Joon-won resolved to steer clear of the arrogant and entitled pair he had encountered earlier. His past life as Zen Su had been rife with similar characters—horny, arrogant, and narcissistic aristocrats who thought only with their lower parts. They were a constant source of annoyance and conflict.
In his previous life, Zen Su had faced the sons of aristocratic families not in physical combat but in tests of intelligence. The king at the time had decreed that any challenge for Zen Su's position as the princess's fiancé would be settled through intellectual duels. If any aristocrat wanted to settle it with fists, the princess herself, a formidable warrior, would take on the challenge.
Needless to say, no one had ever managed to best her. Thus, the competition had always been one of wits, which Zen Su excelled in. His access to the royal library and his life experiences had made him a formidable opponent, earning him the nickname "monster" among his peers.
Reflecting on his struggles to gain a position he had never truly wanted brought a wry smile to his face. Despite the challenges, he had come to appreciate the role he played, relishing the intellectual battles and the respect he commanded. His musings were interrupted by the grating voice of the young master from earlier.
Opening his eyes, Joon-won saw the man demanding that Gah Soo have him, Joon-won, handle their orders. He noticed Gim Da, their boss, signaling him to comply. With a resigned sigh, Joon-won stood up. "Gah Soo, sit down. Since the customer insists, I'll take care of it."
Gah Soo, clearly fed up with the man's childish behavior, nodded gratefully and took a seat. Joon-won approached the counter where the young master and the young miss stood. His eyes met the young master's with a steady, unflinching gaze. "What can I do for you, sir?"
The young master sneered, dumping the items they had selected onto the counter. "Get it done quick."
Ignoring the provocation, Joon-won began processing their purchases methodically. He totaled the items and announced the amount. The young master, in a display of condescension, handed over a large bill, enough to cover twice the amount of the purchases. "Keep the change, you poor idiot."
Joon-won, unphased, counted out the change and pushed it back along with the items. "Keep your money," he said in his detached manner. The young master's face turned an angry shade of red, humiliated by Joon-won's refusal to accept his money.
Just as the young master was about to lash out, the young miss intervened. "Don't lower yourself over a minor insult. He's beneath you. Let's not make a scene." Her eyes, however, remained on Joon-won, a hint of amusement playing on her lips.
Joon-won sensed the young miss's calculating gaze and felt a pang of distaste. Unlike the transparent hostility of the young master, her eyes hinted at something more insidious—a curiosity mixed with a desire to toy with him. He found her far more dangerous and detestable than the young master.
Turning to leave, the young master grabbed his items and stalked out of the store, casting one last glare at Joon-won. The young miss lingered, her eyes still fixed on Joon-won. "You're interesting," she said, her voice silky. "I'll have to talk to you again sometime. Don't disappoint me."
Joon-won offered no response, his face impassive. Satisfied, she left the store, trailing after the young master. As their car pulled away, Gim Da, visibly relieved, grabbed a cold drink from the beverage section and joined Joon-won and Gah Soo at the counter.
"That was tense," he remarked, wiping his brow.
"Boss, who are they?" Gah Soo asked, her curiosity piqued.