Chapter 48: A expressionless girl.
I was taken inside the house while the old bones stayed behind for their drinking. Sometimes, I think seeing through them is a bit too easy. If you were experienced in dealing with various types of people, you could discern the nuances in their thought processes just by looking at their faces once.
Being adept at reading people comes with time and practice. When you've interacted with a wide array of personalities, you develop an intuitive sense for the subtle cues and expressions that reveal their inner thoughts. A fleeting glance, a slight shift in posture, or even the way someone pauses before speaking can speak volumes about what's going on in their mind.
As I walked through the grand halls of the mansion, I couldn't help but reflect on this skill. The ability to understand people at a glance had always fascinated me. It was like having a sixth sense, allowing me to navigate social interactions with a level of insight that often eluded others.
In this case, watching the old men linger for their drinks, it was clear they were masking their true intentions behind casual banter. Their faces, though composed, betrayed fleeting glimpses of their underlying thoughts. A slight twitch of the eyebrow, a momentary tightening of the lips—these were the tells that gave them away.
As we moved deeper into the house, the grandeur of the interior only heightened my awareness. Every ornate detail seemed to echo with the history and secrets of those who had walked these halls before. The ambiance was both awe-inspiring and slightly intimidating, but I felt a strange comfort in knowing that my ability to read people and the experience I have achieved from previous life gave me an edge in any unexpected situation I may fall into.
In dealing with complex personalities, it's essential to pay attention to the small things. The way someone's eyes dart to the side, the rhythm of their breathing, or the cadence of their speech can all provide valuable clues. It's not just about what they say, but how they say it. This depth of understanding can reveal motivations, fears, and desires that might otherwise remain hidden.
As I continued to follow the butlers through the mansion, my mind kept returning to the concept of perception. Being able to see through the facades people put up wasn't just a useful skill—it was a necessary one in a world where appearances often hid deeper truths. It was a reminder that in the dance of human interaction, the real story is often told in the unspoken, the subtle, and the easily overlooked.
'But why is the house so empty? The house is quite large for a small number of people to live in. It might be a joint family, which would make sense given its size. I was escorted to the guest room where I was told to wait while the other two butlers went ahead to cook for the people of the house. I also noticed that there were fewer workers here than expected. Maybe they were given leisure time, sent home, or were currently working elsewhere. Either way, it made sense.
I looked at the framed pictures on the wall. One picture that caught my attention was of a girl with golden hair who looked about four or five years old. What intrigued me even more was the picture right beside it. The two girls were the same, but the hair color in the second picture was pitch black. In this photo, the girl appeared to be around my age.
*Ding!*
I glanced at my phone, which had just received a notification from Shimo.
I opened the chat and saw her message: "Are you thinking of some girl right now?"
In a way, I was thinking about a girl, wasn't I? Though not in the way Shimo might think. With that in mind, I started to type a response, but it seemed she had already decided to call me. I picked up and placed the phone near my ear.
"Hi. How are you doing?"
‹I'm doing fine, love. And you?›
"I'm doing fine. So?"
‹So?›
"Why the sudden call?"
‹I just missed you and wanted to hear your voice.›
"I see. So how is business going there?"
‹Yeah, it's good...oh! I forgot to tell you, two guys came by to ask about you.›
"Did they tell you why?"
‹Well, let me quote them: "Tell that guy that we are supposed to play games next week and have fun."›
"Hm...did one of the guys have a tired look in his eyes, like he wanted to sleep? And was the other one a Chinese guy?"
‹Yeah! It's them! How did you know?!›
"I had some discussions with them about this. But how can you tell exactly what I am thinking?"
‹I...don't think I understood what you meant. Care to simplify?›
"Hm...like, I was indeed thinking of a girl. But not in the way you might think. So, I am just asking, how?"
‹Oh, so I was right! You were thinking of a girl but not romantically, correct?!›
'How...?'
‹Well, it just comes out naturally, like knowing what others might be thinking. I can't really explain it.›
So she is able to see through someone without any practice, whatsoever... that's an amazing talent...
"Ok then, how about we talk about it later? Sounds good."
‹...Yeah, sounds good. Talk with you soon. Be careful. Love you.›
"Love you too."
After ending the call, I felt a presence behind me. When I turned around, it was the same girl from the picture. She looked at me without saying anything, her face devoid of any expression.We stood there for a while until I decided to speak, but she interrupted me as if she knew I was about to talk, despite my habit of moving my lips the moment I utter a sentence to prevent anyone from guessing what I want to say.
"My name is Song Ji-eun," she introduced herself. "And you?""I am Tokusake Ren. Pleased to meet you.""It's my pleasure to meet you as well.""So...? Why are you staring at me?""It's nothing," she spun around and started to walk. "Follow me.""...Sure."
"...Sure."
This girl is the one who will be known for her ruthlessness. The successor of the Jewan Group. The woman who dominated the entire business empire to the extent that other countries were aware of her. She was known for being strong both physically and mentally. A woman who played with others. The person who was said to be so powerful that she could control the political ministry with ease. The woman who skyrocketed the influence of the Jewan Group not only in Korea and Japan but in other Western countries as well. She was given the title 「Corporate Lioness」.
"Do you play?" Ji-eun asked, her voice cutting through the silence.
I looked at her, curious. "Play what?"
"The violin," she clarified, glancing at me ,"Do you play the violin?"
"I used to," I replied, a bit surprised by the question. "It's been a while, though."
We continued walking, the hallways of the mansion echoing with our footsteps. As we approached a door with a tag swinging on it, inscribed with [Ji-eun], I could feel the anticipation building.
"You used to? What happened?" she asked, pausing at the door.
"Life happened," I said with a shrug. "I got busy with other things, and the violin fell by the wayside. Why do you ask?"
"Just curious," she replied, pushing the door open. "I play, and I find it interesting to know who else does."
We stepped into her room, and what I saw was completely unexpected. The room was filled with musical instruments, sheet music, and various trophies and awards. Violins of different sizes and makes were displayed on the walls, each one meticulously cared for. A music stand with a violin resting on it took center stage.
"I wasn't expecting this," I admitted, taking in the room. "You must be very talented."
Ji-eun nodded, her eyes moving around the room, "Music is a big part of my life. It's how I express myself and find peace. It's interesting to meet someone who has a history with it too."
"Do you still perform?" I asked, genuinely intrigued.
"Occasionally," she said, walking over to the violin on the stand. "But mostly, I play for myself now. It keeps me grounded."
"I can see that," I said, appreciating the serene atmosphere of the room.
"Maybe one day, you'll let me hear you play?"
"Why not now?"
Ji-eun asked, her eyes meeting mine with a challenge.
"What?" I replied, taken aback.
"Why not now?" she repeated, walking over to the violin on the stand. She picked it up with practiced ease, her fingers moving gracefully over the strings.
"I'd like to hear your opinion. Besides, it's been a while since I had an audience."
"I... well, sure," I stammered, surprised by her sudden offer. "I'd love to."