Jin-Ahn gave his friends all hugs before he got into the car with Ms. Riley, the agent from the government scholarship program who was assisting him with the preparations for the next steps of his university life. He had just graduated highschool with them a few days ago and was excited to leave the town and go to the University of Woodhaven, UofW for short. Better yet was the fact that he was now 18 and a full adult, meaning he was responsible for himself and had no more guardians.
Ms. Riley, noticing the smile on Jin-Ahn's face, asked, "No tears for your friends, Jin? There weren't any for your foster family either."
Jin turned his face towards Ms. Riley who was an attractive brunette in her late 20s and could have easily been a model if taller. "I've moved around a lot Ms. Riley," started Jin, "This town makes the fifth one in seven years and to be honest I've only known them for less than a year. I'm grateful for them, yes, but I'm already looking forward to four years in Woodhaven. A city like that is one where I can pretend to be someone new and maybe even have enough time to get used to things. I've heard it's like Toronto or New York even. And besides, I'll be seeing some of them on campus in the fall, we'll link up them," still smiling Jin turned to look out the window but not before he stole a glance of Ms. Riley's figure.
"First off, drop the 'Ms' I'm not much older than you. Secondly you know, you might not be able to adjust as quickly as you think. University and what comes next is...quite the transition..." Ms. Riley replied. "But that is why we are leaving already to the big city, to get you moved in and get this unique scholarship program started!" She then gave a quick turn of the head to Jin and gave him a wink before focusing back on the road.
Jin thought of the Fresh Start Program, a unique government-funded full ride scholarship that only goes to one applicant who must be an orphan. It's allowing him to go to his dream university and even pay for the first year of residence. The only drawback was that it required Jin to move at the end of high school immediately, and to move in right away. The government has a contract with UofW to allow him to their residence months earlier than others could. After a few hours of driving and small talk, the two of them arrived at the first year residence.
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"Well, let me be the first one to welcome you to your new home, this is The Luxury," Riley gestured to the gorgeous marble building in front of them.
Jin had never been to a city larger than 50 000 in population and did not know from experience what to expect, but this was certainly not it. Resembling casinos from Las Vegas, this massive and, for namesake, luxurious building stood out from the rest of the street. Sure there were nice condos and apartments towering along these blocks, but this was an eye catching masterpiece. "Uh Riley? I think we are at the wrong address," Jin managed to get out.
"Beautiful isn't she? The Luxury was just completed, a result from a few very wealthy sponsors, some even coming from this same scholarship of yours. You'll be the first to actually live here actually. The rest of the first years you'll share this space with will arrive in time for orientation week. Might be a bit lonely but you'll need the time for those... adjustments," Riley said with a smirk.
Riley continued forwards giving Jin a quick tour of the commodities inside, Riley explaining that the residence building rents out to businesses and other companies which act like a giant mall. Jin, who was trying to encapsulate all this in his mind and vision, looked back and saw some lobby men who were the size of bouncers hauling his stuff onto a cart, presumably to be brought to his room though he noticed his clothing suitcase was left behind. They went by the cafeteria (currently closed), an outdoor swimming pool with an artificial beach next to it, a large mess hall, auditoriums, a theatre, and more stores than he could ever memorize. Finally they got to the elevator and the button to the top floor was pressed.