Love Me More

Episode 31

Woo Hyun-se moistened his dry mouth with coffee. Today was the day to visit the main family house. The patriarch insisted on seeing his independent children at least once a month, summoning them when the day came. It was an unwritten rule that they had to pay their respects, no matter how busy their lives were or even if they were sick or seriously ill.

Strictly speaking, Woo Hyun-se wasn’t born into this family. He was a cousin to Woo Gi-bbeum and Woo Ji-hye. After his biological father’s untimely death, his widowed mother chose to send him as an adopted son to the main family, who had been eyeing Woo Hyun-se due to their lack of a son, rather than raising him alone. Woo Hyun-se was only nine years old at the time.

While sending a child from a lesser branch to the main family was common in ancient times, it was rare for someone of Woo Hyun-se’s generation. Even though it was framed as being adopted into a wealthy family, in reality, it was almost the same as being abandoned by his birth mother.

However, Woo Hyun-se accepted it more calmly than expected. That was the reality. If he had to choose between being a burden to his young mother or becoming a dependent of the wealthy main family who inherited all their wealth from previous generations, the latter was preferable.

“The assemblyman has arrived,” someone announced.

At the news of her father’s arrival, Woo Gi-bbeum sighed first. Woo Hyun-se skillfully hid his irritation and inconvenience as he stood up. It wasn’t even past lunchtime, but the day already felt long.

The meal ended in a cordial atmosphere. It might have been somewhat stiff with just the children present, but the grandchildren did their part, showering their grandfather with all sorts of affection. Expecting a generous allowance in return for their efforts, they didn’t hesitate to plant kisses on his wrinkled cheeks.

Dessert was served on the living room table. The brother-in-law barely touched his food before making an excuse about the children and leaving. It was the retreating figure of someone who knew well that this wasn’t his place.

With the grandchildren gone, the sternness beneath the elderly man’s pretense of kindness surfaced. They say that as one ages, it becomes impossible to hide the life one has lived. His sharp gaze and thinly pressed lips plainly revealed his stubborn nature that refused to listen to others.

Looking at that face, which seemed impenetrable even to a needle, Woo Hyun-se inwardly sneered. While it’s said that no one is without fault, Woo Hyun-se had indirectly witnessed the dirty and messy side of the patriarch before. Things like slush funds and illegitimate children seemed trivial in comparison.

“You, how exactly are you educating the children?” the old man began.

It was time for the lecture. The first target was Woo Gi-bbeum. From the grandchildren’s grades to their hobbies, and Woo Gi-bbeum’s current gallery management and future plans, the old man grilled his eldest daughter as if conducting a hearing. Like father, like daughter – Woo Gi-bbeum answered compliantly without letting her smile falter even once.

In the suffocating conversation that lasted over thirty minutes, Woo Hyun-se barely managed to suppress his growing boredom. It would be his turn next.

“What kind of child are you to still be so immature? Other kids are busy gaining experience, joining youth committees and whatnot after settling down early, but you’re just fooling around while they get ahead. Stop that and start wrapping things up. I’ll arrange a position this time, so come and make your presence known.”

“It’s still a bit early for that.”

“Early? What’s early about it! How many times have you postponed like this?”

“They’re all senior members, aren’t they? It would be fortunate if a wet-behind-the-ears kid like me doesn’t get cursed out for nosing around. Besides, even if they talk about young blood and reform, the voters here don’t readily give their votes to young candidates. Assemblyman Kim Myung-tae, who lost the election last time, was around my age. It was his third loss, wasn’t it?”

No matter how much one sweet-talked, that world was known for trampling on newcomers once their heads got too big. How many times had he seen such scenes? While he couldn’t say his own work was entirely honorable, it was at least cleaner than the world the patriarch was involved in.

“That, that way of talking… Who said you’d be put up as a candidate right away? You need to climb the ladder step by step. You need to show your face now to get even one more vote later. Do you know how many people end up withering away without securing a position because they keep putting it off? Come in when I’m offering to pave the way for you. How long are you going to live making small change in business?”

The old man’s anger was evident as he repeatedly struck the armrest. At times like this, Woo Hyun-se detested the unique arrogance and sense of entitlement that showed through in his uncle. It was as if he thought he could pass down the constituency like a piece of land.

While hereditary politics wasn’t unheard of, Woo Hyun-se really didn’t want to do it. He had always disliked politics, both as a child and now. Above all, there was no greater torment than pretending to be nice and pandering to old men.

“Oh, Father, please. Hyun-se is still young at his age. These days, they say it’s better to gain experience in other fields first. That’s how you get more support… Hyun-se will come to understand and listen to your words soon enough.”

Woo Gi-bbeum, who had been watching carefully, quickly interjected. If he really wanted to ensure the assembly seat was passed down through generations, he should have given it to his ambitious eldest daughter instead.

Woo Gi-bbeum was more suited for politics than anyone else in this family, even more than her own father. If only her father could overcome his outdated notion that those without male parts shouldn’t enter politics, she would have long since earned her lawmaker’s badge.

“That’s right. It’s not like brother doesn’t know… Right, brother?”

Woo Ji-hye joined in to defend him as well. In reality, their intent was for him to behave properly before the old man started making a scene again. Woo Hyun-se swallowed the curse that had risen to the tip of his tongue and smiled, hiding his true feelings.

The lecture continued, seemingly displeased with his feigned ignorance. On any other day, he would have let it go in one ear and out the other, but today it grated on him like the buzz of a mosquito. Even the vague mentions of marriage that he caught were equally displeasing.

When would the old man realize the truth that even a provincial governor can’t force someone to do what they don’t want? In his younger days, Woo Hyun-se had vehemently expressed his dislike for politics, but after seeing the old man end up in the hospital from falling backwards while wildly swinging a golf club, he had taken a step back.

Woo Hyun-se plastered a plausible smile on his face and let his mind wander. Only after recalling the passionate night before and someone who would be at the hotel by now did the tedious time become somewhat more bearable.

The day’s schedule ended only after having lunch, listening to the lecture, and hearing his youngest sister’s performance. By the time his sister’s violin melody faded, the sky was painted with the setting sun.

Whether it was because the place had bad energy or simply didn’t suit him, he always felt exceptionally tired from the moment he set foot in this house. His stamina wasn’t particularly weak elsewhere, but he keenly felt his energy being drained every time he visited this place.

The patriarch seemed to inwardly hope for him to stay the night, but Woo Hyun-se made a plausible excuse about not being able to sleep well anywhere but his own home and left the house before dusk. As soon as he got into his car parked on the roadside after leaving through the main gate, he reached for a cigarette. He felt like needles were pricking his tongue after holding back all day.

As he was about to light the cigarette he had placed between his lips, he heard a tapping sound on the half-lowered window. When he looked up, it was Woo Gi-bbeum.

“Let me have one too.”

“The old man might have a heart attack if he sees you.”

“He’s in the study with the kids right now. I just came out saying I needed some fresh air. Hurry up and give me one.”

Seeing her urgency, he fully lowered the window and held out the cigarette pack. Woo Gi-bbeum skillfully took one out and put it in her mouth. He knew she smoked, but it was unusual for her to do it in front of him. Ignoring his questioning gaze, Woo Gi-bbeum exhaled a long stream of smoke and leaned against the car.

“Aren’t you staying overnight?”

“Are you staying, sis?”

“No, I have to go home. It’s suffocating here.”

Same sentiment. Woo Hyun-se buried the back of his head in the seat and inhaled the smoke deeply, his cheeks hollowing. The smoke that swept through his lungs escaped a beat slower, hazy.

In the silence, Woo Hyun-se took out his phone to check it. There was just one lonely text message. He was about to open it when he noticed the stare from outside the window and casually tossed the phone onto the passenger seat.

“Are you seeing anyone these days? I mean, not just for hookups.”

“No.”

Woo Gi-bbeum made a humming sound and put the cigarette between her lips. Her eyes seemed to reproach him for lying. Woo Hyun-se pretended not to notice, just flicking cigarette ash out the window.

“It looks like Father is trying to find a marriage partner for you.”

“I’m too busy working to even think about marriage.”

“Don’t you know that old man? He thinks life is only complete when you have a supportive spouse and kids. Your days of freedom are numbered, you know.”

She had a look of immense satisfaction as she chuckled and teased him. Woo Hyun-se just finished his cigarette. He put the butt in the ashtray and started the engine. The soft vibration made Woo Gi-bbeum straighten up from leaning on the car. As she threw her cigarette on the ground and crushed it with her shoe, she casually remarked:

“You’re not avoiding marriage because you’re seeing someone now, are you?”

“I told you, there’s no one like that.”

“Well, that’s good then. And even if there was, you still have to get married.”

“Why?”

“How much have they fed and sheltered you all this time, Hyun-se? You need to fulfill your role as a stud horse properly. Don’t think unnecessary thoughts. And don’t put it off any longer.”