TOIGC 15

Chapter 15 …

Prepare for the Future (2)

“Young Master, I brought what you asked for.”

Ryu Geuntae walked into the room dripping with sweat, carrying several English-language newspapers.

“Ah, thank you for your hard work.”

Taking the newspapers, Yoongi looked up at him. Ryu Geuntae bowed his head with an intensely apologetic expression.

“I am truly sorry, Young Master.” “No, don’t be. It’s already June, so it can’t be helped that it’s this hot. You must have had a tough time getting these newspapers for me. Go take a shower and cool off in front of the air conditioner in the living room.” “I am honestly fine.” “Well, I’m not. How are you supposed to tutor me when you’re soaked in sweat? I’ll tell the housekeeper, so change into a fresh set of undershirts and a dress shirt, too.” “Thank you so much for your consideration.”

Though the words sounded a bit sharp, Ryu Geuntae—having spent months around the young master and getting to know his personality—could feel the warmth behind them. Without resisting any further, he followed the housekeeper’s guidance out into the living room.

‘This place must be paradise for the housekeepers.’

It was midsummer, hot enough outside to feel like a hail of fire, but the home of Choi Cheolho, the president of Samwoo Heavy Industries, was actually equipped with an air conditioner. This air conditioner—Mokseong Electronics’ GA-120 model—boasted a price tag of around 270,000 KRW, roughly equivalent to two and a half months’ salary for an average corporate employee. Yet there wasn’t just one; units were installed strategically throughout divided sections of the house, giving Ryu Geuntae a fresh appreciation for the sheer stature of a ‘truly wealthy household.’ The housekeepers, who wore thin, light-material clothes that were perfectly comfortable for summer despite having long sleeves and long pants, looked undeniably comfortable.

“Will this size work? The president often brings subordinates over, so we keep a few different sizes on hand.” “Ah, this should fit nicely. Thank you.”

Though Ryu Geuntae had showered in warm water that had run through pipes heated by the blazing sun outside, steping into the living room after changing into clean clothes felt like sheer paradise under the cool breeze of the air conditioner.

‘Ah, now is not the time to be relaxing.’

He spun around to head back into Yoongi’s room, but the housekeeper called out to him from behind.

“The young master told you to come in after 30 minutes. By my count, you still have 20 minutes left.” “Pardon?” “He said he had a lot of newspaper articles to read and told you to come in after 30 minutes. Oh, and please eat some of this watermelon. The young master asked us to prepare it for you.”

Touched by the thoughtful gesture, Ryu Geuntae felt renewed gratitude toward Yoongi.

Crunch, crunch!

Cool air-conditioned breeze that was unimaginable in this era, a plush sofa, and icy-cold watermelon to boot. It was a luxury light-years away from any rest he could get at his own home, but feeling a far greater sense of comfort here than in his own house, Ryu Geuntae was able to thoroughly recharge his energy during those 30 minutes.

“Sorry to keep you waiting so long.”

As Yoongi opened his door and looked out into the living room, Ryu Geuntae hurriedly stood up from his seat.

“Not at all. Thanks to you, Young Master, I feel completely energized.” “Glad to hear it. Shall we get started, then?” “Yes, absolutely.”

Ryu Geuntae stole a quick glance at what Yoongi was reading in the English newspapers.

‘The economy section… The young master really possesses extraordinary foresight.’

In the past, Ryu Geuntae used to think that if he had been born into a rich family, he would have become a far better person than he was now. But after tutoring Yoongi for several months, that thought had largely vanished. The little master before his eyes was the absolute embodiment of effort. It was an astounding level of dedication, even to an observer. Yet from Yoongi’s perspective, this effort was pure joy. It was effort he couldn’t exert even if he wanted to before his regression. In truth, back when Yoongi was in his first year of elementary school, he once received a report card filled only with top marks. Instead of praise, his worthless butcher of a father beat him black and blue for studying during time he should have spent earning money, forcing him to cut ties with studying entirely. He even had to intentionally answer questions wrong on exams, even when he knew the correct answers. But what about now? He had a grandfather who shouted, “My grandson is the best!” every time report cards came out, alongside parents who showered him with love. How could effort be anything other than a joy?

As if reading his inner thoughts, Choi Deokbae raised his nose proudly beside him. Yoongi seemed to acknowledge it as well, offering no particular rebuttal.

‘Come to think of it, final exams are coming up soon.’

As he studied, Yoongi smiled at the thought that he could bring joy to his grandfather by earning straight A’s once again. Four hours later. As tutoring wrapped up, both Yoongi and Ryu Geuntae stretched their arms. Tutoring with Park Sunja had ended a month ago. Yoongi felt that with Ryu Geuntae by his side, he could take things a step further. Park Sunja’s tearful reaction had been quite a sight, but Yoongi had no affection for a teacher who slapped vulnerable classmates whenever she was in a foul mood, so he switched to Ryu Geuntae as his primary tutor without the slightest regret. Though he hadn’t attended Seoul National University, Ryu Geuntae was a graduate of Korea University’s Department of Business Administration, making him a fantastic tutor for Yoongi. On top of that, Yoongi was studying like a man possessed, leveraging the sharp intellect inherited through Choi Deokbae’s bloodline paired with the fierce grit carried over from his past life.

“Thank you for your hard work again today.” “You worked hard as well, Young Master. Oh, by the way, the purchase of the Cheonggyecheon land you ordered last time is almost complete. By this weekend, we should have bought up all the available land.” “In that case, Yongsan is next. Not immediately, but once we pool some more funds. Still, if possible, I’d like you to set up an agreement for the deal. Aim for a transaction near the end of this year, specifically in Hangangno-dong.” “Understood.”

Just like last time, Ryu Geuntae answered politely without asking a single question. Normally, the tutoring session would end right here. However, there was just one thing Ryu Geuntae desperately wanted to ask. It was a question he had wanted to ask ever since he prostrated himself before Chairman Choi Gihyeon in the study. Strictly speaking, it was something he should never ask, but after being drawn to Yoongi over a long period, what started as a tiny snowflake of anxiety had rolled into a house-sized snowball. So, looking at Yoongi, who was still stretching his muscles, Ryu Geuntae spoke up cautiously.

“Um… Young Master.” “Yes?” “I wanted to tell you something in advance, in case you end up disappointed in me later.” “About what?” “Well… you see…”

Ryu Geuntae didn’t quite understand why he was saying this either. There was nothing to gain from bringing it up, and Chairman Choi Gihyeon had already turned a blind eye to it. Why take on such a risk now? Yet for the first time in a very long time, Ryu Geuntae’s emotions overruled his reason.

“The truth is… I am from the Honam region.” “Is that so?”

Yoongi’s tone was so utterly casual that Ryu Geuntae momentarily wondered if the young master didn’t know what the word ‘Honam’ meant.

“Honam refers to Jeolla Province, Young Master…”

Regional discrimination against Honam in the 1970s was brutal enough to reach even young children, so Ryu Geuntae squeezed his eyes shut.

“And?”

Hearing the exact same unbothered response, Ryu Geuntae could only blink his eyes in disbelief.

“…Doesn’t that make you feel uncomfortable around me?” “Why would it?” “Well… is it really alright for me to stay by your side? What if I end up stabbing you in the back…?” “Are you going to?” “Of course not, but…”

Yoongi stopped stretching and looked Ryu Geuntae dead in the eye.

“Mister.”

Faced with a expression from the young master that was incomparably more serious than before, Ryu Geuntae straightened his posture and sat up properly with a respectful demeanor.

“Even if you betray me, it won’t be Jeolla Province betraying me—it will be a man named Ryu Geuntae betraying me.” “…!” “And even if another person from Jeolla Province betrays me, that just means that person betrayed me, not you.” “Young Master…” “Do we need to say anything more?” “No. Not at all. It seems I still didn’t truly understand you, Young Master. Going forward, I will dedicate myself even more fiercely to serving you.”

Crossing through time, Yoongi came to understand how his second uncle had won Ryu Geuntae’s loyalty in his past life. It was Ryu Geuntae’s regional inferiority complex.

‘My second uncle lived in this era, but he was probably someone without regional prejudice.’

Behind Yoongi, who was reflecting internally, Choi Deokbae was nodding with a proud look on his face, though Yoongi couldn’t see it. Instead, Yoongi put on an intentionally pouting expression toward Ryu Geuntae.

“Now I’m suddenly feeling hurt.” “Pardon? What do you mean?”

Looking at Ryu Geuntae, who was flustered by the out-of-nowhere remark, Yoongi’s expression turned playful.

“So you’re saying you’ve been half-assing my tutoring until now?” “No! No! That’s not what I meant…”

Yoongi didn’t drag the joke out.

“I’m just kidding.”

With the tension suddenly dissipating, Ryu Geuntae let out a weak smile as the tension drained from his spine.

“Honestly, Young Master…” “Oh, by the way, Mister, do you have a US visa?” “A visa? I’ve never been abroad, so I don’t even have a passport yet…” “Then get one made right away. An occasion to use it will come up soon.” “Excuse me…?”

No matter how fiercely the fire rained down outside or how heavily the snowstorm blew, such harsh weather was a story from a completely different world to the wealthy. After all, even in this sizzling heat, Choi Cheolho and Yoongi were outside playing catch.

“Hey now, you’ve gotten a lot stronger!” “I’ll be stronger than you next year, Dad!” “One year isn’t going to cut it, kiddo!”

Skillfully throwing the ball back and forth, both father and son had slightly tanned skin. As water sprayed from a hose held by housekeepers formed rainbows over them, their bronzed skin was highlighted, creating a scene that looked like an oil painting.

“See? Doing it like this means playing catch isn’t hot at all, right?” “Even if it’s hot, playing with you is fun, Dad.” “Is that so? Hahaha!”

Though their shirts, pants, and shoes were completely soaked, neither cared as they laughed and threw the ball. Even Park Yeonji, who normally would have swatted their backs for getting soaked, was sitting on the porch edge eating an Oldesamgang popsicle with a smile.

“Are you leaving this father—no, grandfather—out of the fun?”

Choi Gihyeon, who had come to live with them part-time per Yoongi’s previous request, stepped out through the living room doors with a hurt expression.

“Father, it’s dangerous for you to do outdoor activities in this weather.”

At his son’s ribbing, Choi Gihyeon peeled off his outer shirt, leaving him in just an undershirt, and stepped down from the porch.

“You rascal! Old as I am, I’m still healthier than you!”

As his hard-earned muscular frame was revealed, Choi Gihyeon showed off a surprisingly sturdy physique that didn’t lose out to Choi Cheolho’s.

“Father, you somehow look even healthier now.” “I have to exercise hard if I want to keep holding my grandson.” “I told you I’ll be the one lifting you up soon, Grandfather.”

The catch between two soon became a game among three, expanding the canvas of that oil painting significantly. A game of catch among three generations on a weekday afternoon. This familial harmony—something families without money could never afford—brought Yoongi immense happiness. And that sense of happiness didn’t shatter even when the doorbell rang from outside. The housekeepers would head out to the main gate to check anyway. However, a moment later… Happiness was broken in a far from unhappy manner.

“You rascal! Your in-law is here and you don’t even come out to greet him?” “Grandfather!”

Yoongi’s maternal grandfather, Brigadier General Colson, appeared with broad shoulders clad in a striking US military uniform, and Yoongi sprinted toward him with all his might.