Chapter 27: The Gathering Ghosts

As Kang Jin watched Bae Yongsoo offering medical treatment, he glanced at the other ghosts gathered outside his shop. They were all standing there silently.

“But why are they gathered here?” Kang Jin asked curiously.

Bae Yongsoo smiled at this question, causing Kang Jin’s heart to race again. With blood dripping from his eyes, nose, and mouth, Yongsoo’s smile looked even more eerie and frightening.

“They have nowhere else to go, so they’ve been observing people nearby while waiting for your shop to open.”

“So, they’ve been here all day?”

“Yes.”

“Well then, come inside.”

“The doors aren’t open yet,” replied Bae Yongsoo.

Hearing this, Kang Jin looked at the ghosts, opened the door, and stepped inside.

“Please, come in everyone.”

The ghosts followed him obediently. As they entered, Kang Jin couldn’t help but inquire further:

“You weren’t here yesterday or the day before either?”

“It is because you couldn’t see or hear us. Whenever your shop was open, we would come and sit for a while.”

Kang Jin nodded at Bae Yongsoo’s words, then asked:

“Did you enter my upstairs apartment as well?”

There was slight unease in Kang Jin’s voice. He had possessions he didn’t want others to see when living alone.

“Just because I’m a ghost doesn’t mean I can go anywhere freely. The store welcomes customers, so ghosts don’t need permission to enter. However, entering a home requires the owner’s consent.”

‘Good,’ Kang Jin murmured inwardly as he looked at the ghosts.

“Would you like something to eat?”

“No, thank you.” Bae Yongsoo turned towards Myung’s ghost.

“I heard you were unwell, sir. Please let me examine you.”

“Yes, I will do so.”

With that, the ghost doctor looked at Kang Jin.

“Please sit here.”

As Kang Jin sat down on the chair, the ghost began to massage his knees.

“You’ve put too much strain on your knees. Have you carried heavy loads often?”

“A little bit.”

It was inevitable when doing manual labor for long periods.

“If you mistreat your body while young, it’ll cause suffering as you age.”

While speaking, the doctor ghost massaged Kang Jin’s ankles and knees with his fingers.

Hwoosh! Hwoosh!

Every time the ghost’s fingers stroked his ankle and knee, they felt refreshed.

“It feels good.”

“I am a renowned doctor who holds both medical and traditional medicine licenses. If I had lived a few more years, I would have likely received the Nobel Prize in Medicine.”

The ghost healer confidently spoke while massaging Kang Jin’s ankles and knees with his hands.

“I believe yakgwanmun would be beneficial for you, President Kang. Brewing it as tea mixed with mint leaves will help regulate your stomach.”

“Isn’t yakgwanmun known to enhance vitality?”

“While many men seek it out for its vitality-enhancing properties, there are numerous other benefits. It boosts yang energy, which is good for kidneys, blood vessels, and prostate health. Additionally, it aids in preventing adult-onset diseases and treating inflammation. Since you have gastric issues, it would also benefit you in that regard.”

As the ghost healer continued praising yakgwanmun for its various benefits, such as relieving coughs, asthma, and aiding expectoration, Kang Jin remarked:

“If I understand correctly, yakgwanmun seems like a cure-all remedy.”

The renowned doctor ghost nodded at Kang Jin’s question.

“There are numerous medicinal herbs that can cure various ailments.”

“Despite all those cures…people still die quite often.” Kang Jin observed the ghosts around him as he spoke.

The ghost shook its head. “While there are many beneficial substances, there are also plenty of harmful ones. A single cigarette can negate the healing properties of an entire root of ginseng. No matter how much good you consume, it won’t be effective if harmful elements persist.”

The ghost then turned to Kang Jin. “Since we’re on the topic, would you like to visit Yakling Market and purchase some herbal remedies?”

“Now?”

“The sooner you start consuming what’s good for your body, the better.”

“I could ask someone who supplies ingredients to our restaurant; they might provide me with the herbs…”

“I didn’t realize that President Shin knew about medicinal herbs! It should be quite interesting to visit there with you.” Despite his words, the Spirit of Fame’s eyes betrayed his eagerness to go to the herb market.

“Well then…let’s go.”

Considering it was for Kang Jin’s health, making this small effort seemed worthwhile. Besides, yakgwanmun is one of those medicinal herbs that every man wants to try at least once.

Kang Jin put down his broom and grabbed his wallet as the Spirit of Myung eagerly opened the door, filled with anticipation.

Seeing this, Kang Jin turned towards Sung Yongsoo.

“If you don’t have anything else outside, feel free to rest inside here.”

“Is that okay?”

“What else is there to do outside?” Kang Jin exited the shop.

Outside, the ghost of Heo Yeon-wook was waiting for him.

“Let’s go,” said the ghost.

As they walked together, Kang Jin asked, “By the way, what’s your name?”

“Oh! My apologies for not introducing myself earlier. I am Heo Yeon-wook, the greatest physician of the 21st century, proficient in both Eastern and Western medicine.”

Kang Jin glanced at Heo Yeon-wook after his introduction.

Even ghosts boast excessively.

Silently muttering to himself, Kang Jin accompanied Heo Yeon-wook on the subway heading towards Jegidong, where the Yak-ling Market was held.

Upon reaching Jegidong with Heo Yeon-wook, Kang Jin discovered for the first time that even ghosts could experience joy. Heo Yeon-wook appeared genuinely delighted as he browsed through various medicinal herbs.

Along the way, Heo Yeon-wook occasionally stopped to explain various medicinal herbs to Kang Jin. As they wandered around, Heo Yeon-wook paused at one particular vendor and nodded while examining the displayed herbs.

“Good quality Poria Cocos.”

Heo Yeon-wook gestured toward a white herbal ingredient. “It’s primarily used for calming the mind but is also effective for women’s health issues. It would be beneficial to purchase some of this too.”

“Aren’t we here for yakgwanmun?”

“It’d be better if you add this when brewing the yakgwanmun infusion.”

Kang Jin glanced at the vendor upon hearing Heo Yeon-wook’s suggestion.

“How much is it?” asked Kang Jin.

The elderly man, engrossed in trimming herbs, briefly looked up and replied, “Ten thousand won per stalk.”

“That’s expensive,” muttered Kang Jin under his breath, causing the vendor’s eyes to narrow.

“At this quality, it’s cheap at ten million won per root. If you want cheaper, then eat Chinese imports ginseng.”

The master’s comment prompted Heo Yeon-wook to respond, “Indeed, considering the quality, these prices are fair.”

“Yes, considering its quality, that price is reasonable.”

Kang Jin smiled as he saw both agreeing with each other.

“The price doesn’t matter if the product is good.”

Pleased by Kang Jin’s remark, the master nodded.

“That’s right. Quality items should command premium prices. It’s not wise to try and bargain too much. When people attempt to buy high-quality goods for low prices, sellers like me can’t help but think of ways to scam them.”

“You’re absolutely correct,” agreed Kang Jin.

As the master reached for a bag to pack up the ginseng, Heo Yeon-wook stopped him.

“I’ll take all these.”

In response to Heo Yeon-wook’s words, Kang Jin asked:

“May I choose what goes inside this bag?”

“It doesn’t matter… go ahead.”

As the master handed over the bag, Heo Yeon-wook pointed at specific herbs with his finger.

“These, these, and those… Also, that one.”

The master chuckled as he placed the selected herbs into the bag.

“Young man, you know your medicinal plants well. You’ve picked only the best ones.”

“Is that so?”

“Are you studying traditional medicine?”

“No, just for personal use.”

“Even without formal training, you have a good eye.” The master weighed the herbs, added a few more, and then put them in the bag. “That’ll be 10,000 won.”

Kang Jin promptly paid the requested amount.

“I’ll also buy yakgwanmun and glycyrrhiza here. Just 10,000 won worth should be enough.” Kang Jin pointed at what looked like herbs cut and dried by Heo Yeon-wook.

“Give me 10,000 won each of yakgwanmun and glycyrrhiza,” Kang Jin said to the master.

In response, the master handed him an empty bag.

“Fill it.”

Kang Jin glanced at Heo Yeon-wook upon hearing this, implying that he needed help choosing again.

“These are good quality, so just fill the bags as is,” advised Heo Yeon-wook.

Following his advice, Kang Jin filled the bag with yakgwanmun. The master weighed it, added more, and sealed the bag. After purchasing the glycyrrhiza and paying, the master quietly asked:

“By the way, who have you been talking to all this time?”

“Huh?”

As the master glanced sideways, Kang Jin followed his gaze to see Heo Yeon-wook standing next to them.

Ah! So he heard our conversation with the ghost.

The master couldn’t see or hear Heo Yeon-wook, but he could observe Kang Jin’s words and eye movements towards him. From the master’s perspective, it appeared as if Kang Jin was talking to himself while staring into space like a madman.

“Oh, just some self-talk. Have a good day selling your goods.”

The master looked at Kang Jin thoughtfully before responding.

“Wait a moment.” The master stepped inside the store and returned carrying a jug of liquid. “Have a drink.”

He poured water into a cup, revealing its deep red color.

“What is this…?”

“It’s omija tea. Nothing beats cold omija tea on a hot day. Go ahead, enjoy.”

Following the master’s instruction, Kang Jin drank from the cup. The cold and tangy omija tea instantly refreshed him.

“It’s delicious.”

“Omija is great too. Especially during hot and irritable days like this…”

“…it helps calm the mind and manage anger,” Heo Yeon-wook finished for the master, prompting Kang Jin to nod in agreement.

“Thank you for the drink.”

“Do come again next time.”

“I will.” Kang Jin bowed his head before turning to leave.

“The master seems to have a good personality.”

“He’s indeed friendly, despite being somewhat uneducated.”

“Do you know him?” Kang Jin asked, which puzzled Heo Yeon-wook momentarily.

“Do I know him?”

He glanced back, then blinked in confusion once more.

“I think so… But I can’t quite remember.”

Kang Jin nodded at Heo Yeon-wook’s response, knowing that ghosts often had memory issues.

“It just feels familiar,” replied Heo Yeon-wook. Kang Jin acknowledged his words and continued walking but suddenly flinched, stopping with his head bowed.

He spotted a faint ghost limping along amidst the crowd of people. Although it didn’t frighten him…he felt slightly uneasy, perhaps because he didn’t recognize this particular ghost.

“Ghosts…can be found anywhere.”

Heo Yeon-wook nodded in agreement with Kang Jin’s observation.

“People don’t always die only in hospitals, after all. Still, there aren’t many ghosts here.” As they walked, Heo Yeon-wook paused momentarily.

“Look, some excellent rhubarb roots.” He pointed out medicinal herbs nearby.

“These are called rhubarb roots…” He began explaining their properties to Kang Jin.

Kang Jin pursed his lips as he was interrupted from what he intended to do next.

“About time…”

“Aaargh! Help!”

The sudden scream made Kang Jin turn towards its source.

“Huh?”

Everyone at the market had their eyes fixed on the same spot where the cry originated.

“What’s going on?”

“Did someone get hurt?”

Hearing these murmurs, Kang Jin also turned to see what all the fuss was about.

“Please help me!” At this plea for assistance, Kang Jin craned his neck but could only see people through the crowd.

“What’s going on?” Confused, Kang Jin raised himself higher and spotted an older woman shouting amidst the crowd.

“My baby! Please save my baby! Help! Somebody help!”

Kang Jin furrowed his brow at the sight of her continuous screams.

It’s a ghost.

The woman appeared to be just another person, but her hazy form revealed she was actually a ghost. The apparition screamed for help from everyone around, yet no one could hear her cries. When Kang Jin made eye contact with the ghost, it passed right over him as if he wasn’t there. However…

Fwip!

The ghost’s eyes locked onto him directly.

Shudder!

Startled by their direct gaze, Kang Jin recoiled backward, only to find the ghost hovering inches away from his face.

“Y…you can see me?”

“Huh? Yes.”

“My baby! Please save my baby!”

The ghost grabbed Kang Jin’s hand firmly.

Grab!

Kang Jin was startled by how tightly she gripped his hand and looked at her.

She’s holding me.

With that, he felt himself being dragged forward by the ghost. She was so strong it almost felt like he was floating along with her pull.

“Ahhhhh!” He couldn’t help but scream in surprise.

As they pushed through the crowd, Kang Jin spotted a middle-aged man trembling uncontrollably.

“Please spare my baby!”

At the desperate cry of the ghost, Kang Jin turned to look at the middle-aged man.

This man is “her baby”?

He seemed too old to be referred to as someone’s child.