The logic behind calling him her "son" was actually quite understandable.

Seol I-ri was Ja-yeo’s mother. And here she was, meeting Cheong’s "hidden" son, who was Ja-yeo’s older brother. So, what does one call the elder brother of one’s daughter? The answer: son.

Cheong thought this wasn’t too challenging a concept for someone like Seol I-ri to grasp.

However, adopting a young eight-year-old child and adopting a full-grown man were completely different matters—especially since this man was clearly older than her! Hence, Seol I-ri’s tone was solemn. It was admirable that she refrained from asking questions or probing too deeply, …