Chapter 96

As Kang Jin approached his restaurant, he spotted an unexpected person standing at the entrance.

“Mrs. Suk?”

The figure pacing outside was Kim Bongnam herself. She smiled upon hearing Kang Jin’s voice.

“You’re here.”

“Why didn’t you contact me first?”

“Do people really call ahead just to have a meal? Or…” Kim Bongnam glanced at the restaurant. “Is this place only for those who make reservations beforehand?”

“Nonsense, please come in.” Kang Jin opened the door as he spoke. “I imagine it wasn’t easy finding our restaurant…”

“It was quite straightforward,” replied Kim Bongnam.

Kang Jin raised an eyebrow at her response.

Usually, people can’t see it due to the ghosts, though…

As Kang Jin opened the shop door and entered, he soon realized why Kim Bongnam found it so easily. There wasn’t a single ghost inside the store. Normally, when Kang Jin arrived at work, ghosts would be lounging around watching TV, but now there was not one to be seen. The absence of ghosts made it effortless for Kim Bongnam to locate the shop.

“Why is the TV on with no one here?” Kim Bongnam asked, noticing the television turned on in the corner. Kang Jin chuckled awkwardly in response.

He had left the TV on for the ghosts, as they couldn’t physically interact with objects like turning it off themselves.

“I turned it on to deter burglars.”

“Burglars?”

“If burglars hear the TV, they might think someone’s home and avoid breaking in.”

“That makes sense.” Seeing Kim Bongnam’s belief in his excuse, Kang Jin served him tea.

‘By the way, where did that scoundrel Yongsoo go? He would be thrilled to see Mrs. Suk-su here.’

As Kang Jin pondered this, Kim Bongnam looked around while sipping his tea and asked:

“May I take a look at your kitchen?”

“Since you’ve seen Woonam Restaurant’s kitchen, it’s only fair you see mine too.”

Kang Jin got up and headed towards the kitchen, with Kim Bongnam following closely behind.

“It’s very clean,” observed Kim Bongnam.

“Well, it is where food is prepared,” replied Kang Jin.

Kim Bongnam nodded in agreement. “Cleanliness is paramount in cooking. No matter how renowned a restaurant may be, if its kitchen isn’t hygienic, it’s inherently the worst.”

As he spoke, Kim Bongnam scanned the kitchen and spotted an iron knife hanging on one side of the wall. He reached out to grab it.

“People don’t use this type of knife much these days…”

Kang Jin pursed her lips at his comment.

That’s right. It’s not commonly used.

Bae Yongsoo had purchased the iron knife from a traditional market. Since then, he’d been using it as his personal chef’s knife. Kang Jin tried it once but found it too heavy for prolonged use. Chopping ingredients a few times wasn’t an issue, but using it extensively for multiple dishes strained her wrists.

Kim Bongnam inspected the blade with a smile. “The weight is just right, and…the edge seems well-maintained.”

“Thank you.”

“It’s not just flattery; it truly is well-maintained.” Kang Jin nodded as Kim Bongnam lightly touched his finger to the blade to check its sharpness.

‘With three types of sharpening stones, it should be.’

To properly maintain the iron kitchen knife, Kang Jin had purchased three different sharpening stones upon Sung Yongsoo’s recommendation: coarse grit for starting, medium grit for honing, and fine grit for finishing… According to Yongsoo, these three were essential for proper maintenance.

Kim Bongnam admired the knife briefly before putting it down and heading toward the refrigerator.

“May I open this?”

Even typical housewives dislike others casually opening their refrigerators, feeling exposed by the contents within. As a professional chef, Kim Bongnam was particularly sensitive about this, so he always sought Kang Jin’s permission first.

“Please go ahead.” With Kang Jin’s permission, Kim Bongnam opened the refrigerator door. He inspected its contents and then took out some meat.

“The quality of this meat is excellent.”

“As a chef, shouldn’t I use the best ingredients available to create the finest dishes?”

Kim Bongnam chuckled and nodded at Kang Jin’s words.

“You’re right about that. However, nowadays, there are too many restaurants serving mediocre food with average ingredients.”

As he spoke, Kim Bongnam continued browsing through the refrigerator before retrieving several side dishes.

“May I taste these?”

“I made them for people to enjoy, so there’s no reason why you can’t try them.”

Kang Jin handed over chopsticks as Kim Bongnam opened the containers. Inside were kimchi, eggplant salad, bean sprouts, and various other vegetable salads.

“There are four side dishes here?”

“I have cucumber salad, egg rolls, and stir-fried fish cakes ready to make.”

“These dishes taste best when freshly made.”

“That’s why I don’t prepare them ahead of time but cook them as soon as guests arrive.”

Kim Bongnam nodded approvingly at Kang Jin’s answer and started eating kimchi and side dishes with his chopsticks. He smiled contentedly.

“Delicious!”

“They’re meant to be enjoyed,” replied Kang Jin.

Kim Bongnam nodded in agreement. “Indeed, side dishes should always be tasty.” With a pleasant smile, he continued eating kimchi before commenting, “By the way, your menu…it’s quite unique.”

Kang Jin listened intently as Kim Bongnam referred to the unconventional menu where customers could request any dish they desired.

“It’s because I never know what my guests might want to eat.”

“But wouldn’t that be overwhelming without a set menu?”

For set dishes, ingredients could be prepped ahead of time, and there would be a plan to follow. However, even for experienced chefs, it’s challenging to prepare meals based on customers’ preferences at any given moment. Each new menu item requires starting from scratch with ingredient preparation.

“We don’t get many customers here.”

“Really? Based on the taste of your side dishes alone, I’d expect quite a few patrons.”

“I currently work at a company… So, the store hours aren’t fixed. That might be why.”

Kim Bongnam looked puzzled at Kang Jin’s explanation.

“A company?”

“Yes, I’m interning at Taekwang Trading Company just down the street.”

“But why intern when you own such a fine restaurant in Nonhyeon? As an intern, wouldn’t it be hard to cover this place’s rent?”

Kim Bongnam scanned the restaurant and chuckled as Kang Jin explained:

“Fortunately, I own this building, so there’s no rent to worry about.”

Kim Bongnam smiled at her response.

“So, you’re the landlord here.”

“The previous owner of this restaurant also gifted me the building.”

“But why intern?”

“I thought it was the best decision at that time.”

Kim Bongnam nodded understandingly.

“As situations change over time… Let’s get back to our earlier discussion,” he continued. “The opening hours and operating times of your restaurant are commitments made to Mr. Son. No matter what happens, these must be strictly adhered to.”

“That’s why, once my internship ends, I’m determined to stick to the agreed schedule.”

“In any business, success without credibility is hard to achieve.”

“I understand.”

As Kang Jin responded, Kim Bongnam glanced around the kitchen before posing his next question.

“What can you do for me then?”

“Would you like something to eat?”

“Why would I come to a restaurant if not for food?” Kim Bongnam’s words made Kang Jin nod slightly.

“What would you like to have?”

“It depends on what you want to cook.” Kim Bongnam paused and glanced at the refrigerator. “Just make your best dish with what you currently have.”

Kang Jin nodded at Kim Bongnam’s request and pointed towards the dining table. “Please take a seat.”

Kim Bongnam left the kitchen as instructed. As soon as he was gone, Kang Jin quietly muttered:

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

Summoning both ghosts simultaneously, they promptly appeared beside him.

“Where did all the other ghosts go?” Kang Jin whispered softly.

Bae Yongsoo looked towards Kim Bongnam standing in the hall before responding:

“I sent them outside because Mrs. Suk-su was present.”

In response to Bae Yongsoo’s words, Heo Yeonwook stated:

“Yongsoo-ssi was so insistent that all ghosts should leave, they were startled and went outside.”

Kang Jin nodded at their explanations.

‘Seeing Mrs. Suk-su, Yongsoo sent them away.’

Bae Yongsoo had expelled all the ghosts upon noticing Kim Bongnam’s arrival at One Meal Restaurant. After all, Kim Bongnam wouldn’t have been able to enter if any ghosts remained inside. As Kang Jin observed Bae Yongsoo,

“Weren’t you supposed to stay near Mrs. Suk-su?”

“It’s not good for people to be close to ghosts.”

Kang Jin’s eyes narrowed at Bae Yongsoo’s remark.

“What about me then?” Despite being detrimental to Kim Bongnam, this ghost now clung closely to Kang Jin himself.

“You’re different,” Kang Jin replied, subtly shifting the topic. “By the way, why is Mrs. Suk-su over there?”

“She wants to eat.”

“Then let’s proceed quickly.”

At Sung Yongsoo’s words, Kang Jin shook his head and looked at Heo Yeonwook.

“What type of food is good for Mrs. Suk?”

This was why he had called upon Heo Yeonwook. Since her liver and kidneys were not functioning well, Kang Jin wanted to use ingredients suitable for her condition.

In response to Kang Jin’s question, Heo Yeonwook nodded and explained:

“Considering her poor liver and kidney health… Foods rich in albumin and protein would be beneficial. Items like tofu and beef seem appropriate.”

“Albumin?”

“Albumin is a protein that helps maintain blood pressure, transport nutrients, and hormones within the body.”

“So it’s good for her health?”

“It contains essential nutrients that Mrs. Suk needs currently.”

Upon hearing Heo Yeonwook’s words, Kang Jin glanced at Bae Yongsoo.

“Indeed. What should we make?”

Bae Yongsoo looked towards Kim Bongnam before replying to Kang Jin.

“How about abalone porridge with soy sauce-fried tofu on the side?”

“But it won’t be fresh abalone.”

“I agree that fresh would be better, but unfortunately, we don’t have any.”

The abalone currently available in their refrigerator was frozen. Without access to live seafood, using fresh abalone wasn’t possible.

“Bae Yongsoo reassured him, “Even frozen abalone of good quality will work fine.”

Nodding, Kang Jin retrieved the ingredients from the refrigerator.

“First, soak the rice in water, and wash the abalone under running water.”

“I know that much,” replied Kang Jin as he followed Bae Yongsoo’s instructions while preparing the ingredients.

“By the way, does soy sauce-fried tofu go well with abalone porridge?”

“Porridge tends to have a mild and smooth taste.”

“That’s true.”

“Fried tofu provides a crispy texture that complements the softness of the porridge. Additionally, the soy sauce seasoning adds depth to its otherwise bland flavor.”

Heo Yeonwook nodded at Bae Yongsoo’s explanation.

“For those with liver or kidney issues, it’s beneficial to have lighter meals in the evening. Both tofu and porridge are not heavy, making them suitable choices.”

“Really?”

“Overeating is inherently unhealthy for the body. Even if you’re hungry, it’s best to opt for light meals.”

Kang Jin agreed with Heo Yeonwook.

“Moderation is indeed key.”

“That’s right. It’s best to sleep moderately, eat moderately, and exercise moderately for optimal health.”

“Indeed.”

As they conversed, Kang Jin soaked rice grains for making porridge while preparing other ingredients.

Chop-chop-chop! Chop!

While cutting vegetables, Kang Jin heard a familiar sound.

Ding-a-ling! Ding-a-ling!

Kang Jin lowered his head momentarily before quickly emerging from the kitchen.

“Elder Wang.”

Wang Kangshin had entered the restaurant. He smiled lightly and waved at Kang Jin upon seeing him.

“Are you here for lunch?”

“Certainly. By the way, did you come alone today?”

Wang Kangshin was indeed by himself.

“My son and daughter-in-law went out due to prior commitments, and my granddaughter headed off to the broadcasting station.”

“So, you came here all by yourself?”

“How old do you think I am? Are you worried that I might get lost on my way here?”

“It’s fine if you were in China…but this is South Korea.”

“Whether it’s China or South Korea, taxis bring passengers to their destination just the same.” Wang Kangshin chuckled. “Should we continue standing?”

“No need for that. Please have a seat over there.”

Wang Kangshin sat down where Kang Jin indicated. She then brought him some tea and asked:

“What would you like to eat?”

“You can serve whatever you’d like.”

“Understood.”

As Kang Jin entered the kitchen, Wang Kangshin leaned back against his chair and glanced at Kim Bongnam. When their eyes met, Kim Bongnam slightly bowed his head.

“It seems like you’re here for sightseeing.” Kim Bongnam spoke to Mr. Wang in Chinese, causing him to smile.

“You speak Chinese?”

“I own a small restaurant that caters to foreign customers, so I picked up some phrases over time.”

“Your Chinese is quite good.”

“Thank you.”

As Kang Jin observed Wang Kangshin and Kim Bongnam conversing from the kitchen, he resumed cooking.

Should I call Manager Lim?

After briefly contemplating, Kang Jin discreetly sent a text message:

[Mr. Wang Kangshin has arrived at the shop. However, as previously discussed, please only enter if you have obtained his permission.]