episode_0039

“Uh, uh… Yuri….”

Apparently, the reputation of one of the major law firms in Korea known as a top-tier firm wasn’t taken lightly. Well, it’s understandable considering the lawyer’s expression was quite twisted.

“Ah… This is who I am.”

The hand extending the business card seemed polite, as if already gaining favor here. People who are usually timid tend to have loud voices. In times like this, I can’t help but feel fortunate to have a lawyer as a son-in-law.

“Our nephews and your nieces had a conflict. Could I see the statement first?”

The son-in-law calmly requested the statement from Kim Sung-kyung. As Sung-kyung handed over the statement with a bewildered expression, he quickly read through it, his face contorting.

“These kids… Are they crazy?”

The son-in-law scanned the children with a contemptuous expression, especially looking at the boys as if they were bugs. Well, it’s understandable that he can’t stay detached from such a story given his position as a father. For reference, my nephew consisted of a five-year-old boy and a four-year-old girl born in consecutive years.

“Chae-hyung, are you okay?”

Hearing these words, my mental state must be peaceful.

“Oh, I’m fine. But… it’s a bit… difficult that even after hearing such things, those kids didn’t show any remorse.”

Perhaps feeling relieved, my eyes moistened slightly.

“Phew, anyway, according to the statement, Dabin has evidence recorded on-site, and they even committed assault, so it’s hard for both sides to smoothly resolve this.”

Upon this, the parents on the other side, along with the children, gasped in shock.

On the other hand, Suhyun’s father initially had high hopes, but as things didn’t go as planned, everyone felt a sense of crisis. Soon, the parents began to bow their heads one by one and started apologizing. Eventually, even Suhyun, who was a lawyer, bowed his head, including his father.

“I-I’m sorry. It’s because we didn’t educate our kids properly. Please forgive us…”

“Oh, Dad!”

“Honey!”

“Stay quiet! Who said you did something right!”

As the father bowed his head, Suhyun, his wife and daughter, raised their voices indignantly.

However, after a moment of being subdued and glaring at us with eyes full of discontent, they finally bowed their heads.

What to do. While I wanted to show a clear example and proper education, seeing everyone bowing their heads weakened my resolve.

Moreover, if this dispute dragged on legally, arguing about who did right or wrong would take a long time. Even though the children were hurt, if such conflicts prolonged, they could face disciplinary procedures as mutual offenders.

After pondering in silence for a moment and glancing around at the children, I made a decision.

“Phew… Please raise your heads.”

At my words, all the parents on the other side lifted their heads.

Initially, I was inclined to show leniency due to softened feelings, but harboring resentment, especially among the boys, could become a real threat. Realizing this, I couldn’t just let things slide and openly expressed this to the parents on the other side. The girls’ parents visibly paled, while the boys’ parents openly objected.

“Oh, no. If they fought together, why are only our kids being treated this way? Aren’t you being too harsh on the boys?”

“That’s right. Our child didn’t actually pose any threat!”

Since they hadn’t listened to the recording yet, I handed my phone to Dabin to play the recording for them.

“If you were in the same situation, would you forgive kids who insulted your own child like this? If you forgave them and they harbored resentment, what harm might they cause to my daughter!”

I also didn’t realize my voice was getting agitated.

“Well, but. Actually, nothing has happened yet!”

“Yes. As you said, ‘yet’ nothing has happened. But if a 17-year-old is saying such things, unless there is a significant change, how can we know what will happen?”

“And, well… If you feel unjust, should we all be punished together?”

Upon hearing this, the parents of the girls turned pale and accused the parents of the boys. This is borrowing a knife to kill (借刀殺人). Killing someone with a borrowed knife. In other words, a method of suppressing one enemy with another.

Naturally, discord arose among the parents, with the boys’ parents feeling that everyone should be punished together for what happened, and the girls’ parents arguing that even if it’s our child, they should be saved.

Seeing this, it became clear why the children had grown up that way, and the police shook their heads while the stepfather whispered to me, “It’s scary. Really.”

Did I plan this from the beginning?

Of course. Parental discord leads to children’s discord, and the boys and girls will end up hating each other rather than being like Da-young and Da-bin.

In that case, Da-young won’t have to transfer schools, and eventually, they will likely get along like chickens. It’s not like I’m trying to socialize for a day or two; I’m well-versed in office politics, so this is just a piece of cake.

Admittedly, amidst all the emotional turmoil, Da-bin played a crucial role by recording their conversations without fail.

Anyway, leaving them to fight, we said our part was done and left first. Since the legal issues would be handled by the stepfather, it felt like a weight off our shoulders.

“Phew, I’m tired.”

Mentally drained, I felt like all the energy had been sucked out of my body.

“You’ve worked hard. Hyung-nim.”

Confirming no one was around, the stepfather changed his tone as if he were a ghost. No, Sang-gi. Well, they say he’s sharp like a knife.

“Hehe, still not used to it?”

“Haha, that’s right. Oh, Da-young and Da-bin also worked hard. Let’s go to the hospital tomorrow and get a medical certificate. Even if we try to settle, we need evidence and documents anyway.”

“Yes, thank you, Uncle.”

Saying so, Da-young began to pat Sang-gi’s shoulders.

“Oh, refreshing. Ah, Jin-woo and Jin-seo, when will they grow up and pat my shoulders like this? I envy you at times like this. The kids are all grown up now. Ah, it’s so tough to see them walking, running, and talking.”

Well, being 4 or 5 years old is indeed a challenging age.

“Everyone has their own difficulties. Look at me. Don’t you feel anything seeing me in such a mess today?”

Sang-gi smiled uneasily at these words.

“Still, thanks to Uncle, everything was resolved well. Isn’t that right?”

Despite what Da-bin said… it would have been a disaster without lawyer stepfather. Especially that Su-hyun’s mom from earlier. My cheek still stings from her slap.

“Oh, did your mom hit your right cheek lightly?”

Da-young said sadly.

“Geez. What is that woman doing, really?”

I laughed and scolded Da-young.

“Don’t worry. I hit her harder. Will she have bruises by tomorrow?”

I said confidently, but I wasn’t sure. But that woman’s hand felt like a pot lid.

Oh, anyway, it feels like kids’ fights turn into adult fights. It’s kind of ridiculous in a way, but on the other hand, I’ve realized that kids’ fights are no joke now. Above all, it’s surprising to see young kids engaging in such absurd and nonsensical harassment.

Well, of course, I’ve lived a somewhat boring but honest life without being distracted elsewhere. But, really. Hearing those thick words coming out of kids’ mouths, like wanting to try what a friend’s mom eats or suddenly standing up, using words that seem more fitting for club-goers in their mid-twenties, was quite shocking.

“Everyone, get in the car quickly. Since you’re all tired today, let’s go home and rest early.”

With that said, I put the kids in the car. They must have been tired too. Besides, Davin even got bullied, so he might be up all night in pain. I should apply some ointment when we get home.

“Well then, hyungnim. I’ll also head back now.”

“Oh, yeah. Thanks so much for coming at such short notice. It would have been really tough without you.”

“Oh~ We’re like family, right? This is something I should naturally do. Even if I didn’t come, Jinwoo’s mom would have pushed me to come, right?”

Well, considering my younger brother, Jung Soo-yeon’s personality, she might have done that. Anyway, I was grateful for the help.

“Anyway, take care on your way back. Make sure to tell Su-yeon that everything has been resolved. Don’t worry.”

“Yes, I’ll go in now.”

Turning around and walking towards his car, I suddenly became curious and asked Sang-gi.

“Sang-gi!”

“Yes, hyungnim.”

“Let me ask you one thing.”

“Sure, go ahead and ask.”

“Do you think I look like that?”

I was really curious, as it seemed like I hadn’t yet gained a sense of objectivity.

“Phew! Hy, hyungnim!”

Startled, Sang-gi called me “hyungnim” loudly and quickly looked around. Fortunately, there was no one around.

“Please, don’t go around saying things like that with that appearance. Really. Ah… Da-young and Davin are clearly going to have a hard time. Seriously.”

Saying that, Sang-gi quickly left the scene.

And so, I couldn’t figure out the answer for a long time, why he was walking away with wobbly legs like that.