Rebirth as a Good Child
Chapter - 1
The room was quiet and calm. The person in bed was still asleep. Sunlight shone brightly through the crack in the window and shone over the young man’s sleeping face, painting a faint golden halo around him. With it, he looked even more radiant like an angel.
His brows were not thick nor were they thin. They were in a gentle shape that didn’t detract from his gentlemanly handsome aura. The outer corners of his eyes, which were calmly closed in sleep, tilted up slightly.
The long curly eyelashes cast a small patch of shadow underneath his eyes. Below his straight nose were a pair of full and rosy lips.
The lips opened up a crack, revealing the faint uneven pink colour of the tip of his tongue. His skin was very white. It wasn’t the pale white tone of sickliness but the beautiful fair white of pearls. The delicate cheeks appeared blushed under the rays of the sun. A thin layer of fuzzy hair was also revealed. Altogether the young man looked like quiet doll, unrealistically beautiful.
If someone walked into the room at this moment, they would think they’ve travelled to a fantastical place with a sleeping little prince in it.
After a while, his brows formed a faint frown. The tranquil expression became one of pain and suffering. A faint layer of cold sweat formed over his bright and clean forehead, as though he was trapped in the midst of a nightmare. Under the thin eyelids, his eyes rolled about non-stop as if he was struggling to wake up with all his might. A long moment passed, he seemed to have defeated the nightmare demon and abruptly opened his eyes!
And what sort of expressions did his eyes convey? One conveyed a deep and heavy dejection born from a harsh life filled with waves after waves of change. An expression that did not fit his perfectly beautiful appearance.
Kim Taehyung
(With wide open eyes, Kim Taehyung’s chest violently surged up and down. After a long while, he finally calmed down from his panic. He felt like sighing. Why wasn’t he dead yet? He clearly felt the pain of a bullet piercing into his heart and the powerlessness that came with a rapidly escaping life. Why was he still alive? His family’s already bankrupt. The whole family was in dire straits and, not long ago, his grandfather even passed away. The simple funeral had cleared off the last of their savings. To think they once were one of the most rich and powerful family in Korea. )
In just one generation, the great family toppled. Everyone pushed the wall that was about to collapse.
He silently laid there. His thoughts rushed around like a train wreck. A sparkling tear drop slid down from those beautiful eyes and quickly disappeared into his hair.
After another long moment, Taehyung finally felt that something was wrong. There was not a single bit of pain in his body. He tested his left arm, fingers and his right leg.
His heart stopped in shock. His eyes focused and what he saw made his pupils shrink. How could this be?
This was the room he lived in before his family went bankrupt! Window drapes in champagne colours, furniture complimenting each other to give off a warm aura.
The whole room shone in a subtle display of wealth and glamour. Everything was so familiar. But this mansion was clearly sold off to pay bank the bank’s loan!
Shocked, he sat up and pulled up the pale blue legs of his sleepwear to find his right leg, the right leg that was snapped in a beating and had revealed the stale white of broken bones, was currently whole and perfect against the bedsheets. The china-white skin tone. The elegant thin calf with perfect lines and sparse leg hair. Under that round and smooth anklebone laid a pretty white foot with thin calluses, round toes and pink nails. It didn’t look like a man’s foot at all. And currently, it’s curled in shock and seemed both pitiful and cute.
He raised his left hand to his eyes and stared at it under that ray of sunlight. It looked like an exceedingly beautiful hand with smooth and pale with long, thin fingers and well-defined bone structure. The healthy pink nails were also neatly manicured. Under sunshine, the whole hand shone in a pleasing flesh pink tone and looked like the most perfect hand sculpture in the world.
But Kim Taehyung clearly remembered. This hand had been stomped on and smashed with rocks until it didn’t look like a hand. Broken, bent and swollen, it looked like a messy bleeding pile of flesh and not a hand. Even the world’s best doctors couldn’t let it regain its original form. Yet it’s now perfectly fine before his eyes as if it had never been hurt before. He gently closed it into a fist and felt the strength within it. His heart thundered as he looked down at his equally fine right leg. He didn’t know what was going on at all.
He thought for a while then looked up the date on the phone that was lying on the headboard. It’s…four years ago? He suddenly jumped down from the bed and rushed into the bathroom.
He stared at the young, naive and untainted face in his mirror, then again at his left hand. He turned it this way and that, and looked at it over and over again.
After a long time, he gleefully laughed with his hands covering his face. At first, it was just a light chuckle. As it went on, he began crying as well and big drops of tears flowed from between his fingers and down into his sleeves.
The gods must pity him to let him to return to the time before the whole tragedy occurred. This time, he will take good care of his family’s love. Carefully. He’ll be a good child and not cause a ruckus anymore…
It’s past 10 now. In the kim family, Taehyung’s father, Kim Yoo, and eldest brother, Kim Yoongi, had left for the office for quite a while now. The mother, kim go-eun, glanced up at the peaceful stairway time and again.
Kim go-eun (Ma)
(Filled with worry, she commented), “Why hasn’t Tae come down yet? Even if he wants to sleep, he should eat a little something before going back to sleep. Otherwise, he’ll ruin his body with hunger.”
Kim go-eun’s not young anymore but she’s still beautiful and dignified. She still radiated with the faint aura of an ancient, huge clan’s precious daughter.
Not tall, but petite – very much like the kind of girls usually associated with the phrase “misty rains at the break of dawn”. Elegant, gentle, and fair.
The mysterious and mystical lady you’d see in classical paintings. Because she took good care of her skin, she looked like someone in her 30s instead of someone with two children already past 20 years old.
Kim ji-eun
(The big sister of the kim family, Kim Ji-eun, pulled her away by the arm and softly advised) “Ma, stop worrying. Little brother slept late last night. It’s normal if he wants to sleep a little longer today. If we wake up him, he won’t be happy again.”
As opposed to her gentle name, Kim Ji-eun had the appearance of a strong, sturdy girl. Dressed in a black skirt suit which showed off her curvy stature and a light layer of makeup, she looked like a brilliant and experienced businesswoman.
Kim go-eun (Ma)
(Kim go-eun nodded but continued worrying) “I don’t know what’s wrong with your brother. It’s been so long and his emotions are all over the place. He doesn’t answer when we ask what’s wrong. Just who made him so unhappy? Your father and big brother only care about the company, the company and the company. They don’t even care about Tae. He’s still young. How could his body bear all these negative emotions? Even if they don’t help, at least they can help think up a plan!”
Kim ji-eun
(Ji-eun could only helplessly try and calm her mother down) “Father and Big Bro are both very busy. Lil Bro’s also growing up. He’ll have his own little secrets and frustrations. We can’t help it.”
Kim go-eun (Ma)
(Kim go-eun sighed)“He can talk to me about anything he’s frustrated about. Really.” (Then, she suddenly put on a ferocious face.) “If I know who it is that’s been making my precious baby upset, I will make them regret it forever!”
Kim ji-eun
“You’re right, Ma,” (Ji-eun replied in a stern voice.) “If no one’s to blame for it, then whatever. But if someone is behind Lil Bro’s unhappy state, you don’t need to deal with them. Big Bro and I will never forgive them!”
Kim go-eun (Ma)
(Kim go-eun eagerly agreed) “Right! That’s the way it should be. I ate something wrong by accident when your little brother was still in my stomach. That’s why his health was so poor when he was still a child. Constantly being hospitalised, how much he’d suffered. It’s all my fault. It took great effort to make sure he grew up well. His character’s also so soft and easily bullied. You’ve got the same sturdy personality as Yoongi, so I’m not that worried when you leave the house. But your brother. Ah, it’s all fine with your father and I being alive. But once we’re gone, your younger brother will be depending on you and Yoongi.”
Kim ji-eun
“Ma, that’s the 800th time you’re telling me this. Big Bro and I have always doted on Tae as he was growing up. Don’t you trust us? You should know our love for him isn’t any less than yours and Father’s.” (Ji-eun nodded along but she couldn’t help rolling her eyes. Tae as soft? What a joke. However, it’s not inaccurate. That brat’s like a mouse. Meek and quiet in public, but a complete tyrant in private. He’s a silly little thing with only a tiny shred of courage.)
Kim ji-eun
(As they say, a mother knows her children best. Her mother’s the one who really understands Lil Bro’s character.)
Kim Taehyung stood still on the stairway, around the corner and out of sight. Upon overhearing the conversation between his mother and sister, the eyes which he’d just dried started tearing up again. He’s always making his mother worry. He’s always causing trouble for his sister.
This scene made him realise – how long has it been since he’d last had a meal with his family in their home? The last time he’d returned home, it was right after that happened.
Lost and hurt, he’d ran home in search of comfort. He didn’t think that person would be that despicable. Those disgusting photos had been spread all over the area. His grandfather passed away in anger.
Everyone in his family looked at him in rage and disappointment. His brain became a chaotic a mess of confusion until the day he died.
He used to be the treasured young master of the kim family, the apple of their eye. On one side, his parents doted on him.
On the other, his elder siblings protected him. Grandfather, Kim hyun bin, loved him to the core.
And his childhood friend, Jeon jungkook. He treated him with such care and love. Jungkook would do anything for him. Life couldn’t have been better.
He’d been a bright and happy child who loved acting cute. All the elders loved him. Everyone who saw him would respectfully call him “Little Master kim”.
The Jeon and Kim families were friends. He’d grown up together with Jungkook. He was Jungkook’s precious pearl, well-protected and cherished.
He was so doted that if he asked for the moon, Jungkook would give him the stars as well. He’d thought life would pass by in such happiness, but he didn’t think his life would end in such a chilling scenario.
Everything started from when his sister fell in love with Jungkook. He was tall, strong, smart and had a special aura about him. Because his parents both died in a car crash, he was forced to take over the Jeon Group at a young age. In terms of looks and capability, he’s one in a million.
As the only daughter of the kim family, Ji-eun was proud and ambitious. She kept her head high and never bowed down to anyone (but Taehyung). One day, she began to feel something for Jeon jungkook, this flawless man. Kim Ji-eun lived her life with courage. Love or hate, she’d admit it readily.
Since she’d fallen in love with Jungkook, she started to pursuing him. People say that when a lady pursues a man, they’re only separated by a thin lace. The two soon grew closer.
When Ji-eun and Jungkook were together, Taehyung had a girlfriend himself as well. Her name was Sana. She was a pure and friendly girl. After her bold and blushing confession, Taehyung agreed as he didn’t want to hurt such a sweet girl and was quite curious about it.
However, after a period of dating her, he realised in horror that he only admired girls and did not desire them at all. Instead, the tiniest patch of exposed skin on Jeon jungkook’s collarbone would fill his minds with fantasies. He felt that it couldn’t be normal and looked into it.
From then, he knew he was what they call a homosexual. The first time he realised he had a different sexuality to the others, he panicked.
He broke up with Sana and subconsciously sought help from the person he was closest to – Jeon jungkook. It was only then he realised Jungkook had somehow gotten close to his sister. Taehyung was spoiled from young. His temper became reckless and bold due to that.
He’d never consider others’ feelings when acting. When he saw Jungkook and his sister being close, his heart was filled with rage. He felt like he’d been betrayed.
He only knew he was angry and sad, yet he didn’t understand that feeling. He didn’t know that that was called jealousy.
Jungkook was always special in his heart, far more than anyone else. He depended on and trusted Jungkook.
Through a long period of under Jungkook’s wing, he had already become an irreplaceable part of Taehyung’s life. It was only because Taehyung was oblivious and slow that he didn’t recognise it then.
At that moment, Taehyung felt threatened in a way he had never been before. Jeon jungkook who he had thought would treat him well forever was not his anything. Jungkook will marry and have kids.
A woman will replace Taehyung’s spot in Jungkook’s life and be loved and protected. And that woman could very well be Taehyung’s own sister.
It was as if Taehyung’s territory was being encroached on. His entire being felt like it was a raging young lion. But he didn’t know how to handle it. He could only exhibit his rage by being aggravatingly aggressive. This wore out Jungkook’s tolerance and the two started their very first cold war.
But this war of theirs didn’t stop Jungkook and Ji-eun’s affections. Soon, they announced their engagement.
And at this very moment, where Taehyung’s hiding around the corner, should be during the time after his cold war with Jungkook and before Jungkook and his sister announced their engagement.
Taehyung remembered being frustrated and temperamental every single day. He vented out his emotions on his beloved family. When the two announced their engagement, Taehyung became more furious. He mocked and insulted Jungkook constantly and never acted polite or nice to his family again.
He pushed those who loved him further and further away. To the outside world, he became violent. He’d beat others up whenever things didn’t go his way and would always clash with them. Every time, his brother or Jungkook would have to rush in and smooth things over for him.
The troubles he caused everyday finally stopped Jungkook’s engagement with his sister, but he ended up forcing Jungkook away as well. His relationship with Ji-eun became awkward too. But he had been doted on growing up. Used to being tolerated, loved and protected, he thought nothing of it.
Kim Taehyung rubbed at his eyes. Closing his eyes, he carefully caressed the perfect fingers on his left hand with his right.
Sister and Jungkook love each other. In his last life, he actually stopped their wedding and split them up for his own selfish wants. The two of them were in pain and he himself attained no joy from it. He ended up alienating them.
This time, he’ll be good and obedient. He’ll quietly congratulate his sister and Jeon jungkook. Jungkook is straight and the one he loves is his sister. Jungkook’s love for him, could it be all because Jungkook loved his sister in the first place?
At that thought, Taehyung’s heart throbbed in agony. He clutched his chest and shut his eyes. Let it be so then. How could a horrible person as stupid and dirty as he was even hope to be with Jungkook? Jungkook should be his brother-in-law.
Let these filthy thoughts of his be forever buried deep within his heart and never to be seen again. Everyone would be happy then. How nice.
Chapter - 2
Kim Taehyung stood there, hidden, for a while. He took a deep breath, tucked his emotions neatly away, walked out from his corner and slowly descended.
Kim go-eun (Ma)
(Upon seeing her beloved little son coming down the stairs, Taehyung’s mother hurriedly walked to him and asked) “Tae, how come you’re up so late? Are you hungry? Aunt Yang? Aunt Yang! Quick, bring out Tae’s breakfast!”
However, the moment Ma got near to Taehyung, she immediately noticed Taehyung’s red eyes. It was as if he’d been crying. Her tender mother’s heart throbbed in pain. Her whole body quivered. She stretched her hands out to his face in panic.
Kim go-eun (Ma)
“TaeTae, what is it? Are you still unhappy? Is there anything you can’t tell me? Who upset you? Tell me. I’ll help you deal with them, okay?”
Kim Taehyung
(Taehyung held tight to his mother’s outstretched hands. At the sight of his panicked mother, he couldn’t hold his tears in anymore. With tears rolling down his face, he held his mother close and muttered in a low voice)“Ma, I’m sorry…I’m sorry…Sis…I’m sorry…”
Ma went from panicked to flustered. Kim Ji-eun quickly walked over with a frosty face.
Kim ji-eun
“Tae, tell it to me straight. Did someone bully you? Who? Tell me! Let him see how this woman will break his leg!” (Her voice was imperious and fierce, but her hands were gentle as they patted Taehyung’s back to comfort him.)
Kim go-eun (Ma)
(At this point, Ma was too worried to bother arguing with her daughter over her crude way of speaking.) “Yes, Tae. Tell mother, what did you go through? Do you wish to kill your mother out of heartache?”
Kim Taehyung
(After some time, Taehyung’s emotions finally calmed down again. To his mother’s and sister’s questions, he can only mutely shake his head. How would he even phrase what happened?)
Kim Taehyung
(But how could Ma and Ji-eun be willing to let it go? Finally, Taehyung gave into the persistent interrogation and replied) “I’m really fine. I just got frightened by a nightmare.”
Kim go-eun (Ma)
(Annoyed, Ma said) “Don’t you dare try and distract me. What kind of nightmare can scare you to such a state?”
Kim ji-eun
(Even Ji-eun eyeballed him. Her face seemed to be saying) “You’re lying again.”
Kim Taehyung
(Taehyung sighed and said in a gloomy voice) “It’s true. In my dream, I saw that I’d made our whole family bankrupt and all of us were squeezed into a tiny apartment, suffering.”
Kim go-eun (Ma)
(Ma burst out chuckling with an audible “pfft” and patted him on the shoulder, ) “Hahaha, oh my little baby, how could you be so cute? How would you make our whole family bankrupt? With what talent?”
Taehyung’s face went blank.
Ji-eun lightly coughed.
Kim go-eun (Ma)
(Ma instantly tucked away her smile, cleared her throat and said) “Tae, it must be because you’re not feeling well these few days. That’s why you keep having such lucid dreams. Don’t think on it. If you’re bored, make your sister take you out to play.”
Kim Taehyung
(Taehyung meekly replied) “Ma, Sis is very busy and I’m not a child anymore. Do I need an adult whenever I want to leave the house?”
His sister should be deeply in love with Jeon jungkook right now. It’s the time where they can’t bear to be apart at all, yet his sister didn’t go into the office or on a date and wait at home for him to wake up just because his feelings were all over the place. One can see how deep her love for Taehyung was.
Kim Taehyung
(Why did he not know to treasure it before? Why did he push such a great sister further and further away? When he died, it had gone to the point where his sister wasn’t willing to talk to him at all.)
Kim ji-eun
“If you want me to accompany you, it’s no big deal if I delay things for a day,”
Kim go-eun (Ma)
“See, your sister says it’s fine.”
Kim Taehyung
“There’s no need. I’ll go out for a walk later myself. If Sis has something on, you can go ahead"
The elderly patriarch of the kim family, Kim hyun bin, founded the company from nothing when he was young and created the kim group by himself. When Grandmother passed away, Grandfather was already quite old, so he threw the business at Pa, Kim Yoo, and bought a mansion in a quiet area to retire in. Kim Yoo did not disappoint.
In the years since he’d taken over the kim group, the company was stable, and all their projects were well-managed and successful. Big Bro, Kim Yoongi, had even entered the company at a young age to help their father and prepare for his eventual succession.
Ji-eun also worked in the kim group. Don’t underestimate her just because she’s a girl. Most men aren’t even as talented and decisive as her. She’d climbed to the high ranks of the company with her own strength. Undoubtedly, she’s what they call a “New Woman”
Kim Ji-eun was known to be a strong, independent woman, Kim Taehyung was her opposite.
Because he wasn’t that healthy as a child, everyone in his family loved him to pieces. Ma in particular felt that she owed him and loathed that she couldn’t give him the stars when all he asked for was the moon. When he was in primary school, he’d be admitted into the hospital every few days, so his results weren’t that great.
Later, when he grew up and didn’t fell sick that often, his results still floated about the average because his basics weren’t strong. His family didn’t force him to get better either, so he never once experienced the burden and pain of studying. He then played around until he graduated university.
Ma doted her son, so she wasn’t willing to let him join the company and enter a lifestyle of working 9 to 5 so young. She wanted him to live a carefree life for several years before deciding what he wanted to do. After all, even if he did nothing, he could live a happy life as a rich child.
That’s why Taehyung was now the textbook case of a NEET (Not in Employment, Education and Training). Having learned from his past life, he now understood no one in this world needed to treat him kindly.
Before accepting the kindness others gave to him, he should feel grateful and pay it back. Only then would the relationship last.
It’s just a pity he understood it too late. His family’s and Jeon jungkook’s love for him had already been hulled out by his unruly actions. When he woke up to it all, there was no turning back. Now, a rare chance to be reborn was here. How could he selfishly let his family spoil him?
Ma saw how insistent he was on not letting his sister skip work for him and so let it go.
Kim ji-eun
(Ji-eun carefully observed Taehyung. It was only after confirming he wasn’t just bearing with it that she picked up her bag and rose) “Ma, Lil Bro, I’ll head off to work then. There’re still a few things to do today.”
Kim Taehyung
(Taehyung hurriedly made a shooing gesture) “Then hurry and go. Drive safely.”
Ma nodded as well. Ji-eun however gave another questioning glance at Taehyung.
Kim ji-eun
(How weird it was that this brother who’d always acted selfishly to care about her. Even so, the feeling’s great! As she walked to the garage and drove to work, and even when she was there, her lips never dropped from the smile it formed.)
At home, Mrs Zhang served up Taehyung’s breakfast (lunch?) while Ma began pushing her youngest son to the table. She personally served Taehyung a bowl of prawn congee and pushed over some, crystal dumplings, and all sorts of delicious side dishes.
Kim go-eun (Ma)
“Tae, you woke up so late today. You must be starving. Eat some first. Wait until lunch, then you can have a good meal.” (As she said so, she turned to look at Mrs Zhang.) “Make tonight’s dinner more lavish with more meat and vegetables. It must be extremely nutritious, Mrs Zhang. Tae’s too thin. His emotions have also been very unstable lately, so he needs to replenish.”
Mrs. Yang (helper)
(Her gaze directed at Taehyung was both doting and upset as well. This dainty young man was the kim family’s heart and soul. She herself doted on him too.)
Taehyung stared at the delicate cutlery and tasty prawn congee before him, his mind a mess.
Everything from before was still flashing through his mind and the pain of his bone shattering was still carved into his body. But after one night’s sleep, he’s now sitting in this warm and inviting home again, eating congee under his mother’s gentle gaze.
Kim Taehyung
(Everything felt like a dream. Was all that had happened just a cruel and painful nightmare or was this all a beautiful dream created because he couldn’t bear the pain anymore?)
Kim Taehyung
(His emotions tumbled all over the place. No. What happened before was definitely not a dream. He could remember everything that had happened clearly. His broken leg, shattered fingers. Even the sounds of the gunshot which took away his life seemed to be ringing in his ears now. Everything was real. They could never be a dream!)
Kim Taehyung
(But now…He froze up. He stretched out his hand and firmly pinched himself on the thigh. Pain pulsated through him. In an instant, his eyes reddened. It wasn’t out of pain but of happiness. Pain as sharp as this meant this was all real. He’d really been reborn. The gods had granted him another chance! If this was really just a dream, then let him drown in it and never to wake up.)
Kim go-eun (Ma)
(Ma saw her own son doltishly daydreamed while staring his bowl of congee then fiercely pinched himself. She couldn’t stop him in time. She was so angry that she could beat this worrisome child, yet she couldn’t bear to be so. All she could do was go on muttering) “What’s wrong with you, child? Eat your breakfast. Why did you have to pinch yourself? And so strongly at that! It’s going to bruise! You’re really worrisome!”
Kim Taehyung
(Taehyung listened on at what he once thought of as troublesome nagging. It now filled his whole body with warmth. At last he couldn’t hold it in anymore and raised his head) “Ma, you’re the best.”
Kim go-eun (Ma)
(Ma blushed. She could only retort) “Do you think I’d let you go with just a few compliments? Hmph.” (Saying so, she reached out as if to snatch away the bowl of congee in front of him.)
Kim Taehyung
(Taehyung stopped her) “Why?”
Kim go-eun (Ma)
“You must eat the prawn congee while it’s hot or it’ll taste fishy. It’s already cold. I’ll go get you another bowl.”
Kim Taehyung
“It’s fine. It’s still warm. Don’t waste it. It’s delicious.”
Kim Taehyung
(As he said so, he took another bite of it. The congee’s fragrance burst in his mouth. He happily closed his eyes. How long has it been since he had such tasty food?)
Kim Taehyung
(When he was working at the cafe, he could only bear to eat the cheapest fast food boxed meal. He’d wolf it down so as to avoid delaying his work before running back to the shop.
When he first started out, he couldn’t even swallow the food down. He felt that it wasn’t something humans can eat. But what that proverb said was correct. All bad habits were created through overindulgence.
When one is so hungry that they could faint, there’s no room for picky eating. Even food cooked with black, recycled oil tasted delicious. This bowl of porridge was only somewhat cold. It was still a thousand times better than all the stuff he’d eaten before.)
Ma and Aunt Yang looked at each other and saw their surprise reflecting in the other’s eyes. Kim Taehyung grew up being adored and doted on by everyone. He hated powdered stock in his food and food not being cooked thoroughly. He was the pickiest eater ever.
Usually, he’d refuse any food that was lacking, even if it was the slightest of all issues. Just what was up with him today?
After brunch, Taehyung was driven out of the mansion by Lil Zheng, the driver, under Ma’s worrying gaze. Taehyung knew how to drive but he’d normally be driven around by the driver as his family insisted he was still too young.
It’s extremely dangerous for him to drive alone. To this, the 24-years-old Kim Taehyung could do nothing but be speechless.
As she watched the car Taehyung was in drive out the gate, Ma thought through her youngest son’s unusual behaviour today and summoned a bodyguard.
Kim go-eun (Ma)
“Bring two other guards with you and follow him. Protect him but don’t let him discover you’re there.”
Taehyung told Lil Zheng to just drive aimlessly around the city. As he gazed out at the speeding past skyscrapers, a hundred different things sped through his mind. This city was the place he grew up in and the place where he died in bitter pain. His past short lifespan was spent in this city. He knew this place. He loved this place. He will be buried here in this life. This was his home.
Kim Taehyung
(It soon became noon. As they passed by a suburb still under construction, Taehyung spoke to Lil Zheng,) “Let me out here. You go find somewhere to have lunch. I want to have a walk. Once you’re done, come back for me.”
Lil zheng (driver)
(Lil Zheng disagreed) “There’s quite a lot of construction going on here. It’ll be full of dust. Sir, if you wish to take a walk, why must it be here? I can’t just leave you alone and have lunch myself either. What would you like to eat?”
Kim Taehyung
(Taehyung considered the other’s words for a moment.) “Then drop me off somewhere in front. I ate quite late this morning. I’m not hungry yet. If I am, I’ll go find some food myself. Unless you think I’m a child who doesn’t know when to eat as well?”
Lil zheng (driver)
(Lil Zheng felt a chill rushing down his spine. Everyone knew that the Little Master of the kim family was the family’s precious baby. He’s been spoilt to the core. If he expressed his discontent about Lil Zheng later on, this high-paying job would vanish. The Little Master was already an adult. Most young ones were capable of independence. Only the kim family still treated him like a little baby who needed to be taken care of at all times.)
Lil zheng (driver)
(Lil Zheng’s mind whirled round and round but his mouth merely replied)“Okay. Sir, there’s a street ahead you can explore ahead. I’ll come back for you in a while.”
Taehyung nodded. As the car slowly stopped, he got out.
Lil Zheng stared at his back and thought, The saying was right. You can be in the same situation but your life can be totally different. Most people at this age would be working hard to forge their own way but this Little Master kim was born with a golden spoon in his mouth. Even if he lazed about his whole life, he’d live a carefree and lavish life. Just living off the dividends would guarantee a life of luxury. Even if the kim family’s attitude to him was ignored, just a tiny bit of those dividends was enough to let him live his whole life without working. He was born in riches and could live a life without worry, yet he’s always throwing tantrums. Lil Zheng really didn’t understand what he could be unhappy about.
Lil Zheng shook his head and sighed. Just drive. Stop thinking about it. This birth was gotten through skill and not something that can be gotten through envy.
Chapter - 3
Kim Taehyung blindly walked around with his head whirling through countless different things. From what his past life had taught him, his original mentality of being able to live a life without worry as long as the kim family was behind him was naive to the extreme
A skyscraper’s fall takes but a mere second. One must be in control of something in their life.
His ideal lifestyle might be as a happy idle loafer but in life, if there are no far-off worries trouble must be just around the corner. For the long-term, it’s best that he had some type of work or business.
While this thinking may be jinxing himself and bring bad luck, if something actually happened to the kim family, Taehyung wouldn’t be completely at a loss and watch his family go bankrupt in an instant. If he had some investment which can help them and at least ensure the whole family can survive well, even though it might not fully help, it’d be better than nothing.
Kim Taehyung
(But what should he do? The initial capital’s not an issue. However, his past life had also taught him that he was not businessman material. Going into the industry was like going to war. Someone like him, even with money, would only be twisted around and schemed against until he was completely down.)
Kim Taehyung
(Find a job? After the kim family went bankrupt, he once pushed and strained hard to find a job to atone for his mistakes. Even so, he’d hit a wall everywhere. His entire student life was spent socialising and fooling around. His grades were low and unsteady. As a whole, it didn’t look good at all. No one would hire him, not even as a mere office admin member. Since he knew what would happen, there’s no need to go through it again.)
Taehyung had walked through all the shops by now but nothing seemed to suit him. What should he do? He squatted on the side of the road and scratched his head in frustration. His brain had not become smarter through reincarnation. Whatever he couldn’t do before, he couldn’t do now either.
In the midst of all this frustration, his stomach growled loudly. His mind was in a mess that morning so he’d only eaten a bowl of congee. It’d been some time now and he was feeling hungry again.
Dejectedly, he walked into a small restaurant, ordered a bowl of beef noodles and wiped the slightly oily table down with a paper napkin. With his frowning face resting on one fist, he continued wrecking his brain for ideas as he waited for his noodles.
Noon was lunch time so voices rose and dipped inside the restaurant. They mixed and mashed as if it was a market instead of a restaurant. Still, Taehyung was not affected in the least. He continued pondering about his own issues.
Once his noodles arrived, he split open a pair of disposable chopsticks found in the chopstick holder on the table, poured some vinegar into the noodles then stirred it in, and began eating.
Bodyguards A, B and C who’d been sneakily following Taehyung and had watched it all happen: “…”
They silently picked up the jaws they’d dropped in shock and wondered. Could Little Master kim have been switched out by someone else? In the past, let’s not even mention bringing this precious ancestor-esque being to eat in a place like this, letting him glance at such a place from afar would cause him to throw a tantrum. To expect him to enter such an environment? Dream on! The table’s oily yet you expect him to sit down?
Blasphemy! Disposable chopsticks? What are those? How would this precious being know? He’d only ever used ivory chopsticks which had been completely disinfected! And look at that dirty bottle of vinegar.
How could the Little Master kim touch that? But from his face, he’s…enjoying the food?
This Young Master must be fake! Appraisal complete!
Actually, Taehyung only walked into this tiny restaurant out of sheer habit. His brain can only comprehend so much and he’d just been reborn. He had yet to be re-accustomed to a lot of things. He was also thinking hard just now so he’d naturally just went with his usual habit of eating at a cheap place.
It’s only after he’d finished his food that he’d realised it. Ah, the kim group was still standing healthily. He could totally eat something better, but whatever.
The street food he once looked down on actually tasted quite delicious once he got used to it. As for the money? Well, every cent counts. With that in mind, he patted his belly and walked out in satisfaction. He continued wandering around aimlessly, to help digestion. He’d finished every bit of that bowl of noodle because of the “waste not, want not” habit he’d nurtured in his past life. As such, he’s a little stuffed.
The stalking bodyguards A, B and C: “…” This Young Master must be fake!
Kim Taehyung, who was completely clueless about the stalkers behind him, leisurely walked along the street. Fed and watered, he watched as people of every kind walked by him.
Be they carefree and bored or bustling about in a hurry, every one of them had their own goals and lifestyles. And he? He seemed to be just a drop of water lost in this great ocean, tiny and unremarkable.
As he looked around and pondered, his mind began to slowly calm down. Whatever, one must always be flexible and adapt. Force never succeeds. He had already made up his mind to be a good, obedient and sensible child this time around, let his family and Jeon jungkook who had loved and protected him since he was a child attain happiness. These would be his life’s goals and the meaning to his rebirth. The gods gave him a second chance. He must pay back for all his crimes.
As for earning money, he’ll just go with the flow. He was reborn. His brain didn’t get changed out. Forcefully demanding things to go his way would only make things turn sour from sheer stupidity. In his last life, the kim family’s downfall was all because of him. As long as he was good and not cause any trouble, the family won’t go down. Naturally, his family won’t suffer then.
As for Jeon jungkook, doesn’t he belong to Sister? If he doesn’t butt in and cause a ruckus, then Jungkook and Big Sis can smoothly marry each other. They’d be very happy then, right? They’ll give birth to a cute child who’d call him Uncle.
Wasn’t that enough? Taehyung just needed to quietly and calmly be the Little Master of the kim family, play by his parents’ and grandfather’s side and occasionally play the fool to make them laugh. He’d try his best not to let his family be disappointed in him again. That’s all.
Everything he’s got now was given by the gods. His grandfather’s still healthy. He and his sister had not drifted apart yet. His family still loved him. Jeon jungkook…also whole-heartedly treated him as a younger brother. It’s really enough. These were all things he had never dared to dream of before his death. What more could he ask for?
Once his mind was set, his mind was finally not as gloomy as before and his footsteps became lighter and faster. He walked to the designated junction. Lil Zheng, the driver, was not there yet but he wasn’t annoyed in the least. His explosive temper had been tamed by the countless humiliations he had gone through in his last life. Upon noticing the person and car he was supposed to meet with weren’t present, he calmly waited on the spot.
Bodyguards A, B and C ground their teeth in secret. “Does this Zheng Xin not want his job anymore? He actually dares to make Little Master wait in the sun? It’s been so long. What lunch is he having? Why’s he not back yet? Is it the kind that needs to be grown on the spot?”
Over 10 minutes of waiting later, Lil Zheng finally appeared with the car. When he saw Kim Taehyung standing by the road, his heart stopped. “I’m done for,” he thought.
Lil zheng (driver)
(He could see this job with extremely high and enviable salary sprout wings and fly off. He’d actually finished his lunch and arrived a long time ago. After waiting for a while with no one to be seen, he remembered his nephew’s birthday was in a few days. Since this precious baby would be shopping until who knows when, no one would know it if he snuck off for a while. Hence, he decided to drive off in search of a present for his little nephew. He didn’t dare to take long. In total, he spent approximately 20 minutes. But who could’ve known that that the other would get there just as he left?)
Lil zheng (driver)
(As his thoughts went on down this path, he even started griping about Taehyung. This second-generation rich kid who only dances through life, he couldn’t have come earlier or later. No, he had to arrive just as Lil Zheng snuck away. Did he think everyone was as carefree as he was? He can’t do anything, yet he always acts as if he’s the boss of the world after the sky and the earth. And yet the kim family treats him like a precious treasure.)
Lil zheng (driver)
(Lil Zheng really didn’t know what was it about Taehyung that’s worth being loved for, other than being attractive. If Taehyung wasn’t born in the kim family, he’d just be a beggar that no one would be willing to donate money to. Ah, no. With those looks, he’d be sold as some boy toy.)
Lil zheng (driver)
(His mind tumbled through all sorts of complaints, yet a modest smile was hung on his face. He continuously apologised) “Little Master, I am so sorry for being late. Did you wait for long?”
Kim Taehyung
(Kim Taehyung didn’t really pay attention to what the driver said. He raised his sunburnt head up and nonchalantly said) “It’s fine. It wasn’t long. Let’s go.”
Lil zheng (driver)
(Having said so, he opened the backseat’s door and ducked in.
Zheng Xin was shocked. Just like that…he got away with it? With a head full of questions and doubts, he began driving and asked) “Where would you like to go now, sir?”
Lil zheng (driver)
(Zheng Xin snuck a peek through the rear-view mirror at Taehyung who had already closed his eyes and started resting.) “Yes,” (he replied. With a turn of the steering wheel, the car joined the stream of cars.)
Bodyguard A, B, C: “…” What’s with Little Master today? Why’s he so tolerant today? That driver sneaking off caused him to wait by the road for over 10 minutes. Over! 10! Minutes! His face is all red! The little ancestor actually waited quietly! He didn’t even throw a tantrum! Did the sun rise from the west? Today felt so surreal. It seemed like they could only “…” the whole time.
But such a sweet and obedient Little Master seemed to be cuter than ever. He’s so fluffy, bouncy and adorable! It made all their hearts ache for him. This Zheng Xin! Once they’re back, they must tell Madam Kim! Scold him! No mercy!
The three looked at each other in the eye and decisively nodded.
The car arrived at the Kim home.
Lil zheng (driver)
(When Taehyung got out of the car, he was called out to by Zheng Xin), “Little Master, wait…”
Taehyung looked back at the car.
Lil zheng (driver)
(Zheng Xin rubbed his hands and awkwardly continued) “That…Little Master, about today…can you not tell Madam? She’ll fire me. You know I’m just a poor man. I really need this job.”
Kim Taehyung
(Confused, Taehyung replied) “What about today?”
Lil zheng (driver)
(Zheng Xin froze in an instant. He was wondering why Taehyung was being so nice today. So, this was where the trap was. Humiliate Zheng Xin at the gates then dismiss him, was it?)
Lil zheng (driver)
(Still, he really needed this job. Even if it was a 1 in a million chance, he had to seize it. He stubbornly went on) “It’s the part where I…came late and made you wait.”
Kim Taehyung
(Taehyung said with a wave of his hand) “Oh, that. I said it’s fine.”
Taehyung then started walking into the house.
Lil zheng (driver)
(Zheng Xin called out again from behind) “Little Master, about Madam…”
Taehyung thought it over. If his mother knew the driver had made him wait for over 10 minutes, she might fire Zheng Xin. He’s also someone who had needed to beg everyone in the world just for a job. He didn’t plan to cause trouble for Lil Zheng for such a trivial issue.
Kim Taehyung
“Relax. I won’t tell her,”
Lil zheng (driver)
(Zheng Xin immediately perked up in gratitude)“Thank you, Little Master! You’re so kind.” (He didn’t think the Little Master would be so charitable.)
Kim go-eun (Ma)
(As soon as Taehyung walked through the door, Ma came and welcomed him home.) “Tae, where did you go to play today? You’re back so soon. Did you have fun?” (she asked with a smile.)
Kim Taehyung
(Taehyung smiled back)“Mom, I just walked around. It was fun.”
Kim go-eun (Ma)
(At the sight of her youngest son’s smile, Ma’s heart nearly melted. The smile on her face deepened. She went on excitedly) “That’s good. As long as my Tae’s happy. You’re tired, aren’t you? Go have a shower and rest. I’ll call you once dinner’s ready.”
Kim Taehyung
(Taehyung looked at his mother whose smile blossomed just because he said he had “fun”. His eyes started stinging. He couldn’t resist walking up to her and giving her a hug. He whispered by her ear) “Mother, I love you.”
Kim go-eun (Ma)
(Ma: “…” Critical! Hit! Warning! Warning! Blood tank is empty!)
Afraid that his mother would worry again at the sight of his red eyes, Taehyung let go of her and rushed up the stairs. Ma was left shocked still and standing all alone on the spot…
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