The hallway clock clicked toward 5:15 PM as Jean stepped through the main doors of the Holland estate, his limbs weighed down with exhaustion from school. His backpack thudded against the wall as he kicked off his shoes. The living room was quiet, save for the low hum of classical jazz playing from the record player in the corner. Curiously, he looked.
"You're back early?" Jean said, raising an eyebrow, noticing a familiar figure in the study.
He smiled, then strolled into the study and found his father, Tyler, swirling a glass of brandy in one hand, eyes closed as he leaned back in his armchair. The man looked like a powerful CEO from a movie—sharp jawline, hair with one look you'd know is well taken care of, and an air of authority flowing around him.
"Long day?" Jean asked casually, flopping onto the couch across from him.
Tyler opened one eye and smirked. "Less than yours, I suspect. I heard about your encounter with a bully on the first day. Bummer."
Jean sighed. "Don't remind me."
"I'm really proud. You kept your cool." Tyler paused. "Mostly."
Jean chuckled. "Barely."
The silence stretched between them, filled only by the soft instrumental music. Then Jean cleared his throat.
"Dad… mind if I come see your work sometime?"
Tyler's eyebrows rose slightly, surprise flickering across his usually composed face. "My work? As in, the boring world of deals, contracts, and sometimes… questionable clients?"
Jean shrugged. "I don't mind."
Tyler stared at him a moment longer. "Sometimes I wonder… if you're an old man in a young body."
Eh! Jean looked like he'd seen a ghost.
"You know if you keep quiet for a minute, no one will think you're dumb." Jean said fiercely.
Objective: Witness the Corporate Underbelly
Hidden Bonus: ???
Jean's eye twitched.
Are you ignoring me, b**?**
Am I?
Chuckle~
Jean snapped out of his monologue, looking at his father strangely.
"How about Saturday? No school. Should be alright, no?"
"Yeah," Jean said in a tired tone.
You freaking old man almost gave me a heart attack.
Mf.
As Jean got up to leave, Tyler added, "Just remember. Not everyone I deal with is... like us."
Jean nodded lazily. "Alright."
Tyler looked at his son's retreating figure, wondering if he caught the underlying meaning.
Sigh.
It seems it's about time...
–——————
Later that night, Jean sat at his desk pretending to study while Adrian blipped awake in his head.
Jean frowned. "What now?"
"Crap," Jean whispered, thumping his head lightly on the desk.
Adrian snorted.
Jean raised an eyebrow. "And you had this ready because…?"
Jean grinned dangerously. "Dare say that again — to my face this time."
Jean gave up.
He hated to admit it... but this bastard is just too good; he can't really win against him.
Forget it. Better luck next time.
He leaned back in his chair, stretching. It was going to be a busy Saturday. But strangely, he didn't mind. For once, it all felt… balanced.
[Name: Jean Holland]
[Age: 6 (Mentally: 27)]
[Attributes: STR: 50 | AGI: 50 | INT: 50 | WIS: 50 | CHA: 50 | PER: 50]
[Multiplier Function: Active]
[Quest Function: Active]
Jean looked at it and couldn't help but ask, "Erm! Why is the status interface different?"
He went to bed, slowly falling asleep.
Rest well. It might as well be your last.