บท 28: Dreams and Toasts

I saw Mr. Lee's coffee shop and decided to pay a visit. The familiar scent of roasted beans and the inviting warmth embraced me as I entered. The maid behind the counter greeted me with a warm smile.

"Give me an iced americano," I requested, eager for a refreshing sip of caffeine to awaken my senses.

Mr. Lee noticed my arrival and joyfully enveloped me in a hug. "Hey, Ayoung girl, have you come?" he exclaimed.

I grinned, feeling the warmth of his embrace. "Of course, Mr. Lee. How could I resist visiting your cozy coffee haven?"

"Come and sit here," Uncle chimed in, his eyes twinkling with happiness. "Ummm, there is no place where you are not in the newspaper or on TV. You're becoming quite the sensation, my dear."

I thanked Uncle with a grateful heart. "Thank you, Uncle. It means a lot to have your support."

"I told you that it was going well," Uncle exclaimed, clapping his hands in excitement. "Didn't I say it? Your talent is shining through."

As I finished conversing with Uncle, I prepared to take my leave when the phone abruptly rang. I hesitated for a moment, then answered it, recognizing the voice on the other end.

"Ayoung, is that you?" the familiar voice inquired.

I boarded the bus, responding with enthusiasm, "Yes, it's me."

"Ayoung, I'm talking about the webtoon," the voice continued, excitement laced in their words. "Your masterpiece, 'Mask Man Behind the Smile,' has crossed 100 million views!"

"What?" I exclaimed, unable to believe my ears. The shock and joy overwhelmed me, causing me to forget where I was. Reality crashed back, and I realized I was still on the bus, surrounded by curious gazes. "I'm sorry," I hastily apologized to the passengers, my cheeks flushing crimson.

At that moment, Yoshie called me, her voice filled with elation. "Oh my girl, congratulations!" she shouted. I shared the news of my bus outburst with her, prompting her to advise me to avoid public transportation. I couldn't deny the wisdom in her words.

Determined to embrace my newfound success, I went car shopping with Ha Joon. Together, we purchased a sleek Hyundai Grandeur, using a combination of my savings and the money Halmoney had saved for me. Since I didn't know how to drive, Ha Joon took the wheel.

"Sister, find a good driver," Ha Joon advised me, playing the role of a responsible older brother.

I playfully tugged on his ear, teasingly saying, "Okay, my learned brother."

With Ha Joon's suggestion in mind, I asked Lawyer Kang to find a suitable driver for me. He assured me that someone would be sent the following morning. Although I hadn't initially warmed up to Mr. Kang, I recognized his competence as an employee. I trusted he would carry out the task diligently.

Yoshie, Ha Joon, and Yull joined me for a celebratory dinner. Our new car and the soaring popularity of my webtoon provided cause for joy. Yull, being the resourceful person she was, managed to secure a nice spot at the hotel where she worked.

"If we come to eat at your working hotel every day, you'll end up losing your job," I playfully warned her, a smile gracing my lips.

"Ayoung, I and Yoshi are going to start a Hotel," Yull chimed in mischievously.

"Then let's toast to that," Ha Joon proposed, raising his glass.

We clinked our glasses together, the tinkling sound resonating with the promise of dreams coming true.

"Ayoung, what are your plans?" Yoshie inquired, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.

"Next month, I'll be heading to England for a business trip," I revealed, a hint of excitement lacing my words. "If I can manage the office well, things should go smoothly."

"To Ayoung's success in everything! Cheers!" Yoshie proclaimed, raising her glass once again.

Turning to Ha Joon, I asked, "And what about you?"

Ha Joon blushed, his face reddening slightly. "I've become a software engineer at IBM starting from next week," he confessed.

"Oh, my brother is a big boy now," I teased, ruffling his hair playfully. It was a gesture he always disliked, but it brought us closer as siblings.

We raised our glasses once more, toasting to the fulfillment of everyone's dreams. At that moment, amidst laughter and shared aspirations, I couldn't help but be grateful for the bonds that held us together—the bonds that made every success and every celebration even more meaningful.