Chapter 62
Chapter 62
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 62
Chapter Title: Free Time
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Yaaawn...
A slightly chilly morning breeze.
Even though it's morning, it's almost noon, so it's basically lunchtime.
'Feels a bit better since it's close to my usual wake-up time.'
Considering I woke up early yesterday, yeah, definitely better.
Still, my legs ache a little.
'Better sore legs than being sleepy, though.'
Anyway, I left a quick message for Da-yeon and headed out.
She seemed exhausted, barely mumbling an "okay" from under the covers.
I wondered if I should wake her since we're in Japan, but everyone enjoys trips their own way.
Some people go to Europe and just hole up in their hotel.
'Me? Once I'm out, I'm the type to roam around energetically.'
Usually stuck at home, but when I do go out, I make the most of it.
I don't go out much, but once I do, I get around like this.
Sad that it takes something to drag me out, but hey, I'm going out more often now, so that's fine.
What type is Da-yeon?
After all that walking yesterday, it makes sense she's resting today, so hard to pin down.
'Even if she prefers chilling on vacation, she wouldn't sleep the whole day.'
Why am I worrying like she's a kid?
Wait, university students are adults, right? Kinda iffy.
'Whatever. Drop it.'
Today's free time for sightseeing anyway.
The kind of day where if you're tired, you crash at the hotel, so no need to interfere.
Plus, we're meeting at Fukuoka Tower tonight, so she'll have to come out eventually.
"Oh... here it is."
Thinking about Da-yeon snoozing back at the hotel, I arrived at Daimaru Department Store in no time.
A massive building with red brick-like walls that really stand out. Wait, looking closer, it seems like two buildings.
'Looks like an old-school building.'
That vintage red brick vibe I remember from somewhere.
Like the ones near Seoul Station.
As I strolled closer, a wide plaza came into view.
Two huge department store buildings.
And a plaza filling the space between them.
The sides of the plaza are lined with luxury shops, bakeries, and cafes.
The ceiling covers it from rain, and up on the third floor, there's a bridge connecting the buildings inside.
Such a unique setup—I snapped photos as I wandered the plaza and entered the main building.
'The scent's unique.'
Different from Korean department stores.
What to call it?
If Korean ones smell sleek and luxurious, this feels antique and stately?
'Probably the building's age.'
Though Korean department stores are old too, so not that different.
Maybe that's why the exterior was quirky, but inside, it's pretty much the same as Korea or anywhere in Japan.
'Department stores are department stores, Japan or Korea.'
Not like I expected much.
Still, packed with new brands and great souvenirs—nice.
'It's a shopping spot at heart.'
Fun just browsing, even without buying.
Wonder how fun it'd be if you could buy whatever?
I've done it once before, so it'll be even more enjoyable this time.
'Time to shop!'
####
Daimaru Department Store.
They have a VIP system here too.
But specific tiers and perks are mostly for locals, so foreigners rarely qualify.
Japan's department stores cater to domestic VIPs.
Discount coupons, exclusive sales, home delivery—perks tailored for Japanese customers.
For foreigners, no tiers: spend over 1 million yen in a day, and you get VIP lounge access.
That's why most foreign VIPs are Chinese tourists.
"Um... ano..."
But the woman in front of Wakatsuki Yume, the VIP lounge attendant, wasn't Chinese.
Hard to tell nationality by face alone, but she could tell this one wasn't.
Simple reason: no Chinese being spoken.
Sounds ridiculous, but it's surprisingly accurate.
'Taiwanese? Korean?'
She kept her professional smile, but curiosity bubbled up.
Not just because she wasn't Chinese.
This was the first time seeing someone this stunning in real life, outside of TV.
"Kore..."
While admiring her looks, the woman showed a translated message.
[I'd like to ship all my purchases overseas via courier. Can you help?]
Yume started to explain the overseas shipping process.
Stepping out to the lounge lobby to check the haul...
"Eh... eeeh?!"
She gasped at the mountain of shopping bags.
Now she noticed her seniors sorting the customer's items next door.
'What the heck is this??'
She's seen big-spending Chinese tourists clean out the store.
But...
'How much did she spend?'
First time seeing someone outdo them.
On items costing millions each.
'Can they even ship all this? Will the courier take it?'
The worry crossed her mind briefly.
Whatever, this customer probably boosted today's sales big time.
Her job: handle it no matter what.
'...Gotta call the boss.'
Thus, the Daimaru branch manager rushed down via emergency contact.
He entered the private lounge reserved for top domestic VIPs with the mystery customer.
While they were occupied...
"Alright, let's wrap this up quick."
"Yes!"
'Picked the wrong day.'
The staff began carefully packing each item.
'Customs is gonna sting.'
Do rich people not care about duties?
Yume, who scrimps on overseas direct purchases to dodge them exactly, gave a wry smile.
####
'Bought within budget... got the tax refund... all souvenirs covered...'
I ticked off items folding fingers one by one. Nothing missed, good.
No matter how much money, tax refunds are a must.
No reason not to.
'Made the credit card just for that.'
Smart move.
Still, duties kinda negate the refund.
But no lounge without 1 million yen spent, and no lounge means handle shipping yourself...
'Unavoidable expense.'
Could buy less and ship solo, but duties hit anyway.
Money's going out regardless.
Better shop comfy and pay up.
Department store spree done, on budget.
Now I get why Fukuoka's a shopping mecca.
One store racked up that much, and Tenjin has more than one.
Unlike Korea with few department stores, here you see three just passing by.
'If solo, I'd have spent the whole 2-night-3-day mall-hopping.'
Definitely.
Lunch sorted inside, next up: Fukuoka Tower for evening meet, then Nakasu stalls for drinks with Da-yeon.
'Drinks after so long.'
Since becoming a woman, quit smokes and booze.
Not voluntary, but haven't touched them, so basically quit?
'Smokes yes, but booze... in moderation.'
Japan means booze, right?
Can snag pricey whiskey freely—shoulders tense with excitement.
Never tried as a woman, but healthier body now, so fine.
Buzzing, I left the store.
Sun nearly set, but not quite evening yet—awkward hour.
'Time to spare before meetup.'
Planned taxi to the tower, but too early to wait alone.
'Can't enjoy the view solo.'
Checked map for nearby spots.
Impromptu plans—charm of unplanned trips.
Right next door: Kego Shrine.
Tiny shrine, 10-min walk.
'Super small.'
5 mins to see all, has omikuji too—worth a peek.
Quick walk, arrived.
Urban spot: stone-paved ground, neat.
'First shrine. Temples, yeah, with Mom before.'
Compared to temples... shabby.
But it's billed as a small urban shrine, so expected.
'Wash hands first.'
Purification fountain at entrance.
Washed up, went in.
Prayed lightly, then browsed.
Shrine for a god warding off misfortune and disasters.
Prayer protects from illness, accidents, etc.
'...Kinda hits different.'
Old memories surfaced; wry smile.
Not like skipping prayer caused it, but "what if" lingers.
"Ojōsan~"
Lost in thought gazing at the shrine, someone called from the side.
Glanced over: small shop by the shrine.
Poster reads "Fortune Sticks" in Korean.
"Ojōsan, omikuji o hii te mimasenka?"
Friendly grandma smiled.
Didn't catch fully, but sounded like "try a fortune slip?"
"Ah... hai."
Reflex Korean.
Approached, dropped 100-yen coin in slot, drew a foreigner omikuji.
Unfolded it.
"Hee, omedetō~"
Medium Blessing.
Long fortune, details below on wishes, studies, job, etc.
'Korean text—cool.'
Medium: not as good as Great, better than Good.
[Medium Blessing: You'll gain much, but lose much too. Don't fear loss. Don't waste effort on the unnecessary. When a new path appears, don't force it—wait, and opportunity will come.]
Lifted my mood.
Details super positive on travel, health, hiring— even better.
'Romance/marriage... zilch.'
Family too.
[Family: Many things to worry about.]
Not all rosy, even for Medium.
Spot-on on weird parts builds trust.
So travel, health, hiring accurate too?
Reading made me chuckle.
"Egao ga ichiban ii da ne."
Grandma chimed in seeing the result.
Didn't get it all, but probably "smile's the best."
"Um... arigatō."
Thanked her, nodded; she smiled back.
Guess my face darkened staring at the shrine earlier.
'...That noticeable?'
Gotta manage expressions around Da-yeon.
Hiring says "don't rush, good timing"—be cautious.
Hiring: me hiring, or job hunting?
'Whatever, good period, so fine.'
Checked watch.
Said no sights, but time flew.
'Gonna be late.'
Cab to Fukuoka Tower...
"Yeon-bi!"
Da-yeon, in yesterday's buys, waving happily—waiting for me.