Chapter 4: The Wronged Dog

Madam Kang soon realized her mistake in what she had said.

Regardless of her true feelings, such words didn't sound appropriate when spoken out loud. After a moment's thought, she reached out and gently grabbed Jungkook's wrist, softening her tone. "Jungkook, don't be upset. Mom knows you've suffered for so many years being away from home. You were wronged last night when your dog was thrown out."

Jungkook looked up at Madam Kang.

In the past, he had been deceived by this kind of tone from her countless times.

The reason he had been so tolerant was that Madam Kang often made him believe that she loved him.

Each time, she would say, "You've suffered so much all these years being away."

She would also say, "Mom knows you've been wronged."

And repeatedly promise, "Don't worry, Mom will make it up to you properly."

After soothing Jungkook's emotions, turning him into a puppy enduring all for the sake of maternal love, Madam Kang would change the subject:

"Because of your arrival, Gukkie is so frightened. We need to reassure him. Otherwise, seeing him upset, Mommy's heart aches."

Madam Kang continued holding Jungkook's hand, speaking in the tone he was most familiar with: "Jungkook, you understand Mommy, don't you? Don't give Mommy any trouble. Your younger brother was wronged because of you yesterday; let's pick out a gift to properly make it up to him."

Each sentence carried a "because of you."

It always made Jungkook feel as if he truly was a sinner who disrupted others' families.

In his previous life, whenever Madam Kang spoke this way, Jungkook would immediately lose his temper.

If he showed any discontent, Madam Kang would look at him with an expression that said, "How could you be so disobedient and not understand Mommy?"

Upon seeing that look, Jungkook would instinctively become fearful.

But Madam Kang had promised to compensate him many times without ever following through.

She had also called herself "Mommy" in front of him numerous times but would never allow him to address her as such in front of outsiders or Kang Jungguk.

Each time there was a conflict between him and Kang Jungguk, she would unwaveringly side with him. This time, Jungkook glanced at his hand being held by Madam Kang. He said coolly, "Madam, you're disrupting my meal." Madam Kang froze and awkwardly retracted her hand. Jungkook calmly stuffed the last crab roe bun into his mouth. After eating, he looked at Madam Kang's phone. She had just ordered a watch, clearly as compensation for Kang Jungguk, priced at over two hundred thousand Won. "Compensation is indeed in order," Jungkook commented. Madam Kang finally wore a look of relief. But then, Jungkook took out his phone and opened a calculator.

He muttered, "For Kang Jungguk's one day of distress, compensation is two hundred thousand. I've been wronged from the age of four until now, at nineteen, which adds up to fifteen years. With three hundred sixty-five days in a year, that's a total of five thousand four hundred seventy-five days of suffering."

"At twenty thousand per day, then..."

After a moment, Jungkook slid his phone toward Madam Kang. "That comes to nine hundred and ninety-five million. I'll round it down to a neat billion, so remember to transfer it to my account."

In the past, Jungkook had never dared to mention money in front of the Kang's.

It was as if the mere mention of it would expose the hardships he had endured throughout his teenage years, highlighting the stark contrast between him and this affluent family.

He also feared that bringing up money would taint his motive for returning to the family, making it seem like he was eyeing the Kang family's wealth.

It wasn't until he spent a long time lying in a hospital bed that Jungkook realized why he had such thoughts.

Because that was precisely how the Kangs saw him!

Every gaze directed at him conveyed the belief that he was an unscrupulous opportunist with ulterior motives.

Upon this realization, Jungkook decided to simply accept their perception and act accordingly.

Well, who needs family when you've got money?

Family bonds can't be forced, but cash can always be squeezed out.

He looked at Mrs. Kang, whose face had turned pale, and cheerfully rose to his feet, waving goodbye. "Remember to call me, either through Alipay or WeChat."

With that, he slung his backpack over his shoulder and whistled a tune as he left.

There were many classes in the morning, so after leaving the lab, Jungkook headed to the school computer room.

It was already the second semester of university, but he still didn't have his own computer. For some troublesome assignments, he had no choice but to use the facilities here.

Jungkook checked his tuition fees.

The student loan had been credited, and he had finally settled this academic year's tuition.

In his first year, he had gone through the green channel, which meant the tuition payment arrived much later than for regular students.

After that, Jungkook searched online for news about the yellow-haired guy.

Initially, he assumed that with the involved families working together, these videos would quickly be suppressed and submerged in the torrent of information.

Surprisingly, the topic of the wealthy second generation hitting people and dogs not only didn't decline but climbed to the top position, firmly entrenched there without any sign of being suppressed.

Below the trending topic were a few gossip posts from the entertainment industry.

It seemed someone was attempting to divert public attention with insider news, but it had no effect.

Jungkook gazed at the number one spot on the hot searches for a while, acutely sensing the scent of money.

He wondered which big shot was lending a hand.

An image of that sleek, extended black limousine flashed across Jungkook's mind.

But he quickly put the matter aside.

Deities fighting had nothing to do with him.

Exiting the computer room, his class monitor sent him a message, saying there were documents waiting for him to collect.

Jungkook approached and discovered that it was a scholarship application form issued by the academic counselor. It was a joint initiative between local businesses and the school, requiring an interview. Upon receiving the scholarship, the graduate's job placement would depend on the sponsoring company's wishes.

In his previous life, Jungkook had also received this application form. However, believing he no longer needed it, he had declined. As a result, he had struggled under the pressure from the Kang family and didn't even complete his university studies.

This time, without any hesitation, Jungkook filled out the form and delivered it to the counselor's office.

In the afternoon, he visited Big Yellow at the pet hospital and then promptly headed to his part-time job.

Upon arriving at his part-time job location, Jungkook suddenly recalled that he had already "obediently" turned down the work.

Fortunately, the boss was understanding, so Jungkook secured the part-time job once again.

Once upon a time, the erstwhile day laborer Jungkook dreamed daily of a time when he wouldn't have to work so tirelessly.

But for Jungkook, who had been bedridden for ten years, even running errands was a source of happiness.

However, he was currently short on cash due to the substantial medical expenses for Big Yellow.

Recalling this, Jungkook took a moment to send another message to Madam Kang: "Don't forget about that billion, okay? ~"

Madam Kang was pretending to be dead on her end.

Or perhaps she had been angered to the point of spitting blood.

Another day passed, and Jungkook picked Big Yellow up from the pet hospital.

After discussing with the pet store where he worked part-time, he decided that during the day, while he attended school, Big Yellow would stay at the pet store. In the evenings, they would return home together.

Jungkook had no intention of renting a separate apartment.

His experiences from his previous life taught him that even if he rented a place, the Kangs could still find him easily.

After a busy day, as Jungkook entered the Kang family villa with Big Yellow, his steps paused.

In the courtyard, two vehicles were parked.

An MPV and a sports car.

Big Yellow still had some aftereffects from the accident, and at the sight of the sports car, he became fearful, whining as he retreated.

Jungkook squatted down and stroked Big Yellow's head. "Silly dog, you've survived a car accident, what are you afraid of now?"

He led Big Yellow into the living room.

Dinner was already prepared in the dining room.

The auntie who was busy with preparations glanced at Jungkook and then subconsciously looked upstairs.

Footsteps echoed from the staircase on the third floor. Jungkook paid no attention, took Big Yellow to the bathroom, washed up himself, and wiped the dog's paws.

Usually, Big Yellow was well-behaved during paw-wiping, but this time, he spun around in place. "Woof!"

"Patience, it'll be over soon," Jungkook said, hanging the towel on a rack. Squatting down again, he rubbed Big Yellow's belly.

Big Yellow whined again, its dark, round eyes fixated on Jungkook.

By the time Jungkook took Big Yellow out, the Kang family had already taken their seats in the dining room.

This time, everyone was present.

Kang Gyeongho, who had been away on business, had returned. The current head of the Kang family appeared slightly weary but still carried the dignity of his high position.

Seated next to Kang Gyeongho was his wife, followed by Kang Jungguk, whose expression was obscured by her lowered head.

At the end, leaning casually against his chair with his legs crossed, was Kang Haemin.

Hearing the noise, Kang Haemin glanced over.

Spotting Big Yellow trailing behind Jungkook, he raised an eyebrow and grinned.

Kang Gyeongho was scolding Kang Haemin at that moment: "How do you sit? No proper posture at all!"

Although Kang Haemin looked annoyed, he still obediently uncrossed his legs.

"I'm here to visit Gukkie, not to be lectured by you," he declared.

Kang Gyeongho's face darkened. "You still have the nerve to come back! Who are those people in your studio? Three out of the five who got exposed this time are from your company!"

At this, Kang Haemin's expression turned grim as well.

"I don't care how you spend your money outside, but keep your people in line and don't tarnish the reputation of the Kang family," Kang Gyeongho said sternly.

"Reputation, reputation — do you eat with your reputation?" Kang Haemin shot back.

"Foolish boy!" Kang Gyeongho slammed his hand on the table in anger.

In the meantime, Kang Jungguk, who had been keeping his head low, lifted it gently, revealing his now-recovered fair complexion.

He picked up the serving ladle and poured a bowl of soup for Kang Gyeongho. "Dad, don't be angry. It's not easy for us to have a meal together as a family."

Kang Gyeongho smiled at him, somewhat calming down.

Dealing with the rebellious Kang Haemin was much simpler.

Kang Jungguk promptly turned his head and called out to Kang Haemin, "Big Brother!"

At once, Kang Haemin's objections faded away.

The impending conflict was effortlessly diffused by Kang Jungguk's few well-chosen words.

Mrs. Kang also revealed a gratified smile.

The family was in harmony, but they all unspokenly treated Jungkook as if he didn't exist.

Whether it was reprimands or warmth, none of it concerned him.

Jungkook was long accustomed to such disregard.

In this novel, Kang Gyeongho had a tendency to dote on his children, and Kang Haemin was an even more devoted brother.

However, their affections were directed at Kang Jungguk, not towards him, their biological son.

With Big Yellow in tow, Jungkook took it upon himself to sit at an unoccupied spot at the dining table.

No sooner had his bottom touched the chair than Kang Gyeongho immediately barked, "Stop right there."

Kang Haemin also turned his gaze, deflecting the scolding, "Yeah, you should be scolding whoever deserves it. Someone hit your son and then demanded a billion won with his mouth."

Everyone at the table turned their attention to Jungkook.

Looking at Kang Haemin, Jungkook shamelessly said, "If you want to add to that, I won't mind."

Kang Haemin was taken aback.

He lifted his gaze to study Jungkook closely for a while.

Kang Gyeongho, however, didn't delve into the so-called billion won matter.

He glanced at Kang Jungguk beside him, then lifted his eyelids to look at Jungkook with a hint of meaning, "Your younger brother is sitting here, and this is how you plan to sit down?"

"Oh, right," Jungkook said as if he had just remembered something.

Observing him bend down to lift Big Yellow and place the dog on an empty seat beside him – the spot designated for Kang Hyunwoo, the heir of the Kang family – one could sense his intention.

He then fetched a plate, picked up a boiled chicken leg, and set it in front of Big Yellow.

With words of consolation, he said, "We must properly comfort the poor victimized dog."

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