Chapter 121: First-Class Dreams

Beverly Hills, a neighborhood located about 20 minutes by car from Los Angeles.

Famous for being a neighborhood for the wealthy, Beverly Hills is home to world-renowned Hollywood stars, so much so that there is a Starline Tour specifically for tourists.

In the case of world-class actress Grace Kim, she had purchased villas and houses to accommodate her schedule in various regions across the United States. However, the mansion she purchased here in Beverly Hills boasted the highest price tag among all her real estate holdings.

It was a grand estate reminiscent of a palace, featuring a vast garden, a swimming pool, an indoor tennis court, and even a private movie theater.

Today, Grace’s manager, Kevin, was sweating as he made his way to her room, which was located in the innermost part of the mansion.

"Why on earth aren't you answering your phone?"

"Sorry, I was getting a skin treatment and couldn't check my phone."

Lying on a massage bed in the middle of the room, Grace was having chocolate applied to her entire body by a dedicated therapist. She replied without even lifting her face from the headrest.

"But why are you here? There's still plenty of time before we have to leave for the scheduled shoot."

"I thought things were over between you and Writer Lee Junghyuk. Why are you trying to bring that man here?"

"Over? Nothing is over until I say it's over."

When Grace suddenly sat up from the bed, the therapist quickly wrapped a full-body towel around her to cover her.

"And besides, I'm not inviting him just for a date this time."

"Then why did you invite someone you'll see soon enough when you go to Korea anyway?"

As the one in charge of her schedule, Kevin couldn't help but worry that her personal life might interfere with her work.

"You know about the stuntman accident that happened on the set in Korea, right?"

"Yes, I saw the articles. From what I read, it looked like an unavoidable accident."

"Then you must have seen how the team for The Traveler handled the aftermath."

"Mmm."

Since it was a Setflix production starring Grace herself, Kevin, a veteran manager, couldn't possibly be unaware of the news.

"He knew more information than what had been leaked to the press."

According to the information he had heard, Lee Junghyuk had gone beyond simply expressing official condolences. He had actively demanded compensation for the injured stuntman and was even in the process of producing a documentary related to the incident.

"Yes, I know all about how Writer Lee handled it."

"You know, in the 10 years I've worked in this industry, I've never seen anyone handle things with such integrity regardless of rank."

"That... is true. I agree."

Naturally, Grace hadn't always been a top star like she was now. Although she had established herself as a rising star quickly, she had also faced numerous insults and discrimination as an actress — and as an Asian person among white people — to get to where she was.

Many of the scandals Grace had endured leaked into entertainment news or tabloids, but there were many more things that never reached the media. Having experienced such injustices firsthand, Grace never looked down on stuntmen or assistant directors, even after reaching the top. She particularly treated the stuntmen, who risked physical injury for her, with special care.

"That might be what allowed Grace to grow into the long-running actress she is today."

Grace spoke as she watched Kevin, whose eyes had softened as he recalled their past together.

"That's why I want to formally bring Lee Junghyuk here to Hollywood."

"Are you saying this aside from your personal feelings?"

"I just want to give a writer with such integrity and talent an opportunity. Of course, it's also true that my personal feelings are involved."

Kevin pondered for a long time after Grace boldly stated her intentions and feelings, then finally nodded.

"I understand what you mean. I'll prepare everything necessary."

At those words, Grace beamed and stood up from the bed.

"Thanks as always, Kevin."

"Don't smile like that. You just added more work to my plate."

It is human nature to try and get the most out of something expensive, even if it wasn't bought with one's own money.

As such, instead of joining the long line of passengers waiting at Gate 7 of Incheon International Airport, I walked straight up to a nearby flight attendant.

"Excuse me, I have a question."

"Yes, sir. How can I help you?"

I naturally pulled out the ticket tucked inside my passport and handed it to the attendant, who was wearing a kind smile. When she confirmed that it was a 'First Class' ticket, her eyebrows arched slightly in a pleasant curve.

"Sir, I see your seat information is for First Class. May I personally escort you?"

"Please."

Following the attendant through a separate entrance next to the waiting line, a scene resembling a hotel lounge immediately unfolded.

"They say first-class ticket sales make up the largest portion of an airline's revenue."

It wasn't just talk.

Inside the VIP annex, there were services provided exclusively for first-class passengers, including a shower room, a sauna, a massage room, and a lounge. Of course, I had flown first class when I went to Japan, but the flight time was short back then, and I had arrived so close to boarding that I couldn't stop by the lounge.

However, the price of the round-trip ticket I received as a gift from Grace Kim was a staggering 13 million won. With such a terrifying price, I had vowed to experience the first-class VIP benefits even for a moment before departure.

"It was worth coming early."

Since I had already showered at home, I headed to the Prestige Lounge first rather than the shower or sauna. The lounge featured meeting rooms, two-person seats, sofas, and bar tables, offering a variety of spaces to use.

In the center, a dining table was neatly laid out with various types of food, much like a high-end hotel buffet. There was also a bar where various alcoholic beverages like wine, beer, whiskey, and champagne were available for unlimited use. I naturally poured some whiskey into a rocks glass like an alcoholic.

The reason was simple. Whiskey was the most expensive thing among the food and drink here.

Then, I plated some cheese and meat dishes to eat as snacks. I sat at a window seat overlooking the airport terminal and enjoyed the food and whiskey.

"Whoo."

The alcohol consumed first thing in the morning burned hotly down my throat. Calm jazz music playing softly, the savory scent of some nameless cheese, and a glass of single malt whiskey. Add to that the 'First Class' ticket I had carelessly tossed on the table.

I savored the smell of success, the scenery of success, and the taste of success, all blending together in that moment.

One of the flight attendants I had seen earlier at the desk approached me in the lounge and spoke in a gentle voice.

"Mr. Lee Junghyuk, the gate for the flight to LA departing at 8:30 AM is now open. Would you like to board now?"

"Yes, I'll board right away."

I pushed aside the empty plate, stood up, and followed the attendant. I entered through a jet bridge that led directly to the plane, and as I moved into the first-class section, I saw my seat, which looked even softer than a massage chair.

The plane took off shortly after I sat down, and as soon as the announcement came that I could unfasten my seatbelt, I immediately looked for the seat adjustment button.

This was the second time I was riding in 'First Class', something ordinary people might not experience once in their lives. And since I was on an ultra-long-haul flight to the United States, let me give you a pro tip: First-class seats can be flattened out just like a bed.

The method is quite simple. First, use the remote control on the right side of the chair to lower the backrest horizontally. As you raise the footrest to level it out, there comes a point where the remote won't increase the angle anymore.

This is the real tip. Don't panic. Just stay seated and push back hard against the backrest with all your strength.

cr-crack... snap!

You'll hear a dull, snapping sound like something is breaking. Then, ta-da! The bed is complete!

"Ex-excuse me, sir! If you'd like your seat set up as a bed, we can do that for you!"

Actually, it wasn't. A flight attendant rushed over to stop me from breaking the first-class seat. She asked me to step aside and set up the seat herself, even providing a set of blankets and pillows for me to lie down.

To be honest, the first-class flight I took last time was to Japan, so I didn't really know because I didn't need to change the seat into a bed. However, as everyone knows, the benefits of first class aren't just about the comfort of the seat. Who in their right mind would pay over ten million won just for some padding?

The highlight of first class is the "restaurant in the sky," created by top chefs after research with various experts — the special VIP in-flight meal.

"Over here!"

When I raised my hand formally to call the flight attendant, the one who had set up my bed earlier spoke to me in a kind, soft voice.

"Sir, there is a call button next to your seat. If you use the button to call us, we will be happy to help you at any time."

"Oh, ah. Right."

"Yes, how can I help you?"

"In-flight meal, please."

She looked at my seat, which she had just set up as a bed 1 minute ago, and said, "It's difficult to provide the in-flight meal while the seat is set up as a bed. May I change it back to a seat for you?"

"Oh, ah... I'm sorry."

"Not at all. If you're going to have the meal now, I'll reset the seat for you immediately."

"No, no. I'll eat later. Sorry."

I decided I should enjoy the first-class meal after resting for a bit. I wasn't actually hungry because I had eaten snacks with the whiskey earlier. Really.

Lying back down comfortably with my legs stretched out, wearing a sleep mask and covered with a fluffy blanket that smelled of fabric softener, I soon drifted off to sleep.

Zzz... zzz...

I managed to get some deep sleep, even if only for a short time. I had a dream for the first time in a long while, accompanied by the ethereal chanson flowing from my wireless earphones.

In the dream, I saw Montmartre Hill in Paris, which I had seen in a movie once. On top of the hill, a painter sat before an easel, painting the landscape of the village below. He was missing an ear, and he waved at me with a warm smile, calling my name.

"Hey, Gauguin!"

Ah, I guess he was Gogh and I was his best friend, Gauguin. As if once wasn't enough, he continued to call my name.

"Gauguin."

"I got it. I'm here, so stop calling."

"Wake up, Gauguin."

"?"

Then, Gogh's expression turned serious, and he stared intently at my face.

"Sir, it's time for you to wake up."

"Huh?"

I was startled awake by someone's hand gently shaking my shoulder. I wiped the drool from the corner of my mouth and looked around. Beyond the window, I saw the wing of the plane and the evening glow. Below it was a massive city beginning to light up in various colors.

"What? Are we already here?"

"Did you have a pleasant trip, sir? Our flight is about to land soon."

"Oh, no. What about the meal?"

"Since the plane is about to land, we are unable to provide the meal service. You need to return your seat to its original position to fasten your seatbelt."

And so, having slept soundly for 11 hours all the way to Los Angeles, I didn't get to experience the in-flight meal, the movie service, or anything else in my first-class seat. I just slept the whole way. A sleep worth 13 million won!

The plane landed, and although the announcement came that it was safe to unfasten seatbelts and stand up, I couldn't bring myself to get out of my seat, still full of regret over the first-class experience. Seeing me looking completely dejected, the flight attendant softly handed me a paper bag.

"What's this?"

"Actually, I'm a fan of yours, Writer Lee. It's not much, but I brought some chocolates and cookies. Would you mind taking them?"

"Oh!"

I remembered how I had bothered her to set up the bed without even using the call button earlier. My ears turned red the moment I realized she knew my name.

"Thank you. I'll enjoy them."

"If you don't mind, could I take a photo with you?"

Since she said she was a fan, I could take as many photos as she wanted — or rather, I felt I had to.

"I'm terrible at taking selfies. Could you take it?"

"Oh, really? Thank you!"

Holding her phone, the flight attendant took a photo with me as I posed awkwardly in the first-class seat.

"Have a pleasant trip, Writer."

"Yes, thank you for the photo."

My first journey to LA began in a pleasant atmosphere.

Meanwhile, after the filming of Flower Blooming on a Withered Branch ended, Seojiwon's popularity had skyrocketed, and scripts were pouring in every day. Today, Seojiwon was heading to the broadcasting station for a pre-meeting for TBN's highest-rated talk show, Radio Hero.

Seojiwon asked Manager Woo Seung-beom, who was in the driver's seat, with an excited voice.

"Seung-beom, they'll ask questions about Writer Lee on Radio Hero, right?"

"Probably. The projects you've done with him have been very successful."

"I'm going to brag about how close we are. Can I talk about the housewarming party too?"

"Don't overdo it. What if a scandal breaks out?"

At the word scandal, Seojiwon's cheeks suddenly turned red, and she shook her head excitedly.

"Right... what if a scandal really happens? Hmmm."

In her heart, she wanted to make a bombshell announcement like, 'Yes, we have good feelings for each other and are at the stage of getting to know one another!' Since she felt that Lee Junghyuk's attitude toward her had changed recently, she didn't think it was entirely impossible.

"Seung-beom, I have a question. Listen."

"What now?"

"No, it's not my story, but a story about someone I know. A man and a woman went on a date at the Han River, had a housewarming party, and went for a drive. What kind of relationship is that?"

"Well, did one of them ask the other to date?"

"No, they didn't say anything like that... or so I heard?"

Since Seojiwon had almost no friends, Manager Woo had already guessed she was asking about herself and Writer Lee the moment she started with "someone I know." He replied while holding back a laugh.

"Well then, they're just close. Just a male friend and a female friend. That's common these days, isn't it?"

"Does that make sense? I mean, how can a man and a woman just be friends in the first place?"

"Why not? It could happen. And why are you so worked up when it's not even your business?"

"No, it's not that. Mmm... okay, I get it. Anyway, that's how it is."

Since the subject had come up, Seojiwon decided she should contact Lee Junghyuk and ask to meet up. This man, who seemed to have no intuition at all, was being frustrating, so she felt she had to confirm things herself.

Just then, Seojiwon took out her phone and saw a notification that a new photo had been posted on Lee Junghyuk's SNS.

"What? What kind of photo did a man who usually has no interest in social media post?"

She entered Lee Junghyuk's SNS as if possessed. There was a simple sentence along with three photos.

[My first time in LA. #FirstClass #LA #KindFan #Asiana]

"Pffft! Writer, what's with your hair!"

In the post, there was a shot of Lee Junghyuk with a bird's nest on his head, looking like he had just woken up, standing next to a beautiful flight attendant.