Chapter 173

Kang Jin looked at the grandmother after hearing Choi Hocheol’s words. The grandmother was smiling warmly as she watched Junghoon.

“I’m sorry, my son.”

As her hand gently stroked his hair, Junghoon suddenly turned towards Haein’s location.

“My son…”

The grandmother called out to him, but he couldn’t see or hear her. However…he felt a longing emotion, which prompted him to look towards Haein. The grandmother gazed upon him with pitying eyes.

If only I could stroke your hair more while alive…

Seeing this, Kang Jin glanced back at Choi Hocheol.

Seeing this scene, Kang Jin turned to Choi Hocheol.

“Is it okay for him to touch her like that?”

“It’s harmful when ghosts touch humans, but guardian spirits can do so.”

While they were talking, something hit Kang Jin on the head and fell down.

Swoosh! Swoosh!

Thud!

Kang Jin saw two pieces of paper resting by the sink.

‘Could it be? But I haven’t even Ascended yet?’

He picked up the papers.

Payer: JS Finance

15,000,000 won (Fifteen million five hundred thousand won)

Pay the bearer the amount specified on this check.

Issuer: Dohyunsub

‘Sixteen million won?’

With wide eyes, Kang Jin looked at the other piece of paper.

‘Thank you very much.’

Please serve good food if my wife comes to dine.

-Dohyunsub

‘Dohyunsub is her husband.’

Kang Jin was slightly surprised. He didn’t know who Dohyunsub was, but with him giving away 15 million won, he must be a VIP in the JS Finance sector.

Muttering to himself, Kang Jin put the check and note into his pocket before looking at the hall. The family was laughing while eating stir-fried octopus. However, only the uncle was consuming a large amount, while the aunt and Doyoung were having just a little bit.

Watching this, Kang Jin discreetly picked up a piece of leftover octopus from the frying pan and popped it into his mouth. Sensing its sweetness, he smacked his lips appreciatively.

“Tasty?”

Kang Jin shook his head at Choi Hocheol’s remark.

“It’s not tasteless, but it’s too sweet for my liking.”

“Looks like he enjoys it though.”

“People have different tastes, you know. And one’s palate often follows their mother’s culinary style.” Kang Jin paused to savor the flavor of the stir-fried octopus before pulling out a plastic container. As he started transferring the remaining octopus into it, Choi Hocheol asked curiously:

“You’re taking leftovers?”

“It may not suit me, but it fits his taste. I’m just giving it to someone who appreciates it. Besides, wasting food feels wrong.”

As Kang Jin filled the plastic container with octopus, Doyoung approached him and said,

“I really enjoyed the meal.”

Following Doyoung’s words, Kang Jin carried the plastic container and stepped away alone.

“Did you enjoy your meal?”

“It was absolutely delicious.”

As Kang Jin observed the smiling Doyoung, she noticed the elderly ghost grandmother standing nearby. The ghost had moved next to Junghoon, gently stroking his head. Kang Jin addressed her:

“I packed some leftover food for you.”

“Thank you very much.”

“And if it’s okay with you, I’d like to pack more of the remaining dishes… Oh! If it makes you uncomfortable, please feel free to decline. It’s just that you seem to be enjoying them so much.”

“We would greatly appreciate it. Our father really loves this place’s food.”

“Understood.”

In response to Doyoung’s request, Kang Jin fetched another plastic container, filled it with grilled pork belly and bean sprouts, along with additional stir-fried octopus.

“Just place it in the refrigerator and reheat when you’re ready to eat.”

“Thank you. And could I get the bill please?”

Doyoung glanced at Kang Jin’s table, who then charged him 70,000 won.

“We’ll be back soon. Oh! Here’s my business card.”

Kang Jin accepted the card from Doyoung:

Congressman Lee Yoo-bi Administrative Assistant: Doyoung Moon

Seeing that Kang Jin took his card, Doyoung bowed respectfully.

“Well then…”

As Doyoung turned to leave, Kang Jin saved the phone number on the card. Given today’s atmosphere, he would likely become a regular customer. After saving the number, she placed the card in a counter drawer and opened the store door.

A large group of ghosts had gathered outside her shop by now. They must have appeared after Doyoung’s family left.

“Please place your orders.”

As each ghost ordered their desired dishes, Kang Jin went inside and opened the back door for Bae Yongsoo and the ghosts.

“Spicy oxtail soup with bean paste, grilled pork belly, kimchi stew…”

As Kang Jin listed off the orders, Bae Yongsoo entered the kitchen to start preparing them while Kang Jin cleared away Doyoung’s family’s dishes.

On Monday morning, Kang Jin woke up. He took a shower and changed clothes as usual but suddenly paused, then chuckled.

“My internship is over.”

He had woken up and prepared for work like any other day, forgetting that his internship had ended. Realizing how ingrained habits can be, Kang Jin plopped down on the sofa.

After sitting there for a moment, he turned on the TV.

“Today’s weather forecast…”

“She’s actually my sister.”

“Hello, children! I’m a whale! A transparent whale!”

Kang Jin switched off the TV after flipping through various channels and got up from the couch. He was never idle unless he was asleep. Even when not working part-time jobs, he spent his free time studying. Sitting around watching television aimlessly felt uncomfortable to him.

He descended to the first floor where Bae Yongsoo, some imp-like spirits, Choi Hocheol, and female ghosts were gathered together watching TV. Normally, only Sung Yongsoo and one of the imps would be present at this hour, so Kang Jin curiously asked:

“Hyung, you’re here early today?”

Choi Hocheol usually wasn’t back until later in the evening, but for some reason, he had returned early.

Choi Hocheol glanced away from the TV screen as he responded, “The kids wanted to watch something.”

“For the TV?”

“I couldn’t change channels before, but now I can watch whatever I want.”

Choi Hocheol looked at one of the female ghosts holding a remote control with vinyl gloves on her hands.

Kang Jin understood the situation immediately. Previously, they had no choice but to stick with whatever channel was already playing, but now they could switch freely using the remote.

“So you came here just for the TV?”

“That’s right.”

As Choi Hocheol spoke, one of the ghosts subtly caught his eye. He then glanced at Kang Jin.

“Change the TV subscription plan.”

“The subscription plan?”

“We only get basic cable. Please add reruns and movies.”

As Choi Hocheol spoke, Kang Jin glanced at the female ghosts, and they quickly turned their heads away. Kang Jin nodded while observing these ghosts. It seemed that Choi Hocheol wanted to change the TV package not for himself but for the female ghosts.

“Well, we should indeed switch the plan. We need internet too.”

“There’s no internet here?”

“Nope, there isn’t any.”

Since only Grandma used to live here, One Meal Restaurant didn’t have internet access or computers. Until now, he had relied on brief searches using his phone, but since this place would be his official workplace, it needed some basic amenities.

Moreover, it would be good to have computers and internet access for the ghosts’ convenience as well. It wouldn’t be difficult to provide this luxury, especially considering how hard their lives had been until now.

“By the way, why did you come out so early?” Sung Yongsoo asked Kang Jin.

Kang Jin pursed his lips before replying, “The habit of waking up early is ingrained.”

“Why don’t you sleep in?”

“It’s just too habitual.” With that, Kang Jin took a seat at the table.

“Feed me,” he demanded.

“What do you want to eat?” Sung Yongsoo queried.

Kang Jin leaned forward, resting his head on the tabletop, and replied, “Can’t you tell by looking at me?”

“You’re joking, right?”

“Just figure it out yourself. Deciding what to eat is such a hassle.”

Bae Yongsoo looked at Kang Jin, shook his head, and headed to the kitchen.

“I’ll make kimchi stew with fried eggs.”

“You’re the best.” Kang Jin’s words prompted Bae Yongsoo to give him a thumbs-up before starting to boil kimchi stew.

After finishing his breakfast of spicy kimchi stew and fried eggs prepared by Bae Yongsoo, Kang Jin sat quietly for a moment before pulling out his phone.

It was only 8 AM. After a brief pause, Kang Jin rose from his seat.

“I’m heading out.”

“Where are you going?”

“I want to explore the neighborhood.”

“The neighborhood?”

“I’ve lived here for several months but still don’t know what’s behind our house.”

“Let me come with you. I’m more familiar with this area than you.”

“Suit yourself.”

Kang Jin stepped out of the store, locked the door, and looked down the street. People were bustling along, rushing off to work.

Kang Jin watched him for a moment before turning around. Instead of taking his usual route to work, he decided to walk the opposite way. As Kang Jin walked, he realized how much he had been confined within a small area like a hamster on a wheel. Despite merely changing direction, everything looked completely different now.

Since he didn’t have any specific destination in mind, Kang Jin simply let his feet guide him wherever they wanted.

“President Kang, where are you going?”

As Kang Jin continued walking, ghosts approached and greeted him.

“Just out for a stroll.”

“You seem quite relaxed after quitting your job.”

“It’s not just leisure; I’m analyzing local businesses.” Kang Jin smiled at the ghost who spoke with him. The ghost appeared to be in their early forties.

“By the way, what brings you here?”

“Soaking up some sun.”

“Do ghosts need sunlight too?”

“Why should ghosts only stay in gloomy places?”

Kang Jin smiled at the ghost and bid farewell when he heard someone calling his name.

“Hey, Kang Jin!”

Looking ahead, Kang Jin spotted Hwang Minsung leaning out of a car window.

“Hyung.”

Hwang Minsung got out from the back seat after hearing Kang Jin’s response.

“It’s good to see you here on this street.”

“You’re heading to work?”

“Yes, I am. And you?”

“Just taking a morning walk while checking out the area.”

“Oh really? If you want to take a stroll, there’s a park over there instead of walking along the road.”

“A park?”

“Yeah, it’s quite nice. It should take about ten minutes to get there by foot.”

“That sounds great.”

“Definitely.” As Hwang Minsung spoke with a smile, a middle-aged man approached him from behind.

“Sir.”

The cheerful expression instantly vanished from Hwang Minsung’s face upon hearing the middle-aged man’s voice. He turned towards him.

“I am aware.” Hwang Minsung’s response prompted the man to give a slight bow and move back towards the car.

“You seem busy, hyung. You should head off now,” Kang Jin suggested.

Hwang Minsung nodded at his advice. “Other company presidents appear so relaxed… I wonder why I’m always this busy.”

“It’s better to be busy than idle.”

“That’s true. Anyway, let’s go to the park. It’s fortunate that such a green space exists amidst bustling Seoul.”

Smiling, Hwang Minsung approached the car as the middle-aged man opened the rear door for him. Once inside, the man closed the door, gave a small nod to Kang Jin, and got into the front passenger seat.

Kang Jin couldn’t help but whistle at the sight. “Being rich sure has its perks. Look at him with his own secretary.”

“And a driver too,” added Yongsoo Byun.

“A driver?”

“See how the secretary exited from the front passenger side? There must be a separate driver.”

“Oh…right.”

Kang Jin nodded at Bae Yongsoo’s words and continued his walk around the neighborhood.

I’m not sure what to think… Whether he is truly a sinner or a pitiful person.

As Kang Jin pondered Kim Sohee’s words, he reached the park Hwang Minsung had mentioned earlier.

The park was pleasant indeed.

“It would be even nicer during spring.”

Although it was winter with no greenery, there were plenty of trees well-arranged throughout the park. Benches and rocking chairs dotted the area, making it perfect for relaxation. Despite the cold morning, occasional walkers could be seen, indicating the park’s popularity.

While strolling through the park, Kang Jin headed towards a pavilion on one side.

“Bae Yongsoo, wouldn’t it be nice to cook ramen here on a snowy day?”

Kang Jin glanced at the pavilion and responded, “Won’t that be terribly freezing?”

“You’ve never eaten ramen outside on a snowy day before?”

“Nope, I haven’t.”

“It gets brutally cold during winter in the army when we camped outdoors under tents. But cooking up some ramen at that time is pure bliss—it tastes amazing.”

Bae Yongsoo’s words made Kang Jin’s mouth water. It did sound delicious. Although he had never eaten noodles while it snowed, he remembered having instant ramen cups at construction sites during chilly winters.

Ramens definitely taste better on cold days.

“This little rascal is still hanging around.” Bae Yongsoo interrupted Kang Jin’s thoughts. He gestured with his chin toward something below the pavilion.

Following Yongsoo’s gaze, Kang Jin spotted a small dog aimlessly staring out into the distance.

“A Pomeranian?”

The dog appeared to be a neglected miniature Pomeranian breed, and not just any ordinary canine but a ghostly one.