Ch.310310. Not a Power Struggle

“……What?”

I’ve only ever exchanged New Year’s greetings and a few check-in calls with my grandfather, so what could he possibly have to hold against me?

It sounded so absurd that I just stared blankly, and my brother admitted with a smile that he was joking.

“I’m kidding. I don’t know why either. You know your grandfather’s personality, right?”

“I know Grandfather isn’t the type to explain things in detail… but still, did he give you any hints? Or did you overhear something?”

“Siwoo, if I knew anything, I would have told you already. There’s really nothing.”

“Hmm, really?”

I pondered while scanning the financial statements. I couldn’t think of any reason why Grandfather would want to see me directly… What could it be?

He’s too busy with company affairs to call me just for pleasantries or to give me pocket money. Could I have unknowingly offended some elderly relatives? Or maybe there’s been some terrible accident…

—Ding-dong.

While I was lost in these convoluted thoughts, the front door opened with a cheerful ring. Hwa Nabi entered carrying a shopping basket in one hand and holding Uhee in the other. I reflexively jumped up and approached her.

“Husband, I’m home.”

“Welcome back. Are you okay? Was Uhee well-behaved?”

“Huh, I didn’t go far, why are you so rushed? Ask one question at a time.”

As I took the bags from her, Hwa Nabi’s eyes met my brother’s. Since his visit was unexpected, she was startled, while he nodded with his usual smile.

“Oh, brother-in-law. When did you arrive?”

“Not long ago. I’m imposing on you unexpectedly.”

“I told you to speak comfortably, but you’re still so formal. Shouldn’t you be at the office at this hour?”

“Yes, but I had some business nearby, so I just stopped by briefly. I’ll be leaving soon.”

“Ah… I see.”

After assessing the situation, Hwa Nabi’s gaze shifted from me to the documents scattered on the sofa. Her eyes silently asked what they were.

I subtly moved my body to block her view.

‘It’s nothing. Just documents I need for company work.’

‘I can see it’s company work, but it looks messy all spread out like that. Wouldn’t it be better to organize them properly so you can see things clearly?’

Hwa Nabi sought my agreement with her eyes. Since she wasn’t wrong, I nodded. She patted my waist and headed to the kitchen with Uhee in her arms.

“Brother-in-law, you haven’t eaten yet, right? I’ll make something simple so you can have lunch with my husband before you go.”

“Ah, that’s okay. I have a prior appointment. I’ll be leaving soon, so please just make something for Siwoo.”

“Come on, since you’re already here, you should eat with us…”

Hwa Nabi trailed off and glanced at me, asking if I wanted something to eat. I nodded to indicate that I would, and took Uhee from her.

“I’ll watch her while you cook.”

“You seemed to be studying something. Is that okay?”

“Yes, it’s simple enough that I can do it while watching the baby.”

“Alright. I’ll make it quickly, so please watch her for a moment.”

After taking Uhee, I returned to the living room sofa. Then I resumed my analysis. While gently soothing Uhee with one hand, I scanned through the financial statements with the other.

“Siwoo. Wouldn’t it be easier to look at those after putting her to sleep?”

“It’s fine. Reading financial statements isn’t that difficult.”

“…Hmm.”

I was about to ignore what seemed like passing advice when my brother started tapping the sofa armrest with his finger while staring at me intently.

He looked like he had something to say.

“Hyung, is there something on my face?”

“No, you’re handsome as always.”

“…What’s that about? Why are you staring at me like that? It’s embarrassing.”

“Just thinking that you’ve really grown up now.”

“What’s with that all of a sudden…”

“It’s nothing. Anyway, do you see anything interesting there?”

I looked up from the financial statements at my brother’s question. Do I see anything? I see plenty. Too much, in fact. Performance is declining day by day, and the stock price is plummeting along with it. The value of core affiliate stocks has dropped more than 20% compared to last year.

Though I’ve never met them in person, I can imagine the expressions of the owner family. They must be walking around with grim faces every day. I would be too.

“Previous performance is in the gutter, and so is the stock price. At this point, shouldn’t they fire the entire management team and bring in professional managers?”

“Hmm, is that all?”

“No, there’s one more thing. If it were me, I’d buy up as many of these stocks as possible.”

“…You’d buy stocks of a group that’s reeling from the heir’s drug scandal? Why? Based on what?”

“Well, that’s…”

Just as I was about to explain my judgment based on the financial statements and other information I’d reviewed, my brother’s phone rang.

He frowned, annoyed at the interruption. But after seeing the caller ID, his expression returned to normal.

“Siwoo, sorry. It’s an important work call, so I need to take this.”

“Oh, go ahead.”

“Hello, Han Jiwoo from Hanwi Construction’s building team… Yes. Yes. Right now? Ah, I understand. I’ll be right there.”

My brother’s expression changed within five seconds of answering the call. He looked at me with regret, then slowly stood up.

“Siwoo, I’m really sorry, but something urgent came up. I need to go right away.”

“Oh, really? If it’s urgent, it can’t be helped.”

“I’m truly sorry. I wanted to hear more, but I’ll miss the timing if I don’t go now. Let’s talk again next time. Is that okay?”

“Sure, you said it’s urgent, right? I’m fine, so hurry and go.”

My story can be heard anytime, so it’s fine. My brother adjusted his bag and walked straight to the door. I stood at the entrance to see him off.

“Nabi! Hyung is leaving!”

—Oh, brother-in-law. You’re leaving already? The side dishes are just ready!

“I think she made enough for you too, even though you said you weren’t eating.”

“Sorry, Nabi sometimes has a talent for putting people in awkward positions.”

“She made it thinking of me, so there’s nothing to be sorry about. I’m the one who’s sorry for not being able to eat it. Give her my regards, and you eat a lot for me too, okay?”

“Yes, yes. I’ll handle it, so hurry and go. Uhee, say goodbye to your uncle.”

I gently shook Uhee’s tiny wrist. She stared at my brother with an innocent, clueless face, and he found it adorable, smiling as he took out his wallet.

“Oh right, I should give her some pocket money. Here, Uhee. Pocket money from your uncle.”

“Hyung, who gives a child pocket money with a check?”

“Ah, do kids these days prefer gift cards?”

“Whether it’s a check or a gift card, she won’t be able to use it herself for at least another ten years.”

“Why wait ten years? Kids these days grow up so fast.”

“Come on, Hyung, take it back.”

“Why? Just keep it and save it for when Uhee grows up.”

If it were a 100,000 won check, I’d accept it without hesitation, but with an extra digit, I couldn’t take it readily. I shook my head and returned the check to my brother.

“If you want to give something, give a 10,000 won bill. Not a check like this.”

“Siwoo, I don’t have any cash in my wallet.”

“…Then don’t give anything.”

What a bourgeois.

“Alright. Next time I’ll bring cash for sure. I’m really going now.”

“Okay, hurry up.”

“Oh, right. Siwoo.”

My brother, who had already put on his shoes, turned around.

“What now?”

“About meeting Grandfather tomorrow—don’t be surprised no matter what happens.”

“…Don’t be surprised? What does that—Hyung!”

What does he mean by that? I tried to ask for details, but he just left that cryptic message and got into the elevator without looking back. Then he waved at me with a bright smile.

“Seriously…”

Come to think of it, he’s quite self-centered. My sister too, and Hwa Nabi as well. Why does everyone around me seem to be such a unique character? Is this what happens when you grow up in a wealthy family?

I hope Uhee grows up to be more ordinary… What could be the cause? Just as I was about to seriously contemplate this, Hwa Nabi came to the entrance wearing an apron.

“Oh, did brother-in-law already leave?”

“Yeah, just now. He asked me to give you his regards.”

“I was cooking with the stove on so I couldn’t come out to greet him, but he left at just this moment? That makes me feel bad…”

“We’re all busy, so it can’t be helped. It’s cold, let’s go inside.”

I closed the front door and went inside. Hwa Nabi reached out her arms to me, who was holding Uhee.

“Give her to me and go have lunch. I’ll hold her.”

“Thanks.”

I carefully handed Uhee over. Thud—something fell to the floor by my feet. It looked like a neatly folded piece of paper. What is this?

When I bent down to look closer, I saw it wasn’t paper but a check. The same check with the extra digit that my brother had tried to give earlier.

…I clearly saw him put it back in his wallet, so when did he slip it into my pocket? They say the hand is quicker than the eye, and that seems to be true. As I was marveling at this, Hwa Nabi’s eyes widened.

“Oh, a check. Is it yours, husband?”

“No, it’s my brother’s…”

Since my brother has his dignity too, I decided to explain without mentioning that he tried to give it as pocket money for the baby.

I made up an excuse that he was looking for cash in his wallet to give some pocket money when it must have fallen out… Hwa Nabi seemed to understand.

“Then shouldn’t we return it to him?”

“I’ll see him tomorrow, so I can give it back then.”

“Is brother-in-law coming again tomorrow?”

“No, I’m scheduled to meet Grandfather tomorrow. I’ll be going to the company anyway, so I can meet my brother and return it then.”

“Ah, I see. Then what time should we leave?”

“…Good question. We didn’t set a time.”

Belatedly realizing this, I sent my brother a message. His reply came quickly.

Hyung [Siwoo, you just need to wait at home.]

Me [Huh? Why?]

Hyung [He said he’d arrive in the morning.]

Me […Who is arriving where?]

Hyung [(Emoticon of a big dog sympathetically patting a small dog’s shoulder)]

Hyung [Fighting!]