Chapter 35: Plans Derailed and Retaliation

“I was going to surprise you with a job offer by year-end, but things turned out like this. If you interfere, I’ll go back to my old ways… I finally found something I want to do, and it could slip away.”

Was it right to threaten like this, looking like a mess? Thankfully, Grandfather didn’t press further. He probably figured he could redirect me later if I started acting human. He muttered regretfully.

“Maybe the hotel…”

“No hotels!”

In the novel, the hotel was Seung Hyun’s assigned affiliate. I reacted fiercely to avoid following that path. Grandfather glared, clicking his tongue.

“A man should dream big.”

I smiled silently. My dreams are plenty big—escape plans and asset strategies all set.

Soon, he waved me off, still clicking his tongue.

“Go. Don’t scar your face.”

The immediate crisis was averted. Outside, my legs wobbled. The living room was empty—guess I got scolded longer than I thought. Not really scolded, though.

“Sigh.”

My grand year-end plan was ruined. Back in my room, I flopped onto the bed, deflated.

Since it’s already wrecked, might as well live easy… as if. The more I thought, the angrier I got. What a mess because of that jerk. Eyes snapping open, I sat up.

I opened my laptop, typed up last night’s events, added some fiction and exaggeration, and crafted a trashy novel. Titled [A Group Heir: Drugs and More?], it flowed easily, thanks to my knack for synopses. Thinking of that snake-like guy, I gritted my teeth.

“You’ll learn to think twice before striking first.”

Even if Grandfather smooths things with Han Sung, business is all about money. Today’s fight could lead to tomorrow’s merger. Haewon and Han Sung tolerate each other for profit. But I wasn’t sitting idly.

“Attacking my reputation when you’re just as bad?”

Even if the articles are down, someone’s screenshotted them—they’ll never fully vanish. So, I’d make noise elsewhere.

Time blurred as I finished the piece. Suddenly, my door burst open. Startled, I saw Seung Hee, who looked even more shocked.

“You’re done with the interview already? What’s with your face? Are those my cosmetics? Are you insane…?”

I glanced at the clock—around lunchtime. Her seminar must’ve let out early. I lowered my head.

“…I couldn’t go to the interview.”

“What?!”

Seung Hee’s voice sharpened.

I explained everything, same as to Grandfather. Her face grew graver with each word. When I finished, she shouted.

“So that’s why you asked me to call? That was huge!”

“It’s fine. Do Yoon followed me in the car, so it’s all good.”

Her expression shifted subtly. She muttered.

“…He really sticks to you.”

“He’s a good kid. Anyway, I wrote this—any suggestions? I’m not just taking hits.”

It was a sensational, initial-laden clickbait piece. Seung Hee scanned it and said.

“Not bad, but you think journalists will just run this? You’re a jobless nobody right now.”

“Who said anything about journalists?”

I’d send it to YouTube gossip channels. Chaebol scandal bait always gets traction. I showed her a high-subscriber channel.

“Tip them anonymously—it’ll hit harder than articles. Initials only, so no defamation. I can edit last night’s call recording. Who reads text anymore? Videos rule.”

Seung Hee stared like she was seeing me for the first time. I said resolutely.

“We’re not the type to just take hits.”

“…True.”

I glanced at her cautiously.

“And the interview… you helped me, and I’m sorry I couldn’t go.”

I should’ve told her first, but her sudden entrance threw me. She worked hard for that info, and it went to waste—she had every right to be mad.

She gave me an unreadable look, then sighed deeply.

“Why didn’t you live better? I told you not to hang with those guys.”

She snatched my laptop and doubled the content in no time. My jaw dropped reading it.

“This is all true? He’s a total scumbag?”

“Stuff he did while hanging with you.”

“…”

Cutting him off for good.

Soon, my piece hit a gossip channel. It spread like wildfire—other channels copied it, and it went viral on SNS, even becoming articles. The focus shifted from “me” to “A Group.” I faded to just “A Group heir’s buddy.”

Han Sung threatened to sue the original poster. The edited call recording I sent must’ve hit hard.

Unknown numbers called repeatedly, but I never answered. I wanted to bury them, but this was enough payback.

The year wound down like that.

Winter passed, and spring arrived. Do Yoon became a senior. They say Koreans are divided into men, women, and high school seniors—true enough. Already diligent, Do Yoon studied with a fire that radiated intensity. He didn’t just aim for S University—he looked ready to build it.

He started showing me his report cards after tests. Every subject, as always, was a perfect 1. I gawked sincerely.

“Are you a god? How do these grades exist?”

Fine, he’s a study machine. But music, art, and PE? Choi Do Yoon’s a genius. He glanced at me and asked.

“Would… S University satisfy you?”

“Huh?”

What a luxurious question—like asking if fast food’s okay when you could have fine dining. I replied quickly.

“You want to go somewhere else? Like overseas…”

I recalled his teacher’s meeting last year. He shook his head vigorously, looking at me.

“I like Korea. No way I’m studying abroad.”

“…? Alright.”

He’s set for S University, so disliking study abroad was a relief. I mumbled.

“Still, you could go anywhere if you wanted…”

“No way. I’m staying here.”

His tone was oddly intense. I’d thought kids his age would be curious about abroad. Then he said cautiously.

“There’s one place I want to visit. Not for studying, just…”

“Where?”

“Your school. Can you take me sometime?”

My face stiffened. I had no memories of studying in America—none stored in my head. Sure, I could dig up Seung Hyun’s records, but what’s the point of visiting a place with no attachment? A side villain’s school days aren’t my concern. Stammering, I said.

“Why go there?”

“Just… if we were closer in age…”

His face darkened.

“We could’ve gone to school together. I’m curious what you were like as a student.”

I’m not even curious, so why are you? Wandering around his old school risked running into someone who knew the old Seung Hyun—trouble waiting to happen. I laughed awkwardly.

“School wasn’t fun for me… I actually wanted to go to S University. When you get in, give me a campus tour.”

Do Yoon’s face brightened slightly.