A Blank Slate Regression for the Idol That Lost His Original Mindset - Chapter 408

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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A Regression Guide for Idols Who Lost Their Original Intent Episode 408

‘Even bad laws are still laws, and cyber universities are still universities.’

The moment I heard this sentence, it felt like lightning struck above my head.

That’s right, why didn’t I think to directly confront and refute Grandfather’s logic instead of just conforming to his standards?

Because I knew well that no matter how hard I argued alone, Grandfather wouldn’t change his mind and it wouldn’t get through to him at all? Because I too was taking Grandfather’s standards for granted?

What is the hip hop spirit?

Freely expressing my opinions and directly confronting prejudice and discrimination with diss and satire – isn’t that exactly the hip hop spirit?

It was a huge shock that Kim Dobin, whom I had dismissed as not knowing the first thing about hip hop, was actually closer to the hip hop spirit than me.

Grandfather too seemed to receive a world-shattering level of shock from words that directly contradicted his values, unable to close his mouth.

“That’s right, Doby! You spoke well! Just like you said, cyber universities are universities too!”

Even though it was a place I had no interest in studying and only registered for military service deferment, it was still a cyber ‘university’. Mental victories are still victories, and cyber universities are still universities.

“Grandfather, times have changed, so please break free from those outdated 1988 thoughts, have an open mind, and give us 200,000 won more! Your stuffy standards are putting down all the people who want to study and enroll in cyber universities, and their academic passion!”

“That’s right, there are even commercials saying the era of success through cyber universities has begun.”

“…Where on earth did you bring someone exactly like you?”

Grandfather didn’t back down and attempted a mental attack on me. Damn, saying I’m exactly like Kim Dobin. How could he say something so harsh…!

“Anyway, no! Cyber universities aren’t included in my standards, so know that!”

“Grandfather could just change his standards, so why are you telling me to surpass your standards?”

“Or should we put up a vote on the internet? ‘Cyber universities are universities vs. they’re not.’ Then if you follow the majority opinion…”

“Grandfather, the world is changing! If bad laws are still laws, then the cyber world is still a world!”

“That’s right, netizens are still citizens anyway.”

I could hear the gazes directed at us along with sounds of suppressed laughter.

Am I providing thrilling, incredibly entertaining content to my relatives for free again? This time I even brought a guest, so the fun is doubled!

At this point, I thought we should be collecting 50,000 won admission fees.

In the end, Grandfather gave us each an additional 100,000 won due to our continued insistence, whether it was the cost of recognizing cyber universities as half-universities or the cost of shutting us up.

I looked at Kim Dobin with warm eyes, barely suppressing the corners of my mouth that kept rising endlessly.

I did well bringing Kim Dobin!

As they say, even a blank sheet of paper is better when held together. My solo struggle didn’t work at all, but with Kim Dobin’s support – who’s absolutely top-tier at making people frustrated and speechless – we could even bring down that stubborn old man.

Ryu Jaehee was standing far away from us, pretending not to be part of our group. Look at him, he got 500,000 won, didn’t he?

After the New Year’s greetings ended and we dispersed, Kim Dobin counted the eight 50,000 won bills he was carefully holding and stuffed the wad of money into his pants pocket while exclaiming in admiration.

“Wow, amazing. I got more than I would have received at home. 400,000 won in New Year’s money from one temple visit. Your grandfather is really generous, Hyung. I guess this is what they call a blessing in disguise?”

Exactly. Originally he would have only received 300,000 won, but with one sentence he gave me enlightenment, and by supporting me with my broadened perspective, he’s taking home 400,000 won. What’s with that guy’s luck?

I tapped Kim Dobin’s head and chuckled.

“You’ll probably be coming to this house for the last time today.”

“Why? Am I banned from entering?”

“You’ve been marked by that old man. As someone who resembles me.”

At those words, Kim Dobin’s eyes shook wildly. What’s this reaction when he can’t even be happy about it?

“What? I looked like such a disobedient grandson? I just added strength to your logic, so why…?”

“Right. You’ve been marked by me too, man.”

When I gave him a headlock disguised as a neck massage, Kim Dobin spouted nonsense about being filial rather than unfilial. Same difference.

“Youngest Member, come here.”

After finishing punishing Kim Dobin, I gestured toward Ryu Jaehee, and he immediately approached me. When I led Ryu Jaehee toward Grandfather, he looked startled and asked why.

“You said you wanted to ask something yesterday.”

I hadn’t forgotten what Ryu Jaehee had casually mentioned before going to sleep yesterday.

“Grandfather, he needs some legal advice.”

“I didn’t mean asking your grandfather? I could ask your father instead…!”

When Ryu Jaehee hurriedly denied it, Grandfather waved his hand.

“Tell me. Even though I’m retired, my memory is still fine.”

“It’s not that I don’t trust you, Grandfather, but I was worried it might be bothersome…”

“The grandson I have only says frustrating things, so I’d much rather give you advice than listen to that kid’s nonsense. At least you won’t talk nonsense like those two.”

Kim Dobin has definitely been firmly marked in Grandfather’s eyes as someone who talks nonsense. It’s not nonsense, but the fundamental spirit of resistance that’s the essence of hip hop.

Ryu Jaehee hesitated before carefully bringing up the topic.

“I’ve cut ties with my family.”

If Grandfather made stuffy remarks about family bonds and hurt Ryu Jaehee, I was prepared to cause a huge scene with a third installment of filial piety diss freestyle rap, watching with wide eyes.

“There are families that are worse than having none.”

Surprisingly, Grandfather coolly accepted Ryu Jaehee’s words. Maybe because he saw many such cases as a judge? Anyway, he was an open-minded old-timer in this regard.

“If my parents get into debt, would I have to take responsibility?”

“Psychologically maybe, but legally, estrangement between parents and children doesn’t take effect, and responsibility for parents’ debts depends on whether the parents have passed away or are still alive. Debts are also property obligations, so they’re subject to inheritance.”

“What about when they’re alive?”

“Under national law, parents and children are recognized as independent individuals. So there’s no legal obligation for children to repay their living parents’ debts. Since the law doesn’t force it, there’s essentially no obligation to take responsibility.”

Seeing Grandfather seriously answering Ryu Jaehee’s questions, I relaxed the tension in my eyes and pressed back on the beat sampling list I was searching for on my phone.

“In movies and dramas, I’ve seen loan sharks telling children to pay back their parents’ debts…”

“Trying to collect debts from children involves illegal acts during debt collection. Such cases are subject to punishment for violating the Private Money Lending Act, so you don’t need to worry.”

Grandfather, who had unusually kindly explained to Ryu Jaehee, clicked his tongue with a displeased voice and added:

“Really, they should at least get legal advice when writing scripts or put a note saying it’s illegal behavior, but by displaying illegality on TV like that, people end up thinking it’s legal, tsk.”

Ryu Jaehee, covering his mouth with his hand, briefly lowered his head and turned toward me. Seeing his shoulders shake briefly, anyone could tell he was suppressing laughter. Is that funny?

Ahem, Ryu Jaehee lifted his head as if nothing happened and cleared his throat a couple times before carefully asking:

“Then what if my parents take out debt in my name? I heard there’s something called the family theft exception, but regardless of that, would prosecution and legal punishment be possible if I wanted?”

“This is really… Even though the family theft exception directly contradicts individual property rights protection and the right to pursue happiness, it continues due to the old-fashioned notion that law shouldn’t cross the threshold of homes. But someday it will be ruled unconstitutional. Laws that violate basic rights are worse than no laws at all.”

I agreed with Grandfather on this. I mean, does it make sense not to be able to punish fraudsters and thieves just because they’re family?

“Still, it’s not like there are no methods at all, so if you ever need legal advice, feel free to ask anytime. This old man has plenty of time, so I can handle that much.”

Grandfather looked up at Ryu Jaehee with warm eyes and spoke kindly. Ryu Jaehee, with reddened eyes and biting his lips, slowly nodded.

Anyone could see that he, not I, was the real grandson.

After finishing his conversation with Grandfather, I patted Ryu Jaehee’s back and asked out of sudden curiosity:

“But why did you suppress your laughter during the conversation? Was what he said that funny?”

Ryu Jaehee shook his head briefly, then giggled as if the thought made him laugh again, revealing why he had laughed:

“No, it’s because what Grandfather was saying was exactly like you, Hyung.”

“Why are you saying such harsh things? What’s similar about how I talk and that old-“

I grumbled and lightly ruffled Ryu Jaehee’s hair. Kim Dobin, who had slipped in, lightly tugged at my sleeve.

“Hyung, I have something I’m curious about regarding your grandfather too.”

“What is it? Should I take you to Grandfather too?”

“No. It’s not something worth asking directly. Could you ask for me instead?”

“What is it?”

“The New Year’s money is 300,000 won if you don’t go to university and 500,000 won if you do. So if you go to graduate school, is it 700,000 won?”

Good thing I didn’t take him to Grandfather. If I had taken him and told him to ask that question, I would have gotten scolded too.

I roughly swept up my bangs and grumbled:

“But now that you mention it, I am curious. Ugh, why are you making me curious about useless things too?”

“So let’s ask once. You’re honestly curious too, Hyung.”

So I asked, and just like with Ryu Jaehee, I only got scolded to ask useful questions.

After that, well, I appropriately responded to the adults’ words, then shared glances with my cousins and quietly dragged Ryu Jaehee and Kim Dobin into the master bedroom where we settled down to watch television.

This is what everyone does when the big family gathers for holidays. Running around and playing is something you graduate from when you’re young, isn’t it?

Of course, even when I was young, I was the only one who ran around playing.

Everyone else would sit quietly watching TV, reading books, or doing vacation homework or workbook assignments, being mindful of Grandfather.

How could I develop any attachment in such an environment?

Among all the New Year’s special movies and broadcasts, we were watching the continuous broadcast of “Rustic Period,” which my cousin hyungs and I consider our common life masterpiece, when the door burst open and Yoon Jeonga entered.

“I need to watch Sports University! Sports University! Eden oppa, please guard the TV for me!”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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