Life Becomes Amazing After Marriage

 

  Chapter 41 : Why is my sister coming out of there?

  “Youngest! Aaaah!”

  “Ugh…”

  With a sudden squeeze!

  Someone had pulled Kang Bada into a tight hug. Kang Bada nodded awkwardly, a bit unsure how to respond.

  She had expected this reaction from the moment she contacted her sister, so she was able to accept it without much resistance.

  “Unnie, I can’t breathe…”

  “Just a little longer, okay? How long has it been since we last saw each other? And you’re the one who contacted me first! Is the sun rising in the west today or something!?”

  “We literally saw each other last month.”

  “Way too long, kid!”

  Kang Byeol, the fourth child of the Kang family, refused to let go. Only when Kang Bada sighed and patted her back did she finally step away.

  Still beaming, Kang Byeol peppered Kang Bada with questions.

  “What have you been up to? Eating well? When are you bringing your boyfriend over? Huh? Huh?”

  “Unnie!”

  Kang Bada raised her voice, realizing if she didn’t take control, they’d never get to the point of why she was here.

  “Our youngest has grown so much! Shouting at your unnie now? I’m touched, but I’m also heartbroken.”

  “If you keep this up, I’m leaving.”

  “Oh, no way. Tea? Coffee?”

  “…Just water’s fine.”

  Kang Bada shook her head and sank into the couch. It hadn’t even been that long since they met, but she already felt exhausted.

  Seeing this, Kang Byeol smiled slyly. She sat across from her and asked, more seriously now.

  “So, what’s the deal?”

  “I need a favor.”

  “A favor?”

  “Yeah.”

  Hearing the word “favor,” Kang Byeol’s brows furrowed. Her youngest sibling usually hated owing anyone, so it must be something big.

  “If you’re asking me to help you with marriage or something, forget it. I’m not on board.”

  “…What!?”

  “I can’t stand those lazy husbands who leech off their wives. No way I’m letting you marry someone who just sits around and spends your hard-earned money.”

  “Unnie, did you investigate me?”

  Kang Bada’s eyes turned cold. Most people would’ve been rattled by that look, but Kang Byeol wasn’t just anyone.

  She was also part of the Daehan Group.

  Unlike Kang Bada, Kang Byeol was right in the thick of it, fighting at the front lines as a true successor. She calmly lifted her teacup.

  “Why are you surprised? Do you think anyone in our family doesn’t know what you’re up to? You even moved his parents into our company’s hospital.”

  “Still, that’s…”

  “Bada, you’re not a kid anymore.”

  Clink.

  Kang Byeol set down her teacup, her gaze suddenly turning cold. Kang Bada flinched at the unfamiliar expression on her sister’s face.

  “The chairman might want you to live freely, but as long as you carry the ‘Kang’ name, you know that’s not really possible, right?”

  “……”

  “You’re too old to be acting spoiled. But as your unnie who cares about you, let me give you a heads-up—you’re going to be pulled out of the lab soon.”

  “On whose authority?”

  “If I told you, where’s the fun in that? You need to learn how to stand on your own, don’t you?”

  Kang Bada stared silently at her sister, and Kang Byeol didn’t look away either.

   How long had they been staring at each other? Kang Byeol finally raised both hands in a playful gesture of surrender.

  “Wow, women in love are terrifying. Looks like my little sister has fallen hard, huh?”

  “W-What are you talking about all of a sudden!?”

  “Up until last year, you couldn’t even look me in the eye. You were so cute back then. But now, you’re acting like a real Daehan Group member. No wonder oppa is personally keeping an eye on you.”

  “…Oppa?”

  “Oh, forget I said that.”

  Kang Byeol winked.

  But Kang Bada knew that her sister wasn’t the type to let something slip by accident.

  ‘What’s oppa managing? The business? The orphanage? Or has he extended his reach into the lab?’

  Kang Bada kept her face calm, but her mind was racing. All the new information was making her dizzy.

  Still, she couldn’t lose sight of why she had come here in the first place. Kang Bada adjusted her posture, trying to stay composed.

  “Hm?”

  Seeing the change in her expression, Kang Byeol smirked and asked,

  “So, what’s this favor you need?”

  “…I want to borrow your private gallery. And if possible, the studio as well.”

  “Why?”

  “For personal reasons.”

  “And you think I’ll just lend it to you?”

  “Yes. I’m asking as your sister.”

  “Oh, please.”

  Instead of answering directly, Kang Byeol sipped her tea. Seeing the firm look in Kang Bada’s eyes, she realized her sister wasn’t backing down.

  “It won’t be free.”

  “Name your price.”

  “Give me all the Daehan Electronics shares you own.”

  “Fine.”

  Cough!

  Kang Byeol choked, caught off guard. Tea had gone down the wrong way, making her cough loudly.

  “Seriously, can’t you take a joke!?”

  “If it’s you, I’m willing to give that much.”

  “For the record, your marriage won’t be solved with a few shares of Daehan Electronics. Even if you put everything on the line, it wouldn’t be enough.”

  “…It’s the chairman, isn’t it?”

  “Who knows?”

  Kang Byeol wiped her mouth with a handkerchief, signaling that she wouldn’t say more. But that alone gave Kang Bada plenty of information.

  “Alright, you should go now. I’ve got guests coming soon. Let my secretary know when you plan to visit, and they’ll arrange everything.”

  “And about the Daehan Electronics shares…”

  “Forget it. Can’t your unnie at least do this much for you? By the way, there are CCTV cameras everywhere in the gallery, so don’t go doing anything weird with your boyfriend.”

  “I-I wouldn’t do something like that!”

  Kang Bada’s face flushed bright red.

  Seeing her reaction, Kang Byeol held back a laugh and stood up. Kang Bada followed suit, knowing it was time to leave.

  “Take care. Next time, I hope you visit because you miss me… Huh!?”

  Just as Kang Byeol turned away, she felt something unfamiliar behind her and froze. When she looked back, she saw Kang Bada hugging her tightly.

  “B-Bada?”

  “Thanks, unnie.”

  Noticing her sister’s gaze, Bada blushed slightly and stepped back. Kang Byeol, still in a daze, stared at her as Kang Bada waved her hands with a smile.

  “Next time, let’s go out for a meal, just the two of us. I found a really nice restaurant.”

  “Oh… Yeah, sure.”

  “I’ll head out now.”

   Feeling flustered, Kang Bada hurried out of the room with quick steps. Kang Byeol stared blankly at her retreating figure before letting out a low, mocking chuckle.

  “…Can someone really change that much?”

  She never thought Kang Bada would be the one to initiate physical contact. Since she became an adult, their relationship had been distant, with Bada always keeping her distance.

  ‘Kim Ha-neul…’

  What had he done to my youngest sibling? A small spark of curiosity started to form in Kang Byeol’s mind.

  Closing her eyes, she allowed herself to recall the warmth of Bada’s hug. A slight smile tugged at her lips.

  A short time later, there was a soft knock at the door.

  “Ma’am, your guest has arrived,” said the secretary cautiously.

  “Let them in.”

  Swoosh—

  The smile disappeared instantly, and her face returned to its neutral, unreadable expression. Just then, a familiar figure walked into the room.

  “It’s been a while, Oppa.”

  “Call me ‘President’ now.”

  Kang Taeyang sat down without another word. His eyes swept across the room, briefly pausing at the table.

  “You had another guest before me.”

  “So, what brings someone as busy as you all the way here?”

  “…”

  Kang Taeyang made an attempt to dig, but Kang Byeol didn’t take the bait. Their eyes locked in a quiet, tense exchange.

  “I’ve got a lead.”

  “The drug designer?”

  “Exactly.”

  Kang Byeol’s face grew serious as she took her seat. This was clearly a significant matter.

  “So you’re saying…”

  “Yeah, they’re linked to your atelier. Seems like they’re moving the drugs alongside the art.”

  “Who’s behind it?”

  Grit—

  Kang Byeol clenched her teeth. Collecting art was more than just a hobby for her—it was her passion. She even ran the atelier herself, recruiting the artists she admired. The idea that a drug dealer could be operating inside her cherished space was infuriating.

  “I don’t know yet.”

  “I’ll pass along the information we have.”

  “Good. At least we’re on the same page.”

  “If you’re taking care of the pests in my house, it’s only fair I give you a hand.”

  Kang Byeol pulled a thick folder out from her desk drawer. Inside were the profiles of all the artists and staff linked to her atelier.

  As Kang Taeyang reached for the folder, Kang Byeol placed her hand on top of it.

  “Don’t get the wrong idea. I just have a personal question for you.”

  “President.”

  “No, this is between siblings.”

  For a moment, they locked eyes, the silence between them growing heavier. Finally, it was Kang Taeyang who spoke first.

  “Go ahead.”

  “What do you think of Kim Ha-neul?”

  Kang Taeyang’s eyebrow twitched slightly. He studied her, as if trying to figure out the hidden meaning behind her words, but he couldn’t quite pin it down.

  “What are you getting at?”

  “I’m asking exactly what I said. What do you think of him?”

  “Was Bada your earlier guest?”

  “I asked first, didn’t I?”

  “…”

  Seeing the serious look on Kang Byeol’s face, Kang Taeyang let out a sigh. After a long pause, he slowly began to speak.

  “He’s not a bad guy.”

  “…That’s a pretty generous review.”

  “I’m just being objective.”

  “And how many people have ever received an above-average rating from you? Outside of family, maybe Secretary Jang, right?”

  “That’s enough small talk.”

  Kang Taeyang picked up the folder and stood up. Kang Byeol, satisfied with having her question answered, didn’t stop him.

  Pause—

  As he headed towards the door, Kang Taeyang suddenly paused. With his hand resting on the doorknob, he spoke again.

  “Don’t play around recklessly.”

  “Oh, my, is my brother-in-law really someone who’s got you impressed?”

  “No, I’m saying this for your sake.”

  “Hm?”

  “He’s not someone you can take lightly.”

  Click—

  With that final warning, Kang Taeyang left the room. Left alone, Kang Byeol stood quietly for a moment, lost in thought, before calling for her secretary.

  “What’s on my schedule tomorrow?”

  Her eyes gleamed with a sharp focus.

  She had made up her mind. She needed to see for herself what kind of man could win over two members of the Kang family so quickly.

 

*  *  *

[Ha-neul’s POV]

 

  “Wooooow─!!”

  As soon as they stepped into the exhibition hall, Yena let out a joyful squeal. Even I, who had been with her for over a year, was surprised by this reaction.

  ‘…I have to admit, this place is pretty amazing.’

  The sheer size alone was overwhelming, larger than most public galleries. It seemed they were meticulous about maintenance too—the temperature and humidity were perfectly controlled.

  But what really left me speechless were the paintings on display. While the collection of young artists, gathered through running a private atelier, was impressive, the more eye-catching pieces were by renowned masters.

  “Is that a Van Gogh?”

  “You recognized it right away.”

  “…Is it an original?”

  “Most likely.”

  All of these are originals?

  I was stunned into silence for a moment. Not only were there works by Vincent Van Gogh, but also by other celebrated artists like Millet and Monet.

  Sure, given how many pieces they produced in their lifetimes, some might not be as expensive as I thought. But still—everything’s relative.

   In 2021, Van Gogh’s Haystacks sold at auction for 42.3 billion won. Just that alone gives you an idea of how valuable the paintings here must be.

  ‘This isn’t something just anyone with money can buy.’

  At that kind of price, most of these works end up locked away in the private collections of billionaires. Once they’re there, they almost never come out again, unless something unusual happens.

  Owning these paintings showed just how powerful and well-connected Kang Byeol really was.

  “Yena, do you like it?”

  “…”

  Yena was, of course, the most mesmerized. She stood there, staring up at the paintings, completely lost in her own world, not even hearing Kang Bada.

  Kang Bada chuckled softly and brought over a footstool she had prepared in advance. She set it down in front of the painting and lifted Yena onto it.

  “How’s that? Looks different from up here, doesn’t it?”

  “…Yeah!”

  “You can take your time today and look for as long as you want.”

  “Really!?”

  “Yep! There’s even a spot over there where you can draw if you want. Just tell me anytime, okay?”

  “…!!”

  Yena’s eyes grew wide with excitement. She glanced up at Kang Bada, then suddenly spread her arms, asking for a hug.

  A little surprised, Kang Bada tilted her head but picked her up as requested. Yena then whispered in a soft voice.

  “Thank you, unnie. I love you!”

  “Huh!? Uh… yeah… I love you too?”

  “Yeah!”

  Yena quickly turned her attention back to the painting, while Kang Bada, clearly touched, covered her mouth in surprise before turning to look at me.

  “Did you hear that?”

  “Yes, I did…”

  “Yena just said she loves me!”

  “Don’t make a big deal out of it.”

  “You’re just jealous, aren’t you?”

  Kang Bada flashed me a playful smile, like she could read my thoughts.

  …Was I that obvious?

  Honestly, I had never heard Yena say “I love you” to anyone before. She’s always been cautious with her words, especially for someone her age.

  ‘She must really love it here.’

  Yena was totally absorbed, like she was being drawn into the painting itself. To her, this place must feel like paradise. And Kang Bada? She probably looked like an angel right now.

  After all, not just anyone can arrange a private viewing of unpublished masterpieces from such famous artists.

  “Ah, so this is all because of her?”

  Suddenly, a voice spoke up from behind. Startled, Kang Bada turned around in surprise.

  “…Unnie? What are you doing here?”

  I didn’t have to turn to know who it was. The woman standing there was Kang Byeol the owner of this gallery and the fourth daughter of the Daehan Group.