Chapter 21: Yerin = Chaos
I blinked, looking at Yerin with a puzzled expression. "Wait, why do we need to convince Mom? I mean, I’ve only known her for a short while, but I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t stop us from going out. If anything, she’d probably encourage it and buy us the entire amusement park."
Yerin’s enthusiastic grin froze. Her cheeks flushed bright red, and she quickly looked away, suddenly finding the floor mat extremely interesting. "Well... you know... mothers worry! It’s a whole process."
Before I could press her any further, the heavy metallic thud of iron weights echoed across the gym floor. Val set down her barbell, wiped her brow with a towel, and walked over. A rare, subtle smirk touched the corner of her lips as she looked down at the blushing pop star.
"It’s because every time Lady Yerin sneaks out on her own, chaos follows," Val explained, her tone dry. "The last time she ran away from her security detail, we had to retrieve her from an uninhabited island off the coast."
"An island?!" I burst out laughing, staring at Yerin in utter disbelief. "How do you even accidentally end up on a deserted island?"
"It was a private boat tour that went slightly off course!" Yerin protested, puffing out her cheeks as she glared at Val. "And I didn’t get lost, I was exploring! Besides, Valerie, since when do you laugh? I’ve known you for years, and you usually look like a marble statue!"
Val simply raised an eyebrow, returning to her usual crisp stance without answering.
Yerin turned back to me, her dark eyes wide with genuine curiosity. "Seriously, Seth. How did you break her? I’ve seen top-tier military commanders fail to get a reaction out of her, and now she’s making jokes with you."
I just shrugged with a laugh. "Don’t ask me. I just asked her if she was a robot powered by lithium batteries, and she’s been human ever since."
"Alright, enough slacking. Let’s finish the workout so we can actually get breakfast," I said, pushing myself up from the mat.
After wrapping up our sets, we headed to our respective rooms to shower and change. Twenty minutes later, feeling fresh and starving, I walked down to the grand dining room.
Only Mom was sitting at the massive table, sipping her morning tea while scanning a tablet. The moment she saw me, her face lit up with her signature warm smile.
"Good morning, my sweet boy!" Mom said, setting her tablet aside.
"Morning, Mom," I replied, pulling out a chair. "Where’s Dad? Don’t tell me he’s still asleep."
"Oh, heavens no," Mom chuckled softly. "Your father had some urgent international business to handle at the corporate headquarters today. He actually tried to postpone the meeting so he could stay home and spend the day with you, but I practically kicked him out the door."
I let out a quiet laugh, picturing the most powerful and wealthy titan of industry in the country getting scolded and shoved out of the house by his wife. It was a hilarious image, but it also showed just how grounded my family really was.
As the kitchen staff began bringing out serving trays, I pushed my chair back and stood up. "Here, let me help with those."
"Oh, Seth, you don’t have to do that, darling," Mom said, though her eyes sparkled with happiness as she handed me a platter of fresh fruit.
"Hey, I want to help too!" Yerin shouted, bounding into the dining hall like an energetic whirlwind. She darted toward the serving cart, grabbing a porcelain dish of eggs...only for her grip to slip immediately.
"Whoa!" I reached out with lightning speed, catching the plate just before it shattered against the marble floor.
"Phew! Nice catch!" Yerin wiped imaginary sweat from her forehead, flashing me a guilty, sheepish grin.
"You really shouldn’t be allowed near fragile objects before nine in the morning," I teased, setting the dish safely on the table.
Bonk.
A gentle chop landed on top of my head. I looked up to see Mom standing beside me, pretending to look stern, though her eyes were full of maternal affection. She reached up and rubbed the spot she’d just hit. "Now, now, Seth. My favourite children shouldn’t fight over breakfast."
Hearing that, Yerin immediately threw her arms around Mom’s waist, burying her face against her side in dramatic, theatrical sobs. "Aunt Alice! Look at him! He’s bullying me! I came all the way here just to be abused!"
Mom didn’t buy a single second of the performance.
Bonk.
A second light chop landed on Yerin’s head. "And you, young lady, stop terrorizing the kitchen staff and sit down."
Yerin let out a dramatic gasp, rubbing her head before sticking her tongue out at me as Mom turned around. I just shook my head, fighting back a smirk.
Val walked into the dining room a moment later, her sharp eyes taking in the chaotic family dynamic. A hint of amusement flickered in her gaze as she took her designated seat near the end of the table.
We all settled down and began eating the delicious breakfast. Between bites of bacon and fresh toast, I looked over at Mom. "So, what are your plans for today, Mom? Are you coming with us?"
"I’m afraid I have a very busy schedule today, darling," Mom replied, taking a dainty sip of her tea. "The preparations for your official banquet are in full swing. I need to oversee the venue design, the guest list, and the catering personally. I want everything to be absolutely perfect the moment you give us the green light."
Yerin paused mid-chew, her eyes lighting up with sudden inspiration. "Aunt Alice! I want to perform at Seth’s banquet!"
I almost choked on my juice, staring at her in shock. "Wait, really? You’re going to sing at my party?"
"Of course! It’s my cousin’s grand debut!" Yerin puffed out her chest proudly. "It’ll be the performance of the century!"
Well, that was certainly something I didn’t expect. I wondered how would my former co-workers would react after seeing their favourite singer giving a performance at my party.
’They will probably strangle me to death for being a lucky dog. Damn those bastards!’