Trapped in a Webnovel as a Good-For-Nothing

Chapter 30

Yu-Seong, you brat. Are you possibly feeling envy and jealousy toward Kim Do-Jin? Choi Woo-Jae frowned deeply and asked. Considering that Yu-Seong had shown inferiority complexes before, Choi Woo-Jaes guess was not strange.

Not at all.

When Yu-Seong shook his head, Woo-Jae quietly stroked his beard. He didnt try to hide the small anger in his eyes.

Before Woo-Jae became properly furious, Yu-Seong had to convince him. He spoke up. Father, there are two problems with having Kim Do-Jin under me.

Choi Woo-Jae looked piercingly at Yu-Seong, who gulped unintentionally from the tension, before speaking. Interesting. Fine, Ill listen, but if you cant convince me by the end

Woo-Jae tapped the end of Yu-Seongs bed with his index finger, as if he was deep in thought, then nodded. Yes, yes if you cant convince me, I will take away one of those kids under you, said Woo-Jae.

Woo-Jae had tried to give him a person, but since Yu-Seong refused, he would take away one of his people as a penalty. There were only two of Yu-Seongs people Woo-Jae could think of.

Jin Yu-Ri and Jin Do-Yoon.

The Jin siblings were the ones that Yu-Seong had the most faith in. Thus, as much as the two cared about Yu-Seong, there was a possibility that they would have to follow Woo-Jaes coercion and make inevitable choices.

Choi Woo-Jae had a calm but heavy look. His eyes were like a tigers as he leaned on the chair in silence.

Yu-Seong licked his dry lips with the tip of his tongue and stood more upright.

If I cant give him a satisfactory answer, theyll be taken away.

It felt as if he were walking a tightrope above a ground full of sharp spears.

Although its scary to cross

The way back was already blocked. Yu-Seong cleared his mind, then took the first step on the tightrope.

First, the time isnt right yet. I have just become a hunter, finally standing on the starting line to chase after my brothers and sisters. It is too risky for me to embrace a talented person like Kim Do-Jin at this point.

You cant get anything good without a fight. The more precious it is, the more people will want it. Thats why you shouldnt have it if you dont have the power and wisdom to protect it. Apparently, you dont have the courage, Choi Woo-Jae responded

Courage and temerity are different, sir. If I get in over my head and just take anything recklessly, I would be no different than a brute. I said I would risk my life, but that doesnt mean that I want to die meaningless by placing my neck in the path of an approaching knife. I am not capable of embracing Kim Do-Jin at the moment.

You mean that you will stay quietly cooped up in your room? Because you know your place? Am I understanding it right?

That is not it. That leads me to my second reasonI do not know Kim Do-Jins capabilities yet.

Thats another interesting thing to hear.

Father, I investigated Kim Do-Jin. I know about his birth, his growth, his family relationships. I found something strange after investigating. He is an orphan born in Russia and naturalized in Korea, where he received a new identification card. But there are no acquaintances who knew him well in Korea, Russia, nor anywhere else in the world.

Truthfully, Yu-Seong had never investigated Kim Do-Jin after he was possessed. After all, why make an extra effort? He already knew of Kim Do-Jins complete circumstances through the original novel.

Kim Do-Jin had been sent to another world as he stared blankly at the tide of monsters in the chaotic Dungeon Break, which had been caused by the failure to clear the Boss Monster. Thus, obviously, the first thing that Kim Do-Jin did after returning was to find out what time period he was in and to investigate his familys whereabouts.

Thirty-one years in another world was the same as eight years in the current reality. In addition, fortunately, or rather unfortunately, his family had survived during the Dungeon Break.

However, his mother fell ill with an unknown disease and now lived in a comatose state. His only younger brother had worked day and night to cover their mothers hospital bills and had died the day before Kim Do Jin returned from an unavoidable rebar that fell overhead at a construction site.

It was a desperate situation for Kim Do-Jin and it was impossible to dream of a hopeful future with his family. He despaired but did not give up. Instead, he thought of revenge.

When he was a child, the company owned by Kim Do-Jins father had been destroyed by the Comet Groups rampage. Naturally, the family fell into despair. His father could not bear the disappointment and the sense of failure he felt as the head of the family, and had chosen to commit suicide. That would not have happened if there werent the aggressive mergers and acquisitions of Comet Group that Choi Woo-Jae had led at the time. In Kim Do-Jins memory, that was when everything had started to go wrong.

That was why, at the beginning of the novel, Kim Do-Jin had made a new identity by pouring out all the money earned from selling some of the treasures he had brought from another world. He also became an anonymous donor for his mother, who had no one to pay for her hospital bills due to his brothers absence. He then hid himself as much as possible to deal with the monster Choi Woo-Jae.

Choi Yu-Seong knew this situation and rooted for Kim Do-Jins revenge when he had read the novel. Of course, it was different now. Now that his life was at stake, he could not root for Kim Do-Jins revenge anymore.

Yu-Seong took a deep breath before continuing on, So, going back to the first reason, I think it is not the right time. Yes, I agree that a talented person should be valued. It is a waste to give him to others, so I should make him my person. But I still know very little about Kim Do-Jin. I cannot let him in without knowing whether he is a coyote or a wolf, right?

Suddenly, Choi Woo-Jaes calm but dull gaze changed. He pointed out, I thought you had him by your side without knowing anything.

Choi Yu-Seong gulped.

As expected, he knew it already.

Choi Woo-Jae was greedy for talented people, just as he always said. Wouldnt he already have paid great attention to Kim Do-Jin, who the entire world was paying attention to? Perhaps he had investigated Kim Do-Jin immediately after Kim Do-Jin had appeared as a super rookie, like a comet.

Kim Do-Jins records could be called clean. Theres not even a speck of dust or a single blemish to be seen. Thats why its suspicious. That means theres definitely something he is hiding, and naturally, those who have a lot to hide are dark inside. Choi Woo-Jaes lips twisted scornfully.

At that moment, Choi Yu-Seong felt goosebumps all over his body.

So thats why he wanted to keep Kim Do-Jin near me!

It was hard to see what Kim Do-Jin was hiding if he was kept an arms length away. By keeping him close, it would be possible to find a weak spot or two. That was why Woo-Jae was trying to keep Kim Do-Jin near Choi Yu-Seong and keep his eyes on him.

That could put Choi Yu-Seong in trouble, but it was obvious that Choi Woo-Jae would simply think that was Yu-Seongs limit if he couldnt handle the task.

Woo-Jae would have such thoughts because he did not know that Kim Do-Jin was a returnee from another world. If Choi Yu-Seong was sacrificed in this way, chances were high that he would end up in the same state as the original novel.

It seemed like you were trying to get closer to him anyway, so Im just trying to help you.

I am not disappointed by that.

If Choi Yu-Seong had not read the original novel, or if he was not quick-witted, he would have faced a terrible situation. But so what? As mentioned, the Comet Group was originally like this, and Choi Woo-Jae did have as many as ten children.

If you know the situation, you must have your own thoughts. It was clear what Choi Woo-Jaes words meant. I wont ask more since it already sounds interesting. I will leave the matter regarding Kim Do-Jin to you..

Phew Thank you. Choi Yu-Seong felt he had barely come down from the tightrope. He let out a sigh of relief without realizing it.

Meanwhile, Choi Woo-Jae was in another dilemma.

Shall I give a big gift or a small gift for my quick-witted Ninth child?

He had originally come to give a gift to Yu-Seong. However, the answer that his son had given was remarkably praiseworthy that he found it hard to make a decision. But, he also felt it was a bit excessive to give the big gift that just came to his mind.

The small gift is not enough, but the big gift is too much Id better do this then.

Choi Woo-Jae made a choice after much consideration and spoke again. Do you know where the guys who attacked you came from?

Yu-Seong looked at Woo-Jae when he heard the sudden question.

Its different from the sloppy novel with a lot of plot holes.

Choi Woo-Jaethe meticulous chairman of a large corporationwas alive and breathing in front of Yu-Seongs eyes. So why was someone like Woo-Jae suddenly asking such a question?

Father, I guess you already know who they are.

Indeed, I do know. If you want, Ill call that wicked guy to this place right now. And Ill make him bow and apologize to you. Think of it as a special gift for what youve done recently.

A gift. Choi Yu-Seong did not act rashly, although Choi Woo-Jae once again said something that he found difficult to hear. He felt a rather strange vibe in the conversation, but he was unsure as to why. Strictly speaking, it was a feeling. However, Choi Yu-Seong did not want to ignore his feelings.

Thus, he asked Woo-Jae a question. Perhaps Is it one of my older brothers or sisters?

Choi Woo-Jae did not answer, offering a silent affirmation.

It was silent, but it was an affirmation after all.

Its not Choi Min-Seok since it wasnt an unfledged attempt. If one of my older brothers or sisters apologizes to me

It would be an apology right in front of Choi Woo-Jae. As a result, one of his siblings would lose their rights to Choi Yu-Seong.

Considering how important such rights would be in the upcoming succession fight, it would be no exaggeration to call it a gift as Woo-Jae had said.

Yu-Seong could feel his heart beating. Rights could be a debt. He could think of countless ways to use this. He was happy with the pleasant choices he could make for a while.

However, he shook his head. Itits okay.

Why?

Because it is my problem. If I cannot get through it myself and just lean on you, then I will remain as a spoiled child in the family.

Huh?

Ill go find them myself and make them pay for what they have done to me. This is what a member of the Choi family should do.

In an instant, a scene from the distant past unfolded in front of Yu-Seongs eyes. There was a middle-aged man talking to a small child sitting on his lap.

This is?

It was not a memory from the original novel. More vivid than that, it felt like an old memory that he had experienced in person.

Is this the real Choi Yu-Seongs memory?

As if it was a memory from a long time ago, it was as blurry as a channel on the wrong frequency of a black and white TV.

Having questions and feeling confused, Choi Woo-Jae suddenly stood up from his seat and turned his back. If that's your intention, then Ill respect it.

Are you leaving, Father?

I have to go. Im busy, but this took more time than I thought. Although Choi Yu-Seong could not see it, Woo-Jaes lips were twisted into what seemed like a pleasant smile.

Ah, then

Dont get up and just sit down! Its cumbersome. Choi Woo-Jae shook his hands as if annoyed, and strode out of the hospital room before Yu-Seong could do anything.

Father.

As I said, Ill be watching you.

Yu-Seong urgently called out to him while trying to leave the bed. However, Choi Woo-Jae gave an answer and left the hospital room. Yu-Seong was left alone in the room once more.

He really just left. I refused because I thought it would be a test. Was it a mistake?

Yu-Seong smacked his lips with a strange expression as he looked at the closed door.

***

Choi Woo-Jae couldnt stop his lips from twitching up into a smile while he leaned comfortably in the back seat of the Maybach sedan, often called one of the worlds top three luxury cars. He left behind several officials from the prestigious university hospital rushing out and bowing their heads.

Kim Pil-Doo was sitting in the passenger seat right in front of him. He looked at Woo-Jae and asked, The Ninth Young Master must have made you feel happy again, master.

Can you tell?

The corners of your lips are constantly twisting up like this. How about just laughing aloud? Theres no one watching.

What do you mean theres no one? Youre here, and the driver is here. Choi Woo-Jae spoke bluntly and leaned his arm against the window frame. He felt awkward, looking at his face reflected through the splendid cityscape of downtown Seoul, so he slightly pulled his cheek with his index finger. Its awkward.

Im not used to smiling and it doesn't look good if I force myself to. Anyways, when will Yu-Seong be discharged? asked Woo-Jae.

December 13th. I have confirmed that theres about a week left, answered Pil-Doo.

Then around that time Choi Woo-Jaes voice became softer. To be exact, the voice was sent only to Kim Pil-Doos ears by skipping the space inside the vehicle.

The driver was quite used to this. Choi Woo-Jaes voice always got softer like this when the two people spoke about secrets. As both of them were high-ranking hunters, the driver could tell by the fact that they were communicating in a special way.

Its always amazing when I see it, thought the driver.

And today, the driver had another mysterious experience.

Pardon? Kim Pil-Doo was known for his cool-headedness as he resembled Choi Woo-Jae. However, he raised a rather foolish question.

What do you mean pardon? Did you not hear me? said Woo-Jae.

But

Stop! Choi Woo-Jae raised his voice.

Kim Pil-Doo quickly bowed his head with trembling eyes. As you wish, sir.

Kim Pil-Doo thought it was a rather exaggerated gift, but what could he do? It was Choi Woo-Jaes order after all.