Chapter 14
The camera was capturing my reaction to seeing my newborn sibling. A red, incredibly ugly baby. And a boy at that. His name was Min-guk. In my previous life, the birth of a younger brother meant only one thing to me: the arrival of a competitor! But now, I was putting on an expression of infinite brotherly love. The camera kept focusing on me. Dad, holding me, kept bringing me closer to Min-guk, who was visible through the glass window.
"Sung-guk, this is your sibling. Min-guk."
"Min-gookie."
"Sung-guk, you knew your sibling's name right away? You're amazing!"
Dad showered my face with kisses, overwhelmed with emotion.
[Please move away. Even if you're my dad, I'll pass on the kisses.]
I squirmed, but Dad hugged me even tighter. I had to get out of this situation. I quickly placed my hand on the glass and pretended to be overwhelmed with emotion at the long-awaited birth of my sibling.
"Min-gookie. Heh."
Then I smiled brightly.
"Cut!"
The director's voice came from behind.
"Wow, this is amazing. Super amazing. If this goes out, the ratings will definitely go up again."
The director was constantly impressed.
"Director, Sung-guk really seems to know what people want. We could just air this."
The assistant director quickly praised me. I shrugged my shoulders.
Shrug, shrug.
Beomseon poked my cheek with his finger.
"Sung-guk has become so mature since becoming a hyung."
[I've been mature since I was born.]
The nurse held Min-guk up again from behind the glass.
"We need to take him in now. Take one last look."
I looked down at the tiny Min-guk in Dad's arms. The red baby couldn't even open his eyes properly. But I warned him with my eyes. From now on, I wouldn't go easy on him, even if he was my sibling.
"Okay, we'll go in."
The nurse took Min-guk inside. The staff prepared to leave, and the 'Just' members all took a breather.
"Sung-guk, you must be happy to have a sibling!"
Lucas playfully teased me.
[Lucas, didn't I tell you you have cabbage stuck in your teeth?]
Lucas, who was holding me, saw himself reflected in the glass and was startled.
"What? I have cabbage in my teeth."
"That's why I told you to look in the mirror in the car. You said you were sleepy and fell asleep. Tsk, tsk."
Jaehyun clicked his tongue.
Lucas pointed at Michael and laughed.
"Michael, you have ketchup!"
But Michael didn't say or do anything throughout the entire filming. It was because of the director's words. Michael apologized to the director several times, but the director didn't answer and just continued filming. The director passed by Michael and spoke to the other members with a smile.
"You were all really natural and good! You need to focus on your friendly image. Okay, let's rest today and see you at the next broadcast."
The director smiled and completely ignored Michael. Then he approached Dad and handed him an envelope.
"Sir, you worked really hard today."
"What is this, Director?"
"It's for the childbirth. I didn't prepare a proper gift. And the broadcasting station paid for the hospital bill."
"You paid for the hospital bill too? It's okay, Director."
"Please accept it. I'll be more upset if you don't. Honestly, the appearance fee is fixed, and you can't do commercials for a while."
Dad reluctantly accepted the envelope the director handed him.
"Thank you so much, Director."
"We should be the ones thanking you. Thanks to Sung-guk, the ratings will go up again. This kid really knows how to act. As soon as the camera is on him, he gives us the perfect scene. 'Min-gookie.' That one word took away all my worries."
"Sung-guk was really looking forward to seeing his sibling."
[Seriously...? Me?]
The director gently touched my cheek.
"I get it, kid. You wanted to see your sibling. By the way, sir, since we have enough footage from this and Sung-guk meeting his sibling, the next filming will be more relaxed."
I smiled brightly at the director. It was a kind of flattery.
[Please take care of me in the future, Director.]
The director smiled.
"Sung-guk, don't cry even if you miss me."
"Okay."
I nodded.
"Aigoo, what a wonderful kid."
In the world of capital, the most important thing is to quickly figure out who to bow down to. In this filming set, the director was the king.
Lim Sun-mi had just finished showering. Jeon Jae-hyung, wearing only a bathrobe, was reading a newspaper on the sofa.
"Honey, are you staying over tonight?"
"I have an early luncheon meeting tomorrow."
One of Jeon Jae-hyung's rules was that he could have affairs, but he wouldn't stay out overnight. It was an unspoken rule among the Samjeon Group family. No matter how many affairs they had, they would protect their family. It was because Jeon Jae-hyung knew better than anyone that a one-night stand could turn into a week or a month. Lim Sun-mi poured him a glass of whiskey and handed it to him.
"Your favorite."
"Thank you."
"Honey, after I finish filming this movie, should we go to America or something?"
"Sure."
The future was uncertain. But arguing with the woman in front of him by saying he didn't like it or it would be difficult was just a waste of energy. Jeon Jae-hyung was starting to get tired of Lim Sun-mi.
He met Lim Sun-mi when she was going through a slump. After being a popular teen star, she tried to transform into an adult actress by filming a movie with explicit sex scenes, but it backfired.
The movie flopped, her image was ruined, and Lim Sun-mi slowly faded from the public's attention. It was Shin Sung-joong who saved her. He introduced Lim Sun-mi to Jeon Jae-hyung, who had liked her as a celebrity during her teen star days. Lim Sun-mi's first impression of Jeon Jae-hyung wasn't bad either. He was one of the top chaebols in Korea. His tall height and well-maintained appearance, even in his forties, exuded a mature charm. And if she maintained a good relationship with Jeon Jae-hyung, she could become the exclusive model for Samjeon Electronics. The money she had earned as a teen star had been squandered by her father and brother, who claimed they were starting a business, leaving her with debt. Of course, Jeon Jae-hyung's womanizing was well-known in the entertainment industry. It was said that it was hard to find a successful actress who hadn't been involved with him. Jeon Jae-hyung was looking at a Samjeon Electronics advertisement in the newspaper. Of course, Lim Sun-mi was in it. It was for their newly released refrigerator.
"Sun-mi, you look like you've gained some weight."
"The role I'm playing is a single woman in her thirties, so I gained some weight."
Lim Sun-mi immediately noticed that Jeon Jae-hyung's gaze towards her was different from before. That's why she deliberately took on the role of a single woman in her thirties, instead of the sophisticated image she had been portraying. Jeon Jae-hyung had been a good stepping stone, and now it was time for Lim Sun-mi to change her acting style. Jeon Jae-hyung raised his eyebrows slightly.
"Our Samjeon Electronics home appliances are aimed at young and sophisticated urban women. Even if they're married and have children, the body they want is the 34-24-36 figure of a Miss Korea, not the ample figure of a single woman in her thirties."
"Have you seen 'Five Men and a Baby Basket'?"
"What's that?"
"It's a variety show starring a group called 'Just,' and it's really popular these days. Until now, singers and actors have used a mysterious strategy. But they show their semi-basement dorm, their disheveled appearance in the morning, and even their stretched-out T-shirts, approaching the public with a friendly image."
"A friendly image?"
"Yeah. How long will Samjeon Electronics continue to run commercials with women cooking in high heels over ten centimeters tall?"
"..."
Vice Chairman Jeon Jae-hyung was silent. Jeon Jae-hyung was a thorough businessman. There were countless beautiful celebrities like Lim Sun-mi. But the reason he was still seeing Lim Sun-mi was that there was no other woman who could communicate with him as well as she could.
"It's time for 'Five Men and a Baby Basket.' Watch it with me. This is what the public wants these days."
Lim Sun-mi turned on the TV. Just then, a scene of Sung-guk taking his first steps was playing.
"Oh, it's Sung-guk."
Jeon Jae-hyung leaned forward.
"Is that the baby you did a commercial with last time?"
He remembered seeing Sung-guk smiling brightly through the gap in the waiting room door when he went to see Lim Sun-mi. Sung-guk waving his hand as if he knew him was impressive. Lim Sun-mi began to massage Jeon Jae-hyung's shoulders.
"Is that popular these days?"
"It's a national childcare program."
Jeon Jae-hyung couldn't take his eyes off Sung-guk.
"He's cute."
But he had a strange sense of déjà vu.
'Why does that kid look so familiar...?'
Jeon Jae-hyung entered his vice chairman's office after the luncheon meeting. Secretary Yang followed him.
"Did the luncheon meeting go well today?"
"I have a bit of a headache with the semiconductor factory expansion."
"But I think expanding now is a wise choice for the future."
Secretary Yang, who had foresight comparable to that of middle managers, often gave advice to Vice Chairman Jeon Jae-hyung. Jeon Jae-hyung took a sip of his favorite coffee.
"Secretary Yang."
"Yes, Vice Chairman."
"Do you watch a show called 'Five Men and a Baby Basket'?"
"Vice Chairman, you know that show too?"
"I happened to watch a bit of it yesterday."
As soon as he thought of 'Five Men and a Baby Basket,' Secretary Yang's face lit up.
"The baby named Sung-guk is so cute. My child loves him too."
Jeon Jae-hyung stroked his chin.
"What do you think is the reason for that show's popularity, Secretary Yang?"
"Everyone has some experience with childcare, and even if they don't, they get to experience it vicariously."
"And the chaotic lives of a relatable child and his male caretakers?"
"That's right. You seem to have figured it out after watching it for a short time yesterday, Vice Chairman."
As Lim Sun-mi said, friendliness was working. And vicarious childcare experience too.
"Look into that child named Sung-guk. He was in our washing machine commercial, right?"
"May I ask why? I'll investigate accordingly."
"I was wondering if Samjeon Electronics should move away from commercials with women cooking in high heels and adopt a more friendly image. Home appliances are a big sector, but semiconductors are a rapidly growing industry, so I thought it would be good to show our company's image growing along with that child."1
"Yes, I understand. I'll look into it."
Secretary Yang opened the door and left. As he left, Secretary Yang tilted his head. It was rare for Vice Chairman Jeon Jae-hyung to take an interest in a baby model. Of course, the top-loading washing machine commercial was a huge hit, but it was the first time he had given direct instructions without a proposal from the advertising agency.
Mom took Min-guk home from the hospital the very next day. When the Iron Lady gave birth to her youngest sister, she stayed in a VIP hospital room for a month, but at this time, there were no postpartum care centers, and Mom didn't have the luxury. At the same time, one more person was added to this cramped one-room apartment. Mom and Min-guk lay on a blanket on the floor, since there was no bed. I quietly approached and looked down at Min-guk. The red baby was gradually taking shape. He was clearly less attractive than me. And he seemed a bit shorter than me too. All the superior genes were obviously concentrated in me. Mom patted my back.
"Sung-guk, isn't your sibling cute?"
[There's no way that competitor is cute.]
I shook my head.
"Sung-guk, Mom and Dad wanted you to not be alone. I'm so glad you have a sibling."
What is she talking about?
"Mom and Dad are alone in the world. We don't have parents or siblings to rely on. So we promised to have as many children as we could afford when we got married."
I listened to Mom's story quietly. Was family someone I could rely on? They were always someone I had to compete with and keep in check.
"Mom and Dad are working so hard to be a strong support for Min-guk. When Mom and Dad die, Min-guk will be your support, Sung-guk. You're the hyung, so you'll take good care of Min-guk, right?"
I looked down at Min-guk, a two-year-old baby. I held Min-guk's small hand. It was warm and soft. I whispered quietly in Min-guk's ear.
[Sibling, if you betray me, you're dead.]
Then I smiled brightly at Mom and replied.
"Yeah!"
Ding-dong.
The doorbell rang. I knew who it was without looking. When Mom opened the door, Kim Mi-young came in with fruit and a big pot.
"Unnie, what's all this?"
"Seaweed soup. I didn't make it myself, I asked the lady at the supermarket in front to make it. A new mom needs to eat well while recovering. And a helper will come tomorrow too. She'll do the housework and take care of Sung-guk."
"Unnie, we don't have the money for that."
"Don't worry. I'm paying for it as Sung-guk's manager."
"Unnie..."
Mom was speechless. A strange atmosphere flowed in the room. It felt like a wave of emotion was about to hit.
[I can't stand this.]
I quickly grabbed an apple from the bag of fruit Kim Mi-young brought and started throwing them around the room, laughing. Mom quickly snapped out of it and hugged me.
"Unnie, thank you so much. I recovered alone after giving birth to Sung-guk."
"Oh, the broadcasting station called. They want to start filming again in two weeks. Sung-guk, got it?"
"Yeah."
Kim Mi-young quickly changed the subject. She seemed to be allergic to cheesy reactions too. I was eager to get out of this cramped one-room apartment and go to the filming set. Min-guk, who was just lying there, wouldn't know, but for me, who had just started walking and couldn't control his energy, the one-room apartment was too small. Kim Mi-young had already peeled an apple and handed it to me. I took the apple in my hand and sucked on the sweet juice.
"107-ho, shouldn't you consider moving? Sung-guk will be two years old soon. You have two kids now, a one-room apartment is too small, isn't it?"
"It is small, but I like it here. Since the kids are still young, I want to make some more money here and then move."
"Sung-guk has been on 'Five Men and a Baby Basket' for two months now. You've gotten 2 million won in appearance fees. Even after deducting the manager's fee, Sung-guk will get 1.5 million won."
"We need to save all that. Sung-guk worked hard to earn that money, we can't just use it recklessly."
I clenched my fist and pounded my chest.
[Just like stagnant water can't become the sea, saving money in a bank only benefits the bank!]
Kim Mi-young picked me up.
"What are you saying, Sung-guk? Why are you hitting your chest? This kid always has so many opinions."
"These days, he always interrupts when my husband and I talk."
Mom tickled my belly and smiled brightly.
[This makes me weak.]
I was soon smiling along with Mom.
"Giggle."
"Oh, and I have another thing to tell you today."
"What is it?"
"We're getting countless offers from people who want to use Sung-guk in commercials."
"We're banned from commercials for six months, right?"
"That's right. But those six months are only four months away now. Sung-guk's star quality is already proven, and the advertising industry is going crazy."
[I knew it. My sense from running Samjeon Group hasn't died.]
I listened to Kim Mi-young's words carefully.
"Since we're getting so many offers, I think it would be good to focus on big companies first, considering Sung-guk's image."
"Big companies?"
"Samjeon Electronics, who did the top-loading washing machine commercial, has offered him an exclusive model contract. Of course, they're offering the highest amount in the industry."
This life strangely felt intertwined with Samjeon Group. I had fallen from being the eldest son of Samjeon Group to being the eldest son of a poor family, but if I could get a little help from Samjeon Group, I could raise this family faster. Mom's face was filled with worry.
"I need to discuss it with my husband, but what do you think, Unnie?"
"You know I'm not good at beating around the bush. I'll be honest. Sung-guk is the cutest now, but kids' faces change dozens of times as they grow up. We don't know how he'll change."
[I'm not going to have a reverse growth, I'll be an icon of positive growth. Don't worry, manager.]
"Samjeon Electronics' offer is too good. If Sung-guk's parents are thinking about his future, it would be good to save money from commercials while he's young and settle down quickly."
Mom still looked uneasy.
[Strike while the iron is hot, Mom. Now is the time to make money by doing anything and everything. When I grow up a little more, I'll invest in stocks and real estate so you and Dad can live comfortably.]
I spoke seriously to Mom. Of course, Mom couldn't understand me.
"Waaah! Waaah!"
Just then, Min-guk started crying, making it impossible to continue our serious conversation. Mom quickly picked up Min-guk.
"Unnie, I'll discuss it with my husband."
"Then, how about we meet and see first? I used to work at Samjeon Planning, so I know them well. Samjeon Electronics' exclusive model contract is too good to pass up."
"I'll think about it for just one day."
"Waaah! Waaah!"
Min-guk kept crying. I covered my ears with both hands because it was so loud. Mom was busy soothing Min-guk, who was crying and whining, instead of me.
"Min-guk, are you hungry? Wait a minute."
While Mom was making milk, I looked at Min-guk quietly. I didn't whine for Mom to hold me anymore. I only threw a tantrum when I was hungry or my diaper was uncomfortable.
[I guess this is how you grow up.]
I sadly sucked on the sweet juice of the apple alone.