Page 79 of You Had Me At Annyeong!
He tried to make it sound like he was concerned, but to Haneul, it sounded like he was ticked off and wanted an explanation for Haneul’s absence.
Crap! I totally forgot that the old geezer was supposed to be here.
The Seoul Stealers FC were in Jeju for a camp, and Chairman Ri was supposed to fly in for a visit.
‘Aniyeyo, Hoejangnim. I had to step out because of an emergency a colleague was in. It’s all under control now. I’m on my way back to the hotel right now. Let’s have dinner together?’
‘Eo. Geurae haeboja! Ppallidorawa[Yes. Fine, let’s do it. Get back quickly]!’
Haneul had then called Mr Choi and asked him to reach the hospital quickly along with Hanee. Mr Choi had wanted to ask what Haneul was doing with Timira in the first place, but found himself unable to. Haneul, having sensed Mr Choi’s curiosity, offered up a reason on his own: ‘I accidentally bumped into Timira-ssi as she was passing out. There was no time to lose and since it was close to the hotel parking, I just drove her here.’ Mr Choi did not believe even a word, even though it did seem plausible.
Dinner had been particularly difficult to get through, what with Mr Ri throwing wedding-related questions at Haneul and him fumbling for answers. Every time Haneul gave a vague answer to one of her father’s questions, Mina sighed deeply andher face lost colour. This did not go unnoticed by Chairman Ri who tut-tutted silently.
Tsk, this idiot! Babo cheoreom[Like an idiot]running after this boy who is clearly not interested in marrying her. He never has been and never will be. Why does this meonjeongi not get it?!
Chairman Ri was aware of nearly all goings-on at SecondSkin, thanks to a double-agent employee there who was also his eyes and ears at the company he had invested heavily in and that was going to be his beloved daughter’s future.
‘Say, Haneul-a, what are your thoughts on my club’s chances in the league going forward?’ He suddenly changed the subject.
Haneul, taken aback, answered slowly.
‘Er, Hoejangnim, I haven’t really been following the football for many years now. But I’m told, and I believe, the squad is really tight. I see no reason why you shouldn’t be contenders for the title!’
I hope this pleases him and he gets off my back! How much more is he going to eat!? I wonder how Timira is doing. Would she have come around by now? Will she be looking for me?
‘Hah! What a silver-coated tongue you are blessed with. It’s no surprise you are so good at your job—selling! Be careful, though—don’t end up overselling. Then you might even end up losing what you already have!’
Haneul ignores the ominous-sounding advice and keeps quiet.
‘How do you like Rodrigo? I have high hopes for him!’
Mina is suddenly interested and looks at Haneul expectantly.
‘Er, he’s fine.’
Haneul is gritting his teeth and trying hard to stay calm. His nostrils are flaring and he can feel his ears start to burn.
‘He’s your brand ambassador. C’mon. I’m sure you think of him as more than just “fine”. Tell you what? Why don’t we all have lunch tomorrow?’
‘Hoejangnim, the thing is, um, I’m scheduled to head back to Seoul tomorrow morning …’
‘Book yourself on a later flight, what’s the big deal? Sure you can do this much for your futuresiaboji. And if not for your father-in-law, do it for your investor!’
Haneul knew better than to defy him. He wouldn’t be running SecondSkin had it not been for Chairman Ri’s investment. He knew his father’s career and reputation also depended heavily on Mr Ri’s support. So there was no way he could not heed the latter’s order right now.
‘Of course. Let’s have lunch tomorrow.’
‘Great. So, that’s sorted then. Mina informed me earlier that you are looking at venues here? Geurae, you’ve made a good decision. I know how much uri tal [my daughter] wanted a European wedding, but I was worried all the older members of the family might find it difficult to travel too far. This way, thegajogwill be around and it will be the perfect family affair!’
‘Haneul, Haneul-ssi, where are you lost?’ Mina has to gently shake his shoulders to wake him from his inattention, his mind still occupied with the previous night’s unsavoury mealtime chat.
‘No, no, all good. I’m here. Yes, sure. I’m good with whatever’s good with you, Mina.’
Mina purses her lips and knows that Haneul hasn’t heard a word of what the planner has been prattling on about. She wants to know what’s on his mind, though it isn’t difficult to guess—she had learnt without much difficulty that Haneul had taken Timira to the hospital last evening. She had wanted to ask Haneul why he and Timira were together, but she knew she wouldn’t like any answer that Haneul would give so she kept quiet.
Smiling, she turns to the planner and thanks her.
‘I’ll call once Haneul-ssi and I have made a decision. To be honest, I really like this venue. It’s perfect for the intimate,artistic wedding that I’ve always dreamed of.Gomawoyo, Aejeong-ssi. I’ll get back to you at the soonest!’
