Chapter 18: Sunday Surprise
Kang Jin sat drinking coffee with Shin Soo-yong and Shin Su-Gwi early one morning. They had arrived early to restock the ingredients and alcohol used during Sunday’s business hours since the establishment remained open on weekends.
“Sunday is usually a day off, yet you were still open?”
As Shin Soo-yong observed the pile of groceries nearby, Kang Jin nodded.
“I realized it was Sunday while working.”
“It can happen when you’re busy. Sometimes, even I get confused whether it’s Sunday or Monday,” Shin Soo-yong remarked, receiving a nod from Kang Jin.
Originally, Sundays were meant for closure, but he had inadvertently opened without considering it. Thanks to this oversight, they ended up serving Manager An’s family as guests yesterday.
“How have you been adjusting to managing the store and dealing with customers?”
Kang Jin glanced around the store after hearing Shin Soo-yong’s words.
“You know, I’ve realized ghosts aren’t much different from humans.”
After working here for several days, his fear of ghosts had significantly diminished. In fact, he now saw them as just chatty customers.
“Indeed. When you think about it, ghosts are beings created by deceased humans, so they’re not that dissimilar to living people.”
“There is something I’m curious about.”
“Please ask away.”
“It’s quite hot outside… But why is it so cool in here? Is there air conditioning on? Wait, there isn’t even any air conditioning?”
“That’s thanks to the ghosts.”
“So, that’s how it works.”
“Did you suspect this already?”
“Yes, considering this place caters to ghost guests…I figured it might be related. And well, places with ghosts tend to feel chilly, don’t they?”
Kang Jin’s words made Shin Soo-yong laugh and nod.
“Well, places with ghosts do tend to be chilly.”
Observing Shin Soo-yong’s reaction, Kang Jin continued:
“And there’s one more thing I’m curious about.”
“Please ask away.”
“Um… Are you all… humans?”
Kang Jin was intrigued by the identities of the Shin brothers who assisted at a restaurant frequented by ghosts.
Shin Soo-yong chuckled at his question.
“We’re definitely human, of course.”
“Oh! You’re humans?”
“Do we not look human enough?”
“You appear human, but…the guests here also seem quite ordinary.”
Shin Soo-yong smiled reassuringly.
“We truly are humans.”
“But how can humans work here?”
“You are human too, yet you works here as well.”
“That’s…true.”
In response to Kang Jin’s answer, Shin Soo-yong continued:
“My brothers and I were orphans.”
“Orphans?”
“Our mother took us in when we were young, and we grew up here. When she worked, the virgin ghosts looked after us. As a result, we naturally became acquainted with ghosts.”
“I see.”
As Kang Jin nodded, Shin Soo-yong glanced around the shop and added:
“There are quite a few humans like me who handle affairs related to the afterlife.”
“Others besides me?”
“In this world, nothing is truly unique. There are restaurants in Jeonju and Hongcheon that I supply food to; you should visit them someday. With improved transportation nowadays, it’s easy to make a day trip.”
“Are there other restaurants feeding ghosts besides this one?”
“Do you think Seoul is the only place with ghosts? There are about seven such establishments operating just within South Korea.”
Kang Jin looked at Shin Soo-yong, surprised by his words. It was shocking not only to learn of other ghost-serving restaurants but also that there were as many as seven in South Korea…
“Seven restaurants?” Kang Jin murmured incredulously and shook his head. “Every day working here brings new surprises.”
“It’s likely to continue,” replied Shin Soo-yong, suddenly turning to look at Kang Jin. “You haven’t seen any ghosts outside work hours yet, have you?”
“I see them every time we’re open.”
“So it seems like you don’t perceive them during your off-hours.” Kang Jin glanced at Shin Soo-yong curiously.
“Huh? Will I start seeing ghosts even when the restaurant isn’t open?”
“Due to many ghosts visiting this place, it’s filled with Malicious Energy. That’s why even without air conditioning, it remains cool inside. When you stay here for a while, your body accumulates this energy… Eventually, you’ll start seeing ghosts outside as well.”
“What do you mean by ‘energy’?”
“I should clarify; I’m referring to Malicious or Ghostly Energy.”
“Is this type of energy harmful to the body? The names alone don’t sound particularly beneficial.”
“Don’t worry. In fact, during summer, you won’t feel the heat, and in winter, you’ll be less affected by the cold.”
“So, it’s good for the body?”
“It varies from person to person. For some, it may not suit them at all, but for others, being here can feel like receiving instant health benefits.”
“What about me then?”
“As you’re the owner of this shop, it should suit you well.”
“I see.”
Kang Jin’s response didn’t sound particularly surprised; rather, he seemed indifferent to the revelation. Observing Kang Jin’s reaction, Shin Soo-yong subtly probed further:
“You can already see ghosts here, yet does it not surprise or frighten you?”
“Oh, I encounter ghosts daily around these parts.”
“Well, those spirits manifest physically… The ghosts outside might be slightly different from what you’ve seen here.”
“How so?”
Seeing Kang Jin’s curiosity, Shin Soo-yong smiled and stood up.
“You’ll understand once you see them. Ah! And don’t get too scared.”
“Should I be scared?”
“It will indeed be somewhat different from what you’ve experienced here. Also… some mischievous ones may play tricks if they sense your fear, so try not to show it even if you feel frightened.”
“Your words make me feel better.” Kang Jin still seemed worried.
“If you’re that concerned, ask for help from the ghosts here. They’ll come and assist you.”
“They would actually help?”
“People feed them, so once they know about it, most will want to lend a hand. When I first started my business, several ghosts who frequented this place helped me out quite a bit.”
“How did they help?”
“They informed me of which ingredients were needed at certain restaurants or if there were any complaints about current suppliers. Just knowing such information greatly aided my business dealings.”
“Oh…I see.”
Kang Jin nodded thoughtfully as Shin Soo-yong finished his coffee.
“I enjoyed the coffee; thank you.”
“You’re leaving already?”
“We have our own businesses to attend to. Have a good day.”
As Kang Jin watched Shin Soo-yong leave with the Shin Su-Gwi, he remarked:
“I should meet Mr. Shin Soo-jo at least once.”
“Is there something wrong with his store?”
“No, not really. I just think it’s proper to greet him.”
Among the brothers of attorney Shin Suho, Kang Jin had yet to meet Shin Soo-jo, who ran an interior design business. Shin Soo-yong nodded in agreement.
“My youngest brother is quite busy…but I’ll ask him to join us for dinner sometime.”
“Please let him know that I’d like to meet him.”
“Understood.”
After Shin Soo-yong left, Kang Jin cleared away the coffee cups. While doing the dishes, he noticed a pile of groceries on one side. Among them were vegetables, which Kang Jin hadn’t ordered.
Shin Soo-yong insisted on using fresh ingredients even when cooking for ghosts. He had removed old vegetables from the refrigerator and brought new ones, including some summer produce.
“What’s this called again? Ground ivy?”
Kang Jin examined the unfamiliar green leafy vegetable before pulling out his recipe practice book.
Ground Ivy Leaves:
Wash thoroughly with clean water and blanch them in boiling water. The leaves are tough, so they need to be boiled well instead of lightly steaming.
Once the ground ivy turns dark in color, cut it into bite-sized pieces using scissors and mix with soybean paste and red pepper paste…
It can be eaten as greens or used as an ingredient in bibimbap.
Ground ivy is commonly found along roadsides but offers numerous health benefits.
Ground ivy root boiled like tea has anti-cancer properties. It also enhances liver function, suppresses coughing, and is effective against various inflammations, ulcers, jaundice, etc., so it’s beneficial to consume regularly.
“I didn’t know ground ivy was this good for you.”
Kang Jin marveled at how such a leafy green, resembling slightly larger spinach leaves, could be so healthy. He gathered his harvest and brought them inside to the kitchen.
After storing some of the greens in the refrigerator, Kang Jin started cooking with today’s fresh produce. Following the recipe from the practice room, he prepared the ground ivy dish, tasted it, and nodded approvingly.
The flavor was light yet savory. There was a slight bitterness, but it added depth without being unpleasant.
After placing the ground ivy dish on the side table, Kang Jin looked at the other ingredients.
“Should I make some more dishes while I’m at it?”
Recently, Kang Jin had started enjoying food. Before, he was content as long as his stomach was full. He preferred cheap and filling meals or easy-to-eat options. However, now that he’s been cooking delicious meals himself, he discovered new flavors to savor.
Inspired, Kang Jin took out cucumbers from the groceries Shin Soo-yong brought. The sight of cucumbers reminded him of cucumber salad his mother used to make. It didn’t take long to prepare, just a quick chopping, yet it tasted so good…
“Cucumber salad…sounds yummy.”
Kang Jin muttered softly, opened the practice room manual, found the recipe for cucumber salad, and promptly began preparing the dish.
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