Family Trust and a Star's Recognition
Lee Hye-yeon's and Kang Ji-yeon's expressions shifted moment by moment as they listened to the story.
"So, you've quit your job now...?"
"Yeah, I'm playing Illusion."
"How could you make such a huge decision without even discussing it with us first!"
Mother was furious.
Mu-hyuk didn't avert his gaze.
"Mom, this is what I want to do."
"But...!"
"My mind's at ease now, and we're living comfortably. I like this way more than grinding away at the office. You've always told me since I was little to chase what I love and live happily."
Lee Hye-yeon's pupils trembled.
Mu-hyuk's words rang true.
She had always wanted him to live happily, doing what he loved.
Still, quitting his job?
Dedicating his life to a game?
Thanks to Ji-yeon spilling the beans, she knew he'd been playing Illusion occasionally.
It really felt like reality. It was fun, too. That's why she couldn't understand it even more.
Wasn't it just a game?
"Still, it's a game."
Her voice had softened considerably.
Mu-hyuk figured it was time to drive the point home more firmly.
"It's not just a game. Over a billion people worldwide are playing it. Just on my continent, it's packed with every Asian player out there. They're everywhere. The game system even lets you chat with foreigners seamlessly. Think about how much you can do inside it—no end to it. Even if it's a game, with that many people enjoying it, interests tangle up inevitably. And money flows through those interests. Big money. I want to be the best at it."
Lee Hye-yeon pondered.
Had she ever seen her son speak so resolutely?
He'd always been so compliant and gentle.
Sometimes she'd wished he'd voice his opinions more strongly.
Now that he was, she felt proud that he'd grown up, yet a pang of emptiness too.
Conflicting emotions.
They showed plainly in her eyes.
"Mom, just trust me a little."
"Alright... "
In the end, Lee Hye-yeon relented.
"Who else would I trust if not you?"
"Mom..."
"Tell your dad yourself later."
"I will."
Kang Ji-yeon finally chimed in from the side.
"Whoa, all-in on Illusion?"
"Yeah."
"What's your level then?"
"Not as high as I'd like since I haven't been at it long."
"How much?"
"50."
"Level 50?"
"Yep."
"Dude, that's high! How long you been playing?"
"A bit over four months."
Kang Ji-yeon flicked her ear.
"What? My ears must be clogged."
"A bit over four months."
"You're lying, you punk!"
"Believe it or not."
That's when Lee Hye-yeon smacked Ji-yeon's back hard.
Smack!
A thunderous sound echoed.
"Ow! That hurts, Mom!"
"You brat, this is serious and you're cracking up?"
"What's wrong with that? Illusion's way bigger than you think, Mom. Level 50 means he's raking in serious cash already, right?"
Doubt flickered in Mother's eyes.
"Even if he makes money, it's from a game."
Mu-hyuk, who'd been mulling it over, made up his mind.
Time to reveal a bit.
"Mom."
"Yes?"
"I've made about 45 million won in the four months playing Illusion."
"W-what? Is that for real?"
"No way, jackpot. For real?"
Both of them were stunned.
Mu-hyuk just nodded calmly.
That simple gesture built trust.
"You hear that, Mom?"
"Y-yeah."
"See? It's not just a game."
Now she had no choice but to accept it.
Reading her mood, Mu-hyuk sighed inwardly in relief.
Whew, dodged a bullet.
The long talk had drained him.
And time had flown by.
Oh, right—the appointment.
The sun was already setting.
He needed to head out.
"Mom."
"Yes?"
"Gotta meet a broadcaster PD. Heading out."
"Oh, the guy who called?"
"Yeah. I'll come by again soon."
"Okay, drive safe."
"Don't worry."
At least his father, Kang Seon-woo, wasn't home. Small mercy.
If Dad had been there...
Just thinking about it sent shivers down his spine.
Tch, worry about that later.
He slipped on his shoes and opened the front door.
"I'm off."
"Don't skip meals."
"Got it. I'm not a kid."
"Call me."
A smile crossed his face at her worry.
Next time, I'll give her some pocket money.
He knew bone-deep how precious his family's love was.
How much they'd sacrificed for him.
If he remembered that day, he could never forget their value.
Of course, some things were still awkward.
Like saying "I love you."
Stuff like that.
He'd fix it gradually.
Little by little.
He stepped out and headed to the road.
Hauling a taxi, he pulled out his phone and logged into the Illusion homepage.
Info board.
His post was sitting at #1 on the hot issues.
Not quite TOP 3 yet, but it should climb in a few days.
Whoa.
Views had already blown past 100,000.
Insane speed.
Dozens more piled on every second. Refresh after a wait, and hundreds jumped up.
He checked the comments too.
Mostly negative.
Mu-hyuk chuckled softly.
If they thought it was fake, they didn't have to check the post.
Yet they'd read it anyway.
Then vented rage at the vaguely mentioned hidden quest in the comments.
They'd definitely read part 2, too.
Denying it but curious just in case.
With a sliver of hope.
Part 2's views would skyrocket for sure.
Nice revenue incoming.
Buy Illusion stock with it.
Tch, should've paid more attention to stocks.
Could've turned pocket change into a fortune.
No helping it now.
Goal was to be the top in Illusion anyway.
One more goal, but that'd take time.
He pocketed his phone.
The world blurred past the window.
*
A cafe near his one-room rental.
Maybe because it was off the beaten path—despite the spacious interior, only two tables were occupied.
But neither had anyone who looked like they were waiting for Mu-hyuk.
The center table: all women, four of them. No dice.
The corner: two people, a guy and girl sitting side by side. Lovers, probably.
What, not here yet?
Mu-hyuk grabbed a window seat for now.
But that corner couple kept glancing his way.
Their stares felt like they were waiting for someone.
Nah, no way.
He shook his head and peered out the window when he sensed someone approaching.
"Excuse me."
"Hm?"
He stood and faced the man.
It was the guy from the corner.
"Are you the one I talked to on the phone...?"
"Kim Min-ho PD?"
"Ah, yes. That's me. You're the one who posted about the hidden quest, right?"
"Yes. Kang Mu-hyuk."
"Nice to meet you."
"You too."
"Let's head over there."
"Sure. But who's that with you?"
He asked as they walked.
Kim Min-ho PD smiled.
"Ah, she's our show's MC."
"..."
Mu-hyuk flinched for a split second.
Yura?
He'd crossed paths with her before.
When hunting orc great warriors for Gangster Necromancer advancement.
She'd stuck to him persistently, asking questions. Of course, he'd ignored her and lured her into a trap.
She won't remember my face, right?
It was just a fleeting encounter.
Famous celebrity like her.
Wouldn't recall some random guy.
He comforted himself and approached.
"Have a seat."
"Sure."
Kim Min-ho PD and MC Yura sat side by side; Mu-hyuk took the seat across.
That was the moment.
Yura's eyes quivered subtly.
Mu-hyuk didn't notice.
"PD-nim."
"Hm?"
"This is the guy?"
"Yep."
A smile tugged at Yura's lips.
What a funny coincidence.
She stared straight at Mu-hyuk, thinking that.
Mu-hyuk assumed she wouldn't remember him. Wrong.
Yura remembered him crystal clear.
The guy who'd brushed her off so coldly?
A few had done that to grab attention—acting reverse psychology.
Those ploys were obvious. But not Mu-hyuk.
He'd genuinely been annoyed. Even trapped her.
How embarrassing and humiliating that day. And hadn't she spotted him at the convenience store recently too?
"Hmm, nice to meet you."
Hiding her thoughts, she greeted first. Mu-hyuk nodded lightly.
"Ah, yeah."
So stiff.
Yura's expression twisted faintly, but Mu-hyuk's face stayed impassive.
Mu-hyuk and Yura eyed each other.
A subtle tension hung between them. Kim Min-ho PD sensed it and jumped in.
"Alright, greetings done. First question."
"Go ahead."
"That hidden quest from the info board—how much do you know?"
"Everything, up to the clear method."
"For sure?"
"Of course."
"Can you share?"
Mu-hyuk shook his head.
"You'll see it in the next post anyway. No interest in spilling early."
Kim Min-ho PD looked troubled.
"But I need details to offer fair compensation."
"Then talk after part 2 drops."
That should seal it.
"That changes the program's concept."
"Concept?"
"Yes. I want it mentioned first in Illusion's world. You post on the board right after. It'll hit issues simultaneously, boosting both sides. Our ratings and your post's views skyrocket."
"Hm..."
His logic held water.
"Interested?"
"Yeah, sounds good."
Yura cut in.
"Not just good—info board views thrive on buzz too, not just content. You know Illusion's World is the top Illusion show, right? This is a win-win."
Her tone was sharp, prodding.
Is she always like that?
Even Kim Min-ho PD seemed surprised.
"Yura, what's that about?"
"Ah, sorry. Slipped out."
Yura bowed her head slightly.
That didn't seem like a bad personality.
No way...
The thought hit him.
Does she remember me?
Her gaze did feel oddly piercing.
Impossible before, but now it barely registered.
Years in a living death, brushing death's door.
Plus inexplicable phenomena leading here.
From his view, their encounter was a minor blip.
Sure, her beauty stirred him—a natural guy reaction.
But that's it.
"Hey."
"Yeah?"
"Do you remember me?"
That's why he could ask.
No big deal.
Apologize if she did.
Casual as that.