Three days passed since the merger announcement.
YuTech Industries' fate hung in the balance.
Mrs. Yu summoned Jian Yu and Jin Yu.
"My decision's made," she said, her voice firm.
"Jian Yu, you'll succeed me as CEO."
Jian Yu's stomach twisted.
"Mom, are you sure?" he asked.
Mrs. Yu smiled.
"You're ready. Your vision, leadership, and heart make you perfect."
Jin Yu nodded.
"Jian Yu's the future."
Madame Wong and Chairman Kim arrived.
"The merger's finalized," Chairman Kim announced.
"YuTech Industries will thrive under Jian Yu's leadership."
Madame Wong's eyes sparkled.
"Together, we'll conquer new markets."
Jian Yu's determination burned.
"YuTech's values, integrity, and innovation will remain."
Mrs. Yu handed Jian Yu a small box.
"Your father's legacy. Carry it forward."
Jian Yu opened the box, revealing a golden pendant.
"A symbol of our family's commitment."
With newfound responsibility, Jian Yu stood tall.
Days had passed since Jian Yu took over as CEO of YuTech Industries. His days blurred together in a whirlwind of meetings, strategic planning, and innovation. Jin Yu, his brother, remained his trusted advisor and confidant.
Kim Liang, too, was entrenched in his family's business, navigating the complexities of the merger and his father's expectations.
Their friendship had taken a backseat, reduced to sporadic texts and missed calls.
But today was different.
Today was the day of the highly anticipated CSAT examination.
The CSAT, or College Scholastic Ability Test, was a pivotal moment in every Korean student's life. It determined college admissions and ultimately, future prospects.
Jian Yu, Kim Liang, and Jin Yu had studied tirelessly, often sacrificing sleep and social life. Jin Yu, with his analytical mind, had helped Jian Yu balance study sessions with CEO responsibilities.
As the sun rose over Seoul, Jian Yu stood outside the examination center, his heart racing.
"Bring it, CSAT!" Jin Yu joked, handing Jian Yu a lucky charm.
Kim Liang arrived, looking focused.
"Ready?" Jian Yu asked.
Kim Liang nodded.
"Let's ace this."
The examination center buzzed with anxious energy.
Students poured over last-minute notes, parents offered words of encouragement, and proctors reviewed instructions.
The doors opened, and the students filed in.
Jian Yu, Kim Liang, and their classmates took their seats.
The proctor distributed the exam papers.
"Begin."
The room fell silent, punctuated only by scratching pens and turning pages.
Jian Yu and Kim Liang immersed themselves in the questions, their minds racing.
Math, science, languages – the subjects blurred together.
Time ticked away.
The final section loomed: the essay.
Jian Yu's hand moved swiftly, articulating his thoughts.
Kim Liang's brow furrowed, his writing intense.
Jin Yu, waiting outside, paced anxiously.
The clock struck 5 PM.
"Pens down."
The room erupted into sighs, groans, and nervous laughter.
Jian Yu turned to Kim Liang.
"How was it?"
Kim Liang exhaled.
"Done."
Jin Yu rushed in, grinning.
"Results will be amazing!"
Their friendship, though tested by time and circumstance, remained unbroken.
As they walked out of the examination center, the weight of expectation lifted.
Their futures, though uncertain, held promise.
"Let's celebrate," Jin Yu suggested.
"Food, then study results," Jian Yu decided.
Kim Liang smiled.
"YuTech's future looks bright."
Today marked a milestone for Jian Yu and Jin Yu – their 18th birthday.
The CSAT results were also scheduled to be released.
Excitement and nervousness filled the air.
Jian Yu, Jin Yu, and Kim Liang gathered at the Yu residence.
Mrs. Yu prepared a traditional Korean breakfast.
"Happy birthday, my sons!" she exclaimed.
Jian Yu and Jin Yu exchanged smiles.
"Time flies," Jin Yu said.
"From today, we're officially adults," Jian Yu added.
Kim Liang handed them a gift.
"Congratulations, Happy birthday"
After breakfast, they checked the CSAT website.
Jian Yu's heart skipped a beat.
"I got accepted into Seoul National University!" he shouted.
Jin Yu grinned.
"I'm in too!"
Kim Liang's eyes widened.
"I did it! I'm going to Korea University!"
The three friends hugged.
Tears of joy filled Mrs. Yu's eyes.
"I'm so proud of you all."
The celebration continued with a birthday cake.
As they blew out the candles, Jian Yu made a wish.
"Success for YuTech Industries and our friendship."
Jin Yu smiled.
"Already granted, hyung."
The day unfolded with laughter, memories, and hope.
Their future paths were taking shape.
Mrs. Yu sat between Jian Yu and Kim Liang, a warm smile on her face.
The birthday celebration had subsided, leaving only the four of them in the cozy living room.
"Jian Yu, Kim Liang," she said, her voice gentle, "when are you planning on telling me?"
Jian Yu and Kim Liang exchanged confused glances.
"Tell you what, Mom?" Jian Yu asked.
Mrs. Yu's eyes sparkled with knowing.
"Don't play dumb, boys. I've seen the way you look at each other."
Jian Yu's heart skipped a beat.
Kim Liang's face flushed.
"Mom...," Jian Yu began, unsure.
Mrs. Yu's expression softened.
"I know, Jian Yu. I know about you and Kim Liang."
Jian Yu's fear dissipated as his mother's words wrapped around him like a warm hug.
"You're... okay with it?" he stammered.
Mrs. Yu nodded.
"Of course, sweetie. Love is love. You two are happy, and that's all that matters."
Kim Liang's eyes welled up.
"Thank you, Aunty," he whispered.
Jian Yu's shoulders relaxed.
"Mom, I was scared to tell you," he admitted.
Mrs. Yu pulled him into a tight hug.
"My son, never be afraid to be yourself. You're loved, no matter what."
Jin Yu, who had been quietly observing, smiled.
"I knew Mom would understand."
Mrs. Yu released Jian Yu and turned to Kim Liang.
"Welcome to the family, Kim Liang. You're already a part of us."
Tears of joy streamed down Kim Liang's face.
"Thank you, Aunty. This means everything."
The four of them shared a heartfelt group hug.
In that moment, Jian Yu knew he could face anything with his family's love and support.
Hmmmm, Aunty. Their's someone I want to confined in you with.
Kim Liang's voice trembled as he opened up to Jian Yu's family.
"Madame Wong... she's not my real mother," he began, tears welling up.
Mrs. Yu's expression turned empathetic.
"Go on, Kim Liang," she encouraged.
Kim Liang took a deep breath.
"My father... he has another wife, another family. A daughter named Sophia."
Jian Yu's eyes remain unchanged
Jin Yu's face reflected concern.
Mrs. Yu's hands reached out, offering comfort.
"Tell us more, Kim Liang," she coaxed.
"For sixteen years, they've kept this secret," Kim Liang confessed, tears streaming down.
"I didn't know how to accept them. Madame Wong, my stepmom... Sophia, my half-sister."
Jian Yu's arm wrapped around Kim Liang's shoulders.
"We're here for you," he whispered.
Jin Yu nodded.
"You're not alone, Kim Liang."
Mrs. Yu's voice soothed.
"We'll support you through this."
Kim Liang's words poured out, a mix of emotions.
"I feel guilty, angry, and confused. My father's lies... Madame Wong's manipulation."
Mrs. Yu's face set in determination.
"We'll face this together. You're part of our family now."
As Kim Liang's tears subsided, a weight lifted.
For the first time, he felt freedom from the burden.
Jian Yu, Jin Yu, and Mrs. Yu formed a protective circle.
"You're loved, Kim Liang," Jian Yu reassured.
"Forever," Jin Yu added.
Mrs. Yu smiled.
"No more secrets. We're in this together."
Kim Liang's revelation sparked a mix of emotions within him.
Guilt, anger, and confusion swirled.
But with Jian Yu's family's unwavering support, he began to heal.
Jian Yu became his rock.
"Hey, I'm here for you," Jian Yu whispered.
Kim Liang smiled.
"You've been my strength since day one."
Together, they explored Seoul.
Laughing, reminiscing.
Creating new memories.
Jin Yu joined them.
"We're brothers," Jin Yu said.
"No secrets between us."
Mrs. Yu's guidance helped Kim Liang.
"Face your feelings," she advised.
"Embrace your family."
Jian Yu's love and support fortified him.
"You're not alone," Jian Yu promised.
Ever.