episode_0039

“Don’t come over for a while,” Gunwoo suddenly said over the phone.

“Why all of a sudden?”

“Just something came up. I’ll contact you later.”

Even when I asked for the reason, he didn’t give me an answer. What could it be?

Could it be… he’s seeing another girl?

No, that’s impossible. If he was seeing someone else, he wouldn’t have hung out with that girl we saw at the cafe last time.

And I even confessed my feelings… not that it was mutual. But still, the thought made me uneasy. After all, I was the one who unilaterally confessed my feelings.

Of course, if he’s now looking for someone else after leading me on like that, he’s just trash. But Gunwoo, to be honest, isn’t a good guy. To put it nicely, he’s a bad guy, and to put it bluntly, he’s a total jerk.

Even though I say that, I’m honestly not a good person either.

Anyway, I couldn’t stand not knowing the reason why Gunwoo was acting like this all of a sudden.

So, should I tail Gunwoo like I did last time, I wondered. But just as I was thinking that, thankfully, Gunwoo called me again.

“Hey, can you come over right now?”

“You told me not to come, why are you asking me to come now?”

“Just something came up. Dress nicely and come over.”

“What’s going on?”

He suddenly asked me to dress up and come over, but I couldn’t understand the reason.

Then Gunwoo soon explained the reason.

“My dad is here.”

“What? Your dad? He usually doesn’t come home.”

“That’s right. But it’s getting annoying, so…”

“What’s going on?”

Gunwoo seemed very awkward when I asked him.

“My dad wanted to introduce me to a nice girl from a good family. He said there’s a good girl in the house.”

“What…?”

“But since I already have a girlfriend, he wants to see her.”

“So…”

Do I have to go see Gunwoo’s dad now?

“You got it? Dress nicely and come over. Don’t come as you usually do.”

“What’s wrong with how I usually dress?”

“How should I put it? You’re a bit of a blockhead. Anyway, I’m hanging up. Come quickly.”

And with that, Gunwoo hung up the phone.

Feeling bewildered by the sudden news of meeting Gunwoo’s dad, I chose a modest outfit and headed to Gunwoo’s house.

A few hours later, I arrived at Gunwoo’s house.

And I met Gunwoo’s dad for the first time.

“Is this Gunwoo’s girlfriend?”

“Yes…”

“She’s a good girl.”

To be honest, Gunwoo’s dad, whom I met for the first time… wasn’t a good impression.

Rather than saying he was ugly, his appearance wasn’t as good as his impression.

There was a creepy vibe emanating from his face, more than his looks. It was more of a negative aspect than his appearance.

Gunwoo had mentioned that the perverted items he often used were things this person used when he was fooling around, so…

“Are you done? I don’t look at girls when I have a girlfriend.”

“Hmm, with a girl like this, there’s no need to look elsewhere.”

“Surprisingly quick to give up, huh? Your grandfather introduced a girl to you?”

“Yeah, she’s from a good family. I thought we could build some connections between our families by making her my wife… but in fact, it’s a good thing. It was a marriage where we would have been at a loss. If there’s an excuse to refuse, it’s actually for the best.”

There was a complex story going on. It was like something out of a chaebol drama.

“Besides, your grandfather wanted to see you and his future granddaughter-in-law before he passed away. Do you remember your grandfather’s face? He used to tease you a lot when you were young.”

“When was this?”

“Older people tend to dwell on the past. He felt sorry for not paying much attention to you. That’s why he wanted to see your potential wife. It’s funny, isn’t it? You’re only 20 years old and already talking about a wife. Can’t even enjoy being a Gen Z.”

“Isn’t it more about giving you more inheritance from your dad?”

“It’s actually for you. My father mentioned about dividing some inheritance because he remembers you so fondly. It may not be much, only 1%, but where else can you find that.”

“So, you think my inheritance is basically my dad’s.”

Whether Geonwoo’s words hit the mark or not, Geonwoo’s father only smiled lightly. Then, Geonwoo’s father looked back at me.

“Oh, I was a bit rude in front of the young lady. Your name is Sihyeon, right?”

“Yes… Park Sihyeon.”

“How long have you been dating Geonwoo?”

“It’s been 2 years this year… Oh, we’ve known each other since school…”

“Oh, so you’ve known each other for 5 years?”

“Yes…”

In reality, we haven’t even been together for a year.

“OK. That’s not bad. If you say you’ve been dating since school, it’s not bad for an old man’s sentiment.”

“Um, what do you mean…”

“Young lady, are you dating Geonwoo with the intention of getting married?”

“What? Oh, that… well…”

I glanced at Geonwoo. Geonwoo just stood there with his arms crossed, saying nothing. It seemed like he didn’t care what I answered.

“It’s a bit early to answer… well, it’s the early 20s after all.”

“……”

“Actually, it doesn’t matter either way… Young lady, can I ask you for a favor?”

“What favor?”

With a smile, Geonwoo’s father said, “Could you pretend to be my future daughter-in-law in front of my father?”

I was speechless at the surprising proposal.

* * *

“You’re such a fool. You should have said no.”

A while later, I was heading to the ancestral home with Park Sihyeon in a limousine. I lightly scolded Park Sihyeon for not rejecting my father’s proposal.

“Why didn’t you reject it? He said he would inherit his property to you.”

“What does it matter to you? And besides, my father would interfere anyway.”

“Are you afraid of being taken advantage of?”

“Well, it doesn’t really matter. Whether I accept that or not…”

“So, it doesn’t matter if you accept it, then it’s better to accept it.”

It wasn’t a wrong statement. If it doesn’t matter whether I accept it or not, it’s better to accept it.

If the conglomerate inheritance share is 1%, it’s definitely not something to ignore.

Even considering it as personal property, it would have a significant impact when my father argues with his siblings over succession. In fact, my grandfather probably gave it considering that.

Of course, it was unexpected. It had been quite a while since I saw my grandfather. When I was young, I used to joke around a lot, and my grandfather really liked me. But would he give me property to that extent?

Anyway, aside from that, it was surprising that Park Sihyeon didn’t reject my father’s proposal.

“You won’t really benefit from it.”

“Why not? If I marry you, I can also hear the sound of ‘Madam’.”

“……”

“Just kidding. But still, do you want to meet your grandfather? What kind of person is he?”

“Well… he’s actually nicer than I thought. To his grandsons, at least.”

Literally to his grandsons. He’s actually quite cold to his children.

However, the other grandsons… I mean, my cousins are a bit of a mess. According to my father, that’s why he’s more affectionate towards me, who is ‘less wayward’, but I don’t really know. Am I really such a good guy?

“I see… I’m looking forward to it. Honestly, your father was a bit like that. Oh, is this a secret? I don’t want to hear my future daughter-in-law badmouthing her father-in-law.”

“Ha, funny. Daughter-in-law, what’s that? Besides, our father is a piece of shit.”

Park Sihyeon seemed to actually enjoy this situation. Crazy woman. Has she completely forgotten that she’s a man? It’s good that she’s laughing like that, it’s endearing.

“But how about you?”

“What?”

“Marrying me. Do you like it or not?”

“…Why are you asking me that?”

“Can’t I ask?”

…Damn it. Why are you suddenly asking that?

Of course, I’ve never thought about marrying her. It’s strange that it even crossed my mind. How did I end up in this situation with her? Just because I let her boss me around for a year and forgave her, doesn’t mean I should consider marriage.

Maybe if we just keep seeing each other, have some sex, and get to know each other, it would be fine. Sure, I did say I would take responsibility if a child came into the picture, but feeling responsible is different from romantic feelings.

I mean, I do have some romantic feelings, but still, marriage right now is a bit…

“It’s not impossible.”

“Then answer this, will you marry me?”

“I don’t know. Just because you ask doesn’t mean I have to answer.”

“Come on, you’re so stubborn.”

“Enough. Let’s go.”

Before I knew it, we had arrived at my grandfather’s house. While the neighborhood I live in is upscale, this area is completely owned by our family. My house is basically abandoned, as I live alone, so it’s not as impressive as this place.

“I’m nervous…”

“No need to be. Just smile and nod. No one will even talk to you anyway.”

“In dramas, they always make the rich family’s daughter-in-law’s life difficult.”

“That’s just in dramas. Who even lives with their in-laws these days?”

Staying with the in-laws to please the chairman is a thing of the past. Even in the older generation, no one would say anything to the potential daughter-in-law who hasn’t even visited the business. It’s just like any other family.

…Wait, it really feels like I’m a potential daughter-in-law. Damn!

“Hello.”

“Oh, Geonwoo? Long time no see. Do you remember me, the grandfather?”

“Yes, it’s been a while. Grandfather.”

As expected, we went inside and met with relatives, but it was all just casual greetings. Surprisingly, there was no tension about me receiving a share of the inheritance. Turns out, I’m not the only one. Other grandsons are also getting a small share. I just have the largest share because I’m the only illegitimate son. The rest divide 1% among themselves.

“But who is the young lady next to you?”

“Hello, I’m Park Sihyun. Geonwoo and I are dating.”

“Oh, she’s your girlfriend. Oh, Geonwoo, you’ve found such a nice lady.”

Contrary to my expectations, Park Sihyun received quite a bit of attention. Regardless of anything else, she had a good appearance, and everyone seemed to be interested in talking to her. Park Sihyun also acted quite mature. She was not originally like this, but she perfectly hid her inner vulgarity. Of course, among those who approached her, there were also people who were trying to show off their family.

“Huh? Is that really her mother?”

“Oh, yes. That’s her. She used to be an idol-”

“Wow, I was a fan too. I liked her when I was younger. This brings back memories.”

“Well, she was of the age to have a daughter like this. By any chance, is the young lady also in the entertainment industry?”

“No, I prefer dating Geonwoo.”

“Haha, that’s understandable. If you’re interested, let us know. Our group has an entertainment subsidiary-”

But unexpectedly, something else happened. These people seemed to be fans of Park Sihyun’s mother. I may not know that generation, but it seemed like she was quite popular, as everyone’s eyes on Park Sihyun looked like uncle fans.

“Why are they all so kind? They’re nice people.”

“…Ugh. Let’s just go see the grandfather already.”

“Why are you in a bad mood? Are you jealous, by any chance?”

“No way.”

Park Sihyun teased me, poking my cheek. I just ignored her.

“Ahem, is everyone here?”

“Oh, Father. You came out? You’re not feeling well…”

“It’s my birthday, so everyone came. I had to come out myself.”

It was right at that moment. My grandfather revealed himself. Despite being an old man who appeared sickly, his appearance was remarkably good.

“Have you all been well? Hmm?”

As we were talking, our eyes met. My grandfather approached me and patted my shoulder, saying, “Isn’t this Geonu? Oh, this boy has really grown up handsomely.”

“Yes, grandfather.”

“And who is the child next to you?”

“She’s my girlfriend.”

“Ah, I see. I heard you had a girlfriend. If you didn’t, this old man was going to introduce you.”

My grandfather then looked at Park Sihyun and seemed to smile contentedly.

“She’s a very polite young lady.”

“Thank you, grandfather.”

“Well… then when are you two getting married?”

“That’s…”

Just as I was about to say it was still in the future,

“We’ve decided to get married soon.”

…That’s when Park Sihyun blurted out like driving a wedge into the conversation.