Rise of Silent Genius

Wang Soo's life had entered a new chapter—one filled with uncertainty, small victories, and even smaller steps toward reclaiming his identity. The days of living under Lee's parents' roof were slowly becoming routine, but the echoes of his old life and failures lingered, refusing to be silenced. It was time to rebuild, but where to begin?

The Resolve

The first rays of dawn crept through the window, casting long shadows across the room. Wang Soo sat on the edge of his bed, tying his sneakers. Bruno watched him from his spot near the door, his tail wagging faintly.

"Alright, boy," Wang Soo muttered. "Let's get this day started."

Lee had already left for work, her absence weighing heavily on the room. It wasn't just the physical emptiness—her distance had become emotional as well. Wang Soo felt it every time she walked past him without a word, every time her smile faltered.

Determined to make a change, he grabbed his notepad and pen, essentials he hadn't touched in weeks. His creative mind, once brimming with ideas, had fallen silent. He resolved to wake it up again.

Later that morning, Wang Soo sat at the dining table with his laptop. The screen displayed a plethora of job listings, most of which he had already scrolled past in disappointment.

"Marketing Manager... five years of experience... must provide portfolio..." he murmured, clicking the next link. "Content Director... prefers candidates under thirty-five. Great."

Bruno's head rested on his lap, and he absentmindedly scratched behind the dog's ears. The rejection emails still stung. Despite his qualifications and experience, his name now carried the weight of scandal, thanks to Albeirt's campaign to destroy his reputation.

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. Mrs. Hye appeared, carrying a tray with tea and biscuits.

"You've been at this all morning," she said, setting the tray down. "Take a break."

"Thanks, Mrs. Hye," Wang Soo replied, grateful for her kindness.

She lingered for a moment, her gaze sympathetic. "You'll find something soon. Sometimes, the right opportunities take time to show themselves."

Wang Soo nodded, though he wasn't sure he believed her.

In the afternoon, Wang Soo found himself walking through the bustling streets of Creatis. Flyers on bulletin boards and shop windows advertised local events, services, and small business opportunities. One particular ad caught his eye: "Freelance Creatives Wanted—Join Our Platform and Connect With Clients!"

The idea sparked something within him. He jotted down the contact details and resolved to explore the possibility. If the corporate world wouldn't take him back, perhaps he could carve out his own path.

His steps quickened as he returned home. Bruno trotted alongside him, tail wagging with enthusiasm. Once back, Wang Soo immediately signed up for the platform, crafting a profile that highlighted his strengths while carefully omitting the parts of his story he wanted to leave behind.

By the time evening rolled around, he had already received a message from a potential client seeking help with branding for their small café.

Dinner with Lee's family had become a routine, but tonight, the tension was palpable. Lee's father, Mr. Jun, sat at the head of the table, his expression neutral but distant. Lee herself barely spoke, her focus seemingly elsewhere.

"How was your day, Soo?" Mrs. Hye asked, trying to ease the awkwardness.

"It was alright," Wang Soo replied, forcing a smile. "I think I found a small project to work on."

Lee's gaze flicked toward him but didn't linger. Mr. Jun cleared his throat. "It's good to see you keeping busy. But don't forget the importance of steady income."

"I understand," Wang Soo said, keeping his tone respectful. "This is just a start."

The conversation moved on, but Wang Soo couldn't shake the feeling of judgment in Mr. Jun's words. It was a reminder that his presence in their home was conditional, dependent on his ability to contribute.

After dinner, as Wang Soo helped clear the table, Lee cornered him in the kitchen. "What project?" she asked, her tone flat.

"Just something small—a branding job for a café," he replied. "It's not much, but it's something."

Lee crossed her arms. "I hope it works out. We can't keep living like this forever."

Her words, though true, felt like another wound. Wang Soo nodded, determined not to let his frustration show.

That night, Wang Soo lay awake, staring at the ceiling. His mind raced with thoughts of what could have been. Where had things gone wrong? Was it his complacency, his trust in Albeirt, or his inability to foresee the betrayals that followed?

Bruno shifted at the foot of the bed, his presence a small comfort. Wang Soo reached down to stroke his fur. "I'll make this right," he whispered. "Somehow."

He grabbed his notepad and began scribbling ideas. Business plans, marketing strategies, potential collaborations—anything that might help him regain his footing. The act of writing felt therapeutic, a way to channel his frustration into something productive.

By the time dawn broke, his notepad was filled with sketches and notes. He didn't have all the answers, but he finally felt like he was moving in the right direction.

The next day, Wang Soo met with the café owner who had reached out to him. The small establishment was cozy, with warm lighting and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

"Thank you for meeting me," the owner, a young woman named Ji Eun, said. "I've been struggling to get my brand noticed, and your profile really stood out."

"I appreciate the opportunity," Wang Soo replied, his confidence growing with each word. "Let's discuss what you're looking for."

They spent hours brainstorming ideas, from logo designs to social media campaigns. By the end of the meeting, Ji Eun looked genuinely excited.

"This is exactly what I needed," she said, smiling. "I can't wait to see what you come up with."

Wang Soo left the café with a renewed sense of purpose. It was a small project, but it was a start. And for the first time in months, he felt like he was taking control of his life.

That evening, as Wang Soo worked on his laptop, Lee entered the room. She hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"How did the meeting go?" she asked.

Wang Soo looked up, surprised by her interest. "It went well. I think this could really lead to something."

Lee nodded, her expression softening. "That's good to hear. I know things have been… hard lately. But I'm glad you're trying."

Her words, though simple, meant the world to him. For the first time in weeks, he felt a glimmer of hope for their relationship. Maybe, just maybe, they could find their way back to each other.

End of Chapter 8