Empress Ki Heirs: Episode 18

Joong Won needs to be confined in the hospital for weeks because of a mild stroke. Ta Hwan is still in shocked because his older brother seems to be healthy through the years. He recalls what Secretary Kim told him awhile ago that if anything happens to Joong Won, Ta Hwan will manage Yuan. This makes him teary-eyed.

Seung Nyang visits Joong Won in the hospital bringing a basket of fruits. She also comforts Ta Hwan who is looking depressed. She invites him to take a short walk in the hospital garden. 

At the garden, he naughtily holds her hands and secretly looks for the ring but to his surprise, there’s no ring. He starts to get mad and demands for an explanation. He looks even annoyed when she didn’t respond to him so he decides to leave her. She runs after him and teases him for being short-tempered which will make him look older.

“What?” He frowns and faces Seung Nyang.

She giggles while showing the ring.

“Ya Nyang-ie, you always make fun of me! Don’t do that again, okay?”

“Aigoo, don’t be mad.” She says teasingly. 

At Yuan High, Nam Hoon sees Young Do who is sitting in a corner and looking sadly on a piece of paper. He mischievously snatches and reads Young Do’s letter. He is even more surprised to see that he gained the number one spot in Hanguk University entrance exam. He makes fun of him and even laughs at his own jokes but Young Do still look sad.

“Haist! Why are you sad? You’re starting to irritate me.”

Young Do hugs him. “I’m going to miss you, Pinocchio!”

He is sad because they will rarely see each other for they will be attending different universities next year. Nam Hoon will take a medical course in Hanyang University while Young Do choose a business course in Hanguk University. Nam Hoon hugs him back happily but instantly lets him go because their classmates are looking at them maliciously.

Sam Gwan and Ta Hwan attend the first hearing in court. Bel Ami is still firm in her statement that she is innocent even though Sam Gwan uses all kinds of strategies and presented all the evidences they have. But her lawyers are also quick to counter-attack his arguments.

On the next day, Seung Nyang secretly visits Bel Ami. She convinces her to spill out the truth but she is still stubborn so she tries another strategy. She assures her that if she admits everything her brother will be released from being one of the suspects. Bel Ami thinks for awhile but only gives her an indirect answer.

On the second hearing, Joo Won attends and testifies that he and his sister has nothing to do with the incident in Yuan. He even points out that all this time Yuan is using its power and influences to manipulate its competitors. There’s a loud clamor among the audience. When it’s Bel Ami’s turn, she finally admits that she is the mastermind of the Yuan data theft plot. Everyone in the courtroom is shocked on what they heard. Then, the judge finally gives the final decision that Bel Ami will be liable for more than a billion Korean won to Yuan and shall be imprisoned for more than 5 years.

Joo Won tries to talk to her sister privately but the guards didn’t let him. Bel Ami tears up as the guards cuffs her hands and recalls her conversation with Seung Nyang to redeem her brother.

Ta Hwan is relieved on the success of the case. He is even happier to know that most of the stocks that were withdrawn are being bought by a philanthropist named Mr. Jekyll Hydes. He is curious to know about this man so he arranges a meeting for him.

Seung Nyang is in deep thought while hugging the stuffed toy Ta Hwan gave her. She remembers the sweet memories she had with Ta Hwan and stares at her engagement ring. Then, she gets worried when she thought of Joo Won. She knows that there’s still good inside her friend. She thinks of a plan.

Next morning, Seung Nyang calls Ta Hwan to meet her in the cafe. At the cafe, Ta Hwan notices how serious she looks so he tells her some jokes but she doesn’t laugh anymore. Then, she brings out a familiar box. He opens the box and to his surprise, he sees the golden ring.

“What’s the meaning of this, Nyang-ie? Are you making jokes again?”

“I’m sorry, Ta Hwan-ah. I think I’m not yet ready to get married.”

He doesn’t know what to feel or say upon hearing what she said.

“Please give me more time...I’m sorry.” 

He just stares at her teary-eyed while she walks away from him.

Outside the cafe, she hides behind a tree and hardly cries. Tal Tal, who is passing by the cafe, sees and approaches her. She is delighted to see her bestfriend and hugs him tightly while she continues to cry. As her bestfriend for a long time, he instantly understands what she is feeling and just gently pats her back.

Oh Soo goes to his bar. He seems to be searching someone until he finally sees what he is looking for. He sits beside Ta Hwan who is drinking another glass of vodka. He stops him but he still continues to drink. Then, Oh Soo, feeling irritated, drinks the last glass of vodka and instructs the waiter not to give Ta Hwan any alcoholic drinks. 

“Didn’t I tell you before, never drink alcohol if you have a problem because it will never give you the solution.”

Ta Hwan points his heart repeatedly. “So tell me, what’s the cure for a broken heart? *hic*”

“So she broke up with you?” He asks sarcastically and then smirks. “What a cunning lady. Look, I’ve known her since college and she doesn’t easily let go off something or someone without any valid reasons....Hmmm, I wonder what’s her reason to do that?” 

He turns to face Ta Hwan who is already asleep and is snoring loudly.

“Haist! I was talking seriously here and yet you’re there sleeping!” He says annoyingly. “I don’t know what I will do to you if you’re not my friend.” 

Next morning, Ta Hwan is still suffering from hangover and regrets drinking too much. Then, Secretary Kim comes to his office and gives him Seung Nyang’s resignation letter. He looks frustrated on her sudden change of mind but tries to focus on his work. His staffs also inform him that Mr. Jekyll Hydes also wants to meet him personally. 

At LOEL Group, Joo Won remembers what his sister told her to stop from taking revenge and that she is already enough to suffer the consequences. But he is still hard-headed. Then, his secretary informs him that he has a guest.

“Seung Nyang?!” He exclaims in surprise. “What are you doing here?”

“Do you want to take over Yuan completely?” She makes a cunning smile.

“Are you turning to my side? But how can I trust you?” He arrogantly asks.

She waves a USB. “I can help you with these files I have.” She makes an evil glare but back on her mind, she is planning something. If this is the only way to make you realize that you’re doing wrong, then I’ll take the risk. 

***

To be continued

Writer: janice

Pictures credit: as tagged, to owner