Reset Life with Infinite Talents - Chapter 149

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Infinite Talent Reset Life Episode 149

 

 

 

 

 

Gwanghwamun Gate, which did not exist when Gyeongbokgung Palace was first built.

 

Originally, it was Heungnyemun Gate that served as the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, but later Gwanghwamun Gate was built along with Geonchunmun Gate, the eastern gate, and Yeongchumun Gate, the western gate, taking over the role of the main gate.

 

However, it was initially just called the South Gate, and it received its current name when a new plaque reading Gwanghwamun Gate was hung in the 8th year of King Sejong’s reign.

 

“This is Geunjeongjeon Hall. This is where the King of Great Joseon and the Emperor of the Korean Empire held meetings with officials, that is, government workers, and handled state affairs.”

 

“Wow… Why doesn’t America have anything like this?”

 

“Workers building castles?”

 

“Hehe. That’s right. Most of the ancestors of modern Americans were working class.”

 

Click! Click! Click!

 

As the blue and red colors and various hues tickled his eyes, Mark continuously pressed the camera button on his phone.

 

He even climbed onto the royal throne where the King sat and posed like a king.

 

‘This place has changed from back then too.’

 

‘Jeongjong, Yi Bang-gwa’ felt regretful.

 

It had become more splendid, but it was different from the scenery he remembered.

 

‘Acting regretful when he didn’t even do any work.’

 

Since he was naturally a warrior who rode horses and cut down enemies everywhere, the stuffy palace life didn’t suit him, and since he planned to pass the throne to his younger brother Yi Bang-won anyway, King Jeongjong preferred playing rather than handling state affairs.

 

After finishing their brief exploration of Geunjeongjeon Hall, they headed to the Eastern Palace to the east.

 

At this, ‘Master Chef’ Park Paeng-nyeon’s heart trembled.

 

“This is the Eastern Palace. This is where the Crown Prince, the King’s son, lived and also conversed with his subjects.”

 

Jaseon Hall, the living space of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.

 

Bihyeon Pavilion, which was the Crown Prince’s office space.

 

“Oh, did the Crown Prince work too?”

 

“Of course.”

 

The Crown Prince was the next King.

 

Naturally, he studied from a young age and handled minor state affairs that the King delegated to him.

 

“When you say from a young age?”

 

“Usually the King’s eldest son is appointed as Crown Prince, and you can think of it as studying from 6 AM until bedtime every day from about age four.”

 

A kind of noblesse oblige.

 

For those born to rule, freedom was a luxury.

 

“Even after becoming King, they continued studying until the day they died or abdicated and stepped down.”

 

“My goodness…”

 

Many things were different from the European history he had learned in his youth.

 

“Korean diligence didn’t distinguish between kings and commoners. Isn’t that right, Johann?”

 

Mark looked at Johann with curiosity.

 

Johann was looking around an empty clearing on one side as if searching for something.

 

‘What is it, where is it?’

 

“What’s wrong?”

 

Johann came to his senses at Mark’s call and looked at the manager.

 

“Wasn’t there a Royal Kitchen here?”

 

‘Master Chef’ Park Paeng-nyeon’s space of memories.

 

He felt quite disappointed that it wasn’t there.

 

‘To even know about the Royal Kitchen.’

 

Just how interested was this young mixed-race boy in Korean history?

 

“Haha. The Royal Kitchen is located behind this Eastern Palace.”

 

Called the Inner Royal Kitchen or Internal Royal Kitchen, it was where meals for the King and royal family were prepared.

 

“The other Royal Kitchen was called the Outer Royal Kitchen, where food was prepared for royal events and ancestral rites.”

 

“Hmm. Is that so…”

 

‘He doesn’t know?’

 

How could this be?

 

“Why do you ask?”

 

“I’ve seen records that there was also a Royal Kitchen here in the Eastern Palace.”

 

“Haha, that can’t be. The Royal Kitchen is…”

 

“During Crown Prince Sado’s time.”

 

Flinch!

 

Crown Prince Sado, a very familiar name to Korean People.

 

The son of King Yeongjo, one of the long-lived kings. He was the tragic Crown Prince whom King Yeongjo greatly despised, and who ultimately died trapped in a rice chest.

 

‘King Yeongjo built a separate Royal Kitchen in the Eastern Palace?’

 

‘It’s… possible!’

 

Since King Yeongjo disliked everything about Crown Prince Sado, it was a plausible statement.

 

The manager and Korean People who had been serious burst into laughter.

 

Even if it was possible, they doubted he would have gone that far.

 

The manager smiled warmly.

 

“I don’t know what records you’re referring to, but if that were true, it would have been recorded in the Annals.”

 

At least there were no such records in the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty.

 

Perhaps it was unofficial history, a novel written by someone outside the palace with wild imagination.

 

“Hmm…”

 

‘This isn’t right.’

 

Park Paeng-nyeon, who had helped him, was being denied. Seeing that they didn’t even seem to know that his space had existed, Johann felt a small surge of defiance.

 

“Would you like to see this?”

 

Johann searched through his phone’s photo album and showed them the records he had restored.

 

 

 

Compilation of Joseon Cuisine

 

 

 

Master Chef Park Paeng-nyeon, head of the Eastern Palace Royal Kitchen and chef to Crown Prince Yi Hwon, compiles and records the cooking methods of the royal court and all of Joseon.

 

 

 

Thud!

 

Text written in the vernacular script and Chinese characters of that time.

 

“Th-this is?!”

 

“Yi Hwon is Crown Prince Sado’s name, right?”

 

“Y-yes, but…”

 

Even the Chinese character ‘Hwon’ was identical to Crown Prince Sado’s.

 

The manager looked at Johann.

 

“How did you get this…”

 

If this were true, it would be a discovery that would require rewriting the history of King Yeongjo’s era.

 

Moreover, these were the cooking methods of the royal court and Joseon.

 

The cooking methods of the Joseon Dynasty that were now mostly lost, with only a very few people remembering even what remained.

 

It was a record of tremendous historical value.

 

“Where did you discover this?!”

 

They had to recover it.

 

No matter the cost, they absolutely had to purchase it.

 

“Do you remember who has it or where it’s being kept…”

 

“I bought it at a flea market?”

 

“…Excuse me?!”

 

“A total of 14 volumes. They’re at my house.”

 

“…”

 

Their jaws dropped.

 

 

 

“And with this, you’ve seen every part of Gyeongbokgung Palace.”

 

Clap clap clap clap clap!

 

“Thank you for your hard work!”

 

“Thank you!”

 

‘Still, they remember most things well. The descendants of Joseon….’

 

If there’s something regrettable, it’s the portrait of King Taejo Yi Seong-gye in the National Palace Museum and the changed appearance of Gyeongbokgung Palace.

 

A painting depicting an aged appearance, and not even a dignified one at that.

 

The moment he saw that portrait, ‘Jeongjong, Yi Bang-gwa’ almost shed tears.

 

There isn’t even a portrait of King Sejong, Yi Bang-gwa’s nephew who brought even greater prosperity to Joseon.

 

This is due to the countless plundering and accidents that occurred during the Joseon and Korean Empire periods, resulting in losses.

 

‘They said most were lost due to something called the Great Fire of Yongdusan, right?’

 

Even the restoration of Gyeongbokgung Palace in such a splendid manner, with expensive blue tiles on every building, was said to be because much of the historical data from that time disappeared due to foreign invasions and other factors.

 

Even the few remaining materials were said to have deteriorated so much over time that they were difficult to reference.

 

‘Hmm. I think I know where a few might be.’

 

Johann shrugs his shoulders after briefly searching through his memories.

 

Since it was something vaguely mentioned through someone he had accessed long ago, he doesn’t remember it clearly.

 

He’ll find out when he goes home and searches through his access list.

 

‘Well. Should I try restoring the portraits while I’m at it?’

 

And also draw what Gyeongbokgung Palace looked like back then.

 

‘Or should I try drawing them in hyperrealism?’

 

The actual appearance of the kings and Gyeongbokgung Palace from that era, which modern people don’t know and only vaguely understand.

 

Both sound interesting.

 

“Today was truly an informative and enjoyable time.”

 

“Hehe. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Well… I hope we can meet again next time.”

 

“Us too!”

 

Johann and Mark, leaving behind the manager who had moved his lips but ultimately gave up, exited the way they came while discussing their impressions of the Gyeongbokgung Palace tour, and the manager watched Johann before picking up his phone.

 

“Yes, hyung. It’s me. I’m going to send you a photo on your phone right now, so check it and let’s talk. If you don’t know how to view photos, ask your children. Yes.”

 

The call was cut off, probably because he didn’t know how to view photos while on a call.

 

Soon, the manager’s phone began ringing furiously.

 

-Wh-what is this?

 

“What do you mean what? It’s important material that you need to retrieve, hyung.”

 

A photo he received by asking Johann to share it.

 

The preface of the Joseon Cooking Compilation.

 

But the current owner is a VIP who made SJ Group restless and caused Gyeongbokgung Palace to open at this late hour.

 

“By the way, he’s American.”

 

-….

 

“I told you so.”

 

Now what remains is up to the person on the other end of the call.

 

The manager sighed while looking in the direction Johann had disappeared.

 

 

 

* * *

 

 

 

Ring ring!

 

Johann opens his eyes and stares blankly at the ceiling.

 

“So this is what… jet lag feels like.”

 

Not only his eyelids but his entire body feels heavy.

 

An unfamiliar heaviness he’s experiencing for the first time weighs down his whole body.

 

‘What time is it?’

 

8 AM. Considering he went to sleep at 4 AM yesterday, it was time to get his bearings.

 

Ring ring! Ring ring!

 

“Yes, I’m awake.”

 

-I’m coming over.

 

“Phew.”

 

Johann gets up and opens the hotel room door before heading to the restroom.

 

Whoosh!

 

His body gradually awakens as the cold water soaks him.

 

His mind finally becomes clear as even his head becomes freezing cold.

 

“Ugh.”

 

Crack crack!

 

Johann’s eyes widen as he exits the restroom, twisting his body this way and that.

 

“You bought hamburgers?!”

 

Korean hamburgers that he definitely wanted to try when he came to Korea.

 

He had been extremely curious about how different they would be from American ones, and what hamburgers from an advanced country like Korea would taste like.

 

Rick Bottom, remembering this, had thoughtfully bought some.

 

“We need to move soon.”

 

They have to leave in 15 minutes.

 

There wasn’t time to eat Korean food like the Korean set meal they had yesterday.

 

“Ah, the Korean set meal! It was incredibly delicious!”

 

Although the seasoning was quite mild, the neat table setting with its colorful array was like eating a small flower garden, and he could taste the natural flavors of the ingredients well.

 

“It really lived up to being a representative Korean dish.”

 

It was a taste he wanted to try once more before leaving, a taste that would probably come to mind when he returned to America.

 

Rustle rustle!

 

“Huh…?!”

 

Johann, who had taken a bite of the hamburger, looks at Rick Bottom.

 

He too had taken a bite of his hamburger.

 

Soon, their eyes roll around.

 

“…I bought it based on a recommendation from the hotelier.”

 

They said it was a representative Korean hamburger franchise.

 

“Don’t ask that person for recommendations anymore.”

 

“Yes.”

 

Still, since he had made the effort to buy it, Johann reluctantly finished it, changed his clothes, and pulled down his hat.

 

“Let’s go.”

 

To meet Will.i.am for his morning schedule.

 

“Mark isn’t awake yet, right?”

 

“The manager isn’t awake yet either.”

 

The two conversed as they headed to a place called the Olympic Gymnastics Arena.

 

 

 

“Yo! Bro-!”

 

A massive stadium that can accommodate about 10,000 people.

 

Will.i.am, who had been sweating profusely on the illuminated stage for rehearsal, enthusiastically welcomes Johann.

 

“Coming all the way to Korea for me! You’re really my brother!”

 

“Our schedules just happened to overlap.”

 

“Hahaha! Let’s ignore the small details.”

 

What matters is that Johann granted his request.

 

“You know my members, right? This is apl.de.ap.”

 

“Yo- Sir Knight. Call me Ap.”

 

“I’m Johann Jefferson. Please call me Johann. You’re Taboo, right?”

 

“Yo.”

 

After greeting them as well, a guest member of the Black Eyed Peas approaches with a sullen expression.

 

“Nice to meet you, Fergie.”

 

“…Hmph!”

 

She tapped Johann’s fingertips and turned around.

 

“Come on. Let’s ignore the lady under a spell. More importantly, how about this place?”

 

Johann turned around and looked over the stadium where darkness had settled.

 

‘It’s big.’

 

Compared to Dodger Stadium where he performed with Aerosmith, it was smaller.

 

But it was big.

 

Too big to embrace in one’s arms.

 

Too big for a shout to reach the end.

 

“I’m envious. Your ability to perform in a place like this.”

 

How thrilling would the cheers be from the people who would fill this massive venue.

 

“…Puhahahaha!”

 

This is why he liked Johann.

 

His honest personality that said he was envious when he was envious.

 

Will.i.am pulled Johann’s shoulder into an embrace.

 

“You’ll be able to do this soon too.”

 

He deliberately didn’t say he could do it right away.

 

He had seen too many people who got carried away with small popularity and then disappeared.

 

Even though he was a composer and singer-songwriter who had created over ten hit songs and even pioneered new genres, and even had over 300,000 fan club members, he still needed to be humble at this stage.

 

‘A true star earns the qualification from the moment they recognize their current position.’

 

The qualification to walk the path leading up there.

 

“You’re only 16 years old. Don’t think about it hastily.”

 

Build it up calmly while listening to advice from adults like themselves.

 

A foundation that wouldn’t collapse even if typhoons and earthquakes struck in the future.

 

“…Still, I hope that day comes soon.”

 

“When that time comes, I’ll be your first guest.”

 

“I’ll have to think about that.”

 

Because there were Joe Walsh and Jimmy Page, and Aerosmith.

 

“There’s also Bruno Mars and Robin.”

 

“Ow…”

 

Will.i.am, who was about to grumble about ruining the mood, closed his mouth.

 

He was confident he could beat the latter two, but he wasn’t confident about the first three.

 

“Alright! Then shall we move on to work-related content? Johann, please take the third opening stage.”

 

The opening stage that raises the audience’s excitement before the main performance begins. Usually, other singers invited as guests take charge of this.

 

Aerosmith’s concert had been unusual.

 

“The third one?”

 

Johann furrowed his brow.

 

Will.i.am had said he was the first to suggest him as a guest.

 

But the stage was third?

 

“When I asked an acquaintance I’ll introduce later, it seems Korea unusually doesn’t consider the first position that important.”

 

They said they wanted the later order more than the first.

 

“…That’s interesting.”

 

‘Wouldn’t the first be best for imprinting myself on the audience?’

 

The opportunity to be the first to excite an audience that had nothing in their heads yet, whose bodies weren’t heated up, and imprint that there was a singer called ‘me’.

 

If you were confident in your skills, you could even overshadow the subsequent guests and make only yourself stand out.

 

That’s why countless American singers invited as guests to such concerts or festivals desperately try to secure the opening stage.

 

“Hmm. Got it.”

 

Thank you for thinking of it this way.

 

“Then I’ll do WE GO for the song.”

 

The most exciting song among the ones he had composed.

 

He didn’t know if Black Eyed Peas’ Korean fans knew this song, but they would soon be able to jump around excitedly.

 

“Oh. Did you go into my heart and come back out?”

 

That was exactly the song he wanted to request.

 

“And!”

 

‘Huh?’

 

“Get on our stage too!”

 

Like with Aerosmith.

 

“…You want me to sing hip-hop?”

 

The song for marginalized children that he sold to Black Eyed Peas, ‘Hedgehog’, was already agreed to be sung together.

 

But Will.i.am wanted him to get on stage and sing together for other songs too.

 

Hip-hop, the pride of black people. To an Asian.

 

“Why, not confident?”

 

Not only Will.i.am but the other two members also provoked him with their eyes.

 

“…Ha!”

 

Johann took out a USB from his pocket and handed it to the staff member.

 

Rehearsal first.

 

Black Eyed Peas stepped back with sly smiles.

 

 

 

* * *

 

 

 

Johann, who had returned after finishing his schedule in the city of Busan, headed straight to the stadium.

 

“Oh…”

 

The waiting room was so cool it felt like it would freeze.

 

And…

 

“You’re here?”

 

“What is all this?”

 

Six humidifiers were spewing steam over the carpet covering the floor, and whiskey, beer, water, and energy drinks were arranged in rows here and there throughout the waiting room.

 

apl.de.ap was absorbed in a video game connected to a 70-inch TV, and Taboo was praying next to him, clutching a Bible tightly.

 

“Hehe. Pretty flashy, right?”

 

But this was preparation for pouring out all their energy on stage.

 

“Aha. That…”

 

It seemed to have the same meaning as when Aerosmith stacked boxes of beer in their waiting room.

 

“Want a drink?”

 

“…I have a supervisor behind me.”

 

A supervisor named Rick Bottom.

 

“Puhat!”

 

Knock knock!

 

“Come in!”

 

“Will!”

 

As the door opened and women entered, Will.i.am jumped up.

 

“Oh! Jaerin!”

 

A woman with the small build characteristic of Asians.

 

Her smokey makeup was impressive.

 

Will.i.am, who hugged her tightly and greeted the other women too, looked at Johann.

 

“Johann, say hello. I told you there was someone I wanted to introduce, right? This is Jaerin from GL, a Korean artist. She’s a friend with amazing rap skills. Jaerin, this is Johann Jefferson. He’s a singer-songwriter and genius composer that every Billboard singer covets!”

 

“Wow! Dream, Journey on a Boat! Nice to meet you! I really wanted to meet you!”

 

“…You know me?”

 

“Of course! Back then, Dream, Journey on a Boat climbed up to 5th place on the music charts!”

 

Not only that, but that song played for almost several months straight.

 

An exceptional result for a foreign song.

 

That’s why industry officials here were turned upside down at the time.

 

“Oh….”

 

“Over here are our group members!”

 

“Hi!”

 

“Nice to meet you!”

 

Johann’s eyes widen as he looks at the women greeting him shyly.

 

“…Ah! 2NE1!”

 

Together One. He remembers it meant let’s all become one together.

 

This time Jaerin and the members are surprised.

 

“My Korean friend is a fan of yours.”

 

Thanks to Mason, he had listened to their songs enough to memorize them.

 

“Oh my god! A Billboard star knows about us!”

 

Emotion fills the eyes of Jaerin and the members.

 

“Th, these are our company seniors and a boy group much more famous than us! The undisputed top idol of the Republic of Korea, no, boy group!”

 

“Wow.”

 

Korea’s top boy group.

 

Just as Johann’s eyes light up and he extends his hand.

 

“Hey! Johann! What’s up, bro?”

 

A short man approaches with his hand raised.

 

‘…Who is this person acting so familiar with me?’

 

Suddenly using his name and even calling him bro, meaning brother.

 

Johann thought carefully about whether he had met this person before.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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