Chapter 2

If our senses of smell were all normal, then the problem had to be the smell coming from Leonard. This bizarre situation was so unsettling that I couldn't stop worrying about his health.

The next day, I ordered an extravagant meal from a steakhouse, uncorked a bottle of pricey vintage bourbon, and gave each of Leonard's roommates an expensive gift.

Once I'd completely won them over, I brought up the matter in a friendly way during dinner.

"I bought those smelly things today because I found traces of rats and wanted to draw them out and eliminate them. If it's okay with you, I'd like to hire a cleaning service to clean the entire place from top to bottom tomorrow while you're at classes.

"I'll pay the full bill myself, and I'll cover everyone's food expenses for the next month too—"

I hadn't even finished when one of Leonard's roommates slammed his fork down. "If you have something to say, just say it. There's no need to put on this act."

In that instant, the other roommates' expressions grew colder, too.

"I know, right? I know you're from a well-off family and think this place is beneath your standards, and that you feel like your son is suffering by living here, but we didn't force him to stay. You're free to move out whenever you like!

"We may be poor, but we keep our place clean! Why would we need the whole place cleaned?"

In response to his roommates' cutting remarks, Leonard flushed angrily and rushed to clarify. "I don't look down on any of you! I'm not planning on moving out, either!"

He then turned to me and yelled, "If you think this place isn't good enough, then leave! I'm not as picky as you are! I really do like it here! I'm happy living with my roommate, Dad!"

I was utterly confused. I had no idea why they were reacting so strongly. I'd been friendly the whole time and had even prepared gifts for them beforehand.

Under normal circumstances, they shouldn't have confronted me so openly, even if I'd genuinely looked down on the place. I had even used the rats as an excuse and didn't mention the foul odor at all.

I couldn't shake the strange feeling that something was wrong. I had to consider the possibility that Leonard and his roommates were intentionally concealing something.

"Why did you all overreact when I suggested a thorough cleaning? Please tell me the truth! I'm your father, and no matter what has happened, I'll be understanding."

I planned to have an honest, heart-to-heart conversation with Leonard once I returned to the bedroom.

In my past life, the awful smell coming from him hadn't improved at all after he took a bath, which was why I'd hired a cleaning service to thoroughly clean the place. Yet, they'd reacted as if they'd lost their minds and killed me on the spot.

Having lived through both lifetimes, I was almost certain they had hidden something in the house that they didn't want anyone else to find.

"What are you talking about? Do you think we're hiding something from you? Is that why you think we won't let you bring in a cleaning service, Dad?"

Leonard gave a furious, mocking laugh. "You've developed a prejudice against me since I didn't get into a prestigious university and disappointed you, huh? I know I'm not smart, but I've done my best! If you don't like having me around, then just go. Leave me alone and stop interfering with my life!

"You see, my roommates may be average university students you look down on, but we get along really well! Please stop making them uncomfortable and ruining my friendships!"

I never expected Leonard to react so strongly. His words cut deep, stabbing me in the heart.

I'd set high expectations for him and been too strict in the past, which had affected his personality, but I'd already recognized my mistake and was doing my best to make things right. How could I possibly look down on him?

I was just about to explain myself when a sudden chill ran down my back. I cried out, "What exactly happened to you, Leonard?"