Jian Yu's determination to take control of the company grew stronger. But Eunseo's sudden interest raised questions.
"Eunseo, why now?" Jian Yu asked, frustration etched on his face. "Our father passed away 10 years ago. No one helped us then. Why are you interfering now?"
Eunseo's expression turned cold.
"Your father's will specified that I oversee the company until you're ready," Eunseo replied. "I've protected our family's interests, but now it's time for you to take over."
Jian Yu scoffed.
"Protected our interests? You've controlled us, manipulated us. Why?"
Eunseo's eyes flashed.
"Because I had to. Your father's business partners would have destroyed everything. I ensured our family's legacy survived."
Jin Yu intervened.
"Eunseo, that's not true. You've used the company for your own gain."
Eunseo's face reddened.
"How dare you! I've sacrificed everything for this family."
Liang Zheng spoke up.
"Eunseo, your methods are questionable. Jian Yu deserves to know the truth."
Eunseo's gaze narrowed.
"Fine. I'll reveal the truth. But are you prepared for the consequences?"
Jian Yu steeled himself.
"I'm ready."
Eunseo smiled, a hint of malice.
"Your father's death wasn't an accident. It was a murder, orchestrated by one of his business partners."
Jian Yu's world shattered.
"What? Who?"
Eunseo's eyes locked onto Jian Yu's.
"The truth will come out when the time is right. For now, focus on taking over the company."
Jian Yu's resolve strengthened.
"I will. But I'll do it my way, not yours."
As Eunseo turned to leave, Jian Yu's voice stopped her.
"Eunseo, wait!" Jian Yu called out, his tone firm.
Eunseo paused, her back still to them.
"Turn around," Liang Zheng added, his voice commanding.
Eunseo slowly faced them, her expression unreadable.
"You can't just drop a bombshell like that and walk away," Jin Yu said, his voice laced with frustration.
Eunseo raised an eyebrow.
"You want answers? Fine," she said coolly. "But be prepared for the consequences."
Jian Yu stepped forward.
"We're ready," he said, determination etched on his face.
Liang Zheng stood beside him.
"They deserve the truth," Liang Zheng added.
Eunseo's gaze swept across their faces.
"Very well," she said finally. "But don't say I didn't warn you."
With that, Eunseo returned to the room, her presence commanding attention.
Eunseo's eyes locked onto Jian Yu's.
"As I said, Your father's death was no accident," she began. "It was a calculated move by one of his business partners."
Jian Yu's face paled.
"Who?" he demanded.
Eunseo's voice dropped to a whisper.
"I'll reveal the truth when the time is right. But know this: our family's legacy is at stake."
Jin Yu's fists clenched.
"We have to uncover the truth," Jin Yu urged.
Eunseo's expression turned cold.
"Not without caution. We need proof and a plan."
Jian Yu's determination hardened.
"I'll get to the bottom of this."
Liang Zheng's eyes met Jian Yu's.
"Together," Liang Zheng said.
Eunseo's gaze swept across their faces.
"Remember, this is a game of power. Be prepared to play."
Eunseo's expression turned stern, her eyes gleaming with determination.
"In two weeks, you'll turn 18, Jian Yu. It's time to take your responsibilities seriously and lead this company."
Jian Yu nodded, steeling himself for the challenge.
"I'm ready."
Eunseo smiled, seemingly pleased.
"Good. Jin Yu will be your assistant."
Jin Yu's eyes widened in protest.
"No, I don't want to join the company," Jin Yu said firmly.
Jian Yu's brow furrowed.
"Why not?"
Jin Yu's voice filled with conviction.
"I want to study medicine. I want to be a researcher and make a difference in people's lives."
Jian Yu's confusion deepened.
"But why did you want me to take care of the company?"
Eunseo intervened, her tone brooking no argument.
"Because, Jian Yu, you're older than Jin Yu by 15 minutes. You're the rightful heir and tradition dictates you lead."
Jin Yu rolled his eyes.
"That's ridiculous. A 15-minute difference doesn't make him more qualified."
Eunseo's gaze hardened.
"Tradition dictates otherwise. Jian Yu will lead, and you'll support him."
Jian Yu's eyes met Jin Yu's.
"Is this what you really want, Jin Yu?"
Jin Yu nodded.
"I want to make a difference in medicine, not business."
Jian Yu's resolve strengthened.
"Then I'll do it. I'll take care of the company."
Eunseo smiled.
"Excellent. Your training begins immediately."
As Eunseo walked away, Jian Yu turned to Jin Yu.
"You're really going to leave me with this?"
Jin Yu grinned.
"You'll be great. And I'll be in the lab, changing lives."
Jian Yu chuckled.
"Let's make our own paths."
Jian Yu and Jin Yu exchanged a determined glance.
"We need to talk to Mother," Jian Yu said.
Jin Yu nodded.
"Now."
"Liang I will see you later" jian Yu said waving at him.
Jian Yu and Jin Yu left Eunseo's estate, eager to escape her suffocating grip.
They took a bus to their humble two-bedroom house, close to where their mother managed a food hub.
As they entered, the aroma of delicious cooking enveloped them.
"Mom!" Jin Yu called out.
"In the kitchen!" she replied.
They found their mother expertly juggling multiple dishes, her smile warm.
"Hey, boys! What brings you here?"
Jian Yu and Jin Yu exchanged glances.
"Eunseo wants Jian Yu to take over the company," Jin Yu said.
Their mother's expression turned concerned.
"Come, sit. Tell me everything."
They sat at a small table, surrounded by the comforting sounds of sizzling food.
Their mother listened attentively as they shared Eunseo's demands.
"I won't let her dictate your lives," she said firmly.
Jian Yu's eyes lit up.
"Mother, I don't want to take over the company. I want to pursue my passions."
Jin Yu nodded.
"And I want to study medicine."
Their mother's face softened.
"I want you to follow your hearts, my sons. I'll support you. But"
Their mother's expression turned solemn.
"I want Jian Yu to take over the company," she said.
Jian Yu's eyes widened.
"But Mother, I thought you'd support me pursuing my passions?"
Their mother's voice held a hint of sadness.
"Your father was the rightful heir. Eunseo's control is temporary, You must reclaim our legacy."
Jin Yu frowned.
"But Mother, that's not fair to Jian Yu. He has his own dreams."
Their mother's gaze hardened.
"Family duty comes first. Jian Yu, you're the eldest. It's your responsibility."
Jian Yu felt trapped.
"But what about my happiness?"
Their mother's voice softened.
"Your father's legacy will bring you pride and security. Trust me, son."
Jin Yu stood up.
"Mother, that's not true. Happiness comes from within. Not from some company."
Their mother's eyes flashed.
"Jin Yu, you don't understand. This is about family honor."
The tension in the room thickened.
Their mother's eyes clouded, her voice trembling.
"Boys, I want to tell you a story. A painful one."
Jian Yu and Jin Yu leaned in, sensing the weight of her words.
"Your father and I... we didn't have an easy start. His family didn't approve of me because of my poor background. They thought I wasn't worthy of their legacy."
Her voice cracked.
"But your father didn't care. He loved me, and he stood up to his family for us. His father, your grandfather, chased him out of the house. We were left with nothing."
Jin Yu's eyes widened.
"Grandfather did that?"
Their mother nodded.
"Yes. We struggled, but your father was determined to make a life for us. He worked tirelessly, built the company from scratch... and then..."
Tears streamed down her face.
"The accident. Ten years ago. It wasn't an accident, boys. It was sabotage. The company's rival wanted to eliminate him."
Jian Yu's face paled.
"Mother, why didn't you tell us?"
Their mother's voice broke.
"I wanted to protect you. But now, I realize I was wrong. You deserve to know the truth."
Jin Yu's fists clenched.
"We won't let those responsible get away with this."
Their mother's eyes locked onto Jian Yu's.
"Eunseo tried to help your father, but she was too late. She's been trying to protect you boys ever since."
Jian Yu's expression softened.
"Eunseo cared for Father?"
Their mother nodded.
"Yes. She was like a sister to him. That's why I want you to take over the company, Jian Yu. Reclaim our legacy. Fulfill your father's dreams."
Jian Yu's resolve hardened.
"I will, Mother. For Father's sake."
Their mother's eyes seemed to hold a thousand memories.
"Your father's dreams... he wanted to expand the company, make it a force for good. He had visions of creating jobs, supporting local communities..."
Jian Yu's curiosity piqued.
"Tell us more, Mother."
Their mother smiled wistfully.
"He was a kind soul, always putting others first. That's why Eunseo admired him. She shared his passion for social responsibility."
Jin Yu leaned in.
"What happened to his plans?"
Their mother's expression turned somber.
"After his passing, Eunseo tried to keep his vision alive. But your grandfather's influence and the rival company's sabotage hindered her efforts."
Jian Yu's determination grew.
"I'll finish what Father started. I'll make his dreams a reality."
Their mother's eyes shone with tears.
"I know you will, Jian Yu. You have his heart."