The day of the community event arrived faster than Rina expected.
Her nerves were on edge as she walked into the bustling community center, clutching her box of handmade cards and a display board she had spent hours perfecting.
Rows of tables were set up, each manned by local entrepreneurs showcasing their products.
The air buzzed with conversations and laughter, and Rina felt a pang of self-doubt.
Am I really ready for this?
"Rina!"
She turned to see Jiho waving at her from the entrance.
He was carrying a tray of iced coffees, his bright smile cutting through her anxiety.
"I thought you could use a pick-me-up," he said, handing her a cup.
Rina took it gratefully. "Thanks. I didn't think you'd actually show up."
"Of course I did," Jiho said, setting his backpack down beside her table.
"I said I'd help, didn't I? Now, let's get your booth set up."
With Jiho's help, Rina arranged her display: an assortment of her intricately designed cards, her sign that read Ilvion's Artful Creations, and a small digital frame looping a video of her making the cards.
By the time the event started, Rina felt more prepared or at least less likely to run out the door.
People trickled by, some stopping to admire her work.
She greeted them hesitantly at first, but Jiho's subtle nudges reminded her to engage more confidently.
"Thank you for stopping by!" she said to a woman who bought three cards. "I hope you'll visit again."
The encouragement bolstered her spirits, and she found herself smiling more easily as the day went on.
Near the middle of the event, a middle-aged man in a suit approached her booth.
His stern expression made Rina's stomach tighten, but she greeted him politely.
"You're the artist behind these?" he asked, picking up one of her cards.
"Yes, I design and create them myself," Rina said, her voice steady.
The man nodded thoughtfully. "Impressive craftsmanship. Do you take custom orders?"
Rina's heart skipped a beat. "I do. I can tailor designs for specific events, businesses, or personal occasions."
The man handed her a business card. "I'm organizing a corporate gala next month and need custom invitations. Let's discuss details next week."
She stared at the card in disbelief. "Thank you! I'll be in touch."
As the man walked away, Jiho gave her a thumbs-up from across the room.
By the end of the event, Rina had made several sales and gained new contacts.
She sat behind her table, exhausted but exhilarated.
"You did amazing," Jiho said, plopping into the seat beside her.
"I couldn't have done it without your help," Rina admitted, glancing at him.
He smirked. "You did all the hard work. I was just the cheerleader."
Rina chuckled softly, a rare moment of genuine laughter.
For the first time since her reincarnation, she felt like she was taking control of her new life.
As they packed up her booth, Jiho glanced at her. "So, what's next for the legendary Rina?"
Her eyes sparkled with determination. "More clients. More money. This is only the beginning."
Jiho grinned. "Now that's the spirit."
And as they walked out of the community center, Rina couldn't help but feel that, just maybe, this world was starting to feel a little less foreign.