Chapter 47

“If that human takes me out for dinner again, I’m not human anymore.”

Kang Jin glanced at Yoo Misun’s grumbling and noticed Lim Ho-jin mingling with other men, drinking soju. Initially, they had planned to have just one shot as a side drink, but now he was fully engaged in socializing.

Most of today’s guests—actually, all of them—were people Oh Seong-sil and Lim Ho-jin had invited. Since many worked for nearby companies, acquaintances naturally joined their tables, leading to shared drinks.

This irked Yoo Misun greatly. She came here to eat, yet there she was washing dishes while her husband indulged in alcohol parties.

Observing this scene, Kang Jin waited a moment before cautiously speaking up.

“Mrs. Yoo.”

At Kang Jin’s call, Yoo Misun glanced at him and sighed.

“Don’t mind what I said to the president earlier.” Her voice sounded genuinely unconcerned about his presence. In fact, her eyes seemed appreciative as she spoke, indicating that despite her initial grumbling, she didn’t seem to mind his assistance.

Kang Jin smiled warmly. “Of course not. It’s all because Manager Lim is enjoying some drinks, isn’t it?”

“Yes, you’re right. Drinking so early in the morning… Anyway, he never seems to skip a day without alcohol.”

Kang Jin nodded sympathetically while listening to Yoo Misun’s complaints. “Absolutely, alcohol can be quite troublesome.”

“Oh wow! We think alike!”

Nothing builds camaraderie faster than agreeing with someone during a conversation.

“I’ll bring you some side dishes later. Our home-cooked sides are delicious.”

“Really?”

“Yes, I’ll give you plenty.”

“Well then…I guess I need to scrub harder.”

Smiling, Yoo Misun turned on the faucet and started washing dishes quickly. Seeing this, Kang Jin glanced toward the dining hall.

Guests were chatting while drinking soju and eating hangover soup. One thing they all had in common was their smiling faces as they conversed.

As Kang Jin observed this scene, he looked towards the counter where Oh Soon-young was watching customers with a content expression on her face.

‘I guess this is what Grandma wanted to see.’

Customers laughing and enjoying their meals… This was exactly what Oh Soon-young had desired—to witness patrons happily dining at her restaurant.

The establishment had been bustling during lunch hours, but after two o’clock, it gradually quietened down. Lim Ho-jin felt relaxed drinking alcohol alongside his wife, unlike others who preferred moderation before heading home.

Lim Ho-jin, Jang Seongtae, and Oh Seong-sil remained, savoring drinks together for the first time in a while.

“It’s hard to have a drink when we’re all from different departments.”

“You’re right about that. When we were new recruits, Director Lim often drank with us.”

“And I had to deal with your hangovers and teach you how not to make mistakes again.”

“That’s why we like you so much, sir!”

As they laughed and continued drinking, Kang Jin was in the kitchen with Yoo Misun and Gang-mi Jo.

Chop, chop! Chop, chop!

Kang Jin added cucumbers to the bowl and mixed them with seasonings. He quickly prepared a simple yet delicious cucumber salad for the two hardworking ladies. After finishing, he turned to them.

“Please try it.”

The women smiled as they tasted the cucumber salad.

“It’s delicious!”

“Just this dish alone could finish off a whole bowl of rice!”

Seeing how much they enjoyed it, Kang Jin opened some plastic wrap and said:

“I could pack this in a dish for you… but returning the dish might be inconvenient, so I’ll just use plastic wrap.”

“That’s fine.”

As he smiled at them, Kang Jin wrapped up the cucumber side dish with plastic wrap.

“I’ll also pack some mixed vegetables and seaweed rolls.”

“But is it okay to give us all these for free?”

“I should pay you both as daily wages since you’re working here… However, I suspect you wouldn’t accept any money, so consider this my way of compensating you.”

It was true. According to J.S. Finance’s rules, employees must receive daily wages when performing work. Thus, Sung Yongsoo had been compensated during his time at J.S. Finance. Consequently, Yoo Misun and Gang-mi deserved payment as well.

However, it seemed unlikely they would accept such a small wage, so she packed them with extra side dishes as compensation.

I wonder if bartering counts as payment too.

“With this kind of daily wage, I’ll have to work here often.” Yoo Misun chuckled, and Kang Jin nodded in agreement.

“I’d appreciate that.”

Kang Jin wrapped up the leftover pancakes and side dishes in plastic wrap before emerging from the kitchen. She approached the three still drinking at their table.

“It’s time for you all to leave now.”

“Already?” Lim Ho-jin glanced outside, where it was still bright, causing Yoo Misun to frown.

“You can’t drink alcohol all day…you know,” she managed to restrain her frustration due to other customers present. Lim Ho-jin realized his mistake and looked at Jang Seongtae and Oh Seong-sil.

“Well…I think I should head out now,” said Lim Ho-jin, to which Oh Seong-sil nodded slightly.

“I’ll get scolded at home,” she remarked.

Lim Ho-jin scratched his head. “Well…once or twice.”

“Oh, these times call for some goose meat.”

With her laughter ringing, Lim Ho-jin stood up.

“President Oh, what’s the bill?”

“Hold on! It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other; let me pay this time.” Oh Seong-sil hastily tried to stop him.

Lim Ho-jin smiled and shook his head. “Since it’s our department intern, allow me to cover it.”

He then glanced at Kang Jin, who subtly looked towards Yoo Misun. She smiled understandingly upon catching his gaze.

“It’s only fair that you accept payment. How much is it?” asked Yoo Misun.

Kang Jin looked down at the table.

“The hangover soups are 7,000 won each, and with four bottles of soju, that’s 48,000 won.”

Yoo Misun glanced at Kang Jin after hearing his words.

“I think we had more than just these bowls?”

“They’re refills.”

“It looks like three refills… Are you sure it’s okay?”

“A good restaurant doesn’t skimp on food. Please come again next time.”

Kang Jin’s response made Yoo Misun nod, then she looked at Lim Ho-jin. Although he intended to pay regardless of her approval, Lim Ho-jin felt relieved when Yoo Misun agreed. With a content smile, he handed over a fifty-thousand-won bill.

“Here’s your change: fifty thousand won plus one thousand won back.” As they stood up, looking pleased, Oh Seong-sil suddenly remembered something.

“Oh right, before we leave… Could I have a cup of the president’s tea?”

“Of course.” Kang Jin smiled and took out yakgwanmun tea from the refrigerator. “Please have a cup each before leaving; it’s good for your health.”

Yoo Misun, who had never seen yakgwanmun tea before, curiously asked Oh Seong-sil:

“What kind of tea is this?”

“It’s made by blending yakgwanmun, licorice root, and medicinal herbs, which are beneficial for the body. Especially…” Kang Jin gave a meaningful smile. “Did you know that yakgwanmun is particularly good for men?”

“Oh my! Yes, I did.”

“Here, please enjoy.” Yoo Misun laughed as she held out her cup, and Kang Jin happily poured the tea.

“President Yoo, let’s sit down together and share a cup.”

“I’ll just clear these dishes first. It doesn’t feel quite right to drink tea with everything scattered like this.”

After Kang Jin started clearing away dishes, Yoo Misun and Gang-mi joined him to help. Once the table was cleared, Kang Jin brought over chairs and poured more tea for everyone.

“It’s nice to drink warm during winter, but it’s refreshing cold in summer.”

Everyone nodded as they sipped their tea.

“I like its subtle herbal aroma,” said Yoo Misun.

Kang Jin nodded in agreement. “Yakgwanmun is good for men…”

He glanced at Yoo Misun, who had already filled Lim Ho-jin’s water bottle with tea, urging him to drink more.

“You seem to know about that.”

“Well… anything good for the body is always welcome.” Yoo Misun chuckled awkwardly.

“Yakgwanmun is excellent for women’s health.”

“Is it?”

“For starters, yakgwanmun strengthens blood vessels and prevents waste buildup in circulation. In other words, it improves blood flow. Additionally, for women, it helps with irregular menstrual cycles, vaginal infections, and urinary discomforts.”

“Oh… You seem to know quite a bit about herbs.”

Kang Jin gave a wry smile at Yoo Misun’s comment.

Considering how often I’ve heard these explanations, not knowing would be foolish.

Whenever Kang Jin prepared food or trimmed ingredients, Heo Yeonwook frequently discussed their medicinal properties. Especially when drinking yakgwanmun, he often explained its various benefits, inadvertently teaching her much about herbal remedies and ingredients.

Gang-mi immediately chimed in upon seeing Kang Jin’s knowledge, “The president is well-versed in traditional medicine.”

“Traditional medicine?”

“He diagnosed my husband’s illness through pulse diagnosis.”

“The president can do that too?”

Caught off guard by the sudden shift to pulse diagnosis, Kang Jin gave an awkward laugh.

“I just studied it a bit because I had to take care of myself living alone.”

“Then please check mine as well.” Yoo Misun abruptly extended her wrist, causing Kang Jin to smile again.

“I’m not very good at it.”

“But please give it a try.”

Seeing Yoo Misun persistently asking, Lim Ho-jin chuckled and interjected, “We’re here for lunch… You’re making President Kang uncomfortable.”

“Am I?”

“No… No, it’s not that. Um, let me wash my hands first.”

Kang Jin got up from her seat and headed towards the kitchen, glancing at Bae Yongsoo along the way.

“Please ask Heo Yeonwook to come here.”

“Just call him.”

“He’ll actually come if I do?”

“Well, since you’re acquainted, he should show up unless he’s busy.”

“Really?”

“Remember how we used to summon Choi Hocheol by calling his name three times when needed?”

“So if I call, he’ll really appear?”

“As long as he isn’t occupied, yes. Go ahead, call him.”

Following Bae Yongsoo’s instruction, Kang Jin quietly uttered Heo Yeonwook’s name:

“Heo Yeonwook, Heo Yeonwook, Heo Yeonwook.”

After saying his name thrice, Heo Yeonwook materialized beside Kang Jin.

“You called for me?”

“When you call…he truly comes?”

“He comes when called. So, what brings you here?”

“Someone requested a pulse diagnosis.”

“That’s perfect.” Smiling, Heo Yeonwook proceeded ahead, and Kang Jin followed closely behind, drying his hands as he walked. Once seated, he looked at Yoo Misun.

“Don’t take this too seriously; it’s just for fun.”

“Of course.”

Kang Jin nodded, noticing Yoo Misun’s curious gaze. He subtly extended his wrist towards her. Heo Yeonwook gently grasped Kang Jin’s hand, holding it silently for a moment before speaking:

“You have a constitution prone to coldness,” said Heo Yeonwook.

Kang Jin echoed his words, “Do you often experience stomach discomfort after consuming cold foods?”

“Oh my? That’s true. I love cold noodles, but they always upset my stomach afterward.”

“I guess you must really enjoy them despite the discomfort.”

“In summer, it’s all about cold noodles.”

Yoo Misun smiled as Kang Jin echoed Heo Yeonwook’s words.

“Life without enjoying food is meaningless… However, if something upsets your stomach, it means your body doesn’t tolerate it well. There are plenty of other delicious options that agree with you, so it might be best to avoid cold noodles or limit yourself to having them less frequently.”

“But I can’t help myself.”

“Yes, not being able to eat what you desire can indeed cause stress.” Kang Jin continued with a smile. “Do you like beer?”

“I don’t like alcohol.”

“That’s good to hear. Cold drinks aren’t suitable for those with weak stomachs anyway. Stick to warm foods and beverages, including water.”

“Is that all?”

“It’s best if it is. Are there any other areas of discomfort… Hmm?” Kang Jin paused mid-sentence and looked up.

Heo Yeonwook had closed his eyes, deep in thought.

What’s wrong?

As Kang Jin stared at Heo Yeonwook, others also turned their attention towards him. It was peculiar to see someone suddenly stop speaking and gaze upwards. Moreover, he appeared lost in serious contemplation, causing Lim Ho-jin concern.

“Lee Kang-jin, what’s the matter? Is something wrong?”

“No…wait just a moment.”

Kang Jin looked up at Heo Yeonwook again, prompting him to speak.

“Ask her if she’s been taking any herbal medicine or medicinal liquor recently.”

When Kang Jin relayed this question, Yoo Misun thought for a moment before answering:

“A friend gave me some ginseng powder, so I’ve been having one teaspoon every night.”

Upon hearing this, Heo Yeonwook clicked his tongue.

“Oh dear…”