.
I roll my eyes and slowly enter the house. Its a beautiful morning, I say.
Sit, Go Dae-man commands.
Yes, sir.
Go Dae-mans teacup makes an audible tap as he puts it down. Its such a small movent, but its enough to make my whole body flinch.
The atmosphere is deadly. The warm morning sun spills in through the windows, but it cant disperse the cold air in the room.
Go Dae-mans charisma really is impressive. He is able to pressure soone intensely without even speaking a word.
Try and explain yourself. Explain exactly what situation we are in, he says, his anger tangible in every syllable.
The lawyer in charge of the familys legal affairs is Lee Mi-sooks older cousin. I dont know how exactly he told Go Dae-man about the situation, but it doesnt seem like he explained it in a good way.
I have nothing to say, so Go Dae-man opens his mouth to speak once more.
You said that you would beco a police officer, did you not? he says, his frustration leaking into his voice a little.
I did, I reply.
And you said that you would not live as you did before.
I did.
I did not know that this ant that you would go about creating sses, Go Dae-man continues, a sharp gleam appearing in his eyes. You said that you would beco a police officer, but you wasted day after day wandering about outside.
I thought that he wouldnt be concerned with what I was doing, but it seems that he knew everything.
Well, theres no way he wouldnt notice soone not coming back when he used to spend every day holed up in the house. Its not like Im attending a private tutoring school, either. To others, it would only appear as if Ive been wasting my ti.
Are you planning to make frequent visits to the police departnts cells, now? Go Dae-man sighs.
I had no choice, I say.
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You rendered the man impotent! What in the world were you thinking! Go Dae-man bellows thunderously.
He closes his eyes, as if trying to regain control over his anger.
Mr. Lawyer. That may be true, but did you really tell him that while leaving out the important details of the context?
I can understand why Chief Kim didnt want to co ho. An angry Go Dae-man, two asshole brothers, and a misunderstanding-generating situation were waiting for us.
I take a deep breath. He was the Su-an Spaniel. He had a knife, so I had no choice, I explain calmly.
Go Dae-mans gaze travels to my arm.
The cut wasnt deep enough to need stitches, but it was still a proper cut. Its wrapped in a bandage now. A long wound, from my elbow to my wrist.
At the ti, with the situation being what it was, I didnt really feel it. Just a little sting a few monts afterwards.
Go Dae-man bites his lip, disconcerted for a mont. Hes probably ashad that he didnt even notice his sons injury.
Ha. Its going to be alright!
I wouldnt be so sure, says Ms. Lee Mi-sook. How did you know that he was the Spaniel?
Im amazed by the fact that her appearance is so orderly this early in the morning. Shes wearing her rings, necklaces, and even her make-up.
She takes another sip of her tea and continues. You act as if you know everything. I consider that to be dangerous.
Shes not wrong. The DNA test results havent been reported yet, after all.
If sothing goes wrong, you are going to have to take all responsibility, Ms. Lee says.
Dont worry. Thats not going to happen, I say confidently.
Ms. Lee frowns. I heard that you caused a disturbance at the Gunbaek founding anniversary party as well?
What the hell is she talking about?
I shoot Chief Kim a bewildered look, but his eyes tell that he doesnt know anything either.
Go Min-guk, whos sitting in front of , lowers his head a little. Hes deliberately stiffening his face to stop himself from smiling.
Aha. Look at this son of a bitch. It looks like hes twisted the story a little, doesnt it?
Go Dae-man straightens his neck, as if searching for words to say.
I heard what happened, he says, but he isnt speaking in the harsh, scolding tone that he used earlier. Even if there are misunderstandings, brothers should not fight with one another. And Min-guk is your hyeong.
The presidents tone is softer than anyone expected.
Adequate rewards and punishnts are necessary to maintain discipline in the house, Ms. Lee says hastily. We have been too passive for too long.
Thats because Go Ji-hun, whom his parents left on his own, was incapable of functioning as an ordinary person. He was self-destructing already; there was no need for them to step in and interfere.
But things are different now. As I have shown a will to do sothing, Go Dae-man has been forced to take an interest in . If I were to suddenly say that I would take part in the familys business, Ms. Lee and my two brothers would be very displeased.
Adequate rewards and punishnts? Those are good words.
I smile at Miss Lee. That is correct. Min-guk-hyeong and I had a disagreent. Or maybe its more accurate to say that I punched him a little.
You want to test my limits?
Im done playing the good son of a conglorate leader. For a criminal who grew up an orphan, being called Young Master every day was enough to make happy. Ill just rely on my reward money to join the police if I have to.
Lee Mi-sook gives a horrified look. Oh my goodness. You vulgar
Vulgar? I think the vulgar one is the second-born hyeong-nim, I say.
What did you say?
Go Min-guk called my mother a whore, you see.
Go Min-guks eyes suddenly begin looking around in panic.
This is sothing that the Go Ji-hun he knew would never have had the courage to say. As soone who simply lived in this house as if he were dead, Go Min-guks words would have just eaten at him on the inside.
Sorry, but Im not the stupid pushover that you knew. Im soone who died and ca back to life; I have nothing to lose.
To be more precise, he called her a whore who seduced our father with her body,' I add.
You piece of shit. If you tell on to your mom, Ill tell on you to our dad.
With their mouths agape, Go Min-guk and Lee Mi-sook glance at the president.
Go Dae-han doesnt know whats going on, so he keeps his mouth shut.
W-what are you talking about. Thats definitely not true, Go Min-guk stamrs.
Thats right. Min-guk would never say such things, Lee Mi-sook says, and then she looks at . How dare you tell such lies!
Im still as relaxed as ever. Im lying? Are you sure about that?
What? Lee Mi-sook says blankly.
Ive got sothing Im sure about.
Hmm. This is a bit childish, but I have no choice.
I take out my phone and show everyone a photo of Go Min-guk passed out on the ground.
This is how decisions are made. When the truth of the situation cant be established quickly, the side that has so form of evidence, no matter how crude, will win.
Its just a photo so theres no audio, but its enough to shake my opposition.
Hyeong-nim had a lot to drink that night. I think it was a verbalization of his true thoughts rather than an error of judgnt, I say.
Go Min-guk! Lee Mi-sook shrieks.
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Enough, all of you! shouts Go Dae-man, his voice echoing against the walls like two simultaneous roars of thunder.
The only woman he ever loved is likely his only weakness, his Achilles heel.
The presidents face slowly turns into a dark red color. His presence is overwhelming and nacing, as if hes the Grim Reaper himself.
Everyone cowers, as if a bomb is about to go off.
Just at that mont, the inner front door opens and the presidents secretary cos in.
M-Mr. President, she says, a clear look of bewildernt on her face.
What is it? asks Go Dae-man, his eyes fixed on Go Min-guk.
There is a crowd of reporters outside.
Reporters?
There are so many that we cannot even leave by car. It seems that it is not just reporters; townspeople have gathered as well.
Finally, Go Dae-man turns his head to look at his secretary.
There is sothing strange going on. He knows that even if the son of a conglorate did get involved in an incident, this is too large a reaction.
I swallow and take a deep breath.
I have a feeling about this. The kind of feeling I would have if I were about to win the lottery and was listening to my numbers being read out one by one. I feel nervous and Im trembling slightly.
Suddenly, the silence is broken without warning by the sound of a cell phones vibration ringing out from sowhere, but nobody moves. Everyone has a vague idea of where its coming from.
Go Dae-man slowly reaches into his jackets inner pocket and takes out his personal cell phone. His expression contorts as soon as he sees who is calling him.
There wouldnt be many people who know the personal phone number of the Gogwang Groups head. Normally, people would choose to contact him through his secretary.
Go Dae-man looks around at all of his family mbers, and then he answers the call.
It has been a while, Chief2, says Go Dae-man.
Chief? These people really do live in a different world. I could barely make an appointnt to see the warden when I was in prison.
Go Dae-man concentrates on what is being said to him on the phone and stands up from his seat. He approaches the window and checks the situation outside.
Reporters have gathered in front of the house, he mutters.
I wonder what hes being told.
Its not just ; everyone in the living room is focused on his conversation.
Go Dae-man stops talking for a mont and turns around. He looks at and gives a small nod, indicating for to co to him.
I tentatively stand up from my seat and walk towards him.
The street is filled with a horde of reporters and onlookers.
Holy shit. The bright cara flashes are a magnificent sight to see.
Here. Speak, says Go Dae-man as he hands his cell phone.
Lee Mi-sook and my brothers are wearing confused frowns. They must be wondering whats going on.
Im just as confused as you, you bastards.
Hello? I say, my voice trembling against my will.
Go Ji-hun? Nice to et you. I am Gong Mun-gap of the Seoul tropolitan Police Agency, says the voice on the other end of the phone.
The chief goes on to explain the eting that he had this morning. Im unable to stop my smile from growing wider and wider as he continues talking.
Thats how it is. We are offering you a special appointnt, but if that is inconvenient for you, I have been told that we can make you an honorary ambassador, the chief says in a very smooth tone.
Its clear as to why hes bowing his head to a jobless person like . Its because Im Go Dae-mans son and because Im the key for the police to take so public attention off of themselves.
Not at all, Chief. I would be honored to accept your offer, I say as I straighten my neck and look out the window once more.
I see. So thats why there are reporters gathered outside.
All I can think about this morning is how lucky I am. I didnt know that it was even possible for things to go this well.
In my previous life, the Spaniels arrest didnt attract such a huge amount of attention. He was caught in a mont of carelessness while sexually harassing soone at a bar, so it didnt make for a dramatic story.
But still, a special appointnt!
I was going for the reward money so that I could beco a police officer, but I dont care about the money anymore.
So says the chief.
But I have one request, I say.
Of course.
Please ensure that my face isnt revealed to the public.
Theres a silence as the chief finds himself unable to imdiately respond to this unexpected request.
Im fully aware of their true intentions. Theyre trying to use my face to divert the publics attention. A showy appearance is needed to change the directions that eyes and ears are facing.
Im not a celebrity, but Id beco as famous as one the mont they use as bait for the publics attention.
Im sorry, but the chief begins.
How would a police officer whose face is known be able to work in governnt affairs? I ask.
I know what you an, but that would be a little problematic.
Because you need to send my face to the press?
I can hear the chief laughing on the other side of the phone.
It seems that there is an aspect to you that I havent been told about.
But Ill offer you sothing else in return, I say.
Sothing else?
A story that you can give to the press instead of my face.
The chief stops trying to dodge the issue. He seems curious as to what Im talking about.
I was already making preparations to join the police. Im thinking of applying for the Criminal Affairs Division, I say.
Hmm. I didnt know that, the chief murmurs.
I will also donate the full sum of the reward money that I will be getting.
The full sum? Where to?
Ill donate it towards the aid of sexual assault victims. Of course, it will be under the na of the Gogwang Group, not under my own na.
Go Dae-man looks at with a fascinated expression.
I smile and move away slightly. Not so far that Im out of his sight, but far enough that he wont be able to hear very well.
This is a secret, but the Gogwang Group has secured an exclusive contract with Amazin for supplying semiconductors, I say quietly into the phone.
What? Congratulations. Damn, I should have bought so stocks.
Its not too late now, I say with a laugh. In any case, if we leak things in the correct order, we will be able to turn the tide smoothly.
Ill agree for now. But you wont be able to completely avoid your face being exposed. The people are very curious, you see, says the chief.
As long as the newspapers dont print my ID photo over the front pages, it will be fine.
Theyll slowly forget about everything as ti passes, after all.
Well then, it sounds like I need to get an award plaque ready. Theres likely to be a conferring ceremony. Well send the details to your secretarial section, says the chief.
Yes, sir. Ill see you then, I say.
With that, I end the call and hand the phone back to Go Dae-man.
What is this talk about a donation? he asks.
They say that when an opportunity presents itself, you should take it. The press will have its attention on the Gogwang Group for the next short while. The most simple and effective thing to do in that situation is to make a donation, I explain.
A public image established by a company becos an irreplaceable unique characteristic.
Many companies strive to be recognized in a positive way for being friendly to the people, for being an exemplary business, for being environntally aware.
The Gogwang Group stands to acquire an even more distinctive image than these the image of a company that stands for justice. A company that is warm-hearted and considerate towards the vulnerable mbers of society.
Its only 100,000,000 won, but its a worthy investnt.
As expected, Go Dae-man is well aware of that. You may proceed in the companys na, he says.
The source of the money is another important factor, I say.
A tiny smile appears on Go Dae-mans stiff, boulder-like face.
Lee Mi-sook and the two brothers look like theyre unable to keep up with these crazy developnts.
Things are going well. Ill stop pressing Go Min-guk here. Ill break his spirit again later if need be.
Go Dae-man slowly gets out of his seat. Let us have breakfast. The morning is almost over, he says.
I follow him towards the dining hall. It looks like Ive managed to earn a al today.
Ugh, I feel like I could stretch my legs out and just sleep until the conferring ceremony.
The morning sun is bright and brilliant. Just like my future.
Miscellaneous notes:
1Amazin is likely a spoof of the company Amazon.
2The Korean word for Chief used here indicates soone in a very important position.
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