Chapter 70
Chapter 70
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 70
Chapter Title: Job? Unemployed
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◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Han Su-bin was in a great mood.
First off, today was originally a department store holiday, so it was a day she could work and earn holiday pay.
On top of that, as part of the VIP dedicated team, she got extra compensation for working today.
The downside was having to deal with difficult customers up close, but the dedicated team more than made up for it with its perks.
Especially since events like this were a prime chance to build rapport with VIPs, making the team a highly coveted spot.
'Lucky me.'
And even among the dedicated team, this role.
It wasn't just simple security—it involved personally guiding VIPs and letting them enjoy the event, something not just anyone could do.
Han Su-bin.
She was the team leader handling overall store management and flow control for the VIP dedicated team.
Normally, she'd be working behind the scenes instead of showing her face like this.
But luckily.
'Headquarters said no extra staff support. With the 60th anniversary event, they're probably swamped there. So everyone, give up your holidays.'
Due to the staff shortage, she was earning even more extra pay than usual while getting face time with VIPs.
If she had to work anyway, might as well get paid more.
And build connections with VIPs at the same time.
It was a two-for-one opportunity, so of course she couldn't hide her smile.
Plus, the two VIPs she was assigned to were the ones who'd kindly handled a troublemaker at the Pranda store before.
'I'm not the type to live owing debts.'
So she resolved to do everything she could to let them enjoy the event to the fullest today.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ First floor.
Various brands had their new products displayed in glass cases, with staff who looked like store employees explaining them.
It felt like a scene straight out of an online game's free market. Kind of surreal.
As I was taking it all in, Su-bin started walking beside me, explaining each one step by step.
Not rushing her words, clear and steady.
Her face beaming warmly.
Her friendly, kind demeanor slowly put me at ease.
'Service industry pros really are on another level.'
Guiding VIPs in a department store meant they'd reached the pinnacle of customer service, so maybe it was par for the course.
Anything mastered to the top looks this impressive.
"The items on display here are the pre-fall collections and FW season products set to launch this year. We're exclusively previewing and taking reservations for VIPs only at our department store."
But even her earnest explanations at the peak of service were mostly lost on me.
"Uh-huh..."
The only bit I caught was that they were previewing products early.
Nothing I could do about it.
I'm clueless about fashion, so when the jargon hits, I just nod along silently.
Unlike me, though, Yeon-ah's reaction was electric.
Her eyes sharpened like a wolf spotting prey—it was obvious.
She looked ready to dive into the products right then, so I immediately asked for guidance.
"Then... could we start from that end and take our time?"
"Of course."
"Yeon-bi, Yeon-bi."
As we followed Su-bin, Yeon-ah whispered from behind.
"Yeah?"
"Yeon-bi. You're my savior."
"...Yeah?"
"In the fashion world, getting a preview of season products like this is insane. Even at private presentations, they only show main season stuff beforehand—they don't preview sub-seasons like pre-fall. So you have no idea how precious this is for me..."
Her voice bubbled with excitement as a torrent of hard-to-follow info poured out.
No need to grasp the details, so I just took it as: this was a huge deal for Yeon-ah in fashion and modeling.
"So... you're super grateful?"
"Yeah. Grateful enough to treat you to hanwoo beef."
"I'll take yukhoe instead."
"I'll stuff your belly full of yukhoe."
As we chatted and walked, Su-bin stopped in front of a luxury brand counter.
Seeing her halt, Yeon-ah and I stopped almost in sync.
"From here on, these are Pranda's FW season previews. The yellow line next to it marks the pre-fall items."
"Hello. I'm Lee Hee-won from Pranda. I'll assist with product explanations and reservations."
The conversation smoothly shifted from Su-bin to Hee-won.
I inwardly admired the seamless handoff while eyeing the various items.
'I'm learning a bit about fashion, but... still totally lost.'
Luxury goods especially—I have no eye for them.
They just look fancier, like they'd suit any outfit. That's it.
Unlike me, Yeon-ah was already scanning products rapidly, pulling out her phone to jot notes furiously.
"To prevent leaks, we strictly limit photography, so please understand."
"Ah, got it. I'll be careful."
Yeon-ah showed her what she was noting, not photographing.
Confirming it, the Pranda staff bowed lightly in apology.
"Thank you. Then, allow me to explain each product..."
And so the product rundown began.
'Hmm...'
I couldn't just zone out, so I started piecing together everything Yeon-ah and the staff said in my head.
From it all, here's what I gathered.
First, FW season meant fall-winter.
These products would launch between February and March next year, going on sale August to October.
So, clothes people would wear next winter.
I don't get the rush to know this early, but that's for clueless folks like me.
"This outerwear emphasizes the cuff here, right? No changes until release?"
"Yes, ma'am. All products here are final designs—no alterations. Products not shown will debut at our regular fashion show, so we appreciate your interest until then."
It seemed like a big advantage for industry folks like Yeon-ah.
She meticulously asked, listened, noted, repeat.
Watching her, I got why she'd hyped this up.
Was it boring?
Far from it.
Listening expanded my view of clothes.
Peeking into fashion's profound world was even fun.
They say learning has no end.
No matter how rich, you can't grasp this without seeing and learning firsthand.
That's why learning never ends.
'Schools should teach stuff like this instead of book smarts. Might be more fun.'
This practical, niche knowledge seems more useful for life than academics.
"Yeon-bi. You done looking? I already reserved everything."
Lost in thoughts of fashion school, Yeon-ah suddenly called out.
"Ah, yeah. I'm all good."
I nodded simply.
Nothing caught my eye for purchase, and even if I ordered, it'd arrive way later—probably forget by then.
"Then, I'll guide you to the next store."
How many left?
Over ten, easy.
'That's a lot.'
Hmm...
Suddenly feeling bored.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "Next winter's trends are shaping up like this. Hmm... Guess I should tell everyone to watch their weight."
Yeon-ah muttered to herself, meticulously reviewing her notes.
People immersed in work are so attractive.
Yeon-ah especially suits this serious side.
'Maybe because I rarely see it.'
Yeah. Around me, she shows more colorful expressions than this focus.
'Her colleagues must see this side always.'
That's why they found her changed demeanor with me intriguing.
Anyway, previews done.
Beyond fashion, there were furniture, toys, electronics—those were fun.
The one that hooked me: next year's new robot vacuum.
Loved the features, saw a demo—it outperformed my home one, so I reserved it on the spot.
Reserving here meant priority shipping plus a cute robot vacuum keychain. Irresistible.
'The one cleaning hard at home now... tough break.'
Dumb but functional—sell it secondhand.
Picturing the clueless robot getting evicted, someone approached with heavy footsteps.
"Hello, Mr. Lee Hwang-dae. May I ask what brings you here?"
At Su-bin's words, the white-haired middle-aged man she called Lee Hwang-dae paused, glancing lightly at Yeon-ah and me.
His stern face felt intimidating, but Yeon-ah greeted him warmly with a small bow.
"Ah, our agency's investor."
"Oh..."
Yeon-ah's agency investor.
Must be loaded.
His face and style exude quiet elegance.
On another level from the club folks.
"I'm here to chat briefly with Ms. Yoo Yeon-ah beside you, since we know each other."
"Ms. Choi Yeon-bi, is that alright?"
Su-bin immediately checked with me at his words.
They could just talk directly, but it felt like she was the go-between.
'Like a quest messenger in a game.'
You know, when a game quest sends you to deliver a message, but the recipient's right there.
Always think, just talk yourselves. Now I'm the messenger—feels weird.
"Ah, yeah. It's fine."
I said okay right away, and Lee Hwang-dae looked puzzled, glancing between Yeon-ah and me.
"Hm? Not Yeon-ah's companion, but Yeon-ah's with her?"
Yeon-ah gave an awkward smile as she replied to his question.
"Uh... yeah, that's how it is."
"Hahaha, figures she'd be here. Thought she'd struck it big already and came to congratulate her."
He laughed heartily at Yeon-ah.
She smiled back lightly—they seemed on good terms.
"Well then, Ms. Choi Yeon-bi? Nice to meet you. I'm Lee Hwang-dae, just a real estate developer."
Real estate developer?
Basically builds and sells properties, right?
"Hello. I'm Choi Yeon-bi."
"Hm. Gotta hand it to Yeon-ah's eye."
"No, she's not a model..."
Yeon-ah mumbled vaguely, then mouthed 'job' at me.
I hadn't mentioned it on purpose since I had none.
But couldn't ignore her signal.
'Should I... make up a job?'
But I know nothing to claim.
Do nothing worth claiming.
My funds are all investments, but saying I got rich investing sounds off—I know zilch.
'If asked directly, I'd freeze.'
After agonizing briefly, I just.
"Uh... not a model, and I don't really do anything."
went honest.
Yeon-ah's eyes widened in slight shock at my answer.
Lee Hwang-dae paused, then burst out laughing, patting my shoulder.
"Hahaha, you're a fun one. Yeon-bi, mind spilling to me on the down-low?"
"Mr. Lee Hwang-dae, sorry to interrupt, but your requested items are ready."
"Ah, coming right up. Anyway, here's my card. Let's grab tea and chat leisurely sometime."
Still chuckling, he slipped his business card into my hand, waved lightly with his right, turned, and left.
'Quirky guy...'
Not all chaebols are stiff.
As I watched him curiously, Yeon-ah grabbed my shoulder firmly and whispered.
"Yeon-bi. Normally, you'd say what you do."
I knew exactly what she meant—I'd been in society too.
But I couldn't.
Frustrating.
I told Yeon-ah the truth too.
"You're not up to anything shady, right?"
"Not that..."
"Then it's fine. You don't blab about business anyway."
She still seemed skeptical.
Can't blame her—I wouldn't believe me either.
'Need to invent a job.'
My head spun for various reasons.
Anyway, time marched on regardless.
"The 60th anniversary orchestra performance starts in about an hour. Shall I guide you if you'd like to attend?"
At Su-bin's announcement—the event's first highlight.
Perfect chance to clear my head with some music.
"Yes, please do."