Chapter 72
Chapter 72
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 72
Chapter Title: Butterfly Effect
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In dramas or movies, you often see scenes of nobles or chaebols enjoying banquets.
Everyone gathers together, chattering away with ha-has and ho-hos.
Eating simple dishes and sipping wine.
Those kinds of scenes where they bond over casual small talk.
'Looks like it wasn't total fantasy after all.'
And the banquets from the stories I knew apparently existed in this world too, under the name of gala dinners.
"There are a lot of famous people here."
Somehow, Yeon-a had a few pastries in her hand.
Tiny ones, just the right size to pop into your mouth whole.
Thinking they suited her perfectly, I asked,
"Famous people?"
"Yeah. I don't know all of them, but the ones up front are pretty well-known in the fashion industry."
"Heh..."
The spot Yeon-a pointed to had a young, tall woman and a man chatting animatedly over wine.
Next to them, two middle-aged men and a woman were talking with serious expressions.
"The young-looking pair are the main models for this department store, and the older ones next to them are a fashion editor, a designer, and the chairman of a stage arts foundation."
"Hmm... sounds complicated."
Even hearing about it didn't really click.
I probably wouldn't cross paths with them anyway, and I didn't want to intrude on that stiff atmosphere.
'Just memorize their faces.'
If I see them on TV later, I'd recognize them and think, Oh, that's the guy. That'd be enough.
As long as it's not in some weird news story.
"Besides that branch manager from the securities firm earlier, you don't know anyone else?"
"I'm not really the social type."
Yeon-a let out a small laugh at my words.
Her smile seemed somehow meaningful.
Well, delusions are free.
As we chatted, a few staff members suddenly got walkie-talkie calls.
Han Su-bin approached us slowly after getting one too.
"Guests, the main banquet is ready. Allow me to escort you to your seats."
It felt like something they could've just announced over the intercom, but her cautious approach made it a bit burdensome.
'Or maybe not.'
On second thought, with the VIPs up front deep in important talks, interrupting with a broadcast would've been weird.
I always felt it—this world was similar to mine, but the details were subtly different...
"Yeon-bi?"
"Ah, yes."
"How can you zone out like this right before tonight's highlight?"
"...I was just thinking about what's coming."
Han Su-bin smiled faintly as she overheard our conversation.
She bowed her head slightly.
"If you'll follow me, I'd be grateful."
With that, she led Yeon-a and me to a round table draped in luxurious linen.
'Is there a reason the tablecloth has to be this fancy?'
It had lace trim at the edges and felt soft and plush.
Tablecloths were meant to protect the table from spills, but with this, I wouldn't dare eat freely.
"We hope you enjoy your meal."
After we sat, she bowed politely and left.
Now, only Yeon-a and I remained at the large round table.
'No menu.'
Everything was pre-set, but no menu in sight.
I glanced around—none at the other tables either.
As I looked about, the pre-meal bread arrived.
"This is focaccia. Drizzle it generously with the olive oil provided, then dip lightly in salt for the best flavor."
The outside was crisp, but the crumb had all these airy holes.
It smelled amazing, looked fluffy—like it'd spring back if I poked it with a finger.
The waiter elegantly placed it before Yeon-a and me, then vanished.
I'd meant to ask for a menu, but he was gone too fast to call back.
Maybe at these gala dinners, they just bring everything out on their own?
'Good thing I didn't say it out loud.'
That could've been embarrassing.
Anyway, the focaccia in front of me.
I drizzled olive oil from the small dish as instructed, sprinkled a bit of salt, and took a bite.
It crunched lightly, revealing a warm, moist texture.
Olive oil flavor flooded my mouth.
The salt balanced it perfectly—savory and rich.
Perfect as an appetite teaser.
"Mmm... definitely different."
Yeon-a savored her bite and nodded approvingly.
"Different from where?"
Curious, I asked, and she told me about bread from an Italian restaurant.
"I went to this super popular Italian spot with friends once. Waited like two hours to get in."
"Two hours?"
"Yeah. No wonder the cafe next door was packed. Anyway, their bread came out... ugh, it was awful."
Were expectations too high after the wait, or was it just bad?
'Curious, but not enough to go try it.'
"Dry and tough, skimpy on the oil... just terrible overall."
"Tell me the name later so I can add it to my never-go list."
She showed me food pics from there at my words.
The photos looked great, but apparently the taste didn't match.
"Our next course is salmon tartare. Made with seasonal wild salmon imported fresh from Russia, our partner supplier, highlighting the fish's freshness and..."
Glistening pink salmon mixed with various ingredients.
I nodded along to the explanation, and the waiter withdrew.
'Tiny portion, but such a backstory.'
The tartare was smaller than my palm—gone in one spoonful.
An appetizer, sure, but still.
'So good, and they give you this little.'
It was delicious enough to leave me wanting more.
But more courses were coming, so no big regrets.
"Looks like seafood-heavy menu."
"Winter's here already."
"Time flies by so fast."
"It really picks up speed after thirty..."
"Yeon-bi?"
I'd felt the passage of time in my thirties, so I let it slip.
Too late—Yeon-a heard everything.
"No, pretend you didn't hear that."
Her smiling face looked scary for the first time; I quickly looked away.
Perfect timing—the next dish arrived.
"Lobster bisque made with fresh Atlantic lobster. At New Era Hotel, we air-ship ingredients alive, store them live, and prepare immediately."
The waiter saved me.
I wiped cold sweat with my left hand and changed the subject.
"Really all seafood."
"Meat's coming. The highlight's steak, after all."
I nodded, glancing at her cautiously.
"Yeon-bi, this is seriously good."
Thankfully, she was focused on the soup.
Good food really lifts the mood.
'Dodged that.'
After the soup Yeon-a praised, more courses followed.
Salad, blowtorched blowfish, duck, wine, and so on.
Then, as promised, the steak.
'That's it?'
The steak portion matched the others—small.
But the best of the night so far.
'Meat's always the winner.'
"Were you a wolf in a past life?"
"Maybe."
Yeon-a teased as I devoured the steak.
I laughed a bit louder than usual and finished it off.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ About a week had passed since the 60th anniversary event.
I heard through the grapevine that Yeon-a had gained a lot from it and was holed up in her office.
'Did it go well?'
She usually took more days off around now, but it felt like my presence had made her busier.
From the boss's view, more work was probably good.
Employees might disagree.
'Better stay away from the agency for a bit.'
Lost in thought, I parked my compact car near Ji-su's yoga studio.
Stepping out, something felt different.
'...Cleaner?'
No cars lining the roadside.
The cluttered vibe was tidied up.
Anti-redevelopment banners and menacing posters were gone.
'Definitely better.'
It finally felt like a place where people lived.
The improved atmosphere lifted my spirits as I headed to the studio with light steps.
Yoga aside, I'd started some cardio lately too.
Ji-su bragged about her new treadmill and had me on it right away.
Anyway, post-yoga chit-chat time as usual.
"Right, Yeon-bi. Looks like I can reopen the studio soon."
Ji-su started excitedly.
"Really? That's great. You've wanted this for so long."
"Yeah, it's awesome."
Ji-su was impressive—modeling while running a yoga studio.
'No way I could double-job.'
Multiple gigs aren't for everyone.
I had no idea how past-me juggled two part-times.
'Wait, isn't Ji-su doing three?'
Modeling, teaching yoga, personal training—too much?
"But then, unnie, can you really come weekdays? With weekend classes and our sessions, won't you be swamped?"
I asked worriedly, but she nodded reassuringly.
"It's fine. That slot's my solo workout time anyway."
A bit guilty, but if she said so, no worries.
Was the reopening tied to the changed neighborhood vibe?
"Oh yeah, I noticed on the way—the area's totally different now."
Curious, I asked.
She nodded again.
"Yeah. The whole district was slated for redevelopment, all chaotic. But now it's partial—only the rundown buildings."
"...Huh?"
"Inspectors checked this place; it's solid, so off the list. Now I can reopen."
The story felt familiar.
I froze in shock.
"Things are going so well lately. Feels like... you're my lucky charm or something."
Hmm...
I had no idea why (though I suspected), but if it worked out, great.
'Right?'
Seeing Ji-su's bright face.
At least it wasn't bad.