The city looked different at night.
Not quieter—just sharper.
Every light, every shadow, felt like part of a plan I hadn't yet seen through.
But this time, I wasn't afraid of it.
This time, I was ready.
[You sure about this, Rin?] Nova asked, her voice softer than usual.
[Once we start digging, we can't go back.]
"I know," I said, scrolling through code on my laptop. "If someone wants to play dirty, then we'll just play smarter."
[Define 'smarter.']
I smirked. "Finding out who's behind all this—and why."
The next few days, I barely slept.
Between classes, business calls, and my new "project," my schedule was chaos.
Even Min-jun started to notice.
"You're working like a man possessed," he said, handing me a sandwich. "You trying to take over Seoul or something?"
"Not Seoul," I muttered. "Just my peace back."
By the third night, Nova cracked part of the anonymous network.
A string of familiar IP addresses appeared—one that traced back to a media intern who'd been working with a rival start-up.
A competitor that once tried to copy UniTrade's business model before fading into obscurity.
"So they're trying to make a comeback by dragging me down," I said, leaning back in my chair. "Desperate move."
[Desperate people do unpredictable things.]
"Then we'll give them something to predict."
The next morning, UniTrade's homepage displayed a new banner:
"For every student facing financial hardship—UniTrade's new emergency aid fund is open."
It wasn't for show. The system allowed me to generate funds instantly, but I used it with purpose—targeted, responsible, genuine.
Students flooded the site, sharing stories of how it helped them.
Within a day, the tone online shifted.
Rumors faded under waves of gratitude and support.
The same people who once doubted me were now defending me.
[Public sentiment is turning, Rin. Ninety-two percent positive engagement.]
"Good," I said. "Let them see what real intention looks like."
That evening, Soo-ah showed up at my dorm unexpectedly.
She didn't say anything at first—just handed me a bag of takeout.
"You look like you haven't eaten in a week," she said.
I smiled faintly. "You're not wrong."
We ate together quietly, the hum of the city filtering through the open window.
After a while, she asked softly, "You've been doing all this… just to help?"
I looked at her—really looked.
Her dark hair framed her face like ink on white paper, her eyes gentle but sharp.
"I used to think money could fix anything," I said. "Turns out it can't fix what really matters. But it can make trying a little easier."
She smiled. "That's a good answer."
[She's smiling at you again,] Nova teased.
[Progress.]
"Quiet," I whispered, trying not to grin.
Before she left, Soo-ah stopped by the door.
"You know," she said softly, "you don't have to do everything alone."
The words lingered long after she was gone.
I didn't know if she meant UniTrade, or me.
Maybe both.
[So, what now?] Nova asked.
[The attack failed. Your name's clear. What's the next move?]
I closed my laptop and looked out at the Seoul skyline.
"Now?" I said with a quiet grin.
"Now we build something even bigger."