Translator: Nox

Ch#65

65. Rolled Around Alone

Kang-woo's clothes bore the intact traces of tumbling with Kang-hyeok in the white snowfield. His coat was stained with a mix of snow and mud, and even the shirt underneath was damp. His neatly combed-back hair was now wildly disheveled,

scattered as if struck by a storm. Frozen snowflakes clung in patches between the strands, speckling it white.

Na-eun's gaze carefully scanned Kang-woo.

Anyone could see that Kang-woo's face bore clear signs of a fight. A small cut at the right corner of his mouth oozed blood. Considering the outdoor chill, the wound felt even more stinging.

Na-eun reached out and brushed the hardened snow from Kang-woo's hair. In response, Kang-woo awkwardly scratched his nose and gave an embarrassed smile. The dirt and snow smudges on his face made his expression all the more comical.

Na-eun burst into absurd laughter as she looked at him. Yet her worried eyes quietly examined the cut at the corner of his mouth.

"Well, it's good, right? Movies even have scenes of just lying flat in the snowfield."

Kang-woo joked to dispel the awkwardness, but his eyes carefully gauged Na-eun's reaction. He hoped she didn't know he'd gotten into a fistfight with his brother in the snow. Na-eun crossed her arms, tilted her head down,

and replied.

"That's a movie. And it's with a loved one. A man rolling alone in the snowfield is kind of..."

No need to hear the rest. It was clearly saying something was wrong no matter what. Kang-woo smirked and nodded at Na-eun's words. His expression was playful, but he stared into space briefly, lost in thought.

Imagining rolling in the snow with Na-eun didn't seem so bad.

To Na-eun, who looked at him with eyes questioning if something was wrong, Kang-woo said with serious eyes.

"I'm perfectly normal, you know? And Na-eun, we promised to be happy this new year, right? Tell me all your worries."

"I don't have any worries. But you look overly energetic right now. Like you just beat someone up."

Kang-woo flinched at Na-eun's words. But he couldn't say anything in response.

Kang-woo gazed at Na-eun with serious eyes. His face held a calm but profound emotion. His words shattered the cold silence, chilling Na-eun's heart unexpectedly.

"I know you have worries, Na-eun. I check SNS and the internet too."

At that moment, Na-eun's face stiffened. Anxiety and relief swirled inside her simultaneously. She'd irrationally hoped that since Kang-woo hadn't mentioned the issue, he was unaware. She wanted to believe that if he didn't know, she could shoulder and bury it alone. Na-eun's eyes wavered momentarily and dropped to the floor.

Kang-woo sighed and placed his hand on her shoulder. The touch was gentle yet conveyed strong reassurance. Feeling his warm intent, Na-eun finally looked up at him. Kang-woo's eyes held unwavering resolve.

"Don't worry. We'll get through it together."

Na-eun's chest tightened, her lips trembling. The anxieties and troubles she'd endured alone seemed to melt away. Gazing at his sincere expression, she nodded silently.

"I'll handle everything. So don't worry—just take good care of the kids."

Kang-woo waved dismissively as if it were nothing.

Na-eun couldn't help asking with worried eyes.

"How do you plan to handle it?"

Slight wrinkles creased her forehead. Kang-woo smiled playfully at her. "How? There's a manual for this. You think I've only dealt with stuff like this once or twice?"

Na-eun shook her head in disbelief.

"I knew you were an impressive man, but it's striking anew. More than once or twice?"

Na-eun asked half-seriously, her mind lightening a bit at his casual attitude. But it was apologetic and bittersweet that one of those women chasing him was her sister. Na-eun said,

"I've never dealt with anything like that in my life. So the experienced CEO can take care of it. Please."

Na-eun spoke lightly and went to check on the kids. Left alone, Kang-woo muttered.

"What? Shouldn't she be super upset? We're not some clueless fling."

Kang-woo was baffled by Na-eun's expression and reaction. Yet even Na-eun, heading to the kids, wasn't fully at ease.

"Kids, want me to read the wolf book?"

"Yay! Yes!"

That damn wolf again.

Kang-woo glanced sulkily and headed upstairs.

January 2nd morning. Myeongseong Group's headquarters auditorium was packed with employees in a solemn atmosphere. Per tradition, the New Year's ceremony was key for boosting morale and pledging a fresh start. A large screen on stage displayed neat text: "20XX Myeongseong Group New Year's Ceremony." Employees filled the seats in crisp suits.

Kang-woo slowly ascended the stage to deliver the address in the chairman's stead. From above, hundreds of faces showed anticipation and tension. Neatly suited, Kang-woo gripped the mic as all eyes fixed on him. The hall fell even quieter.

"Everyone, happy new year. I'm Kang-woo, CEO of Myeongseong Media, giving the New Year's address for Chairman Choi."

His clear, resonant voice filled the space. Kang-woo paused, scanning the employees' eyes. He had no intention of skimping on mere greetings.

"This year is crucial for us. Last year brought challenges and trials, but they proved Myeongseong's strength. Our true value isn't size or figures visible to outsiders. It's us here—united under Myeongseong, our shared history and responsibility."

Fiery conviction burned in Kang-woo's eyes. A subtle ripple passed through the crowd. After a breath, he continued.

"This year, we'll safeguard that honor more firmly. I want to forge Myeongseong's unshakeable value with you, whatever comes. We don't exist merely for results. We uphold our pride and ethics. Past achievements are our proud legacy. Now, we build a brighter future atop it."

Employees nodded one by one. Kang-woo smiled and concluded.

"So, I'll legally eliminate everything tarnishing Myeongseong's honor. Let's make the name shine together!"

Cheers and applause erupted thunderously. Kang-woo's address dominated SNS, his pledge to legally purge harms spreading intriguingly.

True to his word, Kang-woo summoned Do-wan. Handing over files, he said,

"Do-wan, ready?"

"Yes."

"Good. Track every SNS account spreading rumors—and the original sources."

Do-wan rose immediately. He too fumed at the videos. Closest to Kang-woo, he knew the truth, making the lies infuriating. Staff at the long office desk had laptops ready, awaiting orders.

"Alright, let's begin."

At Do-wan's cue, they captured videos, sifted comments, and compiled data. Do-wan launched the analysis program—an algorithm tracing SNS and portal data to pinpoint originators.