Chapter 31
Chapter 31
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 31
Chapter Title: Muscle Car Club
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When buying a car, you have to have a clear idea of exactly what you want.
That way, you won't get swayed by all the chatter from people around you.
Otherwise...
"How about this semi-midsize for that budget?"
"Just add a bit more and go for a full midsize~"
"What if we add to that budget and get a midsize?"
"Hey, throw in some options and it'll exceed the price of an import. Might as well just buy an import~"
Situations like that pop up where the car keeps getting upgraded.
'Brings back memories.'
There was this friend who swore he'd get a cheap city car as his first ride.
When he started asking around for advice...
"A city car? Why not add a little and get a semi-midsize instead? Slap on a few options, and it'll cost as much as a semi-midsize anyway. And not even a compact SUV—just a city car at that price?"
After hearing stuff like that, he ended up with neither—he bought a full midsize.
And a few months later, it wrapped up with a story about scraping it and racking up massive repair bills.
That's why you need to decide firmly beforehand: what you'll use it for, which model.
Of course, I'm a bit different since I'm buying the one car I've always dreamed of.
'Hmm... Even with my mind made up, I know nothing about them. Tough.'
Choi Min-hoo, the guy whose car I could only buy after he died.
In a way, since he's gone now, I really did end up buying it posthumously.
Anyway, that wasn't the point.
So, I haven't researched cars much at all. I figured I'd just head out and buy one, but nope.
I really felt it when I bought that city car.
This time, no repeating the same mistake.
'Not a cheap buy... Gotta research properly.'
It's not in the hundreds of millions, but it's pricier than most sedans.
Doesn't make sense to impulse-buy a car like that with zero research.
Once is a mistake; twice is on purpose.
With that in mind, I flipped open the laptop on the table and logged into the official Ford site.
'......Not as many models as I thought.'
Ford sells a variety: SUVs, trucks, midsize cars, you name it.
What I'm after is the midsize they call a "muscle car."
This Mustang lives up to the muscle car name with some serious horsepower.
The engine roar alone is different.
You get a deep, heavy rumble unlike other midsize sedans.
Plus, it's hailed as the ultimate base for tuning, so mods galore.
Though I can't make it too loud.
'The priciest one's... the convertible, huh.'
Top model is a convertible.
Basically, roof opens and closes.
I get the romance of a convertible, sure.
But jumping in? Nah.
Maintenance is already pricey; a convertible adds even more stuff to fuss over.
'Guess I'll book a test drive first...'
"Um..."
"Ah, yeah."
I was browsing Ford models and test drive slots when Na Yeon came over from the side.
"Cleaning and dishes are done. No laundry today, you said, so I left it. Heading to the market now—any preferences?"
I glanced around the house after hearing that.
It looked way cleaner than the robot vacuum could manage.
Humans beat robots, hands down.
"I'll cover the grocery budget. Cook whatever you feel like eating."
"Huh...? Whatever I want?"
"Yeah. We're eating dinner together anyway, so pick the menu yourself."
"Together...?"
"Not forcing you. If you'd rather eat out after work, that's fine. But since it'll be dinner time anyway, easier to just eat here, right...?"
She pondered my words for a sec, then nodded.
Her eyes sparkled as she looked at me.
That gaze felt a tad overwhelming, so I subtly looked away.
"Alright, I'll head out then."
"Car keys are by the entrance. You have a license, right?"
"C-car...?"
She froze mid-step toward the door and stared back. Was it that shocking? I tilted my head a bit.
Maybe I'm just too used to driving other people's cars.
"Were you gonna walk?"
"No, not that, but..."
"Got that city car—take it. Use it for market runs from now on too."
Her face got complicated.
She blinked a few times, then gave a bright reply and headed out.
I sent her about 100,000 won—plenty generous.
"That should do it."
Na Yeon sent a shocked-face emoticon after seeing the amount.
💬 Chat — Na Yeon (Shocked cute character emoticon) This much? — Me Not saying spend it all—use wisely. — Na Yeon (Cute cat bowing emoticon) Got it...! Dinner's sorted now.
Wondering what Na Yeon will whip up, I turned back to the laptop.
"Test drive booking..."
No plans for the convertible, but since I'm test-driving anyway, might as well try it.
Honestly, curious.
What's the big romance with open-top cars?
"...A week?"
But bookings are backed up—a week wait.
'Ugh... Too long.'
Delays the test drive, which delays my Mustang buy.
Wanna get it ASAP, but buying blind? Might regret it.
Even if it's my dream car, 80-90 million won. No impulses.
To quench the thirst a bit, I dove into searches: costs, maintenance, reviews, delivery stories, even mileage.
'Feeling weird.'
My name's Yeon-bi—mileage bi? Fate saying I'll buy a Mustang?
Lost in dumb thoughts, I spotted "Muscle Car Club."
Clicked like it hypnotized me—straight to the cafe site.
Duh, clubs like this are goldmines for info.
Real owners who love these rides.
Joined right away, browsed posts.
"...This section's easiest to navigate."
Announcements on beginner picks, performance, tuning laws—all Mustang and muscle car stuff.
Deep in reading, a cafe PM pinged.
📩 Private Message — Mushroom Club Hello. Welcome to the Muscle Car Club 'Mushroom.' We'd appreciate a greeting post for your join! — Me Ah, yes. Posting now. Quickly typed a simple intro post and hit submit.
📌 New Member Post: [Just Joined. Nice to Meet You.] — Author: Bi Hello. Thinking of buying a Mustang soon, so I joined to gather info. Nice to meet you all. — [SeoYeonDad] Nice to meet you~~ Check the announcements~ — [Kmin] Newbie, eh? Welcome to the muscle car world~! — [Han] How'd you know about the meetup in a few days? Sign up quick! Comments poured in fast.
Different vibe from my old community's attention—refreshing.
Speak of the devil, a meetup soon?
'Going could let me see the real deal before the dealership. Nice.'
Could call and hit the dealer straight, but hearing from actual drivers while checking 'em out? Way better.
Asked in the comments out of curiosity—PM back instantly.
— [Han] Regular meetup. We gather at the Expo Park lot in XX-dong, show off rides, chat, cruise a loop, then grub. — Me Uh... I don't have a car yet. Cool to come watch? Planning to buy, just wanna see first. — [Han] Yep, all good. More folks come carless to spectate anyway. — Me Thanks. Gold info.
XX-dong's not far either.
'Driving the city car there... Kinda embarrassing amid all the muscle. Walk it is.'
Just a casual stroll.
"Ah, you're back."
Finished browsing the cafe; doorbell lit up.
Opened the lobby door and stretched big.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Username: Han.
He was first at the Expo lot, smoking a Longs.
His extra-long cig was nearly burned out when...
Deep, roaring exhausts echoed from afar as cars rolled in one by one.
Nighttime? Complaints for sure.
Han eyed the incoming rides, thinking that.
Familiar ones he saw every time.
SeoYeonDad's black Mustang EcoBoost.
Kmin's gray Challenger.
Even non-muscle Fords like SUVs or random Jeeps. All familiar faces to Han.
Muscle car club in name, but really more of a social hangout.
"Damn, almost full turnout today?"
Kmin parked, hopped out laughing hearty, and approached Han.
Kmin: Kang Min-seok, 42 this year, car manager at a big firm.
Usually sparse white hairs stood out, but today? Dyed jet black—heard newbies coming.
Han sighed shortly at Min-seok.
Han Ji-hu, mid-20s, dad runs a small biz.
Reason for the sigh? Simple.
'Forty-something showing off like that.'
He didn't care for Kang Min-seok.
Always hitting on women members, scaring 'em off.
To Han Ji-hu, desperate for lady connections, he was a huge obstacle.
Especially dolled up on newbie day? Infuriating.
"Long time no see, everyone."
Next, SeoYeonDad stepped out, grinning handshakes all around.
Kim Ki-seo, de facto club organizer.
Mid-greetings, a wild exhaust roared in from afar.
"Whoa, Dark Horse lives up to the name."
Mustang Dark Horse.
Red, not dark—made it pop more.
'Rich housewife's here.'
Han eyed the red muscle with a jealous glint.
"Too late?"
Window down, sheepish smile from one woman.
Yu Yeon-a, early 30s.
"Right on time."
She nodded at Kim Ki-seo's words, parked quick.
Last arrival Yu Yeon-a complete, group checked numbers casually.
Then Han spotted her first: a super young-looking woman striding up fast from behind.
Zoomed in—and instinct hit.
'......Gonna be chaos.'
All eyes would lock on her walking in.
Long, pitch-black hair.
Tall, killer proportions.
Clothes not flashy, but elegant curves everywhere.
And face? Stunning.
Prettiest woman Han had ever seen.
She hit the lot, and yep—everyone ogled openly, just like he figured.
"New Mushroom member?"
Kang Min-seok broke the ice first.
Even unlikely Kim Ki-seo approached cautiously.
And of course, Han Ji-hu too.
'...But I'm the youngest here anyway.'
Started scheming how to make a move.