Ji‑ho went back to his meal, so much so that he didn't even explain why he had rejected him. His eyes sparkled faintly each time the spoon touched his lips, as though food alone could hold his attention.
"Eh?"
Only then did he glance up, his voice calm and detached. "You already know there's an evaluation test next week, right? I don't think you have the time to play around."
"What? Why?"
"Your father told me that if your results don't improve, he might throw you out of the house."
Hyun‑soo's jaw dropped. "My dad's strict, but… throwing me out? That's insane. My dad wouldn't go that far, would he?"
Ji‑ho didn't even pause in his eating. His tone was steady, almost indifferent. "It's true this time. He looked determined. Wanna bet?"
Hyun‑soo waved it off with a grin. "Well, whatever. I'll deal with that myself. So, setting that aside… wanna play with me?"
Ji‑ho finally set his spoon down. "You mean that ridiculous game plastered everywhere?"
Hyun‑soo leaned forward, eyes gleaming like stars. His foolish smile betrayed his obsession. "Yes, yes! That game!"
Ji‑ho pushed his head away and rose from his seat, glaring coldly. "You know there are only two things I care about."
"Yeah, yeah, I know! But listen, this is virtual reality! Actual virtual reality!"
Ji‑ho sighed, hopelessly weary. "If you want to get into a good university and avoid being kicked out, stop wasting time on nonsense. Go study, monkey."
He turned to leave, but halted briefly, "Anyang Bakery's Super Deluxe Pudding is still the best. That was at least a treat." He gave a hollow thumbs‑up before walking away.
Hyun‑soo sat frozen, then burst out, "That jerk! If only I could shut that mouth of his — Ugh!" He slammed his fist lightly against the table, frustration spilling over. Then, with a crooked grin creeping back, he muttered, "Fine. If he won't listen, I'll drag him into it myself."
By dusk, Ji‑ho arrived at his estate — a mansion complete with fountains, sculpted hedges, and a pond that shimmered in the fading light. Armed bodyguards greeted him at the door, bowing in unison.
"Welcome back, young master."
Unfazed, Ji‑ho walked past them. On the other side of the door, the family's butler was waiting.
"Welcome back, young master. Your father is waiting in the dining hall. He has something to discuss."
"Thank you, Ian. Tell him I'll be there after I change."
Moments later, Ji‑ho entered the dining hall, sitting silently while his father barked into the phone.
"Before I became president, I was the CEO of K Enterprises! Don't tell me what to do! Just invest in that company! Double the price if you must, I don't care. I'll be their major stockholder no matter what!"
Ji‑ho ate quietly, indifferent to the storm raging across the table. His father slammed the call shut, sighing heavily.
"Father, Ian said you had something to tell me."
"How's school?" His father asked, as if nothing had happened.
"My grades are high. I defended my top spot last midterms."
His father set his spoon down, eyes narrowing. "You know I ask for nothing except that you maintain your grades."
"I know. Don't worry. I'll keep studying and raise them even further."
His father's sigh carried weight. "Son… aside from studying, what else do you do?"
Ji‑ho faltered. "I… practice fencing and taekwondo when I have time."
"And beyond that?"
Silence. Ji‑ho's indifference cracked for a moment, but he had no answer.
With a grave voice, his father leaned forward, the air between them thick with concern. "There's nothing wrong with relaxing. I asked Sang-woo's son to watch over you these past three years. He reported every day. And every day, you did nothing but study. I'm worried about your health."
Ji‑ho's eyes darkened.
'That traitor monkey… so he was Father's spy all along.'
Ji-ho's eyes darkened. The realization that his only "friend" was actually a surveillance unit tasked with reporting his every move made the pudding he just ate feel like lead in his stomach.
His father's thoughts mirrored his concern. 'After his mother died, he changed. I don't even know how to reach him anymore.'
Finally, his father spoke. "I invited Sang-woo's son here tonight. He'll arrive before ten."
Ji‑ho flinched. "E‑eh? Why is that monkey coming here?"
"He kept pestering me about that new game. He wants you to play with him."
"I'll discipline him myself," Ji‑ho said coldly.
"Loosen up, son. That game lets you fight monsters, explore new places. It's perfect for you. Meet new friends. Build your sociability."
"But Father, I need to stu —"
"You don't need to study anymore. Your grades are enough. What you lack is sociability. You can't inherit my company without it. Words and persuasion matter more than numbers."
His father's voice softened, the edge of irritation fading into memory. "You frustrate me, son… but you remind me of her too."
Ji‑ho lowered his gaze. "…I understand. I'll try to ease up."
Relief softened his father's face. For once, Ji‑ho felt a faint weight lift.
"Is it really necessary that I play with Hyun‑soo?"
His father's brow furrowed, irritation breaking through his usual composure. "Do you think I enjoy Sang-woo's son calling me during meetings just to give his little reports?"
Ji‑ho caught the strained smile, the grinding teeth behind it. Even the spoon couldn't withstand his father's grip.
'If only I could… shut that monkey up forever,'Ji‑ho thought.
His father broke the tension with a sudden shift of topic. "By the way, I bought the gaming capsules. They're set up beside your room."
"…Thanks, Father."
Neither spoke further. The clink of silverware filled the silence as the two resumed their dinner.