Chapter 99
Chapter 99
[Trap (2)]
After the dinner, there were refreshments.
Han Doyoung told Seoyeon to introduce the children to the greenhouse before the refreshments were served.
In addition to the main house, there were several other facilities on the grounds of the Sirius family mansion.
The greenhouse was attached to the main house and could be accessed through a glass walkway.
Wow~! Its so pretty!
Its beautiful here.
Euna and Eunae exclaimed as soon as they entered the greenhouse.
They didnt mind getting their clothes wet as they entered the space where water sprayed down from a device on the ceiling.
There are some flowers that are only grown here in Korea. Do you want to see them?
Yes, I want to see them!
Eunae too!
Seoyeon didnt stop smiling even though Eunae was no longer conscious of her manners.
Eunae seemed to like the place.
Wow, you have a banana tree.
Instead of looking at the flowers that only the Sirius family grew, Eunha looked up at the nearby banana tree.
It grew all the way up to the glass ceiling, and there were tropical trees all around.
What are you thinking?
Seohyun called out to him. She had also stayed around the greenhouse, not following the other children.
It was as if she was waiting for a moment when they would be alone.
She glared at Eunha with a cold expression.
The incident at the dinner seemed to have affected her.
Let me make it clear. It wasnt my idea to start that. If you want to blame someone, blame your mother.
So, you dragged me into it?
There didnt seem to be a better way.
We could have just refused to eat it.
Seohyun didnt really care about Eunha dragging her into the incident.
She just wanted to know why he, who knew the etiquette, intentionally caused a scene at the dinner.
Eunhas answer was simple.
Why should I go up on someone elses stage and be judged?
So, you overturned the stage?
Eunha didnt say anything.
His silence was the answer.
Reading his silence, she lifted the corners of her mouth. She turned her head so he couldnt see, but there was a limit to how loudly she could laugh.
The sound of giggles and laughter rang out muffled.
Theres no one like you anywhere.
I know theres no one like me, and I know theres no one like you.
What do you mean, someone like me?
Do I really have to say that out loud?
Eunha avoided her gaze.
Seohyun narrowed her eyes, sensing something in his stunned reaction.
She stepped closer and jabbed a finger in front of his nose.
Come on, tell me, what am I?
A pretty girl.
What did you just say?
A pretty girl. That there wont be anyone as pretty as Seohyun.
Eunha made up his mind and decided to push through.
If he told her that she had a bad temper, he would be tortured while he was on the mansion grounds.
But Seohyun wouldnt back down that easily.
I know Im pretty. Dont try to avoid the topic. Tell me honestly, quickly.
Dont you know how annoying you are right now?
You said Im pretty. Youre the one who said that.
Oh, yeah, right.
So, hurry and tell me. What kind of person am I, besides pretty?
Seohyun persisted.
Eunha rolled his eyes, avoiding eye contact, trying to change the subject somehow.
Just then, Seoyeon came out of the greenhouse with the children.
What are you two doing here? Seohyun, why werent you showing Eunha around the greenhouse?
As Seoyeon asked, Seohyun took a step back.
Finally, Eunha could breathe again.
He didnt know Seoyeon was still around.
Come to think of it, you seemed quite close to Seohyun.
Were just kind of close.
Just kind of? From what I see, it doesnt seem that way. Youre not just calling each other by names when theres an age difference, right?
Youll have to ask her about that.
Eunha threw a glance at Seohyun, who was suddenly caught up in Eunae.
Seohyun was listening to the story but didnt seem to want to get involved.
She was just holding Eunaes hand and listening to her while she leaned on her.
Well, its not a big deal. Were just kind of close. Isnt that right?
Yeah, I guess.
Seohyun doesnt have anyone she can call a friend, so being casually close is really close.
Why dont I have any friends?
Ah, Seohyun.
Eunha couldnt help but feel sorry for Seohyun.
Theres nothing more embarrassing than being outed as friendless.
Shed been pretending not to hear and hadnt interjected with a cold face.
But Eunha knew.
Seoyeon was deliberately provoking her to draw her in.
Eunha was sure of it when she saw the corners of Seoyeons mouth turn up.
Then who are they? The girls you take around in social gatherings? Or the boys who always tag along behind you? Thats well
Can you call those people friends?
.
Seohyun tugged on the hem of her dress.
Seoyeon didnt continue with the teasing.
She merely redirected the conversation back to Eunha.
We have regular social gatherings, including kids from other groups. Seohyun doesnt have any friends, so shes not very fond of attending those gatherings.
Hmm.
I thought maybe you could come and be Seohyuns conversation partner. If you come, she might attend those social gatherings more often.
But I have no intention of attending.
Seohyun pouted.
Seoyeon shrugged as if ignoring her words. She just waited for Eunhas response.
Ugh, why dont these people leave me alone?
Eunha understood Seoyeons intention.
People belonging to chaebol families all had their own social circles to protect their wealth and exchange information.
The children were no exception.
In fact, the childrens social circles had an additional purpose.
It was to build factions in advance for when they became adults and established their own influence.
In other words, Seoyeon was suggesting that Eunha should be included in Seohyuns faction.
He had a standard response in these situations.
Its difficult for me to interact with people. I wont be of any help even if Im there.
He politely declined.
If it were a request from the kids, he might have said, Nah, I dont want to, but he couldnt be rude to a group his father belonged to.
See? Even he doesnt want to.
Seohyun retorted with a triumphant tone.
But once again, Seoyeon didnt even bother pretending to listen to her words.
So, what do you think? In my opinion, you have sufficient table manners, and there doesnt seem to be any problem with other etiquette either. You speak well too. Dont you have any thoughts on this?
Im still young, you know. Im still very nervous right now.
Is that so? But, Eunha, dont you owe me something?
Owe? Was she referring to what happened at the dinner party earlier?
Eunha suppressed a chuckle inwardly.
It would be amusing to call what happened at the Sirius dinner party a debt.
If his father hadnt worked for Sirius Devices, he might have done a lot more than overturn a table that night.
A debt? I dont know, I dont think I owe anyone money.
Consider yourself lucky.
Eunha kept a poker face, showing no emotion.
Seoyeon shut her mouth.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Euna take Eunae by the hand and look her over.
Euna wasnt a child anymore.
She had been watching the conversation for a while to see if she could join in.
But she didnt interrupt.
The mansions housekeeper came to announce that refreshments were ready.
Did you have a good look at the greenhouse?
How was it?
They were greeted by Doyoung and Sobin, who were chatting with their parents.
It was really fun, Seoyeon replied, as if nothing had happened in the greenhouse.
Its delicious!
Isnt it delicious?
Eunas eyes lit up as she tasted the refreshment.
People laughed out loud.
Eunae, with cream on the corners of her mouth, joined in.
Before long, Euna had the Sirius familys attention.
By the way, Euna, you said that you entered the Player Academy this year, right?
Yes, shes a first-year student.
I was going to give it to her before she entered the academy, but Uncle was busy, so Im only giving it to her now.
Han doyoung ordered someone to bring him something.
The item he placed on the table where he had cleared the refreshments was a smartphone.
It was a model that was reportedly coming out in the summer quarter.
A player academy student should have a way to stay in touch anytime, anywhere, right? And for Eunha.
There was not one, but two smartphone boxes.
Boss, I appreciate the gift, but this is a bit.
His parents looked down at the smartphone, which hadnt even been released yet.
Doyoung, on the other hand, offered the smartphone to Euna as a casual gesture.
Mr. Noh, you know you have to show me, will you continue to help me in the future? Just say thank you at times like this and take it. Go on, Euna, take it.
But I already have a I mean, I already have a smartphone.
Euna showed her parents her smartphone as they watched.
It was the latest smartphone her parents had bought her when she entered the Player Academy.
This is a better model. Its Sirius Devices own creation, isnt it, Mr. Noh?
Yes, it is, but.
Dont worry about the specs; just take it.
But
Euna looked embarrassed.
Finally, dad couldnt resist Doyoungs persuasion.
Euna, you should express your gratitude.
Yes, Euna.
Mom said so too.
Finally, looking around at her parents, Euna bowed her head and expressed her thanks to Doyoung.
Now, Eunha too
Doyoung was about to suggest the smartphone to Eunha as well.
But his mother, who had been passive, interjected.
We appreciate the gift, but Eunha doesnt need one yet. Hes still an elementary school student.
Thats right, hes still young.
As Eunhas mother firmly refused, his father readily sided with her without hesitation.
I see.
Sobin stared at his mom. It was a somewhat surprised look, noticing his mothers different side.
Wow, our mom is really cool.
Eunha looked back at his mother.
Sobin seemed to feel the same way.
Were getting along very well. Shes exactly my type.
Yes, I think so.
Sobin withdrew her gaze and smiled.
His mom responded with a subtle smile, and they exchanged smiles.
Well then, Eunha, when you enter middle school, Ill get you a gift.
Euna, lets exchange phone numbers.
Yeah!
As if waiting for this opportunity.
Seoyeon handed her smartphone to Euna, who had received a smartphone as a gift.
Others watched happily as the two exchanged numbers.
Seoyeon saved Eunas number and said, Ill contact you whenever theres a social gathering. You have to come if you have time, okay?
Yeah, I will.
When did my sister make such a promise?
Watching Euna, who was shaking her ponytail, Eunha clicked his tongue.
He never expected Euna to say she would attend a social gathering without him knowing.
It seemed that Seoyeon had probably discussed it while showing her around the greenhouse.
This was also a trap she had set up.
Euna is coming, so it would be great if Eunha could come too.
Seohyun hesitated for a moment as she was about to take a sip of her tea.
She, too, realized Seoyeons intention.
Shee was trying to make Eunhas attendance at the social gathering a topic of discussion in this gathering.
Yeah, Euna also goes to the Player Academy, so its nice to attend social gatherings together.
As Seoyeon suggested, it would be nice if Eunha comes along too. The more he learns from now on, the better, dont you think?
Doyoung couldnt wipe off his smile.
Sobin made a face like a raptor with food right in front of it.
Hahaha, Mr. Noh. What do you think? Our kids seem to be getting along well with your kids.
Hahaha Yes, I think so too.
Then, bring Euna and Eunha over to play.
He fell into a trap.
Even without that, Doyoung had put psychological pressure on their family by gifting a smartphone to Eunha.
This, this. Totally caught.
Eunha looked at Seoyeon with a disappointed expression.
She was skillfully leading the conversation as if she knew nothing.
She didnt forget to take care of Euna and Eunae.
To assure Eunha that he should attend the social gatherings.
To win favor with Eunha.
No, to show off.
She quickly realized that he cared deeply for his family.
Yeah, Eunha. How about attending the social gatherings?
It would be nice if Seohyun could have a reliable friend too.
Seohyun got lucky too.
Seoyeon, Doyoung, and Sobin joined the conversation.
It was an atmosphere where he couldnt possibly refuse.
Euna said she would attend the social gatherings, and he couldnt just let her go alone.
The moment he held onto Euna, the outcome was decided.
Haha
Eunha glanced at his father.
Even without him saying anything, he felt like he knew what his wavering gaze was trying to convey.
Eunha, please. I know youre going through a hard time, but you cant leave Euna alone.
Yes.
He raised the white flag.
If it werent for his father and Euna, he would have acted however he wanted.
But there was no other choice.
This time, he could only fall into the trap.
Yes, Ill try to go if I have time.
Just let it go this time.
Consider the debt repaid.
Eunha looked at Seoyeon with a piercing gaze as he replied.
Seoyeon didnt even flinch under his gaze.
She was indeed the successor to the Sirius Group.