Chapter 47: Village Head!

“Really? Which video did you find the most interesting? Did you perhaps leave any comments?”

Lee Ji-an blinked her eyes brightly and fired off a series of questions.

Caught off guard by her sudden friendliness, Lee Hye-won was slightly flustered, but since she had chosen this path herself, she actually welcomed such warm interest.

“I thought the first video was the most fun.”

“Really? What was fun about it? Our channel is still very new, so feedback is extremely valuable!”

Lee Ji-an’s face lit up even more with anticipation.

“Um… Minky and Leon were just so cute. And I liked how you all didn’t force anything or stage scenes—it felt like real everyday life. Honestly, that kind of sincerity is the most enjoyable to watch.”

At Lee Hye-won’s heartfelt compliment, a happy smile blossomed fully on Lee Ji-an’s face.

Although she wasn’t a YouTuber, as an actress, her words gave Lee Ji-an a great boost.

“Unni, thank you so much! If you have any content ideas or things you want to see, please don’t hesitate to tell me. We’ll definitely reflect your opinions!”

Moved by Lee Ji-an’s sincerity, Hye-won decided to offer a little help.

Taking out her smartphone, she called the kids over.

“Ji-an, Eun-woo, can you come here for a moment?”

Curious, the kids approached with wide eyes.

“Unni, what’s up?”

“I was watching your YouTube videos, and I think changing the camera angles just a little could make them much more fun. Also, how about trying editing this part like this?”

Carefully, Lee Hye-won explained the ideas she had come up with.

Gu Eun-woo’s eyes sparkled.

He’d always struggled with his filming and editing skills, despite studying hard.

In this emotional realm, it hadn’t been easy.

Her advice was like a refreshing rain for him.

“That’s a great idea.”

Gu Eun-woo responded enthusiastically.

Suddenly, Leon approached, as if curious about what the fun was all about, and let out a small sound.

“Oh!”

Lee Hye-won, seeing Leon in person for the first time, couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.

He was much more handsome and capable than he looked on screen.

“Leon’s here?”

At Lee Ji-an’s words, Leon came closer and bowed his head beside her.

“Want me to braid your hair? Got it.”

Like it was second nature, Lee Ji-an braided Leon’s hair, and Leon smiled happily.

“Wow, so cool. Can I try it too?”

“Of course. Leon usually doesn’t show himself well to strangers. If he’s approaching you like this, it means you’re already friends.”

“You’re really smart.”

Lee Hye-won bent over to braid Leon’s hair as well, and he smiled brightly, opening his mouth like a kid enjoying himself.

That sight was so lovely that Gu Eun-woo cautiously asked Lee Hye-won,

“Unni, can I film you and upload it too?”

Lee Hye-won paused to think.

Would it be okay to decide that without discussing it with her manager?

But since her manager usually respected her wishes, it seemed alright.

Besides, for someone whose popularity was waning, it was a good chance to raise her profile.

“Hmm, I think it’s okay.”

When Lee Hye-won gave her permission, Gu Eun-woo started filming and said earnestly,

“I’ll make sure to shoot you as beautifully as possible!”

Against the backdrop of the beautiful scenery, Minky, Leon, Lee Ji-an, and Hye-won blended together like a painting.

Even without a particular story, just watching the screen felt healing.

“Ah, I have a song I want to share with you. I was inspired by your YouTube channel to create it. It’s not finished yet, but I want to hear your opinions.”

“Unni, you made it after watching us? Wow, I definitely want to listen!”

“Wait a moment.”

Lee Hye-won took out her smartphone and played the song she was working on.

From the phone’s speaker came a gentle guitar melody, overlaid with lively, popping synthesizer notes, reflecting Minky’s cheerful spirit.

It filled the space like clear, pleasant sunlight sparkling off pebbles.

When the music ended, Lee Ji-an and Gu Eun-woo stared at Hye-won with wide eyes.

“Wow, professionals are really different.”

Gu Eun-woo’s admiring exclamation burst out.

“Unni, your music is really good! It sinks right into your ears, and even without lyrics, it’s not boring at all. I felt happy listening the whole time!”

Lee Ji-an’s voice was sincere.

Hearing their heartfelt reactions, Hye-won’s chest swelled with emotion.

It had been a long time since she’d worked on something, and she’d felt insecure, but seeing the kids’ expressions restored her lost confidence.

“Unni, I have a great idea!”

Gu Eun-woo snapped his fingers as if inspired.

“How about making a music video that really suits your song? And we can film the entire process as content—on our channel!”

“Wow, that sounds so fun!”

Lee Ji-an’s eyes sparkled at Gu Eun-woo’s idea.

“A music video production process as content?”

Lee Hye-won asked back.

“Yes! The process of finishing the song, us having meetings, deciding on shooting locations, and even scenes with Minky and Leon—all captured.”

Gu Eun-woo explained passionately.

“Unni, let’s do it together! We don’t have many subscribers yet, but our growth rate is really fast. By the time your music video is finished, lots of people will see it!”

Lee Ji-an looked at Lee Hye-won with intense eyes and a confident voice.

Though they had only just started their YouTube channel, their subscriber count was increasing rapidly, and their view count was high compared to that number.

The main reason for their confidence was, of course, thanks to Minky and Leon.

The two lives’ pretty, cute, handsome appearances, combined with their chic yet playful charm, appealed to everyone.

“Your idea is really good. Can you give me some time to think it over? I’ll review it financially as much as I can.”

“Yes, Unni! Please take good care of it!”

Lee Ji-an smiled brightly and gently held Hye-won’s hand.

***

As lunchtime approached, Sang-woong’s hands moved busily.

The rich aroma of freshly simmered Soybean Paste Stew and spicy Kimchi Stew, along with the scent of glossy, freshly steamed rice, filled the cramped restaurant.

Sang-woong skillfully arranged the tables, refilled the water pitchers, and neatly organized the side dish bowls.

Everything was ready to welcome customers, but he busied himself double-checking the kitchen and dining area for anything missed.

Just past noon, as if waiting for the moment, a flood of customers began pouring in.

The restaurant buzzed with lively chatter, the clattering of chopsticks and bowls, and the busy footsteps carrying dishes.

“Boss, I’m here alone!”

“Two here, please.”

“Boss, four of us!”

The place was already known as a restaurant with delicious food, and now that the stew simmered with a deep broth made from Freshwater Shrimp, customers came from far away.

Sang-woong greeted the guests with a dazed expression, guiding them to empty seats.

And then the orders kept coming.

“Boss, two Soybean Paste Stews!”

“Kimchi Stew, please! With lots of chestnuts!”

“Boss, two Soybean Paste Stews and two Kimchi Stews!”

The stews were prepared in advance and only needed to be brought to the stove.

The problem was the variety of orders from first-time customers.

“Boss, we want to try everything—the Soybean Paste Stew, Kimchi Stew, seafood pasta, and pork cutlet, one of each!”

Newcomers wanted to taste the entire menu, and during busy hours, such complicated orders became an even bigger burden for Sang-woong.

‘Did I use the Freshwater Shrimp broth for nothing?’

He had started trying to serve tastier dishes for the regular customers, but the work had gotten too overwhelming.

Still, seeing the regulars considerate enough to help clear finished tables or arrange chairs while Sang-woong was busy gave him strength.

But not all regulars were like that.

Lately, there was one person who blatantly wore down Sang-woong’s nerves.

It was the Village Head.

“What are you doing! You haven’t brought any water!”

The Village Head occupied the largest table alone in the restaurant and shouted loudly, ordering the restaurant to clear out.

He completely ignored the glances from other customers.

“Village Head, I’ve told you several times that water and side dishes are self-service.”

Sang-woong had finally had enough.

“Self-service or not, I don’t care. Just bring water here!”

Though he wanted to kick him out immediately for his stubbornness, he had no time because hungry customers were lining up.

Sang-woong forced down his anger and fetched the water.

The Village Head took it and threw a sneering look at Sang-woong.

It was a mocking gaze that said, “That’s what I thought. Who do you think you’re messing with?”

Sang-woong’s insides boiled with rage, but he had to endure it.

For days now, the Village Head had been deliberately showing up during the busiest times to cause trouble.

Knowing he couldn’t be rude to the Village Head in front of customers, he used this tactic to wear down Sang-woong more effectively.

In fact, a few days ago, when the restaurant was empty, the Village Head had caused such a fuss that he had to be chased away without eating.

“This side dish is way too salty! And this one’s too bland! I won’t eat this—make it again!”

The Village Head slammed a side dish bowl onto the return table.

Seeing that, veins bulged on Sang-woong’s forehead, but he held himself back to get through the situation.

The Village Head had started this harassment because of an incident fifteen days ago.

***

Fifteen days ago.

After finishing the lunch service, Sang-woong was taking a short break.

The Village Head opened the restaurant door and came in.

“Hello, Village Head. Please have a seat.”

Sang-woong naturally assumed he had come to eat, so he handed him a menu and asked,

“What would you like to eat?”

But the Village Head’s face darkened, and he spoke sharply.

“I’m not here to eat. Just sit down for a moment.”

With a confused expression, Sang-woong sat down.

“It’s about the Village Development Fund.”

“The Village Development Fund?”

Sang-woong’s eyes widened slightly, unable to understand.

He lived apart from the village and street and had nothing to do with village matters.

“Yeah, I’m busy, so I’ll get straight to the point. Pay me ten million won.”

“W-what? Ten million won?”

Hearing the amount, Sang-woong was even more dumbfounded.

Ten million won.

And the audacity to act as if collecting a debt.

After a moment’s thought, Sang-woong decided to draw a clear line here.

If he got drawn in by politeness or recognition, it could turn into a huge headache later.

“I don’t live in the village, nor do I have anything to do with village events. Asking me for the Village Development Fund, and for ten million won no less—I have no intention of paying a single penny.”

Bang!

The Village Head slammed the table angrily, as if saying, “What nonsense is that?”

He tried to create an atmosphere of authority, but having endured all kinds of trials before his return, Sang-woong was unmoved.

“Are you saying you’re going to make an enemy of our village? How would your parents feel if you act like this! I never thought you’d be such a useless person!”

The Village Head gestured aggressively and shouted.

Sang-woong’s expression hardened.

Dragging his parents into this…

His parents hadn’t been born here; they had moved to the village about ten years ago.

Because of that, they still worried a lot about the Village Head’s attitude.

But that didn’t mean Sang-woong could accept the Village Head’s absurd demands.

If he gave in even once, the next demand would surely be worse.