Chapter 14: Blood That Cannot Be Denied
The night sky over Seoul hung heavy, as if it too carried the secret that would soon be unveiled. In the vast, traditional-meets-modern Yi residence, the atmosphere felt quieter than usual.
Gevran sat in the main living room, facing two people who had always felt distant in his life—Yi Jido, the cold and visionary man, and Yi-Ana, a humble yet strong-voiced woman, known in the media as the Chairwoman of the Korean Women Farmers' Organization, Seoul branch.
But tonight, they weren't here as public figures.
They had come as… his real parents.
Yi Jido spoke first. His voice was calm, but heavy with history.
"You're not a child we took in, Gevran. You are our own flesh and blood."
Yi-Ana sat beside him, wearing a simple dark green hanbok. Her face reflected both firmness and the kind of love Gevran had only faintly felt before.
"We kept your identity hidden for political and safety reasons," she said gently.
"Not everyone in the Yi family accepted our decision. I'm not from a chaebol background, and your father's choice to marry me caused many internal conflicts."
"So... I was hidden?" Gevran asked quietly.
"No. You were protected," Yi-Ana replied firmly.
"We placed you outside the larger family circle so you could grow up free—free from political pressure, from inheritance expectations—so you could choose your own path."
Yi Jido added, "But fate brought you back. And now, it's time the world knows who you truly are."
Gevran fell silent. His gaze drifted to the window, where the lights of Seoul glimmered like distant stars.
"I don't want an inheritance," he said softly.
"I just want my voice to be heard. Not as an heir, but as someone trying to stop the violence and bullying that once killed me."
Yi-Ana looked deeply into her son's eyes.
"That's why we're proud. Not because you carry the Yi name, but because of your courage."
---
The Next Day – Daehan International School
An extraordinary student forum was held. A small stage had been set up in the inner courtyard. All students, teachers, and even some alumni—now public figures—were in attendance.
Gevran stepped up to the podium. News cameras stood in the distance, but his focus was only on his friends.
> "My name is Gevran Yi. The biological son of Yi Jido, CEO of Korindro Group, and Yi-Ana, an activist who fights for the voices of rural women farmers on the outskirts of Seoul."
> "Today, I'm not standing here to defend wealth or family name. I stand for all of you—who have ever felt unworthy just because you were born in the 'wrong' place."
> "I once died because of bullying. But I was reborn to make sure no one else has to suffer the same. I will not stay silent."
Silence was replaced by a wave of applause that cut through the autumn wind. No more sneers—only teary eyes and respectful bows.
---
That Night – Yi Family Balcony
Yi-Ana brought a cup of tea and sat beside Gevran.
"Back then, people said I didn't belong in the Yi family because I was just a village woman fighting for farmers' rights," she said with a soft smile.
"But tonight... my son spoke to the entire nation."
Gevran looked up at the sky, now clearing of clouds.
"I spoke… because you and Dad never stopped believing in me, even when I nearly gave up."
Yi-Ana gently touched his shoulder.
"Keep speaking, my son. The world is listening."
---
Late Night – Korindro Headquarters, Executive Wing
The city never really slept, especially not when secrets shifted power.
Yi Jido sat alone in his office, lights dimmed, staring at an old photo. In it: a young Gevran on his first birthday, held by Yi-Ana, both beaming with laughter. His fingers trembled slightly as he traced the edge of the frame.
A knock interrupted his thoughts. His assistant entered, voice cautious.
> "Chairman Yi… there's a request for comment from the Presidential Office. They're asking if the speech earlier reflects your family's official political direction."
Jido closed the photo, slid it into a drawer, and stood.
> "Tell them… the boy spoke from the heart. But from today forward, his voice is the future of our family."
---
Morning – Cain Seo-Jun's Penthouse, Gangnam
Cain watched the replays of the student forum, lips curled in a bitter smile. His personal secretary hovered behind him.
> "He used to be nothing. A victim, a ghost. And now? A symbol."
The secretary hesitated. "Sir… should we launch the Operation Red Mirror?"
Cain shook his head.
> "No. We're not in the shadows anymore. If he's bringing bloodlines into the light… then so will we."
He turned to the mirror, adjusting his tie.
> "It's time my father steps into this."
---
Flashback Sequence – Hidden Archives of the Cain Family
A leather-bound book was opened. Within it, old records, birth certificates, and family lineages of Korea's most powerful dynasties.
One photo stood out—Yi Jido standing beside another man… Cain's father. Once business partners. Now enemies.
A voiceover, perhaps Cain's, whispered:
> "They buried our family's shame. But the Cain legacy runs deeper than his Korindro Empire. If Gevran has blood on his side, then I'll bring the old money, the old power, and the old secrets."
---
Afternoon – Seoul Student Reform Headquarters
Han Jimin burst into the meeting room, holding her tablet.
> "Guys, you need to see this. It's not just Daehan School anymore. Four other elite academies are forming alliances. All inspired by Gevran's declaration yesterday."
Ara leaned over her shoulder. "They're calling it the Phoenix Pledge."
Yoon-jae whistled. "That's dramatic."
Gevran smiled faintly. "Dramatic… but accurate."
Jimin turned to him, serious.
> "This isn't just a school reform anymore. This is national student awakening. You ready to lead that?"
Gevran looked at each of his friends.
> "I'm not leading it alone. We rise together."
---
Evening – National TV Broadcast: Panel Discussion
A well-known political analyst spoke into the camera.
> "What we're seeing is unprecedented. A teenager—revealed as the heir of Korea's most influential conglomerate—choosing advocacy over power."
> "And what's even more shocking… is the people rallying behind him are from outside the elite class. This could be a new wave of reform driven by the youth."
> "But not everyone is pleased. Sources say that some board members of Korindro and legacy political families are planning countermoves."
---
Final Scene – Rooftop of Daehan School
The sun had set. Gevran stood at the edge, phone in hand. A new message from an unknown number appeared:
> "You want to change the system?
Then be ready to be hunted by it.
We're done playing nice, Gevran Yi."
He locked the phone.
A voice behind him—Han Jimin.
> "More threats?"
He nodded.
> "Yeah. But they're not the only ones with power anymore."
She smiled and handed him a new student badge. It now read:
> Gevran Yi – Interim Student Council President
Daehan International School – Student Reform Coalition
---
Gevran's Journal Entry – End of Chapter 14:
> *I used to think my blood was a curse—
now I see it's the ink to write a new story.
Not of power.
But of purpose.*
---
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