Having decided to embrace reality, Lee Jin-woo wasn't about to skimp on himself.
A 30,000-won portion of sirloin? He ordered three more.
The portions were small—three together looked like maybe a pound.
This time, Lee Joo-bin played the perfect server, diligently grilling his Hanwoo.
She'd eaten her share, so she owed him.
But this scary-looking oppa… maybe he was a good guy?
Eight-tenths full, Lee Jin-woo called for the bill.
The meal cost 170,000 won.
But the system's rewards made it worth every penny:
Critical Hit Card: Doubles the force of any outward action, 100% critical hit damage.
PS: Every hit's a crit, your word is truth—Long Live Peace.
Payment Card: Usable for dining expenses, 200,000-won limit.
Lee Joo-bin paid her share: 37,000 won.
"Oppa, thanks for treating me to such expensive Hanwoo!"
Beaming, she followed him, her earlier fear gone.
Spotting a convenience store across the street, she perked up. "I'll buy you coffee! Wait here!"
"No need—" But she was already darting across the street. Lee Jin-woo sighed, staying put.
I want nobody, nobody but you…
His phone rang.
"Moshi moshi…"
"Jin-woo? Is that you?"
"Yeah, Mom."
"You scared me! Why're you talking like a Japanese kid? If your dad hears—"
As his mother rambled, Lee Jin-woo zoned out, his eyes glazing over.
That cinematic "home" in his memories felt alien.
His so-called family had grown distant since he came of age.
His mother, though, never stopped caring.
But she was a guest in that household, always treading carefully to please others.
"Jin-woo, Jin-woo, are you listening?"
"I hear you. Anything else?"
"Come home sometime, apologize to your dad. He'll forgive you."
"Got it. I'm busy, gotta go."
"Wait, wait! Keep using that card, okay? I'll have Manager An put more money on it. Don't worry about funds."
"Got it, Mom. Really busy. Bye."
Hanging up, Lee Jin-woo strode toward the convenience store.
The flashing task icon in his mind filled him with confidence and courage.
Task: Step Up When It Counts
When you see someone bullying the weak, how can a Big Brother stand by?
PS: Punish the offender. Completion depends on the severity of the lesson.
Inside the store, Lee Joo-bin, excited about her coffee purchase, was heading back when two young guys with garish dyed hair blocked her path.
"Wow, so pretty. Are you a trainee somewhere?"
"Bro, look at her. Dressed like that, she's definitely working nights."
"Oh yeah?"
The guy with earrings leered at her chest, smirking.
"Wow… dressed real cool. Cold, little sis? Let me warm you up."
Lee Joo-bin shielded her chest, trying to slip away.
But they spread their arms, blocking her.
The cashier, terrified, looked down, ignoring her plea for help.
"Please move. I'll call the police," she threatened.
Her warning only excited them more.
"Wow, kids these days, always threatening to call the cops. I love the police."
Her threat failed, and fear gripped her.
What did they want?
Ding-ding~
"Hey, what're you two doing?"
The doorbell chimed, and a steady, magnetic voice brought her inexplicable relief.
Peeking out, she thought, It's the table-sharing oppa! I'm saved!
The thugs turned, spotting the tattoo on his neck.
As his arms swayed, the ink on his wrists flashed.
The cocky punks instantly straightened up.
"Who're you with? This is our turf."
Critical Hit Card: Activated… Confirmed.
As the card activated, Lee Jin-woo stepped in front of them.
A massive slap flew forward.
Smack!
A crisp sound rang out. The lead thug's eyes glazed over, his body tilting toward the force.
Thud.
He hit the ground hard. Lee Jin-woo grimaced, shaking his hand. "Aish, damn it!"
"Stupid jerk, why're your bones so hard? My hand hurts, aish…"
He glanced at the other guy, who flinched like he'd been shocked.
"Y-y-you… don't come closer! Killing's illegal! You'll go to jail!"
Twitching like he was having a seizure, the guy dropped to his knees.
"Big Bro, I'm sorry! Really sorry!" he sobbed, banging his head on the floor.
His legs shook, a puddle forming beneath him.
"Aish, gross…"
Lee Jin-woo stepped back, disgusted. Lee Joo-bin, stunned by the sudden turn, snapped out of it.
"O-oh, oppa, he… he…"
Pointing at the unconscious thug, her tongue tied in fear.
"It's fine. Just knocked out. Maybe a mild concussion."
Lee Jin-woo glanced at the scrawny kneeling guy. "Hey, what's wrong with him?"
The guy jolted, snot and tears streaming as he pointed at himself. "M-me? You're asking me?"
"Is there anyone else here? Or you wanna end up like him?"
The guy shook his head like a rattle, his rusty brain cells firing on all cylinders.
"C-c-collision! He hit the table and passed out!"
Lee Jin-woo's menacing expression softened. "Be more careful next time. Look at the mess you made."
Grabbing the guy's collar, he hauled him up. The trembling punk nodded earnestly.
"Y-yeah, our fault! Must've been drunk from last night. Sorry, boss!"
He bowed 90 degrees to the cashier, who waved nervously, retreating. "N-no problem, I'll clean it up."
"Take this trash and get lost."
"Yes, Big Bro, thank you!" The guy bowed repeatedly, nearly kissing the floor, his posture straighter than during military service.
Assured Lee Jin-woo wouldn't pursue, he dragged his boss out.
"You okay?" Lee Jin-woo asked, approaching Lee Joo-bin, whose shocked face softened into a blush.
Why's she blushing?
Speechless, he took the coffee from her hand, raising it. "Thanks for the coffee."
Without lingering, he turned to leave.
Like he said, love was a hassle. He just wanted to ride free—what was wrong with that?
(End of Chapter)