The 100th Regression of the Max-Level Player

Chapter 27: Juri (1)

Juri and Ryu Min headed towards a nearby park, their destination of choice.

Lets take a seat here, Juri said, gesturing towards the bench as soon as they arrived.

Without wasting a moment, she handed Ryu Min an envelope, catching him off guard.

I cant accept it, she urged.

But this is the money I gave to the boss, Ryu Min protested.

We cant accept such a large sum, so just take it, Juri insisted.

To Juri, ten million won was an immense amount of money, but to Ryu Min, who possessed billions, it was a mere pittance.

Its certainly a significant amount to them. Well, I anticipated her refusal anyway, Ryu Min thought to himself.

She has this personality which doesnt allow her to be indebted to anyone, no matter how poor she may be.

From personality traits to preferences, favorite foods to household circumstances, Ryu Min prided himself on having a decent understanding of Juri.

He had spent a lot of time collecting information to warrant such confidence.

Therefore, Ryu Min believed he could win Juri over to his side.

Take it quickly. My arm hurts, Juri insisted, shaking the envelope she held.

However, Ryu Min had no intention of accepting it.

If I take this envelope, my relationship with Juri will come to an end. I must find a way to keep our connection alive by using the lottery as an excuse.

With a determined expression, he shook his head.

I wont take it.

What? Juri seemed taken aback by his response.

I already told the boss, but this money is given out of a sense of guilt. Its the bare minimum of my conscience, Ryu Min explained.

But the amount is too substantial

No matter the amount, I hope the boss will accept it. Otherwise, Ill keep feeling remorseful, Ryu Min declared.

Though he uttered these words, Ryu Min harbored no actual remorse toward the boss.

After all, when the next round commenced, there would be a multitude of losers, shaking the economy to its core.

In the end, the lottery market will crumble naturally within a few months.

He had merely expedited the process by monopolizing the prize money.

One could argue that using future information wasnt entirely ethical, so he didnt completely lack a sense of guilt.

In any case, the damage caused by my actions warrants compensation.

Thats why he insisted on offering ten million won, even if Juri continued to refuse.

Consider it like repaying my debt to you. Please, take it.

But its too much! Its burdensome, Juri persisted.

This money was meant for this purpose, regardless of the amount, Ryu Min chuckled inwardly, but his expression remained stoic.

To receive Juris assistance, he had no choice but to put her in debt in some way.

Please relay the message to the boss. Let him know not to feel burdened since its not a significant sum for me.

Juri sighed in defeat as Ryu Min firmly declined her offer.

Is this really who you are? Why are you so stubborn Juri trailed off, sighing.

If were done talking, may I leave? Ryu Min stood up, surprising Juri.

Just a moment! In that case, since ten million won is too much to bear, Ill only accept one million. How about that?

Why do you get to decide? You should ask the boss, Ryu Min questioned.

Even my dad wouldnt want to receive such a large amount.

Dad? Ryu Min wore a startled expression, completely caught off guard.

So, the convenience store owner is your dad?

Yes.

Wow I visit this place often, so its quite remarkable.

Its amazing for me too. To think the first-place winner of the lottery is my classmate

A classmate

They hadnt spoken to each other, but they were classmates.

Considering them true friends was a challenge.

But I had no idea we were in the same class for real! I figured it out the moment you stepped into the convenience store, Juri exclaimed.

Im sorry. Im truly terrible at remembering faces. Plus, this is our first proper conversation, Ryu Min apologized sincerely.

I see

Although they had been classmates for a whole year, they never had the opportunity to converse.

Becoming close between genders and with their timid nature made it no easy task.

Of course, the Ryu Min of then and the Ryu Min now were worlds apart.

He seemed like a completely different person.

To Juri, who was engaging in their first genuine conversation, it was hard to perceive the change.

Then it means you just learned my name today too? Juri questioned.

Im sorry, but yes, Ryu Min admitted.

Juris lips parted, astounded by the revelation.

She hadnt anticipated Ryu Min being entirely unaware of her name.

I cant believe you dont even know my name. Its disappointing, but Im not giving up, Juri stated, her eyes ablaze with newfound determination.

It seemed to fuel her self-esteem rather than a gaze of resignation and disappointment.

As I mentioned earlier, my name is Juri. Were classmates, and as you can see, this is what I look like Can you remember that?

Uh

Dont answer me like this. Look closely. Make sure to remember it, Juri insisted, extending her head as if urging him to imprint her features in his mind.

Juris resolute gaze unsettled Ryu Min, sparking a flicker of confusion.

Phew It suddenly hit me. What am I doing? Graduation is just around the corner, yet here I am discussing exchanging names with a classmate It feels somewhat bittersweet, Juri sighed.

Well, at least now I know. Its not like we wont be able to keep in touch after graduation, Ryu Min pointed out.

Juris eyes subtly shifted at his words, but Ryu Min acted like he failed to perceive the change.

In that sense, could you give me your number? Ryu Min requested.

M-My number?

Juri seemed taken aback, and question marks hovered above Ryu Mins face.

Why? Is it not usual for classmates to exchange numbers, Ryu Min clarified.

R-Right. Ill input it. Give me your phone.

As Ryu Min handed Juri his phone, she deftly entered her number.

In an instant, Juris phone vibrated with an incoming call.

Its my number. Save it, He instructed.

Uh, okay.

Since weve met like this, lets stay in touch often.

S-Sure.

Well then, Ill leave first. I have some things to attend to.

Wait, the envelope

Ryu Min waved dismissively and departed without a second thought.

Juri stood there, gazing at his retreating figure, feeling a sense of confusion.

In the end, I couldnt return the envelope.

Juri placed a hand on her chest, her gaze fixed on Ryu Mins gradually disappearing form in the distance.

Thump, thump, thump

Her heart pounded as if on the verge of malfunctioning.

To suddenly ask for my number

Her heart raced, leaving her in a state of flustered confusion.