The day of Chairman Kim's 80th birthday celebration had finally arrived, and the atmosphere was electric. The event was being held at the luxurious Grand Ballroom of the 5-star Shilla Hotel in downtown Seoul. The ballroom was transformed into a grandiose setting, with lavish decorations and intricate details that screamed opulence.
As Kim Tae-Hyun stepped out of his sleek, black Mercedes-Benz S-Class, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He was dressed impeccably in a tailored, navy-blue tuxedo, complete with a crisp, white shirt and a patterned, silver tie. His raven-black hair was styled perfectly, and his piercing brown eyes seemed to gleam with a hint of nervousness.
Tae-Hyun's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of his name being called. He turned to see his stepmother, Ji Sui-Hui, and his stepbrother, Kim Tae-Ho, emerging from a sleek, white Bentley Continental GT. Sui-Hui was resplendent in a stunning, red, designer gown that hugged her curves in all the right places, while Tae-Ho looked every inch the entitled rich kid in his bespoke, black tuxedo.
"Tae-Hyun," Sui-Hui said, her voice dripping with insincerity, "you look...presentable. I suppose that's the best we can expect from you."
Tae-Hyun's eyes narrowed slightly, but he chose to ignore her jibe. Instead, he turned his attention to the grand ballroom, where the who's who of Seoul's high society had gathered to pay their respects to Chairman Kim.
As they entered the ballroom, Tae-Hyun was immediately struck by the sheer scale of the decorations. The walls were adorned with intricate, gold-leaf patterns, while the ceiling was draped with lavish, crimson curtains. The tables were set with fine, white linens, and the crystal glassware sparkled in the light of the chandeliers.
The guests were a veritable Who's Who of Seoul's elite, with CEOs, billionaires, and socialites mingling and laughing together. Tae-Hyun spotted the CEO of Samsung, Lee Jae-Yong, chatting with the chairman of Hyundai, Chung Mong-Koo. Nearby, the billionaire heiress, Lee Seo-Hyun, was holding court, surrounded by a gaggle of admirers.
As Tae-Hyun made his way through the crowds, he was stopped repeatedly by guests who wanted to pay their respects to Chairman Kim's grandson. He exchanged polite conversation and smiles, all the while keeping a weather eye out for his stepmother and stepbrother, who seemed to be watching his every move with an air of disdain.
The waiters and waitresses were dressed in impeccable, black-tie attire, with crisp, white shirts and bow ties. They moved with quiet efficiency, refilling glasses and clearing plates with a precision that was almost military-like.
As the evening wore on, Tae-Hyun found himself growing increasingly uncomfortable. He had never been one for grand, public events, and the constant scrutiny was beginning to get under his skin. He made a mental note to make his excuses and leave as soon as politely possible.
But for now, he was trapped in this gilded cage, forced to play the role of the dutiful grandson. He smiled and laughed and made small talk, all the while seething with resentment beneath the surface.
As Kim Tae-Hyun navigated through the crowds of guests, he clutched the intricately wrapped gift in his hands – a bottle of rare, 100-year-old Korean wine, accompanied by a luxurious, golden watch. He knew his grandfather, Kim Ha-Joon, would appreciate the thoughtful gesture.
Before he could reach his grandfather, the old man himself rushed towards Tae-Hyun, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Tae-Hyun, my boy!" he exclaimed, embracing Tae-Hyun in a tight hug.
Tae-Hyun felt a surge of discomfort as all eyes turned towards them. He wasn't one for public displays of affection, especially not in front of Seoul's elite.
"Happy birthday, sir," Tae-Hyun said, trying to extricate himself from the hug. He presented the gift to his grandfather, who eagerly unwrapped it in front of his friends.
The room erupted in laughter and applause as Kim Ha-Joon examined the watch and wine. "Thank you, my boy!" he exclaimed, beaming with joy. "This is truly a wonderful gift!"
Tae-Hyun's stepmother, Ji Sui-Hui, and his stepbrother, Kim Tae-Ho, approached them, carrying a elegantly wrapped gift of their own. "Happy birthday, Father," Sui-Hui said, presenting the gift to Kim Ha-Joon.
As the celebration continued, Tae-Hyun began to make his excuses, preparing to leave. However, just as he was about to depart, his grandfather's secretary, Mr. Han, rushed towards him.
Mr. Han, a man in his late forties with a kind face, knocked on the window of Tae-Hyun's car. Tae-Hyun wound down the glass, curious. "Yes, Mr. Han?"
"Mr. Kim's instructions, sir," Mr. Han said, his voice low and respectful. "He requests that you stay for dinner, after the birthday celebration is over. He would like to speak with you about an important matter."
Tae-Hyun raised an eyebrow, intrigued. What could his grandfather want to discuss with him? He nodded, making a mental note to stay behind. "Very well, Mr. Han. I'll stay for dinner."
Mr. Han bowed his head in acknowledgement. "I'll inform Mr. Kim, sir. He'll be pleased."
As the birthday celebration drew to a close, Kim Ha-Joon's friends and acquaintances gathered around to present their gifts. The room was filled with the sound of laughter and chatter as the guests congratulated the chairman on his special day.
Ji Sui-Hui and Kim Tae-Ho stood by, smiling and nodding as they accepted gifts on behalf of the chairman. The gifts were elaborate and expensive, ranging from rare artwork to luxurious jewelry.
As the gift-giving ceremony came to an end, Kim Ha-Joon thanked his guests for their kindness and generosity. The room erupted in applause once again, and the guests began to disperse.
Kim Tae-Hyun, who had been observing the proceedings from a distance, made his way to his car. He slipped behind the wheel and started the engine, feeling a sense of relief wash over him as he pulled away from the hotel.
As he drove through the streets of Seoul, Tae-Hyun's thoughts turned to the dinner meeting with his grandfather. He wondered what Kim Ha-Joon wanted to discuss with him, and whether it had anything to do with the family business.
After a 20-minute drive, Tae-Hyun arrived at the Kim estate. The mansion was a grand, sprawling structure that seemed to go on forever. The walls were made of gleaming white stone, and the roof was tiled with dark, slate-gray tiles.
As Tae-Hyun approached the entrance, he noticed that the three glass electronic gates had swung open, allowing him to pass through. He drove pass the three gates, up to the front door, where one of the servants rushed out to greet him.
"Welcome back, Young Master Kim," the servant said, bowing low. "I'll take care of your car. Please, go inside."
Tae-Hyun handed over the car keys and stepped out of the vehicle. He strode towards the front door, which swung open to reveal a beautifully decorated foyer.
The interior of the mansion was just as impressive as the exterior. The walls were adorned with expensive artwork, and the floors were made of polished, dark wood.
As Tae-Hyun entered the mansion, he was immediately surrounded by a group of young, female servants. They were all dressed in neat blue skirts and white shirts, and they bowed low as they greeted him.
"Welcome back, Young Master Kim," one of the servants said, smiling up at him. "We've prepared a special dinner. Please, follow me."
Tae-Hyun barely acknowledged the servant's presence, his eyes scanning the foyer as he searched for his grandfather. He was too arrogant to notice the admiring glances of the female servants, and he strode past them without a second glance.
"Where is my grandfather?" Tae-Hyun asked, his voice firm and commanding.
The servant who had spoken earlier bowed low again. "Chairman Kim will soon join you in the dining room, Young Master Kim. Please, follow me."
Tae-Hyun nodded curtly and followed the servant through the winding corridors of the mansion. He could feel the weight of the servants' eyes on him, but he ignored them, his focus fixed on the dinner meeting with his grandfather.