“BREAKING NEWS– DISGRACED IDOL, ASH, SIGNED WITH S&H GROUP’S ONE ENTERTAINMENT.” 

Joon-woo gulped, pulling at his necktie as he avoided making eye contact with anything other than the hardwood floor of the office. All the stunts Min had pulled over the years were incomparable to the mess he made this time around, and Joon-woo was unsure if he could even clean it up without risking his entire career. The disgruntled groan from the chairman jolted Joon-woo away from his thoughts as he hesitantly peeked at the irate elder.

“Er, Chairman Yoon–.”

The older businessman silenced the timid secretary with a single wave of his hand and leaned forward in his seat, his gaze locked onto the TV screen.

“K-pop idol ASH has signed with S&H Group’s new entertainment agency, ONE Entertainment. This announcement has shocked experts around the country, especially after rumors of nepotism and bullying circulated among insiders. As of late, it has been revealed that CEO Lee Won-hyuk of GOLD Entertainment was receiving bribes from an unknown source–.”

“That good-for-nothing fool! He couldn’t keep that little chihuahua leashed and got bitten by the pet he raised. Tsk.” Chairman Yoon grumbled, turning off the television with a loud harrumph before glancing at Joon-woo with his discerning gaze, “So, what is that idiot grandson of mine scheming?”

Joon-woo forcibly offered an awkward grin, “Who knows?”

“If you aren’t planning on snitching, why are you here?”

“Min wanted me to relay this to you.”

Chairman Yoon watched as Joon-woo rummaged through his briefcase and carefully placed a white envelope on the desk. Glancing at the word typed across the envelope, the elderly man scoffed in amazement. Did that boy really think he could abandon everything? Just for the sake of a mere singer?

“Hahaha! He always manages to find the most preposterous ways to humiliate me, eh?” Crumpling the resignation letter, the chairman icy slid his gaze towards the rigid secretary, “If that child wants to throw everything away, he’d better be prepared to– What’s that?”

Taking out another envelope, Joon-woo lightly placed it down along with a set of car keys, two credit cards, and a house key. “He says thank you for letting him borrow them for the last eight years. Oh, and that’s a check for $8 million US dollars– including interest for each and every expense/ investment you’ve splurged on him.”

“...” 

Chairman Yoon couldn’t do or say anything other than stare at the excessive amount of zeros written on the check. When did that child manage to save up so much money? I wasn’t aware that he’d invested in any ventures… A dry chuckle escaped the elder’s lips as he realized that his grandson had planned this all out in the eight years he had been sent abroad. With a defeated sigh, the “doting” grandfather rose from his seat with great difficulty and gazed at the towering skyscrapers surrounding his company.

“Joon-woo, be honest with me. Do you think Min will take over the company if I allow him to be with that idol?”

The young man hesitated, unsure how he should respond. Min was certainly not interested in management, but that didn’t mean the would-be heir didn’t care about the family business. Min did whatever he could to help the company and do his part as an officer. Yet, it was undeniable that the successor’s passion lay elsewhere…

“I… I’m not sure. Sometimes, I feel like Min carries on his responsibilities as a part of his duties to the family. But other times, I can tell he sincerely enjoys the work– though he’d never admit it.”

“A different question then. If Min were to find out the exact nature of that accident eight years ago, would your answer change?”

“... Yes, I believe it would.”

“I see. Is there anything else I should know?”

“If I may…,” Joon-woo started, clenching his fists tightly as he bravely faced the scary businessman, “I believe S&H Group is strong enough to hold against any possible scrutiny of Min’s relationship with Yi-an. Korean society is more progressive than it was ten years ago and will only continue the upward trajectory of accepting Western ideologies. So, I guess what I mean to say is… Please think of Min’s happiness, too.”

“You want me to accept their relationship even though you know my brother will do anything to put his son in charge?”

“Well, that would imply that our dear chairman has lost his footing within the company. You’re the fortress protecting his people; I’m sure you can shield Min from harm like you did eight years ago.” 

After a moment of silence, the chairman slid the envelopes containing the $8 million check and Min’s resignation letter toward Joon-woo, “I’ll pretend I never saw this letter. I want to see that rascal in the office tomorrow morning, you hear? And take back this check! I didn’t raise that troublemaker, only for him to repay me like this. Tsk.”

Joon-woo smiled at the elderly man’s embarrassed muttering. Maybe there was nothing for me to worry about. Hopefully, the chairman will come around soon. If that happens, Min will finally be free from all that guilt and burden. 

 “I’ll do that. Then, I’ll take my leave.” 

Settling back into his chair, the elder sighed in defeat. His morning hadn’t even started, and yet, he felt so drained and exhausted. Shifting his gaze towards the small picture frame on his desk, Chairman Yoon felt a tear roll down his cheek as he hastily wiped it away. If only I had been more prudent…

“...Happiness, huh?” 

Lost in his thoughts, the chairman pressed the call button, coming to a decision he hoped he wouldn’t regret. A few moments later, Chief Secretary Choi entered the room, confused as to why the elderly businessman didn’t say a word through the phone.

“Sir, was there something you needed?”

“Yes. That boy, Yi-an Lee… I’d like to have a little chat.”