The moment the variety show "Seasons of the Wealthy" was announced, it sparked heated discussions among netizens.

"Is it the Kim Family? Will that century-old prestigious Kim Family participate?"

"The Kim Family is practically the most high-profile wealthy family these days. If they don’t join, who will? The notoriously low-key Jeon Family?"

"Pfft, the Kim Family only stays relevant because Ruan Nian carries them. Otherwise, with their snobbish attitude, how could they possibly maintain this level of popularity?"

"Just think about how much Ruan Nian has improved the Kim Family’s public image. If they dare look down on her for marrying into wealth again, they’ll truly learn the power of public opinion."

"And especially that elder brother, Kim Taehyung—the epitome of a bitter, meddlesome troublemaker! If not for his interference, Ruan Nian would’ve married into the family ages ago!"

As the online debates raged on, the young man scrolling through Weibo comments in the nightclub grew increasingly irritated.

He glanced at Kim Taehyung, who was resting his forehead in his hands, nursing a drunken headache, and whispered, "Taehyung, Taehyung, are you just going to let them talk about you like this?"

The intoxicated man furrowed his brows, seemingly still half-asleep.

Kim Taehyung’s heartbroken, self-destructive drinking spree left his close friend Fang Yining feeling helpless.

Was he giving up after being so deeply hurt?

Kim Taehyung, the eldest son of the century-old Kim Family. At 27, he had accomplished nothing meaningful, couldn’t tell crops apart, and his greatest achievement was earning dual degrees in Business and Law at Stanford.

—But everyone who knew him was aware that the Kim Family had simply donated buildings to secure his spot, right?

Unlike his second brother, Kim Zhaoye—a true prodigy, with an impeccable MIT diploma, standing tall at 188cm with striking looks, and a natural-born CEO (albeit a notorious playboy).

Even his third brother, Kim Zhaosi, was an outstanding and handsome talent...

In the entire Kim Family, Kim Taehyung was the only failure.

As for the online discourse, it all started like this:

Ruan Nian was a long-beloved sweetheart of the entertainment industry—adorable and pure as the nation’s darling child, then blossoming into the youthful "first love" of the public, with countless admirers and an unusually strong fanbase.

Her conflict with Kim Taehyung stemmed from being Kim Zhaoye’s first love.

Kim Zhaoye was indeed a womanizer. In his youth, he didn’t understand love—only that he wanted to keep this innocent starlet as his caged songbird.

Their relationship dragged on for years, a cycle of chasing, escaping, heartbreak, and tears, yet even now, Ruan Nian remained without an official title—just "with him."

The biggest obstacle between them? Kim Zhaoye’s brother, Kim Taehyung, who always stuck his nose in.

He was a snob who looked down on Ruan Nian’s humble background, constantly meddling to sabotage their relationship and publicly humiliating her.

His shrewish antics frequently made tabloid headlines, and since the internet loved a dramatic love story, Kim Taehyung became the villain—the meddler who tore apart true love.

But Fang Yining felt indignant on Kim Taehyung’s behalf.

The reason Taehyung disliked Ruan Nian was simple: Kim Zhaoye had a fiancée arranged since birth. Ruan Nian knew this yet still insisted on testing her importance to him. Worse, the fiancée was Kim Taehyung’s best friend—how could he tolerate that?

...Oh, right. The fiancée was Fang Yining herself. He sometimes forgot.

"Taehyung, Taehyung?" Fang Yining nudged him again, and this time, Kim Taehyung finally stirred.

He lifted his gaze, his calm eyes locking onto Fang Yining, sending an inexplicable chill down his spine.

His light brown irises, illuminated by the club’s neon lights, seemed piercing—as if they could see through everything.

For the first time, Fang Yining noticed the sharp shape of Kim Taehyung’s eyes, the faint color at the outer corners giving off an intimidating "older brother" aura that made his heart skip.

Strange. This was the same Taehyung as always—why had he never noticed before?

Kim Taehyung had just wrapped up a day of meetings and fallen asleep when he encountered a "system" that told him:

[You’ve transmigrated into the role of the CEO’s older brother in a wealthy family novel.]

[You know what the older brother of a wealthy CEO is supposed to do...]

At first, Kim Taehyung was stunned. But he had invested in an AI research project with rapid progress, so his acceptance of this "system" was relatively high.

After a brief pause, he replied graciously, "I know."

He was already the eldest son of a wealthy family, with younger siblings. This identity was familiar, and he knew how to handle it.

Even in another world, he trusted his honed abilities to excel.

Into his chest, slapping wads of cash against his pecs while declaring he no longer believed in love, only male models?

Brother Taehyung, what game are you playing today? A scolding?

Trembling, the male model glanced at Fang Yining for help, but he looked just as lost. He swallowed hard, mustering his courage before obediently fastening each button with shaky fingers.

His voice was soft, laced with cautious flattery. "Okay, Brother Taehyung. Next time, I’ll wear whatever you like."

"I have pressing matters to attend to lately. I doubt I’ll return." Kim Taehyung’s tone was oddly formal today, leaving the entire room stunned—Fang Yining included.

Noticing Fang Yining’s shock, Kim Taehyung gave a gracious nod. "The bill is on me. Spend freely, no limits. Enjoy yourselves. Goodbye."

He picked up his coat, draped it over his arm, and walked out.

He preferred the pure, innocent type. This place no longer suited his tastes.

Kim Taehyung stepped into the back of his chauffeur-driven car—a stretch Lincoln.

The driver checked the rearview mirror, surprised the young master was leaving so early. Off to the next venue?

With a knowing smile, he said, "Young Master, which club next? Oh!" He suddenly remembered a new male model in the neighboring city, rumored to be exactly his type. Tonight was supposed to be his champagne tower celebration.

Proud of his insight, he prepared to change course—until a cool voice from the backseat cut in.

"To the Kim Family estate. I’m visiting my parents."

"Got it, heading to—... Huh?!"

The driver’s eyes widened in shock, his expression horrified—the seasoned chauffeur nearly stomped on the brakes like they were a drum set. He glanced in the rearview mirror again to confirm that the person who had entered the car was indeed the young master and not some ghost possessing him!

Wasn’t Kim Taehyung the one who hated returning to the Kim Family mansion the most? Why would he suddenly decide to go back now?!

Kim Taehyung pulled down the vanity mirror and wiped off his meticulously applied makeup with a cleansing wipe from his bag. He was used to exercising and disliked wearing makeup—it added an extra step to his skincare routine, which didn’t align with his strict sense of time management.

His parents were probably fuming over the recent scandal surrounding him. The sooner he returned to settle the matter, the sooner he could take over the family business.

As the eldest son of a wealthy family, this was his duty.

Rumor had it that his younger brother was too busy tangled up in romantic affairs to be reliable. How could anyone depend on a man who couldn’t even handle his own love life?

He glanced down at his feet, still clad in a pair of delicate leather shoes. Bending over, he swapped them out for a pair of disposable flat slippers he kept in the car.

The expensive designer shoes—identical to those seen on the runway—were casually tossed aside.

The driver noticed his actions and shuddered.

Those shoes had been a gift from his fiancé... If he could treat them so carelessly, he must have been deeply hurt by Young Master Jeon.

Had his latest rejection shattered him so completely that he wasn’t even bothering with male models anymore and was actually going home?

The driver muttered to himself but didn’t dare show any further reaction, smoothly pulling the car to a stop at the entrance.

A security guard hurried down the steps to open the door, gloved hand raised to shieopen the door, gloved hand raised to shield the car’s roof. But when he saw Young Master Kim Taehyung step out in disposable slippers, he froze, eyes bulging.

​As he strode forward without a second thought, the guard snapped out of it and gestured frantically to the others. The staff exchanged bewildered looks before scrambling to roll out a carpet.

​Kim Taehyung, draped in an overcoat, marched up the steps with steady footing, tossing back only a single word: "Thanks."

​The driver and security guards stared at each other in stunned silence.

​What was wrong with the young master today? Since when was he this polite?

​Had he lost his mind from the shock?

​Inside the Kim Family mansion, the atmosphere in the grand hall was thick with tension. Old Master Kim and his wife, Hua Bingfan, radiated fury—everyone knew better than to provoke them now.

​"Where is the young master? Off ogling male models again?"

​When no one answered, Old Master Kim’s rage boiled over. He slammed his hand on the armrest. "With the old man bedridden these past few days, he’s out there stirring up scandals! First, it was that humiliating rejection from Jeon Jungkook, then picking fights with that celebrity Ruan Nian, tarnishing the Kim Family’s reputation—and now he’s off playing with male models!"

​"The old man despises these kinds of indecent rumors. Let’s go drag him back right now. If the paparazzi catch him again, I swear I’ll—"

​"Mom."

​Kim Taehyung’s voice cut through the room as he stepped inside. He spotted Hua Bingfan standing first, then his father—frozen mid-rant on the sofa, face red from choking on his own words. He nodded. "Dad. You’re here too?"

​Old Master Kim nearly suffocated on his own shock. He gaped at him, horrified that he’d actually returned—and to the family mansion, no less, instead of his own residence.

​Like father, like son—right now, he felt like he was seeing a ghost. Especially when he took in Kim Taehyung’s bare face, devoid of makeup or the flush of alcohol, his expression cool and composed. It was like he’d swallowed an egg whole.

​"You... you’re back so early?" Old Master Kim managed, still half-risen from his seat, face red.

​Kim Taehyung nodded. "I’m visiting Grandpa tomorrow morning. He wakes up at dawn for his breathing exercises, so I should be there early to accompany him."

​His father’s eyes nearly popped out of his skull. Hua Bingfan’s teacup trembled in her grip.

​...Was this really Kim Taehyung?

​Since when did he speak so politely, so thoughtfully, so... normally?

​Kim Taehyung continued, "Do the two of you have plans tonight? I don’t stay up late, so I’ll head to bed first. Oh, and staying up late is bad for your health."

​He turned to the housekeeper. "Sister Zhang, if my parents have any engagements, make sure they’re taken care of."

​Sister Zhang flinched, so thrown off she nearly drowned a potted plant with her watering can. "O-oh... yes, Young Master."

​Only after Kim Taehyung’s slender, icy silhouette disappeared into the elevator and the doors slid shut did the room’s occupants snap out of their daze.

​Wait... Had they just been lectured by the most spoiled, irresponsible, party-obsessed, scandal-magnet in the entire Kim Family?

​And he’d told them not to stay up late?!

​Since when was that his line?! Since when did Kim Taehyung of all people worry about their well-being?!

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This child is a bit odd."

Ms. Hua Bingfan murmured, staring at the elevator without blinking, then added in a low voice, "It seems that young man from the Jeon family has truly wounded his heart."

Father Kim, momentarily at a loss for a response, awkwardly sat down. "Ahem, since he didn’t go see those male models, we should inform Jeon Jungkook and resolve the misunderstanding."

After all, the two families were set on an arranged marriage. Kim Taehyung was their eldest son, and the wedding was of utmost importance.

Even though his previous outrageous behavior—scandalizing the entire city—had left Jeon Jungkook thoroughly displeased, to the point where he rejected his heartfelt confession and declined his invitation to the New Year’s banquet, hadn’t he turned over a new leaf now?

Though Ms. Hua was skeptical about how long Kim Taehyung’s reformed behavior would last, her eagerness to salvage the marriage led her to call her future son-in-law.

"Hello... Jungkook," she began warmly, adopting the tone of an elder doting on an accomplished junior. "Have you and Taehyung had a fight?"

On the other end, Jeon Jungkook pinched the bridge of his nose at the mere mention.

He had long since exhausted his patience with this fiancé. An arranged marriage was acceptable, but he preferred to have no entanglement with him before the wedding.

He could already vividly imagine the misery of being dragged down by him after marriage—no need to step into that cage prematurely.

"Aunt Hua, what’s the matter? Did Taehyung say something to you?" He remained polite, his tone refined, with a lingering Cantonese accent he couldn’t quite shake.

Considering the time, Kim Taehyung was probably still fondling some male model’s pectorals. Suppressing a sigh, he asked calmly, "Has he not come home yet? Or are you unable to reach him? Don’t worry—I can’t reach him either. You should contact Master Fang for this..."

"No, no!" Hua Bingfan cut him off, her voice practically bubbling with joy. "He’s home! He even came back to the old estate!"

Ms. Hua was practically glowing, as if her child had just topped the imperial exams. "He even told me he’s not staying up late anymore—he’s going to bed early!"

"Jungkook, don’t you think this calls for a bit of admiration?"

Jeon Jungkook paused.

After a moment of contemplation, he replied, "I see. You should rest early too."

Hanging up, he wondered if Kim Taehyung had suddenly seen the light after his harsh scolding earlier. But just then, his assistant called.

"President Jeon, the bank just reported that the card you issued to Master Kim was used for a massive purchase—covering the year-end quotas for all those male models."

Jeon Jungkook’s hand trembled slightly as he shut his eyes in resignation. "When did he make the purchase?"

"Twenty minutes ago. He announced he was covering the entire venue’s expenses and told everyone to 'play freely, no worries!'"

"And where is he now?"

"Master Kim left right after saying that."

Jeon Jungkook hung up, convinced that this marriage might need to be called off. And the next time he saw him, he’d have to scold her again.

Kim Taehyung paid no mind to his parents’ stunned expressions.

This was simply his nature—he took charge of everything within his reach, handling matters methodically.

Managing his parents? A trivial task.

The true authority in the Kim Family lay with their grandfather. Though Father Kim was the former CEO, the real decision-making power remained in the old man’s hands.

Grandfather was a traditionalist. Decades ago, he had been sent abroad for studies, emerging as a refined gentleman shaped by both Eastern and Western education. He valued upright conduct and despised scandalous behavior.

Thus, the three branches of the family often used gossip as ammunition against one another.

On his way back, Kim Taehyung had quickly familiarized himself with the Kim Family’s background, studying the preferences and traits of those around her. He concluded that his starting point wasn’t too bad—certainly not hellish.

He had assumed that the wayward Master Kim would be neglected by the family, but upon closer inspection, he found that all necessary resources were still available to him. With what he currently had, he could advance further and seize control of the Kim Family.

Even though his younger brother, Kim Zhaoye, had ten times his resources and still failed to accomplish this.

Kim Taehyung frowned. He couldn’t understand why such a prominent family wouldn’t prioritize grooming the eldest son. Master Kim was two years older—plenty of time to learn and adapt. In family power struggles, two years was a significant advantage, enough to secure a long lead.

Yet, the Kim Family had poured nearly all their resources into the second son, Kim Zhaoye, without discretion.

How strange. Why abandon an advantage and take the harder path?

Time was running late. The alarm Kim Taehyung had set on his way home chimed. After drafting a simple schedule for theKim Taehyung had set on his way home chimed. After drafting a simple schedule for the next day, he headed to the bathroom to freshen up.

​Young Master Kim’s bathroom was spacious—a full suite. As he unbuttoned his shirt, Kim Taehyung finally identified the source of the discomfort he’d felt all along.

​Beneath his clothes was a tightly laced compression vest, cinched to the smallest setting. To look his best in that outfit, Young Master Kim had constrained himself, enduring his beloved fiancé’s scolding —until his life ended at precisely this moment.

​Kim Taehyung tugged the strings loose, letting the vest drop to the floor. He soaked his slender, red-marked feet in hot water.

​After finishing his routine, he stood before the mirror, patting his already flat stomach. "Be kinder to yourself," he said.

​The next morning, Ms. Hua and Father Kim were still fretting over whether Kim Taehyung would wake up on time.

​Upon rising, they had a sudden realization.

​"Today’s the day all three branches are sending their juniors to visit Grandfather. Is Taehyung reliable enough...? Maybe we should just send Zhaoye."

​Father Kim agreed wholeheartedly. Kim Taehyung had a sharp tongue, and given his usual antics, Grandfather would likely be furious at the sight of him. Kim Zhaoye, their most outstanding child, would surely lift the old man’s spirits and earn their branch some favor.

​Besides, the second and third branches would undoubtedly send their sons. This was a gathering of male heirs—Kim Taehyung’s presence might seem out of place.

​As the couple stepped out of their room, deep in discussion, they nearly jumped out of their skins upon reaching the dining area. Ms. Hua stumbled back, clutching a pillar for support.

​Kim Taehyung sat calmly on the sofa, sipping from a cup while perusing a freshly delivered newspaper—in English, no less. A foreign publication?

​Everyone knew how lackluster his overseas education had been!

​Ms. Hua grabbed her husband’s sleeve in shock, looking up at him helplessly. Father Kim wasn’t faring much better—both were suddenly aware of how slippery their slippers were.

​Hearing the commotion, Kim Taehyung turned, raising his cup in greeting. "Good morning, Mom, Dad."

​He set the newspaper aside and placed his cup down, exuding the composed air of a host as he glanced at something on his tablet.

​"...Morning, morning."

​The Kim parents finally collected themselves, sitting awkwardly on the adjacent sofas instead of joining him on the main one. Only then did they notice the tablet in his hands.

​"Taehyung, you’re up so early?"

​Kim Taehyung nodded politely. "I’m accustomed to a 5:45 antioxidant smoothie. Boosts alertness."

​

​Ms. Hua gaped as if struck by lightning. Waking up early for skincare? Understandable. But this? What kind of absurdity was this?

​Father Kim ventured another question. "What are you looking at there?"

​Kim Taehyung picked it up and gestured slightly: "This is a simplified schedule."

​The grid on the page contained several lines of text, spaced elegantly, with bold and unrestrained strokes that spilled slightly beyond the lines. Though not confined by the boundaries, the arrangement remained neat and pleasing to the eye, instantly putting one at ease.

​Father Kim was stunned—he had never known Taehyung possessed such calligraphic skill.

​Even the old patriarch would surely praise it.

​Staring at Taehyung as if he were possessed, they hesitated to speak. This sudden "reform" was far too abrupt, wasn’t it?

​Kim Taehyung usually spent an hour after waking up checking work emails and listening

​

​Kim Taehyung usually spent an hour after waking up checking work emails and listening to industry podcasts during breakfast. But today, upon opening his inbox, he found no work correspondence—only fawning emails from luxury hotels worldwide, eagerly awaiting his return.

​He marked them all as read and headed straight to the gym for a run.

​By the time the Kim parents woke up, he had already freshened up and was reading the newspaper, catching up on global industry trends.

​Paper was easier on the eyes than screens.

​His room had a sofa, but he preferred the one in the first-floor hall—its feng shui and orientation were impeccable, giving him a regal sense of authority when seated there.

​He observed his parents, sensing they had something to say.

​After a long pause, Ms. Hua Bingfan finally spoke: "Taehyung, we’re glad to see you changing your ways. And it’s wonderful that

​

​spoke: "Taehyung, we’re glad to see you changing your ways. And it’s wonderful that you’re taking the initiative to visit the old patriarch—he’d love to see you. But—"

​Father Kim seamlessly picked up the thread, clearing his throat. "But today, only the male descendants from the second and third branches are going. It wouldn’t be appropriate for you to join. They’ll be playing chess with the patriarch—what would you do, just sit and watch? You represent our family’s dignity. You can’t—"

​Kim Taehyung frowned slightly, tilting his head in confusion. "I know how to play chess."

​Father Kim choked mid-sentence. "Not checkers or Chinese chess—international chess!"

​His expression relaxed further as he nodded. "I’m quite good at it."

​"Good" was an understatement. It was pure coincidence that this happened to be his specialty. He held the IM title with an Elo rating of 2450, ranking as an International Master. At 18, he had dominated online blitz

​

​specialty. He held the IM title with an Elo rating of 2450, ranking as an International Master. At 18, he had dominated online blitz tournaments, though his refusal to show his face had led to accusations of cheating.

​Chess was like business—Kim Taehyung excelled at both. If the patriarch enjoyed it, this would be effortless.

​Father Kim: "..."

​Was that the point? The point was that only the men were supposed to—

​Wait, since when did Taehyung know international chess? This was absurd. He was starting to suspect his son had been body-snatched.

​Dry-mouthed, Father Kim switched tactics. "Look, I don’t want to sound harsh. It’s a gathering for the men—it’s not suitable for a young man like you to act out of order. Let Zhaoye go instead. You can relax, maybe go have fun with Fang Yining. Buy whatever you want—I’ll cover it today!"

​In the past, Kim Taehyung had splurged wildly on shopping trips with his friends. Given the chance, he might even seize this

​

​the chance, he might even seize this opportunity to buy jewelry or a private jet— things he’d normally hesitate over. Such generosity should have been enough to sway him.

​But to his surprise, Kim Taehyung merely smiled faintly, as if finally understanding the conversation.

​It dawned on him: this world was rigidly structured around lineage, and he had been systematically excluded from power. No wonder Young Master Kim, the eldest son, had been sidelined in favor of his younger brother, born two years later.

​He lowered his head slightly, revealing a glimpse of flawlessly maintained teeth as he chuckled.

​Kim Taehyung removed the sunglasses clipped to his collar and slid them on, adjusting them before looking up. "Then here’s another question—is Kim Zhaoye even here?"

​Father Kim and Ms. Hua Bingfan froze.

​Their faces paled instantly.

​—Today was Ruan Nian’s birthday, and Kim

​

​Their faces paled instantly.

​—Today was Ruan Nian’s birthday, and Kim Zhaoye had gone chasing after her!

​Just last night, Kim Taehyung had gone out drinking in frustration because Kim Zhaoye had abandoned his fiancée, Fang Yining, to accompany Ruan Nian on the eve of her birthday. In a fit of anger, Taehyung had confronted Ruan Nian, causing a scene that earned him a scolding from his own fiancé, Jeon Jungkook.

​The so-called heir, Kim Zhaoye, hadn’t even returned home yet!

​Kim Taehyung glanced at his Patek Philippe Ref. 7130 watch, its 62 diamonds glittering as brightly as his future.

​He had assumed his brother was a worthy rival, but his lack of judgment made him unworthy of his effort.

​"It’s getting late. We shouldn’t keep Grandfather waiting—I’ll be on my way." He draped his coat over his shoulders, and only then did his parents notice his uncharacteristically refined attire—simple

​

​draped his coat over his shoulders, and only then did his parents notice his uncharacteristically refined attire—simple colors, sophisticated tailoring, an air of elite professionalism, a far cry from his usual flashy designer club clothes.

​Steward Zhang scrambled to open the door for her. Before disappearing, Kim Taehyung turned back to nod at his parents. "Mom, Dad, when Kim Zhaoye returns, do let him know he missed the men’s gathering."

​His figure vanished up the steps.

​The Kim parents stood gaping, as if someone had force-fed them an egg and left them choking.

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What’s wrong with Kim Taehyung?

​What on earth is wrong with Kim Taehyung?!

​Ms. Hua gasped for breath, clutching her husband’s sleeve in frustration.

​They had tried calling Kim Zhaoye, but his phone was turned off. When they asked his assistant, the reply was, "The CEO is currently with Miss Ruan and has closed his doors to all visitors. No one is to disturb him."

​Ms. Hua nearly rolled her eyes.

​This was too much—she was absolutely livid.

​"Closed his doors to all visitors"? Even to his own family!

​What if Grandpa Kim needed him?!

​At this point, they reluctantly realized that, for now, Taehyung seemed to be the only reliable one.

​Well, actually, Taehyung had always been the most dependable, even if he wasn’t often

​1

​home. He was always reachable, and Grandpa Kim could see him whenever he wanted. Unlike Kim Zhaoye, who was buried in work, or their third son, Kim Zhaosi, who was studying abroad and never returned

​A strange discomfort settled in Ms. Hua’s heart, though she wasn’t sure who exactly she was irritated with.

​With a sigh, she resigned herself to sending Kim Taehyung to check on the old man.

​Of course, nothing unreliable would ever happen with Kim Taehyung.

​He adjusted his watch by 15 minutes—a habit of his. His internal clock ran slightly behind the world’s, so he always gave himself extra time to react.

​Thanks to this habit, he had never once missed an obligation.

​Now, sitting in the car, he was deep in meditation, completely oblivious to the odd looks the Kim Mansion staff were giving him.

​

​Grandpa Kim was staying at a private sanatorium atop an artificial hill. Though called a sanatorium, the entire facility was custom-built for him, with layers of security checks from the entrance onward.

​Kim Taehyung removed his sunglasses and scanned his face at the gate. Just then, an understated black car passed by, its window rolling down as the occupant stared in surprise. "Kim Taehyung? Why are you here? Where’s Kim Zhaoye?"

​Kim Taehyung immediately recognized the speaker’s status but ignored him. Instead, he exchanged a few pleasantries with the security staff before getting back into his car, leaving the window down as they drove off.

​The driver stole a nervous glance at the dumbfounded expression of the second branch’s young master, Kim Kaichang.

​Good heavens, this was a disaster! The young master was being far too direct—he hadn’t even bothered to close the window, leaving no room to pretend he hadn’t heard!

​

​Kim Kaichang’s eyes nearly bulged out of his head as he hung halfway out the window, watching the car drive away without a care. "Kim Taehyung! Kim Taehyung!" he shouted.

​The more he yelled, the faster the car sped off. He turned to Kim Yingjie, the eldest son of the third branch, and demanded, "Was that really Kim Taehyung? He ignored me? What’s his problem?"

​Kim Yingjie was also taken aback. "Wasn’t he always the friendliest one? The one who’d put up with our cold shoulders? Did someone scold him or something?"

​Kim Kaichang sat back, recalling a piece of gossip he’d heard, and smirked. "Ah, I get it now. His fiancé chewed him out yesterday!"

​"Why?"

​"Because of Ruan Nian! It was Ruan Nian’s birthday, and she wanted Kim Zhaoye to stay with her. He’d already promised Fang Yining he’d attend some boring play, which he didn’t

​

​"Because of Ruan Nian! It was Ruan Nian’s birthday, and she wanted Kim Zhaoye to stay with her. He’d already promised Fang Yining he’d attend some boring play, which he didn’t even want to go to in the first place. The moment Ruan Nian called, he canceled. But Kim Taehyung couldn’t stand it—he went and made a scene, got caught by the media, then had the nerve to invite Jeon Jungkook to the New Year’s banquet. Instead of agreeing, he lectured him for having no principles, being indecisive, and embarrassing the Kim family in public."

​Kim Kaichang scoffed. "Ruan Nian just wanted company on her birthday. What was Kim Taehyung meddling for? If even their parents aren’t interfering, why should he, as an older brother, stick his nose in?"

​Kim Yingjie, who had slightly better judgment, hesitated but didn’t comment.

​He knew his cousin had a soft spot for Ruan Nian too. But since Kim Zhaoye was already in the picture, Kim Kaichang played the role of the gracious admirer, outwardly supporting Ruan Nian’s relationship while privately nursing his

​

​bitterness—especially toward anyone who crossed her.

​Kim Yingjie suddenly snapped back to reality. "Right, we should hurry up the hill. Kim Taehyung’s already gone ahead. If Grandpa Kim doesn’t see us, he’ll be upset."

​Kim Kaichang jolted and ordered the driver to move.

​They were the male heirs, the vanguard—how could they let Kim Taehyung beat them to it? That would be unacceptable.

​"Grandpa wants someone to play chess with him. We’ve been practicing for ages. Kim Taehyung can’t even play—even if he gets there first, he won’t have a place to stand," Kim Kaichang joked.

​Kim Taehyung had already stepped out of the car and spotted the ninety-year-old man sitting in the courtyard. Dressed in a neat Tang suit, he was slowly arranging chess pieces on the table.

​

​pieces on the table.

​A single glance told him everything about the game—Grandpa Kim was still at an amateur level, working through a puzzle from a manual. Coincidentally, this particular setup had only one solution, and he happened to know it.

​He greeted him warmly. "Grandpa, I’ve come to see you."

​Grandpa Kim looked up, startled, but his expression darkened when he saw him.

​"What are you doing here? All you do is embarrass yourself and our family—now you’re even making headlines! The Kim family doesn’t need—"

​Kim Taehyung listened with a faint smile, neither arguing nor correcting him. His calm demeanor unnerved Grandpa Kim, and he trailed off mid-rant.

​Strange. Why wasn’t Kim Taehyung wearing his usual stubborn, defiant look?

​It robbed him of the satisfaction of scolding him.

​him.

​Kim Taehyung had studied psychology. People unconsciously mirror others’ expressions, and his serenity was dissolving Grandpa Kim’s anger.

​He didn’t deny the past actions tied to this identity, but he also had no intention of bearing their consequences.

​He lifted his eyelids slightly, as if prompting him to continue. "I’m listening, Grandpa."

​Grandpa Kim: "..."

​He felt even more unsettled. What did he mean, "I’m listening"? How was he supposed to keep going like this?

​His frustration had nowhere to go. With Kim Taehyung reacting this way, he couldn’t even vent properly. It was maddening.

​He eyed him suspiciously. "You... have no reaction to being scolded?"

​Kim Taehyung smiled, dipping his head briefly before meeting his gaze again, as if the answer were obvious and he’d asked a

​before meeting his gaze again, as if the answer were obvious and he’d asked a ridiculous question. "Of course you’re free to judge me as you see fit. My only role is to listen."

​Before Grandpa Kim could process his uncharacteristic compliance, he added:

​"Others’ opinions don’t determine my worth."

​Grandpa Kim nearly choked on his own breath.

​The way he said it—so matter-of-fact, so unshaken—made it clear he genuinely believed it. All his yelling had meant nothing to him. He’d just let him rant like some free entertainer?!

​Grandpa Kim gave up. He didn’t want to talk to Kim Taehyung anymore. With a grunt, he turned back to his chessboard, slamming the pieces down harder than necessary.

​In his youth, Old Master Kim had been a master of composure. But age had granted him the privilege of wearing his emotions on his sleeve—and making sure everyone else

​

​endured them.

​Of course, the old man had to give a slap before offering a sweet date.

​As Old Master Kim arranged the chess pieces, Kim Taehyung pressed one down with his finger and asked, "Grandpa, are you trying to figure out how to solve this game?"

​Old Master Kim frowned and looked up, only for Kim Taehyung to smile faintly. He tapped a spot on the board, his gaze focused.

​"Rook to C2—checkmate in seven moves."

​No, what do you know—? Just as Old Master Kim was about to snap at him, he suddenly froze. Wait, since when did Kim Taehyung know chess terminology like this? He couldn’t even win at Connect Five.

​Dumbfounded, he lowered his eyes to the board and, for some inexplicable reason, instinctively moved the piece as he had suggested.

​As he set the piece down, Old Master Kim’s heart skipped a beat.