Chapter 168

Under curious gazes from customers, Kang Jin placed side dishes on Hwang Minsung’s table and made salmon sushi rolls. Hwang Minsung watched Kang Jin work with amusement.

“You’re good at making sushi.”

“Really?”

“There’s this famous sushi restaurant near my apartment building, and you remind me of their master chef.”

“A sushi place in your apartment complex?”

“They also have Chinese food places and others around there.” Hwang Minsung glanced at Kang Jin.

“I’ll take you sometime. Their omakase is delicious.”

“Omakase? What’s that?”

“It means ‘leave it to the head chef’.”

“The head chef decides what to make?”

“Yes, based on the ingredients available that day, the head chef chooses the menu items.” Hwang Minsung chuckled.

“In some ways, it fits your restaurant perfectly.”

“Omakase?”

“Yes, when you serve dishes made with the best ingredients available that day, it’s called omakase. If you don’t like using Japanese terms, you can call it ‘chef’s recommendation’ instead.”

“‘Chef’s recommendation’… That sounds good. I won’t need to prepare multiple dishes then, just one menu item for the day.”

Plus, he could pre-prepare the ingredients beforehand.

“That’s right. Plus, since many office workers frequent this area, offering only one choice might help them avoid decision fatigue.” Hwang Minsung popped a salmon sushi roll into his mouth and smiled. “Delicious!”

“Thank you.”

“The rice grains burst in my mouth.”

Hearing this compliment, Kang Jin grabbed two more pieces of salmon sushi and returned from the kitchen with fresh sashimi.

“It’s aged raw fish dish. First, try it without any seasoning; then with soy sauce; and finally, wrap it in this seaweed and kimchi.”

Hwang Minsung picked up a piece of sushi as per Kang Jin’s instructions.

“Looks well-made. Let me see…” Hwang Minsung separated two pieces of sushi that were stuck together, causing them to snap apart audibly. He smacked his lips at the sound before popping one piece into his mouth. A smile slowly spread across his face as he savored the flavors while chewing.

“Tastes great.”

“Is it similar to Japanese sashimi?”

“Well… Yongsoo’s version has a unique texture that I enjoy.”

“Thank you. Would you like a bottle of soju to go with your meal?”

“I’d love to, but I have a meeting later, so I should limit my alcohol intake.”

Hwang Minsung looked wistfully at the sashimi and replied to Kang Jin:

“If you don’t mind, I can have some more later.”

“No problem.”

With that answer, Kang Jin retreated into the kitchen. Although they were close friends, she preferred giving them space while eating.

Inside the kitchen, Kang Jin eyed the remaining fish.

This should be enough for six people.

After checking the quantity, she glanced at the time. It was almost 1 p.m., so it seemed unlikely any more customers would arrive.

As she started cleaning up, she heard a voice from the dining area.

“Sir, we’re ready to settle the bill.”

Kang Jin put down her egg omelet and headed out when called upon. Lim Ho-jin’s group had finished their meal and stood to leave.

“Heo Yeonwook, Heo Yeonwook, Heo Yeonwook.”

Fwsh!

Kang Jin noticed Heo Yeonwook standing nearby and approached Lim Ho-jin with a nod to her colleague.

“Did you enjoy your meal?”

“It was delicious.”

Lim Ho-jin spoke formally due to other customers being present, despite their casual conversation earlier when they were alone.

This is why I like working with Manager Lim.

Comfort shouldn’t be mistaken for disrespect.

As Kang Jin smiled, Lim Ho-jin quietly asked, “Isn’t that Hwang Minsung over there?”

Following Lim Ho-jin’s gaze, Kang Jin spotted Hwang Minsung. If someone like Lim Ho-jin connected with Hwang Minsung, it could prove beneficial in various ways. Even if not directly, Minsung’s extensive network of influential people across different industries could still aid him, much like during the incident involving Wang Gangshin.

With this thought, Kang Jin grinned at Lim Ho-jin. “Seems he’s currently dining.”

Lim Ho-jin pursed his lips, glanced at Hwang Minsung, and nodded understanding Kang Jin’s unspoken request not to disturb their meal.

Kang Jin smiled and proceeded to settle the bill.

“It’s 20,000 won per person, so 80,000 won total with two bottles of soju for 88,000 won.”

“Can we just pay for the salmon sashimi since we ate quite a bit?” asked Gaeng-mi.

Kang Jin chuckled. “It’s on the house as a gesture of goodwill.”

With that, Lim Ho-jin grinned and handed over his card. After processing the payment, Kang Jin returned the card and turned to Jang Seongtae.

“You only had two shots of soju, correct?”

“Yes, indeed.”

“In that case, may I briefly take your pulse?” Kang Jin requested with a smile.

Jang Seongtae willingly extended his wrist. As Kang Jin gently held it, he glanced at Heo Yeonwook, who placed his hand on theirs to check their pulse momentarily.

“I’m feeling much better now.”

As Kang Jin listened attentively, Heo Yeonwook advised Jang Seongtae, “Please continue taking your medication as prescribed by the hospital. Drinking black bean and cabbage juice for breakfast or lunch is also beneficial for you.”

Following Heo Yeonwook’s suggestion, Gaeng-mi took out her phone to jot down his words.

“Black beans and cabbage juice?”

“There are many foods good for thyroid health, but I recommended these two because they’re convenient for busy working adults when consumed as juices. Nowadays, both can be easily found in juice form, making them simple to incorporate into your diet.” He then explained their benefits: “Cabbage aids the thyroid while strengthening the stomach and intestines, helping prevent stress. Black beans fortify the thyroid, so consuming them regularly is advisable. Both foods are beneficial for all ages, not just patients, so it’s great if the whole family enjoys them together.”

Kang Jin repeated Heo Yeonwook’s advice but tailored it for Jang Seongtae’s family instead of patients.

As Gaeng-mi nodded at Kang Jin’s words, Yoo Misun spoke up:

“Please check on my husband as well.”

“Certainly.”

When Kang Jin took Lim Ho-jin’s wrist, Heo Yeonwook placed his hand over theirs.

“The inflammation in your chest has significantly reduced compared to before. You’ve managed your stress well.”

“I followed the president’s advice and often take half-body baths while drinking jujube and licorice tea regularly.”

Previously, during their visit to the shop, Kang Jin had performed pulse diagnosis and provided recommendations. It seemed they diligently followed his advice.

“Well done.”

“So, is everything okay now?”

“You’re much better than before.”

After Kang Jin released Lim Ho-jin’s hand, Yoo Misun asked:

“Should our family also consume cabbage juice and black beans with every meal?”

In response to Yoo Misun’s question, Heo Yeonwook shook his head.

“Yoo Misun-ssi, your body has a warm constitution, so cabbage and black-colored foods don’t suit you.”

“Really?”

“As previously discussed, Licorice root and jujubes are suitable for you, so please continue consuming them while avoiding cabbage and black-colored foods. Most black-colored foods tend to have cooling properties.”

“Oh… I see.” Yoo Misun nodded before asking, “Then is it okay for my husband to eat those?”

“It’s fine for him, but since he already consumes Licorice root and jujube tea, there’s no need for additional such foods. Consuming various items just because they’re considered healthy can actually be detrimental.”

“So should we avoid all black-colored foods?”

Yoo Misun’s words made Heo Yeonwook chuckle. “Unless it’s poisonous, there’s no need to avoid certain foods. You can enjoy cabbage or black-colored dishes without any issues.”

“I can eat them?”

“It simply means they might not agree with your body; it doesn’t imply they’re toxic. And if you pick and choose too much, what would be left for you to eat? Even if something isn’t ideal health-wise but tastes delicious, it still has its benefits.”

Kang Jin echoed Heo Yeonwook’s sentiment. “She meant there’s no need to specifically seek out those items, so don’t overthink it.”

“Understood.” Yoo Misun nodded, and Kang Jin smiled before bowing politely to Lim Ho-jin.

“Thank you for bringing these.”

“Enjoy your meal.”

With that, Lim Ho-jin’s group left as Kang Jin smiled and opened the door for them.

After their departure, other patrons finished their meals one by one and exited the restaurant. As Kang Jin cleared the vacated tables, the door opened again.

Ding-a-ling! Ding-a-ling!

Looking up, he saw Wo Jiaming entering with Lee Yoo-bi.

“Still open?” Han Myung-hyun followed behind them, posing the question to Kang Jin.

Kang Jin nodded. “Of course. Please have a seat.”

Wo Jiaming and Lee Yoo-bi took their places at a table while Kang Jin observed two more individuals who had entered with them.

“Why don’t you join us?”

“No, thank you. We’ll dine separately.”

Had it been just him and Wo Jiaming, Han Myung-hyun would’ve joined them for dinner. However, since another representative was present, they preferred to sit separately.

Han Myung-hyun’s suggestion was met with a shake of Wo Jiaming’s head.

“Let’s all eat together. Is that okay?”

When Wo Jiaming turned to Lee Yoo-bi for her opinion, she nodded in agreement.

“You both stayed up late last night due to us, so let’s have a proper meal together. Besides, why should we exclude ourselves?”

Seeing Lee Yoo-bi’s acceptance, Han Myung-hyun didn’t press further. The constant back-and-forth politeness had tired everyone involved.

As Kang Jin observed this exchange, his gaze shifted behind Do Yongmin. There stood the vengeful elderly ghost, glaring at him as if ready to kill him on the spot. Kang Jin then turned towards Wo Jiaming.

“It seems like you were up all night.”

“Something urgent came up.”

“You drank quite heavily yesterday… You must be tired.”

“I went to a sauna midway through and sweated it out, so I’m feeling okay now. I thought I’d grab something to eat before heading home.”

Kang Jin responded to Wo Jiaming’s statement, “What would you like for your meal?”

“The kimchi stew, please.”

As Kang Jin smiled at Wo Jiaming ordering kimchi stew for the third consecutive day, Heo Yeonwook interjected:

“With your age and being exhausted from staying up late, spicy food isn’t good for your stomach.”

Kang Jin glanced at Heo Yeonwook and nodded in agreement.

That makes sense.

As digestion slows with age and Wo Jiaming appeared tired, kimchi stew might be too heavy for him. Kang Jin gently suggested to Wo Jiaming:

“Kimchi stew may be too stimulating when you’re feeling fatigued.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm… I really wanted some kimchi stew though…”

Kang Jin responded, “If it’s okay with you, would you like me to serve a selection of recommended dishes instead?”

“Recommended dishes?”

“I’ll make sure they’re delicious.”

“Please go ahead.”

With those words from Wo Jiaming, Kang Jin bowed and turned away.

Once back in the kitchen, she acknowledged Heo Yeonwook’s presence.

“Thank you for your help.”

“No problem. And…I do get paid, right?” replied Heo Yeonwook.

Kang Jin smiled at his comment.

There’s no such thing as a free lunch - this truth holds.

Although Heo Yeonwook willingly performed pulse diagnoses and acupuncture, he did these tasks upon Kang Jin’s request, making them part of his assigned work.

Kang Jin shook his head and opened the refrigerator, taking out a cabbage. He had previously recommended napa cabbage to Jang Seongtae due to its soothing properties for the stomach.

‘I suggest lightly steamed cabbage rolls with soybean paste soup.’

Wo Jiaming desired spicy kimchi stew, which could be considered quite opposite in nature. However, cabbage rolls and soybean paste soup aid digestion and soothe the stomach, ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep after consuming them.

Kang Jin briefly blanched the cabbage leaves before filling each one with crumbled tofu and a small amount of rice. He then rolled them like cabbage dumplings and neatly sliced them for easier consumption. As he did so, he glanced towards the hall, noticing the elderly ghost behind Do Yongmin. After a moment, he spoke:

“They say not to disturb even dogs while eating… Choi Hocheol, Choi Hocheol, Choi Hocheol.”