Chapter 86

Kang Jin was in the restroom. In truth, he didn’t need to use it; rather, he had sought Kim Bongnam’s permission to go because he wanted to discuss something with Bae Yongsoo beforehand.

After confirming they were alone, Kang Jin looked at Bae Yongsoo.

“When Suksoon asks about you, you should immediately confirm her words.”

“Um… It feels like I would be lying…”

Kang Jin laughed at Bae Yongsoo’s response.

“Aren’t we friends?”

“Huh? Yeah, we’re friends.”

“Then it’s not lying, just a different perspective.”

Kang Jin wasn’t wrong; technically, they were indeed friends. However…

“But Suksoon might think we became friends while I was still alive.”

“It’s slightly different, but not entirely untrue. Just a distinct aspect of our friendship.”

Bae Yongsoo pondered for a moment before nodding in agreement.

“I understand.”

“Well then, let’s go.”

As Kang Jin finished speaking, he exited the restroom and followed the hallway to a room labeled “Meohwa” (plum blossom).

The Meohwa Room was decorated similarly to the Woonam Room’s ambiance. One side featured floor-to-ceiling glass windows, providing a stunning view of Yunam Restaurant’s beautiful garden.

“The scenery is truly remarkable,” Kang Jin remarked as Kim Bongnam smiled from his seated position.

“This is my favorite room.”

Kim Bongnam gestured for Kang Jin to take a seat across from him, which Kang Jin did. Once seated, Kim Bongnam poured tea for Kang Jin.

“Thank you.”

“Yes, since you’re Yongsoo’s friend… may I speak casually with you?”

“No father speaks formally to their son’s friends.”

Kim Bongnam smiled and nodded at Kang Jin’s words. Although they weren’t his biological sons, Kim Bongnam considered all chefs as his own children.

“However…I didn’t see you at Yongsoo’s funeral.”

“I’m sorry. At that time, I couldn’t be contacted separately so I couldn’t attend.”

“Hrmm… In that case, my apologies. I should’ve searched harder to contact everyone. My apologies.”

There was sincerity in Kim Bongnam’s voice. Witnessing this, Sung Yongsoo spoke up:

“Suksoon-ssi did your best.”

Kang Jin responded, “No need for apologies. I am truly sorry for not being able to attend.”

Kim Bongnam nodded appreciatively upon hearing Kang Jin’s response.

“How did you become friends with Yongsoo?”

“We met at the flea market.”

Bae Yongsoo glanced at Kang Jin when he mentioned the flea market. He didn’t expect Kang Jin to mention their first meeting there.

“I see.” Kim Bongnam believed Kang Jin’s explanation without hesitation. He occasionally took Bae Yongsoo shopping at the flea market, and later, Yongsoo started going alone to buy items.

“You said you’re opening a restaurant, but do you cook as well?”

“I’ve been learning for some time now.”

“It won’t be easy running a successful restaurant in Nonhyeon unless your cooking is exceptional…”

Nonhyeon was considered the heart of Gangnam, with numerous popular eateries and restaurants nearby. Without a unique selling point, it would be challenging to survive in such a competitive area.

Kang Jin nodded understandingly at Kim Bongnam’s concerned remark.

“I use only the finest ingredients available and strive to create the best dishes I can offer.”

Kim Bongnam paused momentarily before smiling warmly.

“Did Yongsoo tell you that?”

“Yes, he said it was his favorite saying.”

“I see.” Kim Bongnam nodded at Kang Jin’s words.

It is great to cook with the finest ingredients, but we cannot always use them. When not using the best, choose the optimal ones available and create the best dish possible.

These were the very words Sung Yongsoo had shared with Kang Jin, which Kim Bongnam often repeated to other chefs. It meant they should treat their guests by creating the best dishes with the highest quality ingredients they could obtain.

Hearing these words from Kang Jin felt peculiar to Kim Bongnam, evoking memories of Sung Yongsoo.

Kang Jin then spoke up, “There’s actually a reason I came here today without notice.”

“Do you need any help?”

Kang Jin shook his head with a smile at Kim Bongnam’s offer.

“Yongsoo and I were friends, but I’m not thick-skinned enough to ask for your assistance.”

Kim Bongnam considered Sung Yongsoo as one of his own sons, so he warmly welcomed Kang Jin as Yongsoo’s friend. However, they weren’t close enough for Kang Jin to request favors from him. Despite being treated like family, Kang Jin wasn’t actually related, nor did he have any obligation or loyalty towards Kim Bongnam, especially since Sung Yongsoo was no longer around. Additionally, during Yongsoo’s lifetime, Kang Jin had never been mentioned by him.

Considering all this, it wasn’t appropriate for Kang Jin to seek Kim Bongnam’s help. Moreover, Kang Jin hadn’t come here seeking assistance; there simply wasn’t anything that required it.

When Kang Jin clarified he wasn’t here for assistance, Kim Bongnam responded:

“Having my photo displayed at your restaurant would be great publicity.”

“Certainly…that’s true.”

“How about taking a picture together?”

Kang Jin shook his head with a smile at Kim Bongnam’s suggestion.

“Hanging Suksoon’s face might boost business, but…I don’t think it would honor Yongsoo’s memory.”

“You’re a good friend.”

“Thank you.”

“So, did you come today just to have a meal?”

Kang Jin answered Kim Bongnam’s question.

“I saw Yongsoo in a dream.”

“In a dream?”

“He said, ‘I’m worried about our father; please go check on him.’”

“Did he call me ‘father’?”

“Yes, he once mentioned considering you as a father figure.”

Bae Yongsoo’s eyes glistened at Kang Jin’s words.

“Hey…you’re making me blush.”

Kang Jin continued while ignoring Sung Yongsoo’s embarrassment.

“That’s why I’m here today.”

“So because Yongsoo asked you to check on me in your dream?”

“Yes.”

“I see.”

Although it sounded absurd, Kim Bongnam didn’t find this claim strange. At his age, he sometimes dreamed about deceased acquaintances. When they spoke in those dreams, it invariably caught his attention.

“I’m not a doctor, but having lived alone for so long, I’ve learned to monitor my own health closely.”

“And that’s why you mentioned feeling unwell?” Heo Yeonwook interjected before Kang Jin could nod in response.

“May I hold your hand for a moment?”

‘Hand?’

Kang Jin looked at Heo Yeonwook with questioning eyes.

“Heo Yeonwook: Checking via pulse diagnosis is quickest. Instead of mentioning ‘pulse diagnosis,’ just ask to hold his hand for a moment.”

Upon hearing this, Kang Jin nodded and turned towards Kim Bongnam.

“Um… May I hold your hand?”

“My hand?”

“I think it would be good if you held my hand when the dragon appears again in your dream.”

Kim Bongnam smiled and extended his hand. Kang Jin took it gently.

Then…

It’s cold.

Kim Bongnam’s hand felt slightly chilly to him. Conversely, Kim Bongnam grinned and said,

“Your hand is remarkably warm.”

“Really?”

“It feels nice. Hmm! Isn’t it a bit odd for me to say such things while holding another man’s hand?”

As Kang Jin watched Kim Bongnam’s playful banter, he noticed Heo Yeonwook checking Kim Bongnam’s pulse on his wrist.

“Your blood circulation is quite poor. Your hand must feel very cold.”

Kang Jin gave a slight nod, and Heo Yeonwook continued:

“And as I suspected, your liver isn’t in good shape. However…”

Before Heo Yeonwook could finish, Kim Bongnam interrupted with a smile:

“Don’t you think we’ve been holding hands for too long, gentlemen?”

Kang Jin turned to him with a grin:

“I can’t help but hold onto this hand longer, knowing it connects me to traditional South Korean cuisine. Plus, I want to absorb some of Suksoon’s energy.”

“It’s flattering that you see it that way.” Smiling, Kim Bongnam gently withdrew his hand, prompting Heo Yeonwook to say:

“That should be enough now.”

He then explained his findings from the pulse diagnosis: “Your liver isn’t good, but your kidneys are particularly weak.”

As Kang Jin looked at Heo Yeonwook, he continued, “Indeed, with poor kidney function, it’s no surprise that your liver is affected too. In traditional medicine, water nourishes wood, meaning the kidneys support the liver.”

Heo Yeonwook glanced at Kim Bongnam and added, “From what I recall, Suksoon-nim had a robust appetite and was generally healthy, so it’s puzzling how you’ve deteriorated this much.”

There are countless causes for illnesses, but most often, they stem from one’s diet. Consuming unhealthy food harms the body, while nutritious meals benefit it. Traditionally, Korean cuisine is inherently healthful. Moreover, Yunam uses only the finest ingredients, making its dishes potentially therapeutic just by eating them.

Since Kim Bongnam consumed meals from such establishments three times a day, one would expect his health to be excellent. However, Kang Jin didn’t see it that way.

‘If so, ancient kings should have lived forever.’

Despite having access to the finest food in their kingdoms, many rulers still died prematurely.

Kang Jin observed Kim Bongnam closely.

“When was your last medical checkup?”

“You think there’s something wrong with my body?”

“Your liver and kidneys are not in good shape.”

“First, you mentioned my liver, and now you’re saying my kidneys too?” Kim Bongnam chuckled as he responded.

“I’m neither a traditional nor a Western doctor,” replied Kang Jin. “So I can’t definitively confirm this. But if you trust me, perhaps visiting a hospital for a checkup…”

Kang Jin paused briefly before continuing, “…even just because of the dragon water I saw in your dream, please go get checked out.”

Initially, Kang Jin’s tone was pleading, but by the end, it sounded almost forceful.

Kim Bongnam wasn’t poor. As one of South Korea’s top chefs with such a large restaurant, there was no reason for him to be financially strapped. The fact that he hadn’t gotten himself checked despite his deteriorating health likely stemmed from either being too busy or overconfidence in his well-being. People like him would often say they’ll visit the hospital “next time.”

That’s why Kang Jin invoked Sung Yongsoo’s name.

He wouldn’t refuse if I mention my deceased disciple, right?

As Kang Jin pondered this, Kim Bongnam sighed while looking at him.

“If you put it that way…” Kim Bongnam sighed. “I guess I should go.”

Kang Jin smiled as Kim Bongnam agreed to visit the hospital just as he had predicted.

“That’s wise of you. When would you like to go?”

“You want me to go right away?” asked Kim Bongnam.

Heo Yeonwook chimed in, “Not only interest grows like a snowball.”

Kim Bongnam chuckled and nodded at Kang Jin’s follow-up remark.

“You’re right. An illness also worsens if left untreated.” He then decided, “Alright, let’s get this health check done since we’ve already made up our minds.”

“Why don’t we head there now?”

“How about later…?” Kim Bongnam stood up.

“Since I granted your request, will you grant me one?”

“As long as it’s not about money, anything.”

Kim Bongnam chuckled at Kang Jin’s response.

“Follow me.”

Kang Jin trailed behind Kim Bongnam as they walked together. Along the way, he noticed chefs resting comfortably on chairs to one side of the room. They hastily stood up upon seeing Kim Bongnam approach.

“Please relax,” said Kim Bongnam.

“Yes, sir.”

As the chefs sat back down, Kim Bongnam addressed them.

“Have you finished cleaning up?”

“Yes, we have.”

“Is everything cleared from the kitchen?”

“The rookies are preparing their dishes right now.”

Kim Bongnam nodded and turned to look at Kang Jin.

“This fellow is…” Kim Bongnam suddenly turned to Kang Jin. “By the way, I don’t even know your name yet.”

“My name is Lee Kang-jin,” replied Kang Jin.

Kim Bongnam nodded and continued, “He’s Yongsoo’s friend.”

The other chefs exchanged puzzled glances at this revelation.

“Yongsoo’s friend?”

“What brings him here?”

If Bae Yongsoo were still alive, his presence wouldn’t have raised any eyebrows, but with Yongsoo deceased, they wondered why Kang Jin had come.

Observing their reactions, Kim Bongnam instructed them, “Take it easy now.” He then opened a door on one side of the kitchen and entered, followed by Kang Jin. The remaining chefs looked at each other, perplexed.

“Since he’s Yongsoo’s friend, why bring him to the kitchen?”

“I agree.”

At Woonam Restaurant, the kitchen was strictly off-limits for outsiders. Not only did it involve handling knives and fire, but also maintaining cleanliness required keeping non-staff members out.