Chapter 39
Chapter 39
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 39
Chapter Title: What I Want to Do
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"We're truly sorry for the unpleasant experience today. We'll manage the problematic customer separately and take every precaution to ensure nothing like this happens again."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Back in the lounge, I got an enormous apology from the section chief uncle.
Even when I said it was fine, the staff insisted it was and showered me with gifts.
Coffee beans used in the lounge, department store gift certificates, parking vouchers, and more.
'If they give away this much, what's left for them?'
Probably customers like me.
I nodded to myself, answering my own question.
Anyway, shopping was done.
We'd seen pretty much everything worth seeing, and Yeon-a had bought the bag she wanted.
I'd even managed to buy a tea set midway through and gift it to her.
It probably wasn't that expensive from the perspective of a chaebol like her, but she loved it anyway.
'The first gift you've ever given me? I'll treasure it. Thanks.'
Despite the minor commotion, the department store outing ended successfully.
We left the lounge and headed to the entrance, escorted by the section chief uncle.
There waited my car and Yeon-a's, right at the entrance.
'No need to trek to the parking lot. Nice.'
I took the keys from the staff member beside me and got in.
Envious looks, unlike the old days when I'd arrive in a compact car.
'Yeah, if it were still the compact, it'd definitely feel off.'
I had that thought to myself as I climbed in.
"Drive safe! Text me when you get home!"
Yeon-a waved cheerfully as she got into her car.
I smiled back, feeling good, and settled into the driver's seat.
Foot on the accelerator, hands on the wheel—the tension melted away.
I'd acted casual, but apparently I'd been pretty wound up without realizing it.
'Guess I'm not a real rich person like Yeon-a...'
Nothing to be done about that.
Still, I thought I'd pulled off acting like a VVIP today, more or less.
Of course, it was all thanks to Yeon-a being there.
'Had a good time.'
If I hadn't come out today, what would I have been doing alone?
Probably tapping away at the keyboard in my room.
That realization hit home—how important human connections are.
Me right now, with no relationships left at all.
I thought I could get by just fine alone, but apparently not.
'Reminds me of that internet post I saw before.'
About someone who won the lottery but whose life barely changed—they were still holed up playing games.
They wrote at length about just eating delicious food with their mom and playing games without worrying about others' opinions, same as always.
Everyone in the comments was like, "Why live like that?" giving advice.
That person probably didn't want to live that way.
They'd lived like that their whole life, so they just didn't know what to do with the money.
Everyone's way of living is different.
If that's what made them happy, then it was happiness, a fulfilling life.
Thinking like that, I seem like a weirdo—used to being alone but struggling with solitude.
'...Kinda funny.'
Especially since I was never the one reaching out to friends first.
A selfish person in relationships.
That's me.
"Still... it should be okay to live a little selfishly now."
Not in a bad way.
Just a bit.
I wanted to live enjoyably, happily.
But when I got home, that resolution rang hollow.
"Ugh..."
I was so exhausted I just face-planted onto the bed.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ What does a person need to live happily?
Let's set aside money. In capitalist society, money isn't a choice—it's a necessity.
"Hmm... actually thinking about it, it's tough."
They say if you're unhappy, check if you lack money.
True enough, but it doesn't really apply to me right now.
'No chance of running short.'
I'd been spending like crazy, but the account balance still started with a 4.
The more I looked, the more absurd it seemed.
"...Is this even real?"
No matter how many times I checked, it didn't sink in.
Anyway, I was starting to understand those people who say money can't buy happiness.
If you don't know how to spend it on happiness, you really can't buy it.
"Hmm..."
That said, I had zero intention of throwing it around on others.
If I were the super kind-hearted type who found joy in donating, maybe.
Not that I hate donating, of course.
It's just all the news lately about donation agencies skimming or whatever.
'If I donate, I'll do it directly.'
Unless it's something like personally buying game consoles for an orphanage, better not.
"So... excluding donations, what can I spend on to make myself happy?"
House, car, clothes.
Food and room decorating.
I'd tried everything an average person could.
That's why it was harder now.
'Should I ask Yeon-a?'
We hadn't talked much since the department store trip a few days ago.
Not zero talk, but just basic check-ins.
After a moment's hesitation, I sent Yeon-a a few texts.
📱 Message Sis — When do you feel happy? — 'Too out of the blue?'
And kinda cringy too.
I debated deleting it, but figured she'd grill me if she saw a deleted message, so I left it.
'Keep making my own black history alone.'
If she'd replied right away, at least it wouldn't be embarrassing.
Feeling awkward, I distracted myself by firing up a mobile game for the first time in a while.
I barely played before, but with all this free time lately, I did it occasionally.
No worries about money, no stress.
Want something? Spend a little cash.
Hard to find a hobby more generous to whales.
And the best part was...
🆙 Game Community Post [Guys, where do you use this?] Started yesterday and just pulled three of them. Pickup, right? Good stuff? 💬 Comments — Anonymous Really wanna kill them — Anonymous With a bitch slap — Anonymous 🐱💥 (squished character face emoticon) Seeing reactions like that.
I was grinning to myself at the comments when a reply arrived.
"She replied."
💬 Chat with Sis — You got chuunibyou or what? Yeah, kinda. —
>Just don't know what to do these days. — Don't you have any hobbies? 🐰🤔 (rabbit doll tilting head emoticon) Nope, nothing specific. — What's with the "—"? Lucky you, Yeon-bi. Why? — How rich do you have to be to say you got nothing to do at your age...
>🐰🤦 (rabbit doll banging head on floor emoticon) Complicated circumstances compared to others. — Chaebols are all like that.
>If you're that bored, wanna come to my studio? Studio? — Oh, didn't tell you?
>I'm training models.
>Wanna try?
>You'd be better than most kids here.
>🐰💕 (rabbit doll making heart emoticon) No thanks. — Rejecting so flatly? Not into modeling... but I can just come watch, right? — Of course.
>Bring snacks.
>Lots of kids here.
>🐰🍪 (rabbit doll holding snacks emoticon) Got it. —
>Send address, I'll head over. — Yesss
>Free snacks~
>🐰🦘 (rabbit doll jumping emoticon) "Modeling, huh..."
Of course, I had zero interest in modeling.
No desire to dip into entertainment, no need to earn money.
And the biggest reason:
'Models have to wear those flowy, girly outfits...'
The disconnect.
Anyway, better than rotting in my room.
I got ready right away and headed to the door.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "Hmm... You think this portfolio works? The shots have zero consistency."
"Uh... The director said to show a variety of looks..."
"Not wrong, but you can't just shoot randomly like this. No one's calling with a portfolio like that."
Yu Yeon-a was seriously reviewing a male model's portfolio, giving advice.
He was decent-looking, 188cm tall—should fit clothes well—but she wasn't thrilled with this recruit.
Total newbie; mountains to teach.
Even after giving direction, he couldn't find his way, so lots of headaches.
Watching, active fashion model Kim Min-hyeok stepped up, pointing out specifics.
"Numbers 3 and 7. Redo just the poses. Those will pop."
"Min-hyeok, what about 4 and 5? Poses aside, the styles feel too different. Think it'd fly at that mall you worked?"
"Hmm... Honestly, no. Too old-school."
"Right?"
28-year-old fashion model Kim Min-hyeok.
He'd gotten chewed out once for being late to a mall shoot, but he was solid and hardworking in the industry.
Ace who landed the most contracts at Yeon-a's studio.
Minus his road rage, no real flaws.
"Boss, guest out front."
As they wrapped the review, they turned to the staffer who'd opened the door.
Yeon-a's face lit up at the words.
Min-hyeok felt awkward seeing her beam— she rarely smiled at the studio.
'Haven't seen boss smile like that in ages.'
"Tell 'em to come in. Kids! Short break!"
As Min-hyeok tilted his head, she announced break time loudly.
Everyone stretched and gathered in a corner.
Soon after, the studio door creaked open cautiously.
"Uh... hi."
"Yeon-bi!"
"Uh... uh...!!"
Min-hyeok startled at the sudden visitor.
Long black hair.
Sharp, provocative eyes.
Delicate features on a small face.
Proportions that impressed even model eyes.
Stunning, he thought—and then recognized her.
'That girl from before...?'
While Min-hyeok reeled, Yeon-a ran over joyfully and hugged her.
Then snatched the snack box she held and tore it open excitedly.
"Homemade cookies!"
"Sis likes the snacks more than me?"
"Huh? Yeah."
"Don't choke on crumbs."
"Mmm~ These are amazing, Yeon-bi."
'Yeon-bi, huh...'
Min-hyeok thought.
'...Perfect timing for a new shoot.'
He decided to show her his professional side today.