Chapter 282: Free
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 282: Free
— Go buy some things you’ll need.
That was what Big Hyung said when he called me out of the blue.
I was enjoying some rare alone time in the dormitory, so a call from Big Hyung wasn't exactly welcome. However, in terms of content, it was more than satisfactory.
“Heh, should I head out right now?”
It’s been a while since I’ve been able to properly flex being a chaebol’s son to the others. It’s not every day I get to act like a big shot without even spending my own money, so I planned to milk this for all it was worth.
— This evening. Someone will be sent to pick you up then. So get ready.
“Mm, got it—”
I was about to say something when a face suddenly flashed through my mind.
“By any chance, Senior Ju-hee isn't coming as the driver, is she?”
When I asked hesitantly, Big Hyung sounded almost pleased as he countered with a question.
— Why? Is it uncomfortable?
“No, well… maybe just a little?”
— Heh.
“What? Why are you laughing all of a sudden?”
It was rare for this man to actually let out a chuckle like that. It was a resonant laugh, as if his plan had worked perfectly.
“Why are you laughing? It’s creeping me out.”
— It’s nothing. Right, Min Ju-hee won’t be driving. So don’t worry.
“Phew, that’s a relief.”
I’d feel too guilty shopping with the others right in front of Senior Ju-hee.
“But is it okay for me to go to a department store? My face is pretty well-known by now.”
My face hadn't appeared on the broadcast, but I’d trended as the youngest son of Uju Group. Just this morning, I’d had to delete a flood of posts about me on the Bamboo Forest.
— I know.
Big Hyung replied as if he’d already considered everything.
— That’s why you’re going in the evening.
“Wait, did you like, rent out the whole mall just for us?”
— Not the whole mall, but we reserved the VIP Lounge area.
“What a waste of money. Couldn't I just wear a mask?”
— It was Father’s order.
“……Father’s?”
That was a bit unexpected.
— Yes, so don’t feel pressured and buy whatever you want.
“I don’t feel pressured at all.”
Though the other kids might feel a bit overwhelmed. I could already imagine them freaking out after seeing the price tags.
— And Woo-jin.
I thought he was about to hang up, but it seemed he still had something to say. When I asked what it was, Big Hyung gave a sincere sigh and a warning.
— Don’t cause an accident.
“…….”
— I’m serious. If you cause an accident at your age, it’s not just your problem—you’ll be blocking those girls' futures too.
“Sigh, I know. I have that much judgment, okay?”
That’s a lie.
But since nothing has happened so far, it’s basically the same as being careful. I’ll start being careful from now on.
“Trust me, Hyung. I handled this recent incident cleanly, didn't I? So don’t worry.”
— …….
“Even if I act out, I’m not that reckless. I share the same blood as you and Father, after all.”
When I answered with a shrug, Big Hyung’s voice lightened slightly.
— Right, I trust you.
“See?”
— Have you ever considered getting a vasectomy?
“You son of a… just say you don’t trust me!”
What kind of person tells a twenty-one-year-old to get a vasectomy? I hung up the phone in a huff.
Still, my head cooled down a bit. Hyung wasn't wrong. I’ve been living pretty recklessly, but contraception is important. It’s one thing if I ruin my own life, but I could ruin the girls' lives too. It’s hard to attend university if you get pregnant.
I closed my eyes tightly.
‘Woo-jin, inside! Put it inside!’
If Seo Ye-rin wrapped her legs around my waist and tempted me like that, would I really be able to resist?
“Hmm.”
I couldn't resist before, so how could I now?
‘No, this isn't right.’
To earn their trust, I really do need to get my act together. Just because I couldn't do it yesterday doesn't mean I can't do it today.
“I think I should practice.”
I needed to become a man who could resist temptation. After all, there was the incident with Senior Ju-hee. The fact that I’d crossed the line with her while drunk was truly shocking.
“Yes! Let’s overcome this! I can do it!”
Let’s go, Kim Woo-jin. From now on, you are 'Stone Buddha Woo-jin,' a man unmoved by temptation. To achieve that, I felt the need to train, so I immediately turned on my laptop and pulled up an adult video.
“Hmm.”
I had to learn to control myself even while watching this. Even in an arousing situation, I would remain disciplined.
…….
………….
……………….
“Now, where are the tissues…”
Vrrr!
“Holy shit!”
I jumped as I stood up to find tissues, startled by my phone suddenly vibrating.
— Jeong Chan-woo -
“Ugh, what now?”
Thanks to him, the mood was completely killed, though I felt a bit of lingering regret.
“Hello? Why so sudden?”
— I heard you’re back. Ah-rin told me.
“Yeah, I’m back. Why?”
— The seniors want to go out for drinks. They said you promised to treat everyone.
“Drinks? Ah, right.”
That’s right, I’d told Bong-geun I’d buy him a meal, but since it was a hassle, I’d decided to just get everyone together. I was planning to introduce Bong-geun to the idiots then.
“I feel like they’ll get along well.”
Bong-geun needs to learn how to make friends as a person, not just with money.
“But today’s a bit tough for me. How about tomorrow?”
— Tomorrow? Got it. Then I’ll go ahead and make a reservation.
“A reservation?”
— ……Yeah.
Why was his response so delayed?
“Where are you reserving?”
— ……Onhyang.
Onhyang? Where the hell is that? I looked it up to see what kind of bar it was.
“You son of a… That’s an omakase place. Do you want to die?”
— Aren't you a rich young master? Shouldn't you treat us to a place like that? We’re all really looking forward to it.
“Sigh, what rich young master?”
— You are. Woo-jin, I’m disappointed. If that was the case, you should’ve told us.
“Hasn't the rumor already spread all over school?”
— We didn't actually believe it. Who would’ve thought a guy who wears frumpy tracksuits every day was actually the son of a major conglomerate chairman?
Well, I guess that makes sense. I’d spread the rumors through the Bamboo Forest, but I’d never actually said I was a chaebol with my own mouth. No wonder these guys were constantly yapping in the group chat. I still had them saved as 'Dumbass 1, 2, 3, and 4,' so I didn't know who was talking and just ignored it.
— Now I finally understand why the girls like you.
“Ugh, shut up. Just eat at the unlimited refill pork belly place nearby. Or get chicken from Ttosik-i Two-Piece.”
— Come on, you’re loaded. Are you really not going to buy us omakase?
“Do I owe you money or something?”
— Senior Han-gang said if you don’t buy it, he’s going to report you as a piece of trash who just plays with women’s hearts.
“Tell him if he wants to see me in court instead of an omakase restaurant, go right ahead.”
— Aw, Woo-jin! Men need to eat omakase when they’re having secret talks!
Ha, these bastards.
“Fine. Make the reservation. For six people.”
— Why six? You’re not planning to invite that uncle, are you?
“No. I’m inviting my friend Bong-geun. He’s loaded too.”
— Hyun-ho says a rich friend is always welcome.
“Is he right next to you?”
— We’re all at the PC Bang right now. Want to come?
Hmm, I was actually feeling like it.
“Be there soon.”
It’s been a while; I should go play some games. After hanging up, I immediately called Bong-geun.
— Hello?
“Bong-geun, you free tomorrow? Actually, just come even if you aren't.”
— ……Weren't you going to call me James?
“I’ve already gotten everything I need from you, so you’re back to being Bong-geun.”
— Sigh, what’s happening tomorrow?
I guess Bong-geun has given up now. But what kind of Korean name is James? Bong-geun suits him much better, like a warm bowl of gukbap.
“I have some connections I manage separately. I’m going to introduce you to them.”
— Connections?
“Yeah, they’re all top-tier guys. You helped me out this time, so I’m introducing you.”
In reality, they were just top-tier idiots, but I greased the wheels a bit. I had to make it sound impressive for Bong-geun to be interested enough to come.
— They’re impressive enough for you to say that?
“Yeah, so come. I said I’d buy you a drink anyway.”
— Hmm, alright. I’ll clear my schedule for tomorrow evening.
“Okay. I’ll send you the address.”
— Sure, I’m looking forward to it.
What is there to look forward to?
“Oh, wait.”
I almost forgot the most important thing.
“Bring your wallet.”
— ……You said you were buying.
“Yeah, I am.”
Of course I’m buying.
“But bring your wallet. Definitely.”
— Hey, are you buying or not?
“I said I’m buying! Who said I wouldn't? I’m the one inviting you, so why would I make you pay?”
— Sigh, right?
“But definitely bring your wallet.”
— Fucking—!
Click.
I hung up because he started swearing. Since it’s an expensive omakase place, I should leave my wallet at home.
“Off to the PC Bang~”
Now that tomorrow’s omakase situation was settled, I headed to the PC Bang for the first time in a while to play some games.
* * *
As soon as I arrived at the PC Bang, the idiots greeted me immediately. They had left the very center seat open and were kneeling on either side, waiting for me.
“You have arrived, Lord Woo-jin!”
Starting with Ahn Hyun-ho, the dumbasses all bowed their heads.
Ugh, seriously. It’s so blatant it’s absurd.
“Yes, you morons. You’ve finally realized that I am not someone who should be associating with commoners like you.”
Well, I might as well enjoy it. I checked the food menu as soon as I sat down.
“I haven't had breakfast, so I should eat something.”
I was about to order Jajangmyeon when Ahn Hyun-ho, sitting next to me, poked his head out.
“Your Majesty, please buy me one too.”
“Me too.”
“I want the udon and pork cutlet set.”
“Spicy ramen for me.”
Look at these guys. The moment they hear I’m a chaebol, they try to take advantage of me. They didn't even try to hide their ulterior motives. If they had, they would’ve looked sneaky, but being this bold just made them look like even bigger idiots.
“Hey, I’m buying omakase tomorrow, so shouldn't you guys buy the ramen today?”
“Wow, you’re so stingy for a chaebol.”
“Then don’t eat the omakase.”
When I stood my ground, the four of them exchanged glances and then nodded.
“Fine, we should at least treat you to ramen.”
“Order whatever you want.”
I immediately ordered two servings of ramen, plus dumplings and pork cutlet.
Phew.
‘Free ramen is going to taste so good.’
I’m getting a free meal here today, and Bong-geun will buy the omakase tomorrow.
‘Saving on food expenses feels great.’
It was hard to suppress the broad grin spreading across my face.