New Normal - Chapter 30

As if to prove she was the owner of a famous restaurant, Changja’s appearance was loud and flashy.

Her hair was tightly permed like it had been freshly curled at a neighborhood salon, and the glinting gold jewelry on her fingers and wrists matched perfectly with her bright yellow blouse.

Her teal skirt bloomed like a daffodil, and beneath it, the red slippers matched her meticulously painted lips exactly.

Chae Heejung, an elderly man in a fedora, scanned her flamboyant outfit with a blank expression before speaking in a cool tone.

“It’s been what, about a year? You’re still as stylish as ever, Mrs. Kwak.”

“Oh, you flatter me.”

Heejung looked at the gold chain she wore and teased, “Where’d you get that gold rope this time? Back when you were selling hangover soup, you tied your waist with a rubber band.”

Despite the gruff tone, Changja responded playfully, “Aigoo, that was decades ago. The world’s changed a few times over. Why are you bringing up ancient history?”

Heejung chuckled. Their history dated back about 50 years. At that time, Changja was a young newlywed selling hangover soup—not seolleongtang—and Heejung, then in his 30s, worked in the market as a moneylender.

Years passed. Through a connection from the market who had a soft spot for her, Changja inherited an old restaurant called Baeknyeon Ugwan and turned it into a well-known establishment. Heejung founded a large real estate company called Hanlim Asset Trust, managing golf courses and resorts.

Later, due to health issues, Heejung sold the company to a private equity fund but retained 11% of shares after stepping down. Now retired, he lived quietly, while Changja ran her restaurant. Despite their new roles, they still called each other by the old names out of habit.

“So, why haven’t you visited lately? You’ve lost weight, haven’t you? I was starting to worry.”

“Yeah, a lot happened recently. But I see your place is still bustling.”

“It’s lunchtime, of course!”

“Is there a seat?”

“Of course! I always keep one open for you.”

With a wink, Changja signaled a middle-aged man emerging from the kitchen to handle the front counter and personally guided Heejung to his usual spot in the back of the restaurant, marked “Reserved.” This seat was always saved for him, all year round.

“Sit here. The usual? One special seolleongtang?”

“No, just the regular.”

“Oh my. Your appetite’s shrunk.”

“It’s the heat, I think. I’ve got no appetite. I came hoping your radish kimchi would help.”

“You should’ve said! I’d have sent some over by quick delivery. You’ve been sick? You’ve really lost weight.”

Heejung avoided the question. Quick to catch on, Changja changed the subject.

“Well, then. All the more reason to eat something hearty. You know how summer brings all sorts of illnesses. A hot soup will warm you right up. I’ll bring it soon. Just wait a bit, okay?”

While she hurried off, Heejung took a few pieces of kimchi and set up his utensils. Through the open kitchen window, he noticed a young woman preparing broth and wiping steaming bowls.

She had a slender face, neatly tied hair, a black apron, and striking, dark eyes. Her calm expression stood out in the noisy restaurant.

She looked familiar. Where had he seen her?

Ever since his heart surgery, his memory had worsened. Faces he used to remember instantly now lingered frustratingly at the edge of his mind.

Just then, Changja returned with a bubbling bowl of seolleongtang.

“I especially prepared this for you. Just the way you like it—soft rice fully soaked. Try it, see if it still suits your taste.”

Despite her warm tone, Heejung answered only with a curt nod after tasting it. That was enough to make Changja smile in relief.

“Then enjoy. Let me know if you need anything else.”

“Wait a sec.”

Just as she was about to leave, Heejung called her back with a glance toward the kitchen.

“Mrs. Kwak, who’s that girl? Haven’t seen her before.”

Following his gaze, Changja let out a soft sigh.

“Oh, that’s my granddaughter.”

“Your granddaughter?”

“Yes. She usually works as a curator at an art museum. But today she’s helping me out for a bit. I complained I was tired, and she used her vacation time—whatever that is—to help. She’s not used to kitchen work… It’s a waste, honestly.”

Heejung’s interest was piqued. That girl had been the one who met his grandson at Gangcheon.

Changja began proudly, “She went to K University and is now doing a Ph.D.! She just has to finish her dissertation. She’s already as good as a doctor. Smart, too. And such a warm heart. She even lays out my bl00d pressure meds every morning before work. Honestly, the girl’s too kind for her own good.”

While he appeared disinterested, Heejung kept glancing toward the kitchen.

He watched her carefully wipe greasy covers, handle customers, and assist an elderly guest in a wheelchair with care and precision. She didn’t just move quickly—she moved with compassion. Her gestures were gentle and thoughtful.

He watched as she carefully fed the elderly woman with chopped meat and soft words, making sure not to rush.

After ensuring the woman could eat comfortably, she quietly returned to her work. Her calm and vibrant presence filled the space like a new bud sprouting on an old tree.

Heejung chewed slowly. The rich flavor spread across his tongue.

Something old and long-forgotten stirred inside him.

“Juwon-ah. Come live with Grandpa now.”

His grandson, who had lost his parents at the age of eight and become mute from trauma…

“No matter what happens, I’ll protect you. Understand?”

Even now, seeing his grown grandson, Heejung couldn’t shake the image of the sad-eyed little boy.

He glanced sideways at Changja.

“What’s your granddaughter’s name?”

***

A branch from an old bonsai cast a shadow through the sunlit window. The warm light seeped between its leaves.

“Here, take this. It’s my gift. Save your money for formula.”

His late wife had also been kind to everyone. The memory left a glimmer of longing in his eyes.

“Shin Jisoo…”

He softly repeated the name to himself. Then, in the silence, he began to chuckle.

“Then I’ll give you the house in Myeongnyun-dong and cash out my shares. Live wherever you want—overseas or in Korea. Do what you love.”

He’d spent his life reading people—and he trusted his instincts.

She was warm, kind, and sincere. No matter the conditions, he wouldn’t regret offering her to stay close to his grandson.

Because even though his grandson always pretended to be strong, deep down he was still wounded.

And then he remembered his recent heart exam.

“There’s restenosis at the stent site. There’s a high chance of recurring coronary blockage. Medication can manage it for now, but you must not overdo it.”

The doctor’s words echoed clearly. He didn’t know how much time he had left.

“You want her to say ‘I love you’? That’s it?”

His grandson, clueless about his heart, only reacted with youthful stubbornness.

“Maybe I’ll meet her again. Maybe not.”

Recalling the boy’s flippant attitude, Heejung smiled again. His wrinkled face lit up in laughter.

“This brat. Looks like things aren’t going your way. You’re in for some real heartache, huh?”