Blue Ridge Parkway and Billion-Dollar Wings
Since I'd already accomplished half my goal in America, I figured I might as well enjoy a quick trip while I was here.
"Anything worth doing? I'm not too familiar with North Carolina."
I'd never been big on traveling abroad anyway—aside from famous big cities, I had no clue what was good.
There are some famous driving routes, and it's home to America's most visited national park.
A driving route sounded tempting, but national parks? Not so much.
"National parks are kinda meh solo. I got enough hiking in the army."
Maybe it was because I wasn't into hiking as a hobby, but it just didn't pull me in.
How about the Blue Ridge Parkway? We rented a convertible, so it'd be perfect for a drive.
Driving in Korea was fun enough, but tearing down America's vast open roads felt totally different.
"How far from here?"
You're in Charlotte, so a little over two hours.
Not too far, not too close.
"Guess I'm really in America now. Two hours just to cross state lines."
Still, better than rotting in the hotel watching YouTube.
We stopped at a restaurant midway for a meal, took it easy on the drive, and soon pulled up to the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center.
"Athena, how long to see it all?"
The whole Blue Ridge Parkway?
"Yeah. I'd like to see as much as possible."
That might be tough. It's about 755 km total. Non-stop driving would take around 12 hours, give or take.
I'd been thinking in Korean terms—nearly got myself in trouble there.
"Then let's just hit the scenic spots quick."
Now that I was here, turning back empty-handed felt lame. A taste would have to do.
I cruised onto the signal-free road, soaking in the drive, when Athena chimed in with a report.
Master, Jacob's about to make contact with Eric.
"Already?"
I knew Eric was in the next town over, but this was faster than expected.
"Let me know when they're done talking."
They didn't know each other, so hopefully no fists flew.
"They won't actually fight, right?"
Probably not... But if they do, Jacob would win, right?
True—even I could take a guy missing a leg.
"Can't stick around long then. Let's head out and wait at the entrance."
The stunning open scenery made me want to linger, but I shoved the regret aside, turned the car around, and headed back down.
I killed the engine and put on some music when Athena popped up a CCTV feed in my vision.
"What's this?"
CCTV from Eric's junkyard. No audio, unfortunately.
I watched the screen as the two started talking.
"Video quality's crap too. Just kill it. They'll handle it fine."
Upscale it for you?
"Nah. No sound means no fun."
Crappy quality and no audio? Pointless.
"So what's next? Already bored to death."
Suddenly alone with nothing to do.
How about some shopping?
"Shopping? I think I bought everything I needed last time."
Not that shopping—airplane shopping.
My brain froze at the bizarre combo of words. First time hearing that.
"Airplane what now?"
Yeah! Custom orders take months anyway—better pick early.
Fair point. Overthinking just delays shipping.
"Show me a few. Just browsing for now."
Gulfstream G800 or Bombardier Global 8000?
The only passenger planes I knew were A380s or B747s.
"Heard the names, but give me the rundown."
G800's a long-range business jet. Seoul to New York nonstop.
Seoul to New York meant direct to pretty much any major city.
"What about that Global 8000 thing?"
New model with similar range—Seoul-NY direct—and it's the fastest.
Fastest plane vs. probably the most famous. Decision paralysis incoming.
Most comfortable vs. fastest. Just pick what you want, Master.
"Go with the comfiest. How long for a new order?"
Maybe the most crucial part.
Mid-2028 at earliest. About two and a half years.
"...Yeah, makes sense for a plane. Global 8000?"
Even longer—early 2029.
Both take forever.
"Can we lease? Order new but rent till it's ready."
Of course. Same model for the lease?
"Lease a G800, buy a Global 8000. Sound good?"
Sounds perfect. Proceed now?
Hesitate more and it'd push to 2030.
"Do it. Modern interior, max out every security option available."
3D model incoming.
A black-painted jet appeared in my vision.
"What's the interior like?"
It switched to the inside—clean, modern, just my style.
"Would wood tones look weird?"
Athena swapped it, and damn, I liked this version better.
"Interior like this, exterior stays black."
Got it. I'll handle the other options.
A few seconds later, Athena displayed a white background on my phone.
"This what?"
Sign here. Order goes in right away.
"Price...?"
About $160 million. Roughly 159 billion KRW.
"Wait—150 billion for a plane?"
Yup.
Lease on top—how much total?
"With the lease...?"
Three-year lease plus extras: around $50 million.
"Hold up—total 150 million?"
Yes. Just add the 6 million.
$156,000,000 total...?
I thought I'd gotten numb to spending, but over $100 million hit different.
"In KRW...?"
230 billion.
Ridiculous number.
"You could buy a Gangnam building for less."
Obviously. Two or three mid-tier buildings.
It was my money, but not money I sweated for, so whatever.
"You make the cash anyway—I'm just here for the guilt-free fun. Buy it."
...Suddenly feeling a bit salty. Just sign.
No idea why she insisted, but I did it.
"Why the signature anyway?"
Just wanted your signature, Master.
After signing, 4.9 trillion KRW flashed up, then 230 billion vanished.
Total Assets: 4.9 Trillion KRW
-230 Billion KRW (G800 Lease + Global 8000 Order)
"Did you have to show it like that?"
Fun, right?
It was kinda fun. Like cheating in a game.
"Yeah, like using hacks in a game."
Scouting G800s now. Might take a few days to fly one back from the US to Korea.
"Cool. Handle it."
No clue about this stuff—toss it to Athena, done.
Good news: Jacob convinced Eric. Heading back together tomorrow.
Time check: an hour and a half gone.
"Yeah, about time for talks to wrap."
No drama reports, so no brawl.
"What about Liam? Texas trip taking longer?"
Liam's already airborne. Lands in Texas in 30.
Prior connection might speed his recruitment.
"Grab dinner then? Dinner time soon."
Two hours back to the hotel—perfect timing.
Sure. What for dinner?
"Korean spot? Craving kimchi."
My blood kimchi levels were low—hands shaking.
Famous BBQ joint. Head there?
Meat or whatever—long as there's kimchi jjigae.
"Anywhere's fine. I need kimchi."
Never thought I'd solo pork belly, but Korean cravings hit hard—I demolished samgyeopsal and kimchi jjigae without thinking.
"Feeling alive again. Days of American food wrecked my gut."
Kimchi broth coursing through me—revived.
Insanely pricey though. Triple Korea prices?
US prices higher, sure, but samgyeopsal and jjigae for this? Heartbreaking.
"Feels like this cost more than the plane."
Agreed. Your hand was shaking at checkout.
Couldn't be helped. Tipping made it tremble.