Chapter 62:Money and Talent Pour In

Chapter 62:Living Lavishly (2)

As soon as we arrived in Hong Kong, we headed straight to the Peninsula Hotel.

The moment we checked in and entered the room, gasps of admiration filled the air as we took in the view from the living room.

“Whoa…!”

Everyone had the exact same reaction. Both sets of grandparents widened their eyes and walked toward the window.

“Oh my, it's a bit scary. What is all this?”

“The scenery is truly something else.”

“Wait, are all of those buildings over there?”

“It’s beautiful, simply beautiful.”

Despite it being night, the lights from Harbour City across the water were so intense that the river was clearly visible. The brilliant city lights sprawling along the riverbank commanded our full attention.

“The view is incredible, and the room is fantastic.”

“Oh my…!”

Once we managed to pull ourselves together, we were dazzled by the splendor of the Superior Deluxe Room.

“No way, this is crazy!”

Ryu Hyun-ah hopped around the room in excitement.

A spacious living room. Four luxurious bedrooms, each furnished with a king-sized bed.

“This bed is so comfortable!”

It was firm yet perfectly springy. Even though it was already late evening, simply spending time inside the hotel was a joy in itself.

Perhaps it was because the bed was so good.

I slept so soundly that I wouldn’t have noticed if someone had carried me away. It had been a long time since I’d woken up feeling so refreshed and free of fatigue.

“Ah, that feels great.”

I was stepping out of the shower, feeling invigorated, when my phone rang.

— Hello? This is Dracula Studio.

“Ah, yes. Hello.”

— Am I speaking with lyricist Ryu Seong?

“Yes, that’s me.”

— Congratulations. The results are already posted on our website, but since you won the Excellence Award, we are calling to inform you personally. The award ceremony is scheduled for next week; will you be able to attend?

“Of course, I’ll be there.”

— Thank you. Congratulations once again, and we’ll see you at the ceremony.

“Yes, thank you very much.”

As soon as I hung up, I let out a long breath.

“Whoo. I can’t believe I actually won.”

And it was the Excellence Award, no less.

While it was a bit a pity it wasn't the Grand Prize, the Excellence Award was more than satisfying. Just like the Grand Prize winner, my work would still be included in the OST.

That was enough for me.

To double-check properly, I accessed the Dracula Studio website.

**[Appflix Drama OST Contest – Congratulations to the Winners!]**

I clicked the popup, and the list of winners appeared.

 * **Grand Prize (1 person):** Lyricist <Yulia>

 * **Excellence Award (1 person):** Lyricist <Ryu Seong>

 * **Runner-up (3 people):** Lyricist…

A long list of runners-up followed, but Ryu Seong’s eyes were fixed solely on that one line: *Excellence Award—Lyricist, Ryu Seong.*

There was a certain resonance in seeing those words.

“…This feels strange.”

Is this what it feels like to be recognized? Even though he had been helped by a 'Quest,' that power was now a part of him.

“Well, as long as I’m happy, that’s what matters.”

Good news had arrived on a beautiful day during a trip to Hong Kong. He decided to simply soak in the feeling.

During the hotel breakfast, I shared the news about the lyric-writing contest with everyone.

“A lyric-writing contest?”

“Yes, I entered one, and it turns out I won the Excellence Award.”

My father nodded, looking slightly surprised.

“Does that mean a song will be released?”

“That’s right.”

“How remarkable. Anyway, congratulations. You mentioned it before, didn’t you? That you were going to build a 'pipeline'.”

“Ah, I did say that.”

“It’s good to see you making it happen. I’m proud of you.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

“Congrats, son!”

“Whoa, Hyung. You wrote lyrics too? That’s impressive.”

“Haha…”

Everyone offered their congratulations. My grandparents, in particular, looked so proud that I felt a bit embarrassed.

“My boy, you worked so hard.”

“How admirable of him.”

Meanwhile, one person—Ryu Hyun-ah—was still wearing an expression of pure shock, as if she couldn't believe it.

“Proof! You have to show me proof first!”

“Here, look.”

Ryu Seong held out his smartphone screen.

**[List of Winners]**

**Excellence Award (1 person): Lyricist <Ryu Seong>**

After confirming the list on the screen, Ryu Hyun-ah’s eyes began to tremble.

“Is… isn’t this for a drama airing on Appflix?”

“Yeah. They said it’ll air later.”

“Heool…!”

Since her dream was to be an actress, the impact seemed much stronger for her.

“Your song is actually going to be in an Appflix drama?”

“I suppose so.”

“I’m sooooo jealous!”

I stared at the frantic Ryu Hyun-ah. Suddenly, I became curious.

Did this immature younger sister of mine actually have any talent for acting?

*Alright, let’s use it.*

I decided to use 'Talent Observer' on my sister. I had planned to use it on my family anyway. It was a good time to figure out exactly how the ability ma

nifested.

*Talent Observer.*

As soon as I activated my will, a hologram appeared.

[Do you wish to use ‘Talent Observer’?]

[Yes / No]

When I pressed "Yes," a strange energy welled up in my eyes.

[Number of uses remaining: 3 -> 2]

Several words and grades began to list themselves above Ryu Hyun-ah’s head.

**[Potential]**

Grit (A-grade), Acting (A-minus grade), Singing (B-grade), Entrepreneurial spirit (B-grade), Endurance (B-minus grade), Physical Stamina...

She had more talents than I expected. However, it wasn't difficult to parse; the talents were listed in descending order of grade.

The highest was ‘Grit.’

Next was ‘Acting.’

In short, among all her gifts, her talent for acting was top-tier.

*Interesting.*

As I finished my assessment, a new window popped up.

**[Overall Summary]**

Possesses the qualities to become a multi-talented entertainer.

Having it summarized so simply made it much easier to read.

*So, she really does have talent.*

The idea of her becoming an entertainer was strange to think about, but not unbelievable.

*Swish.*

I casually turned my head to look at Ryu Hwan.

**[Potential]**

Creativity (A-grade), Steadfastness (A-minus grade), Endurance (B-grade), Manufacturing (B-grade), Design (B-grade), Visualization...

These were talents that suited automotive design strangely well.

**[Overall Summary]**

Possesses the qualities to become a designer with popping, fresh ideas.

Watching this, a question suddenly crossed my mind.

Does one live according to the talents they possess?

Or.

Does talent develop according to how one lives?

With this sudden reflection, I turned my gaze. Naturally, my parents and my grandparents from both sides came into view.

“…….”

The talents that appeared before my eyes stung my vision.

So did the summaries.

Before long, Ryu Seong had to lower his head.

I saw lives lived by abandoning innate talents.

Lives where they adopted the stoic attitudes of adults, roles they never asked for.

I saw the vivid scars of goals erased and many things sacrificed. I saw the traces of people who lived as 'Father' and 'Mother' while their own dreams faded away.

It was a life where they had set aside the better half of their existence under the name of 'Parent.'

I couldn't bear to look.

Many thoughts raced through my mind.

However, gathering his courage, Ryu Seong slowly lifted his head and saw his parents laughing brightly—and his grandparents wearing even more radiant smiles.

...They looked happy.

Indeed, how could a few mere words represent the entirety of the lives they had lived?

Those labels were woefully insufficient.

Because I had watched them since I was a child.

Because I had been right there beside them, I knew for certain.

Innate talent does not decide one's life.

Rather.

The life one lives can awaken dormant talents. Those people hadn't abandoned their talents; they had simply spent their lives creating *new* ones.

The hotel breakfast buffet was even better than expected.

“Does the food suit your palate?”

“Of course. It’s exotic yet very delicious.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

My grandfather and grandmother seemed to feel the same. The meat was tender enough for them to eat comfortably, and the variety was wide enough to suit everyone's tastes.

“This is delicious, too!”

“Mmm.”

Not only my parents but my siblings seemed satisfied as well. Ryu Hyun-ah, in particular, had a stomach so full she looked like a little tadpole.

“Ugh, I’m so full.”

“Your pants are going to burst, kid.”

“They are not!”

“Then your stomach will.”

“*Gasp, wheeze.* I said no...!”

She looked like she was having trouble even breathing.

Well, she’d figure it out.

Once we went out and started sightseeing, the food would digest quickly enough.

“Shall we go take a look around nearby?”

“Sure thing. My joints have been feeling limber for a few days now, so I think I could walk for quite a while.”

“Right, dear?”

“Yes, I’ve been feeling wonderful lately.”

Ryu Seong led the way, pretending not to notice.

He had already researched a route.

He had read that shopping and art were the essentials when visiting here. Especially with the recent "art breeze" blowing through Hong Kong, he thought it would be fun for everyone to experience it together.

But, how should we move?

Just as I was debating this, my father approached.

“How do you plan on moving the group?”

“Ah, well, I was just about to think about that.”

“You should ask the hotel.”

“The hotel?”

“Yes. We took a limousine from the airport to get here. There’s likely a dedicated vehicle for guests to use for sightseeing as well. Of course, it's possible because the room we're staying in is expensive.”

“Ah...”

“Shall I call them?”

“No, I’ll go back to the room and call.”

“Alright then.”

As soon as he entered the room, Ryu Seong called the front desk.

— Yes, guest. This is your dedicated server, Kim Ha-yul.

Since the server was Korean, communication was easy.

“I have an inquiry.”

— Yes, please feel free to speak.

“We’re planning to head out. Is it possible to request a vehicle?”

— Of course. May I know the total number of people in your party?

“Nine.”

— In th

at case, I will have a limousine prepared for you. What time would you like it to be ready?

Even a limousine was included.

*Impressive, seriously.*

This was clearly the kind of VIP treatment that came with staying in such an expensive suite.

“Um, we’ll probably head out in about ten minutes. Would that be possible?”

— That is perfectly fine. Is there anything else you might need?

“No, that’s all.”

— Understood, thank you. Please contact us immediately if you have any questions or concerns. We are always standing by for you.

“Ah, yes.”

I didn't necessarily need that much attention, but I figured it was all part of the service. I decided to accept it naturally.

Since the worry of how to get around had vanished, all that was left was to get ready. After changing into some casual clothes and stepping into the living room, I found everyone waiting for me.

“Let’s go.”

“Alright then.”

We headed down to the first floor, and as we stepped out of the main entrance, a limousine was waiting right there. The driver had stepped out to wait for us, and our dedicated server was positioned right beside him.

“Mr. Ryu Seong, I presume?”

“Yes, that’s me.”

“This is the vehicle you requested. You may board immediately. The driver speaks Korean, so you won’t have any trouble communicating.”

“Thank you.”

The server opened the car door for us.

“Oh my, look at this.”

“Thank you so much.”

My grandparents thanked him as they climbed inside. The server responded with a bright smile and a polite bow.

“Have a wonderful time sightseeing.”

“Will do.”

I was the last of the family to board the vehicle.

“Where shall I take you?”

“Well, to help our breakfast digest, let’s start with a light trip to a museum.”

“You mean the Museum of Art, I assume.”

“Yes, exactly.”

“I will get you there comfortably.”

The car pulled away. Once the initial awkwardness faded into the quiet interior, the family began to truly enjoy the luxury of the limousine.

“They even have drinks in here.”

“The snacks are tasty, too. Have one, dear.”

“My teeth have been bothering me, it’s hard to chew.”

“This one is soft.”

“Is it…? Well, maybe I’ll try just one.”

My maternal grandparents enjoyed the snacks while my paternal grandparents sipped drinks and took in the limousine experience. My mother and Ryu Hyun-ah were busy peering out the windows, letting out constant exclamations.

“Wow, look at those buildings…!”

“They’re so tall.”

“They’re huge, too. It feels strangely different from Seoul, doesn’t it, Mom?”

“It really does.”

For now, just looking around was enough to entertain the eyes. Plus, this limousine—the ride quality was exceptional.

“This limo is insane! The car is so good…!”

Ryu Hwan, predictably, was marveling at the vehicle itself.

Well, I was the same. Such lavish service... it really felt like a trip where the money was being well-spent.

We arrived at the Museum of Art located right along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront promenade. The limousine was set to wait nearby.

“Ho ho, this is magnificent.”

“My, it’s so wide and open. Do you see those statues over there?”

“I do.”

“In the old days, there used to be statues like that on every street. I wonder if all the sculptors disappeared lately; you hardly see them anymore.”

Unique sculptures were displayed in the outdoor exhibition area, and they certainly caught the eye. When I was a kid, it was like that. You could even find people selling rabbit or squirrel statues at the local markets. Now, you didn't see them at all. I found myself wondering how things had changed so much.

“Oh, it’s beautiful, truly beautiful.”

“The promenade is so lovely; they fit right in.”

“It’s been so long since I’ve seen something like this.”

While Ryu Hyun-ah and Ryu Hwan just took it in stride, my grandparents from both sides were particularly enjoying the viewing.

“This is nice, very nice.”

I walked closer to one of the sculptures.

*...It’s stunning.*

There was something about it, something hard to describe, that seemed to dwell within the stone. I was staring at it for quite a while,

 strangely drawn in, when—

**[Ding!]**

A quest popped up.

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