Chapter 70

Kang Jin started washing rice. If there were only one or two guests, he could serve instant meals, but with more customers expected and kimbab to prepare, he decided to cook fresh rice.

As Kang Jin washed the rice, Choi Donghae entered with five interns.

“Mr. Kyusik, we meet again.”

“Yes indeed. Please have a seat. I’m not the owner here, but…would you like some coffee?”

Hwang Kyusik flashed his most amiable smile as he warmly greeted the new interns. Although they too sought votes, he needed their support regardless.

“Kang Jin, do you have any coffee here?”

“The mix is next to the water dispenser.”

“May I make some coffee?”

“Certainly.”

While waiting for the rice to wash, Kang Jin paused briefly.

Rice for eating and rice for making kimbab… Should I cook both separately?

To make rice for kimchi wraps, one adds slightly less water than usual and places dried seaweed on top before cooking it. This method enhances the flavor. However, regular rice should be cooked normally without any additional steps.

Kang Jin pondered briefly before nodding.

If they ask for plain rice, I’ll just give them kimchi wraps.

With that thought, Kang Jin reduced the amount of water slightly and placed some dried seaweed on top.

Having finished preparing the rice, he wiped his hands and exited the kitchen.

“Well then, how would you like to place your orders?” asked Kang Jin.

Hwang Kyusik responded promptly:

“Let’s arrange the tables end-to-end first.”

Including Kang Jin, there were eight people, making it more convenient to push two tables together.

As the interns brought over another table and connected it, Hwang Kyusik turned to Kang Jin:

“I think we’ll go with meat dishes since dinner time is approaching.”

Kang Jin nodded at Hwang Kyusik’s suggestion. “I’ll make sure it tastes delicious for everyone. And…who will be paying?”

The interns exchanged glances. They had gathered people today with the intention of receiving free tickets, but they hadn’t anticipated such a large group. Moreover, since others were also likely aiming to get complimentary passes, none of them felt compelled to foot the bill themselves. Buying for so many could potentially benefit someone else undeservedly and was financially burdensome given the crowd size.

Seeing their hesitation, Kang Jin smiled. “So, who doesn’t mind not getting a free ticket here?”

As he spoke, Kang Jin raised his hand. When no one else followed suit, he looked directly at Choi Donghae.

At this, Choi Donghae raised his hand as well. In the end, only Kang Jin and Choi Donghae indicated their agreement.

Kang Jin then addressed them, “Since Mr. Choi Donghae and I don’t mind not receiving tickets…I believe it would be fair if the remaining six of you split the bill.”

With Kang Jin’s suggestion, Hwang Kyusik let out a small sigh and glanced around at everyone else.

Let them decide amongst themselves.

Hwang Kyusik hoped that the interns could come to a decision among themselves. If one person represented all three, he could wake up just one intern; however, since each had individual accounts, he’d have to rouse all three separately.

As Hwang Kyusik muttered silently to himself, Choi Youngjin, known for her sturdy build, nodded in response to Kang Jin’s proposal.

“Yes, let’s do that. Actually, how about we try this instead?”

Everyone looked at Choi Youngjin expectantly.

“What did you say?”

“How about this?”

In response to people’s inquiries, Choi Youngjin stood up and addressed them.

“There are eight of us here.”

As he spoke, Kang Jin raised his hand.

“Just a moment.”

When Choi Youngjin looked at him, Kang Jin turned towards Choi Donghae.

“Is that intern you wanted to see here?”

“He should be arriving soon.”

“Who is it?”

“It’s Jo Hyungki and Wo Cheoljin… They’re probably coming together with two others.”

Hearing Choi Donghae’s explanation, Kang Jin glanced back at Choi Youngjin.

“So there’ll be twelve of us.”

Choi Youngjin nodded in agreement.

“That works out well.”

He then surveyed the group.

“To be honest, we’ve all gathered here because of the popular intern candidate’s proposal.”

“Hmph!”

“We’re just having a drink among colleagues…”

Choi Youngjin chuckled and shook his head at the man’s comment.

“It’s Wednesday today, and the sports meet is on Friday. The voting will take place at noon on Saturday… So we only have today, tomorrow, and brief moments during the sports meet to gather like this. We’ll be with people from different departments during the event, so there won’t be much time to talk.”

Choi Youngjin paused briefly, scanning everyone before continuing.

“Given that, we need to share our opinions over these two days… Conveniently, more than half of the interns, twelve of us, are here today. Let’s decide now who we’re voting for. And… whoever receives the most votes pays for tonight’s drinks.”

“That sounds fair?”

“Yeah… Paying for drinks is the least they can do when getting votes.”

Choi Youngjin smiled at their responses. She felt somewhat validated that her suggestion resonated with everyone present.

However…Kang Jin had another idea.

“Let’s wait until the other two teams…”

“They’re right outside,” Choi Donghae interrupted Kang Jin.

“Bring them in.”

Choi Donghae pursed his lips as he muttered under his breath, “They’re just around the corner; why can’t they find us?”

Kang Jin chuckled inwardly at Choi Donghae’s grumbling.

It’s precisely because we’re so close by that it’s hard to locate us… My apologies.

As she silently mused, Choi Donghae led four more people inside: three women and one man. It turned out to be not one but two separate teams. The newcomers paused upon spotting the interns already gathered there.

It seemed Kang Jin hadn’t anticipated this many interns. She glanced at Choi Donghae and said:

“We need another table.”

In response, Choi Donghae brought over an additional table and placed it next to the existing one. Kang Jin then took a whiteboard, wrote ‘Closed Today’ on it, and positioned it visibly outside the store.

Once all four newcomers found seats inside, Kang Jin addressed them.

“Firstly, let me clarify that today’s session is about selecting a popular intern among you. Is there anyone who doesn’t require votes?”

As Kang Jin spoke, the four interns looked at each other, and eventually, the male intern raised his hand. The others couldn’t hide their envy.

“Wow…”

“That’s impressive.”

Kang Jin observed the mixture of admiration and jealousy on their faces with interest.

Has someone already been unofficially selected? Considering how quickly they decide on candidates for vacant positions, it’s possible.

Judging by their expressions, the intern who raised his hand seemed to be the top candidate among them. This meant he was likely to become a full-time employee soon, and raising his hand indicated that he knew this as well.

Did he come here today just to help out that woman?

If someone willingly joined such fierce competition, there must have been some connection with the woman accompanying him.

Kang Jin glanced at her briefly. She wasn’t exceptionally pretty but had a cute demeanor. After observing her for a moment, Kang Jin opened his mouth.

“Then we don’t need tickets for three of us - me, this gentleman here, and Choi Donghae. Please remember not to give any more tickets to these three. Choi Youngjin will explain further as I prepare some appetizers.”

As Kang Jin entered the kitchen, Choi Youngjin turned to address the interns.

“So, as I was saying…”

While listening to Choi Youngjin’s explanation, Kang Jin retrieved pre-marinated yukhoe from the refrigerator and started stir-frying it. Simultaneously, he took out pork shoulder, seasoned it simply with salt, then added chili peppers and garlic before stir-frying that too. With two meat dishes ready, he placed them on the table alongside side dishes.

“Please enjoy these first. For rice…I’ll serve you kimbap.”

“Thank you. And please join us, Kang Jin.”

“Whatever decision is made, I’ll follow…”

Kang Jin noticed four more people had joined them late.

“Have you heard about Choi Youngjin?”

Hwang Eunmi and Wo Cheoljin exchanged glances.

“I understand what it means to vote for someone here today and support them wholeheartedly. However…I believe it’s impossible.”

“Why do you say that?”

“This isn’t just about casting a single vote. Giving your vote means betraying the expectations of your families waiting at home.” Wo Chuljin looked around as he continued, “Everyone, don’t your loved ones hope for your successful employment?”

Not only did they hope for employment…but Wo Chuljin himself desperately desired it as well. As he observed their faces, Wo Chuljin continued:

“However, would you discard those expectations based on just a few words and alcohol-fueled promises to give your vote away?”

Hwang Kyusik frowned at Wo Chuljin’s remark.

“So what do you propose? Many people want votes, but there are limited spots available.”

“Yes, indeed. What should we do?” Hwang Kyusik countered with his own question, pursing his lips while glancing around the room.

Kang Jin studied Wo Chuljin closely after hearing his response.

He accurately points out the issue here yet subtly distances himself from any direct involvement. He’s definitely sharp.

Kang Jin then looked at the others present. After Wo Chuljin raised the problem, no one seemed able to respond immediately.

Initially, Kang Jin had planned to meet only with Choi Donghae and secure his vote first but ended up gathering twelve people instead. Despite this, he felt uncomfortable openly asking for their votes since, as Wo Chuljin mentioned, these tickets were crucial for their families’ futures.

What should I do?

I need those tickets.

If I make my move now, will it seem too greedy?

As everyone was lost in their thoughts, Kang Jin spoke up:

“Firstly, let’s collect 30,000 won from each person here. Of course, excluding myself, Choi Donghae, and Wo Chuljin.”

People looked at him curiously, puzzled by his sudden request for money. Kang Jin smiled at their expressions.

“If we don’t decide who pays…who should I collect from for this dinner?”

“Well, after the gathering ends, w e can withdraw funds…”

“That could work, but…in such unpredictable situations, it’s best to ‘collect upfront’ just in case.”

Wo Chuljin nodded at Kang Jin’s words.

“You’re right. Although today started well, there’s no guarantee it will end on a good note.” Wo Chuljin paused briefly before smiling and continuing, “And with 30,000 won per person, it shouldn’t be too burdensome.”

Kang Jin agreed with Wo Chuljin’s statement.

“Starting well and ending well is indeed ideal. Oh! And just in case we’re lucky enough to find out who won today, if they feel generous and decide to treat us, I’ll return your money as you leave.”

Hwang Kyusik didn’t argue further with Kang Jin’s proposition and placed thirty thousand won on the table. The election talk was more pressing than discussing the meal cost. As others followed suit, Kang Jin collected the money from the table.

“I’ve received 270,000 won. Please enjoy your food, and let me know if there’s anything else you’d like or any additional items needed. We’ll do our best within the budget of 270,000 won.”

As Kang Jin prepared to put the money in his pocket and head to the kitchen, Hwang Kyusik stopped him.

“Kang Jin, join us for some conversation.”

“I…” Kang Jin glanced at Choi Donghae as she spoke. “I’ll give it to whoever Mr. Donghae chooses. Please bring your own glasses and soju since I run this business solo, making serving food while cooking quite challenging.”

Everyone’s attention shifted towards Choi Donghae following Kang Jin’s statement. If her words were true, Choi Donghae would gain two votes.

“Let’s discuss this over a casual beer.” Hwang Kyusik stood up, retrieved beers from the refrigerator, and one of his female staff brought cups.

Kang Jin entered the government office after finishing the rice rolls.

“Hello, President Kang, it’s Sangyeob Yi from Taekwang Trading. How have you been? Just wanted to let you know that our meeting scheduled for next Thursday needs to be postponed by one day. Apologies for any inconvenience. Yes, yes.”

Kang Jin entered the office to see Lee Sangsub busy on the phone. Due to their schedule being pushed back by a day, there were still numerous calls to make even though it was already Wednesday.

“Here’s your delivery.”

With a small greeting to her team members, Kang Jin began placing individually wrapped seaweed rice rolls on their desks one by one.

“Thank you.”

“I’ll give you two thousand won.”

As each team member handed over payment with thanks, Kang Jin smiled and accepted the money.

“My pleasure.”

When she delivered Lim Ho-jin’s lunch, he gratefully took it from her with a smile.

“Thanks.”

“It feels like we’ve become quite comfortable around each other now…but should I continue using honorifics?”

Lim Ho-jin chuckled and nodded in agreement.

“You’re right; things have certainly eased up between us.”

“Then should I start using casual language?”

“Actually, it’s more comfortable for me to use honorifics. So, addressing you formally feels easier, Kang Jin-ssi. Besides, it’s become a habit.”

As someone whose job involved interacting with various people, Lim Ho-jin had developed a habit of using formal speech.

“If that makes you feel at ease, then…enjoy your kimchi rice rolls,” Kang Jin replied.

Lim Ho-jin, peeling off the aluminum foil, asked him:

“You’ve met the interns already?”

“I imagine they’re passionately discussing something at my store right now.”

“Oh! Are they trying to boost sales?”

Kang Jin chuckled as Lim Ho-jin seemed to read his mind.

“Well, if they’re going to eat out anyway, might as well choose my place. It has great taste and supports me too.”

Lim Ho-jin nodded at Kang Jin’s words.

“What about Choi Donghae?”

“He’ll be a superstar by now.”

“A superstar?”

“Donghae said he’d give his vote to whoever you gave yours to.”

Lim Ho-jin looked at Kang Jin thoughtfully.

“By the way, is it true that Mr. Donghae has no intention of becoming a full-time employee here?”

“Earning money is important, but Donghae…I mean, Choi Donghae thinks losing weight should be his priority right now.”

“It seems like you’ve successfully persuaded him.”

“After completing this internship, he plans to spend a year at a boarding school in Gangwon-do for dieting purposes.”

“At the boarding school, he can study while losing weight and prepare for employment simultaneously.”

“That’s right.” Lim Ho-jin relaxed his shoulders as he agreed with Kang Jin’s assessment. “So what do you think will happen to our most popular intern?”

“What do you mean?”

“Do you think we’ll have another star intern this time around?”

The staff looked at him curiously. They had been taking a short break to eat some rice rolls, but their interest was piqued by the mention of the most popular intern. It was a fierce competition among the interns, yet it served as entertaining gossip for everyone else.

“It’ll be tough,” Kang Jin replied.

Lim Ho-jin observed him closely. “Are you saying there won’t be any standout intern this year?”

“There will be one.”

“Oh? You seem to have something in mind.”

“In this current world with high youth unemployment…we must do whatever it takes to secure at least one job.”

“Even if you’re not selected?”

“If I weren’t running my own business, I’d be struggling like them too. I want to help increase employment opportunities for just one more person.”

“What’s your plan? It won’t be easy convincing all the interns.”

Kang Jin responded confidently, “The chances of becoming the popular intern are either 0 or 1, and unfortunately, the likelihood of being 0 is quite high. However, I intend to make sure I become the ‘1’ instead of the ‘0.’”

“‘Not 0 but 1’…is that even possible?”

“It is, if we leave it to chance.”

“Chance?” Curious, Lim Ho-jin watched as Kang Jin extended his hand.

“Rock-paper-scissors!”