The Sickly Transmigrator Hides the Fact that He Became a Puppy - Chapter 8.2
The night was still chilly.
Feeling Han Joon’s cool chest under his paw, Yi Hyeon burrowed closer, wanting to warm the heart he feared might freeze over.
“… It’s warm, Louie.”
Han Joon murmured as he looked down at Yi Hyeon, his eyes glinting with loneliness under the dim streetlight nearby.
Yi Hyeon had always thought Han Joon was remarkably strong, someone who remained unfazed by harsh stares or blunt words from their classmates. But even he must not have expected his father to treat him with such coldness. No doubt, he was confused and troubled after today.
As Yi Hyeon nuzzled Han Joon’s hand with his nose, Han Joon gently wrapped him in his coat and set him down between his sturdy thighs.
Yi Hyeon’s small, black eyes wandered aimlessly, feeling the firm muscles under his soft body.
“Sorry, Louie. I got so mad I didn’t even bring your favorite cushion or toys.”
Han Joon scratched Yi Hyeon’s belly lightly. Feeling embarrassed to have his stomach touched by a classmate, Yi Hyeon instinctively curled up.
“Hmm, looks like there’s only one place to go.”
Typing a message to someone, he scratched Yi Hyeon under the chin before slinging his bag back over his shoulder with a determined look. He picked Yi Hyeon up and stood from the bench.
“Alright, let’s go. Worst case, we’ll just get kicked out.”
* * *
“Could you please stop pressing the bell? You’ll get me in trouble.”
“Sorry, sir, but I’m in trouble, too.”
Han Joon replied with a hint of amusement as he stood in front of the grand gate, twice the size of his own front door, to a grand estate.
“By the way, looking good. Have you been dating someone?”
“Wait—Han Joon! You can’t just waltz in like that…!”
The employee, who had dashed out, tried to block Han Joon as he pushed past, but to no avail.
The man’s worried expression only grew as he followed Han Joon up the stairs, barely managing to keep him from entering. His face froze in fear when he spotted an elderly man with a cane standing at the front entrance.
Seeing Han Joon, the older man immediately began waving his cane in the air.
“Where do you think you’re crawling in from, you brat?”
The elder, his fierce gaze fixed on Han Joon, wore gold rings that glinted as his hand and neck shimmered.
“I see you’re in much better health than before, Grandfather. You’re standing just fine without that cane. Makes me happy as your grandson.”
“Who said you’re my grandson? Get out of my house, you punk!”
“I’ll leave eventually. Maybe after I graduate, work a few jobs, and save up enough for a deposit, alright?”
“Y-you little…!”
The old man sputtered, his hand clutching his neck in anger. Moments later, hurried footsteps came from the second floor as a woman rushed down, quickly grabbing Han Joon by the wrist.
“You dare bring the spawn of Mi Yeon’s killer into my home? Are you begging to be thrown out as well?”
As they climbed the stairs, the elder pointed and yelled, veins bulging in his neck.
“Father, really now. You need to keep your blood pressure in check. Let’s talk tomorrow, alright? Tomorrow.”
While they ascended, Yi Hyeon’s eyes caught sight of pictures of actress Joo Mi Yeon displayed throughout the house. She was the ill-fated star who had passed away not long ago. Though Yi Hyeon wasn’t much into entertainment news, the incident was so widely reported that he’d heard about it too.
Actress Joo Mi Yeon had always been described as stunning, a top actress, and an icon in commercials. But then, she’d vanished from the screen, and rumors began of her marrying in Hawaii, having a wealthy family’s child. Then, not too long ago, she was found dead in Korea, leaving behind a suicide note on her phone note app.
Though suspicions of foul play lingered because the note was not handwritten, with no solid evidence, it was ruled that she had succumbed to despair.
Yi Hyeon glanced up at Han Joon.
There was something in his demeanor, that sleek and sophisticated air, that reminded him of Joo Mi Yeon.
“No matter tomorrow or whenever, drag that boy out right now! Han Chul Woo’s cursed offspring killed my daughter, yet you let him into my house? Are you out of your mind?”
“He’s still half my sister’s blood. And with this cold weather, are you trying to freeze your grandson to death?”
“Who freezes to death in the spring? And who’s a grandson? Not him!”
“Auntie, I think I’m getting frostbite on my hand.”
It was at times like this that I realized the phrase “half the battle is won if you stay still” was being used.
Han Joon’s slightly pouty voice and his pitiful expression as he blew on his hand made him seem helpless.
“Shut your mouth.”
“No one else could be like you, Auntie.”
Han Joon responded with a sly grin, almost treating her scolding like praise.
