Chapter 93

93. Special Invitation

– Kye! Woojinhyuk, you got into the Business Administration Department at Seoul National University!!!

└ T-T Why are you more excited than I am?

– Wow, to be so active throughout high school and get into the Business Administration Department at Seoul National University. That’s really amazing.

– Really, a person who has everything... I want to have it too!

└ What would I do with you? Jinhyuk, I can cook well.

The internet, which had been abuzz with news of Jinhyuk’s casting as a “Chaebol Prosecutor,” was now buzzing again with the news of his acceptance.

While there were countless fans who were happy and congratulating him, the most excited fan was right here.

“Haha!”

“Are you that happy?”

“Of course, why wouldn’t I be?”

Woo Bong-soo’s laughter, which seemed to have no end, made his wife, Kim Sun-hwa, smile with a look that said she couldn’t stop him.

“The Business Administration Department at Seoul National University isn’t just any place.”

Becoming a star was a great joy, and he was grateful to live in such a nice house thanks to his son’s earnings.

But Woo Bong-soo was happiest about Jinhyuk getting into the Business Administration Department at Seoul National University.

He had come from the countryside and, due to his family’s difficult circumstances, had barely finished night high school while working in a factory.

His wife, who had attended a junior college, was in a different position.

The deep-seated sense of loss that came with the class system based on educational background in Korean society was a long-standing, hidden pain for Woo Bong-soo.

Even in a world where money was everything, the value of things that money couldn’t buy remained.

“Even a third-generation chaebol can’t just get into the Business Administration Department at Seoul National University. Haha!”

“Still, don’t go around boasting too much. People don’t always like to see others succeed.”

Although the couple had been especially careful with their words and actions since Jinhyuk became a star, Kim Sun-hwa added a word of caution out of concern.

He seemed too elated. Jinhyuk was flying higher than ever, even more so than when he got the lead role in "Hong Gil-dong."

“Don’t worry. I’m very careful.”

There was something Woo Bong-soo didn’t say. He didn’t need to, as the news had already been all over the media, and everyone around him already knew.

He didn’t need to boast; people were congratulating him on their own, and all he had to do was laugh it off.

“Still, our son is finally taking a break, but we can’t even have a meal together.”

“Soyeon is inviting her friends for the first time, so I have to go.”

“Haha. I understand. The parents of that house must be so happy. To see Soyeon become such a star.”

Woo Bong-soo smiled.

***

“Wow! How long has it been since we all got together!”

Yeon Se-rin jumped up and down as she saw her friends.

“Se-rin, I missed you.”

“Me too!”

“Me too!”

Kim Min-young, overwhelmed with joy, ran up and hugged Se-rin, and the other friends greeted her with bright smiles.

“Congratulations on your acceptance!”

Besides Se-rin and Soyeon, who had already been accepted to Korea National University of Arts, two more friends were accepted through the early admission process.

Jinhyuk, who got into the Business Administration Department at Seoul National University, and Min-young, who got into the Department of Media and Communication.

“Thank you!”

Se-rin, realizing something, spoke to Min-woo and Young-jun.

“Min-woo and Young-jun, I’m sure you’ll get good results too. I’ll cheer for you.”

“Hehe. Thanks.”

Se-rin might have felt a bit guilty about the two who didn’t get in through the early admission, but Min-woo and Young-jun were not the type to dwell on such things.

“Are you going to your grandmother’s house today, Soyeon?”

Soyeon nodded.

“Thank you all for coming.”

“No, thank you for inviting us.”

Soyeon’s maternal grandfather, Chairman Yun Chung-gi of KJ Group.

Originally, he had arranged a dinner with his granddaughter for Jinhyuk, who appeared on “Challenge, High School Quiz King.”

But Soyeon wanted everyone to go together.

It was the first time. Soyeon allowing her friends into her private life.

This meant that these friends had become very precious to Soyeon, and it was a heartfelt gift she prepared for them before graduating high school.

Since this had never happened before, even Soyeon’s mother, Yun Sung-hee, was surprised, and Chairman Yun Chung-gi readily agreed.

Only Woo Jinhyuk and Lee Young-jun knew the true identity of Soyeon’s family.

Soyeon wouldn’t go around telling everyone about her family, and Jinhyuk, of course, and Young-jun, who was surprisingly tight-lipped despite his appearance, wouldn’t either.

They wouldn’t talk about personal matters unless the other person brought it up first.

“Wow!”

As a minibus pulled up in front of Jinhyuk and his friends, Do Min-woo exclaimed in amazement.

The bus exuded a sense of luxury just by looking at it.

“Are we riding this?”

“Yeah.”

“Wow. Soyeon, your drama must have been a huge hit. Your agency is really taking good care of you.”

Do Min-woo, who knew it was a car sent by the agency, and Lee Young-jun, who guessed the inside story, suppressed his urge to say more and smiled.

“Hello, everyone. I’m Manager Lee Jae-hoon.”

A neatly dressed manager politely guided the group. As they followed the guide, Do Min-woo, the first to board the bus, exclaimed in amazement.

“Wow! This is amazing.”

The interior of the vehicle, which resembled a top-tier limousine, made Do Min-woo excited as he sat down.

“Oh— It’s really comfortable! Min-young, come sit here!”

Min-young naturally sat next to Do Min-woo.

“Isn’t it great? Wow, I’ve never ridden in a bus like this.”

“Really nice. Thanks to Soyeon, I’m having a great experience. Thank you, Soyeon.”

Soyeon, who had taken a seat in the front, smiled at Min-young.

“Okay, let’s get started.”

With the manager’s guidance, the vehicle began to move smoothly.

“Oh!”

Do Min-woo, who had been exclaiming in amazement, asked Soyeon.

“So, Soyeon, is your grandmother’s house far?”

“No, about 20 minutes.”

“Ah, that’s a shame.”

“What is?”

“Well, it’s my first time riding a bus like this, so it should go a bit further….”

Do Min-woo looked genuinely disappointed. Seeing this, Young-jun, who could now speak, smiled meaningfully and said,

“You’ll change your mind when we get to the house.”

“Huh?”

Do Min-woo, looking puzzled, but Young-jun just smiled without saying more.

A moment later.

“…”

Do Min-woo, who had been noisy the whole time, fell silent in front of Soyeon’s grandmother’s house.

To be precise, he was speechless with his mouth open.

Min-young and Se-rin’s mouths also dropped open.

Even Young-jun, who knew about Soyeon’s family, couldn’t close his mouth. Although he knew, it was his first time visiting the house of a chaebol chairman.

“What, Soyeon… you didn’t say it was your grandmother’s house?”

Soyeon nodded.

“Is this your grandmother’s house?”

Do Min-woo looked disbelieving, trying to make sense of the situation.

Meanwhile, the bus passed through a massive gate and moved through a well-maintained garden before stopping in front of a mansion that could only be seen in movies.

“Okay, thank you for the ride. Now, let’s get off.”

While Jinhyuk was the only one who had regained his composure, the friends, looking bewildered, followed the guide to a small banquet hall.

On a spacious dining table, dishes that made one think of “the finest delicacies” were spread out.

“Everyone, come on in.”

An elderly man, who seemed to be Soyeon’s grandmother, approached the group.

“Huh?”

Kim Min-young tilted her head.

“I feel like I’ve seen you somewhere….”

“Huh? Where?”

Before she could recall, Soyeon introduced the elderly man.

“This is my grandmother. Please say hello.”

“Hello!”

Everyone greeted him energetically.

“Haha. Thank you for coming from so far. I’m so happy that Soyeon is inviting her friends for the first time.”

As the elderly man smiled happily,

“Huh….”

“Why?”

Suddenly, Min-young let out a low exclamation, and Do Min-woo turned to her. Min-young whispered,

“I know who he is.”

“Really? Who is he?”

“He’s Chairman Yun Chung-gi of KJ Group.”

“What?!”

Do Min-woo, realizing his exclamation, lowered his voice.

“KJ Group?”

“Yeah, it’s definitely him.”

“Wow….”

Kim Min-young, who recognized Chairman Yun Chung-gi, and Do Min-woo, who heard the story, were equally unable to grasp the reality.

‘Chairman Yun Chung-gi of KJ Group?’

Yeon Se-rin, hearing the story, also widened her eyes.

While Jinhyuk’s friends were trying to process their shock and confusion, Chairman Yun Chung-gi approached Jinhyuk.

“I know you must be very busy at the end of the year, but thank you for taking the time to come.”

“No, thank you for inviting me.”

Jinhyuk bowed respectfully to the chairman. The chairman, looking at Soyeon, said,

“Jongseok, it’s been a long time since you’ve come, hasn’t it?”

“You know. I’ve been busy too.”

“Showing off to your grandfather.”

Chairman Yun Chung-gi teased her affectionately, looking at Soyeon with loving eyes.

“Grandpa, I’m hungry.”

“Okay, let’s eat then.”

Jinhyuk and his friends followed the guide to the table where the banquet was prepared and took their seats.

As soon as they sat down, the chairman said,

“I’m old-fashioned, so I don’t like course meals. I think a feast should be laid out on one table. I’ve prepared a variety of dishes, so please eat what you like.”

The table was indeed a feast of the finest delicacies. Jinhyuk and his friends, who were hungry, started eating enthusiastically.

Chairman Yun Chung-gi looked at the children with a pleased expression.

As the children’s chopsticks, which had been moving busily, began to slow down, the chairman spoke.

“You might not know, but ‘Challenge, High School Quiz King’ is a program I started. I’m so grateful that Jinhyuk appeared on it, and the ratings soared, and students became very interested.”

The final ratings of “Challenge, High School Quiz King,” which Jinhyuk appeared on recently, were 15.4%.

Even in episodes where Jinhyuk didn’t appear, the ratings fluctuated around 10%, showing impressive performance.

As the ratings rose, guest bookings became easier, creating a virtuous cycle.

“Congratulations on winning the King of Kings.”

Jinhyuk also won the King of Kings.

“Is there another reason to congratulate you? I heard you got into the Business Administration Department at Seoul National University.”

“Yes.”

“Haha. These days, kids say it’s a ‘cheat’… What’s the word, Soyeon?”

“A cheat character?”

“Yes, a cheat character. Haha.”

Chairman Yun Chung-gi laughed and said,

“If he weren’t an entertainer, I’d snatch him up for our company after graduation. Haha.”

It wasn’t just his outstanding talent. The greatness of this boy.

Although he had only spoken a few words with Jinhyuk during the meal, the seasoned chairman, who had seen it all, immediately recognized the true value of the strength within Jinhyuk.

A boy who would succeed in anything he did.

“Let me know if you’re really interested.”

“Thank you for the offer.”

Chairman Yun Chung-gi, looking pleased, asked the group,

“So, you’re all graduating from high school. Have you decided on your future paths?”

The chairman asked with sparkling eyes. Though he was an eighty-year-old retiree, his heart was still young.

“I’m currently active.”

“Oh! I know, I know. I know about Yeon Se-rin. You’re everywhere these days. You even did a CF for our company recently, right?”

“Yes.”

The chairman’s praise continued, and his gaze turned to Min-young.

“I’m aiming to be an announcer or a journalist.”

“Min-young got into Seoul National University too, Grandpa.”

“Really? Wow, congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

Chairman Yun Chung-gi listened solemnly as each child shared their thoughts.

“Becoming a film director is good.”

Following Young-jun’s dream, the chairman turned to Min-woo.

“Haha. Wanting to be a cartoonist.”

“Yes. It’s called a webtoon.”

“So, a cartoonist.”

“…Yes.”

As the chairman listened to the children’s stories, he gestured, and the butler quickly approached.

“You’ve all become good friends with Soyeon and have come to such a nice place, so I want to give you a graduation gift.”

Chairman Yun Chung-gi smiled and said,

“A gift that’s too extravagant might be a burden, and one that’s too small might be disappointing. I thought a lot about it. It’s my first time giving a gift to my grandchildren’s friends.”

If Jinhyuk hadn’t won the chairman’s heart with his appearance on “Challenge, High School Quiz King,” the chairman wouldn’t have met his grandchildren’s friends.

The butler, following the chairman’s gesture, handed each friend an envelope.

“Go to the department store, buy a suit, a pair of shoes, and an electronic device, whatever you like, with this card.”

The children were speechless.

“Thank you!”

“Thank you!”

The chairman, looking at the children with a proud expression, said,

“And… I have something special to show you today, especially Jinhyuk.”

Soyeon looked at her grandmother intently.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been in that room. After we finish eating, let’s go together.”

Chairman Yun Chung-gi slowly stood up, and Jinhyuk and his friends followed.

***

WP Entertainment meeting room.

Manager Kim Yong-soo asked,

“Can Jinhyuk win the KBC Year-End Acting Award this time?”

“Actually, based on his performance and acting, he should.”

Manager Lee Kwang-soo nodded.

However, there was a variable. Jinhyuk’s age was too young.

If Jinhyuk won the award here, it would be a groundbreaking achievement, being over ten years younger than the previous youngest winner.

This could be a burden for those deciding the award.

Another factor was the current buzz about his next project being on TVC.

“Surely KBC wouldn’t refuse to give him the award just because he rejected their drama, right?”

Manager Kim Yong-soo frowned, knowing it was a possibility.

“Well, since it’s a human decision, there’s a chance. Let’s wait and see. And….”

Manager Lee Kwang-soo looked at Manager Kim Yong-soo and the team members and said,

“MBS has made a very interesting proposal… If we put Jinhyuk in their new variety show, they’ll give us proper indirect promotion for the TVC drama?”

“Yes.”

It was a very unusual move for a terrestrial channel to promote a cable drama, not their own.

Of course, the cable drama could be seen as a rival to their own dramas, but more importantly, it showed how much Jinhyuk was valued.

For Jinhyuk, having a terrestrial channel promote his cable drama was a pretty good offer.

“The name of the variety show is ‘Born a Man.’ Oh, the title alone smells like an uncle.”

The manager added to what Manager Lee Kwang-soo said.

“It’s a real military experience program. Jinhyuk is the only one among the cast who hasn’t served in the military. Do you get the concept?”

“Hmm… Of course, Jinhyuk’s opinion is the most important, but what do you all think?”

Manager Lee Kwang-soo asked the team members.