"Would you care for refreshments?" the chauffeur asked through the intercom. Voice so polished it could've been AI. "Mr. Han selected a 2015 Château Margaux for the occasion."
Haejin's brain stuttered.
He knew that wine.
Had seen it at high-end fashion events. Award shows where he felt underdressed despite wearing a suit worth more than a small car.
That wine cost thousands. Per bottle.
People didn't just drink it. They photographed it. Instagrammed it. Bragged about it for weeks.
"We're fine, thank you," Soorin said quickly.
"I'll have some," Haejin said faintly.
He absolutely needed it.
The chauffeur pressed a button. A mechanical contraption whirred to life like something from a sci-fi movie.
Poured with the precision of a master sommelier.
Handed back a crystal glass through a small panel.
Haejin sipped.
'Oh.'
'Oh wow.'
'Incredible.'
Smooth. Complex. Layers of flavor he couldn't even identify but his taste buds were throwing a party.
