The Scent of Life (1)
CHAPTER 25 IS A SECRET

The day passed and the hope was positive. Man Se's condition is getting better even though he has not been conscious. His brainwave detection device began to move frequently in response. Doctor Hyun allowed Hye Bin to come home for a day to see her mother. Hyeo Jin was willing to drive Hye Bin home, but she planned to meet her father first at the Kang Group office. Hyeo Jin and Hye Bin are currently in a car heading to Seoul.

Arriving in front of the Kang Group office building, they headed straight for Min Hyuk's office. They met right in front of the office door when Min Hyuk was about to enter the room. The father and son embraced each other. Seeing the figure that came with Hyeo Jin made Min Hyuk frown. The girl who was at the audition at the time. From close up his face really looks like Oh Man Se. Min Hyuk's heart suddenly turned sour, but he tried to master his feelings.

"Who?" min Hyuk asked Hyeo Jin while looking at Hye Bin.

"Friends," Hyeo Jin replied.

"My name is Jung Hye Bin" Hye Bin said, bowing respectfully.

Min Hyuk stared intensely at Hye Bin. Then his gaze was fixed on the necklace worn by Hye Bin. Min Hyuk was surprised. He knows the necklace. It was Man Se's property that he had given when applying for Man Se. Why is there on this girl named Hye Bin? What is Man Se's relationship with Hye Bin?

As soon as Hyeo Jin and Hye Bin leave the office, Min Hyuk asks Secretary Park to find out about Jung Hye Bin. It is not difficult to find the address and data of Jung Hye Bin, Secretary Park just put the file of audition participants some time ago to Min Hyuk. The man read every detail of Hye Bin's data and address. A photo of Hye Bin. It really looks like Man Se, Min Hyuk's inner self.

***

That afternoon Hye Bin's mother's tavern was deserted by visitors when Secretary Park arrived. The sound of wind chime rattled as the shop door opened

"You're Jung Hyeri?" ask Secretary Park.

"Yes" answered the woman.

Then suddenly his eyes widened in shock at the figure that appeared behind Secretary Park. Kang Min Hyuk looked at Hye Bin's mother.

Min Hyuk and Hye Bin's mother were sitting opposite each other. They looked at each other in silence.

"Jung Min Ji, it looks like you owe me a lot of explanation" Min Hyuk said breaking the silence.

Min Ji just silently lowered his head not daring to look at Min Hyuk. His face looks agitated. Hye Bin's mother has the real name Jung Min Ji, Man Se's best friend, who decades ago took Man Se away to Ganghwa.

"I'm sorry. I'm not doing this for no reason. Our lives are threatened by your wife, Hong Sun Hwa and your samchon, Kang Min Jung. That's why I took Man Se away from you. I'm the son of a security guard who knew about the fire alarm tampering at the factory. My father didn't commit suicide, he was killed. I know from my father's diary that I found in his room. I was upset with Kang Min Jung, which is why I terrorized him. But I'm just like a roaring lion, loud but toothless and hoofless. They knew I was the one who terrorized, so Kang Min Jung threatened me. I wasn't afraid at first, but when I found out that Man Se was also a target, I relented. Hong Sung Hwa .. he considers Man Se like dust in his eyes. He knows you love him so much, so he teams up with Kang Min Jung to get rid of Man Se. He threatened to kill me, my brothers and Man Se if he didn't stay away from you. We even changed identities to never be found again. On your wedding day, we went to Seoul, because she wanted to see you. But then I lost contact with him. I went back to Seoul with Hye Bin to find Man Se, but until now I never found him. That girl, Hye Bin .. is your son," Min Ji said with teary eyes.

Min Ji's explanation was like a godam being smashed into Min Hyuk's head. He felt uneasy, between surprise, sadness, and disappointment with himself. Her tears melted and she finally covered her face with both hands. He was disappointed to have become a weak man who could not even protect the woman he loved. He doesn't even know the fact Man Se has a child with him. He couldn't imagine how Man Se was doing right now.

"But I hope you didn't tell Hye Bin straight away. He doesn't know anything. Please," ask Min Ji with teary eyes.

***

Kang Min Hyuk got out of the store with a shackle, he got into the car and was escorted back to the office by Secretary Park. Min Hyuk sat down contemplating behind his desk. He recalls his past with Man Se, quarrels with his father, and when he finds no trace of Man Se after the kidnapping. Hong Sun Hwa's presence to him was like a helper and entertainer to him. Her face is like an angel and her heart is like an angel, Hong Sun Hwa always supports her, even when the company is having a ganjing shock after Kang's samchon is arrested.

"My husband, I will always be by your side. Eliminate your grief" promised Hong Sun Hwa at the death ceremony of Mr. Kang, his father.

Min Hyuk finally knew his wife's real face. He's too greedy and evil. Molar Min Hyuk hardened his anger restraining mark. He stood up and walked out of his office towards Kang's residence. Hong Sun Hwa had to explain all his abominations.

***

Kang Min Hyuk immediately looked for Sun Hwa upon arrival at home. Sun Hwa was making flower arrangements when Min Hyuk had just arrived. The woman smiled brightly and welcomed Min Hyuk. But Sun Hwa's face turned cloudy upon seeing her husband's response. Min Hyuk looked at him hatefully.

Min Hyuk silently did not speak a word, until Sun Hwa was astonished. Min Hyuk changed his mind, he could not directly accuse Sun Hwa of being the mastermind of everything, he had to have proof or at least until he found Man Se. With the hand of Sun Hwa who held his arm, then left. Sun Hwa left him in a question mark in his heart.

***

Hye Bin is calling Jung Min Ji in Man Se's room.

"How are you? Are you okay?" ask Jung Min Ji.

"Yes, Mom, don't forget to take care of your health. The woman I care for is beautiful. She's like sleeping beauty. You want to know what it looks like, I'll photograph it for a moment" Hye Bin said.

Hye Bin took a selfie with Man Se who was asleep. The photo was sent to her mother. A login file is automatically downloaded. Looking at the photo Hye Bin sent, Jung Min Ji suddenly limped his legs, his eyes widened, and his hands closed their mouths. As if he couldn't believe what he saw. That woman is Oh Man Se. Her tears are melting. Finally he knew where Man Se was. Then Hye Bin's voice sounded from the speaker device.

"Mom, I close first yes, my friend calls for help" Hye Bin said.

"Yes...Yeah.all right. Hope everything is fine there," Jung Min Ji said as he wiped his tears and tried to control himself. After so many years he was finally able to find Man Se. Min Ji with nervous and happy that erupted immediately contacted Min Hyuk's number.

***

Shahib went inside the house and asked Hye Bin for help transporting firewood for the main house because the waiter and Halmeoni were going to the city for shopping. The two of them went to the warehouse next to the back house which was a bit away from the main house. After opening the door they went inside down a ladder. They were as capable as transporting firewood to be carried upstairs, but they found the door closed. Hye Bin forgot not to block the warehouse door so it can not be opened from the inside.

"Locked from the outside, the door cannot be opened" Shahib told Hye Bin.

"Well, I forgot Mrs Joo's message, fiiuuuh!" hye Bin is sorry.

"What can we do in this warehouse other than sit around waiting for them to find us here?" shahib.

"Did you bring your salary?" ask Hye Bin.

Shahib raised his shoulders and shook his head.

"Truly am!" exclaimed Hye Bin who also felt disappointed because he did not bring a device.

Shahib and Hye Bin clamored while banging on the door of the warehouse, but no one said anything from outside. Many times they tried, but in vain. Finally, the two of them sat leaning against the wall. An hour two hours and three hours of time passed, it was getting dark outside. There's no sign anyone would help. They are tired of screaming. Then they sat next to each other on the wall, waiting for people to come to help.

"What's the sweetest moment of your life?" tanya Hye Bin started the conversation after a long silence.

"Eeemm what? At the time I was bought a new dress every day by my mother" replied Shahib.

"Great day? Wow must be a fun moment," said Hye Bin.

"Yes, we celebrate two holidays every year. Fitri and Adha Feast Day. Every day my mom buys me new clothes, that's when I was a kid. My sister Hanan also, after the prayers in the village, we visited the neighbors, we ate and often the older people gave us money" Shahib recalls his childhood.

"Well, sweet memories" said Hye Bin.

"Of course .. Maybe when I first entered kindergarten school. My father drove me and I was proud to show my mother lunch to my friends. They say my mom's cooking is good. But baby, shortly after that dad left us forever because of a traffic accident. It was probably the saddest moment I had. Since then my mother has been a single parent and works at Doctor Hyun's house. She was like my parents, and Halmeoni was like my grandmother. Until finally Eomma can have his own home and business until now," Hye Bin told with a sad eye to remember the past.

They chatted until it didn't feel like Hye Bin was asleep while leaning against the pile of stuff in the warehouse. Beside him Shahib looked at the sleeping Hye Bin. He smiled looking at Hye Bin who was sleeping until her mouth opened. The night air was cold inside the barn, Shahib took off his jacket and dipped in Hye Bin who only wore a short-sleeved blouse.

Soon there were voices of people calling their names. Shahib shouted in reply that they were in the warehouse. Hye Bin was shocked and woke up. A flashlight was shined down and they were able to safely exit the warehouse.

Everyone smiled at the sight of the two of them doing well. He saw Hyeo Jin among the people who were looking for them. Highlight his jealous eyes as soon as he saw Shahib also coming out of the warehouse.

"What are you guys doing?" ask Hyeo Jin.

"We took firewood, but it was my fault I didn't block the door of the warehouse so it couldn't be opened from the inside" Hye Bin said.

Shahib just smiled at Hyeo Jin and left them. Hyeo Jin stared dislikefully at Shahib.

***

In Seoul, Min Ji sends a message to Min Hyuk.

"Min Hyuk, I know where Man Se is," Min Ji wrote to Min Hyuk and sent Hye Bin a photo.

Min Hyuk was at the office that night. He opened a message from Min Ji. His heart beat fast, then seemed to stop when he saw the photo sent by Min Ji. He then took his suit and immediately went downstairs, then drove towards Jung Min Ji's house.

Jung Min Ji was waiting for Min Hyuk. They headed straight to Hadong that night as well. At the same time Kang Seo Woo also just came into the courtyard of the house.

At midnight Min Ji and Min Hyuk arrive at Kang Seo Woo's villa. Min Hyuk went straight in and looked for Kang Seo Woo. The wanted out of the study room was instantly overrun by Min Hyuk with a sharp gaze.

"What's this?" kang Seo Woo asked astonished at the sudden arrival of Kang Min Hyuk.

"Where's Man Se?" asked Min Hyuk directly

"Whatchu mean? I don't know where Man Se is" Kang Seo Woo.

"You better tell me where you're hiding Man Se," Min Hyuk exclaimed as he held Kang Seo Woo's collar.

At the same time Hye Bin and Hyeo Jin entered the main house and saw the two men fighting. Hye Bin also saw Min Ji there. Hye Bin and Hyeo Jin were confused. Seeing Hye Bin coming, Min Hyuk instantly held onto his shoulder.

"Tell me where Man Se is?!" min Hyuk.

Hye Bin who did not know what to say, immediately pulled Min Hyuk into the back house. Kang Seo Woo tries to prevent it, but he can't do anything anymore. Man Se and Min Hyuk meet again. The time has come.

Hye Bin opens the door to Man Se's room. Inside was Halmeoni waiting. Min Hyuk stood by the bed, unable to speak a word seeing the figure of the woman he loved lying on the bed.

"Man Se ... Man Se," said Min Hyuk with great sadness.

Min Hyuk then hugged Man Se. Min Hyuk cried sobbing. A moving sight.

Hye Bin, Min Ji, Halmeoni, Hyeo Jin and Kang Seo Woo inevitably also shed tears.

Decades apart from the woman he loved, Min Hyuk was finally able to find the figure in a coma.

"Wake up my dear, wake up Man Se. Open your eyes, I'm here" wailed Min Hyuk .

Everyone was moved and left Min Hyuk and Man Se both in the room.

Seo Woo sits in the living room with Hyeo Jin. Everyone shut up, and Min Hyuk came down from the second floor to Seo Woo.

"Sister, I'll explain everything!" said Seo Woo.

Min Hyuk sat down in front of Seo Woo.

"I hid Man Se to guard and protect him. I saw her crying out of the building when you married Sun Hwa. Then I looked for him, until I finally saw a terrible sight before me. Man Se tries to commit suicide by jumping off the top of the building. But God's destiny says something else. He's not dead. For some time he was hospitalized, then I brought him here, and asked everyone who was there to keep Man Se's whereabouts a secret. You've hurt her, Hyung. Like I told you, I'll take it from you if you hurt her heart" Seo Woo said.

Min Hyuk silently looked at his sister.

"You know I love Man Se, why you keep him away from me. You know I look for him even to the point of being a lunatic. Min Ji is also looking for him and you selfishly hid Man Se from us" Min Hyuk said.

"I'm sorry, brother. I love him too" Seo Woo said.

They sat in silence, and just stared at each other, as if wanting to overcome their feelings without many words and only through the eyes. Min Hyuk let out a long sigh and then covered his face.

***

Hye Bin sits on the porch with Min Ji. The woman could see Hye Bin's face full of question marks. Why his mother and Mr. Kang Min Hyuk can be in Hadong.

"What's really going on?"

"I'll explain, but I hope you're ready for what you'll hear. Maybe now is the time to be honest with you, Hye Bin. Me .. I .. not your mother. Your mother is Oh Man Se and Mr. Kang Min Hyuk is your father" Jung Min Ji explained carefully.

Hye Bin staggered as if she lost her strength in surprise. He didn't think there was a big secret in his life. Hye Bin shed tears and looked shocked not knowing what to say. He ran into the house. He stopped and looked sharply at Kang Min Hyuk. Hye Bin then walked towards the second floor and entered into Man Se's room. Halmeoni who was guarding him was surprised to see Man Se enter then with a face holding back angrily looked at Man Se.

"Wake up .. open your eyes. It's Hye Bin, your son you left behind. Wake up! You're a selfish woman. I know you must be listening to me. Wake up you selfish girl! You'd rather end your life without thinking about me" Hye Bin's crybaby snarled over Man Se's still-silent body shut his eyes.

"I beg ... Wake up Oh Man Se!" hye Bin said, then cried sobbing her head on Man Se's body.

"Wake up .. I beg ...," said Hye Bin weakened.

Halmeoni who saw all that also stroked Hye Bin's hair. The old woman was pityed by the tragedy that befell Kang and Hye Bin's family. His eyes were glazed with sadness.

"Patience Hye Bin" said Halmeoni, stroking Hye Bin's back, leaving them both behind.