Dinner Table Showdown

It was an unsettling question.

Even if I had brought Seo Eunsu here to drive the others out, Chairman Seong didn’t budge in the slightest.

“It’s fine, Chanyeong. I’m merely curious about this peculiar gathering of Alphas. As your grandfather and guardian, I’d feel uneasy if I didn’t hear the answer.”

When he put it like that, there was nothing I could do.

‘Honestly, I’m just as curious about what Seo Eunsu is thinking.’

Under the cold, scrutinizing gaze, Seo Eunsu remained unshaken and spoke calmly.

“It’s true that I came because I found Mr. Chanyeong’s part-time offer appealing. However, it’s also true that I came because I wanted to learn something beyond that.”

“What would that be?”

“I became curious about the reason behind Mr. Chanyeong’s disappearance. I thought that person might be able to give me an answer to the problem I’ve been pondering.”

After saying that, the way Seo Eunsu looked at me was so gentle and warm that I turned my head away.

It felt like an expression that shouldn’t be directed at me.

‘…What is this?’

I had gotten an answer, yet it only dragged me deeper into a maze.

Seo Eunsu, the others—I couldn’t understand what any of them were thinking, and it was suffocating.

“Oh ho, is that so.”

Meanwhile, Chairman Seong’s eyes gradually began to burn with intensity.

The way he looked at the Alphas and Seo Eunsu was anything but ordinary.

“With so many freeloaders around, it’s no wonder my grandson is losing weight.”

“No, I’ve been doing fine…”

I hadn’t lost weight at all—in fact, I’d gained two kilograms.

My skin was clear, my lifestyle regular, and I’d been stress-free doing what I wanted.

‘Well, except for that one pimple after Baek Dojun and the rest showed up.’

“Enough. Be quiet, Chanyeong. I’ll take on the role of the villain if I must and clear away everything that’s been bothering you.”

“Actually, I’ve been sleeping poorly and losing my appetite these past few weeks.”

Why would I refuse backup?

I immediately stuck close to Chairman Seong and switched my attitude without hesitation.

“Yes. That’s my grandson.”

The grandfather who had been gentle only to me hardened his expression like a general the moment he looked at the Alphas.

“Well then, shall we take our time discussing just how much trouble you’ve caused my grandson?”

A cracking sound echoed from his interlocked fingers.

“As his grandfather, I’ll thoroughly examine whether you deserve to remain by his side.”

His eyes gleamed with fighting spirit.

I had no intention of stopping him, but in return for chasing them out for me, I decided to prepare a proper dinner.

“Grandfather, please have a meal.”

“Very well. What’s on the menu?”

“Spicy braised chicken, japchae, boiled pork, seaweed soup, seasoned vegetables, and some fried dishes.”

Steam rose from the dishes laid out across the large table.

The smell of the fried food especially made my mouth water.

It was an ambitious platter—perilla leaves, peppers, squid, vegetables, shrimp, sweet potatoes—everything fried to perfection.

The squid and shrimp, of course, weren’t for me.

They were for Chairman Seong.

Though the meal wasn’t luxurious, it was full of effort.

Chairman Seong, clearly moved, grabbed my hand with a fierce look, as if recalling the others.

“Don’t tell me you made all of this yourself? To feed those bastards?”

‘I’m not Cinderella…’

“No. I wanted to do it myself, but it was too much, so the housekeepers helped. And I didn’t prepare food for any of the Alphas except Seo Eunsu.”

While deciding on the menu, things kept piling up until I had no choice but to call the housekeepers.

They had been delighted.

–It’s nice to have a chance to show off our cooking skills.

–Since the young master’s grandfather is visiting, we should really impress him.

They immediately selected the freshest ingredients in the house and got to work.

It was a good thing I had stocked up in advance.

I focused mainly on the spicy braised chicken.

‘He’s a dominant Alpha, so he’ll probably eat a lot. And I should also set aside portions for the housekeepers who worked hard.’

I used five whole chickens, tossing them into a large pot with potatoes, onions, perilla leaves, ginseng, chili powder, and gochujang, letting it all simmer.

The rich aroma of chicken filled the air, lifting my mood.

Waiting for the seasoning to soak in had been worth it.

One bite, and it tasted incredible.

The housekeepers agreed.

–He’ll love this.

–Thank goodness. I was worried it might not turn out well.

Amid the cheerful atmosphere, I suggested they take some food home.

–Even if he’s a dominant Alpha, there’s too much food. Please take some with you.

–Oh no, we already prepared meals at home. You should eat it, young master. And share some with that young man, Seo Eunsu.

–I won’t be able to eat all of this… I’ll definitely share with him, but there’ll still be leftovers.

Chairman Seong was only staying for a day.

Remembering the grand meals from before, I had overdone it.

At this rate, all the carefully prepared food might end up as waste, and I felt disheartened.

That’s when the housekeepers suggested feeding the other Alphas.

–…Them?

–Young Master Baek Dojun takes care of himself, but since it’s a special day with a family visit, wouldn’t it be nice to share?

–You’ve already filled the house with the smell of cooking. Maybe just this once, you could all eat together?

It was a difficult question.

When I stayed silent, they looked apologetic.

–We’re sorry. We just didn’t want you to have any worries on such a good day.

They only knew that my relationship with those men wasn’t good.

They didn’t know the details.

–You always look upset when they prepare their own meals… We thought you might be worried about them.

‘That’s not it…’

To them, I seemed like a kind person.

They thought I was stressed out of concern, not because I wanted to kick them out.

‘Well… there’s no reason not to.’

It wasn’t because I liked them.

I just figured Chairman Seong would make sure whatever they ate would end up back out through sheer intimidation anyway.

‘A final act of kindness before they leave.’

Food mattered a lot.

It wouldn’t hurt to leave them with at least one reason not to hate me too much.

–Alright. I’ll prepare meals for Baek Dojun, Joo Taegang, and the others too. Just this once.

–Understood!

And so, for this one dinner, everyone would share the same meal.

The housekeepers even prepared portions for the Alphas without me asking.

As a result, they were completely caught off guard.

When they entered the kitchen to cook, the housekeepers pushed them out, telling them to rest for once.

“Seong Chanyeong, what’s going on? You’re even preparing meals for us… Is it your birthday or something?”

At that question, I simply shook my head.

The others were curious too, but I kept it a secret.

“So it’s because Chairman Seong is coming. You’re feeding us on a whim before kicking us out.”

While the others stiffened upon seeing Chairman Seong, one remained completely unfazed.

I found myself wondering when that guy would ever look shaken.

I thought we’d eat separately, but Chairman Seong shattered that expectation.

He even broke the saying that you shouldn’t disturb someone while eating and called everyone to dine together.

“I don’t like the idea of those bastards eating the feast you prepared. I’ll sour their mood right as they’re enjoying it and send them off.”

So we connected two tables in the living room and laid out the dishes.

Seated around it, we looked like relatives gathered for a holiday.

‘This is awkward…’

All the Alphas staying in my house had been listening to the conversation.

Being caught in the middle of this was exhausting, but Chairman Seong carried on regardless.

“Good. I don’t know what shamelessness keeps you here, but I hope you eat and leave quickly.”

“Haha. Chairman, shall I pour you a drink?”

One of them shamelessly offered alcohol, but Chairman Seong remained cold.

“My drink may only be poured by Chanyeong.”

He snatched the bottle from the man and handed it to me.

“…Right, I’m supposed to pour it.”

“Drink plenty, Grandfather. But not too much alcohol.”

“I’m in a good mood, so I’ll have just enough today.”

Clearly pleased, Chairman Seong drank what I poured and ate heartily.

Despite the tense atmosphere, once the eldest began eating, everyone else followed.

“This is delicious, Chanyeong. Truly delicious.”

“Thank you. I couldn’t have done it without the housekeepers.”

“You made this braised chicken, didn’t you? The seasoning is perfectly spicy and rich, and mixing it with the potatoes makes it even better. Hoho.”

In high spirits, Chairman Seong nibbled on the fried dishes.

Just as he reached for the largest shrimp tempura—

Clang.

Another pair of chopsticks collided with his.