Jung Looked out the window as he out his phone away. He watched the familiar streets of Seol pass by lost in thought. The past had a lot to do with one thing in particular, his father's judgement. He went through a lot of healing and growing the past three years. During that time he made plans too, about the future.
Jung grew up thinking that he would follow in his father's footsteps, not through nepotism but through capability. He strove for perfection because his father and Taerang needed and expected the best. It would be hard to prove himself but he was never afraid of challenges. He was prepared for any hurdles that would fall in his way.
Anything in life was negotiable including his father and Taerang, except for Seol. As long as Jung had Seol by his side nothing else would hold the same importance. It would be best if his father accepted this early on. There was a reason that Jung hadn't introduced them to each other yet. His father was elitist enough to look down on Seol for her background. Seol was secure in this relationship because of her ignorance. Though she knew his background, she was still unaware of what it would entail on her part to become a part of it. Acceptance between the two, would be difficult at best.
He grew up seeing his parents marriage, and knew without a doubt, that it would not be the same for him and Seol. There would be light, trust and laughter in their house. Jung leaned his head back on the seat and closed his eyes, he had two goals. Make himself so indispensable to Taerang that his father would lose the power to control him and prepare Seol so that she would be ready to spend the rest of their lives together.
It was two hours later that he arrived to the front gates of his house. The gates opened automatically once the housekeeper confirmed it was him. The car stopped at the front door. Jung was surprised to see his father on the steps, the expression on his face one he hadn't seen before.
"Here is my card." Jung handed his credit card to the driver.
"Yes." the driver repeated the fare and swiped the card, giving it back to him.
"Have a good rest of the night, sir." Jung nodded and stepped out of the car.
His father stood right outside and forcefully grabbed him into a hug. After holding onto him for a second, during which Jung didn't know what to do, he took his shoulders, pulled him back and examined him from head to toe.
"Are you really okay? What happened?"
"I am sorry Abhuji. I arrived yesterday, took an earlier flight out of London."
"Why didn't you let me know?" the anger... and dare he say it, the worry was evident.
"I just wanted to get used to being back in Korea without any fanfare." Jung said trying to inject some sheepishness into his voice.
"What were you doing since you got back. You haven't been in touch with any of your friends, have you?"
"Yes, Abhuji, I met a few friends but mostly I just walked around and visited a few places."
"Oh..Okay, come inside, hurry." His father realized that he wouldn't get any more from him. They both walked inside, his dad's secretary was standing in the doorway and the housekeeper was by the door to the dining room.
"Have you had dinner?" Jung shook his head in the negative.
"Then come on, the Ajumma made some food, let's eat."
"Yes, Abhuji."
"I am glad you are fine, Yoo Jung-shi. Your father was very worried about you, when the news came in today." Jung shook the hand that secretary Choi reached out to him.
"Yes, I am sorry, it must have been hard for you. I wont worry you guys like that again." Jung smiled in response. He knew what Secretary Choi wasn't saying How did you get back without us knowing? Secretary Choi was privy to many of his dad's private and business matters, and was brilliant at information gathering. Jung haden't really been trying to keep his presence in Korea a secret from his father, but rather just didn't inform anyone about his change in plans. He was very aware that his father would know of his arrival sooner rather then later.
Jung followed his father into the dining room and sat in his usual seat next to the head of the table. His father motioned to the house keeper to leave as she finished setting up the food. She gave Jung a weak but genuine smile as she left, Jung returned it with a nod.
His father cleared his throat.
"So what are your plans now that you are back?"
"It's up to you Abhuji. I am willing to start at whatever position you believe I should start at."
"Ahh, so you are willing to work at Taerang. I thought that maybe you might have changed your mind." Jung smiled at his fathers comment as he ate his food.
"I have always seen myself following your footsteps in that regard. However, I am also aware that I still have a lot to learn. I will have to prove myself, not only to you but to others on the board if I want to stay at Taerang."
"Hmm, you are at least aware that you still have a lot to learn. So, do you have a plan for where you want to start?"
****I am going to be traveling to a different country tomorrow, and with the current conditions it is a very stressful process. It was decided unexpectedly so I am sorry for not updating sooner. I will try to publish the next chapter on Friday but I can't guarantee my internet connection or my time until the September 2. So please be patient! BTW just finished It's Okay Not To Be Okay and I have never felt so freaking satisfied in my life! I hope everyone is safe and happy and enjoying life even with everything going on in the world. Lots of Love.********