Episode 4
A hanok mansion surrounded by a stone wall.
Built with 500-year-old timber by Korea’s most renowned artisan, the hanok had retained its original elegance and color even after 30 years.
Vroooom—
A luxury sedan passed the straight-lined gate that seemed to foreshadow the upright personality of the home’s owner, rounded the stone wall, and entered the underground garage.
Click.
Kang Woon stepped out of the car that the secretary opened for him and stood in front of the elevator.
The hanok, built on higher ground than the parking area, had high ceilings and an elevator installed for the grandmother with weak legs. It led directly to her quarters.
Ding.
After riding the elevator and arriving on the first floor, Kang Woon stood before the door. The intricate peony engraving that had not changed despite the years greeted him first. When the servant slid the door open to the side, Kang Woon silently stepped inside.
Sturdy and antique wooden furniture filled the wide room. Sitting at the center of this space, reminiscent of a Joseon-era palace, was his grandmother. Wearing thick glasses, she was reading a book at a low desk made of sandalwood.
“Grandmother, I’m here.”
At the sound of Kang Woon’s voice, the grandmother looked up at her grandson. Her eyes shone with affection, though her dry voice betrayed her age.
“Kang Woon, you’ve come. Sit down.”
“Yes, Grandmother.”
Honorary Chairwoman of Illyu Group, Ryu Deok-hae. Known as the one who built the company from the ground up, she was often called the “Queen Chairman.” She was Kang Woon’s paternal grandmother.
With her usual dignified voice, she began.
“Kang Woon, have you been well?”
“Yes. Have you also been healthy, Grandmother?”
Ryu Deok-hae let out a faint sigh as she shifted her body slightly and spoke.
“No. Ever since your grandfather passed away last year, I haven’t felt well.”
“Yes.”
“He should’ve lived to see you get married.”
She removed her glasses, set them on the book, and looked directly into Kang Woon’s eyes.
“So, how was the matchmaking your mother arranged for you today?”
“We weren’t a good match.”
Her gaze sharpened. Even her eyebrows twitched with displeasure.
“What kind of meeting did your mother set up this time?”
“There’s nothing wrong with Mother.”
When younger, Ryu Deok-hae had been nicknamed “Tiger Deok-hae.” With a commanding presence and unmatched ability, people regarded her with both respect and fear. Though long retired from frontline management, her legendary name still drew many for advice and consultation.
Few could match her temperament. Even her own grandson of 33 years, Kang Woon, found her difficult to deal with.
“You always side with your mother.”
“I’m just telling the truth. And to be precise, Father arranged the meeting.”
At the mention of his father, Ryu Deok-hae’s expression soured, and she fell silent. She took a sip of tea with her wrinkled hand and set the cup down slowly.
“How is the position of Executive Director?”
“It’s stifling. When I was Managing Director, I was often on-site, but now, I can’t. I feel more at ease being out there.”
“Don’t complain. Well, I guess you’re like me. Always running around. Even things others could do, we feel better doing ourselves. But child, you’ll wear yourself out like that.”
“I prefer it that way. That’s probably how you were able to build the company too, Grandmother.”
Ryu Deok-hae paused, her gaze still sharp despite her age, as she stared at Kang Woon.
“You may take after me, but you’re still your father’s son. Be cautious. Don’t give anyone reason to call you a parachute hire. Prove yourself with your own ability.”
“Yes.”
“Look at your father. He’s just tagging along on the banquet his parents prepared. These days, I don’t even think he can keep his spoon in place.”
She clicked her tongue in disapproval.
“No need to worry about me.”
“And the resort?”
“Still under construction, but as you know, scheduled to finish next year. I plan to visit as soon as the schedule’s confirmed.”
“You’ll wear yourself out. Learn to delegate.”
“I was in charge of that site when I was Managing Director. That’s why I feel comfortable overseeing it myself.”
Construction was Ryu Deok-hae’s greatest challenge in her youth. It had cost her blood, sweat, and tears. Because of that, her attachment was strong. And now, her grandson was taking over the reins—it was only natural she had more questions.
“I heard you’re also starting a premium housing project?”
“Yes, it’s large-scale.”
“Planning to use an in-house architect?”
“I’m still considering. Maybe someone external. It’s a big project.”
“That architect did good work.”
She spoke with a nostalgic glint in her eyes.
“Who? The one you sometimes mention?”
“Yes, him. No one could top his work.”
Ryu Deok-hae nodded with tightly pressed lips. Even in a simple gesture, the weight of her dignity showed. But—
“What good is skill if he accepted bribes and ended up in prison? That was what, 17 years ago? I would’ve fired him from the start.”
Kang Woon kept his tone as neutral as possible.
“I know. I’ll handle it.”
“Good.”
After offering a polite bow, Kang Woon stepped out and took a deep breath.
“Kang Woon.”
His mother was standing nearby, a shawl draped over her shoulders.
“Are you cold?”
“A bit.”
“Already? You’re the one who needs herbal medicine. It’s still only September.”
“Feels like I’m catching a cold.”
“Did you take anything?”
“I did. Want to have some tea?”
“You need a favor?”
She didn’t answer and simply smiled gently before walking ahead. Seeing the shawl draped over her shoulders reminded him of that ridiculous woman in the hotel draped in a blanket. A funny woman.
***
‘Blue Garden’ office.
Eun Se-hee sat at her desk working on landscaping designs for a building entrance.
Ding-ding.
She squinted at the monitor, immersed in her work, when the intercom buzzed. It was the company president.
– “Team Leader Eun, come see me.”
“Yes, sir.”
She gracefully walked over, knocked on the president’s door, and stepped inside. The president waved her over to the sofa.
“What projects are you currently handling, Team Leader Eun?”
“Landscaping in front of the Gyeongseong Building, a nearly-finished park in Gwangjin-gu, and Seogyeong just got 3D confirmation.”
“Pass them all to Manager Lee.”
With his sleeves rolled up and a serious expression, the president said:
“Why? Are you giving me a vacation?”
“Ah… next time.”
He gave an awkward smile, knowing full well she hadn’t taken any time off this year. But judging by his face, it wasn’t about a vacation.
“The PT for Illyu Construction’s resort. You remember how Director Hwang and I went?”
“You mean the one you said was just for show? You even complained about being a prop.”
“Ah, come on. I didn’t complain. I was being friendly.”
“Pretty sure it wasn’t friendly.”
Unable to argue, he coughed to change the subject. Se-hee chuckled and asked,
“So?”
“We got it. Your design was selected.”
“Really?!”
Her eyes widened. Winning Illyu Construction’s landscaping bid wasn’t just great for the company—it was a huge boost for her career.
“Of course! What’d I tell you?”
“You told me to not put too much effort into it since it wouldn’t go anywhere. Said we might get scraps later, so it’s worth submitting anyway.”
Embarrassed, he smoothed his curly sideburns with his palm.
“Anyway, the resort is ours! I’ll give you a big bonus.”
“Really? Thank you! Make it big—by staff standards, not your standards!”
“Got it. Don’t think I’ve been cheating you all this time, huh?”
Se-hee narrowed her eyes. He was easy to read, but he entrusted her with full authority. That’s why she worked tirelessly, even through shoulder and wrist pain.
Avoiding her gaze, the president said,
“You’ll need to attend the Illyu Construction meeting yourself. The executive wants to meet the designer in person.”
“Okay. I’ll get ready.”
“He values trust. Zero tolerance for lies. Sounds like he’s been burned before. With such a huge budget, everyone wants a piece of the pie—lots of accidents too.”
“Yeah, I can imagine.”
She nodded.
“Not that you’d ever lie. But just so you know.”
“No worries.”
What would she even lie about? The price wasn’t hers to decide.
Smiling, Se-hee left the office.
***
The next day.
Outside Illyu Construction HQ, Eun Se-hee slipped her jacket over her arm. The towering building suited its name. The massive logo made her shoulders tense. A cool breeze helped soothe the lingering heat of the autumn sun.
She swallowed, steadied her legs, and walked inside. After getting a temporary badge at the lobby, she took the elevator to the executive’s office.
“Hello, I’m Team Leader Eun Se-hee from Blue Garden. I’m here for today’s meeting.”
“Welcome. We’ve been expecting you. The meeting’s running long—please have a seat. Would you like something to drink?”
“Green tea, please.”
She pulled out her materials while waiting.
Twenty-five minutes passed.
When a group exited the executive’s office, the secretary approached.
“You can go in now. I’ll bring fresh tea.”
“Thank you.”
Knock, knock, knock.
“Come in.”
A deep, resonant voice replied. She thought, Even his voice sounds high-ranking, and opened the door.
The executive sat behind his desk, facing his monitor. His large frame alone exuded authority. And—he looked familiar.
Where had she seen him?
Before she could place it, she instinctively introduced herself.
“Hello, I’m Team Leader Eun Se-hee from Blue Garden.”
The executive swiveled his chair.
Their eyes met. Hers widened. She was sure his eyes widened for a moment too.
“You found the office alright?”
He tilted his head slightly as he spoke. The nameplate glittering on his expansive desk confirmed it.
Executive Director, Choi Kang-woon.
The man she had met at the hotel.
To be continued…
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