"Now this…… is a party."

Everyone was in perfect dress code, clothes they'd never wear except for an occasion like this.

Everyone held a glass of champagne or wine and drifted like a slow current, seeking out the faces that had caught their eye.

On the surface alone, it was an elegant social party. But every smiling conversation with a chosen target was tangled up with money, power and interests.

Auras of gold, red, black, gray and more poured off each of them and rippled, almost blending but never quite.

The waves of feeling the guests gave off as light filled the whole room.

Greed dressed up as a blessing God had granted to humans alone.

Kang Junu, Jang Jiyu and Choi Harin were each talking with different people too.

Kang Junu was laughing and trading business cards with the young heirs of European chaebol families. Jang Jiyu was surrounded by young investors, especially men, and chatting away happily about crypto.

She gave off such a strong scent of a hustler that it actually looked convincing.

Choi Harin was deep in serious conversation with people from art foundations about the painting that had been up for auction earlier.

At first my friends had been stiff with the unfamiliar atmosphere, but they were quickly finding their places.

I wandered the hall on my own at a leisurely pace, exchanging light greetings with the people who came up to me.

"Mr. Ha, you were very impressive earlier."

"Thank you."

"I'm curious about the final appraisal."

"So am I."

"Do you really intend to donate a hundred million dollars?"

"If the painting's genuine."

I was getting similar questions over and over.

Some gave their names, and some just shook my hand and stepped right back.

It felt like more of them came to check my expression and manner than to hear my answers.

I'd say I'd been properly initiated.

Tonight I was a newcomer, mixing with them on their stage for the first time. If I thought of it as getting my face in front of them for the future, I was plenty…