Chapter 131

Yoo Seong-tae felt homesick as he ate the egg with fried kimchi. He took a sip of makgeolli before ladling some kimchi stew onto his spoon.

“Ah! It’s delicious. Spicy…” Yoo Seong-tae smacked his lips appreciatively but suddenly looked puzzled.

It tastes quite similar to my mother’s cooking.

Although slightly different, it reminded him of his mother’s recipe.

“Huh? This really tastes like your mom’s stew.” With surprise in her eyes, Yoo Seong-tae’s wife voiced her observation, and he nodded in agreement. The flavor indeed resembled his mother’s kimchi stew.

He then combined pork belly and kimchi on his fork, enjoying how the tender, well-cooked kimchi blended perfectly with the fatty pork, spreading delightful flavors throughout his mouth. It was just like his mother’s kimchi stew.

With wide-eyed amazement, Yoo Seong-tae continued eating while glancing at Kang Jin.

“Um, how did you make this?”

“Do you like it?”

“It tastes similar to my mother’s kimchi stew.”

At Yoo Seong-tae’s words, Kang Jin glanced at his grandmother. The elderly woman looked delighted and gestured repeatedly towards the kimchi stew, urging him to eat more.

“How could I compare with your mother’s cooking? But it does bring back fond memories of her dishes, which means it must be delicious.” Kang Jin then poured some makgeolli for Yoo Seong-tae.

Glug, glug!

“Enjoy your meal.”

As Kang Jin retreated to the kitchen to give them space, Yoo Seong-tae sipped his makgeolli and sampled the side dishes. With each bite, expressions of satisfaction and nostalgia spread across his face.

The satisfaction came from the delicious taste, and the longing…was because each dish reminded him of his mother’s cooking.

Gulp! Gulp!

As Yoo Seong-tae quickly drank down his makgeolli, Yoo Hosu reached for the pitcher.

“Father.”

“Yes, let me try some poured by my son.” With a smile, Yoo Seong-tae held out his cup, and Yoo Hosu refilled it with makgeolli.

Kang Jin observed them from the kitchen. He watched as Yoo Seong-tae and his family enjoyed their meal together, drinking makgeolli amicably. Kang Jin then noticed Grandma sitting next to Yoo Hosu, gently stroking Sonju’s hair or performing some hand gestures while looking at her.

Inspired by this sight, Kang Jin started peeling mussels. Using a spoon, he twisted off the shells, placed one mussel in his mouth, and nodded approvingly.

These taste good.

As Kang Jin peeled and ate each one, he found it enjoyable to pass the time this way.

Ding!

Kang Jin noticed a hand reaching for something as he placed each opened clam on the table.

Flick-flick!

He looked up to see Grandma pointing at him and gesturing towards the hall with her eyes.

When Kang Jin peeked into the hall, Yoo Seong-tae’s family was still dining.

“Would you like me to bring anything else?” asked Kang Jin.

The grandmother nodded and pointed at the clams and gas stove, indicating that she had finished eating them all and wanted the kimchi stew warmed up again.

Kang Jin acknowledged her request, gathered the clams onto a plate, and carried them out to the hall. He set down the plate and pointed at the kimchi stew.

“I’ll warm this up for you.”

“Thank you,” replied Yoo Seong-tae.

With that, Kang Jin took the kimchi stew back to the kitchen to reheat it.

As Kang Jin returned with the clams, his grandmother pointed at the frying pan and cracked some eggs.

“Fried eggs?”

Kang Jin nodded enthusiastically, placed the pan on the stove, and broke three eggs into it. He turned down the heat since he preferred gently cooked fried eggs, but the grandmother shook her head and gestured to increase the flame with her hands. When Kang Jin complied, she then mimed stirring the eggs vigorously.

Is she asking me to make scrambled eggs?

Following her cues, Kang Jin stirred the eggs with wooden chopsticks.

Whisk, whisk, whisk!

Sizzle, sizzle!

The eggs quickly scrambled under Kang Jin’s chopsticks. As he reached for salt, however, the grandmother shook her head again.

“No salt?”

Seeing her nod, Kang Jin finished scrambling the eggs and transferred them to a bowl. The grandmother pointed at both the soy sauce bottle and the egg dish.

“You want soy sauce?”

Kang Jin added a dash of soy sauce as she saw Grandma nod again.

She has clear preferences.

Muttering inwardly, Kang Jin carried out the scrambled eggs and kimchi stew by himself. He placed the kimchi stew in the center of the table and set down the scrambled eggs next to it.

“What’s this?”

“I thought protein might help with recovery.”

Yoo Seong-tae smiled while looking at the scrambled eggs after hearing Kang Jin’s explanation.

“Looking at your cooking, Lee Kang-jin, reminds me of my mother’s dishes. My mom used to sprinkle soy sauce on scrambled eggs just like this.”

Yoo Seong-tae smiled and took a spoonful of scrambled eggs before looking at Kang Jin.

“It’s delicious.”

Despite having only added soy sauce to the scrambled eggs, Yoo Seong-tae genuinely enjoyed it.

“I’m glad you find it tasty.”

“Thank you for providing such a delightful meal after a long time.” With a smile, Yoo Seong-tae extended his makgeolli cup towards Kang Jin, who accepted it. As Kang Jin held the cup, Yoo Seong-tae poured more makgeolli.

Glug!

“Since we seem to be your only guests today, why don’t you join us, Kang Jin?”

Kang Jin glanced briefly at the table, then pulled up a chair next to them as suggested by Yoo Seong-tae.

“Please sit here.”

Seeing Yoo Seong-tae gesture to the empty seat beside his son, Kang Jin shook his head with a smile.

‘That seat already has its rightful owner.’

The grandmother was already seated, watching them as if she were ready to suck her fingers at any moment.

“A host who casually sits with their guests is not a good host.”

“Is that so?”

“You should treat your guests like family, but making them feel too comfortable can make them uneasy.”

“That’s true. Sometimes restaurants being overly friendly can be discomforting.” Kang Jin nodded in agreement with Yoo Seong-tae’s words.

A restaurant primarily provides food and service. One must serve meals with the heart of feeding family while maintaining courteous professionalism rather than treating customers informally.

Yoo Seong-tae nodded when Kang Jin took his seat. As Yoo Seong-tae raised his makgeolli cup, Kang Jin clinked glasses with him before taking a sip.

Feeling relaxed and enjoying his drink, Kang Jin turned to Yoo Hosu.

“How’s the makgeolli?”

“It’s delicious,” replied Yoo Hosu.

Kang Jin then looked at Yoo Seong-tae. “The makgeolli is tasty.”

Although it was an incomplete sentence, Yoo Seong-tae understood what Kang Jin meant. He glanced briefly at his cup before turning to Yoo Hosu.

“Hosu.”

“Yes, Father.”

“Do you find the makgeolli enjoyable?” asked Yoo Seong-tae.

Yoo Hosu nodded affirmatively. “It’s very good.”

With this response, Yoo Seong-tae eyed his cup for a moment before taking a large gulp.

Gulp!

After drinking deeply, he ate some stir-fried kimchi.

Crisp! Crisp!

Savoring each bite slowly, Yoo Seong-tae then looked at his wife.

“What do you think, dear?”

“I also enjoy the makgeolli, father.”

As Yoo Seong-tae pondered their responses, Kang Jin spoke up:

“If the food is delicious…the business won’t fail.”

Yoo Seong-tae looked at Kang Jin thoughtfully before taking another sip of makgeolli and glancing at the side dishes.

“You’re quite persuasive.”

“I just made the food…” Kang Jin pointed to the jug containing makgeolli. “Isn’t it tasty?”

Yoo Seong-tae nodded with a sigh.

“Even if it’s tough, we have to endure.” He then turned to his wife.

“I’m going to the countryside.”

“The countryside?”

“To make makgeolli with my father.”

“Honey?” Surprised, she glanced at her husband, who then addressed their son.

“Hosu.”

“Yes, Dad?”

“I’m heading to the countryside tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” Yoo Hosu asked.

Yoo Seong-tae briefly stroked his makgeolli cup with his finger before replying, “At least making makgeolli won’t lead to failure.”

His wife responded, “Are you truly decided?”

“As Lee Kang-jin said, a restaurant doesn’t fail if it serves delicious food. Similarly, one can’t go wrong by producing tasty makgeolli.”

“But…working alongside your father, is that okay for you?”

Concerned, she looked at her husband, who smiled reassuringly.

“My father was even willing to sell the brewery he spent his whole life building for our sake… I should endure any criticism from him. Besides, it’s not because he dislikes me.”

“That’s…true. Then, are you really going tomorrow?”

“I’ll leave once I’ve made up my mind.”

“Shouldn’t you tell Mr. Wo first?”

Yoo Seong-tae’s expression hardened slightly at his wife mentioning Wo Changsub, who had proposed the real estate business deal to him. It seemed uncomfortable for him to back out midway, but he soon nodded.

“Yes, I should.” Yoo Seong-tae then turned to look at Yoo Hosu. “While I’m away, don’t cause any trouble and take care of your mom. Call me if anything comes up.”

“Are you sure you’ll be okay alone?”

“It’s not about being okay or not when it involves taking care of Grandpa while working. And remember, I am the head of this family.” With a smile, Yoo Seong-tae handed a cup of makgeolli to Yoo Hosu.

Kang Jin observed this exchange and glanced at her grandmother. She was beaming proudly at Yoo Seong-tae.

Was my grandfather more concerned about giving up his own life rather than living with his son?

Contrary to Yoo Seong-tae’s initial worries that they would constantly argue if he moved in with his father, his grandfather was pleased when informed of Yoo Seong-tae’s decision to relocate and help him with his work in the countryside.

I suppose both their children and spouse hold equal importance.

As Kang Jin pondered this, Yoo Seong-tae spoke up.

“I enjoyed the meal very much.”

“You’re leaving now?”

“Yes, since I’m heading to the countryside tomorrow, I should stop here for today.”

Yoo Seong-tae stood up and took out his wallet.

“How much do I owe you?”

“Thirty thousand won should be fine.”

“But isn’t that too little for such a hearty meal?”

“The makgeolli is from my own supply. If I charge you for it, people might think I’m being unreasonable.”

“Still…”

“Don’t worry; although tight, there’s still some profit left.”

Yoo Seong-tae smiled and nodded at Kang Jin’s words.

“It was delicious.” Yoo Seong-tae handed over the money as Kang Jin accepted it.

“Please visit us again soon.”

“With such affordable prices and great taste, we’ll definitely be back.” Smiling, Yoo Seong-tae led his family out of the restaurant but then turned to Kang Jin.

“Do you know any good designated driver services?”

“Dial 1588…” As Kang Jin provided the number, Yoo Seong-tae immediately called them while saying:

“We’ll see you next time.”

Kang Jin waved goodbye with a smile as he watched Yoo Seong-tae depart.

“Young lady, care for a drink!”

“Sure.”

“Wanna have a drink…”

Choi Hocheol frowned and stood up as he watched the young ghost offering alcohol to female ghosts.

“If you’re here to eat, please do so quietly.” The former violent crimes detective spoke sternly, causing the young ghost to slowly turn towards him.

“Just…um, having a drink together…”

Kang Jin smiled at this scene and addressed the young ghost, “This isn’t a place for flirting.”

“Hmph! Just some lonely ghosts…”

“If you want to flirt, there are designated pick-up joints elsewhere.”

The ghost pursed his lips upon hearing Kang Jin’s words. In the Underworld Restaurant, it was possible to dine while engaging with the living world, but such opportunities were rare elsewhere.

Only at this establishment could ghosts interact freely; it was unheard of in other restaurants or bars.

“I’m sorry.” The ghost sheepishly bowed to the female ghosts and returned to his seat.

Kang Jin observed him before addressing the ladies, “His approach may not be ideal…but he just wants to get closer to you. Don’t take offense.”

The female ghosts glanced at the male ghost who had invited them for drinks. He was now engaged in conversation with others while enjoying his soju. Naturally, their discussions were chaotic, as each ghost simply spoke whatever they wished without much coherence.

“So, where did you go today?” Choi Hocheol asked Kang Jin, seemingly trying to change the subject.

“I went on a cruise.”

“Sounds nice.”

“Just enjoyed the river breeze.”

Kang Jin laughed at Choi Hocheol’s comment.

“In all my time living in Seoul, I’ve never been on a cruise ship.”

“You haven’t tried it?”

“I’ve been on fishing boats, but that’s different from a cruise ship.”

“Fishing boat too?”

“There isn’t much I haven’t experienced.” Smiling, Kang Jin checked the time. It was already 12:40 PM, nearing closing hours.

‘Manbok hyung would love this.’

Muttering to herself, Kang Jin looked towards the counter. There lay the robot toy for Manbok and another toy for the ghost girl. As promised, she planned to visit Manbok today. Using the JS Finance gate made the trip convenient despite the distance.

Ding!

At the sound of the bell, Kang Jin looked towards the door. A man in his early thirties entered the shop, wearing a neat suit and giving off a clean impression. His face was slightly flushed, as if he had been drinking lightly. He scanned the interior before finding an empty seat at one side and sitting down.

Kang Jin approached him from behind the counter.

“I haven’t seen you here before.”

“It’s my first time.”

“What can I get for you?”

“I heard this place makes food to order even outside the menu.”

“That’s correct.”

“Can you make me spicy ramen with added chili peppers, kimchi broth, and a runny egg like a sunny-side-up?”

“Certainly.”

“Yes, please.”

Nodding at the man’s request, Kang Jin headed back into the kitchen.

I need to cook quickly due to lack of time.

Even though ramen was simple to prepare, boiling it within twenty minutes would be tight. They had to finish eating by 1 pm.

As Kang Jin started heating water, Sung Yongsoo cautiously approached him.

“He is amazing.”

“Who?”

“That man over there. How did he enter this place?”

Kang Jin looked at Bae Yongsoo, puzzled by his words. In response, Yongsoo gestured towards the newly arrived customer with his chin.

“The guy right there.”

Surprised, Kang Jin glanced back at the man.

How could someone come here during these hours?

This was the time for ghosts. Normally, humans couldn’t even see the entrance or interior of the shop… Yet, that man not only entered but also placed an order.