Chapter 18
Chapter 18
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 18
Chapter Title: Luxury
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◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ “Yaaawn...”
I stared at the night view for a while before plopping down on the sofa.
A sofa that felt way better than the one I bought.
The leather quality was on another level.
Sofas from these high-end furniture stores really are different.
Once I get a better eye for furniture and learn how to decorate properly, I should really deck out my place like the rich folks do.
For now, though, I still have too much to learn to live like that.
Even coming into this hotel felt a bit awkward.
I was wandering around in just training clothes with no luggage, and uniformed staff kept hovering nearby.
“I really need to buy some proper clothes soon.”
I'd been thinking about getting a hoodie, but if I'm going to keep spending like this, I should probably dress a little more formally.
Something safe like a suit?
Even if not a full suit, blazers are popular these days, so that might work.
“Tomorrow's plans.”
Muttering to myself, I pulled out my phone and unfolded it.
Unfolding a phone sounds a bit weird.
“Perfect for note-taking, though.”
I unfolded the phone, took out the stylus, and started jotting down tomorrow's tasks.
“First up, there's an outlet and department store nearby, so I'll grab some neat clothes to wear out and about.”
A suit.
Which means women's suits, I guess.
“Women wear pantsuits a lot these days, so that should be fine.”
No skirts.
I can't handle that yet.
I'm already wearing women's underwear top and bottom, but still... somehow...
“...This is tough.”
I clutched my head for a moment, then suddenly the phone rang.
It wasn't my phone, so I looked around for the source and got up.
“Is that it?”
Scanning the room, I spotted a phone.
It was in the bedroom.
“Whoa... even the phone looks this fancy.”
A gothic-style, luxurious black phone.
The matte finish made it feel even more elegant.
It looked too high-end to touch, but I couldn't just ignore it.
Reluctantly, I carefully picked up the receiver.
“Hello.”
[This is front desk staff Han A-rang. Is this Ms. Choi Yeon-bi, currently staying in Royal Suite Room 2103?] Probably that female staff member I saw earlier.
Do hotels usually call rooms like this?
‘Isn't it usually the other way around?’
As far as I knew, guests called the front desk if they needed something or had an issue.
I tilted my head in confusion for a second, then the staff's voice came through again. Clear, steady tone—really pleasant to listen to.
[We hope you have a comfortable stay. I'm calling to inform you about tomorrow's breakfast buffet arrangements.] It included breakfast, but did they usually notify like this?
I had no idea.
So I just listened quietly.
[Breakfast is served from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the lounge on the 16th floor. Royal Suite guests also receive dedicated seating and personalized service.] That surprised me a little.
The breakfast buffets I knew were just go down when it's time, sit anywhere, and grab what you want.
‘This is different, alright.’
Well, at 1.3 million won a night, they'd complain if there wasn't service like this.
[If you have a preferred time, we can reserve your seat in advance. What time do you plan to visit?] ‘I didn't really plan it out.’
I booked the hotel on a whim. My schedule for tomorrow was just coming together.
Deciding breakfast time in a setup like this felt weird.
A life without plans.
Maybe that's possible now that I have the leisure for it.
I smiled inwardly and replied.
“No, I haven't decided on a specific time.”
[Understood. If your schedule firms up, please contact the front desk. Also, if you're busy, you can opt for in-room breakfast service instead—please keep that in mind.] So many new things in life.
From breakfast reservations to room service.
This wasn't the hotel buffets I knew.
I didn't hate it, but it made my head spin a bit.
“Um... got it.”
[Thank you for your time. Have a pleasant evening.] The call ended.
“Whew...”
The tension drained out of me, and a sigh slipped free.
It was nice. All nice, but uncomfortable.
“This overprotected feeling.”
If I'm going to enjoy this kind of service from now on, I need to get used to it.
Can't keep freezing up or worrying every time.
“Anyway, let's check the fridge first.”
The breakfast talk reminded me of the 'mini-bar free use' note.
I rushed over and flung open the fridge.
“Whoa!”
Filled to the brim with booze, drinks, snacks.
Fancy liquors I'd heard of somewhere, pricey cookies and ice cream.
Familiar beers and even water imported from France.
In other rooms, this was all paid. They billed separately for what you took.
“Wonder what the French water tastes like.”
In this room I booked, everything was free.
Doesn't matter if it's free or not, but 'this costs extra' feels worse than 'all complimentary.'
They say chasing freebies leads to baldness, but I'm not chasing freebies.
It's about the vibe.
Vibe matters.
Anyway, I chugged the fancy French water.
And nearly spat it all out.
“...Why does it taste like this?”
Somehow slimy. Didn't go down smooth and cool.
Just plain bad.
“...I'd regret buying this.”
I shook my head and shoved the bottle back in the fridge.
Maybe my taste buds are tuned to Jeju water or cheap convenience store stuff.
To wash away the lingering thickness, I grabbed some cookies from inside.
Butter cookies.
New brand, but the packaging screamed luxury.
And as luxurious as it looked, the cookies were tiny.
“...Delicious.”
These passed with flying colors.
Nutty and melt-in-your-mouth soft.
Crunchy when you bite, then dissolves smoothly.
Even better on an empty stomach.
“Oh, right. Dinner time.”
Tonight: room service.
I grabbed the menu and sat at the dining chair.
The options were insane.
“Lamb ribs... premium sirloin... and hanwoo lobster sandwich? What's that?”
Names matched the sky-high prices, but no need to worry.
“Good thing I skipped dinner at home.”
With glee, I ordered the lamb ribs and salmon salad.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ —Ding ding di-ding ding di-ding
“Mm...”
The alarm signaling morning.
Even with no schedule, why set an alarm?
“Breakfast... buffet...”
Because I had to go to the breakfast buffet.
I'd reserved for 9 a.m. yesterday—had to show up.
No-showing after booking would put the staff in a tough spot.
No matter how rich or VIP you are, some manners matter.
“Buffet...”
Excited about what they'd have, I got out of bed.
The lamb ribs and salmon salad from last night were the best food I'd ever tasted.
‘Even better than Mom's cooking.’
Mom would admit it too.
She'd say she wanted to live here after eating it.
Chuckling softly, I stepped into the living room.
“Yaaawn...”
Stretching, I gazed at the full-length window.
Different from the sentimental night view.
Watching the bustling city, I felt the day truly beginning.
“This is real luxury.”
While everyone else works, lounging and watching them with a leisurely morning.
And I woke early not for work, but just for breakfast.
I finally understood what true extravagance meant.
As I enjoyed the view, the phone in my hand buzzed lightly.
—Bzzz bzzz
Short vibration—probably a message.
“Hm?”
Unlocked the screen: text from the hotel.
—All preparations are complete for your reserved time. “An hour early?”
Off-season, I guess.
Wouldn't be this smooth with crowds.
Suddenly rushed, I hurried to the bathroom.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ A buffet with assigned seats.
A solid wood table draped in an elegant white tablecloth with lace trim at the edges.
Neatly placed on it: a folded napkin and menu, like a fine restaurant.
The hotel lounge wasn't empty despite off-season, but not packed either.
Na Da-yeon, a staff member waiting for VIPs, recalled what Han A-rang said yesterday.
‘There's this weird guest. Model vibes, but in training pants? Didn't look super rich, no obvious job, but booked Royal Suite for two nights with zero luggage...’
Hired the same time as A-rang, she knew her friend loved badmouthing guys.
So she didn't take it too seriously.
‘Probably some sugar baby from a rich family. They say guys bring models here to play. So that woman must be...’
Over-the-top speculation and gossip.
Da-yeon found it distasteful but listened patiently. She was curious too.
‘How pretty is she to make her say that?’
A-rang rarely complimented men's looks, let alone another woman's.
Lost in those thoughts, Da-yeon...
“She's the real deal...”
...muttered aloud seeing the woman in training clothes enter the lounge.
A twinge of annoyance hit her too.
‘Seriously getting sponsored?’
Quickly, Da-yeon texted A-rang.
A mix of self-righteous justice and jealousy at seeing a 'kept woman' live easy.
With those subtle feelings, she greeted her.
“This way, please.”