Secretly Married to a Chaebol Alpha novel Chapter 246

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."

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

Ah, this is what victory tastes like.

***

It’s the protocol.

A charity gala?

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