The morning after the community event felt different.
Rina woke up earlier than usual, the faint light of dawn filtering through her curtains.
She stared at the ceiling, replaying the previous day in her mind.
I actually did it.
For the first time since waking in this unfamiliar world, she felt a glimmer of hope—not just survival, but the possibility of thriving.
Rina pulled out her notebook, the one where she had been scribbling ideas and strategies.
She opened to a fresh page and titled it: Future Goals.
1. Expand my client base.
2. Build a sustainable business.
3. Learn the systems of this world.
4. Save money.
She paused, tapping the pen against her chin.
5. Find out why I was reincarnated here.
The sound of the doorbell startled her out of her thoughts.
Rina quickly threw on a cardigan and went to answer it.
To her surprise, Jiho stood there, holding a bag of pastries and two cups of coffee.
"Morning," he said with a grin. "I figured you'd still be asleep, but I thought we could celebrate your success yesterday."
Rina stepped aside to let him in, still a little baffled by his unexpected appearance.
"You didn't have to do this," she said as he set the food on her small dining table.
"Of course I did. You nailed it yesterday, Rina. You're officially a businesswoman now."
Rina smirked. "I've always been a businesswoman. Yesterday was just the first step in this world."
Jiho laughed, handing her a coffee. "Fair enough. So, what's your next move?"
Rina sat down, her notebook still open. "I've been thinking about scaling up.
The cards are a good start, but they're not enough. I need something bigger."
"Like what?" Jiho asked, leaning forward with interest.
"Maybe custom event designs or collaborations with other creators," Rina mused. "I also need to understand the economy here better—how people spend, what they value. That's key to success."
Jiho whistled. "You really don't think small, do you?"
She shrugged. "Thinking small won't get me anywhere. Besides, I've built an empire before. I can do it again."
After breakfast, Jiho offered to take Rina around the city.
"You've been cooped up in that house for weeks. It's time you got a proper look at your new kingdom," he teased.
Rina rolled her eyes but agreed.
The two set off, Jiho acting as her informal tour guide.
As they wandered through bustling markets and quiet parks, Rina absorbed everything.
The way people bartered, the local fashion trends, the types of shops that drew the most customers—all of it was potential data for her growing business.
They stopped at a small bookstore, and Rina's eyes lit up.
"Wait here," she told Jiho, rushing inside.
When she returned, she held a stack of books with titles like Small Business Strategies, Marketing for Beginners, and Modern Economics Explained.
Jiho raised an eyebrow. "Light reading?"
"Knowledge is power," Rina said simply.
By the time they returned to her house, the sun was setting.
Rina set her books on the desk, feeling a renewed sense of purpose.
"Thanks for today," she said, glancing at Jiho.
"Anytime," he replied. "You know, you're pretty amazing. Most people would still be freaking out, but you're already planning your future."
Rina shrugged, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. "I don't have a choice. Sitting around won't get me anywhere."
Jiho smiled. "Well, if you ever need a sidekick, you know where to find me."
As Jiho left, Rina sat back down at her desk, flipping through the first book.
The glow of her desk lamp illuminated her determined expression.
This wasn't just about surviving anymore.
It was about proving to herself—and this world—that she could rise again.
And nothing was going to stop her.