Bonggu's Resignation

Veselo, a promising mid-sized enterprise that had recently experienced rapid growth, was a company manufacturing cathode materials, a core component of secondary batteries.Im Gwanhun, the Founder of the company, couldn't help but be flustered early that morning.

You're quitting? Just like that?

It was because Song Bonggu, his Chauffeur, had abruptly announced his intention to resign. It was certainly no ordinary matter for the Company Representative of a business generating hundreds of billions in sales to react so sensitively to the resignation of a single Chauffeur.

"Are you perhaps dissatisfied with your compensation?"

"Oh, no way. Where else would I earn this much?"

"Then are you unhappy with the work intensity or benefits?" "Absolutely not. I know how much consideration Mr. President shows me."

"Then why are you suddenly quitting?"

"It's because of my son..."

Tani? What about Tani? Is something wrong?

Im Gwanhun knew well. He knew how significant his son was in Song Bonggu's life.

Song Bonggu, his head bowed like a sinner, struggled to speak.

As the story unfolded, Im Gwanhun's face grew frighteningly stern.

Sob, sob, I'm a terrible father for not taking proper care of my only son. I can't face my wife, who's already gone to heaven, Mr. President... Haa...

Im Gwanhun ran a hand through his hair, watching Song Bonggu's shoulders heave. It was as if he was trying to suppress the rising anger.

Of course... I'm not quitting immediately. I can't impose on Mr. President because of my personal affairs. For now, I need to go to the school today. After that, I'll continue to drive until a replacement can be found. No, Driver Song. That's not what's important right now.

Yes...?

At the chilling tone of his voice, Song Bonggu slowly raised his head.

When a powerful villain harasses someone, he or she never does it half-heartedly. So, what I mean is... the Chain of Ill Fate might not be easily broken.

How many kinds of people had he encountered, starting from an eight-pyeong office in Seocho-dong to reaching where he was now? Im Gwanhun knew from experience that such malicious individuals needed to be thoroughly crushed to be cleanly dealt with, ensuring they could never rise again.

Sitting on the sofa, stroking his beard, Im Gwanhun softly called out to someone.

Honey, did you hear that?

Then, a woman appeared from the kitchen. It was Na Hyeran, his wife.

From what I hear, it's quite despicable. In this day and age, doing such a thing is despicable." "Could you go for me?"

It's no problem for me at all... What do you think, Driver Song?

A startled Song Bonggu waved his hands dismissively.

"Oh, Madam. You don't need to do that for my sake. I don't want to cause any trouble." "Oh, 'trouble'? Saying that hurts my feelings. Driver Song's affairs are our affairs, aren't they?"

Na Hyeran, smiling faintly, untied her apron and sat beside Im Gwanhun.

It's better to leave these things to an expert. Especially for Tani's sake.

Song Bonggu flinched when his son, his only Achilles' heel, was mentioned. Then, he slowly nodded. Now was not the time to argue.

"Then... though it's shameless of me, I'll ask for your help." "Hoho, don't worry. I'll handle it 'cleanly' without any repercussions."

Na Hyeran, a meaningful smile on her lips, rose from her seat.

Then I'll go get ready. I need to put some effort into this for the first time in a while. Don't go alone. I'll call Lawyer Jang, so go together.

Im Gwanhun, phone in hand, made a call.

Oh, it's me. Call the Law Firm and tell them to send Lawyer Jang to my house right now. No, just send all the lawyers who can come. Tell them it's urgent. And also, inform the Organizer that I won't be able to attend today's Business Leaders' Meeting.

Song Bonggu was at a loss, seeing how smoothly and swiftly things were proceeding.

Oh, Mr. President. To go to such lengths for me...

Im Gwanhun offered a gentle smile to the apologetic Song Bonggu.

Has it really been fifteen years since our paths crossed? It's embarrassing to say this, but from the moment Driver Song saved my life, I've considered him family. Who wouldn't step up when a family member is in trouble? So, you don't need to feel burdened. Rather, I'm the one who's sorry. I should have paid more attention to Tani...Mr. President...

To be even more honest, where could I find such a capable Chauffeur as Driver Song? Oh, I wouldn't know where to begin. So, I must treat you even better to ensure you don't leave.

Moved, Song Bonggu's eyes welled up. He knew that Im Gwanhun cared for him in an exceptional way, but he never imagined it would be to this extent.

Na Hyeran, now fully dressed, gave a bright, winking smile.

I'll *crush*... no, I mean, handle it well and bring Tani back.

Na Hyeran, suppressing the dialect that had burst forth from her surging emotions, then left through the front door.

***

*Click*

"Father?" "Tani!"

Seeing his son enter through the front door, Song Bonggu rushed out in a single stride.

I've wrapped things up nicely.

Na Hyeran casually kicked off her high heels and tossed her expensive designer bag onto the table like a piece of luggage.

You worked hard.

Im Gwanhun patted his wife's shoulder and asked,

"How did it go?" "As expected, they were quite brazen. It was truly infuriating." "And?"

My old temper came out. I completely turned everything upside down. Puhaha, Na Hyeran, who once dominated the Suncheon scene, is still alive and kicking, I see.

Im Gwanhun, who had been chuckling, suddenly became serious.

Don't even think about going easy on them. They're not the type to listen to reason anyway. You, too. Why are you so serious about stating the obvious?

It was a chilling conversation, yet the atmosphere between them was that of a couple with excellent marital harmony. Im Gwanhun turned his head and looked at Songtan, who was sitting calmly.

I'm sorry, Tani.

Songtan's gaze turned to Im Gwanhun.

I used being busy as an excuse and didn't take proper care of you. I can't even begin to imagine how difficult it must have been for you all this time.

Im Gwanhun, his brow furrowed, rose from his seat and took Songtan's hand.

"Thank you for enduring. And thank you for being brave."

Though expressionless, Songtan was inwardly bewildered. Strictly speaking, Mr. President Im Gwanhun was his father's employer. What reason could there be for them to go to such lengths in a clear Alpha and Beta relationship?

"Your face tells me you don't understand why we're going to such lengths." "Yes, honestly. There's no reason for people like Mr. President or Madam to do this."

Have you ever heard how Driver Song and I first met?

Songtan nodded.

I understand that when my father used to work for the Designated Driver Service, you then met him and offered him the Driver position.

As Im Gwanhun's gaze fell on him, Song Bonggu scratched his cheek, looking awkward.

At that time, my son was too young for me to properly explain. Indeed, that would be the case. Then, may I tell the story?

Now that a lot of time has passed...

It was Indirect Consent, implying it didn't matter.

So, fifteen years ago. A drunk-driving vehicle, driving against traffic, crashed into my car. The designated driver behind the wheel barely managed to swerve at the time, saving me from instant death.

A strange light flickered in Songtan's eyes as he heard this for the first time.

Not only that, but he even pulled me out of the car while I was unconscious, even though his own body was a mess. And not long after, the car exploded with a bang.

Im Gwanhun's gaze fell on Song Bonggu, who sat there looking awkward.

As you might have guessed, the one who saved my life then was Driver Song. Wouldn't it be insufficient to serve and honor him for a lifetime?

Songtan's eyes took in his father, whose back was hunched. It was astonishing how he could have done that with his small physique.

Ahem, at the time, I just thought I had to save the person first...

Perhaps embarrassed by his son's gaze, Song Bonggu trailed off.

Having narrowly escaped death, I had a thought. I wished such a righteous person would continue to drive for me. Hahaha, so I went through the trouble of earnestly seeking someone out to finally bring Tani's father on board.

Only then did Songtan understand. He understood why his father, despite having physical conditions unsuitable for driving, had been able to work as a Chauffeur for over 15 years.

Driver Song is an invaluable connection to me, someone I cannot do without. How could I just stand by when such a person is quitting his job because of his son's problems? Don't you agree?

Mr. President...

Song Bonggu looked at Im Gwanhun with shimmering eyes. He knew that Im Gwanhun was exaggerating his praise simply because his son was present.

"I hear you said you're quitting school?"

"Yes. I told them that."

How about transferring to another school instead? If you wish, I'll make all the arrangements for you.

Songtan shook his head firmly.

No, I'll just take the High School Equivalency Exam. Now, I truly want to live the life I desire.

Im Gwanhun inwardly admired Songtan, who met his gaze without flinching. He knew well that people with such eyes could achieve anything they set their minds to.

May I ask what kind of life you desire?

At the cautious question, Songtan opened his mouth without hesitation.

A life where I'm no longer swayed by others. A life where I make my own decisions and willingly bear the responsibility. And... I want to live a life where I can practice true justice, not hypocrisy.

Ah...

A faint sigh escaped Na Hyeran's lips. She had been listening silently. She thought he was saying such things because of the trauma from school violence. But for Songtan, who vividly remembered the miserable life of Number Twenty-Eight, it was, in a way, a natural thought.

Im Gwanhun, who had been gazing into Songtan's resolute eyes, turned his head.

"I misunderstood, Driver Song." "Yes?"

Tani is a very strong child. He's a friend who will achieve great things, no matter what he does." "Hahaha... Thank you... Thank you."

He had served this man for fifteen years. Even with close acquaintances, Im Gwanhun never spoke empty words, nor did he easily lavish praise. So, he couldn't help but be delighted that such a person held his son in such high regard.

It's perfect timing. I've been wondering when to give this to you... and today seems to be the day." "Yes? What... are you talking about?"

Im Gwanhun, smiling brightly, spoke to Na Hyeran, who was sitting demurely.

Honey, please get that from the safe.

Na Hyeran went into the Master Bedroom without a word and reappeared holding something in her hand. It was a thick, brown Document Envelope.

Im Gwanhun took the envelope from Na Hyeran and handed it directly to Song Bonggu.

"W-what is this, Mr. President...?"

"Please open it."

Na Hyeran, her eyes crinkling gently, spoke to the hesitant Song Bonggu.

Hoho, you can open it. He's been preparing this for Driver Song for a long time.

Urged on by the two, Song Bonggu finally took out the contents of the envelope. Moments later, his eyes shook violently as if an earthquake had struck.

M-Mr. President!?

Seeing Song Bonggu, who rarely raised his voice, Im Gwanhun spoke in a calm tone.

Do you remember? This is what I promised to give you a long time ago, Driver Song.When did I ever make such a promise...?

Haha, have you already forgotten? When I offered to compensate you for saving my life, you adamantly refused. Didn't I say then that I would give you this money later, when the time was right?

Song Bonggu was dumbfounded. He had thought it was just a customary remark.

At the time, I used that money to buy some land in Seongsu-dong. Currency value tends to decrease over time, after all. And now, fifteen years later, the value of that land is vastly different from what it was then. Even I am surprised.

Subsequently, the amount that came from Im Gwanhun's lips was enough to shake even Songtan's unwavering composure.