Chapter 89

Dahyun wiped Kim Bongnam’s spit and wrote on a piece of paper,

“Sungsu-nim would know better about foods beneficial for kidneys and liver, so please ensure he receives them.”

“I was indeed pondering what he should eat.”

With a smile, Dahyun handed another note to Kim Bongnam.

“These medicinal herbs will be good for his body if consumed like tea. Additionally, I’ve listed foods that should not be eaten with these herbs; just avoid those combinations.”

Kim Bongnam read through the notes provided by Dahyun. They included instructions on how to consume the herbs along with recommended exercises.

“Exercises…”

“The best remedy for many ailments is proper nutrition. And since Sungsu-nim already takes care of that… The second most important is getting adequate sleep, followed by regular exercise.”

“Sungsu-nim should already be doing this well… The second is getting enough sleep, and thirdly, moderate exercise.”

“Understood.” As Kim Bongnam spoke, he handed Kang Jin the document. Kang Jin took it, glanced at its contents, and then asked:

“You’re not prescribing any medication?”

Although various herbs were listed, they were meant to be consumed like tea; there was no mention of medicinal prescriptions. In response to Kang Jin’s question, Dahyun smiled gently and explained:

“The liver and kidneys play crucial roles in eliminating waste and toxins from the body. Even if something is considered medicine for treating illness, your body still perceives it as waste. Wouldn’t it strain these organs excessively to constantly detoxify and remove such substances?”

“That makes sense.”

“So if you can heal without medication, it’s best to avoid taking them.” Dahyun paused briefly, took a sip of tea, and continued. “Most illnesses naturally heal when one eats well, sleeps adequately, and exercises moderately. The body knows how to self-heal; we just need to provide the necessary nutrients.”

Kim Bongnam smiled at Dahyun’s words.

“Sometimes, do you suddenly crave certain foods?”

“Yes, indeed.”

Everyone experiences sudden food cravings, like waking up with a hankering for kimchi stew or grilled pork belly while working.

“It’s said that these cravings arise because your body needs specific nutrients found in those foods.”

“You’re right. It’s best to eat what your body craves. Why else would you suddenly remember it?”

Kang Jin glanced at the paper Dahyun had handed him and asked:

“May I take a picture of this?”

“Certainly.”

With her permission, Kang Jin took a photo using his smartphone camera.

I need to show this to Huh-seonsaeng.

After returning the paper to Kim Bongnam, he stood up.

“I should be going now.”

“Yes, please do.”

Dahyun accompanied them outside the temple, engaging in light conversation along the way. She turned to Kang Jin.

“Do visit us from time to time.”

“But I’m not Buddhist…”

“Many who come here aren’t Buddhists either.”

“Really?”

“This temple is often visited by tourists these days, including many foreigners.”

“Oh…”

“In life, there are moments when one needs to confide in someone about things they can’t share with others. Please feel free to visit and talk whenever you need. I’m quite good at lending an ear.”

Dahyun’s words invited Kang Jin to come back for matters he couldn’t discuss elsewhere. Just like the story of “The King’s Ears,” having secrets can be unbearably burdensome. For Kang Jin, it must be particularly frustrating since he couldn’t reveal anything about the Afterlife Restaurant to anyone except ghosts.

However, Dahyun was aware of the Afterlife Restaurant, providing Kang Jin with someone to whom he could openly discuss his experiences.

Kang Jin now had someone with whom he could discuss the restaurant whenever he wished.

“I’ll have to visit often.”

Dahyun smiled and placed her hands together in prayer at Kang Jin’s words.

“Namu Amitabha Buddha.”

“Namu Amitabha Buddha.”

As Kang Jin and Kim Bongnam joined their palms, Dahyun suddenly looked at Kang Jin.

“Do you happen to know the meaning of Namu Amitabha Buddha?”

“I believe it’s a Buddhist chant.”

Dahyun smiled warmly at Kang Jin’s response.

“Namu Amitabha Buddha refers to the Buddha residing in the Western Pure Land.”

“Is that so?”

“It’s a lengthy explanation, but simply put… In Buddhism, what is commonly known as heaven corresponds to the Western Pure Land or Sukhavati. Namu Amitabha Buddha can be likened to ‘go to heaven’ in Christianity—a phrase expressing good wishes.”

“Ah… I see.”

“I thought it would be beneficial for you to understand the significance behind the words you use.”

Kang Jin placed his hands together and repeated after Dahyun.

“Na-mu-myōhō-renge-kyō.”

Understanding its significance, Monk Dahyun smiled and echoed Kang Jin’s gesture.

“Na-mu-myōhō-renge-kyō.”

After exchanging greetings with this Buddhist chant, Kang Jin left the temple with Kim Bongnam. As they headed towards the parking lot, Kang Jin softly murmured:

“Bae Yongsoo, Bae Yongsoo, Bae Yongsoo, Heo Yeonwook…”

Repeating their names three times summoned the ghosts of Bae Yongsoo and Heo Yeonwook beside him.

“Lotsus Flower Temple?”

Bae Yongsoo appeared puzzled, as if recognizing the name. Without further explanation, Kang Jin nodded at Heo Yeonwook and approached Kim Bongnam.

“Sungsu-nim.”

Kim Bongnam turned back from walking towards his car upon hearing Kang Jin’s address.

“I’ll be taking my leave now.”

“Do you want me to give you a ride?”

“At this time, traffic will likely be heavy around Nonhyeon.”

Kim Bongnam nodded at Kang Jin’s suggestion.

“Let’s do that then. And thank you for finding me. If it wasn’t for your help, I would have been in more pain before locating this place.”

Kang Jin shook his head at Kim Bongnam’s gratitude.

“It was thanks to Yongsoo, not me.”

Kim Bongnam smiled and nodded in agreement with Kang Jin’s response.

“Yes, indeed, it’s all thanks to Yongsoo.” He took out his wallet, pulled a business card, and handed it to Kang Jin. “Give me a call on Monday. Oh! Please text me your number as well.”

“I will.” Kang Jin extended his hand gently towards Kim Bongnam. “May I receive some energy again?”

Kim Bongnam chuckled at Kang Jin’s request.

“Don’t take too much; remember, I’m still recovering from illness.”

With a smile, Kim Bongnam reached out, and Kang Jin grasped his hand. As they connected, Heo Yeonwook placed his fingers on Kang Jin’s wrist to check his pulse.

“Well, let’s go now.”

As Kim Bongnam tried to let go of Kang Jin’s hand, Heo Yeonwook interjected:

“Just a little more…”

Kang Jin held onto Kim Bongnam’s hand again at Heo Yeonwook’s request.

“Huh! Are you planning to drain all my energy?” Kim Bongnam chuckled, and Kang Jin smiled back, responding:

“Sungsu-nim’s hands were quite cold.”

“What?”

“You mentioned earlier that my hands felt warm. I wanted to help warm yours with my body heat, even just a little.”

Kim Bongnam looked at Kang Jin, then smiled warmly while holding both his hands.

“Your touch is comforting.”

“Please drive safely.”

“I will. Oh! Don’t forget to text me.” With that, Kim Bongnam got into his car, waved goodbye, and drove off. As Kang Jin watched him leave, he turned towards Heo Yeonwook.

“How’s your pulse?”

“It has stabilized somewhat.”

Heo Yeonwook then looked at Kang Jin.

“Is it because finding inner peace improved your pulse?”

“Do you think it’s better now?”

“Not significantly, but slightly calmer compared to when I checked it at Woonam Restaurant.”

Upon hearing Heo Yeonwook’s assessment, Kang Jin showed him a photo of a prescription on his phone.

“I received this prescription.”

“A prescription?”

“Yes, there’s a doctor who is also a monk residing at our temple.”

“You didn’t go to a hospital?”

“No, I didn’t.”

With a slight frown, Heo Yeonwook examined the prescription.

“These herbs seem to support the liver and kidneys while aiding detoxification. However…it says to consume them like tea.”

“Yes, he instructed me to drink it as tea.”

“Hmm…”

After hearing Kang Jin’s explanation, Heo Yeonwook glanced at Lotus Flower Temple.

“I hold licenses for both Western and Eastern medicine, having studied both disciplines. However, modern medicine is more effective in treating actual diseases.”

As someone with expertise in both fields, Heo Yeonwook understood their strengths and weaknesses well. While traditional Eastern medicine focused on prevention and maintaining health before illness strikes, Western medicine excelled in directly attacking and treating diseases. Despite acknowledging that some conditions could be treated with Eastern methods, he believed it was generally better to first assess and treat them using Western medicine.

Bae Yongsoo shook his head in response to Heo Yeonwook’s statement.

“I understand what you’re saying, sir, but Monk Dahyun…”

“Dahyun-ssi? Is Dahyun-ssi here?” Heo Yeonwook looked around Lotus Flower Temple with surprise at Bae Yongsoo’s words.

“Do you know her?” Kang Jin curiously asked.

Heo Yeonwook nodded affirmatively. “She is a giant in the field of traditional medicine.”

“Must be quite famous then.”

“Indeed. I studied traditional medicine using one of her books.” As he spoke, Heo Yeonwook gazed at Lotus Flower Temple. “I’ve always wanted to meet her…and she’s right here.”

Bae Yongsoo responded contentedly, “Dahyun-ssi and our Suk-su have known each other for a long time.”

The fact that this esteemed monk was close friends with Kim Bongnam, their senior, made Bae Yongsoo feel elevated by association.

“I see,” replied Heo Yeonwook, sounding pleased.

He then turned to Kang Jin and asked, “By any chance, did you witness her placing needles?”

“Yes, she inserted quite a few.”

“Oh…” With regret, Heo Yeonwook glanced back at Lotus Flower Temple, wishing he could have observed the legendary treatment by Dahyun himself.

Kang Jin, noticing his disappointment, suggested, “We should head home now.”

Bae Yongsoo curiously asked, “So what did Dahyun-nim say about Suk-su-nim’s condition? Is it serious?”

As they walked, Kang Jin recounted Dahyun’s examination of Kim Bongnam, occasionally prompting questions from Heo Yeonwook who was intrigued by her approach. However, since Kang Jin wasn’t a traditional doctor, he couldn’t precisely explain Dahyun’s techniques. Instead, he simply pointed out the acupuncture points where she had placed the needles based on his memory.

After returning from Lotus Flower Temple to his store, Kang Jin was watching TV. He suddenly looked around the shop. Ghosts had gathered inside and were watching television together. Naturally, there were no customers due to the presence of ghosts.

‘This is… I can’t tell them to leave:’

The ghosts came here because they were bored, yet it made him uncomfortable asking them to leave when he needed to serve guests. After observing the ghosts for a moment, Kang Jin sighed and shook his head. Then his phone rang. Kang Jin raised an eyebrow at the number displayed on the screen.

“Yoon Soo-hong?”

It was Yoon Soo-hong, Lim Ho-jin’s senior colleague from Top Trade Company.

“Hello.”

[Do you remember me, Yoon Soo-hong, who had dinner with you before?]

“Yes, of course.”

“I’m just wondering if you’re still open?”

“Yes.”

Although there were no customers, the shop was indeed open.

“That’s great. I haven’t had dinner yet because of some unexpected meetings earlier today. Can I grab something to eat?”

“Please come over.”

“I’m already nearby but can’t seem to find your store. It should be…right here somewhere.”

Kang Jin glanced at the ghosts present in his shop as Yoon Soo-hong spoke.

“I’ll step outside.”

“I’m standing in front of the cell phone store,” said Yoon Soo-hong.

Hearing this, Kang Jin hung up and turned his head. The cell phone store was right next door.

“They’ll be surprised when they see me.” Despite being so close, Yoon Soo-hong hadn’t noticed Kang Jin’s shop. Kang Jin addressed the ghosts:

“Sorry, but since we have guests coming, I need to step out briefly during business hours.”

Upon hearing Kang Jin’s words, the ghosts reluctantly rose from their seats while watching the TV.

“We’ll go next door to watch.”

“Let’s do that.”

Kang Jin pursed his lips at their response.

The neighboring store’s business is doomed today.

If the ghosts went next door to watch TV, human customers would avoid it as well.

Swoosh! Swoosh!

As he watched each ghost pass through the door, Kang Jin opened the entrance and stepped outside. There, he spotted Yoon Soo-hong scanning the area.

“Sir!” At Kang Jin’s call, Yoon Soo-hong looked surprised and turned towards One Meal Restaurant.

“Huh? What?” Flustered, Yoon Soo-hong alternated between staring at Kang Jin and the restaurant. Suddenly, One Meal Restaurant, which had been invisible until now, became visible before his eyes, almost like a magic trick.