The First Family Dinner
Hyun-ju did not stop there and let out an exaggerated sigh.
Her brazen attitude nearly made Do-yeon burst out laughing. She forced a smile and quickly looked down at her own utensils.
“……Ah, yes.”
Well, if pressed, it wasn't entirely wrong. Mo-jun and Do-yeon had only held a marriage ceremony, after all.
But if one were to delve into why things turned out this way, Do-yeon had plenty to say too.
'Why did you raise your child like this? A third-generation chaebol who couldn't even be bribed with money, so he debuted on a public channel as a drug addict? It's not common, Mother.'
Swallowing the words she couldn't say, Do-yeon tapped the back of Mo-jun's hand lightly. She knew he might have been startled, but since nothing was wrong, she wanted him to relax his grip a bit.
“This is the first time this has happened, so we were quite surprised too.”
Hyun-ju continued as if she didn't know the meaning of the word 'surprised.'
Despite her outrageous statement, the dining hall remained silent. Thanks to that, Do-yeon immediately understood. This was the 'married life' she would experience from now on.
'So, you're blaming us, trying to sweep under the rug the sins your son has committed?'
Hyun-ju's intention was clear, and the tension that had been swaying at her throat suddenly sank like a lie.
Even though Muyoung was a chaebol family renowned in the country, Do-yeon had come into this house with her own resolve. But if they came out this foolishly, suddenly the person might seem more approachable and worth trying.
A strange sense of anticipation and excitement bloomed sharply in Do-yeon, and she unconsciously twitched her fingertips.
“Indeed. I have received much benefit from Kang Sang-jun Department Head.”
Mo-jun hadn't stayed silent either. As if he had read Do-yeon's mind, he flipped Hyun-ju's insides with a humble tone.
It wasn't enough, and he immediately made eye contact with Do-yeon. Anyone could see the face of a man deeply immersed in the sweetness of newlyweds.
'Ah, so that's why you lied about being first love or something.'
Now Do-yeon seemed to understand why Mo-jun had lied to the chairman's daughter-in-law. If there was someone trying to belittle their marriage, he had drawn a big picture to kill them off.
His foresight had come to mind belatedly. Do-yeon responded to Mo-jun's calculation with a shy smile.
Soon, a somewhat embarrassing sound of clearing the throat came from the opposite side.
“Well, since we've already become one family, there's no point in arguing over right and wrong.”
Ki-young, who had been silent throughout, seemed to be taking the lead instead of his wife to handle the situation.
Completely relaxed, Do-yeon wiped away her bewilderment and looked at the in-laws. Even if you examine it one by one, I'm fine, right?
“Still, the family's discipline must not be allowed to collapse.”
“Of course. That's natural.”
The vice chairman and his wife pretended not to notice Do-yeon's gaze and hurriedly changed the subject. Seeing their effort, Do-yeon smiled silently.
“We met briefly yesterday, but we should at least introduce ourselves properly now. Hey, Min-a.”
He pointed to the one sitting fourth from the left with wrinkled hands.
“This is our daughter-in-law.”
The moment Ki-young finished speaking, Do-yeon and Min-a looked at each other. Her father was a director of the Ministry of Culture or something.
Min-a, with her sharp features, nodded at Do-yeon without saying a word. As the daughter of a family that produces successive ministers, her head was quite stiff, which was impressive.
“Our Min-a is three years older than her cousin, married early, and is the eldest daughter-in-law of this house? From now on, you must treat her as a sister-in-law with respect.”
“Yes.”
In the meantime, Hyun-ju, having regained her composure, continued instead of her husband. Seeing Do-yeon answer obediently, her eyes gradually brightened with satisfaction.
It seemed that the vice chairman's wife was a type who was carefree despite her age.
“I don't know how it was at your cousin's house, but our Muyoung is a prestigious family with strict traditions. It might not be easy to adapt, so be prepared.”
'It's true that because of my father, our family's situation isn't as beautiful as you'd like, but if you say that, won't it be a bit funny? If you want to emphasize the backbone, you should call me aunt-in-law instead of cousin.'
“I understand, cousin?”
When Do-yeon didn't answer and held her ground, Hyun-ju's expression gradually became fiercer.
Amid the tense standoff.
“Ah, this house has no peaceful days.”
A woman with short hair walked unceremoniously towards the table. She spat out a very large monologue as if everyone could hear it.
Mo-jun beside her, and even Hye-jung's couple, immediately stood up from their seats.
“Grandma is here.”
Seeing that, Hye-jung immediately made a disgusted expression and muttered that since she was in a hurry, she should sit down. She also waved her hand energetically.
Do-yeon's eyes sparkled as she looked at Hye-jung.
“Congratulations on your marriage.”
“I wanted to give a gift, but I couldn't be as delicate as I thought. Since I put it in without holding back, use it where you want.”
Thanks to the gift Hye-jung gave on the wedding day, Do-yeon developed one-sided affection for her. Who in the world wouldn't hate a beauty who hands over a bundle of cash on first meeting?
There was more.
“Since it's the first time meeting, already getting tired of the kid.”
“What are you talking about, miss?”
“What do you mean?”
As if trying to make Do-yeon like her, Hye-jung, who had pulled up a chair and sat down, immediately started grilling Hyun-ju. The more Hyun-ju, who had met her nemesis, lost her composure.
'They looked at each other like cows and chickens at the wedding hall. This really is an interesting konggara house.'
Not really fighting, but just watching made Do-yeon find it interesting. She swallowed dryly. But the good show didn't last long.
“Miss, you don't feel sorry for Mo-jun either, do you?”
The moment Hyun-ju mentioned Mo-jun's name, a gasp came from around. Do-yeon also straightened her expression.
Eh, no way. It's not like she's trying to feed family drama attacks.
Whether fortunate or unfortunate, the person's face who immediately analyzed it was calm without any agitation.
“……That one?”
Unlike Hyun-ju, who was pretending to be deeply sorry, Hye-jung had a face of genuine disbelief.
“Losing her mother at a young age, and her father using the excuse of work to go to a distant foreign country and not even come to see her when her son is getting married.”
Hyun-ju rattled off her excuses without caring about the reactions around her. Even while looking at Mo-jun's face, she didn't even blink.
Ah, this is a bit.
Seeing her like that, Do-yeon felt her fists clench involuntarily. Mo-jun, who seemed familiar with it, didn't respond at all, which made it worse.
“Since there's no adult to teach, I'll step up with good intentions...”
“You talk a lot about wanting to make someone else's daughter-in-law experience married life.”
As if having the same thought, Hye-jung immediately cut off Hyun-ju's nonsense and stepped up.
“Good intentions? Just bullying.”
“Miss!”
Hyun-ju screeched sharply as if pricked by a needle, but this time Ki-young only turned his head with a displeased expression. After all, no matter how family, it was a difficult statement to shield from.
“Hey, Mom, what wrong thing did you say?”
When her husband turned away, Hyun-ju clung to her son.
“Ah, Mom, a little...”
Hye-jung's expression, who had been quietly like a screen no matter what happened beside, gradually crumpled.
Originally, he had been maintaining distance from everyone as if the seat was burdensome.
But when his mother tried to pull him into the fight, an unhideable irritation appeared on his face. Naturally, his wife Min-a, whether willingly or unwillingly, had to step back like Do-yeon.
In the end, Mo-jun was the one who sorted out the situation.
“Please calm down, mother-in-law.”
“Hey, am I supposed to calm down now? Your grandma is calling people trash!”
Even with calm mediation, Hyun-ju couldn't easily calm her temper. Born as a princess in a rich family and becoming a noble lady, as the saying goes, no entourage and a great temper.
For a moment, Mo-jun's eyes cooled even more. He didn't hide his annoyance and checked his watch.
“The time for grandfather to come down is up, and there's no need to worry unnecessarily. Regarding Kang Sang-jun Department Head, it's still uncomfortable.”
“......”
At the same time as his words ended, all sound abruptly stopped.
When the name of the second son after the chairman was mentioned, Hyun-ju's face, which had been about to jump up from her seat, turned deathly pale. Others might not know, but the real power in this house seemed terrifying.
“I have a call with overseas clients tonight. If I'm late, it'll be very troublesome, so please cooperate?”
As if trying to loosen the frozen atmosphere, Hye-jung playfully shrugged her shoulders.
And.
“President is coming.”
With the protagonist's appearance, everyone stood up from their seats. The hurried bustle continued for a while, and silent signals came and went quickly.
The gaze of the elderly man slowly crossing the dining hall was focused on him. Among them, only Do-yeon carefully observed Mo-jun's indifferent face.