THE LITTLE BRAT'S SWEET AND SASSY 18

Jungkook blinked awkwardly. In his past life, his reputation went down the drain. The insults and criticism he received were a hundred times harsher than what he received from this incident. The endless sneers and criticism had numbed his ears and mind. Compared to what he experienced before, the insults from this incident were nothing. However, for whatever reason, he felt a stinging pain in the deepest part of his heart when Taehyung asked him.

Kim Taehyung

(He continued calmly and patiently. ) If you feel pain, just let it out. If someone bullied you, come talk to me. We will fight back together. Can you do that?

Jungkook would never. Ever since Jang Hyuk was convicted, he had become a plague to everyone. People put dead rats in his bag and tossed his books down the drain. They criticized him behind his back, calling him disgusting names. Everyone knew he had lost his parents, so even if he was bullied, no one would stand up for him. Jungkook chose to endure the insults at first until someone cut his jersey to shreds while he was away for gym class. His grandmother made the jersey for him. He found the boy who did it that very day. Even though he cried his eyes red, he beat the boy up until his face was covered in blood. The incident got big. He could clearly remember his grandmother’s scrawny figure bowing non-stop at the boy’s parents in the office. After they got back, his grandmother asked him if it hurt.

Jungkook

(He hugged the shredded jersey tightly and shook his head strongly. ) No! No! It did not hurt! Kookie is fine!

From that day onwards, he never told anyone about his pain. He knew it would be useless because it would only make his grandmother sad. Ever since that incident, he never told his grandmother about school anymore. However, he did not expect Taehyung would say something similar.

Jungkook

(A slight silence later, he said) But it’s troublesome

Kim Taehyung

( realized that even though the boy was in his teenage years, he had a lot of concerns.)

Kim Taehyung

<Chuckled. > You won’t regret calling me second brother.

Jhope watched the slender figure talking through the phone from the side and then looked at his watch.

Jhope

💭Great. His one call is longer than 10 of my calls.

Jungkook finally hung up the phone and walked over.

Jhope

(He sat up straight.) How’s it, Little Jungkook? What’s your verdict?

Jungkook

(He passed the documents to him and said) Sue them.

Yunding Fenghua. Taehyung went back to the living room from the balcony. Opposite the couch sat a man in his thirties. The man had a black blazer on with a white T-shirt. He was handsome and had a gentle temperament. He smiled when Taehyung came back.

Unknown

It seems like Master Kim worries are unnecessary.

Taehyung seemed stable. If the man had not looked through Taehyung’s records, he would strongly believe there was nothing wrong with Taehyung.

Kim Taehyung

(Sat opposite the man and crossed his legs. ) If you say so, that’s great, Dr. choi

The man was none other than Dr. Choi Eunwoo, the doctor that Old Master Kim had hired from the states to check on Taehyung. Choi Eunwoo was not even 30 years old this year and he was already a world-renowned therapist. Taehyung did not want to meet him at first but he got sandwiched by Old Master Kim and Jhope. Eventually, he was forced to the meeting. Though after the first meeting, he had a rather decent first impression of Eunwoo. The man was capable and most importantly, he knew his place. Taehyung had seen a few therapists before him but they all had the same problem — they tended to pry on their patient’s deepest secrets and perform all kinds of analysis and study. Be it an occupational habit or pure curiosity, Taehyung felt offended and invaded. He disliked all the meetings. On the other hand, Choi Eunwoo was a gentleman with great manners. His presence was able to grace anyone by his side with comfort. He was a capable man.

Choi Eunwoo

(He poured himself a cup of tea.) I’ve never heard about it before but which lucky junior won your favor and care? I would like to meet the junior if I have the chance.

He had vaguely overheard Taehyung’s call. The lucky junior should still be in school. Besides, Taehyung spoke in a rare gentle and patient voice. Eunwoo had already heard of Taehyung’s reputation before he came back to the country. He was a proud man even in the capital. It had always been others trying to win his favor or service him and not the other way around, let alone seeing him this kind and gentle to someone. If Eunwoo was correct, the person on the other end of the call must be the key to Taehyung’s improvement in his condition lately. Taehyung knew Eunwoo was trying to find out more about his condition by asking but he somehow felt invaded.

Kim Taehyung

he’s busy studying.

Taehyung rejected Eunwoo request politely. A hint of surprise appeared in Eunwoo eyes but it quickly faded. It felt like… Taehyung was hiding a treasure and did not want others to peek at it. Since Taehyung did not want to talk about it, Eunwoo did not linger on the topic.

Choi Eunwoo

Well then, let’s leave that aside.

Choi Eunwoo

(Although He had grown up in the states, he knew about the education system in the country. ) I heard the students in this country usually face a tremendous amount of academic pressure. If so, maintaining a healthy mentality is the most important thing to them.

Taehyung agreed with his statement.

Kim Taehyung

(Nodded and asked) Dr. Choi, I heard you are going to stay in the country for a while this time. Am I right?

Choi Eunwoo

(Nodded.) Yeah, I have matters to deal with.

Kim Taehyung

If so, I better not hold up your time, Dr. choi.

Choi Eunwoo

<Smiled.> I came back this time to visit Gyeonggi-do because it’s quite near to Busan, so it’s not much of a delay.

Kim Taehyung

(He was slightly stunned. He looked at Eunwoo.) Gyeonggi-do?

Night at the Lee Family. Dinner was a feast tonight, and the dishes on the table were all So-hee’s favorite. However, dinner felt colder and tenser than usual. Son Ye-jin had originally thought that they could celebrate So-hee winning the Huatsing Cup, so she had asked Aunt Zhao to prepare a feast beforehand. Who would have thought… Getting only second place might seem as good to others but to So-hee, who grew up under her mother’s protection, it was quite an impact. Besides, the outsiders had assumed that So-hee would get the first place too, so the praises and flatteries were endless before the competition. Now, she had to explain to people that So-hee got second place, not first place. It was embarrassing. Dinner felt like torture. In the end, Lee Hyun Bin was the one who broke the ice.

Lee Hyun Bin

Second place is good enough. As for the guaranteed enrollment to Xijing University…

Son Ye-jin

(She swiftly added) Actually, with your grades, you can still make it through the exam, can’t you? You’d just have to work harder this year.

So-hee’s hand that was holding the chopsticks froze for a moment. When she looked at her mother, the unusual look on her face was gone.

Lee So-Hee

It’s not that tough

Son Ye-jin sighed. When she thought of the rejection she got from the exhibition organizers, it suffocated her. She could never let So-hee know what the organizers said about her. Lee Hyun Bin nodded happily after hearing So-hee’s assurance.

Lee Hyun Bin

Master Jung birthday dinner is tomorrow. Are you guys prepared?

As if So-hee had thought of something, she looked at Jungkook

Lee So-Hee

Oh, by the way, Brother Jungkook, we’re heading to the Jung's place tomorrow for a formal dinner. Since you’re still new here, I thought you might need an outfit for the occasion. That’s why I bought one for You—would you like to wear it?

Jungkook

(He looked at her.) 💭So generous, yet so familiar.

Flashback ~

In his past life, Jungkook was hospitalized for more than a month, so he had to miss Master Jung birthday dinner. After that, the family held another party for So-hee to celebrate her getting first place in the Huatsing Cup. The celebratory party was supposed to be held right after the competition, but since Brother Jungkook was still in the hospital, So-hee asked Son Ye-jin and Lee Hyun Bin to delay the party. So, other than celebrating her win, they could also celebrate Jungkook’s discharge from the hospital. Jungkook was rather moved back then. He had mistakenly thought that his new family welcomed him wholeheartedly. However, what happened after that proved him wrong. Back then, So-hee used the same excuse to lend Jungkook her cousin's suit. Her cousin had worn that particular outfit before, but more importantly, it was custom-made for him and wouldn’t fit anyone else. As guests mingled and drinks circulated during the party, Jung Jong-seo cast contemptuous glances at Jungkook, sneering at him

Jung Jong-seo

Don’t you know that the outfit is custom-made? Lil Soso cousin name is sewn on the belt! How can you wear it to a party?

After that particular night, jungkook became the joke of the entire Busan.

women

Did you hear? The step-child of the Lee Family didn’t even have a decent outfit. he simply wore So-hee’s cousin custom-made Suit to the party!

women

I think he wants the dress for himself because it’s beautiful. Did he even look into the mirror, though?

women

he’s just an uneducated boy from some rural area; what could he possibly know? The Lee Family has it the hardest for having to deal with the mess that is him.

Flashback End~

Even though So-hee highly recommended the Outfit to Jungkook, no one cared. The way Jungkook was staring into So-hee’s eyes made the latter a little nervous.

Lee So-Hee

..B-Brother Jungkook? What’s wrong?

Jungkook

(He looked away and said calmly) No thanks.

Son Ye-jin frowned. She thought Brother Jungkook did not understand the situation.

Son Ye-jin

Master Jung birthday dinner is an official occasion. Are you planning to attend in your jeans

Jungkook

I don’t like wearing someone else’s dress

So-hee’s face froze at Jungkook’s reply.

Lee Cheng

(He almost bolted up from his chair.) My sister is trying to help you by lending you some clothes! What’s with your attitude?!

Son Ye-jin signaled a glance to Le Hyun Bin, who then quickly diverted the glance to Lee Cheng.

Lee Hyun Bin

It’s none of your business. Sit down and have your dinner

Lee Cheng

(He grunted and then grumbled) He’s here to steal someone else’s mother; why would he care about a dress

The atmosphere at the dining table fell into silence.

Lee Hyun Bin

(After a while, He said with a heavy tone) He’s your mother’s son and also your elder brother. Be mindful of your words.

Lee Cheng did not answer, but the look on his face showed that he was not happy. The tense atmosphere almost suffocated Son Ye-jin. Ever since Jungkook came to her house, the days had not been peaceful for her! Now, she could not even have dinner in peace.

Son Ye-jin

(Nevertheless, she suppressed her anger. ) You only just came here, so we don’t have time to prepare all those for you. Even if you want to buy a new dress now, you won’t make it—

Jungkook

(He put down his chopsticks and stood up slowly.) You don’t have to worry about that. I’ll settle it myself.

His words almost choked Son Ye-jin. However, before Son Ye-jin could say a word, Jungkook had left the table and gone upstairs.

Lee So-Hee

(She puckered her lips in silence. ) I don’t think Brother Jungkook has money for a new dress, so..

Son Ye-jin

<Bellowed> Just let him be!

Lee Cheng stuck his tongue out behind Jungkook’s back. He really hoped Jungkook would be rejected at the entrance tomorrow.

Jungkook returned to his room and opened up a parcel that he had received. Inside the parcel was a used silver laptop, which seemed a little heavy. Before he came to Busan, he had packed all his things and had them delivered here, but only a few were sent to the Lee Family. He plugged the laptop in, switched it on, and opened up his mailbox. There were two unread emails in his mailbox. One was from G&S’s design department, which was sent three days ago, and another was from shin Beomgyu , which was sent a week ago. He clicked on the first email.

Dear JK, congratulations! Your design has made it into the final round after going through multiple rounds of judging. We will be having our Autumn-Winter Collection Show in the capital a month from now, and the final round of the competition will also be held then. We hereby sincerely invite you to the event.

G&S was an international fashion design corporation. Their business included, but was not limited to, exquisite jewelry, bags, coats, and more. From the ridiculous price to the classic and modern fashion collection, every piece of their product was sought after by socialites and celebrities alike. After Jungkook had gotten into the accident in his past life, his hands were permanently damaged, and it stopped him from painting ever since. He had to go through intense rehabilitation to be able to move his hands again, and when he got better, he switched to designing jewelry and clothes. He had a good eye for color; hence, even though he could never hold a brush anymore, he was still talented in creating. G&S Corporation recently held an international competition to select a fashion designer to design their next product line-up. Tens of thousands of designers, including him, joined to compete just for that one spot. He knew he would make it to the final round because he did it before in his past life. However, it was So-hee who appeared in the fashion show instead of him. All the drafts and designs that he made became So-hee’s work. A quick thought later, he replied to the email and told G&S he would be there himself. Then, he clicked on the second email. It was a short message compared to the first one

Brother Kook, I’m doing fine by myself here. You don’t need to worry about me. Send my regards to grandmother

Jungkook

(He stared at the email for a while before he simply replied) Okay.

Jungkook went out early in the morning the next day. He went to Busan biggest mall. The first and second floors of the mall were filled with shops that sold extravagant male apparel. Buying a dress at the last minute was indeed a troublesome matter, but the shops would have new selections now and then, so finding a suitable one should not be that difficult. The mall was grand and dazzling, and Jungkook, in his plain T-shirt and jeans, did not fit at all. He walked into a shop. The receptionist saw him but was not bothered.

Jungkook

(He Pointed at one of the dresses.) Hi, I would like to try this.

receptionist

(She gave him a fake smile. ) I’m sorry, we’re not open for business today.

If the shop was closed, why would the doors be opened? The receptionist could just do better with her excuse if she did not want to serve Jungkook.

Jung Jong-seo

“Oh? Isn’t that Jungkook?”

Girl

Jang Jungkook? The boy from the Lee Family?

The girl beside Jung Jong-seo was intrigued when she heard the name.

Girl

What is he doing here? Dress-shopping?

Immediately thinking of the birthday dinner, Jung Jong-seo covered her mouth and chuckled.

Jung Jong-seo

Grandfather’s birthday dinner is tonight. I bet he came here shopping for the occasion. Look at him; he doesn’t even have a proper dress for the occasion, and he has to buy it himself

Jung Jong-seo then walked into the shop with an arrogant look. The receptionist put on a bright smile the moment Jong-seo walked in.

receptionist

Ms. Jung, what brings you here today?

Jung Jong-seo

(She pointed at the dress that Brother Jungkook had pointed at earlier. ) I want this one.

receptionist

(Her smile turned bitter.) Uh… Ms. Jung, I’m sorry, we’re not doing business today.

Jung Jong-seo

(she was stunned by the receptionist’s words.)

Suddenly, Jungkook’s phone rang.

Jungkook

(He took a glance at the caller ID before he answered the call.) Second Brother?

Kim Taehyung

(He laid-back voice entered her ears.) “Are you free? Can you come to HG Building’s second floor?”

Jungkook

I’m actually here... Is there anything? <asked>

Kim Taehyung

(He paused before he said ) Hold on.

Jungkook was confused by the answer. A while later, someone came into the shop. The receptionist immediately went up to him.

receptionist

Second Master Kim! You’re finally here! I thought you said you were coming with your friend to try out some clothes. Where is he?

Author

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Stand for @lovelife

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