Chapter 06 …
The next afternoon, Ouyang Cheon‑gang was absorbed in analyzing the patterns carved on the rooftop of the Potai Monk’s residence when noise erupted in the front courtyard of the manor.
Clang‑clang—
Dudududu—
Clear bell chimes mixed with loud hoofbeats echoed sharply.
What’s going on?
He approached the window.
The outbuilding he stayed in sat on higher ground, giving him a clear view of the courtyard below.
Tak‑tak— Tak‑tak—
Through the shabby front gate of the Ouyang family estate, a carriage embodying the pinnacle of luxury and four mounted escorts entered.
The carriage was adorned entirely in gold—so bright in the sunlight that it was almost blinding. Even the horses gleamed as if their coats had been polished strand by strand.
The coachman and guards’ clothing alone looked like it could cover the estate servants’ monthly expenses several times over.
Who the hell are they?
[Doctor, the carriage bears the crest of the Golden Tower Villa.]
Golden Tower Villa? Isn’t that Dong Yeon‑hwa’s maiden family?
[Correct.]
A young man and woman—both appearing to be in their early twenties—stepped out of the carriage.
The man wore a blue silk robe whose sheen and exquisite embroidery made it immediately clear that it was of a quality ordinary people could never even dream of touching.
The woman wore a brilliantly pink hanbok, her hair decorated with gemstone pins that scattered prismatic light under the sun.
Every look, every gesture radiated the arrogance of someone proclaiming, I am an exceptional being chosen above the rest.
And in their eyes—while they scanned the Ouyang household—was a cold, faintly contemptuous gaze they couldn’t hide even if they tried.
Ouyang Cheon‑gang, who was a 38‑year‑old man on the inside, naturally picked up on their attitude.
He frowned.
They look like kids desperate to advertise how rich they were born. Annoying little brats.
[This world strongly enforces status divisions based on wealth and power. Members of a clan like Golden Tower Villa practically belong to the heavenly realm from birth.]
Don’t pretend Earth was any different.
[…That is also true.]
Ouyang Cheon‑gang clicked his tongue inwardly.
Show‑off brats have arrived. I’ve got a bad feeling this will be a hassle.
Soon after, the Ouyang household steward, Jo In‑chung, rushed out to receive them, leading the two inside.
Not long after, he heard Elder Hwang’s voice outside his door.
“Young master, guests have arrived from Golden Tower Villa. The master requests your presence.”
Ouyang Cheon‑gang opened the door, tilting his head.
“For me?”
“Yes, young master.”
“Why?”
“Perhaps he wishes you to greet your cousins—it has been a long time since they visited.”
Without further questions, Cheon‑gang left the room.
As they walked, Elder Hwang spoke.
“Young master, the guests from Golden Tower Villa are the grandchildren of Elder Dong‑ro, and as I said earlier, they are your cousins.”
“And?”
“Please think twice before speaking your mind.”
“Why should I?”
Elder Hwang looked baffled.
“Have you forgotten the household’s situation?”
“…Maybe the headaches lately are messing with my memory. So please explain, elder.”
“Haa…”
Elder Hwang sighed, then explained the current state of the Ouyang clan—and it was miserable.
After the Great Demonic War, the Ouyang family rapidly lost land and wealth.
Were it not for Dong Yeon‑hwa marrying Ouyang Baek and the support received from her father, Dong Hyeon‑do, the family would not have survived at all.
Even worse—
the thirty guards and twenty servants currently working for the Ouyang household all belonged to Golden Tower Villa and were paid by them.
Cheon‑gang’s jaw dropped at the revelation.
So… the Ouyang clan is basically a decorative shell, while Golden Tower Villa is the one truly controlling everything. A colony in disguise.
When Elder Hwang finished, he added:
“Golden Tower Villa holds more than mere affection for this household, young master. So please avoid doing anything that might give them cause to blame you.”
“…Alright. I’ll be careful.”
Upon arriving at the main hall, Cheon‑gang saw the extravagantly dressed young man and woman seated across from Ouyang Baek and Dong Yeon‑hwa.
Dong Yeon‑hwa still looked cold and distant as always, while Ouyang Baek’s face remained expressionless.
But to Cheon‑gang, their expressions held discomfort beneath the surface.
The young woman smiled brightly at him.
“Cheon‑gang! How have you been, little brother?”
Her tone was as soft as her smile, yet Cheon‑gang felt no warmth—only discomfort.
This woman… Her mouth smiles, but her eyes don’t at all. If I saw her elsewhere, I’d assume she was a sociopath.
[Your displeasure is understandable, but your phrasing is rather…]
Tell me it’s wrong. She has full psycho‑smile energy. You see it too, right?
[…A little, yes.]
Her next words dug into his ears.
“It’s been so long, hasn’t it? Nearly three years, I think? But you look thinner and even more haggard than before. My heart aches just seeing you like this. Uncle and aunt must be so worried.”
Beside her, the young man sighed dramatically.
“My thoughts exactly, Cheon‑gang. Even three years ago, your condition didn’t look good. This Gu‑Eum Jeol‑Maek illness is truly frightening. For the eldest son of a prestigious clan to be so frail… It does not bode well for the family’s future.”
As the two spoke as though they knew him intimately, Cheon‑gang hurriedly searched his memories.
Fragments surfaced.
Ah, right. Dong Ha‑jin and Dong Seol‑ah… Dong Hyeon‑do’s grandchildren. But they feel even more arrogant than when the original Cheon‑gang last met them.
Even in the small 10% memory restored by Akasha, those two were labeled as “people best avoided.”
Cheon‑gang hid his thoughts and bowed politely.
“Brother Ha‑jin, Sister Seol‑ah. It has been a while. Thank you for traveling such a long way.”
Dong Seol‑ah covered her mouth with her sleeve, laughing delicately.
“Hoho, you’re as polite as ever.”
Then Dong Ha‑jin looked him up and down like he was evaluating a rare but flawed object.
“Cheon‑gang, grandfather is doing everything he can for your recovery, so try not to despair too much. Miracles tend to appear in unexpected moments.”
For descendants of a merchant clan, these two never learned proper facial control. Who talks like that with that expression? There’s zero sincerity.
Cheon‑gang, still playing the sickly, grateful young master, replied with emotion‑filled eyes:
“I appreciate grandfather’s deep concern, truly. But please don’t worry too much—my father and mother have done everything they can.”
Dong Seol‑ah turned toward Dong Yeon‑hwa, speaking meaningfully:
“Auntie, grandfather specifically asked me to convey his regards.”
Dong Yeon‑hwa’s expression froze for an instant before she forced a polite smile.
“I see. Please relay my thanks for his consideration.”
[Doctor, Dong Yeon‑hwa’s facial micro‑expressions and vocal tone do not match. She appears to be under significant pressure.]
From what?
[Unknown. Even a super‑intelligent AI cannot draw conclusions without data.]
You sure say “I don’t know” with confidence.
Cheon‑gang clicked his tongue inwardly.
Judging by her reaction, their purpose here isn’t simply to check on family members.
[I agree.]
Dong Ha‑jin and Dong Seol‑ah soon shifted their attention back to Ouyang Baek and Dong Yeon‑hwa, engaging in conversation.
Cheon‑gang sat quietly, pretending ignorance while reading every hidden nuance, glance, and implication.
Then Akasha’s voice rang in his mind.
[Analysis of their speech patterns, logical structuring, vocabulary complexity, and phrase selection is complete.]
Anything noteworthy?
[They have received systematic higher education and possess considerable intelligence. Their eye focus control and bodily balance indicate they have trained in martial arts to some degree.]
Cheon‑gang nodded inwardly.
Born with a golden spoon? That sounds about right.
[However, their behavioral patterns indicate “environment‑formed superiority complex” and “lack of consideration for others.” In short, high intellect but low empathy and poor situational flexibility.]
So… smart, spoiled, self‑centered elite sociopaths?
[…A blunt but extremely accurate summary.]
As Dong Ha‑jin examined Cheon‑gang again, he said:
“Cheon‑gang, you must feel suffocated, confined at home because of your illness. It must be hard—unable to help the household, barely managing your own health… truly, truly pitiful.”
Dong Seol‑ah chimed in, looking entertained:
“Exactly, brother. Father always said he once hoped Cheon‑gang would become the pillar of the Ouyang clan, but illness has blocked his path. It’s heartbreaking.”
Ha‑jin nodded.
“He said it often.”
“A body this frail cannot possibly restore the Ouyang clan. It must be exhausting just to stay alive. It’s so tragic that words fail me.”
Cheon‑gang kept a calm, apologetic expression, as if he heard nothing malicious.
Inside?
These bastards sure know how to stab while smiling. Why sharpen their tongues at me of all people?
[Doctor, I detect hostility deep in their eyes.]
I know. But why? What’s their angle?
[Insufficient data. But it feels like something beyond simple mockery or rivalry.]
Intriguing…
Still, he replied with gentle humility:
“My frail health has indeed caused many concerns. I deeply regret being a burden.”
[Doctor, your acting skills grow more impressive by the day. You could infiltrate a national intelligence agency at this point.]
Thirty‑eight years of life experience—what did you expect?
Then Dong Ha‑jin looked at Dong Yeon‑hwa and spoke:
“Auntie, later… I have something to discuss privately. If you have time, may I see you?”
Dong Yeon‑hwa’s expression stiffened before she nodded.
“…Very well. You must be tired from the long trip. Rest for now.”
It was obvious she didn’t want this unpleasant atmosphere to drag on.
Ha‑jin bowed lightly.
“Thank you, aunt. Grandfather instructed us to observe the situation here more closely. We may need to trouble you for a few days.”
Cheon‑gang’s eyes narrowed.
What are these two plotting so openly…?
