Portrait of a millionaire
Me and My ShadowMorning came faster than Jinyoung wanted. No matter how much of a good-for-everything he was considered by everyone, he was not ready to begin his day, or his job as a caretaker.
It was weird, because taking care of people was something he was actually good at. It came naturally to him and it got him labeled as the ‘mother’ by his annoying friends.
He was good at this and most importantly, he liked taking care of people. Yet, he didn’t want to get involved with the Tuans or take care of them.
‘Money money money, think about the money ’ He spoke to himself, he really was desperate for some extra cash and the Tuans were paying him so much more than a usual caretaker would get. It made him wonder; is Mark Tuan really that hard to handle?
Ugh, he probably is or why else would he need a babysitter?
‘Caretaker goddamit’ He internally cursed himself and at the whole situation.
Time flies faster when you are dreading something and Jinyoung could attest to that since he could’ve sworn he had at least an hour left before his new job starts but now looking at his watch, he couldn’t help but panic when he saw that he only had 15 minutes left.
Leaving the house quickly, dressed in a simple white shirt and blue jeans, he took the bus to the Tuan residence. He used that time to take a more positive approach to this. He was doing this on his own will, and how difficult could it really be? Just take care of a manchild, make sure he eats, drinks, studies, and doesn’t go find trouble. He can do this.
Ignoring the giggles and flirty looks of the two girls sitting next to him, he got off the bus at his stop and took a deep breath to calm his nerves.
The Tuan residence was as grand as you would expect it to be. With a picture perfect garden and breathtaking landscape, the mansion’s exterior is dripping with elegance and aristocracy. Jinyoung had been here to meet Mr and Mrs. Tuan but he still wasn’t use to it. Stepping inside after a quick security check (seriously? again?), he couldn’t help but marvel again at how aesthetically pleasing the house was inside and out. With fine furnishing and an impressive collection of historic mementos, the interior didn’t disappoint.
Looking around, he couldn’t find anyone except a few maids here and there. Then suddenly, he saw them, or rather heard them. Mr Tuan walking with Mark right next to him, who was looking all panicky and arguing about something while his dad didn’t look bothered. Actually with his stoic face he didn’t look like he was even listening to his son.
Mr Tuan came to an halt when he noticed Jinyoung and his face broke into a smile. He had been nothing but polite to him but something about him irked Jinyoung. Maybe it was his reputation, or how his smile was more practiced than genuine or how his eyes were always emotionless. Either way, something about the man made him uncomfortable.
He dared to look at Mark and saw that he was staring right back at him. Shock clearly written on his features and he look horrified. Hell, he looked more horrified than Jinyoung felt. This was the first time he actually saw Mark Tuan emoting and such strong emotions made his features look really soft. The minute he started appreciating that look, it was gone the next second. His stoic face was back, lips pursed as he averted his eyes to the floor, but the uneasiness clear in the body language.
One thing he could be sure about from the display was that Mark wasn’t fond of this arrangement either and Jinyoung hoped it didn’t make his job more difficult.
‘Jinyoung-ssi you are here! Ray Tuan’s booming voice resounded in the huge hall and Jinyoung could feel his cheeks start to flush out of embarrassment, not used to so much attention. ‘And right on time, oh will you look at that? Great start’
‘Good morning Mr Tuan and thank you, I’m looking forward to my first day’ He replied as politely as possible. From the corner of his eye, he could see Mark rolling his eyes. So clearly he didn’t buy Jinyoung’s fine diplomacy.
‘Ah looking at you I could only wish that my son could be like you, speak like you, dress like you. He really still has a lot to learn.’ Jinyoung didn’t know what to say. He got that Mark’s lack of elegance was obvious but for his father to put him down like this in front of him, an outsider, made him uncomfortable. He looked at Mark to see his reaction, but his gaze was fixed on the floor and yet he looked unfazed by the jab. Jinyoung wondered how often his own father puts him down like this.
‘Anyway I’m sure you know this is my son Mark and he is the one will be looking after. I have to catch my flight today to Tokyo so I hope you will find everything here pleasant and if you face any problem’ Ray glanced at Mark ‘then let me know’ He looked back to Jinyoung smiling again ‘I’m sure we will be able to arrange anything to accommodate to your needs. Just make him someone I can actually present in front of people without fearing that he will destroy everything the moment he opens his mouth.’
The harshness of his words could not be hidden by his polite tone and it made Jinyoung’s eyes widen before reminded himself to control his reaction.
‘Y-Yes Mr. Tuan, I understand. I’ll do my best.’
That seemed to please the boss as he smiled his arrogant smile again before taking his leave, not even sparing Mark a glance.
As soon as he left, M
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