The white snow that had been falling since morning put everyone in a cheerful mood as they welcomed the first day of the new year.

"The meal's ready."

At Masan-daek's word that the New Year's tteokguk was prepared, Suk-ja Chu beckoned to the family gathered in the living room.

"It's all done. Let's go."

"Just the right time, too."

Jeong-eun Lee, looking especially pleased, was the first to react to Suk-ja's words.

Everyone present understood perfectly well why she was in such high spirits.

It was because the thing she had wanted so badly had finally all come together.

Tak-hyeon Lee seemed to be in an equally good mood. He rose after Jeong-eun and said,

"Everyone, come on."

Once even Tak-hyeon was up, the others got to their feet one after another.

Seong-ho Kim stood first and offered his hand to Gyeong-eun, and she took it, carefully easing herself up before walking toward the dining room.

Seated at the table, Tak-hyeon lifted his spoon first.

"Let's eat."

The new year had dawned, and apart from tteokguk being served in place of the usual rice, it was the picture of an ordinary holiday morning.

The conversation that followed the meal, however, was anything but ordinary.

"So you've recovered not just Chairman Dan's stake, but Chairman Jang's as well?"

"Yes."

Jeong-eun answered loudly, as though she'd been waiting for the question. Her voice was pitched a note higher than usual as she spoke to Tak-hyeon.

"Silla Future Asset has agreed to acquire Chairman Jang's stake."

She turned her head to glance at Chang-jong once, then added,

"Chang-jong was a great help this time. It was his persuasion that got Chairman Jang to hand over the shares."

"Chang-jong persuaded Chairman Jang?"

Tak-hyeon looked over at Chang-jong.

Chang-jong answered as if he'd been waiting for exactly that gaze.

"It was nothing, really. When a buyer came forward, I told him it was time to clear out the shares, and Father-in-law agreed. That's all."

"Chairman Jang listened to you? Now that's an interesting thing."

Tak-hyeon regarded Chang-jong with a look of open disbelief.

Catching that…