I Became a Scoundrel of a Chaebol Family

"Have you been well?" "Yes..."

Go Hayan greeted me as if nothing had happened yesterday, exuding the grace of a noblewoman from a movie, sipping her tea and gesturing towards the round table with a nod.

"The staff has finished the consultation. You're aware, aren't you?" "Yes."

It seemed as though a different time and a different melody flowed only around her space. It reminded me of a classical tune I had heard somewhere, elegant and refined.

Following her cue, I sat down opposite her, and a woman standing nearby poured tea for us.

The tea steamed warmly, spreading its aroma, and I couldn't help but think how well it matched Go Hayan.

"Just read and sign." "Ahem, alright."

I sipped the tea a couple of times out of politeness before opening the document laid out like a menu next to me. It contained names chosen by the staff for new jewels, along with plans for production systems, delivery, and product manufacturing.

"Sinabro...?"

It was a word I felt I had heard often, but didn't know the meaning.

Go Hayan set down her teacup and spoke.

"Bit by bit, unknowingly." "...?" "Looking at the jewel you created, I find myself getting lost in it without realizing how much time has passed."

She caressed the ring on her left ring finger, still wearing the RK-77 sample I had given her.

"And then I suddenly realize how deeply I've fallen into it." "I see." "It doesn’t match its flamboyant appearance, but that's why I think it ultimately fits well." "If you say so."

Go Hayan usually maintained a gentle expression, but her face turned fierce when she spoke ill of Go Minji.

"You should be careful of that woman...ah, no need, I suppose." "..."

"Anyway, feel free to suggest anything else." "No, it's fine. Naming isn’t exactly my forte."

Go Minji would probably be disappointed.

'But after all, this is just a name for delivery. What I gave to Go Minji remains with her.'

The rest of the process was unproblematic. My grandfather's factory would produce RK-77 for delivery to Go Hayan's jewelry group, where it would be processed into products and sold.

"As I said yesterday, we'll do a pre-launch here on this yacht in March. The official announcement will be in April." "Yes."

Go Hayan dealt with me in a strictly business-like manner throughout. I wasn't sure if it was because of yesterday's events or if she had simply grown colder, but it felt like there was an icy barrier between us.

'Ah... Go Minji...'

That damned name had to come up, making me ponder how I could settle the huge responsibility tied to that woman.

I tried to broach the topic subtly during our conversation.

"Um, about what happened yesterday—" "You are special. So is that Minji girl." "Excuse me?"

Her response was unexpected, her warm smile masking the chill.

"No matter how much I dislike that woman, I must acknowledge her. By virtue of sharing our blood, she is set apart from ordinary people." "That’s... quite sudden." "It means that even if unconventional situations arise, and even if she actively pursues them, it’s not a flaw. Because you are special. And so is Minji." "..."

So, essentially, she was saying that being unusual isn’t a flaw for us, no matter what we do, even if it involves incest?

'Incest is shunned by normal society. Does she think I’m worried about that?'

"Therefore, don’t worry about it. Do whatever you want." "Ah... thank you."

While I wasn’t entirely sure of her intentions or the exact meaning behind her words, it seemed like she was trying to reassure me.

"Just avoid drugs." "Of course."

"Drugs only harm your body and can cause loss of memory and delusions, distorting or completely erasing memories. Even personality can change." "...?" "Personality is often based on memory, on things built up in the subconscious, like a sense of victimhood." "..."

What... is she talking about? It’s hard to follow.

"I don't understand, but it seems like you're implying I should treasure what I have now and look forward to future gains. That way, I won't think about drugs anymore." "Yes..."

It felt like she was steering the conversation up a mountain. What exactly does Go Hayan want to tell me?

As our conversation continued, I tried a few times to revisit the events of the previous day, but she deftly avoided the topic every time.

'Well, it’s not easy to discuss right after the fact. She must have been shocked too.'

Regretfully, I decided to back off. Being too aggressive might only make her defensive stronger.

'I'll need to give Go Hayan some time.'

The fortunate thing is that the connection with her hasn't been completely severed. We still talk quite often, and work is progressing well. She only wears a cold expression, not looking at me like I'm an idiot as she did when we first met.

It's just that things became a bit awkward because of yesterday's incident.

"So... is that all the work we need to do?" "Yes." "Let's see..."

Go Hayan checks the time by lifting her wrist.

"It ended earlier than I thought. I can rest for a day and a half more. A break is sometimes good." "...You must be busy too, sister." "Yes. Too busy. It's hard to even make time. This time... it was hard to find." "I see..."

To waste such precious time and opportunity... Ah. Go Minji...

"Sister." "Yes." "About yesterday." "Sigh..."

Go Hayan sighed.

"You've been bringing up that topic from before. Can't you wait a bit?"

She seems annoyed that I keep bringing up the same topic.

"Ah, it's not that. Isn't there a video that Minji sister sent?" "..." "...I don't really think you would, but I hope you wouldn't register it as AV or spread it around."

Go Hayan chuckled.

"Do you really think I would do that?" "Right? I trusted you." "Tch. Having that damn woman's face on my phone is unpleasant. I deleted it immediately, so don't worry." "That's a relief."

I'm relieved. Even if she doesn't listen and acts recklessly, she's mine to show, not for others. In that sense, Go Minji, who spread her own scandal, deserves a harsh punishment.

"Hm."

Go Hayan paused for a moment before speaking.

"You're quite close, huh? It's not easy to endure that childish personality." "Ah... well, it just happened..." "Right. It’s much better than being scared and intimidated. Yesterday was shocking, but you look much better now than before." "...?"

Fear? Was the previous Go Muyeol scared and intimidated? By Go Minji?

'Well... it's typical for a psycho, I guess....'

"Now, we're having a proper conversation." "Right?" "Before, you couldn't even meet my eyes."

Go Hayan smiled slyly. Always a gentle smile, but somehow it gave me the chills.

"You used to run away if I came close. Haha. But now you know how to face me, you've grown a lot. Is it because of the medication?" "Yes...?"

What? I couldn't meet Go Hayan’s eyes? I even ran away if she came close?

"Pfft, no, it’s nothing." "..."

Go Hayan's words made me feel strange. It feels like I'm being denied.

No, my memories aren't like that. She's saying strange things. We used to be close until Go Muyeol acted rashly, and Go Hayan caught him spiking her drink with semen, and that's why our relationship soured... I've been receiving cold responses since I first took over this body...

But suddenly Go Muyeol was avoiding Go Hayan? So, was Go Hayan being rude to me because she was irritated by my avoidance?

'No, that's not it. What on earth?'

My head is in turmoil. I can't make sense of anything.

Suddenly, Go Hayan wrapped her hand around my hand. Her hand was cold. It jolted me back to reality.

"Let's continue to get along well in the future? Keep in touch."

"..."