Reborn as the Fake Heir: My Inner Thoughts Aren't a Secret
Chapter 1: Back to Familiar Ground
Grandma Kim
Namjoon, I have only one wish. I... I'm not asking you to treat Taetae as your own son. Just please take him back with you and look after him from now on...
Lying on the hospital bed, the elderly woman tightly gripped the man's hand, her voice filled with pleading.
Deep wrinkles lined her forehead and the corners of her eyes. Her hair was streaked with silver, and speaking seemed difficult for her.
At the foot of the bed, the young man was still immersed in the grief of his relative's impending death. His almond-shaped eyes were swollen and red. When he first heard the old woman's words, he didn't quite process them.
Kim Taehyung (òre)
*A few seconds later, his eyes widened in shock*
Kim Taehyung (òre)
[What?! No way! They've finally reunited as a family. I shouldn't get in the way!]
The hospital room, which had been filled with quiet sobs, suddenly fell silent. Before anyone could wonder why, the heart monitor flatlined.
Two years ago, Kim Taehyung had transmigrated into a novel.
To save a kidnapped child, Taehyung had been stabbed in a vital area by a human trafficker.
One moment, he was on the brink of death, regretting not carrying more self-defense tools.
The next, he woke up in a soft bed with an elderly, white-haired grandmother at his side, anxiously asking if he was feeling better.
Taehyung awoke in a hospital room. The old grandmother told him he had been admitted after accidentally falling into a lake.
As Taehyung regained consciousness, he repeatedly checked his chest for the wound but found no trace of it.
Later, he realized he had transmigrated into a sweet romance novel he had read before.
And he was the story's biggest obstacle to the main couple's love—the vicious antagonist, Kim Taehyung.
Because the character shared his name, Taehyung had a particularly strong impression of the novel.
Taehyung had spent two years abroad. During that time, apart from Grandma Kim, he hadn't met any other members of the Kim family.
Of course, Taehyung had lived quite comfortably during those two years. The interest from his savings account alone was enough to support a good lifestyle.
Although he was deeply saddened by Grandma Kim's passing—after all, she was his only relative in this world—Taehyung had also envisioned his future. He planned to live alone in his current villa and find a job somewhere, as he had more than enough money to support himself.
However, surely the Kim family wouldn't be so heartless as to take back the villa, right?
After all, when he transmigrated, the original Kim Taehyung hadn't done anything yet and hadn't even met the other members of the Kim family.
He would simply live out his lonely but affluent life in M Country.
Clearly, Taehyung's wish wasn't going to come true because, at that moment, he was already on a plane back to China.
On the Kim family's private jet.
The gazes of the Kim family members occasionally fell on Taehyung, who was seated diagonally across from them, their eyes full of curiosity.
Kim Namjoon had rushed over to see his mother one last time. No matter how deep the resentment between them, she was still the woman who had given birth to him and raised him.
But he hadn’t expected to encounter something so unusual.
He was certain that in the hospital room that day, he had heard Taehyung's voice, even though Taehyung hadn't opened his mouth.
And he wasn't the only one who had heard it.
Kim Taehyung (òre)
*Leaning back in his seat, was gazing out of the window. He appeared calm, but his heart was filled with frustration*
[Goodbye, my lonely but wealthy future life!]
Everyone in the cabin looked up at once, their gazes converging on him.
After several days, they had heard that voice again.
Kim Eunwoo frowned slightly and was about to stand up, but his older brother, Kim Woo Seok, stopped him with a subtle gesture.
Kim Woo Seok
*Shook his head slightly, signaling him not to act rashly*
His gaze drifted toward the flight attendant serving nearby. She showed no reaction, only blushing faintly under his stare.
Kim Woo Seok
*Looked away, took a sip of coffee, and discreetly observed Taehyung again*
It seemed only certain people could hear that voice—the five members of the Kim family.
Sitting across from Taehyung, Kim Jimin looked at him with curiosity. Seeing that his parents and brothers remained silent, he also suppressed his curiosity.
Kim Taehyung (òre)
*But he still noticed his gaze and turned to give him a gentle smile*
Kim Taehyung (òre)
[As expected of the main character. He really is handsome!]
Kim Jimin (òre)
*Froze slightly. Then he quickly returned a polite smile and nodded*
(Main Character? Has he seen my dramas?)
Jimin assumed Taehyung was referring to his acting roles in dramas and films.
However, what surprised him even more was Taehyung’s next thought.
Kim Taehyung (òre)
[Money really does make things easier. If I hadn’t hired a hacker, I would never have been able to send that email to Kim Woo Seok’s computer.]
Every member of the Kim family heard those words.
Kim Seokjin (òre) (Mama Kim)
*Hand trembled slightly as he held his teacup, spilling a little tea*
Kim Namjoon (Papa Kim)
*The complex emotions in his eyes vanished instantly as he quickly took the cup and wiped the liquid from his fingers with a napkin*
Did you get burned?
Kim Seokjin (òre) (Mama Kim)
*Shook his head. His gaze briefly met Taehyung’s before he lowered his eyes, lost in thought*
Kim Namjoon (Papa Kim)
*Held his hand tightly, silently comforting him*
The two brothers, Kim Woo Seok and Kim Eunwoo, were equally shaken. However, Taehyung didn’t notice anything as he continued looking out the window, lost in his own thoughts.
Kim Eunwoo
*Seeing that he wasn’t paying attention, he leaned toward Woo Seok*
Hyung, was that email really sent by him?
Kim Woo Seok
*Didn’t answer immediately*
Three months earlier, he had received an anonymous email. The subject line contained only three words: “Kim Jimin.”
Jimin was his younger brother who had gone missing twenty years ago. The family had searched for him all these years without success.
The email contained nothing except an address—no explanation, no details.
He had traced the source. It came from a foreign hacker.
But because it involved his long-lost brother, he couldn’t ignore the possibility.
Later, he sent people to investigate the address in the email—and they truly found Jimin.
He had immediately informed the family, and they brought Jimin back home.
He never imagined that the email might have been sent by Taehyung.
Woo Seok looked at Taehyung, who was quietly admiring the scenery, while internally lamenting his fate.
This was his first time meeting this so-called “brother,” and he was very different from what they had expected.
Every year, their father visited Grandma Kim, but he had rarely spoken about Taehyung, and the siblings knew little about him.
Their first real meeting had been in Grandma Kim’s hospital room. At that time, Taehyung had appeared gentle, nervous, and well-behaved.
If they hadn’t heard his inner thoughts, that would have been their impression.
When their father suggested bringing him back to China, Taehyung had looked genuinely surprised, as if he didn’t want to trouble anyone.
Yet at the same time, Woo Seok had heard his inner voice:
Kim Taehyung (òre)
[You really don’t have to trouble yourselves! It would be uncomfortable for both of us if I went with you! Please, just let me live my lonely but wealthy life in peace!]
Woo Seok clearly noticed the slight stiffness in his father’s expression before it was quickly concealed.
This Kim Taehyung was far more complicated than they had imagined.
Chapter 2: The Real Heir and the Fake
Kim Jimin had known from a young age that the parents who raised him were not his biological parents.
He had not seen his biological relatives since he was three years old.
Twenty years ago, Kim Jimin went to an amusement park with his grandmother, Grandma Kim. That day, Grandma Kim went to the restroom and never saw three-year-old Kim Jimin again.
Kim Jimin was abducted by a man.
Within just two days, he was moved from place to place before the police eventually found him and placed him in an orphanage.
That was where he met his adoptive parents.
Kim Jimin had some recollection of being kidnapped at a young age, and his adoptive parents never hid the incident from him.
Five years ago, both of his adoptive parents became seriously ill, and he had to take on the responsibility of supporting the family. After trying various part-time jobs, eighteen-year-old Kim Jimin entered the entertainment industry.
However, his adoptive parents passed away two years ago.
Three months ago, a man claiming to be his elder brother came to find him, followed by a middle-aged couple and a slightly younger man.
After a paternity test, it was confirmed that these four were indeed his biological family.
However, before Kim Jimin could fully adjust to his new family, Kim Namjoon told him they were going to visit their grandmother overseas.
Even though Kim Jimin understood the full truth behind his kidnapping, he still decided to go along and see the little òre whom his grandmother had taken in after he was lost.
Looking back now, so much had happened in just a few months—it felt like a lifetime’s worth of events.
Kim Jimin glanced at Kim Taehyung, who was sleeping with his head tilted. He couldn’t help but smile faintly. Kim Taehyung looked like a sweet, obedient young man, yet somehow felt different.
Kim Seokjin’s gaze also fell on Kim Taehyung. He was deep in thought, looking at the two young people ahead as if lost in memory.
Twenty years ago, Kim Seokjin and Kim Namjoon had to go out, leaving three-year-old Kim Jimin at home with Grandma Kim. Only Grandma Kim and Kim Jimin were in the house that day.
Kim Seokjin had even brought gifts back for Kim Jimin, who had been upset about not being able to go with them.
But before they even reached home, they received a call from Grandma Kim saying that Jimin was missing.
It felt as though the sky had collapsed. They checked CCTV footage, reported to the police, and organized searches.
But there was no trace of Kim Jimin.
He blamed Kim Namjoon for choosing that day to go out. He blamed Grandma Kim for taking the child out alone. And most of all, he blamed himself.
During that period, the Kim household was in utter chaos. Kim Seokjin cried almost every day. Kim Eunwoo also cried constantly, missing his brother. Even Grandma Kim was overwhelmed with guilt.
However, what hurt Kim Seokjin the most was not only that the child was lost, but that a month later, Grandma Kim brought home another òre of the same age.
The arrival of that òre became the final breaking point for Kim Seokjin. Back then, he completely lost control of his emotions.
Out of anger, he shouted at the little òre to leave, knocked things off the table, and became uncontrollable.
Kim Namjoon held him tightly while the servants took the guests away, until he finally calmed down.
After that day, Kim Seokjin never saw that òre again, nor did he see Grandma Kim.
Every year, Kim Namjoon went to visit Grandma Kim abroad, but he never asked Seokjin to come along. Occasionally, Kim Woo Seok accompanied him.
But he never heard anything about that òre again.
After Grandma Kim passed away, Kim Namjoon asked him if he would be willing to bring Kim Taehyung back. After a moment of hesitation, he agreed.
It was his mother-in-law’s final wish. No matter what resentment remained, it should come to an end.
Seeing Kim Taehyung again now, Kim Seokjin felt conflicted and somewhat lost.
That once-shy boy had grown into a young man.
Kim Seokjin realized that Kim Taehyung was the only truly innocent person in all of those past events. He had done nothing wrong. However, Kim Seokjin still did not want him to take over the life that should have belonged to his own child.
But upon hearing that it was because of Kim Taehyung that they had found their child, Kim Seokjin’s feelings became even more complicated.
Kim Namjoon (Papa Kim)
Jinnie.
*his voice pulled Kim Seokjin out of his memories*
If you still feel uncomfortable with him, I can arrange for him to stay somewhere else after we go back.
His voice was gentle as he pulled his husband closer, worried about his feelings. Over the years, he had suffered from anxiety over Jimin’s disappearance and had always been uneasy about Kim Taehyung’s presence.
Although he had promised his mother to take care of Kim Taehyung, if his husband was uncomfortable, he would choose to place him somewhere more distant.
After all, it seemed that Kim Taehyung himself did not particularly want to interact with them either.
Thinking back to the voice he had once heard, Kim Namjoon still remembered it clearly—calm outward appearance, but slightly playful inner thoughts.
Kim Seokjin (òre) (Mama Kim)
*Gently shook his head while looking at Kim Taehyung, who was still sleeping peacefully, and moved closer to Kim Namjoon*
No need. He can stay at home. There’s enough space, and it’s not safe for a young òre to live alone.
Looking into his husband’s eyes, Kim Namjoon saw no reluctance and felt somewhat relieved.
Kim Namjoon (Papa Kim)
Alright. Don’t worry. He seems like a good kid. It’s just good timing—now that Jimin has returned, he also has a companion.
Kim Seokjin (òre) (Mama Kim)
But will Minnie be unhappy?
This question had not crossed Kim Seokjin’s mind until now. At his words, he couldn’t help but think about how the two young men would interact.
Since they had promised Grandma Kim to take care of Kim Taehyung, they naturally would not neglect him.
But Jimin had just reunited with his biological family, and they were still unfamiliar with one another. With another young man suddenly entering the household, he worried about how he would feel.
Kim Namjoon (Papa Kim)
*looked up at Kim Jimin, who was openly staring at Kim Taehyung, and gestured for Kim Seokjin to look*
Kim Namjoon (Papa Kim)
Do you think Minnie looks unhappy to you?
Following his gaze, Kim Seokjin saw Kim Jimin. At that moment, his eyes were filled with curiosity as he openly studied the sleeping Kim Taehyung.
It seemed he was trying to figure out what was so special about him.
Kim Jimin held no hostility toward Kim Taehyung. After all, Taehyung had unintentionally become a pawn in the situation, and it was also because of him that he had been reunited with his family sooner. His impression of Taehyung had only improved.
Moreover, he was genuinely curious—why could he and his family hear Kim Taehyung’s thoughts?
Feeling a gaze that was a bit too intense, Kim Taehyung shifted slightly. This immediately made Kim Jimin withdraw his gaze.
After a moment, he looked again and saw that Kim Taehyung had simply changed position and continued sleeping peacefully.
Chapter 3: The Riverside Estate
After some trouble, Kim Taehyung finally arrived at the Kim family residence.
The Kim family was one of the most prominent and influential families in North River. At the same time, their Hengjing Group was a renowned internet technology company both domestically and internationally.
Kim Namjoon (Papa Kim)
Little Taehyung, your room is on the third floor—the first door on the left after you turn. Jimin’s room is on the same floor.
The speaker was Kim Namjoon, the chairman of Hengjing Group. Even though he had stepped back from the front lines and was now middle-aged, his every gesture still carried a commanding presence that inspired admiration.
Kim Taehyung (òre)
*Holding his suitcase, politely nodded at Kim Namjoon*
Alright, Uncle.
Indeed, from their very first meeting, Kim Taehyung had addressed the Kim couple as Uncle and Aunt.
Even though his grandmother had told him multiple times that they were his father and mother, he stubbornly insisted on addressing them this way.
He thought it would make both sides more comfortable.
Kim Woo Seok
Let me help you take your luggage upstairs.
This was Kim Woo Seok, the current CEO of Hengjing Group and the eldest son of the Kim family.
Kim Woo Seok was a strikingly handsome man, with sharp and refined features that exuded a sense of dignity and righteousness.
He stepped forward, ready to help Kim Taehyung with his suitcase, but Kim Taehyung gently avoided him.
Kim Taehyung (òre)
It’s alright, Big Brother. I can manage it myself. It’s not heavy.
*gave a tight-lipped smile, appearing shy and reserved*
Kim Eunwoo
*Lounging on the sofa, turned his head slightly and smirked coldly*
Big Brother, he says he can handle it himself. No need to be so eager.
*He wanted to see if he could really carry it up three floors*
Kim Eunwoo was the second son of the Kim family and the founder and CEO of Startrack Entertainment.
Compared to his elder brother’s steady and proper demeanor, Kim Eunwoo leaned more toward a lazy, bad-boy type with a hint of carelessness in his attitude.
He was the person in this family who was least welcoming toward him, and Kim Taehyung had felt that from their very first meeting.
After all, the hostility in his eyes was still very obvious.
Kim Taehyung (òre)
*Lips curled slightly as his gaze met Kim Eunwoo’s, calmly meeting his hostility*
Big Brother, Second Brother is right. I can manage it myself.
[Such a snarky comment—he must have grown up inhaling wind oil!]
Kim Taehyung retracted the handle of his suitcase, gripped it firmly, and lifted it. He glanced at Kim Eunwoo once more before turning and heading up the stairs.
Kim Jimin turned to look at Kim Eunwoo, then quickly followed Kim Taehyung upstairs.
Kim Eunwoo
You!
*widened his eyes, about to speak*
Kim Namjoon (Papa Kim)
*Frowned and stepped forward, standing in front of him*
Kim Eunwoo, before we returned to the country, I asked for everyone’s opinion. If I remember correctly, your objection was overruled. As per our usual practice, you should accept Kim Taehyung living with us.
Indeed, regarding whether Kim Taehyung should live in the house, Kim Namjoon had held a family meeting. Except for Kim Eunwoo’s lone objection, the other members had all agreed.
Following the family’s long-standing principle that the minority submits to the majority, Kim Eunwoo’s objection had been overruled.
Kim Eunwoo
*He pressed his lips tightly together, his eyes filled with resistance*
Seeing this, Kim Woo Seok and Kim Seokjin also walked over.
Kim Woo Seok
*Frowned slightly, his gaze firm*
Eunwoo, you don’t have to like him, but you can’t keep treating him like this.
Kim Seokjin (òre) (Mama Kim)
That’s right, Eunwoo. Besides, you should be grateful to him. It’s because of him that we were able to find Minnie.
Kim Eunwoo
*Opened his mouth as if to argue, but seeing the three of them united against him, he deflated*
Fine, fine. I’ll just talk to him less in the future. Is that good enough?
Kim Taehyung had also mocked him in his thoughts and called him “wind oil personified”!
Even though it was only in his mind, everyone had heard it!
Why was he the only one being scolded?
Kim Eunwoo
*Crossed his arms and leaned back on the sofa, still visibly dissatisfied*
Meanwhile, Kim Taehyung had already carried his suitcase up to the third floor in one go.
He placed it at the top of the stairs and brushed off his hands.
That was easy enough.
Kim Taehyung turned his head left, about to pull his suitcase forward, when Kim Jimin caught up.
Kim Taehyung (òre)
Mr. Kim.
Facing the polite young man, Kim Taehyung remained gentle.
Kim Jimin (òre)
*Looked slightly apologetic*
Um… about Second Brother…
Kim Taehyung (òre)
*Interrupted him*
It’s alright, Mr. Kim. I don’t mind.
[He’s basically wind oil incarnate. Not worth getting angry over.]
Kim Jimin (òre)
*Smiled softly. Kim Taehyung really was a peculiar person*
Then let me show you to your room.
He stepped forward to help push the suitcase. Feeling its weight, he looked slightly surprised.
He had thought it wasn’t heavy since Kim Taehyung had carried it up three floors alone, but it felt much heavier when he tried.
Kim Taehyung (òre)
*Lips curved into a faint, shy smile*
Kim Jimin (òre)
*Smile deepened as he led him to the room and pushed the suitcase inside*
Kim Taehyung (òre)
*Peeked in, immediately impressed by the size of the room*
The room was predominantly cream-colored. It didn’t feel like a bedroom, but more like a fully equipped suite.
It had a bedroom, walk-in closet, master bathroom, and a floor-to-ceiling balcony—everything was included.
Although Kim Taehyung had mentally prepared himself, he still couldn’t help feeling a bit stunned.
Kim Jimin (òre)
The room has already been cleaned. This is the walk-in closet, with the dressing area inside. That’s the bathroom, and the balcony overlooks the Jiu River. The night view of North River is also beautiful.
*patiently explained the layout of the room*
At the mention of the river view, Kim Taehyung curiously stepped closer.
Kim Jimin (òre)
Also, besides Dad, Mom, and your two brothers, you might see Uncle Li and Aunt Wang. Uncle Li is the middle-aged man you met when you arrived. He is the family butler, and you can ask him if you need anything. Aunt Wang is probably still busy in the kitchen…
In truth, Kim Jimin had only recently met them himself. When he first arrived, Kim Seokjin had explained everything to him in the same way.
Now he was doing the same for the newly arrived Kim Taehyung.
Kim Taehyung (òre)
*Eyes sparkled slightly as he listened*
[Kim Jimin really is a gentle person. No wonder he’s the Main character!]
Kim Taehyung could clearly distinguish between genuine kindness and mere politeness. Kim Jimin was truly trying to help him feel comfortable in the house.
Kim Jimin (òre)
*Froze slightly, a faint blush rising to his cheeks*
Am I talking too much?
Kim Taehyung (òre)
*Shook his head, his smile softening*
Not at all. I’m very grateful for your introduction.
Kim Jimin (òre)
Then let’s formally introduce ourselves. Hello, Kim Taehyung. I’m Kim Jimin.
*extended his right hand, his smile calm and warm*
Kim Taehyung (òre)
*Almond-shaped eyes curved into a gentle smile, revealing faint dimples*
Hello, Kim Jimin. I’m Kim Taehyung.
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