Chapter 183

“Then I’m off.”

After having some bean sprout soup and steamed eggs prepared by Kang Jin for breakfast, Hwang Minsung stepped out of the store with a smile.

“Have a good day at work,” Kang Jin replied cheerfully.

Hwang Minsung suddenly looked back at her.

“You two sound like a married couple.”

“Uh! Hyung, not quite that serious yet.”

“I’m joking. Anyway, gotta go. Oh! And if she comes, please give me a call.”

“Will do.”

“Alright, see you later.”

As Hwang Minsung walked towards his car parked outside the shop, Kang Jin hastily called out, remembering something.

“Hyung!”

“What’s up?”

“By any chance…do you know of any part-time jobs nearby?”

“Part-time jobs? Why, is business not doing well?”

“It’s not just for me… There are others who need help.”

“Others needing help?”

As Kang Jin explained Choi Jonghun’s situation, Hwang Minsung pursed his lips thoughtfully.

“He collects scrap metal…”

“While there are some troublesome kids these days, shouldn’t adults support those striving to live healthily and diligently? They’re asking for employment opportunities, not handouts.”

Hwang Minsung nodded at Kang Jin’s words.

“You’re right. Boys like you didn’t need much protection when we were young, but…for kids working so hard, they deserve at least a chance.”

“So here’s what I propose…”

“Understood. In return…I’ll find them decent jobs where they can earn money based on their efforts.”

“That’s fine with me. I agree that unconditional help isn’t always beneficial for kids.”

“Got it. I’ll look into it and let you know.”

“I appreciate it.”

“Alright, see ya.” Hwang Minsung got into his car and drove off.

Vroom!

As Kang Jin watched Hwang Minsung leave, he turned around to find Sung Yongsoo standing behind him.

“Hey, surprise!”

“Pity. I should’ve had a drink with hyung yesterday too.”

Kim Sohee left close to 1 AM, so Bae Yongsoo and other ghosts couldn’t join the drinking session last night.

“We can do it next time.”

“But…I really wanted to have a drink with hyung yesterday.”

After Kim Sohee left, Bae Yongsoo had entered the bar with Hwang Minsung. Although they didn’t drink together, Bae Yongsoo heard all of Hwang Minsung’s stories. Despite not saying anything, his eyes turned red multiple times during Hwang Minsung’s tales.

Kang Jin observed this and packed two lunchboxes for Whitedung along with some dog food. Holding these lunchboxes, Kang Jin headed to the park with Bae Yongsoo.

Upon arrival at the park, Kang Jin placed one lunchbox near Whitedung.

Woof!

As Whitedung started barking loudly and eating from the lunchbox, Kang Jin stroked its head and gently rubbed its belly.

“Aigo, good boy. Enjoy your meal.”

Watching Whitedung devour the food eagerly, Kang Jin remarked,

“I’ll bring breakfast and dinner for you every day now.”

Kang Jin smiled as he petted Whitedung’s head and belly.

“Should I feed it twice a day?”

“Seeing how well it eats, it must be hungry at night too. Right, Whitedung? Hyung will bring food for you in the evening.”

As Kang Jin laughed and stroked Whitedung’s head, Sung Yongsoo spoke up:

“The ajumma is coming.”

Following Yongsoo’s words, Kang Jin turned to see Lee Gang-hye approaching with a cart.

“Mr. Kang Jin.” As Lee Gang-hye waved her hand, Kang Jin hastily bowed his head towards Whitedung.

Whitedung had already finished its meal, now standing on its hind legs, scratching its ear with its mouth wide open. Seeing this, Kang Jin nodded approvingly. If any leftover human-like food was visible on the ground, Lee Gang-hye might question why she shouldn’t provide similar meals herself. Additionally, witnessing floating dishes disappearing would likely shock her.

Moreover, Lee Gang-hye would be shocked to see food floating in mid-air before disappearing.

After confirming Whitedung had finished eating, Kang Jin stood up and bowed towards Lee Gang-hye.

“You came.”

“If I didn’t come, these kids would go hungry,” replied Lee Gang-hye with a smile. She spotted the feed container under Kang Jin’s feet and filled another container with water for him.

“By the way, you always visit this spot, Mr. Kang Jin?”

“I like it here.”

“Then next time, bring along a water container as well. In winter, it’s hard for them to find water.”

“Oh! I should do that.” Nodding at Kang Jin’s suggestion, Lee Gang-hye took out a thermos from her cart and poured him a cup of tea.

“I’ll bring it next time.”

“The dandelion milk was delicious.”

“Then I’ll prepare that for you.”

Kang Jin nodded at Lee Gang-hye’s words and sipped his tea. Seeing Kang Jin smile at the rich flavor, Lee Gang-hye continued:

“As for those students…”

“Students? You mean Jonghun?”

“I found a part-time job opportunity for him.”

Kang Jin looked up at her.

“Really?”

“It’s not great, just janitorial work.”

“What matters is having employment opportunities.”

With a smile, Lee Gang-hye handed Kang Jin a business card.

CleanDream Cleaning Services

“Since I’ve already spoken to them, please tell Jonghun to call and inquire about the position.”

“The company name…is quite unique.”

CleanDream? It was an odd name for a cleaning company.

“They claim to clean as thoroughly as the heavens themselves… But that’s not important. The hourly rate is 8,350 won.”

“That’s minimum wage.”

“Yes.”

“You should be able to negotiate your working hours since they were informed you’re still a student. They’ll likely accommodate your schedule.”

Kang Jin smiled at Lee Gang-hye’s words. “Thank you very much.”

“It’s no problem. I’m just providing someone with work who wants it, although it’s not exactly a great job.”

“Please come back again for another meal.”

“I will.”

Lee Gang-hye then stood up from her seat.

“Leaving already?”

“I have lots of work to do. See you later.”

As Lee Gang-hye spoke, Kang Jin handed her the empty bowl, which she placed on her cart before leaving the park.

Kang Jin watched her go and remarked, “She’s more impressive than I thought.”

“What do you mean by that?” Bae Yongsoo looked at him quizzically.

“If you know someone, it’s possible to get them hired through a cleaning subcontractor, right? Through introductions, I mean.”

“And?”

“It’s not easy to adjust their working hours.”

“Really?”

“Yes, obviously. Adjusting one person’s schedule means treating them differently from others… Who would accommodate such special treatment for a mere part-time worker? They’d just fire them and hire someone new.”

Kang Jin had previously worked for a cleaning subcontractor. It was essentially the bottom rung of the ladder, being outsourced three times over, so they didn’t treat their employees well. Sometimes, wages were even withheld…

Bae Yongsoo frowned as Kang Jin recounted his experience with that cleaning service.

“How would you feel if your pay got docked after working a whole month?”

“But considering who recommended her—would they dare to do that to someone connected to such influential people?”

“So this woman is quite remarkable?”

“I initially thought she might have some money based on what she wore yesterday…but it seems like she’s richer than I expected.”

“Well, she’s still just a customer. Ah, no—I should say, she’s a good customer since she helped Jonghun find employment.”

Bae Yongsoo’s words caused Kang Jin to nod his head.

“That makes sense.”

Kang Jin then stood up.

“I need to make that call I promised my hyung.”

“Do it quickly. Don’t dawdle,” Bae Yongsoo urged.

Kang Jin glanced at his phone as per Yongsoo’s suggestion.

“I’ll be back this afternoon once things get resolved here. No need for you to come all this way again.”

Bae Yongsoo nodded in understanding.

Kang Jin took out his phone while stroking Whitedung’s body, and he suddenly raised an eyebrow.

“Doesn’t it seem like Whitedung has gained some weight?”

Bae Yongsoo observed Whitedung before agreeing with Kang Jin.

“You’re right. Its fur also looks thicker, doesn’t it?”

The last time they had seen Whitedung, it was scrawny, and its coat appeared dull and unkempt.

Initially, Whitedung had looked unkempt, but now his fur seemed to have regained its luster, and he appeared to have put on some weight.

“Maybe JS’s food agrees with him.”

“Well, it is ghost food… Anyway, it’s good to see him looking healthier.”

Kang Jin scratched various spots on Whitedung before calling out “Hand.” He then stood up.

After making a call to Hwang Minsung about finding another part-time job, Kang Jin returned to the store.

“What should we make today?” Sung Yongsoo asked.

Kang Jin licked his lips as he opened the refrigerator. Inside were leftovers from yesterday’s ingredients prepared for the ghosts.

“We should use these.”

“Yeah, since they’re already prepped.”

“How about yukhoe and kimchi stew…fish cake soup…”

As Kang Jin listed off the dishes ordered by the ghosts yesterday, Bae Yongsoo looked at him skeptically.

“You’re going to make all that?”

“Of course.”

“I guess we can’t waste these ingredients. All right then!”

With today’s menu set, Kang Jin started writing it on the whiteboard.

Around eleven o’clock, Choi Jonghun cautiously knocked on the door before entering with his brother.

“Welcome back.”

“We really enjoyed the food. Our mother said she is very grateful.” Handing over their clean bowls, Kang Jin gestured toward the dining table.

“Let’s eat.”

Yukhoe, kimchi fried rice, fried tofu, and fish cake soup were already laid out.

“You arrived right on time. I was worried you might be late,” Kang Jin said with a smile.

“My dad always taught me to keep my appointments,” Choi Jongsu replied.

Kang Jin glanced at the middle-aged ghost standing next to him. “Good lesson there.”

The ghost scratched his head. “I…just don’t like people who break their promises.”

With that, Kang Jin seated them and served their meal.

“Let’s eat.”

“Thank you.”

Seeing Choi Jongsu dig in without hesitation this time, Kang Jin also took a spoonful of fish cake soup.

It’s definitely…delicious.

Kim Bokrae’s recipe tasted amazing.

It seems like my cooking skills have improved.

Lately, even when he deviated slightly from the recipe, his dishes still tasted decent. He had also gotten better at seasoning without relying on the recipes.

I guess I’ve grown as a cook.

Kang Jin smiled to himself while sipping tea and watching the brothers enjoy their meal. As they finished eating, Kang Jin addressed them.

“I know of a part-time job opening. Are you interested?”

Choi Jonghun looked up at him.

“A part-time job?”

“It’s not glamorous work—just cleaning—but it shouldn’t be too hard since someone I know recommended me. Plus, there won’t be any issues with getting paid.”

“For real?” Choi Jonghun’s eyes widened.

“You’ve had your pay withheld before?”

Choi Jonghun’s eyes narrowed at Kang Jin’s question.

“I once did a part-time job cleaning grill tops at a barbecue restaurant, but they never paid me.”

“Cleaning grill tops is super hard… And you didn’t get paid for it?”

Cleaning grill tops was one of the three most hellish part-time jobs known to students. It required both strength and precision… In any case, among all the odd jobs Kang Jin had done, this particular task ranked as one of the toughest.

“It’s really exhausting work… Those people were awful.”

Kang Jin grimaced and turned toward Choi Jonghun.

“How many months’ worth of wages did they withhold?”

“Two months.”

“Two months?”

“I worked after school from April to October…but I didn’t get paid for the last two months.”

Kang Jin paused briefly at Choi Jonghun’s words before sighing and speaking up.

“My hyung has one strict rule.”

“Strict rule?”

“No matter what work you do, always demand fair compensation.”

Kang Jin took a deep breath before continuing.

“Where is the store?”

“It’s okay.”

“No, it’s not okay. This is essential for all part-timers across Korea.” Kang Jin pulled out his phone and looked at Choi Jonghun. “Tell me the name and location of the store.”

“Well…the owner there is quite scary.”

This made Kang Jin chuckle.

“There are plenty scarier people around me than him.”