Chapter 2: Among Wolves in Silk
The morning air in Seoul carried a sharpness Kang Seong-jo had never known.It was not the gentle breeze of his old neighborhood—the kind that smelled faintly of soil and home-cooked meals—but something colder, faster, edged with ambition. Glass towers rose like sentinels, reflecting the pale sun as if the city itself were polished for battle.Before him stood Seoul National University.Grand. Imposing. Alive.Students streamed through the gates in confident waves—tailored coats, luxury watches, shoes that had never known mud. Laughter came easily here, loud and unrestrained. Futures were not only earned in this place; many were inherited.Seong-jo tightened his grip on the strap of his worn backpack.This is where I belong now.Inside the campus, everything moved quickly.Digital orientation boards gleamed in flawless Korean and English. Student guides spoke with smooth confidence, their smiles practiced. Conversations drifted past him—overseas internships, family businesses, summer homes in Jeju, Paris, or Zurich.A guide wearing an SNU badge, Kim Hae-jin, glanced at him briefly. "Engineering orientation is in Building 302," she said politely before moving on.Seong-jo noticed everything: the brief pauses when eyes flicked to his simple clothes, the instant judgments measured in silence, and the way groups formed naturally—confidence recognizing its own.So this is the world of the elite, he thought calmly.Beautiful… and merciless."Hey."The voice was confident, casual, and magnetic.Seong-jo turned to see a tall young man approaching, dressed effortlessly in a tailored coat, posture relaxed but commanding. The kind of presence that drew attention without demanding it."I'm Kang Hyun-woo," the man said, extending a hand. "Business Administration. You look new."Seong-jo shook his hand briefly. "Kang Seong-jo. Engineering."Hyun-woo's eyes sharpened. "Freshman?""Yes.""Scholarship?""Yes."There it was—the invisible wall.Hyun-woo smiled, but the warmth was measured. "SNU scholarships aren't easy.""I just studied," Seong-jo replied honestly.Hyun-woo chuckled. "You'll learn soon. Studying is only half of it here."Before Seong-jo could respond, a sharp voice cut through the air."You're blocking the path."She moved like the campus itself had shaped her.Cha Min-ji.Hair falling perfectly over one shoulder, eyes sharp with intelligence, and a luxury handbag resting casually on her arm—wealth was merely an accessory.Hyun-woo straightened instinctively. "Morning, Min-ji."She barely acknowledged him. Her gaze settled on Seong-jo, lingering just long enough to feel deliberate."You're new," she said."Yes.""And quiet.""I listen more than I speak."Her lips curved faintly. "Dangerous habit. People reveal the most when they think you're insignificant."Seong-jo met her gaze steadily. I don't mind being underestimated.For the first time, intrigue flickered in her eyes."We'll see how long that lasts," Cha Min-ji said, stepping past them, heels clicking against stone.Hyun-woo released a slow breath. "That's Cha Min-ji. Cha Group's only daughter."Seong-jo nodded, storing the information like a chess move.Later, the lecture hall buzzed with energy.Clusters of students formed naturally—friends, alliances, whispers. Seong-jo sat in the middle, alone, notebook open, already ahead of the lecture."Is this seat taken?"He looked up.A girl stood there clutching her notebook, gentle and hesitant."No," he said.She smiled softly. "I'm Lee Soo-jin. Economics.""Kang Seong-jo. Engineering."Her eyes drifted to his notes—precise, elegant, advanced beyond the lecture's pace."You write like someone who's already graduated," she said softly."I… like preparation," he replied.She laughed quietly. "Me too. Guess we're both outsiders."For the first time that day, warmth settled in his chest.At the podium, Professor Choi Sung-min adjusted his glasses. "Welcome to Seoul National University. If you're expecting comfort—leave now."A ripple of laughter followed.Seong-jo didn't smile.Not needed. I am here to move forward.High above the city, glass walls reflected the afternoon sun.At Hanryeong Group Headquarters, Han Tae-jin stood by the window, phone pressed to his ear."Yes. My son has begun his preparations."Across the room, Han Jae-hwan reclined comfortably, confidence radiating from every movement."There is still no trace of the missing heir," Tae-jin continued. "The board is satisfied—for now."He ended the call, turning to his son. "You will be visible. You will be unquestioned. Hanryeong's future belongs to you."Jae-hwan smiled, unaware that destiny had already stepped onto the same battlefield—and would cross paths with Seong-jo soon at SNU.Soon, our paths will collide.Night fell over the campus.In his dorm room, Seong-jo stood by the window, city lights stretching endlessly. His roommate, Park Min-seok, was asleep, headphones on, oblivious.Seong-jo pressed a hand lightly against his chest.Why does it feel like this place knows me… even when I don't know myself?His phone vibrated.A campus-wide message flashed:"Top scorers will be announced after the first evaluation."Seong-jo closed his eyes slowly.Tomorrow, the masks would begin to fall.