Chapter 373

〈 Chapter 373 〉 Part 1, Chapter 16, Section 8

August 19th.

The fateful day had arrived.

The final announcement of successful applicants for the Galaxy University was here.

The first round of successful applicants through entrance forms had already been announced, and while I was fooling around with other heroines, Seoul was bustling with activity.

In public, it was an interview process. In reality, I sifted through a list of talented individuals from the future and handed it over to Hikari, who meticulously cross-checked and identified potential candidates.

The main targets were those righteous individuals who would endure difficult futures due to Sun Icheol’s influence. Most of them possessed considerable special abilities and were destined to become heroes or hunters, making them prime candidates. Additionally, some had already suffered at Sun Icheol’s hands.

And I thoroughly filtered out all those who would become villains or monsters in the future.

Serial killers or monstrous sex offenders were listed and completely excluded. A few who had already committed crimes were arrested by the association’s heroes in recent days, while discussions led us to decide to leave those yet to commit crimes alone.

Thus, the final selection of 100 freshmen naturally included two specific names.

Cheongnyeon Park Ra-on and Maiden Yuinah.

Setting aside Park Ra-on, I immediately sought out Yun Yuhwa in fear that Yuinah would undoubtedly call.

By my logic, there was no way Yun Yuhwa could persuade Yuinah.

And Yuhwa greeted my sudden visit by welcoming me with open arms after I crashed through the window mid-coffee sip.

“Welcome, esteemed customer. How may I assist you?”

Yuhwa subtly probed me with a knowing glance, as if she already anticipated why I had come.

“I need someone persuaded.”

“Someone unjustly rejected? Or perhaps someone from the admissions office? Or…”

“Yuinah.”

I bluntly mentioned her name, catching Yuhwa off guard.

“Yuinah… As far as I know, only one person fits that name.”

“Yes, exactly.”

“The one who called the admissions office to decline her acceptance, asking for cancellation?”

“Yes, exactly.”

Among the 100 final selected candidates, their profiles were generating immense public interest. With the excitement akin to winning the lottery jackpot, people eagerly awaited the official announcement, hoping they might be among the chosen ones.

If Yuhwa couldn’t suppress it, once Yuinah posts publicly, chaos will erupt. People won’t care why she wants to cancel but will obsess over the one spot left vacant.

“No waitlist, right?”

“Of course not. Who in their right mind would forfeit such an opportunity? Unless they’re extraordinarily peculiar.”

Yuhwa handed me Yuinah’s profile while sipping coffee. Among the hundred admitted, she was one of the rare students—just a slightly smarter-than-average high school student from New Seoul, known for graduating early.

“Finally found you, customer’s fiancée.”

“That’s not her.”

“Then why are you so concerned?”

“She’s the reincarnation of another realm spirit.”

“…”

Blah blah.

I informed Yuhwa about everything related to Yuinah. Though it would likely add stress, I came here to ask her one favor.

“Miss Yun Yuhwa, please befriend Yuinah.”

“Befriend?”

“Yes. Friend. Companion. Buddy.”

“This is all I have.”

Yuhwa curled her fingers into a circle. While I knew she lived solely for money, I also knew better than anyone else how well she and Yuinah got along.

“But things change over time, don’t they? After all, your attempt to secure a single room failed, didn’t it?”

“Hmph.”

Galaxy University constructed a massive dormitory capable of housing hundreds alongside the 100 admitted students. However, university policy mandated roommate living arrangements.

– “Why try to make single rooms when having a roommate is the highlight of college life?”

Under pressure from various stakeholders familiar with university life, Yuhwa eventually conceded. I reminded her of the final condition upon which she agreed to the double occupancy dorms.

“You said you’d live alone this semester, but next semester, you’ll be sharing with Cheongnyeon.”

“Not you? Are you sending Chaeon Gaeul?”

“Of course not. I’ll handle it personally.”

Through negotiation, it was decided that Cheongnyeon would become Yuhwa’s roommate throughout their university years. While I had my hideout at Yeouido Hotel in Seoul and Yuhwa lived as a doll, neither of us wanted to be assigned random roommates.

“I don’t want to share with anyone else. I prefer to share with you.”

“Baek Hee-a made it mandatory for double occupancy…”

Baek Hee-a blocked Yuhwa’s attempts to randomly assign rooms in secrecy, leveraging her influence within the Ministry of Education to exert significant control over Galaxy University’s dormitory policies.

“Why insist on double occupancy? Trying to run it like the association dorms? It’s frustrating.”

“And you, planning to recruit graduates as hunters later.”

“Well, naturally. I’m a ‘special admission’ case.”

Yuhwa rested her chin on her hand, raising her head proudly. Another controversial issue arose: the unexpected announcement of the 101st successful applicant. Number 101, Yun Yuhwa.

“So, how does it feel being this month’s biggest screw-up?”

“Trying to become the dean before becoming a freshman—no one can criticize that. Everyone knows who played a role in establishing this university. My group built it, after all. With funds from you, employing members of your organization, and negotiating private university operating rights under my group’s name.”

“It’s blatant with the name Galaxy University, but did anyone expect you’d brazenly add your name to the list without even taking the exam?”

“To give back, of course.”

Yuhwa drew a circle with her hand, grinning mischievously.

“If anyone donates 2 trillion in scholarships, we’ll accept them as a transfer student immediately. Hehe.”

“…”

Yuhwa inscribed her name prominently on the donor plaque of the building, dedicating a broad space to ensure no one else could fit alongside the nonsensical donation amount of 2222 billion.

“Thinking of putting up a statue, Miss Yun Yuhwa?”

“After reaching S Rank. I want to get body corrections done and create a 1:1 scale model.”

Yuhwa smiled brightly, filled with dreams.

“Harang says SS Rank really enhances your appearance, so I’ve decided. First, S Rank! Once I achieve that, I’ll commission the statue.”

“You’re quite something.”

The conversation paused briefly. Returning to the main topic:

“So, since you’re becoming the 100th rather than the 101st student, what help do you need?”

“Customer, how could Yuinah possibly reject Galaxy University?”

“She doesn’t like it because it’s not New Seoul University.”

Clack. Yuhwa immediately gritted her teeth. To Yuhwa, who pursued only the top, New Seoul University represented the ultimate goal Galaxy University needed to surpass. I explained in detail how much Yuinah desired to enter New Seoul University, her determination unwavering.

“Hmm… Is that so.”

Surprisingly, Yuhwa readily understood Yuinah’s stubbornness, as if there was a shared understanding between these two tough characters.

“Then let’s keep it simple. Should I call her directly?”

“What do you plan to say?”

“Hehe, listen closely.”

Yuhwa used her special ability as a puppet master to connect via a puppet. The puppet she connected to was none other than Eun Ha-su, chairman of the Yu-Sung Group and Yuhwa’s father, the second individual she turned into a puppet.

“Ah, um, is this Yuinah?”

Yuhwa initiated the call through the puppet. Yuinah must be hearing Yuhwa’s voice filtered through Chairman Eun Ha-su’s tone.

[Chairman? Uh… Is this regarding the cancellation of my admission?]

“Yes. Cancelling your admission would lead to several awkward situations. Yuinah, are you familiar with Richard Feynman’s refusal of the Nobel Prize?”

[Yes.]

“In the current climate, wouldn’t people question why you declined admission?”

[Ah.]

Yuinah paused, seemingly realizing something. Yuhwa winked at me mischievously before clearing her throat and continuing.

“Galaxy University offers an excellent environment for study. Visits from non-students, staff, or faculty will be strictly controlled. It will be a great place for Yuinah to focus on academics.”

[But I want to attend university legitimately through the national exams… Preferably New Seoul University.]

“Go ahead. By all means.”

Unexpectedly, Yuhwa began supporting Yuinah but quickly changed tactics.

“Is your desire to attend New Seoul University based solely on it being the best university in our country?”

[…Yes, because it’s the best university I can attend in Korea…]

“Yes. That may be true now, but it won’t always be. Galaxy University will soon become the top university not just in this country, but worldwide.”

[……]

Yuinah remained silent. Yuhwa flipped through a holographic calendar.

“You’re in your first year of high school this year, correct? Next year will be your second year, then third. Here’s a suggestion: study with us until next year. Then, in 2022, take a leave of absence to fully focus on studying.”

[But…]

“Full scholarship, complete freedom outside lecture hours. I’ll inform the lecturers in advance to provide Yuinah the opportunity to study intensively.”

[……]

Yuinah still didn’t respond. Yuhwa was relentless, and Yuinah felt the weight of a direct call from the chairman of Yu-Sung Group.

“Hmph, no choice. There was something I didn’t want to use…”

After pausing to catch her breath, Yuhwa continued, her smile towards me exuding confidence in victory.

“For select students, we plan to allow remote attendance from home. We’ll distribute one Xroid unit per individual.”

[…So, I stay in New Seoul and attend classes remotely using an Xroid?]

“Yes. No need to come to Seoul. You can stay in New Seoul.”

[Let me think… Can I get back to you–]

“There’s no need. I’ve already paused the cancellation process. Please rest assured.”

[Thank you!]

Yuhwa successfully persuaded Yuinah. I was dumbfounded, while Yuhwa concluded with congratulatory remarks ensuring Yuinah’s academic success.

Click.

“How did you convince her?”

“I hit where it mattered most. Her weakness.”

“Weakness?”

“Family.”

Yuhwa chuckled bitterly.

“At her age, what would a teenage girl worry about most? She’s still a teen. Despite her intelligence, family concerns are inevitable.”

“Aha.”

“To support Yuinah, I’ll ensure she has no issues focusing on her studies.”

“…Thank you.”

Judging Yuinah based on her mature demeanor in her twenties, I realized Yuhwa understood the teenage Yuinah better than I did.

“Miss Yun Yuhwa.”

“Yes?”

“Do you desire family now?”

“…”

Yuhwa didn’t answer. For a young woman who lost her family in her late teens and dedicated herself to saving her group, family was a complex entity.

“…Hmm. Calling it family feels off. What I trust is… you, esteemed customer.”

Yuhwa firmly shook her head, her expression hardened.

“Willing to form a family beyond business relations? Beyond mere transactions?”

“…”

“Didn’t we already envision becoming a real family in the future? Hehe. Are you thinking the same again?”

Yuhwa lazily opened her eyes and approached me. I stepped back as she placed her hands against the wall, locking eyes with me.

“Are you prepared? Finally.”

“My slip of tongue aside, let’s discuss this with my original form.”

I pointed to her golden, shimmering eyes.

“While scanning my appearance for replication purposes is forgivable, using it for mischief isn’t.”

“What are you talking about? Ahaha.”

“You’ve been practicing family-making with my puppets, haven’t you? One by one.”

“…”

Same actions, different genders. The reckless Yun Yuhwa who caused scandals with Baek Cheonghwa through sexual exploits involving puppets, leading to major repercussions when the secrets leaked.

This time, the roles were reversed. I leaned close to Yuhwa and asked,

“On the contrary, do you truly wish to form a family with me?”

“…”

Yuhwa smiled sincerely.

“Whether it’s future Yuhwa or present Yuhwa, it’s the same. Once Yuhwa decides, she acts accordingly. I…”

She placed my hand on her stomach.

“Anyone looking to stamp marriage papers and produce honeymoon babies is purely business.”

“…”

…

…

…

“And you’re currently practicing with my puppets?”

“A-Are you kidding?! How did you find out?! Reverse detection?!”

I tickled Yuhwa, forcing her to abandon her practice sessions with my puppets.

“The dream of 7:1 ends so pitifully…”

“You have six male puppets.”

“Does it matter when my image includes both tomboyish tendencies and lesbian rumors?”

“…”

Good thing I stopped it.

***

“E-Eh. I’m going to bed now.”

[Don’t you sleep too much? Gale Guest caused chaos in the U.S., remember?]

“Shut up. Go find your daughter.”

[Are you dreaming about our princess again?]

Click. Oracle ruthlessly removed his smartwatch from his wrist and fell asleep. Despite Gawein’s persistent calls, Oracle cheerfully ignored them.

Oracle’s priority was reclaiming the lost eight hours.

Oracle went back to sleep, wearing adult diapers.