Chapter 5

When there were still two streets to go before reaching home, Choi Jung-woon encountered the butler waiting outside. The old butler had watched him grow up from a young age and doted on him immensely. Seeing Choi Jung-woon's bruised and swollen face, the butler almost shed tears.

Back in the day, when Choi Woo-dragon started his business with Mr. Lee Byung-chul, the old butler was his most trusted assistant. Over the years, he had always been by Choi Woo-dragon's side, working diligently and fulfilling his duties. Although he did not share the Choi surname, his position in the Choi family was irreplaceable.

The old man truly considered the Choi family his own. From childhood to adulthood, his affection for the three Choi siblings, Jung-woon and his two siblings, even surpassed that of their grandmother. Therefore, Choi Jung-woon's respect and affection for this venerable and kind elder were no less than for any other family member.

Although he had calmed down emotionally, the innate need for care from an elder after being hurt was deeply rooted in him. Seeing the butler's pained expression, Choi Jung-woon obediently snuggled into his arms. Hugging the old man's bent body tightly, the familiar feeling finally allowed him to truly relax. Despite his earlier resolve, he was still somewhat apprehensive about facing the stern and dignified Choi Woo-dragon.

After a moment of silent embrace, the butler released him, gently patted his back, and comforted him, "Master has been waiting for you. Let's go back. Don't be afraid; Master is in a good mood and won't punish you too harshly."

Entering the living room, he saw his grandmother, father, mother, uncle, aunt, and Choi Si-won anxiously waiting for him. This was the first time the entire family had gathered since the meeting that day.

As soon as Pan Jeong-jin saw her son walk in, she rushed over from the sofa, hugged him tightly, and said in a series of rapid questions, "Jung-woon, where have you been? Why didn't you answer your phone? Don't you know how worried your mother was?"

Feeling the deep maternal love, Choi Jung-woon's nose tingled, and his eyes turned red. He held back his tears, hugged his mother's arms a bit tighter, and comforted her softly, "It's okay, Mom. I just needed to clear my head. See, I'm back safe and sound."

The worried mother lost her usual elegance, her hands constantly feeling over Choi Jung-woon's body, "Let me see, where are you hurt? Is it serious? Does it still hurt?"

Choi Ki-chan couldn't bear to see this and coughed, "Jung-woon, come here," rescuing him from his mother's grasp.

Choi Jung-woon walked over, squatted beside his grandmother, and held her withered hand to his cheek, apologizing, "I'm sorry, Grandmother, for making you worry."

The grandmother couldn't maintain her dignified demeanor, pinched his scalp hard, and tears streamed down her face, "You foolish boy, why are you so impulsive? Why didn't you call your bodyguards? What if something had happened? What would your grandfather, grandmother, and your parents do?"

Choi Jung-woon consoled his grandmother, "I've learned my lesson, and I won't do it again. Don't be sad, Grandmother. See, I'm healthy and fine." He even struck a healthy pose.

The grandmother smiled through her tears, lightly tapping his head, "Look at you, still trying to act healthy, you're almost a mud monkey. I'll have the family doctor check you out. My grandson is so handsome; we can't let anything happen to his face."

To reassure the old lady, Choi Jung-woon readily agreed to everything she said. After a while, he managed to calm his grandmother and mother.

After dealing with his grandmother and mother, Choi Jung-woon approached his father and uncle, knelt before them, and said sincerely, "I was too impulsive this time, causing you all to worry. I'm ready for any punishment. Please don't blame Si-won; it's not his fault."

Choi Si-won's face changed, and he quickly ran to Choi Jung-woon's side, kneeling with him, and pleaded anxiously, "Uncle, Father, I didn't cause trouble this time. Those people came after me. Brother saved me; don't punish him." The Choi family retained many traditional practices, including methods to discipline their young.

Choi Ki-ho couldn't say much; after all, his nephew had done this for his son. Seeing their brotherly bond, he was more pleased than anything. Choi Ki-chan, however, was different. His face contorted with anger, but he was more skilled in action than words. He said sternly, "Let's not discuss right or wrong for now. You've caused a major incident. We'll have to consult your grandfather for a final decision."

In a family like the Chois, the head of the family was supreme. Choi Jung-woon knew he couldn't avoid it, so he said straightforwardly, "I'll go see Grandfather." Saying this, he felt a great weight lifted from his shoulders.

Reflecting on it, although he had caused trouble, the outcome wasn't too bad, and there was still room for redemption. Moreover, his intentions were good, and he believed his grandfather, who had always been wise, would not be unfair.

Grandmother called Choi Jung-woon to her side, stroking his hair, and said, "Jung-woon, Grandfather is still waiting for you in the study. Go quickly and talk to him. He won't blame you, go on."

"Yes, I'll go now." Standing up, he bowed to the elders and turned to walk towards the study.

"Brother," Choi Si-won ran from behind his father, grabbing his hand, "I'll go with you to see Grandfather." He had been the most worried about Choi Jung-woon not coming home. Since today's incident was his fault, he couldn't forgive himself if his cousin was punished.

Choi Jung-woon shook his head firmly, patted his shoulder, and said, "It's okay, Grandfather is easy to talk to. I'll handle it." Si-won was still young and not ready to face such matters.

Outside, looking at the brown wooden door, Choi Jung-woon felt immense pressure. This door had always been the seat of the highest power in the Choi family, where decisions affecting not just the family but the entire country were made. Although he had entered many times before, it was always for play. Today, he didn't know what his future held. How could he not be nervous?

"Whatever will be, will be." Choi Jung-woon took a deep breath, lightly knocked on the door, and without waiting for a response, pushed it open and walked in.

Grandfather was sitting behind his desk, reviewing documents, seemingly unaware of his presence. Choi Jung-woon walked to the desk and said softly, "Grandfather, I'm here."

The old man ignored him, continuing to read the documents in his hand. Despite being over eighty, he sat steadily, like a mountain. The overwhelming aura he exuded seemed to compress the air around him.

Choi Jung-woon knew this was both a punishment and a test. He focused all his mental strength to keep his breathing steady, resisting the silent pressure.

The study remained in a suffocating silence, broken only by the sound of turning pages. Choi Jung-woon didn't dare move, knowing that this silence could erupt into something intense. He could do nothing but endure the pressure, waiting for the final outcome.

This mental battle was draining. After a short while, Choi Jung-woon was on the verge of collapse. Sweat poured down his face, blurring his vision. Just as his legs were about to give out, Grandfather finally stopped his work, leaned back in his chair, and looked at him sternly through his glasses.

As the old man moved, the mountain-like pressure vanished. Without this immense external force, Choi Jung-woon stumbled forward, revealing his disheveled state. His heart was pounding, and his head drooped even lower.

Choi Woo-dragon was very satisfied with this test. Many people lacked the courage to face him, but this young man, despite being his relative, had managed to hold his ground. His mental fortitude was impressive, and his outstanding performance from childhood was not a fluke. This gave him confidence to implement his plans.

"You did well, except for the last moment," Choi Woo-dragon's voice was deep and powerful, full of authority.

"Really?" Choi Jung-woon was surprised, looking at his grandfather in confusion.

The old man's tone remained unchanged, formal and serious, "As a Choi, you fought to protect your family, even risking your life. Having a descendant like you is a blessing for our family. As your grandfather, I am proud of you."

At this, the old man's expression softened, his eyes glowing with passion. He walked around the desk, took Choi Jung-woon's hand, and sat down on the long sofa.

The old man patted him, "For your family, no matter how serious the matter, I will stand by you. The Choi family is not to be trifled with. If anyone tries to bully us, we must fight back."

Choi Jung-woon was deeply moved. The old man always appeared calm and composed, but he was a powerful figure who had shaped the nation. Without his sharp and decisive methods and a strong, domineering heart, how could he have built the Choi family's empire and maintained its prosperity and stability? The old man had his unique strengths.

Now in his later years, although his ambition had waned, he cared even more about the continuation of his family. Seeing his descendants support each other, how could he not be pleased? Saying these words was expected, but Choi Jung-woon, in his anxiety, had not considered these aspects. Otherwise, with his experience in political intrigue, he would have understood.

Feeling the old man's sentiments, Choi Jung-woon's tears fell, and he sobbed in his grandfather's arms, "I'm sorry, Grandfather, for causing you trouble."

At this moment, Choi Jung-woon finally released his burden, expressing his emotions freely. He had been suppressed by guilt towards his family, almost driving him mad.

The old man hugged him tightly, "Don't talk nonsense. Remember, for your family, whatever you do is not a sin."

After a long while, the two of them composed themselves. Sitting up, Grandfather made his final decision, "However, this incident is too serious. For now, you shouldn't go back to school. Additionally, as a punishment for your impulsiveness, you will stay at home for a month and not leave."

Given the severity of the incident, a month of house arrest was a relief. Choi Jung-woon was grateful and readily agreed.

But it didn't end there. Choi Woo-dragon's next words filled him with joy.

"The plan you gave me before you went to China is almost complete. However, we are short of manpower. Your father is busy, and your uncle has his own business. Your mother is overworked managing such a large enterprise alone. So, for the next month, you will familiarize yourself with the company's operations. After a month, you will help your mother, and the specific arrangements will be discussed between you two."

What a turn of events! Choi Jung-woon had been trying for days to find a way to get involved in the family business. Now, thanks to this incident, his wish was granted.

Without hesitation, Choi Jung-woon agreed. Although he had been attending school on time, he had been secretly gathering information about the First Sugar Group. He already had a preliminary plan in mind. Once he was free from house arrest, he could put his plan into action.

At the dinner table, the family's laughter and joy returned, the only discordant note being Choi Jung-woon's colorful face. The young master's mishap naturally became a laughing matter for the entire family. Faced with the family's teasing, he felt helpless, his hard-earned reputation ruined.

Additionally, arrangements were made for Choi Si-won. Given the incident, he could no longer stay at his old school. To protect his future, the family arranged for him to attend a school closer to home.

Choi Jung-woon, eating his rice, looked at the lively faces around him, feeling a warm current in his heart. He was determined to protect this family.

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