Chapter 738: White Day (2)

Inside the bridal room, everyone including Haru stepped out. Only Natalia and I remained as she slowly rose from her seat in her wedding dress.

Just as I wondered what she was about to do, she suddenly bowed her head deeply.

Startled, I quickly reached out and grabbed her arm. "W-What are you doing? Please, stand up."

However, Natalia stayed firmly bent at the waist to complete her bow. When she finally raised her head, her eyes shimmered with tears.

"Getting to have a day like this... it's all thanks to you, Mr. Jung. I just wanted to say thank you properly."

I hadn't expected such a heartfelt expression of gratitude. I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. But then it came to me—what she really wanted to hear. What mattered most to her was her son Haru's happiness.

"Natalia, I'll keep looking after Haru, so you don't need to worry. From now on, please focus on your own happiness."

"Thank you. Really... thank you, Mr. Jung."

Tears rolled down from both of Natalia's large eyes. Worried it might ruin her wedding makeup, I took out a handkerchief and gently dabbed her cheeks.

"Why are you crying on a happy day like this? Hold on, just stay still."

Pat, pat.

Thanks to years of taking care of female celebrities, I knew how to wipe tears without smudging the makeup.

Natalia smiled through her tears. "Okay. No more crying.

Oh,

right. I have something I wanted to give you."

Lifting the hem of her dress, Natalia walked to one corner of the bridal room. She opened a drawer on a small table, and inside was a rectangular item wrapped in soft pink fabric.

"It's a gift from me."

I took the heavy package and unwrapped it. Inside was an oak-colored wooden box.

"Go ahead. Open it."

Click.

When I opened the box, I found it full of handkerchiefs in a range of colors.

"What's this...?"

"I was thinking about what someone like you, who always wears suits, might actually need. So I made these."

There were about thirty handkerchiefs in total. From classic white to soft pastels and checkered patterns, they came in a wide variety of tones and designs. Made from the finest fabric, they could easily pass for high-end luxury items. And in the bottom-right corner of each one, there was gold embroidery. The script looked like Russian.

"What does this say?" I asked.

Natalia replied, "удачи. It means good luck. And the rest of the handkerchiefs all carry kind words and good wishes."

Her thoughtfulness left a lump in my throat.

"Thank you. This means a lot."

"Not at all. Thank you for accepting it."

Click.

I gently closed the box and smiled at her. "Congratulations on your wedding. Truly."

"Thank you, Mr. Jung. Please keep looking after Haru."

"Of course."

"And going forward, Haru won't be traveling to Suwon every weekend. He'll be staying in Seoul."

Until now, Haru had spent his weekends in Suwon to be with his mom. It was his way of making up for the time they had lost. But now, she said that wouldn't be happening anymore.

"What do you mean by that?"

"For Haru to succeed, this is the most important time in his life."

Natalia was right. If Haru wanted to rise any higher, he needed a new project. Right now, he was being considered for a show called

Happy & Happy.

She truly wanted Haru to succeed as a celebrity, even if it meant holding back her own desire to spend more time with him.

"I understand. But Natalia, promise me you'll make your own happiness a priority too."

"I will. I promise."

Natalia smiled gently. The twinkle in her eyes was more precious than any luxury gift.

***

The wedding ceremony began. After lighting the candles, it was time for the bride and groom to make their entrance.

As the MC, I called out with energy, "Bride and groom, please enter~"

Groom Kim Chul-Soo linked arms with bride Natalia, and the two began walking down the aisle together.

『

Da-da-da-dum~ Da~ Da-da-dum~~ Da-da-da-da-da~~

』

'The Bridal Chorus' from Wagner's opera

Lohengrin

echoed through the hall. Then I heard soft whispers from the guests on the bride's side of the aisle.

-The bride looks absolutely stunning today.

-Auntie Natalia is so beautiful today.

-Mom, when I get married, can I wear a dress like Auntie Natalia's?

-Look at her husband. That grin's about to split his face.

The front rows were filled with Sae-Ri's family and their neighbors. Behind them sat the celebrities and talent agents from Hoop Entertainment. Lee Tae-Poong, Jung Yoo-Jin, Miso, Go Jae-Soo, Park Sang-Gyu, Kang Ha-Na, Choi Deok-Bae, Cherry Blossom, Seo Yeon-Woo, and many of the talent agents had come.

And even from TVM, Director Jo Eung-Cheon had shown up in person. So despite most of the groom's guests being doctors, the bride's side didn't feel lacking at all.

Then murmurs began from the groom's side as well. They had been worried, since Natalia had been divorced and had a son. But fortunately, Kim Chul-Soo's friends and family turned out to be good people. Rather than being prejudiced, they sent their blessings.

Sure, the men were a little cheeky with their teasing, but that was about it.

-I thought Chul-Soo would stay single forever. Who knew it was just high standards all along? Lucky bastard.

-Chul-Soo. You did it!

-Chul-Soo, you better treat your wife right, you hear?

-The guy's marrying a stunner and getting Haru as a bonus son? Total thief.

With all the teasing, Kim Chul-Soo just straightened his shoulders and kept walking tall. Soon, the couple reached the end of the aisle.

"Now, we'll proceed with the declaration of marriage, followed by the wedding address."

Kim Chul-Soo gently placed his right hand over Natalia's right hand, which was already linked with his left arm. Sae-Ri's grandfather, Kim Pan-Seok, walked up to the podium and smiled kindly. Dressed in a neat suit with his white hair gleaming, he proudly declared their union.

Then he began his wedding address. "First, I'd like to sincerely congratulate groom Kim Chul-Soo and bride Natalia on their marriage." His deep and weighty voice filled the hall. "After many years of married life, I've learned a bit about what it takes for a couple to grow old together. Let me share it with you now. I hope you'll take it to heart."

Having spent decades with his wife, Lee Yung-Sook, Kim Pan-Seok's words carried weight. Kim Chul-Soo and Natalia turned their attention fully to him.

Meeting their eyes, Kim Pan-Seok spoke slowly and clearly, passing on his wisdom.

"To keep a marriage strong, your eyes and ears must always be on your partner. Don't listen to what others say—listen to your partner's voice. When you see their flaws, don't point them out—try to cover them instead. Rejoice in their joys, and share in their sorrows.If you care for and love one another like that, day by day, then ten years will pass, then twenty, and eventually fifty."

Kim Pan-Seok took another breath and continued.

"And by then, you'll realize that you've walked a hundred years together as husband and wife." A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Don't rush—just love each other with sincerity today. That is the only way to build a long and happy marriage."

Even now, when Kim Pan-Seok took walks with his wife Lee Yung-Sook, he held her hand tightly with one hand while the other leaned on his cane. Because he had loved his wife so steadfastly for decades, no one else could speak with more conviction. The guests in the wedding hall all nodded, visibly moved by his words.

After the speech, Kim Pan-Seok turned to Groom Kim Chul-Soo. "Now, groom. Tell us—can you promise to love your wife more than yourself?"

At that moment, the usually soft-spoken Kim Chul-Soo shouted boldly, "Yes! I can!"

The groom's side of the hall burst into murmurs.

-Is this the first time we've ever heard Mr. Kim raise his voice?

-He better shout. Took him long enough to get married.

-Way to go, Chul-Soo!

Kim Pan-Seok gave a satisfied smile. "Then what about the bride?"

Natalia lifted her bowed head and looked at Kim Chul-Soo. In a calm, unwavering voice, she spoke. "No matter what hardships or temptations come our way, I, Natalia, will love only you."

Overwhelmed by her heartfelt vow, Kim Chul-Soo replied, "No, you've got it wrong. I'm the one who loves you more!"

Their eyes met, and neither seemed willing to look away.

At that, Kim Pan-Seok chuckled heartily. "Looks like my part in this ceremony is done.

Hahaha.

"

Laughter spread throughout the venue.

'

I wish you the best of luck, Natalia.

'

After everything she had endured so much pain and hardship in this foreign land, Natalia had finally found love and happiness.

***

Inside a Japanese restaurant in Yeouido, a secret meeting was underway. Park Sang-Ah, Chairman Hong Moon-Gyu of HK Inc., Former Chairman Sung Hak-Soo of Daechon Inc., and Chairman Lee Sang-Pil of LSP Inc. had all gathered urgently.

It was because their attempt to use TNT Entertainment to sabotage Jung Yoon-Ho had failed.

Clack.

The VIP room door opened, and Jin Myung-Gyu and Jin Myung-Hee walked in late. They had been arrested the night before alongside President Yoo Kang-Seok but had narrowly been released thanks to Jinseong Inc.'s legal team.

Hong Moon-Gyu gave them a bored look. "You've been through a lot."

Jin Myung-Gyu and Jin Myung-Hee took their seats, watching the others' reactions closely. "We're sorry... Things blew up because of that damned idiot."

"

Ahem

. Everyone's here now. Let's get to the point. The TNT Entertainment's president—they say it'll be hard to get him out. So what now?"

Park Sang-Ah scowled with visible irritation. "We'll have to find someone else willing to be our puppet. But they need to come from inside the entertainment industry."

"

Ahem

. Why don't we just pool our strength and go after Jung Yoon-Ho directly?"

"Absolutely not. If the press gets wind that we're behind anything, it'll be a nightmare. You all know during by-elections, conglomerates need to keep their heads down."

"

Ahem

... Fair point. Still, I must say your father's something else. Always bleeding the business world dry during election season, and still hitting harder than anyone.

Hahaha.

"

Assemblyman Park Sang-Gon was notorious for his anti-business stance. But behind the scenes, no one raked in more political funds than he did. Hong Moon-Gyu was clearly calling that out.

At that moment, Park Sang-Ah just smiled sweetly. "I'll be sure to pass along your compliments."

"

Ahem!

There's no need for that. It's just talk among us." Realizing he had gone too far, Hong Moon-Gyu awkwardly tried to backpedal. "Anyway, do we have a replacement for that bastard we just cut loose? If no one does, I've got someone to suggest."

That's when Sung Hak-Soo, the former chairman of Daechon Inc., raised his hand. "I know someone who holds a serious grudge against Jung Yoon-Ho."

"As if that narrows it down..."

"He's got skills too. I actually invited him here. Should I bring him in?"

Hong Moon-Gyu nodded, and no one objected. Sung Hak-Soo pulled out his phone and made a call. A few moments later, the door to the VIP room opened and a man with a sharp, hawk-like gaze entered.

Clack.

"It's been a while. I'm Bang Sang-Yung. If you appoint me to lead TNT, I'll make sure Jung Yoon-Ho goes down."

Bang Sang-Yung, once the Chief of Actor Division 1 and later a Director at Hoop Entertainment, had returned. Since being fired, he had lost a noticeable amount of weight and looked like a shadow of his former self.

Hong Moon-Gyu spoke up. "Well, I know Director Bang's talents well. Back when you ran Actor Division 1 at Hoop, things looked solid. But you already lost badly to Jung Yoon-Ho, didn't you?"

"This time is different."

"And what makes it different?"

"I'm putting my life on the line."

There was a distinct menace in Bang Sang-Yung's expression now.

Finally, Hong Moon-Gyu burst into a hearty laugh. "Now that's what I like to see! That's the kind of spirit we need. Win or lose, just show some damn fight!" After a long laugh, Hong Moon-Gyu fixed his gaze on Bang Sang-Yung again. "But spirit alone isn't enough. You got a plan?"

"Yes. Coincidentally, Chief Jung's long-prepared

Project I.O.A

is about to air for the first time today. I'm going to strike there. But I'll need help."

With that, Bang Sang-Yung began laying out his plan. By the end of it, Hong Moon-Gyu was grinning broadly.

"Well now. Looks like you've been hiding those wings."

Even Sung Hak-Soo and the others nodded in clear approval. Bang Sang-Yung's strategy was more than viable. It was sharp.

After a nod, Hong Moon-Gyu delivered the consensus on behalf of everyone. "Alright. From this moment, you're the president of TNT."

Bang Sang-Yung bowed. "Thank you. In that case, I'd like you to take care of the task I requested right away. I want that bastard to suffer today."

"Now that I like the sound of."

And with that, the men in the VIP room began making phone calls one after another all to bring down Jung Yoon-Ho.

***

Once the wedding ceremony ended, it was time for the meal. Since there were many older guests, a traditional Korean course meal was served, complete with galbitang instead of steak.

Having cleaned her bowl of galbitang in the blink of an eye, Miso stuck out her belly. "Mom, look! I turned into E.T.!"

Yoo-Jin laughed and reached out her finger to Miso. "E.T~"

Miso giggled and touched her finger to Yoo-Jin's. "E.T~"

The two had been watching old movies lately as part of their acting practice, often reenacting scenes like this for fun.

Next to them, Sae-Ri had no idea what

E.T.

even was. Yet she tried to join in, mimicking Miso. She put her hands to her face, full of fake cuteness, and turned to Woo Yeon-Hee.

"Mom~ Sae-Ri wants to be E.T. too~ I want a big belly just like that~"

Woo Yeon-Hee stroked Sae-Ri's hair. "Sae-Ri, don't forget we have filming later, okay? You can eat after that, alright?"

Soon, Cherry Blossom and I would be heading to Incheon Airport to film the "Welcome Ceremony for China and Japan Preliminary Winners" segment for the first broadcast of

Project I.O.A.

Cherry Blossom had to be front and center for that shoot, so they were sticking to light vegetables and fruit to settle their stomachs.

"Then~ umm~ can I eat tteokbokki tonight instead? Pleeease?"

Woo Yeon-Hee watched Sae-Ri for a moment, then nodded. "Sure. If you want it, then of course you can have it."

"Really?"

"Of course."

"Yay!"

Sae-Ri's face lit up instantly. It was obvious she had been scheming for tteokbokki[1] the whole time, but Woo Yeon-Hee let it slide.

I was just about to suggest soy sauce tteokbokki[2] instead, when I felt a vibration.

Buzz~

[Caller ID: SBC PD Ji Yung-Sik]

It was a call from PD Ji Yung-Sik, whom we were scheduled to meet soon at Incheon Airport.

"Yes, Mr. Ji. The wedding just ended and we're finishing the meal now. We'll head out shortly."

The current time was 1:15 p.m. If we left by 1:30, we would make it to Incheon Airport by 3.

But then, Ji Yung-Sik's flustered voice came through.

-Mr. Jung, it's not that... There's a huge problem.

"A problem?"

-Two charter planes just took off from China and Japan, but it looks like they might be denied entry.

If the preliminary winners from China and Japan couldn't land, the broadcast could fall apart entirely. However, this wasn't about individual entries but they were banning entire charter flights.

"Huh? But why?"

-We're still trying to figure that out. One of the immigration officers just showed up and said he received direct orders. They gave us a one-sided notice and left.

And just then, my phone buzzed again with an alert from Everyday.

Buzz~

[Notification: A new schedule entry has been registered for Kim Sae-Ri on March 14, 2021.]

[Notification: A new schedule entry has been registered for Yoo Eun-Ah on March 14, 2021.]

Something had just been added to the schedule entries of both

Project I.O.A

judges. I quickly opened it up and found absurd, telltale notes related to their sudden entry bans.

1.

Tteokbokki

☜

2.

Soy sauce tteokbokki

☜