Correction Chapter 40

The hall was filled with an air of excitement, and Jungmin’s brothers and sisters-in-law laughed joyfully. Their younger brother was lacking in nothing, so they all hoped that Jungmin would meet a good omega this time.

However, even as the ceremony progressed, and even after the banquet began following the ceremony, the omegas couldn’t easily approach Jungmin. The reason was Youngmin. Youngmin, with a thoroughly annoyed expression, was stuck to Jungmin’s side, taking care of a whining child.

“This is so frustrating. That person isn’t answering! What are they doing on such an important day?!”

“Working.”

“Even so, this is unacceptable! Haehoon, stop crying!!”

Jungmin couldn’t understand Youngmin scolding the barely six-month-old baby, who was understandably crying, with such annoyance.

“Haeji! Oh! Where did the child go now?!”

While his attention was diverted momentarily, his eldest child had disappeared. While he was surely still within the hall, Youngmin went to look for him, and Jungmin asked the people who were acting as their bodyguards to help with the search.

Meanwhile, the second child was crying loudly for his mother, which put Jungmin in a somewhat difficult position. Seeing this as an opportunity, some omegas tried to approach. However, Jungmin ostentatiously picked up the second child, patted his back skillfully, and soothed him.

The scene was so calming and even beautiful that the omegas gaped. He didn’t seem to mind the child’s drool on his shoulder and even took out his handkerchief to wipe it away, smiling and calling the child’s name affectionately.

“Haehoon… don’t cry. Dad will be here soon.”

Then the child stopped crying and smiled brightly.

It was a shame that such a smiley child had been crying his heart out.

“You’ll ruin your marriage prospects. Put him down.”

“Ah.”

Jungmin’s eldest brother and sister-in-law, who were much older than him, approached, unable to watch any longer. His sister-in-law took the child from Jungmin, and Jungmin greeted his eldest brother.

“Congratulations on becoming king.”

“Don’t say that. It’s embarrassing.”

“Haha.”

“There’s someone I want to introduce you to.”

Ah, as expected – he knew this was coming. While it was supposed to be a selection process, as always, the match had already been decided. Jungmin nodded and followed his brother.

“Director Ji.”

The person Jungmin’s eldest brother introduced him to was none other than Director Ji Jaegyun, a key figure in the electronics division. Jungmin had met him a few times at company events, so he bowed his head in greeting. Then his gaze fell on the two people standing behind Director Ji, who had a full head of white hair.

One was a beautiful omega woman, and the other a handsome alpha. He didn’t know the woman’s name, but he knew the man’s.

Ji Soohan.

The alpha department doctor at Jungmin’s hospital.

“Jungmin, it’s been a while.”

“Yes, it has been a while, Director Ji. I apologize for not greeting you more often.”

“It’s alright. I think we’ll be seeing each other frequently from now on.”

Director Ji smiled. It seemed that the omega woman standing behind him was likely chosen as Jungmin’s partner. It was unavoidable, so Jungmin approached her and greeted her.

“Hello. I’m Shin Jungmin.”

“Hello… My name is Ji Sooeun.”

With long, straight hair, modest attire, and a demure way of speaking, she was perfectly suited to be the youngest daughter-in-law of a distinguished family. That’s why she must have been introduced to him.

Jungmin nodded to her again in greeting and then greeted the man standing next to her.

“Fancy seeing you here, Dr. Ji Soohan.”

“Indeed.”

“Oh, now that I think about it, you two are at the same hospital, aren’t you?”

Director Ji seemed to remember that they worked at the same place and tried to find common ground for them. Jungmin smiled and played along.

“Yes, Dr. Ji Soohan is my senior. I’ve received a lot of help from him.”

“I’m glad this guy is helpful to Jungmin. He’s the black sheep of our family, you see.”

“Father, saying that makes me lose face in front of my junior.”

“Be quiet. Anyway, Sooeun is also planning to join Jungmin’s hospital soon. She’s an omega department resident.”

“Oh, is that so?”

Jungmin smiled brightly and approached her. His brother had created a connection and a conversation starter, so he had to make good use of it. Jungmin asked if she was in the omega department and if it wasn’t difficult, and Sooeun responded that it was alright and continued the conversation.

Although the atmosphere was awkward, Jungmin was quite proactive, which pleased both Director Ji and Jungmin’s family, as they watched the handsome pair. The other unmarried omegas, witnessing this scene, had to leave with an air of defeat.

“I hope you enjoyed the meal today.”

“Yes… it was delicious.”

Strangely, although Ji Sooeun conversed with Jungmin, she seemed reluctant. Jungmin sensed her feelings through her pheromones but pretended not to notice and treated her even more kindly. However, she didn’t open up and kept averting her gaze. As a result, Jungmin gradually became exhausted. He realized how tiring an omega’s rejection pheromones could be.

Fortunately, before Jungmin gave up, Ji Sooeun excused herself, saying she had something to attend to.

“Be careful. I’ll see you again.”

“Thank you for escorting me.”

Feeling obligated to see her off, Jungmin escorted her to the front of the hotel and watched her get into her car. Only then could he loosen his tightly knotted tie. He wanted to go straight home, but he knew he couldn’t.

“Sunbae.”

As he entered the lobby and waited for the elevator, he heard a chillingly familiar, unpleasant voice. He turned to see Kim Joohwan.

He sighed as soon as he saw him. Right. That guy couldn’t be missing from this event. Why hadn’t he thought of that?

“It’s been a while.”

He’d hoped never to see him again. Kim Joohwan scanned Jungmin from head to toe. Disgusted by his gaze, Jungmin returned the gesture.

Annoying as he was, how could this guy get more handsome with age? He was draped in designer brands, but they looked like mere accessories compared to Kim Joohwan’s appearance, which could rival any celebrity’s.

Moreover, his characteristically sharp and heavy, dominant alpha pheromones evoked a sense of defeat in Jungmin as a fellow alpha.

He strode towards Jungmin with his long legs and stood before him. Although the height difference wasn’t significant, Joohwan’s superior proportions made him appear taller.

“You’re late.”

“I know. But I came to see you, sunbae. I figured you’d be sick of it by now and come out.”

“You’re wrong. As you can see, I’m heading back in. Today, I’m the real main character.”

“The real main character?”

“It seems they’re finally thinking of letting me go from home.”

Joohwan, who seemed to understand exactly what Jungmin meant, frowned slightly and then laughed. Disgusted by the sound of his laughter, Jungmin glared at him before stepping into the elevator, Joohwan following close behind.

Two alphas stood side-by-side in the luxurious, gold-plated elevator.

“Sunbae getting married, huh? Is that how old we are?”

“Isn’t it? Youngmin already has two kids.”

“So, who’s the chosen one?”

Jungmin looked at Joohwan. Joohwan shrugged.

“Don’t tell me there isn’t a chosen one. We’re talking about your family, sunbae.”

“Even if there is, I’m not telling you.”

“Why?”

“Just because. You know how it is with you.”

“Hmm…”

At Jungmin’s words, Joohwan stroked his chin and looked at him with interest.

“At least say hello.”

The elevator stopped, and the doors opened. At that moment, Joohwan grabbed Jungmin’s wrist.

“It’s been a while. I’d like to talk more, just the two of us.”

“I’m tired. Let’s schedule something for later.”

Of course, he was just being polite. He wouldn’t be caught dead alone with Kim Joohwan.

“Says the guy who ignores my texts.”

If you know that, then stop sending them.

“You’re hard to get a hold of, sunbae. So, let’s talk today.”

There it was again. His habit of dropping the honorifics whenever he was slightly displeased. What a jerk.

And Jungmin knew that if he didn’t play along, Joohwan would continue to pester him. If he wasn’t careful, he might actually end up having to meet him separately. That would be the absolute worst ending. Jungmin sighed and glanced at the bustling hall in the distance.

“I can’t leave the hall. I have to stay here.”

Since he came to officially greet people, he couldn’t leave his post.

“Let’s talk inside.”

Joohwan still looked displeased. He seemed to have more to say but stepped out of the elevator for now. Jungmin quickly pulled his wrist out of Joohwan’s grasp, making sure no one saw. Then, as if nothing had happened, he straightened his tie and entered the hall.