NOVEL NEXT Chapter 13: A NEW LIFE
"CONGRATULATIONS, children!"
Sohee wanted to shake his head while Chairman Kim Hyungsik kept laughing and clapping his hands as if he were truly happy.
Chairman Kim is only relieved that the curse will end now that I married Kim Heedo.
Anyway, Sohee and Kim Heedo visited Chairman Kim Hyungsik in the hospital.
Of course, the chairman was staying in the VIP room of the best hospital in the country.
"Grandpa, what did the doctors say about your brain tumor?" Kim Heedo asked worriedly. "Eomma and Abeoji didn't want to tell me your exact condition. It's funny how they treat me like a kid when I'm already married."
"I was the one who told your parents not to make you worry about my condition. After all, I wanted you to focus on your marriage," Chairman Kim Hyungsik said cheerfully. "But you really don't have anything to worry about, my precious grandson. It's just a small tumor."
"But the tumor was found in your brain, Grandpa," Kim Heedo argued. "That's a dangerous area."
"Yes, but according to my doctor, the tumor is in its early stages considering its size. Hence, they said they should be able to remove it with surgery."
"Is the surgery scheduled already?"
"Not yet," Chairman Kim Hyungsik said while shaking his head. "I was afraid of dying during the operation because of the curse. So, I decided I would only go through the surgery once the two of you are already married."
Ah, that was smart.
"Park Sohee, thank you."
Hmm?
Sohee was surprised when Chairman Kim Hyungsik suddenly thanked him.
And the chairman looks sincere.
"The esteemed shaman informed me that the happier and more successful you become, the more fortunate our family becomes," Chairman Kim Hyungsik said. "So, I'll make sure that you'll be living your best life from now on, child. Welcome to our family."
To be honest, Sohee didn't like the chairman.
And it wasn't only because of what Chairman Kim Hyungsik did to his grandfather.
I guess I just hate the rich.
But since Sohee was now being supported by a wealthy matter, it was time to let go of his grudge.
Let's just enjoy being a "new money."
"Thank you for the warm welcome, Chairman Kim."
"You don't have to be formal with me now that you're a part of our family," Chairman Kim Hyungsik said. It looked like his mouth would rip at any moment since he was smiling too much. "Just call me like how our Heedo calls me, Sohee-ya."
Sohee glanced at Kim Heedo and when his husband nodded, he turned to Chairman Kim with a smile. "If that's what you want, Grandfather."
***
"ARE YOU sure an officetel is enough? We can get you an apartment, Hyung."
Aigoo.
Sohee chuckled at what Kim Heedo said. "I just need a place near the review center. An apartment is too much. Plus, this officetel looks as nice as a standard room in a decent hotel."
Of course, the young master looked at Sohee as if he had gone mad.
"Hyung, I think it would have been better if we just rented a hotel suite for you while you're attending the review center," Kim Heedo said as if he was bothered by what Sohee had. "I want Hyung to know what qualifies as a "nice" hotel room."
Aigoo.
Kim Heedo is a young master through and through.
"Enough. I like this place," Sohee said, smiling while looking around. "The loft bedroom is the best part."
"Well, as long as Hyung is happy," Kim Heedo said while sitting down on the sofa. "Have you decided what major to take, Hyung?"
"I'm going to apply to Yonhee University's College of Art and Design."
"What department?"
"Department of Webtoon Animation."
"You're a weeb, Hyung?"
"Yah, that's not polite to say."
"I'm sorry, Hyung," Kim Heedo said, bowing lightly. "Let me change my question: are you good at drawing?"
"Nah, I bet twelve-year-old artists are better than me— especially since I can't remember the last time I picked a pencil," Sohee said, sitting on the accent chair. "But that's exactly why I chose to major in Webtoon Animation. I no longer need to choose a major that will help me land a decent job at a small company like my original goal. After all, I'm already set for life. So, I decided to pick a course that will allow me to do something that I might enjoy."
"That makes sense. I'm happy for you, Hyung."
"Thank you."
"I'm taking Business Administration, so I'm not sure if we're going to see each other at school, Hyung."
"What's the point of crossing paths when we're going to pretend we don't know each other anyway?"
"We just need to keep our marriage a secret. But that doesn't mean we have to completely ignore each other, Hyung. People won't suspect us of being married if we exchanged greetings, you know?"
"Right. You'll be my sunbae anyway once I start attending Yonhee University."
Kim Heedo had finally returned to school after his enlistment.
Once Sohee entered Yonhee University as a freshman next year, his husband would be a sophomore.
I guess that decreases the chances of us meeting often.
"Hyung, I can't visit you often. I'll be busy with school soon," Kim Heedo informed him apologetically. "Plus, Eomma and Abeoji said I shouldn't disturb you while you're preparing for the entrance exam."
Sohee smiled and nodded. "I'll see you once I pass the exam, kid."
***
FOR THE past months, Sohee only lived to study.
He barely left his officetel, and it wasn't like he had friends to hang out with.
However, he didn't feel bored or suffocated.
He actually enjoyed studying.
It's fun because I don't have to worry about my future.
And, fortunately, all his hard work paid off in the end.
"I passed," Sohee said after checking his email, and then he let out a sigh of relief. After that, he turned to Kim Heedo who was sitting next to him. "Kim Heedo, should I call you 'sunbae-nim' from now on?"
Kim Heedo, who visited his officetel with pizza and cider, remained quiet while his eyes were glued to the phone.
What is this kid looking at?
Sohee couldn't help but glance at Kim Heedo's phone.
His husband was reading a news article.
Oh, no.
The day Sohee received the best news of his life yet was also the day Kim Heedo's world crumbled.
And Kim Heedo ghosted me after that.
***
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