Time, as an essence, was no friend to men. Its effervescent nature caused a downfall in many attempts for success. Woohyun was no stranger to this concept, forced to make constant sacrifices at the verge of a decision. Whom had he to offer his time to today?   According to their recent meeting, he had to try and become closer to Dongwoo. For days now, he spent more time with the man older than him; the puerile spirit kept the elder forever young.   “You cook,” Dongwoo said one time, pointing at Woohyun. The wide smile on his face was free from any blemish or malign, containing no hidden meaning to his innocent request.   “Do you suppose your sister would let me use the kitchen?” Woohyun asked, chuckling at the request.   “Yes! Hyunmi likes you!” Dongwoo exclaimed, which was perhaps the most proper sentence he had formed in years. The intelligence of his word woven together caught people’s attention by surprise, but it was the content that truly perplexed them.   “It seems Spring arrives early this year, and flowers blossom with each passing second,” Joochan spoke melancholically, gazing into the far distance as his fingers plucked a romantic tune to fill the atmosphere.   Woohyun’s usual confidence turned into a sheepish laughter, trying to hide the weird feeling tiptoeing around his chest. Perhaps he was a step closer to his goal to deceive, but genuine joy penetrated his heart instead of a sense of accomplishment.   “Mother would scold at you if she heard your senseless words,” Jangjun spoke to Dongwoo, though he didn’t put much of a protest against it.   “Nonsense! Dongwoo is only speaking the truth, and I agree with him,” Rika added, clasping her hands together in ecstacy. “This is perfect, Mr. Nam. You should court mother and ask for her hand in marriage.”   “Marriage? Is mother truly in love with Mr. Nam? Well, I must call him my father then,” Donghyun was quick to make the connection between their argument, looking at the fine man with newfound affection.   While the orphans began to squeal among themselves with fictional narratives, Woohyun only emitted an awkward chuckle. He was merely challenged by Dongwoo to prove his artistry as a chef, and yet it stirred the topic of a marriage proposal. To what extent should he take this act? If he were to marry Hyunmi, he had a higher chance of attaining the land, but the idea went against his personal value. He wanted to marry for love; not for a personal gain.   At this time, Hyunmi, Youngtaek, and Daeyeol returned from the market. They stared in surprise at the others who were gathered at the living room, chatting happily with Woohyun at the center.   “What brings forth such a merry atmosphere?” Daeyeol questioned curiously, setting the basket on the kitchen counter.   “Hearken, a marriage is on its way,” Joochan chimed, continuing to play a tune even with his eyes clothes.   “Oh? Whose marriage is it?” Hyunmi asked, stifling a small laughter at their nonsensical conversation.   “Yours, mother. Mr. Nam will ask for your hand in marriage!” Donghyun was very eager to spread the false news. Yet, the incorrect statement was supported by others’ triumphant cheers.   “What is this nonsense?” Youngtaek put up an immediate protest. How could the others easily trust such misleading words?   Hyunmi herself had no idea how the idea was brought about or how to cope with the statement. Her cheeks flushed red from embarrassment rather than bashfulness. The thought itself was sickening; not for harboring a deep hatred towards Woohyun—she had grown more lenient to his presence despite her eager denial—but Hyunmi hated the idea of being bound to a man and the notion of becoming a man’s property. She despised a marriage.   “They are uttering nonsense. I haven’t had a clue how such conclusion was formed. Dongwoo merely challenged me to cook a meal for him when the others got distracted,” Woohyun explained the situation, carefully watching her changing emotion. “Which reminds me, I need your permission to use the kitchen. May I?”   “Oh,” her voice was shrill from her speechlessness. She cleared to test her speech before proceeding. “I would love to see what kind of disaster you’d be in the kitchen. Though if you break any equipment, I shall request you to replace it with twice its original value.”   “You sly woman, you try to launder me off my money!” Woohyun noted, though he grinned while saying so. Something about her scheme was charmingly appealing. He never encountered such traits in an upperclass woman; they constantly tried seducing him to gain his wealth. Hyunmi never seduced, instead challenging him in ways to strive for improvements. It was a strange effect, but one he preferred.   “You offered to pay twice the rent for our hospitality at letting you stay here. Shouldn‘t this offer apply to everything else during your stay?” Hyunmi asked.   “How clever you are. I can pay you twice as much with the affection I hold dear for you.”   Hyunmi chuckled, which was rather surprising to the others. Had she grown accustomed to his words, or did her heart become receptive of him? “Wouldn’t it amount to naught when I bear no such affection for you?”   “I shall prove my skills in the kitchen. By that time, I can guarantee you won’t be able to resist me.”   “And I can guarantee it won’t happen,” she said with a vivacious grin, leaving him to be in the kitchen. She went to be with the rest of the orphans, though sometimes, her gaze continued trailing back to him. She had to ensure he wouldn’t burn down the kitchen—or their house.   Now Woohyun proved to be quite adapt in the field, his exaggeration met by sheer reality of the truth. The olfactory sense of savory sweetness filled the entire room, and everyone felt their stomach growling to be fed. But the chef had not completed his craft.   “You have exceeded my expectations. This is a dish Dongwoo would enjoy very much.” Jangjun appeared by his side, sneaking a sniff at the soup he was brewing.   “I am certain he would. No one has ever rejected my meal,” Woohyun said proudly. It was an exaggeration, of course. He kept this skill hidden from the majority of the world, yet ended up being exposed due to his vain need for approval.   “And I am certain your unfortunate test subjects were your own parents,” Youngtaek galled with morose. The elder nodded proudly in acknowledgement, greatly annoying Youngtaek who failed to belittle him. “This solves the mystery for your unmatched arrogance. Your parents have been feeding you lies since your birth. It is by no surprise you don’t possess any quality of concern or humility.”   “I do not possess humility when I am quite adept at many things. I have yet to find a weakness. However, I do show concern towards others when it is due,” Woohyun spoke, and even his answer showed his unintended arrogance. Youngtaek’s words contained the truth, and the wealthy environment did feed Woohyun his pride.   “It is quite a puzzle why a perfect man such as yourself hasn’t found a companion,” Jangjun began, trying to find the mirth in Woohyun’s words, seeking pleasure in attempting to match him with Hyunmi. It would elevate Rika’s joy, acclaiming his only purpose at the moment.   “Well, I have found plenty of potential companions, but none of which were compatible to my taste. None of them were genuine; they either want me for my wealth or my handsome face,” Woohyun said with woeful misery.   Jangjun laughed whereas Youngtaek showed an expression of pure disgust. How can one utter agony while displaying arroganc