Chương 35: A Storm Brewing.
Two days later, ln Junseong's mansion,
The living room was alive with the soft glow of the television, illuminating the faces of Junseong and Seongho as they settled in for an evening of *Banana Fish*. Seongho nestled against Junseong's side, his small frame curving against him comfortably, like a puzzle piece finding its place.
"Can you believe how Ash saved Eiji in the last episode?" he exclaimed, his excitement bubbling over. Mangchi, the cat, lay sprawled lazily beside them, occasionally glancing up at the screen.
Hyeri, sat on the adjacent couch, stifling a giggle at the scene before her. "Look at these two lovebirds," she teased, pulling out her phone to capture the moment. "You're both too cute; it's like watching a romance unfold!"
"Noona! Stop it!" Seongho whined playfully, nuzzling his face against Junseong's shoulder.
"Just admit it, you love having me here hubby," Seongho chimed in, his tone teasing but his eyes sparkling with affection.
"Somebody has to keep you entertained," Junseong replied, rolling his eyes but unable to suppress a grin. The television was ablaze with action, but Junseong couldn't shake the warmth radiating from Seongho beside him.
Just as the excitement peaked in the show, Junseong's phone buzzed on the coffee table, shattering the moment. He glanced at the caller ID and felt his heart drop—his parents. "Excuse me," he murmured, carefully unwrapping himself from Seongho's grip as he stood up.
"Wait, wait!" Seongho suddenly exclaimed, his eyes widening as the tension in the show built. "I think this part is really important!"
"Do we really have to take a break now?" Seongho's voice took on a playful whine, his eyes darting between Junseong and the screen. He looked up at him with that familiar adorable pout that always made Junseong's heart melt, even if he tried to play it cool, making it impossible for Hyeri to hold back her laughter.
"It's probably important," Junseong replied, not wanting to leave Seongho hanging but knowing he needed to stay on top of family matters. He stood up and stepped out onto the porch, leaving Seongho's glance lingering on his retreating figure, the excitement of the plot momentarily forgotten.
As Junseong stepped outside to the porch, the cool night air enveloped him. He took a deep breath and answered the call from his parents.
"Junseong, we need to speak," his father's voice came through smoothly but with an edge of urgency.
"I understand," Junseong responded, his gaze drifting back toward the warm light of the living room. "What's going on?"
"You know the Jeong's are breathing down our necks about that marriage contract," his mother interjected, her tone laced with frustration. "They're insisting you're meant to marry Ha Young."
A mixture of irritation and determination surged through him at their pressures. "I won't let them dictate my life. I'll handle it," he replied firmly, his resolve solidifying as he stood tall against the porch railing.
Junseong's heart raced, a flurry of indignation coursing through him. "Let them try. They have no power over me, and I'm not marrying someone I don't want!"
"Junseong—" his father began, but Junseong cut him off, the anger boiling over.
"I'm Lee Junseong and I won't hide behind anyone! I won't be pushed around!" His voice echoed in the cool night, fierce and unyielding. "You raised me to stand my ground, and I will!"
"Just remember, we just wanted to warn you . It's not like we're afraid of them or something," his mother said softly, though the authority in her voice was clear. "We just want you to be prepared."
With a clipped "I'll handle it," Junseong hung up the phone and took a moment to rein in his emotions. Mangchi strolled onto the porch, rubbing against his legs, sensing his agitation.
He returned to the living room and in a heartbeat, he sprang off the couch and darted toward Junseong, arms outstretched in a grabby, playful motion that made Hyeri let out an audibly delighted squeal from her spot. The sheer cuteness of the moment almost made Junseong laugh.
"Everything okay?" Seongho asked, concern flickering in his eyes as he latched onto Junseong's arm.
"Yeah, just business stuff," Junseong said, waving it off.
"Hubby, don't leave again!" Seongho pleaded, wrapping his arms around Junseong's waist and clinging to him tightly. His little fingers nearly sank into the fabric of Junseong's shirt, and he looked up with wide, innocent eyes, his seriousness at odds with his playful demeanor.
"Alright, alright. I'm here now," Junseong replied with a bemused expression. He stood still, allowing Seongho to cling to him, even if he wasn't one to get overly affectionate. There was something to be said for this kind of connection, even if he played it off casually.
"Good! We can watch together!" Seongho said, a triumphant smile stretching across his face. He remained attached to Junseong, practically using him as a human shield against the approaching drama on the screen.
"Do you want to snuggle?" Seongho asked innocently, making Junseong chuckle despite himself. Hyeri cooed and took another photo, clearly amused by the dynamic between the two.
"Only if you promise to stop whining," Junseong said, playfully ruffling Seongho's hair. They resumed their position as the next episode began, and amidst the thrill of the anime, Junseong couldn't help but steal glances at Seongho, feeling the unknown warmth of their budding relationship—a distraction he desperately needed from the storm brewing around him.
As the episode continued, Seongho remained firmly against Junseong, his eyes glued to the screen, but every now and then, he would lean in closer, squeezing Junseong's waist as if he were the safest lifeline. It was clear that no matter what drama unfolded on-screen, nothing was quite as captivating as being wrapped up in their little world together.
Despite the underlying tension with his parents and the looming presence of family obligations, Junseong found solace in the clingy warmth of Seongho by his side, allowing himself a moment of peace amid the chaos.
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.
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Meanwhile,in the grand living room of the Jeong mansion,it was impeccably decorated, yet the air was thick with tension. Ornate chandeliers hung overhead, casting a soft glow over the coffee table strewn with legal documents. Mr. Jeong, his brow furrowed with worry, paced back and forth.
"We need to act fast," he said, turning to Mrs. Jeong, whose perfectly manicured nails tapped nervously against a folder. "Our shares are plummeting. If we don't secure Junseong's marriage to Ha Young, we'll lose everything we've built."
Mrs. Jeong's eyes sparkled with determination. "Ha Young has always been infatuated with him. I knew this was our chance to revive that contract from years ago—the one that promised our companies would merge in the future. We must convince him that marrying her is in his best interest even if the parents disagrees."
Just then, the heavy sound of footsteps interrupted their plotting. Ha Young, descended the grand staircase, her expression one of boredom mixed with entitlement. She strolled into the room, flicking her hair over her shoulder with a disinterested sigh.
"What's all this fuss about?" she drawled, rolling her eyes at the sight of her parents deep in conversation. "Can't you two find something better to do?"
"Ha Young, this is important," Mrs. Jeong replied, her tone a mixture of irritation and urgency. "We're discussing your future."
"Ugh, whatever," Ha Young snapped, flouncing over to the maid standing nearby. "You! Get me some wine."
The maid nodded, a flicker of anxiety in her eyes, and hurried off to fetch the drink. Moments later, she returned, the glass glistening in the dim light. But as she neared Ha Young, her foot slipped on the polished floor, and the wine came crashing down, spilling across the marble.
In an instant, the room fell silent. Mr. and Mrs. Jeong turned to witness the unfolding chaos, their expressions a mix of shock and curiosity.
"Look what you've done!" Ha Young shrieked, her voice cutting through the silence like a knife. "Can't you do anything right?" She advanced on the maid, a cruel smirk forming on her lips. "Kneel before me!"
The maid hesitated, her cheeks burning with humiliation before sinking to her knees. Ha Young towered over her, her disdain palpable.
"Pathetic," she spat, and without warning, her hand connected with the maid's cheek in a sharp slap that echoed through the room. The maid winced, tears welling in her eyes, but Ha Young wasn't finished. She kicked the maid, who stumbled backward, desperation etched across her face.
"Run along, then!" Ha Young commanded, her voice dripping with malice. The maid darted away, fleeing the scene, her sobs trailing behind her.
Instead of chastising their daughter, Mrs. Jeong's lips curled into a proud smirk. "I'm so proud of you, baby," she cooed, her voice a sickly sweet whisper. "You showed her how to assert control."
Ha Young straightened, reveling in her mother's approval, her earlier anger fading into a sense of triumph. With a flick of her hair, she turned back to the table, ready to rejoin the conversation.
"Now, back to the matter at hand," Mr. Jeong resumed, his voice steady as he leaned over the documents. "We need to ensure Junseong understands the importance of this union."
The room buzzed with their relentless ambition as they resumed their scheming, the chilling dynamics of the Jeong family hardening around them, a web of manipulation waiting to ensnare the Lee family.
Meanwhile,In the kitchen was a whirlwind of activity as Han Soo rushed back from cleaning up the mess she had made.
"Don't worry about it, Han Soo," said Sook, a warm-hearted maid . "Ha Young has a way of making us all feel like we're walking on eggshells. You'll get used to her craziness."
"Yeah," chimed in Min, the youngest among them, who had a talent for bringing lightness into any situation. "She's like a neutral witch! You never know when she's going to cast her spell of chaos!"
The other maids chuckled, the tension slowly easing as they gathered around to gossip.
"Just remember, the key is to stay out of her way," Chae Rin advised, a smirk on her face. "If you see her coming, just duck and cover!"
As they laughed, the door to the kitchen creaked open, and the maids froze, their eyes darting to the hallway. The voices of Mr. and Mrs. Jeong floated in, and the maids instinctively leaned closer to eavesdrop.
"Our daughter is the perfect match for Lee Junseong," Mr. Jeong said, his voice booming with authority. "We need Ha Young to secure this alliance. His family is influential, and we can't afford to lose this opportunity."
"Exactly," Mrs. Jeong replied, her tone sharp. "Ha Young must win him over. She needs to show him that she can be a proper wife."
The maids exchanged glances, their eyes wide with excitement.
"Can you imagine?" Sook whispered, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Ha Young trying to impress someone like Lee Junseong? He'd kick her out the moment she stepped foot inside his house!"
"Right?" Min giggled, her voice barely above a whisper. "She'd probably spill something on him or trip over her own heels. It would be the most embarrassing entrance ever!"
Chae Rin shook her head, chuckling. "Honestly, she'd make a terrible wife. She's bad at everything! Can you imagine her trying to manage a household? The place would be in shambles!"
"Not to mention," Sook said, leaning in conspiratorially, "Seongho,Mr Lee's husband,is so much better looking than her! I mean, have you seen him? He's like a model! Kind, caring, and so much more interesting than Ha Young could ever hope to be!"
"Right?" Min agreed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I heard that he is the sweetest person! Everyone loves him. He's a breath of fresh air compared to Ha Young's stormy attitude."
"Exactly!" Han Soo exclaimed, her spirits lifted. "I'd take the husband any day over Ha Young. He must be so much fun to be around!"
As they continued to gossip, the kitchen filled with their laughter, the sound mingling with the clinking of pots and pans. Each new jab at Ha Young's expense brought them closer, a bond formed through shared humor and the absurdity of their situation.
"Just think about it," Chae Rin said, wiping away a tear of laughter from her eye. "Ha Young walking into Junseong's house, and all he can think is, 'What have I gotten myself into?'"
The maids erupted into another fit of giggles, the warmth of their camaraderie wrapping around them like a cozy blanket.
"Here's to hoping we get to witness that disaster!" Sook toasted, raising an imaginary glass. "To Ha Young and her impending doom!"
"Cheers!" they chorused, their laughter echoing through the kitchen, a sweet rebellion against the chaos of the Jeong household.
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Two hours later , in the living room, Mr. and Mrs. Jeong exchanged glances, their previous phone call with the lawyer still reverberating in their minds. They finally had it all figured out—their plan to secure Ha Young's future with Lee Junseong was now in motion.
"This is it, dear," Mr. Jeong said, a satisfied smirk spreading across his face. "Once the papers are finalized, Ha Young will finally marry Junseong. Our family's ambitions are about to skyrocket!"
Mrs. Jeong nodded, her excitement barely contained. "I can already envision the social events, the gatherings… our name will be synonymous with power and prestige! Ha Young will fit right in as Lee Junseong's bride."
Just then, Ha Young,who went back to her room to change into her night dress entered the , her footsteps light but purposeful. The eager anticipation on her face made it clear she was ready to hear any news about her future. "What are you two up to?" she asked, feigning innocence, but her eyes sparkled with curiosity.
"Uh, just discussing your upcoming marriage to Lee Junseong," Mrs. Jeong replied, a sly grin forming. Ha Young's eyes lit up at the mention of his name.
"Really? It's actually happening?" she exclaimed, barely able to contain her excitement.
Mr. Jeong leaned forward, his expression smug. "Indeed, it is. The lawyer will have everything ready shortly and he's ready to fight and win the case and once you're married, he won't be able to resist you. You'll charm him in no time."
Ha Young felt a thrill run through her at the thought. "Of course! He'd be foolish not to want me. And once we're married…" she paused for effect, her lips curling into a confident smile, "he'll finally see how worthless that trash husband of his is. I'll make sure he knows he deserves better. Junseong will divorce him before you can blink!"
Mrs. Jeong clapped her hands together, clearly pleased with her daughter's enthusiasm. "That's the spirit! Once you're in his life, it'll only be a matter of time before he realizes that you're the one meant to be by his side."
"Imagine the look on that husband's face when he realizes he's been cast aside," Mr. Jeong added, laughing lightly. "He won't stand a chance against what you'll bring to the Lee family."
As the three of them shared an exhilarated laugh, there was a tangible buzz of excitement in the air. The walls of the Jeong household held their secrets tight, unaware of the storm brewing .
"Everything will work out perfectly," Mrs. Jeong assured, her voice brimming with confidence. "We'll have a wedding that everyone in high society will talk about for years. And soon, the name Jeong will be elevated even further."
Ha Young beamed at her parents, the warmth of their shared ambition wrapping around her like a comforting blanket. "I'm ready! Let's make this happen."
As they plotted and planned, visions of grandeur filled their minds. Little did they know that their carefully laid plans would soon unravel in ways they could never anticipate, setting off a chain of events that would test their family's bonds, secrets, and ambitions.
The chapter closed not just on their conspiratorial aspirations, but also with the unspoken understanding that the game they were entering was fraught with risks, hidden challenges, and a fierce competition that neither the Jeongs nor Ha Young could foresee.
SUY NGHĨ CỦA NGƯỜI SÁNG TẠO 
Amyratu
Amyratu Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because writing this chapter was a rollercoaster! First, let me tell you, those lovebirds, Junseong and Seongho, are ridiculously cute. I mean, seriously, who needs a rom-com when you've got Banana Fish and a whole lot of snuggling? I almost added a scene where Mangchi the cat joins in the cuddle puddle, but I figured that might be pushing it even for me. The sheer domestic bliss was almost too much to bear. Almost.
Then BAM! The Jeong family bursts onto the scene like a flock of particularly well-dressed vultures. Writing about Mr. and Mrs. Jeong was like trying to juggle chainsaws while riding a unicycle—intense, stressful, and slightly terrifying. They're the epitome of "rich people problems," only their problems involve marriage contracts and plummeting stock prices. I swear, I aged five years writing their scenes.
And Ha Young? Oh, honey. She's a walking, talkingbdisaster. I had so much fun writing her tantrums. It's like watching a toddler throw a fit, except instead of toys, she's throwing her weight around and slapping maids. The scene where she makes the maid kneel? Pure comedic gold, if you're into dark humor, of course. I'm already picturing the memes.
The maids in the kitchen? They're my personal heroes. Their gossip session was a much-needed break from the intensity of the other scenes. I mean, who wouldn't want to eavesdrop on a juicy conversation about a spoiled heiress and her impending doom? Their witty remarks about Ha Young were a pure delight to write. They're the unsung heroes of this chapter, providing much-needed comic relief.
In short, this chapter is a delightful mix of heartwarming romance, cutthroat family drama, and slapstick comedy. It's like a three-course meal: a starter of adorable cuddles, a main course of ruthless ambition, and a dessert of deliciously wicked gossip. Enjoy! (And maybe send help, I think I need a vacation after all that.)
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