Morning – Aurora Hills Estate, Library Room
The sun rose gently across the glass walls of the estate's private library. The room smelled of aged wood and freshly brewed coffee. Soft orchestral music hummed in the background. Shelves of untouched books surrounded a long reading table where Noeun Han now sat, hair slightly tousled, eyes locked onto the tablet in front of her.
Jiwoo entered quietly, carrying a plate of warm pancakes and fruit.
"I thought you might've skipped breakfast again," he said.
Noeun blinked, then slowly shook her head. "I… forgot it was morning."
He placed the food next to her.
"You're allowed to rest now," he said gently. "There's no deadline chasing you anymore."
Noeun stared at the plate for a long time before softly whispering, "Thank you."
> [Relationship with Noeun Han: Level Up → Early Trust to Gentle Devotion]
[Effect: Noeun now considers this place her only true home.]
---
Elsewhere – Jiwoo's Office
Yoori entered carrying a file. "She's here."
"Who?" Jiwoo asked.
"The girl from the university speech—Eun Jihye. She accepted the invitation. She's waiting downstairs."
Jiwoo stood and adjusted his sleeves. "Let's meet her."
---
Downstairs – Aurora Estate Welcome Hall
Eun Jihye stood tall in a smart beige coat, her student badge still clipped to her collar. Her eyes roamed the serene entrance hall, where golden sunlight passed through hanging glass orbs and indoor plants lined the corners. It didn't feel like a billionaire's mansion. It felt like a sanctuary.
Then Jiwoo entered.
"I'm glad you came," he said.
Jihye's sharp eyes met his. "I want to know exactly what you're offering."
Jiwoo gestured for her to sit on the sofa. Yoori brought tea, then quietly left the two alone.
"I'm offering you everything except control over you," Jiwoo said. "I've watched how much you sacrifice to fix a system that won't bend. I want to give you the power to fix things… peacefully."
"Why?" Jihye asked. "Why me?"
Jiwoo leaned back, his tone calm.
"Because you're fighting for others even when no one's fighting for you."
She blinked.
He continued, "What if I told you you'd never have to compromise again? What if I said your next charity could be funded without selling your dignity to politicians?"
Jihye's defenses wavered slightly. "What's the catch?"
"There isn't one. You won't owe me. Just stay true to yourself. That's all."
She was silent for a long moment.
Then she nodded slowly. "Then I accept. But I still want to earn what I do. Don't treat me like a rescued kitten."
Jiwoo smiled. "I wouldn't dream of it."
> [Candidate 4 of 7: Eun Jihye has joined your Inner Circle.]
[Relationship: Mutual Respect – Level 1]
[Effect: Jihye's leadership now influences local social reform programs. Public Perception +10%.]
---
Meanwhile – Gangnam High Society Group Chat
> [Soyeon 🥂]: "Does anyone know who's behind Aurora Hills? I heard even politicians can't get past the front gate."
[Minji 💄]: "They say it's run by someone called 'J.K.' A ghost investor. Some think he's old. Some say he's our age."
[Seojin 💅]: "Rumor says he's building a private network of elite women. But not… you know, that kind. More like a utopia?"
[Soyeon 🥂]: "Tch. Sounds like a cult. Probably another billionaire playing hero."
[Minji 💄]: "But what if he's actually genuine?"
[Soyeon 🥂]: "…Impossible."
But her hands were shaking.
A deep part of her gut whispered one name: Jiwoo.
---
Evening – Aurora Hills Garden
Jiwoo and Yoori walked along the winding path between blooming night lilies and quiet koi ponds.
"She's strong," Yoori said, referring to Jihye. "She reminds me of who I wanted to be before the world broke me."
"She hasn't broken yet," Jiwoo replied. "And with a little support, she never will."
They paused under the wooden arch where paper lanterns hung in silence.
"Do you think they'll ever know?" Yoori asked.
"Who?"
"The people who left you behind. Who looked down on you."
Jiwoo looked up at the stars. "Maybe. Maybe not. But I don't need them to know."
Yoori glanced sideways. "You don't want revenge?"
He shook his head.
"I don't want revenge. I want to be undeniable. Not through noise or headlines. Just through living a life so peaceful and full, that they can't look away."
Yoori smiled softly.
"You're already doing that."
> [System Notice: Emotional Aura Level 3 Reached]
[You now inspire Calm Envy in those who once judged you.]
[Soyeon's Regret Level: 32% and rising.]
Jiwoo returned to his notebook later that night.
He now had four golden names written:
1. Ha Yoori – Calm Loyalty
2. Park Nayun – Early Curiosity
3. Noeun Han – Quiet Devotion
4. Eun Jihye – Unshaken Fire
Three circles remained.
No rush.
He placed the notebook down, turned off the lights, and let silence wrap around him like a warm blanket.
---