A Change of Pace

"I can't go on like this."

It had already been several days since I shut myself in my room, living like a zombie after that godforsaken family gathering. During that time, I ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠had plenty of time for self-reflection.

"First, let's get out of here."

It was truly bizarre. My room was supposed to be my ultimate sanctuary, my one true safe haven. But now, the mere thought of staying cooped up inside made me feel suffocated, like I was going stark raving mad. And all because my circumstances had changed just a little bit!

I tapped my fingertips against the desk, lost in thought. I briefly considered going on a trip, but that wasn't a fundamental solution. Personally, I don't think the catalyst for a person's change has to be anything grand. Maybe you just want to look good to someone you like. Or maybe you admire a character in a drama. You just live your life, getting soaked ever so gradually like clothes in a gentle drizzle, until one day you look back and realize you've completely transformed.

There was no need to turn my entire world upside down overnight. It was a tiny, almost laughable goal that anyone else would snort at. But the beginning is what matters, isn't it?

The Apgujeong Galleria Luxury Hall.

It was a place that had been relentlessly sending me invitations and gifts lately. You could call it the spiritual homeland of the mountain of luxury goods currently piling up in my house.

Screeech.

At the entrance, two employees blocked my path, staring intently at the parking pass affixed to my windshield. Wondering what was going on, I rolled down my window to ask.

"Sir, we have a separate, exclusive entrance for our Prestige tier members. Would it be alright if we handle your valet parking over there?"

"Ah, yes. Please do."

Wait, they had something like that? Caught off guard, I left the key in the ignition, stepped out of the car, and ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠swapped places with the employee.

"We will park your vehicle in our exclusive lot so that you can exit directly through the main first-floor entrance when you are finished."

"Ah... right..."

"Please return this card to us when you leave. Have a wonderful shopping experience, sir."

I definitely made the right call by coming out. I was already highly satisfied with the royal treatment I was receiving right at the entrance. Watching my car glide smoothly away, I followed the valet's hand signals and entered the store through the exclusive VIP corridor.

I knew absolutely nothing about department store VIP shopping culture, nor did I have any experience with it. What could a guy like me—who used to wear literal rags because he didn't have a penny to buy decent clothes—possibly know? Back when my body was horizontally gifted, throwing expensive clothes on me would have just looked like wrapping a tarp over a pile of laundry.

But things are different now.

I probably couldn't spend all this money even if I tried for the rest of my life, so I might as well start spending it diligently from now on. Isn't that the basic courtesy I owe to the precious little babies sleeping soundly in my bank account?

Therefore, if I saw something I wanted, I was going to buy it on the spot. And while I was at it, I'd pick up a gift for my one and only friend. With a fluttering heart, I leisurely strolled through the luxury hall, letting my feet guide me. That was when a group of employees walking in my direction caught my eye...

"Are you enjoying your shopping experience, sir?"

The female employee leading the pack suddenly stopped in front of me and bowed deeply with utmost respect. Immediately after, the employees trailing behind her bowed in unison, maintaining a perfect, orderly distance. Glancing around, I realized the sheer spectacle of it had caused quite a stir, drawing whispers and curious stares from the surrounding shoppers.

"We apologize for the delayed greeting, as it has been quite some time since your last visit. Would it be alright if we escort you to the private lounge right away?"

"What lounge are you referring to?"

"We operate an exclusive lounge to provide maximum convenience for our VVIP customers. If you don't mind, may we guide you there now?"

So, to put it simply, they were saying: 'We shall escort you to a comfortable place designed specifically to make it easier for you to throw your money at us.' Well, as for me... I was practically dying to spend some cash, so I was more than happy to oblige. When I nodded, the female employee flashed a bright, refreshing smile and led the way to the lounge.

"Sir, if it is ever difficult for you to visit in person, you can simply contact us at any time, and we will curate and deliver selections from various brands directly to your home."

"...That's actually possible?"

"Of course. Our Prestige tier members can access personalized home-delivery and styling services through their dedicated personal shoppers at any time."

"What exactly is this Prestige tier anyway?"

"The Prestige tier benefits are strictly limited to the top 30 spenders at our Galleria department store based on their annual purchases."

Oho. So that meant I was ranked in the top 30 of the Galleria's biggest suckers. My shoulders puffed up with a sudden surge of pride. As we chatted about this and that, we arrived at the private lounge.

The moment I stepped inside, a sweet, delicate fragrance wafted through the air, teasing my senses. Brilliant, warm lighting illuminated the space, while the marble interior exuded a modern, sophisticated elegance. Adorned with luxurious ornaments and fresh, vibrant floral arrangements scattered throughout, the place felt less like a department store and more like a high-end art gallery.

The chaotic noise of the bustling department store vanished completely, replaced by the soothing melody of a live performance echoing through the room. The deep, rich, and resonant tones flowing from the massive body and long strings of a grand piano were nothing short of a masterpiece.

As expected, peace of mind and mental leisure truly stem from money. To think I could just sit back, enjoy a live piano performance, and sip on drinks and desserts while shopping. All the stress piled up from that dreadful family gathering melted away like snow under the spring sun. Truly, of all the therapies in the world, financial therapy reigns supreme. I spent some time lounging around, flipping through a luxury magazine handed to me by an employee.

"Sir, your private room is ready for you now."

"Should I head in right away?"

"Whenever you are ready, sir! Your dedicated personal shopper and stylist are waiting inside."

They were so thoroughly prepared, it felt like they were gearing up for battle. Well, if that was the case, I had to live up to their expectations. Let's show them the true power of a black card with no limit.

"Oh my goodness, sir! These cozy teddy bear coats are all the rage these days. You look absolutely lovely in it!"

"This one can be worn as a trench coat, or you can button it all up to style it like a jacket. The model is so stunning that the clothes are practically coming to life!"

"This is a limited-edition Hermes watch that just arrived in Korea. It was originally designed for women, but you know genderless fashion is the big trend now, right? Your wrists are so slender, it's a perfect match!"

"This briefcase is a new release from Gooty... Look, if you attach the strap like this... you can carry it like a tote bag! My word, is there anything that doesn't look good on you?"

"This is a 2022 F/W formal dress shirt from Fandy. It's such a gorgeous new arrival that many people style it as semi-casual too. It'll look great no matter what you pair it with."

These women... they were dead serious. It was the classic 'mannequin strategy.' They kept me standing for two hours straight, dressing and undressing me in dozens of outfits and accessories as if they were playing a dress-up game. Whenever I showed even a hint of liking a particular set, a photographer standing nearby immediately snapped a photo of the look, and the items were packed away. After a grueling two hours, I had selected a total of eighteen sets, including one set as a gift for my friend.

"..."

The two employees didn't look the slightest bit tired, seemingly having the time of their lives. I couldn't let this go on. My physical stamina was already on the verge of completely depleting.

"Ahem. I think this is more than enough."

"Oh, already? But we haven't even shown you half of them yet..."

"How about we take a short break and then look at the rest?"

It was useless for them to plead with such disappointed, sweet voices. My stamina was already completely drained. Seriously, how on earth do women shop all day long?

"I'm starting to get tired. I'll head out now."

"Aww, what a shame. In that case, let me help you with the payment! We will have all your purchased items delivered directly to your home."

"Please do. It would be too much to carry."

"Your total comes to 237,510,000 won. I'll process the payment now!"

Holy crap. I just spent over two hundred million won in a single day, so why were they so incredibly calm about it? I was utterly baffled by their attitude as they took my card and processed the payment with such practiced ease, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Still, seeing them chatter away with bright, beaming smiles made them look almost cute. I watched them with a pleased smile as I took back my card and receipt. The moment I stepped out of the private room, a crowd of employees rushed over as if they had been waiting for me, bowing deeply and pressing their hands together in gratitude... It made me feel like some legendary mob boss parading through ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠the streets.

I politely handed the valet card I had received earlier to the employee. Flashing a professional customer-service smile, she guided me to where my car was parked. My car was parked at a perfect angle, positioned so that I could drive straight out to the first ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠floor without any hassle.

"We love you, valued customer. Did you enjoy your shopping?"

I gave a half-hearted nod, opened the car door, inserted the key, and started the engine. Vroom! With a satisfying purr, the car smoothly glided out of the lot. Humming a tune, I looked outside and saw that the sun was still high in the sky. It felt like a waste to just head straight back home. Since I was already out, I wanted to spend the rest of the day doing something even more thrilling... Suddenly, a brilliant idea flashed in my mind!

"Sini."

"Call Kim Hyung-jun."

Kim Hyung-jun. My one and only true friend.

Beep, beep... Having said everything I wanted to say, I hung up the phone.

Money is always more fun to spend together than alone. And when it comes to the ultimate form of flexing, there's one representative culture that immediately springs to mind. Today's grand finale would be a luxury staycation.