Chapter Three - A Billion

Monday morning, my alarms blared throughout my 50 sq. meter apartment.

I actually forgot I had classes. This weekend was so bizarre that I may have lost touch with reality. Today served as a rude awakening. I checked my bank account, and to my relief, the money was still there. It wasn't a dream or a hallucination.

After getting ready, I debated whether to take the car, fearing it might attract unwanted attention. Plus, I needed to find a better place to live. This room was too small and cramped, and the Tesla was being crowded by the neighbors, so I needed a better garage.

Hopefully, I'd get a better task that would give me money.

*ring*

"Why didn't you show up at work? You're fired!"

"Hold on, boss. I had some sort of emergency; that's why I couldn't make it."

"Enough of your excuses! I've had enough of you slacking. I don't want to see your face at work anymore!" Shit.

Before I could say something, the line was disconnected. Well, screw him. I just lost my job. How am I going to pay rent now?

[ Ding! Special task triggered ]

"System, what's a special task?"

[ A special task only occurs once a month. It offers a great amount of reward.

Special task generating… ]

The system was truly an answered prayer.

[ Special task:

Spend 1,000,000,000 KRW within 24 hours.

Reward: 100% cash back ]

3.. 6.. 9… Nine zeroes?! That's a billion won! Where would I get that?!

—

Hello! This is GUWON BANK.

1 billion KRW has been successfully deposited into your account.

Deposit Date: XX-XX-20XX

Deposit Amount: 1,000,000,000 KRW

Total Balance: 1,000,650,046.32 KRW

—

I nearly collapsed with the message alert.

I had a billion in my account. H-how is this—

[ It's true. The numbers are correct. Congratulations, Host, you have a billion for 24 hours. ]

But I'll need to spend it somehow.

[ Yes. So you could keep it after 24 hours. ]

This system is too giving! A 100% cash back is definitely too godly.

*alarm*

Shit. I need to go to school.

Seeing as I would be late for my first class, I decided to drive my car. I parked it in the next building so none of those in my department would see me. I didn't want to be questioned, as they knew I was poor.

"Chaewon?"

I heard a deep, monotonous voice calling me. I recognized that voice. It was the man I had a crush on for years when I was a child.

Out of all the people who could've seen me, it was him. Funny, since I hadn't seen him since we were in middle school.

I turned around.

"Senior Jaehyun! How are you? Why are you here?" I asked awkwardly.

"I'm a student here at the Faculty of Engineering. Aren't you a nursing student? Why are you in this building?"

"I got lost. Anyways, I'll be going! Great to see you, senior. Let's have a meal soon, bye!" I said, rushing to escape his questioning eyes.

He still had that dimple whenever he talked and his soothing deep voice that would leave you astonished.

I couldn't believe I was crushing on that man again.

Anyways, I ran towards my department building. There was a long queue for the elevator, so I had to run up the stairs. Surprisingly, I didn't sweat. Maybe it was due to the exercise I did last night. My stamina had improved.

It's a good thing, though, since I was able to get a seat before my instructor arrived.

"Psst.."

My best friend, Choi Eun Bin, called me.

"Yun Ah has been staring at you with deadly glares. Hey, did you mess with her?"

"No. I think she's just jealous of me."

"Silly! Have you heard the latest news? I heard she screwed up with our P.E. instructor."

"No way! That dude's almost our grandfather," I said, chuckling.

"I think she likes vintage." I almost laughed my ass off.

Class ended early at 2 pm, so I had ample time to shop. I'm still deciding where to spend my money. It feels wrong to say that.

"Chaewon, going to work?"

"Yeah, go ahead. I have lots of stuff to do."

"Ok, stay safe! Let's have soju soon. I heard there will be a get-together on Saturday."

"I think I'll go!" Her eyes opened wide.

"Wow! It's the first time you've accepted my invitation. You're always busy. Especially with that stupid boyfriend of yours."

"Don't say that! He's not my boyfriend anymore. He's just a cheating bastard."

"Ok, ok. I won't tease you anymore. But, be prepared. Your ex may be there."

I don't really know if I'm ready to face him. After our messy breakup, I kind of isolated myself from him. Everyone's talking about how I'm the one at fault when he's the one who cheated.

"Well, he should be the one prepared."

"I love your confidence, girl! That's right," I said, bidding farewell to my best friend as I went back to the engineering department for my car.