Seoul – Jiwoo's Private Residence, Aurora Hills Estate
The penthouse was silent, save for the soft music playing from hidden speakers—traditional Korean gayageum tones floating gently through the air. Sunlight filtered through sheer curtains, bathing the minimalist space in warm gold.
Ha Yoori stood at the edge of the room, nervously clutching the handle of her small suitcase. She wore a modest cream blouse and jeans, clearly worn but clean. Her eyes roamed the space in disbelief.
"This is where… you live?"
Jiwoo nodded with a kind smile, setting a tray of fresh fruit and tea on the table.
"It's a quiet place. No crowds, no noise, no expectations. Just peace."
Yoori hesitated. "Why me? Why are you helping me? You don't even know me."
Jiwoo sat down across from her and poured the tea.
"I didn't help you out of pity," he said softly. "I helped you because I know what it feels like to be discarded. To be told you're not enough. I was there just days ago. Then… life gave me another chance."
He didn't elaborate. He didn't need to.
The system quietly pinged behind his eyes.
> [Relationship Level Increased: Respectful Trust → Warm Respect]
[Yoori now sees you as someone she can rely on. Keep being sincere.]
Yoori slowly took a seat and held the teacup in both hands.
"I don't know what kind of miracle this is," she whispered, "but I'll do my best to deserve it."
Jiwoo shook his head. "You don't have to earn your place here, Yoori. Just live. Grow. Be who you were meant to be. That's all."
---
Later That Night – Jiwoo's Study Room
The system's glowing screen hovered quietly in front of Jiwoo as he scrolled through a new set of optional lifestyle goals.
> [Harem Circle Status: 1/7 Selected]
[Next Candidate Nearby: Park Nayun – Status: Unaware]
Side Task: Choose your first business identity. The world will slowly begin to notice you.
He tapped the task.
> Choose Your Front Identity:
1. Tech Prodigy
2. Anonymous Investment Genius
3. Real Estate Developer
4. Education Reformer
5. Cultural Patron
Jiwoo smiled.
"Let's go with option 2."
> You are now registered as the anonymous financial director of Polaris Capital, an investment firm with unknown origins. All activity will be handled by AI-proxy managers unless overridden.
Instantly, financial alerts popped up.
Polaris Capital had acquired three struggling firms, bailed out a failing school foundation, and quietly invested in a clean-energy startup run by underprivileged university students.
> [Public Recognition: 0%]
[Social Buzz: Rumors begin…]
He closed the screen and leaned back, content.
No headlines. No cameras.
But his influence was growing.
Silently.
---
The Next Day – Gangnam University Art Exhibit
Jiwoo walked through the open gallery hall slowly, wearing a charcoal-gray coat and black gloves. Next to him, Yoori walked a step behind, now dressed in a soft pastel skirt and coat the system provided. She looked around with wide eyes.
"I've never been to an art show before," she admitted.
"You're here now," Jiwoo said gently. "That's all that matters."
As they moved through the space, a small crowd was gathered around a corner display. A large canvas covered in thick brush strokes and deep shadows pulled people in.
Jiwoo paused as the system chimed again.
> [Target Identified: Park Nayun – Artist Student]
[Age: 21 | Background: Runs family ramen shop | Independent, blunt, soft-hearted under the surface]
He watched as a young woman stepped forward to explain the painting. Her voice was calm but confident.
"This piece is called 'Drenched Silence.' It reflects the feeling of being spoken over, of being forgotten even while screaming. Some people live their entire lives that way."
The crowd murmured quietly.
Jiwoo noticed the painting's corner tag: Park Nayun – 4th Year, Full Scholarship Lost Due to Sponsor Bankruptcy.
He understood now.
After the crowd dispersed, he and Yoori approached.
Jiwoo spoke gently. "It's a beautiful piece. You captured something most people don't even know how to describe."
Nayun looked at him, surprised. "Thanks. It won't sell, though. People say it's too 'depressing'."
Jiwoo smiled. "Then maybe they're the ones who need to look closer."
He looked at Yoori. "What do you think?"
Yoori tilted her head. "It reminds me of how I used to feel. Like I was screaming inside but no one noticed. But… it also makes me feel like maybe someone finally heard."
Nayun blinked, a little flustered. "You… really think that?"
Jiwoo extended a hand. "Would you be willing to discuss showcasing your work with a quiet patron who appreciates art with meaning? A place where you don't need to compromise your soul?"
Nayun raised an eyebrow. "You're not from some gallery, are you?"
"No. I'm someone who believes people like you deserve space to breathe."
She stared at his eyes. Something told her he wasn't lying.
"…Alright. I'll listen."
> [Candidate 2 of 7: Park Nayun has entered Observation Phase]
[Current Level: Curiosity – Level 1]
As they left the gallery, Yoori looked up at Jiwoo.
"Are you… building something?"
He nodded slowly. "Not a company. Not an empire. Just a life where people don't need to beg to be seen."
She smiled quietly.
"I'm glad I met you."
And Jiwoo, watching the golden sky over the Han River that evening, knew this was only the beginning.
---