The Cat That I Love

"History"Ch.15

Author's pov.

While washing the dishes, Chaeryeong glanced at her father near the fridge and asked, "Appa, does the Hwang family still have any relatives?" Mr. Lee closed the fridge door and replied, "Yeah, they do."

"Actually, the Hwangs had another child after their daughter. He's the one who established the Hwang legacy and is now the richest person in Korea," Mr. Lee added. "So, they have a son?" Chaeryeong asked, and her father nodded in confirmation.

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Chaeryeong was so intrigued by the Hwang family history that she couldn't sleep that night. Yeji was already dozing peacefully on her bed, and Chaeryeong glanced at the serene cat, smiling at her adorable presence. The more she looked at Yeji, the stronger her curiosity grew.

Turning to the computer in front of her, she began researching the Hwang family. The first result was a photo of an older man, around the same age as her father (45 years old). His name was Hwang Hyujin, and he bore an uncanny resemblance to Yeji. As she delved deeper, she uncovered that he was the brother of Lucy Hwang, the only daughter who had tragically died, leading to the Hwang family's bankruptcy years ago.

Lucy had reportedly been kidnapped and later found dead outside their home. Her death was ruled a murder, as she had been stabbed multiple times on the left side of her abdomen. Before the kidnapping and financial ruin, their father had spent a fortune searching for his missing daughter, but there was no news until one fateful night when the kidnappers called, demanding ransom for her return.

The Hwang family followed the kidnapper's demands and handed over the money, but a week later, their daughter was returned to them lifeless. When they found her, she was covered in blood and bruises, her skin pale, and her lips dry and colorless.

As Chaeryeong read more about the Hwang family, she paused briefly, closing her eyes before continuing to scroll. She came across an article titled: "Hwang Minhyun, the son of the renowned and wealthiest businessman Hwang Hyujin, has arrived in Korea tonight."

"So, he has a son!" Chaeryeong thought. That evening, she dived into researching everything she could about the Hwang family, asking questions like "How old is Hwang Hyujin's son?" and digging into their family background.

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The morning sun broke through at 5:00 a.m., but Chaeryeong remained sluggishly in bed, her eyes shut. She hadn't caught even a wink of sleep after spending the entire night researching the Hwangs. With red-rimmed eyes, dark circles, and an aching body from sitting for hours, she finally collapsed onto her bed in exhaustion.

By 7:00 a.m., Yeji stirred awake and glanced at the sleeping fox beside her, snoring gently. She couldn't help but giggle at the cute sound Chaeryeong made as she slept.

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The Hwang's house

"Appa, you're here again," said Hwang Minhyun, the son of Korea's richest man, as he noticed his father staring at their family portrait once more. "Yes, my son, you know every May reminds me of your Aunt Lucy," Hwang Hyunjin replied with a heavy heart, his eyes fixed on the portrait of him and his sister with their parents.

"I know, Appa," Minhyun said softly, his voice filled with sorrow, fully aware of how much his father still grieved for his aunt after all these years. "I loved my sister very much. She was a good person who didn't deserve to die like that," Hyunjin said, his face shadowed with pain.

The memories of the past were still unbearable. His sister had died in such a cruel way that he couldn't even bear to look at her face that day. He was just nine years old, and she was only fourteen. Her death had occurred just days before Yeji's birthday that year.

Four days before her birthday, the lifeless body of young Miss Hwang was discovered in front of their house. The young master of the Hwang family was heartbroken to lose his only sister, but he made a promise to her lifeless body to help his father and family rise from bankruptcy.

And he kept his word. After high school, he chose to study business instead of pursuing his dream of music. Though he longed to be a singer, he put his family first, and he has now succeeded in rebuilding the Hwang family business.

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Flash back:

"Sam, hurry up! If you don't, I'll eat all your favorite chicken," Lucy called out to her little brother. "No!!" cried Hyunjin, running as fast as his little legs could carry him, but he couldn't catch up to his sister.

As expected, Lucy reached the dining table first. She had all the chicken and other food Hyunjin loved on her side, leaving him sitting sadly with his head down. But then he heard the sound of plates sliding over to him. He looked up, his eyes lighting up as he saw his favorite food now in front of him.

He turned to his sister with a big smile, and she smiled warmly back. "Is this really all for me, unnie?" Hyunjin asked, making sure she was serious. "Of course, it's all yours! It's your favorite, isn't it? I'm giving it to you because you're my little brother," Lucy said, laughing gently.

"U-unnie, t-thank you," Hyunjin said, tearing up. "Yah, why are you crying? Is it because of the food?" Lucy asked, puzzled. "N-no, it's because I have such a kind and beautiful big sister," Hyunjin replied, his voice trembling.

Lucy smiled, leaned in, and gently cupped his cheeks, wiping away his tears with her thumbs. Then she poked his nose playfully and said, "What a silly boy." Hyunjin giggled and grinned brightly at her. The two siblings were incredibly close, almost inseparable like glue.

Many admired their bond, finding them to be an adorable and heartwarming brother-sister duo.