Chapter 98

As Kang Jin opened his mouth to answer Wang Gangshin’s question, he was interrupted by Bae Yongsoo’s voice.

“It is the finest Korean restaurant in South Korea.”

Kang Jin glanced at Bae Yongsoo’s firm tone. Bae Yongsoo had emerged from the kitchen.

Did Suksoon-nim go inside the kitchen?

Bae Yongsoo likely distanced himself so as not to harm Kim Bongnam further. Kang Jin quickly echoed Bae Yongsoo’s statement.

“It is indeed the finest Korean restaurant in South Korea.”

“The finest?” Wang Gangshin queried.

Bae Yongsoo responded again, and Kang Jin promptly translated.

“And the person preparing appetizers in the kitchen right now is considered the best chef in South Korea.”

“Isn’t it too easy to claim ‘the best’ for someone?”

“He truly is the finest in South Korea.”

As Kang Jin firmly relayed Chef Yongsoo’s words, Wang Gangshin nodded and looked at him with admiration.

“If you, as a chef, say so…then he must truly be exceptional.”

“You’ll understand once you taste his cooking. He is indeed South Korea’s finest.”

Wang Gangshin listened intently to Kang Jin relaying Sung Yongsoo’s words. With anticipation, he glanced towards the kitchen and smiled.

“A master of Korean cuisine…I can’t wait.”

Following Wang Gangshin’s remark, Kang Jin peeked into the kitchen where Kim Bongnam gently shook a frying pan while sautéing meat. Moments later, Kim Bongnam emerged carrying a tray laden with dishes.

“Here we have stir-fried pork belly with napa cabbage and kimchi stew.”

“Shall we drink now?”

“Ah?”

“Please enjoy your meal.”

With curiosity and anticipation, Wang Gangshin raised his glass of soju to his nose.

“Hmm! The aroma is indeed delightful.” After taking a moment to appreciate its scent, he took a sip.

Gulp!

“Oh…” Wang Gangshin sighed with pleasure and nodded appreciatively.

“Ahh! Aah!” With a content expression, Wang Gangshin exclaimed and reached for more soju, but Kim Bongnam interrupted him.

“Let’s start with these side dishes first.”

Following Kim Bongnam’s suggestion, Wang Gangshin tasted the meat and vegetables, a smile spreading across his face as he savored the flavors. Observing Wang Gangshin’s delight, Kim Bongnam commented:

“You might find it slightly salty.”

“Yes, it is, but it’s a deliciously savory taste. Moreover, the balance between sweet and salty makes it truly exquisite.” Wang Gangshin looked at Kim Bongnam curiously.

Wang Gangshin looked at Kim Bongnam curiously. “Did you make it intentionally salty?”

“The salt enhances the sweetness. To fully enjoy Gamhongro’s natural sweetness, it’s best to pair it with slightly salty side dishes.”

“I see.”

“People these days call this sweet-and-salty combo ‘dan-jaan’!”

“Ha-ha-ha! Dan-jaan… I like that term!” Wang Gangshin poured more soju into his glass and stood up while raising his cup.

Chinese people sure love standing during meals.

Recalling how often Wang Gangshin had risen from his seat yesterday while drinking, Kangjin also raised his glass. He didn’t plan on getting drunk but intended to have one or two cups since he was told it was a fine liquor.

As Kang Jin raised his glass, Wang Gangshin glanced at Kim Bongnam.

“How old are you this year?”

“I’m seventy-five years old.”

“Oh! Since I am seventy-three, you’re my elder brother.” With that, Wang Gangshin sat back down and looked at Kim Bongnam.

“Please say something.”

Kim Bongnam stood up again, raising his glass as he spoke.

“I’ve met wonderful people at a great restaurant today. It’s truly an honor to meet you all.”

“It’s likewise an honor for me too.”

With those words, both Kim Bongnam and Wang Gangshin took another sip from their glasses before setting them down.

“Haoh! Haoh!” Seeing Wang Gangshin express delight repeatedly, Kang Jin also drank and put down his glass.

Ugh! What kind of sweetness is thi…?

Kang Jin initially thought it tasted bitter but was slightly puzzled by this sensation. After swallowing, he detected a sweet aftertaste lingering on his tongue.

“It has a hint of sweetness.”

“Eat some appetizers,” suggested Kim Bongnam.

Kang Jin nodded and took a bite. The combination of salty and sweet flavors enhanced the sweetness even more.

“Tastes good,” remarked Kang Jin.

Kim Bongnam smiled at his response. “There’s harmony in food as well. Discovering that perfect pairing is always enjoyable.”

With that, Kim Bongnam opened a box containing Cheongbaekryeok bottles and glasses. The Cheongbaekryeok glasses were made of transparent glass, thin and small. He gently poured Cheongbaekryeok into these delicate glasses.

Glug, glug!

The Cheongbaekryeok emitted a faint blue light beyond its transparency. Kang Jin commented on this observation:

“The name truly suits the liquor.”

Wang Gangshin nodded in agreement with Kang Jin’s remark.

“Yes, indeed. The name perfectly matches the drink.”

Due to Wang Gangshin’s presence, their conversation at the table was conducted in Chinese, allowing for smooth communication between them.

In response to their compliments, Kim Bongnam gestured towards the soju.

“Please give it a try.”

Wang Gangshin smacked his lips and raised the glass of Cheongbaekryeok to his mouth.

Gulp!

After taking a sip, Wang Gangshin paused momentarily before smiling.

“This is quite refreshing.”

“Is it?”

“It feels like winter inside my mouth.”

Kim Bongnam glanced at Kang Jin after Wang Gangshin’s comment.

“You should try it too.”

Kang Jin licked his lips, eyeing the shot glass apprehensively before responding.

“Maybe because it’s 62 proof, but I’m feeling a bit intimidated.”

“A man shouldn’t fear alcohol,” Wang Gangshin said with a smile.

Kang Jin returned the grin and replied, “As a man, I don’t fear it, but as the host, I worry about getting drunk.”

Wang Gangshin nodded, acknowledging the validity of Kang Jin’s concern.

“That’s true. As a man, one must never get intoxicated or lose control while drinking.”

Isn’t that something both men and women should adhere to…?

As Kang Jin muttered inwardly, Wang Gangshin glanced at him before addressing Kim Bongnam again.

“This brother is right. Handling knives while intoxicated is dangerous… Allow me to drink it on his behalf.”

Kim Bongnam looked at Kang Jin after hearing Wang Gangshin’s words.

“Then just take a small sip.”

Kang Jin hesitated but eventually picked up the glass.

He doesn’t seem like someone who forces others to drink… So does he have a reason for asking me to taste it?

Moreover, as Wang Gangshin mentioned, cooking under the influence can be challenging and hazardous due to handling knives and open flames in the kitchen. Knowing this well, there must have been a purpose behind Kim Bongnam’s request.

Knowing Kim Bongnam’s expertise, there must have been a reason for him to suggest tasting it. So Kang Jin cautiously sipped some Cheongbaekryeok.

Fwah!

The potent aroma of the liquor filled his mouth, providing an incredibly refreshing sensation.

‘It feels like drinking chilled soju with ice on a hot summer day.’

With that thought, Kang Jin nodded approvingly.

“It’s excellent.”

Kim Bongnam responded, “Create a dish that pairs well with this.”

“Me?”

“I’ve made dishes to complement Gamhongro, so shouldn’t you create one for Cheongbaekryeok?”

After a moment’s consideration, Kang Jin nodded in agreement.

“As the restaurant owner, I can’t refuse a customer’s request. Understood.”

Kang Jin finished off the remaining Cheongbaekryeok from his glass, savoring its taste before entering the kitchen. He took a sip of cold water and discreetly observed Bae Yongsoo, who had returned to the kitchen after Kim Bongnam left for the hall.

“What goes well with Cheongbaekryeok?”

“Suksoon-nim told you to make something, right?” Kang Jin replied as if he overheard their conversation while in the kitchen.

“Why ask me? I’m not a food connoisseur.”

Kang Jin’s quick response stemmed from his trust in Bae Yongsoo. Kim Bongnam emphasized pairing dishes with drinks, so it was likely that there would be specific appetizers designed to complement Woonam Restaurant’s beverages.

“But…”

“It’ll be great if you prepare Suksoon-nim’s meal yourself.”

“I’m not actually cooking anything though…”

“It will still have your touch though. Also…” Kang Jin discreetly glanced at the hall and whispered softly, “If I serve him delicious food, won’t he view me favorably? Then, it might be easier to become friends with Suksoon-nim.”

“That’s true.”

“Then, you’ll get to see Suksoon-nim more often.”

“Oh…I see.”

If Kang Jin became friendly with Kim Bongnam, visiting Woonam Restaurant would be convenient for both of them. Moreover, Kim Bongnam would likely visit One Meal Restaurant more frequently too.

Bae Yongsoo nodded at Kang Jin’s words and looked towards the refrigerator. It seemed he was contemplating what dishes would complement Cheongbaekryeok well.

As Kang Jin observed this, she suddenly remembered something.

I need to ask Yongsoo how he died…

She had intended to inquire about it during their previous visit to Woonam Restaurant but hadn’t gotten around to it yet.

It’s not appropriate to ask here:

Kang Jin thought it might be inappropriate to inquire about the cause of death with the deceased present. After pondering for a moment, he nodded internally.

I’ll save that conversation for another day.

As Kang Jin finished his thoughts, Sung Yongsoo spoke up.

“Cheongbaekryeok is…”

He paused briefly before continuing.

“It’s like morning dew.”

“Dew?”

“Pure and unadulterated, meaning no additional flavors are mixed in. That’s why I prefer dishes that highlight the natural taste of ingredients over heavily seasoned ones.”

Reflecting on Sung Yongsoo’s words, Kang Jin suggested:

“Sashimi perhaps?”

The mention of ‘dew’ reminded him of soju, which naturally paired well with sashimi.

“Sashimi sounds good, but unfortunately, we don’t have suitable ingredients for it at our restaurant.”

Kang Jin nodded in understanding.

“What should we prepare then?”

“How about beef salad?”

“Beef salad?” Kang Jin blinked as he had never heard of this dish before.

Bae Yongsoo explained, “Think of it similar to lamb skin rolls. It involves thinly sliced beef and various vegetables.”

“But isn’t beef salad quite different from lamb skin rolls?”

Lamb skin rolls contained mustard greens, giving them a distinct taste and texture, unlike the mild flavor of beef salad.

“I said ‘similar,’ not ‘the same’.” Bae Yongsoo paused for a moment, nodded, and then began explaining how to make it.

”…This is how you prepare it.”

“Is it based on an existing recipe?”

“I’m not sure if it already exists or not.”

“So, did you create it yourself?”

“All dishes in the world are merely variations of existing recipes. I came up with this by combining elements from lamb skin rolls, jujulpansu (nine-sectioned platter), and beef shabu-shabu.”

“Oh! That is amazing.”

“Stop talking nonsense and start cooking quickly.”

Kang Jin nodded at Sung Yongsoo’s words, then began preparing the meal. He took beef from the refrigerator and started thinly slicing it.

Slice! Slice!

After cutting the beef, Kang Jin prepared other ingredients. Twenty minutes later, Kang Jin placed bowls filled with food along with portable burners on Kim Bongnam’s dining table.

Kim Bongnam smiled as he saw the dishes.

“Is this shabu-shabu?”

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

“It is called ‘Sogogi Chomuchim’ or marinated raw beef.”

“Sogogi Chomuchim?”

“I tasted Cheongbaekryeok, and although its alcohol content was high, its flavor was clear and crisp. I believe strong seasoning or heavy-flavored appetizers would overshadow the taste of Cheongbaekryeok.”

“That’s why you chose Sogogi Chomuchim?”

Kang Jin nodded in response to Kim Bongnam’s question.

“The fat solidifies when beef cools down, making it greasy. Thus, I recommend cooking each slice of beef shabu-shabu style in this broth before wrapping them with vegetables.”

Kim Bongnam looked at the sauce bowl placed in front of him and tasted it using his chopsticks.

“Hmm… Soy sauce mixed with vinegar…

Mm… Is that plum syrup?”

“That’s correct.”

“Did you think sweetness would complement Cheongbaekryeok?”

“I know Cheongbaekryeok is a fine liquor, but its alcohol content is incredibly high. High alcohol content can be harsh on one’s palate, so I decided to add a hint of sweetness.”

“It isn’t overly sweet, which is good.” Kim Bongnam turned towards Wang Gangshin.

“Let us have a drink together.”

Kang Jin interrupted Kim Bongnam.

“Please wait a moment.”

With those words, Kang Jin placed thinly sliced beef into the broth and shook it gently.

Sizzle!

The surface of the beef cooked instantly when dipped into the hot broth. Kang Jin shook it a few more times before placing the cooked meat onto their plates.

“You can wrap the vegetables around the meat and dip them in the sauce,” explained Kang Jin.

Following his instructions, both men placed some vegetables on top of the meat. They then took a sip of Cheongbaekryeok before dipping their wrapped morsels into the sauce.

Crunch! Crunch!

Kang Jin nodded as he listened to the satisfying sound of them chewing the vegetables. Their content smiles made it clear how delicious they found the dish. It’s impossible to hide the joy derived from eating something truly scrumptious.

‘This dragon sure knows how to cook.’

Mentally praising Yongsoo, Kang Jin gave him a thumbs-up from across the dining area towards the kitchen.