Chapter 164

Wo Jiaming’s words were correct. By avoiding unnecessary expenditures, they could allocate funds to support firefighters as national employees when the time came. However, determining which ventures were unnecessary was problematic, as what one person deemed essential, another might consider pointless—such is the nature of government projects.

Lee Yoo-bi thoughtfully stroked her chin.

‘Depending on what we uncover, it could potentially be used to pressure the ruling party.’

Noticing Lee Yoo-bi’s contemplation, Wo Jiaming quietly added:

“And…”

“What else?” With a hint of fear in her expression, Lee Yoo-bi raised her soju glass, and Wo Jiaming clinked his against hers before taking a sip.

“There’s this group called the Forest Service Special Wildfire Brigade.”

“Special Wildfire Brigade? That sounds impressive.”

Seeing Lee Yoo-bi’s unfamiliarity with them, Wo Jiaming explained further.

“They’re part of the Forest Service and specialize in early firefighting efforts on mountains, cleaning up hotspots… But their contracts only last three months.”

“Three-month contracts?”

“They work from April to June, and that’s it.”

“But isn’t that…not even a short-term temp job for just three months…?”

“It’s like temporary employment during peak wildfire season. However, since they have short-term contracts, there should be proper equipment and training provided.”

Lee Yoo-bi nodded at Wo Jiaming’s explanation.

“How absurd! Initial response is crucial when dealing with wildfires.”

Wo Jiaming responded to Lee Yoo-bi’s incredulous gaze, “I learned about this firsthand when dealing with forest fires recently. These individuals endure so much hardship yet receive inadequate recognition for their efforts.”

“Hmm… So you’re advocating for them to become full-time employees?”

Lee Yoo-bi demonstrated understanding, prompting Wo Jiaming to nod in agreement.

“It’s not about making everyone a full-time employee regardless of their capabilities. I propose creating a specialized team ready to respond swiftly whenever a forest fire occurs.”

“Hm…” Lee Yoo-bi pondered Wo Jiaming’s suggestion momentarily.

“Let’s come up with a party stance that avoids comments like ‘won’t they just relax and enjoy fresh air when there’s no fire?’”

Lee Yoo-bi sighed at Wo Jiaming’s suggestion. Her party had previously opposed legislation to increase firefighters seven years ago, citing concerns about their idleness during non-emergency times.

“I’m feeling quite uneasy today.”

“We need firefighters even if fires occur only once every ten years, just as we require an army despite wars happening once every hundred years. It’s all about being prepared for any eventuality.”

Wo Jiaming’s words resonated, prompting Lee Yoo-bi to nod.

“Just as we need police even without thieves, and doctors even when we’re healthy.” She murmured softly before looking at Wo Jiaming. “Understood.”

Lee Yoo-bi murmured softly and looked at Wo Jiaming.

“I understand now.”

“Thank you.”

Wo Jiaming’s words brought a smile to Lee Yoo-bi’s face.

“Consider it payment for recommending this place.”

Her comment made Wo Jiaming glance at his kimchi stew.

“Tasty, isn’t it?”

“It’s been a while since I’ve had such good kimchi stew.”

“Doesn’t it remind you of when we used to cook it over a pot back in our countryside days?”

“Well, considering our age difference, comparing it to your childhood might not be fair.”

“Why say that when we’re both getting older?” Wo Jiaming chuckled before turning around after taking another spoonful of the stew.

“Sir.”

Kang Jin emerged from the kitchen upon hearing Wo Jiaming’s call.

“Yes, sir.”

“We’d like to switch sides with spicy fish stew.”

“Understood.”

As Kang Jin headed back to the kitchen, Wo Jiaming complimented her cooking.

“The food is truly delicious.”

“Thank you.”

“No, seriously, it’s amazing.”

“I should treat you with something extra then.”

“Hahaha! Did I reveal too much?”

Kang Jin laughed at his words while adding broth and heating up the spicy fish stew. She glanced around the dining area and nodded.

We have soup dishes and meat from kimchi stew, so…

She took out a bag of dandelion roots from the refrigerator. Of course, these were not thirty-year-old roots but smaller ones. Despite their size, they still aged five or six years old. After retrieving them, she quickly peeled, washed, and placed them on the cutting board, pounding them flat with the blade side of the knife.

Tap-tap-tap! Tap-tap-tap!

Kang Jin pounded the dandelion roots with the flat side of his knife to break their fibers before placing them on a hot stone slab for roasting.

Tak-tak-tak! Tak-tak!

As Kang Jin moved the dandelion roots around gently over low heat to prevent burning, he suddenly felt Bae Yongsoo’s absence keenly. He wished Yongsoo could roast the dandelions while he prepared the condiments.

He raised an eyebrow at this thought.

Wait… With a ghost present, no new customers would enter.

Even one ghost was enough to deter first-time visitors from entering the restaurant.

Regulars still came despite Yongsoo being here… But we wouldn’t get any new patrons then.

With these thoughts, Kang Jin glanced discreetly at the guests in the dining area.

Should I give it a try?

It was late evening, and these were likely his last customers for the day. Kang Jin called Sung Yongsoo over.

Fwsssh!

Sung Yongsoo appeared next to Kang Jin.

“What do you need?” asked Bae Yongsoo.

Kang Jin glanced at the hall in response. Despite Sung Yongsoo’s presence, the guests continued drinking and chatting as before.

Does it not affect those already present?

Kang Jin shook his head, dismissing that thought. No, it couldn’t be true. When his team had their end-of-year party here previously, everyone felt uneasy and wanted to leave by 11 pm due to the chill caused by ghosts gathering outside.

‘Maybe one ghost doesn’t bother them? Or is it because they’re heavily intoxicated?’

As Kang Jin pondered this, he looked back at Sung Yongsoo.

“I’m going to grill some dandelion roots. Make me some condiments quickly and make sure no one sees you.”

“Got it.” Bae Yongsoo took out disposable gloves from above the sink, put them on, and started mixing the condiments.

“All done.”

In a flash, Bae Yongsoo finished making the condiments. Kang Jin accepted them and began brushing the mixture onto the dandelion roots with a brush.

Sizzle! Fzzt!

The spicy aroma spread as the condiments sizzled upon contact with the hot surface.

“It smells delicious,” murmured Kang Jin.

Bae Yongsoo nodded at Kang Jin’s comment and suggested, “Let’s eat this together later.”

“Sounds good.”

As Kang Jin continued grilling the dandelion roots, he kept an eye on the spicy fish stew.

Sizzle! Fzzt!

While Kang Jin was busy cooking, Bae Yongsoo glanced towards the hall and muttered, “There’s a congressman.”

“A congressman?”

“It’s Congressman Wo Jiaming and Congresswoman Lee Yoo-bi,” Bae Yongsoo said.

Kang Jin glanced at the dining area upon hearing this. “Do you know them?”

“Yunam Restaurant is considered the best traditional Korean restaurant in South Korea. Politicians and businesspeople only become celebrities once they dine here.” Bae Yongsoo then turned to observe the hall again. “Mrs. Suk-su knows Congressman Wo quite well.”

Following his gaze, Kang Jin asked, “He’s close with Mrs. Suk-su?”

“Yes, they’re acquaintances.”

With that, Kang Jin refocused on roasting the dandelion roots, though he felt reassured knowing the congressman was acquainted with Mrs. Suk-su. Nonetheless, for now, he remained just another customer.

Kang Jin finished roasting dandelion roots and placed them on a plate before exiting with kitchen scissors in hand.

“It’s complimentary.”

Wo Jiaming smiled at Kang Jin’s words.

“I was wondering what that delicious aroma was… Is it roasted dandelion root?”

“Yes, you might find it slightly bitter.”

“Both dandelion and dokguri roots should have their unique bitterness.” With those words, Wo Jiaming took a bite of the roasted dandelion root.

Crisp! Crisp!

The texture and taste brought a smile to Wo Jiaming’s face.

“This is wild dandelion root.”

“You recognize it.”

“Just from the flavor. I used to forage and eat wild dandelion root when I was young. By the way, you’re enjoying all the complimentary wild dandelion root,” Kang Jin observed as Wo Jiaming continued smilingly picking up more dandelions.

“Should I cut it for you?”

“No need. It’s best enjoyed whole.” Wo Jiaming popped the entire dandelion root into his mouth and started chewing vigorously. A contented smile spread across his face as he munched away.

“This…I feel healthier just by tasting it.”

He then turned to Lee Yoo-bi.

“You should try some too.”

“But isn’t it bitter?”

“It’s meant to be savored with its bitterness.”

Lee Yoo-bi pursed her lips, eyeing the grilled dandelion root skeptically at Wo Jiaming’s words.

“It’s good for your health,” Wo Jiaming encouraged.

Upon hearing this, Lee Yoo-bi finally picked up a piece of grilled dandelion root, put it in her mouth, and began chewing.

Crisp! Crisp!

Despite being cooked, the remaining crunchiness caused Lee Yoo-bi’s expression to slightly grimace while munching on the dandelion root.

Kang Jin turned away from Wo Jiaming’s amused gaze and went to check on the spicy fish stew simmering in the kitchen. As he did, two people entered the restaurant through the open door.

Ding-a-ling, ding-a-ling!

One was Han Myung-hyun, legislative assistant to Wo Jiaming, and the other was Do Yong-min, Lee Yoo-bi’s legislative assistant. Kang Jin peeked over his shoulder at the sound of the bell, glancing past Do Yong-min.

Following behind him was a single ghost: an elderly woman wearing traditional hanbok attire. Seeing her lifted Kang Jin’s spirits slightly.

“A guardian spirit perhaps?”

Bae Yongsoo glanced briefly at the ghost before replying, “More like a vengeful spirit?”

Surprised, Kang Jin looked back at Bae Yongsoo.

“What? A vengeful spirit?”

“She is just a bad ghost.” Sung Yongsoo started to explain further but stopped, smacking his lips. “First, let’s focus on the spicy fish stew!”

At Bae Yongsoo’s words, Kang Jin looked towards the stew.

Boil! Boil!

The spicy fish stew was boiling nicely. Kang Jin used tongs to lift it out of the pot and brought it forward alone.

“Here’s your spicy fish stew.”

Wo Jiaming glanced at him with an apologetic look.

“I ordered this food, but something urgent has come up, and I need to leave.”

“Why don’t you have some before going?” suggested Kang Jin.

Wo Jiaming hesitated, looking at the stew, then picked up a spoon only to firmly put it back down again.

“If I eat this, I’ll have to drink more soju, and that won’t do. Let’s save it for next time.”

Wo Jiaming then asked,

“I feel bad ordering food but having to leave early. How much is it?”

In response, Kang Jin glanced at their table. Five bottles of soju, kimchi stew, spicy fish stew…

“It comes to forty thousand won.”

“You only need to pay ten thousand won,” said Wo Jiaming.

Lee Yoo-bi sighed at his words.

“I really appreciate your consideration.”

“Then let me pay three times as much.” Smiling, Wo Jiaming took out thirty thousand won, prompting Lee Yoo-bi to add another ten thousand.

Together, they handed over forty thousand won to Kang Jin.

“Thank you. Please come again.”

“Sure thing.”

“I’ll be back.”

“Ah! Our restaurant caters to our customers’ preferences. If there’s anything you’d like to try… please make a reservation.” Kang Jin handed Wo Jiaming his business card, who nodded and accepted it.

“I will do that.”

After exchanging goodbyes, Kang Jin glanced at the elderly ghost. She ignored him completely, her gaze fixed intently on the man she had entered with.

“If only…you weren’t here… You ruined my child. If only you…” The ghost spoke in a soft, chilling voice, causing Kang Jin’s eyes to narrow uneasily.