Chapter 96 - Too Soon?
On Sunday, as planned all the three families were gathered at the Lee mansion.
"Congratulations Lee Byung Ho, you people cracked such a big deal" Grandpa Song congratulated his friend as soon as he entered their home.
"Haha, don't praise me, all credits go to Myung Soo. He handled the clients very well and impressed them" Lee Byung Ho declared looking at his eldest son with pride.
"It was based on everything that you taught me dad" Myung Soo feels uncomfortable with such praises, so he awkwardly smiled.
"I taught everything to someone else too but they didn't do such a good job in handling business" Lee Byung Ho commented looking at his youngest son Lee Man Sik, who was politely greeting all the guests.
Hearing his dad's words, Lee Man Sik got hurt.
It wasn't new for him to listen to his father's taunts but it always happened in these four walls amongst their family members and not in front of all the guests.
Lee Man Sik's wife too felt embarrassed but she tried to not show it on her face. She tried to stand there with her head held high.
"Dad, let's not talk about business when we are attending this gathering." Lee Myung Soo felt bad for his younger brother and tried to divert the topic.
"Yeah, I was thinking should we all go to some nice destination for a holiday?" Understanding the situation Song Jae Ho tried to divert everyone's attention.
"It would be difficult Song Jae Ho, so many things need to be planned for a holiday and we do not have enough time." Chu Yu Ri rejected the idea.
"Okay but next year we should go somewhere, let's plan it nicely" Song Jae Ho suggested.
"No, next year is impossible. Ji Hun would be entering the twelfth grade and would need to focus on that. Forget partying and holidaying for the next two years" Ji Seo Yun strictly warned her husband.
"Oh right" Song Jae Ho forgot all about it.
"Why are you worrying about Ji Hun? I am sure he is only going to top again. Rest assured" Sa Da-Hye chimed in before adding, "Ian is someone one should worry about"
"Enough, you just underestimate your smart son" Ji Seo Yun smiled.
"No, we don't. You people underestimate Song Ji Hun. That guy has a lot of potential in him. I can see he will be a big successful businessman just like his father" Kim Hoon added and proudly looked at his friend.
"Yeah, if I ever have to bet all my money on someone, it would be Song Ji Hun" Lee Myung Soo too said in support of his friend Kim Hoon.
"Really? Shouldn't you bet all your money on your daughter Kiaraa? She is clearly going to be the future CEO of Lee Conglomerate" Song Jae Ho casually commented with a huge smile on his face.
"Why just Kiaraa? Choi Hyuk too is good enough to take over the Lee Conglomerate" Lee Min Seo, who had been silently sitting there with the guests spoke up when she heard what Song Jae Ho said.
She didn't like how everything was being pre-decided without taking them into consideration.
"Even Lee Gun is a good candidate" Lee Man Sik, too spoke up as he didn't wish for his son to lack anything that he deserves.
The other guests could feel the pleasant atmosphere turning cold.
"We will decide that based on their talents but for now I feel Kiaraa is the most talented of all" Lee Byung Ho declared annoyed by his son and daughter's words.
"Dad, why are we discussing all of this now? There is a lot of time for such stuff" Lee Myung Soo chimed in to stop his father from saying something offensive that could end up hurting his siblings.
"What lot of time? Kiaraa is almost 14, she needs to start her training when she will turn 18." Lee Byung Ho declared worsening the atmosphere.
"Dad, but we don't know what Kiaraa wants" Chu Yu Ri chimed in to maintain the peace in her family.
"I know what she wants. I asked her already and she expressed her interest in ruling our business. Also, she is not just words but even in her actions she proved she is capable of taking over the entire business world someday" Grandpa Lee declared, pride evident in his tone.
"I thought you like Aera more" Ji Seo Yun couldn't help but comment only to get glared at by her husband.
'This woman needs to grow up' Song Jae Ho helplessly looked at his loving wife, who sometimes can't control her tongue.
"Of course, I love Aera the most. She is my most obedient and sweet child but she is too sweet for the ruthless world of business. Whereas Kiaraa, is capable of being more ruthless than the worst people out there" Lee Byung Ho didn't mind Ji Seo Yun's question and sincerely answered her.
"I am not sure if you are praising my daughter or taunting her" Lee Myung Soo laughed trying to lighten the situation.
"I am obviously praising her. She is my smartest grandchild" Lee Byung Ho proudly declared.
"True, Kiaraa is the smartest of all. That's why we Kims are already eying her to make her the daughter-in-law of our house" Grandpa Kim, Kim Dong-il suddenly declared surprising everyone in the room.
No one expected the discussion to escalate in this direction.
"Isn't it too soon?" Lee Myung Soo tried to hide his displeasure as Kim Dong-il is of his father's age and he didn't wish to be disrespectful towards him.
Few days ago, when his friend Kim Hoon mentioned the same thing, Lee Myung Soo didn't mind in sharing his opinion but now he had to be polite.
"No, it is not too soon. This is the age teenagers fall in love" Kim Dong-il smiled with the thought of having Kiaraa as his grand daughter-in-law.
'Nice, this will ensure my Hwan would be away from that girl' Ji Seo Yun sighed in relief seeing how keen Kims were to make Kiaraa theirs.