Chapter 63:Money and Talent Pour In

      Chapter 63: Tarot Card of Fate (1)

**[Quest Triggered!]**

**[How Long Must the Artist Starve?]**

> The infrastructure for domestic sculptors is far too poor. Consequently, many artists are turning their gaze overseas. The reality is that almost no companies take into account the cost and time required to prepare materials. Create a small crack in that reality.

> 

 * **Time Limit:** Unlimited.

 * **Success Reward:** Random Card, Virtue Points.

 * **Failure Penalty:** Severe indigestion.

It was a long-term quest for the sake of artists. There was no time limit. Ryu Seong read the quest description repeatedly.

*Artists moving overseas. The cost and time of materials.*

It felt like something was needed to encompass all of those issues. Nothing came to mind just yet.

*I’ll have to look into it slowly.*

Putting his worries aside, he focused back on the appreciation of the art.

"Let’s go inside."

"Come on in, everyone."

"Ah, yes. Coming!"

His grandmother and grandfather were already near the main entrance. Ryu Seong hurried to catch up. As they stepped inside, various paintings greeted them. They were, as expected, magnificent works.

While admiring the art, another quest notification popped up.

**[A similar quest exists.]**

**[Quests are being merged!]**

**[Quest name changed to 'For the Development of Domestic Artists!']**

He re-read the quest. Everything was the same except for the first sentence. The specific word "sculptor" had disappeared.

**[For the Development of Domestic Artists!]**

> The infrastructure for domestic artists is far too poor. Consequently, many artists are...

> 

The task remained the same: to cause a "crack." He had to do something for the sake of artists.

"The paintings are beautiful."

"I don't know much about art, but I can tell these are good."

Ryu Seong momentarily stopped thinking about the quest and followed his family. He, too, began to appreciate the paintings.

"Hmm."

An indescribable emotion was stirred within him. By the time they had explored the vast gallery, a strange sense of fulfillment had filled his entire body.

After appreciating the art, they continued their shopping. If you were in Tsim Sha Tsui, it was essentially a mandatory course, as the area was known as a city of shopping.

He didn't hesitate to buy items his grandparents wanted.

"This is a gift, Grandmother."

"Oh my, thank you so much."

"I'll wear this well. How is it? Does it suit me?"

"Yes, it looks great on you."

"Haha, really?"

The amounts weren't burdensome at all. His grandfather wanted a stylish, inexpensive hat, and his grandmother wanted a scarf that was similarly affordable, so he bought them instantly.

Regardless of the price, it was satisfying—a small, simple joy.

After plenty of shopping, they stopped by a cafe on the 103rd floor of a skyscraper to enjoy coffee and tea. It was an enjoyable outing. However, he didn't overdo it. After lunch, they returned straight to their accommodations because both sets of grandparents were quite tired.

Instead, they rested at the hotel and enjoyed the hot spring pool. They also received massages. Thanks to that, their fatigue seemed to vanish, and their expressions brightened again.

"I feel energized."

"We can just take a quick look around on our way out tomorrow."

"That sounds good too."

And so, their final night in Hong Kong passed.

The way back home was infinitely comfortable. They took a limousine to Hong Kong Airport and flew in prestige class.

It was the power of money.

A trip where money was spent properly left everyone perfectly satisfied. Upon arriving at Incheon Airport, they stopped briefly at the duty-free shops before getting into the car. Before long, they arrived at his paternal grandparents' house.

"You worked hard traveling with your old grandfather."

"It wasn't hard at all."

"I suppose it's time to go inside now."

The regret in his grandfather's voice was obvious. Seeing this, his grandmother clicked her tongue.

"Old man, why the long face?"

"Ahem, when did I ever..."

"We can just go again next time. Besides, as soon as you get inside, you're going to set up a drinking table, aren't you?"

"Oh? What are you talking about?"

"Aren't you going to brag?"

"Ahem, well, that's..."

"We played enough, so get inside!"

"Alright, let's go, let's go."

Ryu Seong stepped in between them.

"Let’s go again next time."

"Hmm? Would that be okay...?"

"I have plenty of time, so you can go with me whenever you want."

"Ahem, shall we...?"

Everyone wore happy smiles at Ryu Seong's words.

"Yes, definitely."

"Alright then."

"Yes, but don't overexert yourself."

"I won't."

Next, he dropped off his maternal grandparents and stopped by the hotel where Lucky was staying.

*Nyaaaaaa!*

Lucky dashed out of the private room, acting as if he were overjoyed to see him.

"Oh, right. Sorry. You must have been bored all by yourself."

The whole family greeted Lucky. Since the cat refused to leave Ryu Seong's side, he eventually climbed into the 

car while holding Lucky in his arms.

"Hyung, I'm starting the car."

"Okay."

Driving was Ryu Hwan’s responsibility.

Anyway.

It had been a truly wonderful trip. Now, it was time to return home and settle back into daily life.

There wasn't much need to "rest up" at home. The trip itself had been a form of healing. Instead, as soon as they stepped through the door, everyone except Ryu Seong spent a long time basking in Lucky’s scent.

"Oh, my poor Lucky! Were you bored?"

The cat meowed briefly as they stroked him, but soon began vibrating with a contented purr.

*Purr, purr, purr.*

It finally felt like they were home.

"Phew, the trip was amazing, but... there really is no place like home."

It was undeniable. There was a unique sense of stability that only one's own home could provide.

"Especially our Lucky! I missed you sooo much!"

Ryu Hyeon-ah rubbed her face against Lucky’s belly.

*Gyarururu.*

Lucky seemed to enjoy the attention too.

*As for me... well, I gave him plenty of hugs in the car.*

Leaving his family to play with the cat, Ryu Seong went to his room. He unpacked his suitcase, organized his belongings, and took a quick shower. Once everything was somewhat in order, he ordered fried chicken and had dinner with his family.

"Ugh, okay."

After filling his stomach, he returned to his bedroom. He checked the time as he lay on the bed; it was already 9:00 PM.

*I am tired.*

No matter how great a trip is, the act of traveling itself consumes physical energy.

*Should I check my stocks?*

He opened his brokerage app for the first time in a while. After logging in with his fingerprint, he reviewed his account status.

**Stock Name:** QQQ

**Shares Held:** 346 shares

**Purchase Amount:** $86,524

**Return:** 4.6%

**Valuation Profit/Loss:** $3,980

**Total Valuation:** $90,504

He was currently seeing a profit of approximately 4.5 million won.

*Not bad.*

After some thought, he decided to invest the full 200 million won. Though the market hadn't officially opened yet, trading in the pre-market was possible, so there was no issue.

**[Purchase has been executed.]**

The entire 200 million won was invested in one go. It felt exhilarating—the distinct sensation of moving a massive sum of money.

With this, he held $260,000 worth of stock. In Korean won, he now owned a total of 300 million won in the QQQ ETF.

"It’ll come back as a much larger sum later."

Ryu Seong believed in it. He was certain that American tech stocks would never collapse. The more he studied, the more confident he became, allowing him to invest such a large amount based on his own judgment without needing outside tips. He planned to continue using a portion of his future earnings to buy QQQ.

The next day.

He was taking a walk around the neighborhood after a late lunch.

*Hm?*

In the distance, he saw about a dozen people. They were lined up in front of a bus, waiting for something. As he got closer, he recognized it immediately. It was a blood donation bus from the Korean Red Cross.

"Wow..."

How long had it been since he'd seen one of these? They rarely seemed to visit this neighborhood. Since it had caught his eye, he had no intention of just passing it by.

**[Quest Triggered...!]**

It seemed the system felt the same way. He immediately stood in line.

After the nine people ahead of him boarded the bus in order, his turn arrived about 25 minutes later.

"You may come up now."

"Okay."

He boarded the bus, checked his health status in the waiting area, and filled out the paperwork. After that, the donation was completed smoothly.

**[Quest Clear!]**

**[You have obtained a Bottom-tier Random Card.]**

**[You have earned 1 Virtue Point.]**

He now had 50 points. Considering the regular donations he made at the end of the month, he would soon reach 60 points.

*Not much longer now.*

As he was smiling with satisfaction, a staff member approached him.

"Thank you for your contribution."

"Oh, yes."

"This is your blood donation certificate. Keep it; it might come in handy one day."

A donation certificate. He decided to store it 

safely for a moment when it might be needed.

"Thank you."

"Yes, make sure to apply pressure to stop the bleeding. I'll give you these snacks, so please have some before you go."

Left alone, Ryu Seong tore open the package of Choco Pies he had just received. A thick, sweet aroma wafted out.

*It’s been a while since I've had a Choco Pie.*

They had tasted the best back when he was in the military. He still vividly remembered the taste of the Choco Pies he ate at the recruit training center. Strangely enough, even when he tried them again after being discharged, they never tasted quite the same.

Well, anyway.

It was best to eat something after donating blood.

As he took a large bite, the familiar flavor filled his mouth. The sweet chocolate and the marshmallow center harmonized perfectly, boasting an intense sugary punch.

"...It really is delicious."

Though it couldn't quite compare to the ones at the training center.

Regardless, he enjoyed it. After finishing an entire can of a drink, he stepped off the bus.

As he tried to resume his walk, he felt a sudden thirst. It seemed his body was craving fluids after the donation. He stopped by a familiar convenience store near the park.

"Ah...! Welcome!"

"Hi. It’s been a while."

"Yes...!"

After a light greeting, he picked out an ionic drink. Once he did, he realized he was oddly hungry as well. A cup of instant ramen caught his eye.

*Should I just have one?*

The hesitation was brief, and his actions were swift. He took a cup of ramen and some convenience store kimchi to the counter.

"Um, I’m sorry about last time! I couldn't even greet you properly!"

"Huh? No, it’s fine. That was a long time ago."

There had been an incident where he had to look after the convenience store counter due to a sudden quest. At the time, the part-timer in front of him had rushed to the bathroom in an emergency.

Her face had turned bright red back then.

It was the same now. The blush on her face was far too obvious to hide.

"Oh! Do you need chopsticks?"

"Yes, just one set, please."

"Here you go! You can get the hot water over there."

"Thanks."

He replied and moved to the eating area on the right side of the store. He peeled back the lid of the ramen and poured in the soup powder. Then, he filled it with hot water.

The aroma, which had already begun to spread, made his mouth water.

*This looks good.*

While waiting for the ramen to cook, he took a sip of his ionic drink.

"Whew."

His thirst subsided slightly.

*Ah, right.*

He decided to use this opportunity to try out the card he received as a reward. Just as he was about to select the card without much expectation...

**[A moment of choice has arrived.]**

**[Sometimes, a choice can bring a massive change to one's life.]**

**[You can activate the 'Tarot Card of Fate.']**

**[Would you like to use it?]**

The hologram that popped up forced him to freeze.

*The Tarot Card of Fate.*

He hadn't expected it to appear now of all times. For a moment, his mind went blank. However, he couldn't afford to waste time. Deciding whether to use the Tarot Card right now was the priority.

"Hmm."

It wasn't an easy decision. He felt reluctant to use the precious Tarot Card of Fate just to pull a Bottom-tier card. But then again, rejecting it seemed like a mistake. There had to be a reason why it appeared at this exact moment.

*Yeah, there must be.*

He felt it was right to try it at least once. He could experience how the Tarot system worked and see how much influence it actually had. Fortunately, the fact that he could use it up to three times lessened the emotional burden.

*Alright, let's use it.*

He reached out and pressed the button to use the card.

**[Using the Tarot Card of Fate.]**

**[Uses remaining: 3 -> 2]**

Several face-down cards appeared.

**[Gazing down upon the user's destiny.]**

**[Destiny is imbued into the Tarot cards.]**

**[Please select five Tarot cards.]**

Since the backs all looked the same, there wasn't much to overthink. He simply picked five cards that caught his eye.

*Flip, flip.*

The cards turned over and enlarged. The illustrations caught his eye first.

A picture of the sun setting and the moon rising.

A picture of a sword being drawn.

A picture of pens and paper fluttering about.

Falling bundles of cash.

And finally, a picture of someone sitting on a throne.

**[Analyzing the cards.]**

**[You must wait for the moment the sun completely disappears from view at your current location. Immediately after, you must draw your sword and swing it to achieve the best result. A firm decision will create pens and paper, which will transform into bundles of cash fluttering like rain. You are destined to be buried in countless riches and sit upon the throne.]**

Destined to be buried in mo

ney.

"This..."

It was a fortune he had no choice but to follow.

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