Secretly Married to a Chaebol Alpha-Chapter 246: GOVERNMENT PROPAGANDA

THE CAMPAIGN was about showing people that Aera Star World, SG Group’s chain of upmarket department stores, had a huge space for children.

In Korea, it was easier to find cafés and restaurants where children were NOT allowed.

And it was considered the norm.

After all, more and more people refused to have children because of how bad the economy was. Hence, the lack of spaces for kids seemed to contribute to their country’s continuous declining birth rate.

To be honest, Garam didn’t want to be used as a tool for government propaganda. He didn’t want Song Gunwoo and Seulgi to be used to convince people to have children.

But he had a reason for accepting the project.

"Are you sure this is the only compensation you want, Garam-ah?" Song Sua asked. "Instead of receiving monetary fees, you want to implement a new rule that supports Omegas and women who get pregnant while working for the company?"

Yep, Garam refused the fees offered to him.

But Gunwoo and Seulgi will receive their fees, and I’m going to put it in their bank accounts because it’s their money.

Of course, as the guardian, he was the one in charge of deciding for his babies’ fees.

That was why Garam was having a breakfast meeting with Song Sua in the fancy restaurant of SG Group’s hotel.

He had to leave home early for that meeting.

Can’t be helped since this is only Noona’s free time today.

"Yes, Noona. That’s what I want instead of monetary compensation," Garam said while nodding. "I want you to assure your pregnant employees that they won’t lose their job just because they’re having a baby. Make it easy for them to file for paid maternity leave and childcare leave, too. Then extend the duration of their maternity leave from 90 days to at least a year, and the paternity leave from 20 days to at least six months."

He knew he was asking for too much.

The condition that he made would actually cost more than his fees.

Hence, he was a bit nervous.

"To be honest, I feel like I’m scamming you because we’re already planning to implement this law starting this year," Song Sua said. "When I accepted the government’s request to help them spread the propaganda to increase our country’s birth rate, I knew a simple campaign wouldn’t suffice. People need to feel our sincerity. That’s why I strengthened the help and benefits that my pregnant employees will get from my company, hoping to inspire the other affiliates to follow in my footsteps."

Aww.

Garam knew there was a reason why Song Sua was his favorite among Song Sihyuk’s cousins.

Before Sua Noona took over SG Group’s department store, she built her own successful company. Even until now, she’s still running it successfully. Of course, her company isn’t perfect. But, at least, I can see Noona trying hard to improve her employees’ lives.

"I didn’t come up with this new law alone, though," Song Sua said, cutting off Garam’s train of thought. "Sihyuk actually helped me."

"Huh?"

"Sihyuk is the chairman of SG Group, so I still need his approval for a huge change of company law like this one," Song Sua explained. "He’s actually planning to implement the same law in the parent company after I do. He wants me to do the honor first for the campaign."

Aww.

So, Sihyuk Hyung was actually listening whenever I rant about the ridiculous treatment that Omegas and women receive in the company they work for when they get pregnant.

Song Sihyuk would just shut up and listen whenever Garam was ranting.

Hyung just lets me rant, and I don’t expect him to agree with me, so I didn’t expect that I actually influenced him to make such a decision.

"You really turned my cousin into a decent person, Garam-ah."

Garam smiled proudly. "I fixed Sihyuk Hyung as a service to mankind, Noona."

Song Sua just laughed before changing the topic. "So, since your condition is something that I’m already planning to do anyway, I have to ask you to make another term, Garam-ah. Or just accept the fees. It doesn’t hurt to have your own money."

That was true.

However, Garam already had too much money— in cash, and in his bank account.

And so...

"Noona, I’d like to donate my fees to legit Omega shelters that need financial support the most."

"Alright, I’ll look into it."

"Thank you, Noona."

"Then it’s settled," Song Sua said, obviously happy with the deal. "Anyway, can I bring my son to the shoot? That kid is so fond of our Gunwoo. He’s always looking for his hyung."

"Sure, Noona," Garam said while nodding. "Gunwoo is also fond of his cousins."

Because my son is planning to turn them into his obedient minions someday...

***

FORTUNATELY, the filming for the campaign would start on Song Gunwoo’s summer vacation.

Garam was relieved that it wouldn’t affect his son’s studies.

There was only one thing that he was worried about.

Hence, after his meeting with Song Sua, he headed to SG Group.

He wanted to surprise his husband, so he didn’t call ahead.

Come to think of it, this is my first time coming here alone.

Well, not totally alone because Shin Geon— his bodyguard— was with him.

I mean, this is the first time I’ve come here without Sihyuk Hyung or my in-laws.

So, Garam was relieved that no one came out to greet him excessively.

He remembered that whenever he came with his husband, the executives would line up and greet them with a deep bow.

It was awkward since the higher-ups were all older than him.

And most of them are Sihyuk Hyung’s relatives.

"Do you have an appointment with Chairman Song, sir?"

Oh, this is new.

The young female receptionist looked new, and she obviously didn’t recognize Garam as either a singer or Song Sihyuk’s husband.

He was a little lost about what to do since he never had to talk to the receptionists before.

But it was a fun experience.

Plus, the receptionist is polite, even though she looks a little confused.

"Can you call his office and tell them that Seulgi’s dada is here?"

Now the receptionist looked even more confused, but she still picked up the phone and made a call.

Then a familiar male receptionist returned to the desk...

... and his eyes widened upon seeing Garam.

Oh, he recognized me.

Garam smiled and put his finger on his nose, silently asking the male receptionist to keep quiet and let his colleague do her job.

The male receptionist immediately bowed his head in understanding.

"I’m sorry, sir, but the secretary said Chairman Song is currently in a meeting."

Oh.

If the secretary who picked up the call didn’t realize who ’Seulgi’s dada’ was, then it must mean it wasn’t Jung Han. There were other secretaries working for Song Sihyuk, after all.

And it made sense that Jung Han wouldn’t be in the chairman’s office at the moment.

Han-ssi is probably with Sihyuk Hyung in that meeting.

"Thank you," Garam said to the female receptionist politely. "I’ll wait here, then."

***

"GUNWOO-YA, your puppy is so cute!"

"I almost didn’t recognize him, though. He looks pitiful in the pictures circulating online."

"It’s only been a few days, but you’ve already nursed him back to health."

Gunwoo smiled proudly while his classmates were praising his puppy.

After their class ended, he showed the pictures of his puppy that were saved in his phone.

"What’s his name, Gunwoo-ya?"

"We named him Sunny," Gunwoo said, smiling. "His coat is gold, and he’s a very energetic little guy. So, we thought the name fits him perfectly."

"It does!"

"Can we meet Sunny?"

"You’ll meet him at the party," Song Gunwoo said, smiling at his classmates. "See you this weekend."

He then got up immediately and caught up with Jeong Semin who snuck out of the classroom quietly.

"Semin-ah, you’re going to the party, right?"

"Of course," Jeong Semin said bluntly. "You hired Bada Hyung as the event photographer."

"You really like that hyung, huh?"

"I’m going to marry that hyung as soon as I become an adult."

Song Gunwoo gasped. "Are you crazy? That hyung is eight years older than you."

"Age doesn’t matter if both are consenting adults."

"You won’t automatically become an adult just because you turn 19. By that time, Bada Hyung will already be in his late twenties."

Jeong Semin looked at Song Gunwoo with dead eyes. "Dude, your Omega father was 18 while your Alpha father was in his mid-twenties when they got married. I don’t think you have the right to criticize me."

Ouch.

"I know that my parents’ love story isn’t exactly romantic, and that’s why I’m trying to warn you about the kind of relationship that you want to have with someone way older than you."

"Song Gunwoo, I know what you’re worried about. But don’t worry. My frontal lobe is already fully developed."

"That won’t happen until you’re 25 years old, you know?"

"That’s why I’m saying my frontal lobe is already fully developed, and it has been that way for a long time now."

Song Gunwoo knitted his eyebrows, confused.

He was about to ask Jeong Semin to explain properly, but he stopped when he met Kang Taehyun in the hallway.

As expected, his little rival immediately glared at him.

Of course, this brat has already figured out that I stole his spotlight on purpose.

Song Gunwoo smiled "sweetly" at Kang Taehyun. "Taehyun-ah, thank you for giving me the chance to shine."

Kang Taehyun glared at him fiercely while Jeong Semin burst out laughing.

Ah, this is what victory tastes like.

***

THE SG Group Headquarters’ lobby was as fancy as a hotel lobby.

Hence, Garam didn’t feel bored while waiting in there.

Fortunately, he brought his work laptop with him.

He sat at a table for two and started working while having coffee— coffee that Shin Geon bought for him.

But Shin Geon sat at the table next to his instead of joining him.

It’s the protocol.

Anyway, Garam wasn’t working on his music.

He was reading project proposals sent by the charities and foundations that he was handling.

A charity gala?

Hmm.

It was a formal, upscale fundraising event designed to raise money and awareness for a specific cause or non-profit organization.

However, he didn’t like the last gala that he attended with Song Sihyuk.

Just like any other gala event, they had a fancy dinner and did some fundraising activities like auctions.

However...

The guests were busy promoting the luxury brands that sponsored them instead of talking about the actual issue.

It didn’t help that most guests were A-list celebrities and top idols.

But maybe it was time for Garam to change that?

I should host a proper gala that focuses on actual fundraising activities instead of using the event as a free promotion for the celebrity guests.

"Honey!"

Song Sihyuk lifted his head and chuckled when he saw Song Sihyuk running towards him.

Aigooya.

Why is the chairman of SG Group running like that?

"I’m sorry, honey. Did you wait long?" Song Sihyuk asked worriedly, getting down on one knee while looking up at Garam. "I’ll ask Jung Han to train our secretaries better."

"Don’t scold the secretary. I was being vague on purpose because I wanted to surprise you," Garam said firmly. "I didn’t want to disturb your meeting, so I didn’t tell them who I am."

"Even so, you still waited for an hour..."

"I wasn’t bored since I had some work to do anyway."

Song Sihyuk sighed, obviously still upset. "Honey, next time, just head straight to my office."

"You say it as if it were easy to just enter the chairman’s office."

"Before this day ends, I’ll make sure that every employee— from the bottom to the top— knows that you’re my wife, so no one would dare to block your way next time."

Aigooya.

"It seems like my surprise is a success, Hyung."

"Yes, it is— and you almost gave me a heart attack, Garam-ah," Song Sihyuk said, slightly scolding him. "Imagine my shock when I returned to my office, and one of the secretaries told me that a certain ’Seulgi’s dada’ called an hour ago and was still waiting for me in the lobby."

Garam chuckled, delighted that his surprise was a success, even though he almost gave his husband a heart attack.

And then his stomach grumbled.

Oh, no.

As expected, Song Sihyuk frowned— the Alpha didn’t like it whenever Garam would starve because he forgot to eat due to his schedule. "Let’s have lunch, honey."

Garam was about to nod, but he stopped when his phone rang.

It was a call from Gong Hanseo, but the call immediately stopped after one ring.

Was it a mistake?

"Who was that, honey?"

"It was Hanseo Hyung, but the call ended immediately."

"Oh, it must be a mistake, then."

"That’s what I thought, too," Garam said while nodding in agreement with what Song Sihyuk said. "I’ll send Hanseo Hyung a message later."

However...

Had I known what was happening at the time, I would have immediately called back Hanseo Hyung.

***

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