บท 14: Emotions make a man weak - part 2
Hyun-Jin stood frozen, disbelief coursing through him at Wang Il-Sung's actions. Must he really need to go to such extremes in the name of teaching?
"I see you are still hesitating," Wang Il-Sung observed, stepping closer to Hyun-Jin. His eyes softened briefly, a flicker of mercy, a fleeting warmth extinguished by the harsh reality in his voice.
"Did you see how emotions and attachments crippled your aim? That's what emotions do, my son. They shackle you, make you weak, and allow others to use them against you. They make you vulnerable and easy to manipulate. Emotions cloud your judgment, strip you of your strength, and turn you into a pawn in someone else's game," he intoned, each word deepening in severity. "And it's not just about the bird here," he added with an edge of unyielding coldness.
The old master's words hung heavy in the air, their underlying meaning clear. This wasn't just practice; it was a warning. And he just illustrated Hyun-Jin what could happen if he got too close to someone emotionally.
He wanted to teach his son about the dangers of caring too much and why it's important to remain detached and ruthless in all aspects of life, ingraining this necessity deep into Hyun-Jin's soul.
And to achieve his goals, Hyun-Jin realised his father would stop at nothing to eliminate any obstacles in his path, regardless of the consequences. If that meant harming Ha-Na to teach him another cruel lesson, or even going against the mighty Kang family, he would not hesitate, as long as it served his purpose.
Old Wang's hand landed heavily on Hyun-Jin's shoulder, his touch a mix of grim determination and threat. His words bore into Hyun-Jin's soul, his gaze penetrating, searching for any flicker of emotion. "After all, you are my finest creation. I cannot allow any passing storms to weaken our bond," he said, his voice a chilling whisper.
Hyun-Jin always knew he wasn't just a son his father brought home from the orphanage; he was his father's possession. To Wang Il-Sung, he was nothing more than an object, a "property" to be owned, to be controlled, and nothing else mattered, including the wishes of this "property."
As the sky darkened and rain began to fall, its relentless patter echoing the turmoil within Hyun-Jin's heart, assistants hurried in with umbrellas, their hurried footsteps a stark contrast to the weighty atmosphere. The old master's gaze remained fixed on Hyun-Jin, his intentions as opaque as the storm clouds above.
The old man's desires were simple yet cruel—he wanted a child who would be nothing more than a loyal dog to him. A dog that could roam freely within the confines of his world, but the moment it stepped out of line, it would find itself chained and restrained. A dog that would obediently bark at whoever the owner commanded.
To him, Hyun-Jin was that dog, a creature to be tamed and controlled. He wanted Hyun-Jin to take over his position when the time came to step down as chairman, ensuring that his grip on power would remain unchallenged. In his eyes, Hyun-Jin was not a son to be loved or nurtured but a puppet to be manipulated, a tool to further his own ambitions and maintain his dominance.
The finality in his voice left no room for misunderstanding. "I trust you to comprehend my intentions," said that, he left the grounds.
His departure signaled the end of their conversation, but for Hyun-Jin, it was the beginning of a tumultuous internal struggle. His emotions were a tangled web of confusion and anguish. It felt as though his very soul was being torn apart, each beat of his heart echoing the pain he felt.
After a moment that seemed to stretch into eternity, Hyun-Jin finally spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. "Take care of the bird's remains," he instructed Woo-Jin, his voice devoid of emotion.
"Master..." Woo-Jin tried to interrupt, intending to escort him to the door since it was raining cats and dogs.
But Hyun-Jin's gaze turned icy and razor-sharp, as if each glance could cut through steel. The intensity in his eyes sent a shiver down Woo-Jin's spine, a stark contrast from the warmth he had always known from his master.
Hyun-Jin trudged towards the mansion, the once elegant walkway now seemed to stretch endlessly before him, mirroring the endless ache in his heart. The rain poured relentlessly, drenching him to the bone, its cold embrace matching the chill that had settled in his soul.
Approaching the grand doors of the mansion, he felt their presence like a barrier. With a heavy heart, he pushed them open and stepped inside, the gloom of the mansion enveloping him like a shroud.
Drenched from the rain, Hyun-Jin's sudden entrance took both Wang Ha-Young and Mrs. Wang by surprise. They were taken aback by his appearance.
"Look at him, all gloomy and making the furniture dirty with that filthy body, as if shooting with Dad is some grand tragedy," Wang Ha-Young scoffed, her tone laced with snark and condescension, clearly not knowing about what she is speaking.
Mrs. Wang, however, remained silent, understanding the unusual training methods her husband subjected Hyun-Jin to. She chose not to disturb him, allowing him to have his space.
Reaching his room, Hyun-Jin went near his nightstand and pulled out a knot wish bracelet, slumping on the bed and holding it tightly against his chest.
No matter how much he thought, he couldn't fathom what had truly sparked the old man's wrath. So he decided to walkthrough the day's events, and then the realization struck him.
When Hyun-Jin had gotten angry at Ha-Young earlier, Old Master Wang must have immediately understood the real source of his anger: Ha-Na.
Normally, he wasn't the type to concern himself with such trivial affairs and would allow Hyun-Jin to have a few flings, indulging his desires without concern. But seeing Hyun-Jin's serious attachment to Ha-Na must have triggered him, making him want to keep Hyun-Jin in check.
Hyun-Jin's mind seethed with frustration. "That vile old man," he seethed inwardly, "I let down my guard for a second, and he was quick to catch it. What a snake!" The realization hit him like a ton of bricks; knowing it had put Ha-Na in danger now. He blamed himself for making her a target by revealing his feelings.
The mere thought of his father using Ha-Na as a pawn in his twisted games made Hyun-Jin's blood boil. He knew deep down that his father's love was conditional, merely a facade for his own ends. The realization that his father would not hesitate to harm those closest to him filled Hyun-Jin with a profound sense of dread.
This only solidified his resolve to protect Ha-Na even more. His hand instinctively tightened its grip on the thread bracelet, a precious gift from Young Ha-Na during her visit to the orphanage.
Back then, Little Hyun-Jin's days were steeped in bitterness and despair, a relentless storm that threatened to consume him. But Ha-Na's small act of kindness shone like a beacon in his darkness, a single spark of hope that ignited his will to survive. Her gesture was more than just a moment of compassion; it became his lifeline, his silent strength as he faced life's unyielding trials.
Every hardship he endured, every battle he fought, was fueled by the memory of her warmth. He clawed his way through the shadows, driven by the singular purpose of becoming the pillar she could lean on when her world trembled.
Now that the moment has finally come, Hyun-Jin's resolve solidified into an unbreakable vow. He would stand by her side, no matter the cost. The darkness within him stirred, ready to defy his father's iron grip, ready to face any danger that threatened her. For Ha-Na, he is willing to become both her shield and her sword.
The world could burn, and he would walk through the flames. To protect her, he would cross every line, break every rule, and confront any threat that dared to challenge them from happening. Ha-Na's safety was his to guard, and he swore to do so with every breath, even if it meant losing himself in the process.
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