ch 2

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 The kim 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 into 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, does 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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