Chapter 1

In July, the heat in Beijing arrived early, and the monotonous cicada sounds only added to the irritation. The old-fashioned electric fan wobbled overhead, failing to bring even a hint of coolness to the drowsy students. The teacher's words were like the Tightening Spell from the Journey to the West, tormenting the already exhausted young men and women. Everyone in the classroom wished they could bury their heads in their desks, as if that were the only way to escape the teacher's droning voice.

The handsome boy sitting in the corner watched the fat boy in front of him bend over, his head buried in the desk, moving like a fat worm. A smile of understanding appeared on the boy's lips, and a sigh escaped his heart, "Finally, I'm going back. I wonder when I'll see these lovely classmates again."

His thoughts slowly expanded, and the smile on his face became more evident. The sunlight streaming through the window enhanced his charming aura, strongly attracting the attention of the opposite sex. Even the stern female teacher, who was lecturing, lost her composure when she glanced at him, "This boy is a national disaster. If I were twenty years younger, I wouldn't let you go."

At the same time, another thought popped into his mind, "So, there are also naturally handsome flower boys in Korea."

The boy was lost in his memories, completely unaware of the teacher's fiery and unusual gaze.

What was this? Was it really a穿越 (穿越 means "穿越" in Chinese, which can be translated as "time travel" or "穿越" in English)? Why did such a bizarre thing happen to me? My past life wasn't exactly good, but it wasn't so bad that I deserved this, right? It's just that I followed too many unwritten rules.

The boy's name was Choi Jung-woon, and he was sixteen years old. He was born on March 24, 1985, at the National High Hospital in Seoul, South Korea. Choi Jung-woon's father, Choi Ki-chan, was the eldest son, making Choi Jung-woon the eldest grandson.

His birth was a major event in the family, symbolizing the continuation of the Choi lineage. When Grandfather Choi Woo-dragon held him, and the family gathered around in curiosity, no one knew that this baby's body housed a soul from a distant land, a non-voluntary time traveler.

The baby's brain cells were not fully developed, and they couldn't provide much help with the complex topic of time travel. So, our protagonist fell asleep with a "Ah, Annyeonghaseyo" (Hello in Korean).

Born into a wealthy family, the protagonist had nothing else to do but grow up quickly to adapt to this unfamiliar environment. Of course, in his past life, he was the director of a major record company. Would he tell you that he was transported here by a computer? No, he wouldn't. As he enjoyed the good food and drink, he thought arrogantly, looking at everyone with a proud gaze. However, the family was very busy, and no one cared about a teenager's dignity except for the live-in maid.

With nothing to do, Choi Jung-woon used his combined experiences from his past and present lives to analyze the titles like "President," "Chairman," "Director," "Executive," and "Representative," trying to figure out which belonged to his grandfather, father, and mother.

Fortunately, for a child with a mature soul, confirming his environment wasn't too difficult. While other children were still misbehaving, Choi Jung-woon was already amazed by his family's background. Although Korea is a small country, it is still a nation. A top-tier family in a nation is a terrifying existence. The Choi family was one of them. Just by looking at the regular visitors to their home, one could imagine the Choi family's status. The Lee family of Samsung, the Jung family of Hyundai, and the Shin family of Lotte, any of them could make Korea tremble with a single step.

The Choi family had its own formidable strength to match these top families. The second-largest shareholder and co-founder of the First Sugar Group was Grandfather Choi Woo-dragon. The First Sugar Group was renowned in the Korean industry, involving sugar production, machinery, real estate, food production, and entertainment. Its massive scale, substantial capital, and deep background made it an unshakable giant.

If you mention the First Sugar Group, many people might not recognize it. But if you mention its name after 2001, it would ring a bell for many—C.J Group. The Choi family held a significant position in this super group.

Moreover, although the Choi family wasn't large, each member was an elite, achieving considerable success in their respective fields. Growing up in such an environment, how could Choi Jung-woon remain indifferent and content with being a spoiled rich kid? In his past life, he was a rural boy who became an art director through the hard work of his family. Now, with such a good environment, he couldn't let this opportunity go to waste.

When Choi Jung-woon was thirteen, his father, Choi Ki-chan, received a transfer to China to serve as the chief representative of Hyundai Motor Group, responsible for all cooperation with China. His mother, Pan Jeong-jin, resigned from her job to accompany him. As their child, Choi Jung-woon also moved to China to continue his studies.

During their time in China, internal conflicts in the First Sugar Group began to intensify. Choi Jung-woon, who had been planning for a long time, couldn't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He promptly submitted his carefully prepared plan to Choi Woo-dragon.

Receiving the plan from his grandson was a surprise for Choi Woo-dragon. The Choi family always emphasized the cultivation of their children and the application of knowledge. Choi Woo-dragon didn't underestimate Choi Jung-woon because of his young age. He carefully read the fifty-page, 300,000-word plan.

The more he read, the more shocked he became. The plan was logically sound, meticulously detailed, and strategically planned, with no flaws and forward-looking predictions. Even experienced business planners would find it hard to achieve such a level. If not for knowing Choi Jung-woon since he was a child, Choi Woo-dragon would have suspected an outsider had infiltrated the family.

Although shocked, the plan also excited Choi Woo-dragon. The Choi family was the second-largest shareholder but always in a subordinate position. This plan offered hope for the Choi family to break free and stand on their own. The plan was highly feasible, and following its steps would make it hard not to achieve the final goal. Thus, the three generations of the Choi family gathered, carefully discussed, and decided to use this plan as the blueprint for their actions.

Now, after three years, it was time to see the results. And our protagonist, Choi Jung-woon, was about to leave Beijing, where he had lived for three years, and return to Seoul to create his future.

"Pity, dear classmates, we have to say goodbye." Thinking of this, the boy let out a barely noticeable sigh.

Yesterday, his father mentioned that he would soon return to Korea, and his school registration had already been transferred back to Seoul. However, his father hinted that he would not continue working at Hyundai Motor Group, but didn't specify what he would do. From his parents' serious expressions, Choi Jung-woon could guess that this matter was significant. His maternal grandfather, whom he had never met since birth, had also returned to the country. Thinking of the kind and sharp-eyed old man, Choi Jung-woon felt a surge of excitement. He never imagined that he would be connected to this old man one day.

As Choi Jung-woon was lost in thought, the female teacher began her closing remarks, "We've been together for three years. Regardless of our performance this time, it's time to say goodbye. In the future, some of us may meet again in high school, while others may part ways. I hope everyone remembers these three short years. Although the time is brief, these memories will be deeply etched in our lives. I hope that when you look back on your youth, you'll remember these vibrant classmates." As she spoke, the usually stern teacher's eyes misted over.

The cicadas outside seemed to sense the sadness of parting and stopped their endless noise. The previously listless students sat up straight, their eyes filled with nostalgia, scanning the familiar faces around them.

Every graduation is filled with reluctance and sadness. No matter what happy or troubled stories we shared during these three years, it's time to say goodbye.

The teacher composed herself, "Now, I'll leave some time for you to say goodbye to your classmates. If you have anything to say, please speak up."

The boy's thoughts were straightforward and pure. Although he had many words to say, his lack of experience made it hard to express them. Their gazes met, as if encouraging someone to be the first to speak.

As everyone hesitated, Choi Jung-woon slowly walked to the podium, his nostalgic gaze sweeping over each classmate, finally resting on a pretty girl in the third row. His deep gaze turned into a gentle smile.

The usually carefree girl now lacked spirit, her eyes meeting his with a watery gaze. Their intersecting gazes sparked a brilliant and dazzling light. With graduation approaching, the classmates no longer had reservations. Seeing the two, who had been ambiguous before, now in this situation, they started to cheer, even the stern teacher smiled. The girl, with her thin skin, couldn't withstand the classmates' playful teasing and her cheeks turned a deep red.

Choi Jung-woon, seeing the classmates' misunderstanding, found it amusing. "You think I like her? In a few years, all of China will know her. I hope you won't be shocked by her today's unremarkable appearance."

Gathering his thoughts, Choi Jung-woon bowed deeply to his classmates and said, "Please forgive me for being the first to say goodbye. I'm returning to my country, and I don't know when I'll see you again. Thank you for your care over the past three years. I have left beautiful memories in China, and I will always remember the friendship. I hope you will remember me in the future, and we can meet again."

"Jung-woon, are you leaving? Returning to Korea?" The fat boy, who had been resting his head on the desk, exclaimed. Others also chimed in, their voices filled with reluctance. Over the past three years, Choi Jung-woon, with his humility, politeness, and willingness to help, had earned the respect of his classmates. Hearing he was leaving, everyone felt sorry. The girl, who had been shy, suddenly looked up, her eyes filled with tears, and her left hand, tightly gripping a pink envelope, had crumpled it into a ball. Finally, it was time to leave, and even a confession wouldn't change anything. It seemed they were not meant to be.

The fat boy glanced at the girl, noticing her mood, and asked on her behalf, "Jung-woon, when are you leaving? We've been together for three years. Let's have a farewell party for you."

Choi Jung-woon politely declined, "No need. I'm leaving today, and my flight tickets are already booked."

At that moment, a knock on the door sounded. It was Choi Jung-woon's mother, "Excuse me, teacher, it's almost time for the flight. My son needs to go."

Sitting in the car heading to the airport, Choi Jung-woon watched the scenery outside fly by, silently reflecting, "Goodbye, Beijing. I'll come back one day, and I wonder how different you'll be. Goodbye, my classmates. Although we're parting, I look forward to meeting you again, especially the beautiful girl. I wonder if you'll still be as stunning as ever." Thinking of the girl's big, tear-filled eyes, it seemed as if she was right in front of him.

Pan Jeong-jin, seeing her son's mature demeanor, couldn't help but smile. Her son had always been different from other children, never crying or fussing, always expressing his needs clearly. As he grew older, he never caused trouble, making her life much easier.

The only concern was whether he was too sensitive. She feared he might become too feminine. As the eldest grandson of the Choi family, he would face many challenges and needed to be strong. Thinking of the situation the Choi family would face upon their return, Pan Jeong-jin felt a deep sense of responsibility.

Looking at her silent son, Pan Jeong-jin tried to start a conversation, "Jung-woon, although it's sad to leave here, Korea is our home. Your grandfather, uncles, and cousins are all looking forward to seeing you. Your cousin, upon hearing you're coming back, is almost jumping with joy."

Hearing his mother mention his cousin, Choi Jung-woon thought of the child who always brought his sister to listen to his stories. This cousin, two years younger, was now a middle school student. Was he as handsome as in the future? Yes, his cousin's name was Choi Si-won, differing by only one character from his own. When he first heard his grandfather name his cousin, he thought it was a coincidence. But when he learned his uncle's name was Choi Ki-ho, he realized this was the Choi Si-won who would captivate countless girls.

As a child, the elders didn't let him go out to play, and the other children from wealthy families were much older or younger. So, he played with his cousin. When his younger cousin, Choi Ji-won, was born, he became the de facto child king of the family. He hadn't seen them for over three years and wondered how they were doing.

His uncle, Choi Ki-ho, was mistakenly rumored to be the president of the second-largest supermarket in Korea, leading to many absurd news stories. In reality, his uncle was a marketing expert who believed the family business was too rigid and needed innovation. So, he ventured out on his own. However, his grandfather considered him irresponsible for not helping the family. His father, working at Hyundai, left the family business to his grandfather, who had to support it despite his advanced age.

Strangely, his grandfather never criticized his father's role at Hyundai. Thinking of this, Choi Jung-woon asked his mother, "Father's return seems rushed. The matters here aren't resolved. Why leave so suddenly, and from Hyundai? Isn't it a bit hasty?"

Pan Jeong-jin sighed, "The conflict between Grandfather and President Jung has reached a critical point and can no longer be reconciled. President Jung supports Representative Park Geun-hye, while Grandfather opposes her. The ideological differences are growing, and the group is likely to split. Different paths, different choices."

"Park Geun-hye!" Choi Jung-woon's mind raced, and he blurted out the name in surprise.

Since submitting the plan, Choi Jung-woon's status in the family had risen, and he had participated in many family affairs. Knowing about Park Geun-hye didn't surprise his mother. "Representative Park Geun-hye is the daughter of former President Park Chung-hee and has high prestige within the party. However, her recent actions have become increasingly authoritarian, hinting at a one-man rule. Grandfather fears the loss of party democracy, so he opposes her. President Jung, however, believes she can carry on her father's legacy and lead the major groups to new heights. Therefore, Grandfather wants to use indirect methods to achieve balance. Your father's return is to serve as a member of the internal affairs council of the Grand National Party."

"What does this position do?" Choi Jung-woon, having no experience with politics, especially foreign politics, asked.

Perhaps because it was her son, Pan Jeong-jin didn't hide the answer, "This position mainly coordinates party resources and internal personnel, and is also responsible for party security."

Choi Jung-woon's mind was racing. As a former corporate executive, he knew the power of resource coordination and personnel management. Grandfather was indeed a cunning old fox. With this position, Park Geun-hye's goal of unifying the party would be nearly impossible.

"Most importantly, Representative Lee Myung-bak plans to run for the next mayor of Seoul. Your father will also serve as his campaign advisor, so he must return." Pan Jeong-jin's words excited Choi Jung-woon. He knew that this BOSS, Lee Myung-bak, would eventually become the President of South Korea. Following such a powerful leader, his family's future seemed secure.

Regarding politics, Choi Jung-woon had obtained the information he needed and didn't delve deeper to avoid upsetting his mother. Instead, he asked about the family business, "Will the division of the company follow the plan we discussed? Did the other party raise any objections? What did Director Lee Jae-hyun say?"

"Yes," Pan Jeong-jin confirmed, "The company will be divided into two parts: traditional operations, including food, construction, finance, and machinery, and