Chapter 89: Chapter 89: Delicacy and Apartment
Alex nodded. "You got it, Ben. The same for him"
As they waited for their breakfast, Ben returned, bowed, and left them alone. Alex leaned back, watching Seojun. "So, where should we start?" he asked.
Seojun shrugged, not too eager to talk but knowing they needed to.
"First, let\'s get the obvious out of the way—we own the Awakeners Association," Alex said.
Seojun wasn\'t surprised. "That\'s so obvious, Alex," he replied, almost bored. It made sense that Alex\'s family would control something so important. Alex chuckled at Seojun\'s lack of surprise.
But then Seojun got serious. "Start with why there are media and reporters at my house," he said, finally showing some interest.
Alex began explaining everything. He told Seojun how the media had learned about his return, which had become a big mystery that everyone was talking about. Seojun\'s disappearance and sudden reappearance had drawn huge attention, turning his home into a place swarming with reporters who wanted to know more.
As Alex talked, Ben came back with their food. Seojun\'s eyes widened when he saw the dishes. "Unfortunately, I\'m not an awakener," he mumbled to himself as he looked at the food.
The table was covered with luxurious dishes. The main attraction was a platter of steaks, perfectly cooked and smelling incredible. Alex explained that the meat came from a Thunderhorn Bull, a rare monster known for its lightning-infused abilities. The meat was hard to get and very expensive, considered a special treat.
The steak looked amazing, with the fat marbled throughout, promising a flavor Seojun hadn\'t tasted in a very long time.
There were also roasted vegetables, golden and crispy, cooked with herbs and spices. A basket of fresh bread sat beside a bowl of butter infused with rare herbs. A salad of crisp greens with a light, tangy dressing added a refreshing touch to the meal. A pot of steaming coffee sat nearby, its bold scent cutting through the rich smells of the food.
Seojun\'s stomach growled loudly as he looked at the feast. He hadn\'t realized just how hungry he was until now. Alex noticed how Seojun\'s eyes lit up at the sight of the food and smiled.
"Let\'s continue after eating. You seem really hungry," he said, understanding Seojun\'s excitement.
Seojun thought to himself, \'This might be the first time I\'ll eat good food in 500 years,\' as he picked up his fork, eager to finally enjoy a meal that truly satisfied his long-neglected hunger.
Seojun took a bite of the steak and was immediately shocked by the taste. He was used to eating monster meat in the Abyss, but this was different. The steak was tender and cooked perfectly, with a rich flavor that he had never experienced before.
He eagerly tried the other dishes—roasted vegetables, fresh bread with herb butter, and the crisp salad. Each bite was better than the last. Seojun couldn\'t stop eating; his long-empty stomach was finally being satisfied.
Alex watched with a chuckle, enjoying seeing Seojun so happy and hungry. Noticing Seojun\'s wine glass was empty, Alex signaled to Ben, who soon returned with desserts.
"I know you don\'t usually like sweets," Alex said with a smile, "but maybe you\'ll want to try these."
Alex pointed to the desserts on the table. "We have caramel mousse, chocolate lava cake, and dragonfruit sorbet. These are expensive treats you wouldn\'t have had before, but now you can enjoy them. I\'ve got your back."
Alex slid a black card across the table to Seojun. "This is for you," he said.
Seojun looked at the card and then at Alex, who handed him a bowl of ice cream. "This is enchanted vanilla ice cream," Alex explained. "It\'s made from Frost Wyvern milk and has a refreshing, magical taste."
Seojun took a bite of the ice cream. The smooth, creamy texture and the chill on his tongue were new and delightful. He felt a deep sense of gratitude for this simple pleasure, something he hadn\'t experienced in a long time.
Seojun took another bite, allowing himself to enjoy the sweet treat. It was a new experience, and for the first time in a long while, he let himself savor it.
As Seojun enjoyed the ice cream, he felt a wave of emotion. He almost cried, thinking, \'So this is what wealthy people get to eat. What a lucky bastard.\' The food was so amazing that he couldn\'t stop eating. \'This is so good!\' he thought, completely absorbed in the flavors.
Suddenly, a "Ding!" from his system got his attention. A message appeared:
[System Alert: You Have Consumed Sweets of the New develop Earth]
Effects:
- Mood Boost: Increased happiness and relaxation.
- Energy Surge: Temporary boost in energy and alertness.
- Enhanced Enjoyment: Greater appreciation for sensory experiences.
The system confirmed what Seojun was feeling. The sweets were making him happier and more energetic. He smiled, enjoying the simple pleasure of the food even more.
After a long time, Seojun finally finished eating. He rubbed his full stomach and muttered, "I feel alive!" Huno, who had been munching on food as well, gave a satisfied nod. Alex chuckled at the sight of both Seojun and Huno enjoying their meal.
"It looks like you can still eat," Alex said, amused.
"Yeah, wait," Seojun said while rubbing his stomach and letting out a contented burp. "Where\'s the folder again?"
Alex handed Seojun the folder with photos of the apartments. Seojun flipped through the pages, studying the different options.
Apartment 1: A modern, sleek design with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic city view. The space was open and minimalistic, featuring high-end furnishings and a contemporary kitchen with shiny, black countertops. The apartment had a large balcony and a spacious living area.
Apartment 2: A luxurious, classic style with rich wooden floors and ornate moldings. This apartment featured elegant furniture, a grand fireplace, and a large, well-decorated dining room. It had a cozy, traditional feel with dark, plush carpets and heavy curtains.
Apartment 3: A high-tech, futuristic design with smart home features. The apartment had integrated technology throughout, including touch-sensitive controls and an advanced lighting system. It featured a sleek, chrome kitchen, modern artwork, and a minimalist layout with plenty of hidden storage.
Apartment 4: A spacious, loft-style apartment with exposed brick walls and industrial design elements. Large, open spaces and high ceilings gave it a trendy, urban feel. It had a mix of modern and vintage furniture, a large kitchen island, and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.
Apartment 5: A serene, rooftop retreat located on the top floor of a five-story building. This apartment featured large windows with stunning views of the cityscape and a private rooftop garden. The interior had a nature-inspired design with wooden floors, soft colors, and an open, airy feel. It included a cozy outdoor seating area and a small garden space for relaxation.
After considering the options, Seojun chose Apartment 5. The rooftop location, combined with its peaceful, nature-inspired design and private garden, appealed to him. It felt like a perfect retreat from his usual surroundings, offering both tranquility and a beautiful view of the city.