Chapter 13: Plans and Collisions

My phone buzzed briefly.

[Okay.]

I chuckled. The reply brought a sigh of relief.

The earlier incident made it clear: there’s no one in this house I can fully trust. Even trivial matters get reported to the adults, and at this rate, my ambitious future plans will be derailed before they start.

I need to build my own allies or move carefully in ways that don’t raise suspicion.

After staying up all night, I’d decided to use my remaining time here to learn something—whether at school or work—that’ll let me thrive even if I’m kicked out. Knowledge and skills can’t be taken away.

Of course, I also plan to… quietly siphon off some of my current assets. A single painting in this house is worth 1.2 billion won on average. Surely no one will notice one missing. Getting hit by a truck and possessing a jerk like Seung Hyun deserves at least that much, right?

In the novel, Do Yoon vacationed with the heroine on a private island, so Seung Hyun’s personal wealth must be substantial. I feel a twinge of guilt, but I’ll discreetly build my own fortune whenever the chance arises.

No need to act immediately, though. I’ll wait for the right moment to execute my plan bit by bit.

For now, I headed to the dressing room. Staying cooped up in the house, even with nothing to do, isn’t good.

Seung Hyun lived his life all wrong. His phone was filled with trashy guys talking about partying with girls or begging for investments and loans. While Grandfather, Father, Mother, and Seung Hee went to work, and Do Yoon went to school, I was the only deadweight.

“Even doing nothing is exhausting.”

First, I decided to visit Haewon Hotel, Haewon Electronics, and Haewon Trading, where Seung Hee works. Not to spark some grand ambition, but to gauge how much I could… discreetly secure for myself. Money never hurts.

I threw on a thin black turtleneck and a camel suit, then got in the car. It was funny that a jobless guy’s closet was full of stuff like this. I made a mental note to buy casual clothes soon.

“Not right at Haewon Hotel—drop me off nearby. I’ll manage from there.”

“Understood, young master.”

The smooth foreign car glided through the city. As we neared the hotel, I spotted a group of high schoolers laughing and loitering. One stood out—gruff-looking, with piercings and bright yellow hair. Skipping school in broad daylight? Definitely a delinquent.

“Thank God this novel isn’t some delinquent romance.”

Otherwise, our sweet protagonist might’ve ended up like that. I grimaced at the thought.

“Drop me off up ahead.”

I pointed to a large SPA brand store. I’d noticed people staring at my car through the window. Foreign cars aren’t rare in Seoul, but this one was apparently flashy. A bit embarrassing.

I hopped out quickly, but even after the car left, eyes followed me.

‘Guess a young guy stepping out of a fancy car is a spectacle.’

I didn’t want the attention. Next time, I’d be more discreet or ditch the car entirely. The suit felt uncomfortable now, too.

‘People really notice designer stuff.’

It’s just a plain suit, but somehow they could tell. I hurried into the store, still feeling watched. Taking a deep breath, I muttered a mantra I’d heard somewhere.

“Prevent overthinking and reclaim a healthy life.”

It lightened my mood. I grabbed light blue jeans and a dark green hoodie—my old style. The empty store let me change quickly.

In the mirror, I finally looked like a normal college student my age. At 25 in Korea, you’re still in school, and a student should look the part.

Before, I looked like a cocky returnee who made a quick buck in stocks. Swapping my shoes for sneakers brought instant peace.

This was my go-to outfit as a staffer. Feeling nostalgic, I headed to the counter, still wearing the new clothes.

“Can I pay while wearing these?”

“Uh… sure!”

The young cashier, barely 20, looked flustered.

“Well, normally we don’t…”

Her voice trailed off as she glanced at me, her hands trembling as she scanned tags. I felt bad for startling her with my impulsive request. Smiling kindly, I added.

“Sorry, could you put these in a bag too?”

I held up my old clothes. She nodded vigorously.

“Of course!”

“Thanks, you’re really kind.”

Her eyes widened like a rabbit’s, and she packed my clothes with intense care, ears red. Must be the type who melts at small compliments. Poor kid, probably dealing with rude customers already. It reminded me of my days on set, tugging at my heart.

“Thanks to your kindness, come back soon!” she chirped. I left the store in high spirits. Across the street loomed the 50-story Haewon Hotel, a grand palace. A minute’s walk across the crosswalk.

I planned to sip coffee on the first floor and scope out the vibe.

Humming lightly with my shopping bag, I started walking.

“Argh!”

Something bear-like barreled around the corner, slamming into me. Pain shot through my foot, and I collapsed onto the sidewalk, dropping my bag. My clothes, shoes, and phone scattered across the pavement. I’d barely caught myself with my arms, but the friction burned through my hoodie. Good thing I’d changed—the suit would’ve torn. I groaned in pain.

“Ugh…”

Looking back, I saw an electric scooter and a person sprawled in opposite directions. Lucky it was a quiet weekday afternoon. No, if it was busier, this lunatic wouldn’t have pulled that stunt.

As I staggered up, the scooter’s owner rolled over, groaning oddly.

“Ugh, shit…”

It was a young voice. The guy, limping as he stood, had bright yellow hair. Whether from pain or not, cursing after hitting someone gave a terrible first impression. Piercings everywhere? Total delinquent.

…Delinquent?

He looked familiar. Wasn’t he the kid I saw from the car?

I glared, brows furrowed, as he approached. My knee throbbed, but I stood firm. Checking for blood, I was relieved my new jeans were intact. Anger surged.

If you’re a delinquent, smoke in an alley, not ram people with a scooter! I gritted my teeth.

“Hey, kid, you’re not supposed to ride that on the sidewalk.”

I was ready for a fight. But surprisingly, the goblin-looking guy looked apologetic.

“Sorry… you came out of nowhere…”

I straightened, incredulous. He’s blaming me?

“You’re not supposed to ride those where people walk. And you take corners carefully. Even if this was a road and that was a car, it’s your fault. What if kids were here?”

“Sorry…”

I snapped, and he bowed his head, deflated. Honestly, I was surprised. With his flashy look, I expected him to pick a fight. Guess that was my bias.