Translator: Nox

Chapter 5

5. That Man's Mother

He knew how heartless his mother could be and how she manipulated those around her to her own will. Kangwoo even suspected that his brother's divorce was due to his mother.

Thus, he didn't want Naeun to clash with Gyeonghye often. If she did, it would be hard for Naeun to stay by Minho's side. As Kangwoo fell silent for a moment, Gyeonghye spoke.

"Then just get her a house and send Minho there."

But that wasn't reliable for various reasons. Gyeonghye had said it casually, but shook her head, realizing it wasn't feasible.

"He's the eldest grandson of the Choi family—we can't do that."

Kangwoo let out a sigh.

"I'll handle it. She might not even agree to be a live-in tutor."

At the words that she might refuse, Gyeonghye jumped in eagerly.

"Really? Then the annex has at least three rooms on the first floor—maybe have her stay there?"

Her mind had already changed. Kangwoo knew his mother well. Gyeonghye hated hassle and only acknowledged the best. So even her grandson—a frail one with selective mutism—was outside her interest.

If someone else took care of him and lived with him, she'd send him off without a second thought. Especially if it was still within the family compound—no complaints, and even better.

Choi Hoejang, who had been silent beside them, spoke expressionlessly.

"Is she that good?"

His father's tone was as cold as discussing a business hire. Kangwoo averted his gaze briefly before replying calmly.

"I'm looking into it."

Kangwoo answered in his usual emotionless voice. Choi Hoejang crossed his arms, rubbing his chin with one hand as he asked,

"What does her husband do?"

Kangwoo replied shortly and firmly.

"No husband."

While he held back words, his mother Gyeonghye listened silently to the two men. A subtle tension flickered across her face.

Choi Hoejang let out a cynical laugh and nodded.

"Figures. That's why you'd ask her to move in."

He turned to Kangwoo and added, seemingly ignoring that he hadn't even proposed to Naeun yet.

"What kind of woman is she?"

Kangwoo explained dryly.

"Kindergarten teacher. Unwed mother."

At Kangwoo's matter-of-fact response, Gyeonghye turned to him in surprise.

"Unwed mother? Tsk!"

A tongue-click escaped Gyeonghye's lips. Mindful of her husband Choi Hoejang, she mulled over Kangwoo's words. Kangwoo gave a cool smile at his parents' reactions and shrugged lightly.

"Mother, we're not bringing in a daughter-in-law. We're bringing in Minho's teacher. I'll make the proposal first. She might refuse."

Choi Hoejang stared at Kangwoo impassively, lost in thought for a moment. They continued their cold conversation like superior and subordinate, while Gyeonghye pressed her lips tightly.

But Minho was still Choi blood, and if his head was on straight enough to speak again and live normally, it would be more than good—it was an investment worth any amount of money.

To Gyeonghye, Minho was an ambiguous eldest grandson not fit to show off. Selective mutism—fancy term for mutism; others might think him mute. Remembering his lively first birthday party, the current Minho was sorely disappointing.

With such thoughts, Gyeonghye urged Kangwoo.

"Fine. Offer as much money as needed—if she can open Minho up and help him live normally, we can cover that kid's tuition too."

Kangwoo shook his head.

"Don't get ahead of yourself."

"Not just three years, but until Minho grows up here..."

"Mother!"

Kangwoo called her heavily. He knew her tendency to bulldoze too well.

"We'll take it step by step. I'll head to work now."

Kangwoo arrived a bit late at the office and was reviewing documents brought by his secretary Do Wan.

"Sir, additional info on Teacher Han Naeun as requested."

Kangwoo carefully reviewed the documents Do Wan handed over. There was a photo of Naeun with a pretty face and slightly shorter hair than now, along with her resume and personal details.

"Gave birth right after junior college graduation, but doesn't know the father? Does that even make sense?"

"Exactly. No idea. No boyfriend on record."

Kangwoo clicked his tongue.

"Even more ridiculous. Isn't your investigation lacking?"

"Really, nothing. She just had the baby one day, no traces."

"Unbelievable."

It was strange. Everything else was ordinary. Graduated from junior college childcare department, got level 1 childcare teacher certification, worked at kindergarten. Currently lives alone with her child.

"What about her mom and sister?"

"They live elsewhere. In a much nicer villa than where Han Naeun lives now."

Kangwoo muttered indifferently at Do Wan's words.

"Because she's the stepmom? Should be taking care of the daughter with a kid, but she's caring for the celebrity sister."

"Yes. Han Hayoung appears occasionally on a sports channel, but broadcast income is low. Seems to live off sponsorships. Lots of men too."

He got the picture. Pretty face and figure earning her keep.

"I see. Every family has its stories, but this one's quite tumultuous."

Kangwoo murmured, gazing out the window.

Han Naeun's father died in high school; lived with stepmom and sister, had a child, became kindergarten teacher raising it alone. Little contact with stepmom Park Misuk or Hayoung.

"With conditions like this, she might accept moving in."

For some reason, he pitied the woman with her pale face and cotton-candy-sweet smile.

A guest arrived at the kindergarten. Called to the director's office, Naeun was introduced by the bowing director.

"This is our kindergarten's university board chairwoman. Greet her. It's Chairwoman Jo Gyeonghye."

Chairwoman? Why would someone so high-ranking come here? And why make me greet her? Bewildered, but hearing "chairwoman," Naeun bowed.

"Hello. I'm Han Naeun."

"You're in charge of our Minho?"

Our Minho? As Naeun looked puzzled, Gyeonghye said,

"I'm Minho's grandmother."

Minho's grandmother, whom she'd never seen.

"Ah, I see. Hello."

"The nanny who always cared for him is sick, so our second son came to pick him up a few times."

Second son—that must be that man. So, that man's mother.

"Yes, he came."

"I'm grateful."

Naeun responded appropriately to Gyeonghye's cryptic words.

"No need to thank me."

"I heard our Minho speaks with you?"

Naeun nodded cautiously at Gyeonghye's words.

"Ah, yes. Minho speaks well with me."

"He won't even make eye contact with me. But he looks at you, makes eye contact, and even talks—I'm so grateful I came myself."

"It's fine. It's my job."

Gyeonghye eyed Naeun differently at her words. Board chairmen expect flattery for praise, yet she was humble. Wondering if it was clever or genuine, Gyeonghye probed once more.

"Teacher Han Naeun, what can I do for you? You help our Minho so much—I want to do something."

Straight-backed like she'd grant anything, Naeun hesitated before speaking.

"It might be a bit difficult—is that okay?"

Oh ho?

"Tell me anything."

At that, Naeun recalled a plan she'd suggested to the director several times, always rejected for budget reasons.

"Actually, that space at the end of the hallway—if we fix it up a bit, it could be an indoor play area where kids can run freely. On nice days, they play outside, but when it rains or gets cold, they're stuck in the classroom.

Not a gym, just a casual play space would be great."

Gyeonghye was momentarily dumbfounded. What was lacking in this woman? A board chairwoman offers anything, yet she asks for a kindergarten play area.

"Is that so important?"

"Yes, to the kids it is. Ideally with sand and small trampolines too. They'd run around, burn energy—it'd be perfect."