Three Days Later – Seoul Central District
Jiwoo Kim sat by the floor-to-ceiling window of his new penthouse apartment, sipping warm ginseng tea. The skyline of Seoul glittered below him, and the early morning sun painted the city in soft gold. Just a few days ago, he was riding a rusty bicycle through alleyways, delivering cold tteokbokki. Now, he was quietly living in the same tower as foreign ambassadors and global CEOs — though no one knew it was him.
The system had taken care of everything.
> [Disguise Mode: Activated]
Your identity is shielded. No media or digital trail will expose your name unless you choose it.
Even his bank account was cloaked beneath layers of anonymous holdings. To the outside world, "Atlas Group Korea" had just moved in — an unheard-of conglomerate now quietly buying property, technology, and services around the nation. Jiwoo was the only one who knew the truth.
The doorbell chimed.
A soft voice echoed from the hallway: "Delivery for Atlas Group."
Jiwoo walked calmly to the door and opened it.
A young woman in a mint green uniform stood there, holding a sleek white bag with his order. She bowed politely, cheeks a little red from the cold.
"Here's your tea set, sir."
"Thank you," Jiwoo said, offering her a generous tip in a white envelope.
She blinked, startled. "S-sir! This is—this is too much!"
"It's just appreciation," Jiwoo said gently. "No strings. Be well."
She hesitated, then bowed deeply. "I'll never forget this. Thank you!"
Jiwoo closed the door quietly.
It had only been a few days, but he'd made a habit of it — giving kindly, without asking anything in return. Whether it was an elderly man begging at the subway or a part-time student like her, he gave without showing off. The system kept track of it all.
> [Karma Points +5]
[Happiness Index Increased]
[Your aura now attracts sincerity and kindness.]
He sat back down and opened his sleek, private tablet. The system had installed a "Life Planner" dashboard, offering dozens of peaceful quests: building homes, adopting pets, restoring cultural sites, funding inventions, and more.
But one tab stood out this morning.
> [Harem Circle: Candidates Nearby – 1]
Name: Ha Yoori
Age: 20
Occupation: University dropout, part-time worker, lives alone
Personality: Honest, quiet, loyal, insecure but strong-willed
Would you like to observe her for consideration?
Jiwoo paused.
"Ha Yoori…" he said softly. The name felt unfamiliar, but warm.
He tapped [Yes].
A holographic window opened, showing a real-time view of a small rooftop apartment. Inside, a young woman sat at a tiny desk, eating rice and kimchi while scribbling in a notebook.
She was the same delivery girl.
Jiwoo leaned back in silence, watching her quietly take bites, sip water, and stare out her cracked window with distant eyes. Her phone buzzed, and a smile flickered across her face. She replied quickly, and Jiwoo saw a message pop up in the system translation window:
> [Text to Friend: "Today I met the kindest man. He gave me ₩500,000 just for delivering tea. I know it sounds fake… but he looked at me like I mattered. I think I needed that more than the money."]
Jiwoo turned off the feed. He didn't need to see more.
She was kind.
She was genuine.
And maybe, just like him, she needed someone to believe in her.
> [Would you like to invite Ha Yoori to your Inner Circle? This does not bind or control her. She will receive an anonymous offer to work, study, and live in peace under your protection. Consent and trust will always be required.]
He smiled and tapped Yes.
---
Later That Day – Ha Yoori's Apartment
Yoori stared at the message on her cracked phone screen, disbelief flooding her face.
> "You have been offered a full scholarship, housing, and work opportunity through the private program 'Aurora Haven.' Your recent kindness and resilience have been recognized. This is not a scam."
There was no sender number. No bank links. Just an address and an invitation.
A second message followed:
> "If you are interested in changing your life, arrive at the Han River Clock Tower, 5 PM today. You will not be harmed. No documents required. Just come as you are."
Yoori's hands trembled.
She had nothing to lose.
---
5:00 PM – Han River Clock Tower
Yoori waited nervously, her small canvas bag clutched tightly in her hands. She wore her cleanest jacket, patched at the shoulder. A black car pulled up silently in front of her.
The window rolled down, revealing a kind-eyed man in his twenties wearing a warm smile and clean coat.
Jiwoo.
"You made it," he said, stepping out and holding an umbrella over her.
"You're… him," she whispered.
"I didn't expect to meet you that day, but I'm glad I did."
"Why me?" she asked, confused. "I'm no one."
"You are someone," Jiwoo said gently. "And no one should live feeling invisible. Come with me. You don't owe me anything. Just a safe place to breathe. To grow."
She nodded slowly, tears welling in her eyes.
As they stepped into the car together, Jiwoo glanced at the system notification:
> [Candidate 1 of 7: Ha Yoori has joined your peaceful harem circle.]
[Relationship: Respectful Trust – Level 1]
He looked out at the quiet city and whispered to himself:
"This is the life I choose… one step at a time."
---