“Are you saying we should push Hyeon Ung this time?”
“That’s right.”
The conversation was a bit all over the place, but to sum it up, that was the gist.
For this event, the plan was to highlight Hyeon Ung.
The aim was to subtly pique his interest in the Youth Association President position.
“I’ll handle it for now, but eventually that kid’s gotta take over, right?”
“That’s true.”
In this neighborhood, there’s no one to succeed as Youth Association President except Hyeon Ung.
That’s why Ajossi had been laying the groundwork and preparing for this, and this was the opportunity.
“I thought it was odd how easily Ajossi agreed to all this.”
“There’s always a reason.”
“If you draw the picture too big, won’t the canvas rip?”
“Even if it does, as long as I get a hold of that rascal Hyeon Ung, it’s fine.”
Ajossi’s scheme was already right at Hyeon Ung’s neck, just waiting for the moment to snap shut.
Poor guy.
“But do you really think Hyeon Ung will go along with this?”
“He won’t. That’s why I’m asking you to give him a little push from the side.”
“So you want me to subtly egg him on?”
“Yeah, exactly. Just keep saying he’s doing well, that he suits the job. You get what I mean?”
“I get it.”
That’s good enough.
Sanghyeon Ajussi had even arranged a spot for me for my sake.
I have no reason not to help out.
“With Eungwon Gun on our side, it’ll go well.”
“Eungwon Gun?”
“Yes. We have a truly outstanding Eungwon Gun here.”
Clink.
“Ajossi!”
“There he is. Our Eungwon Gun.”
Just then, Sanghyeon Ajussi burst out laughing at the sight of No-Rani arriving.
Even Ajossi can’t help but lower his guard in front of No-Rani’s charm.
No-Rani really is the best.
“That’s right. With this kid around, even Hyeon Ung will get a boost of energy.”
“Hmm? What are you talking about?”
“Oh, just something. Anyway, did you have fun, No-Rani?”
“Yes!”
No-Rani immediately picked up the conversation and started chattering away.
Her energy was so high that even Ajossi, watching from the side, seemed a little overwhelmed.
But that energy.
It showed no sign of waning, even after hitting its peak.
***
“Ajossi, Ajossi!”
“Yes, No-Rani.”
“I like red, too. Because red feels warm when you look at it. I like warm things.”
“I see.”
“Hey! I also like white and blue. When it’s hot, I like cool colors!”
“That’s right, that’s right.”
“And, and—”
“No-Rani Ma.”
“Yeah?”
“It’s 1 o’clock now.”
Not 1 in the afternoon. It’s 1 in the morning.
Even though Sanghyeon Ajussi had left long ago, No-Rani still hadn’t stopped.
Not sleeping, just lying in bed and talking nonstop.
I could tell exactly how much she was looking forward to the day of the fashion show.
In front of No-Rani’s eyes, the stage and outfits of the fashion show must have been spread out.
Her anticipation was so intense that all day long, yellow glitter just kept streaming out from No-Rani’s head.
“If you don’t sleep now, you’ll be tired all day tomorrow.”
“But, I want to talk more.”
“I know how you feel. I really do, No-Rani. But you need to sleep two more nights before that day comes. If you don’t sleep, the day of the fashion show won’t come.”
Only then did No-Rani tightly shut her eyes.
“Julie!”
“…You listen well.”
I should’ve done this earlier.
In my previous life, raising kids was left to the moms, so I never learned these tricks.
After brushing No-Rani’s hair, I left the room.
Phew, I’m exhausted.
“Don’t tell me she’ll be like this tomorrow too?”
She’s bound to be tired from sleeping late, right? I hope so.
Contrary to my wishes, No-Rani’s energy never diminished.
If anything, it felt like she’d gone out and borrowed even more stamina from somewhere.
She didn’t even go out to play, just practiced walking in the First House all day.
Impressive.
So this is what unlimited energy looks like.
“No-Rani Ma.”
“Yeah?”
“Want a biscuit?”
“Wow! Biscuit!”
The ones happiest about the yellow glitter filling the house all day were the plants.
At this rate, it’d turn into a jungle, so I figured I’d need to buy some bonsai scissors next time I went out.
Ping!
Just as these worries piled up, Hyeon Nammae sent me a text.
This is it!
“No-Rani, should we go downtown?”
“Downtown?”
“Yeah. They say a stage for you to walk on is being prepared.”
“Stage! I want to go!”
***
“This… was Hyeon Nammae’s doing, wasn’t it?”
Downtown was nothing like the place I remembered.
At the center of town, in the Market, a fashion show stage was being set up.
The wooden stage was different from typical walking runways. It was classy, yet blended well with the surroundings.
“Wow, wow, wow!”
“No-Rani, be careful. You’ll get hurt if you fall.”
“I won’t!”
While No-Rani explored the stage, I spotted Hyeonseo in the distance, overseeing the site.
With two towels wrapped around her head, she looked every bit the lady boss.
While hammering away, Hyeonseo looked up and caught my eye.
“You’re here? What do you think?”
“It’s amazing!”
“Some folks who’ve done carpentry came to help. They said it sounded fun.”
“Huh, isn’t that Changseong?”
“When did you come down? Didn’t even say hello when you arrived.”
“It’s been a while, Ajossis.”
The people beside Hyeonseo were all familiar faces, now that I looked closely.
Living in this small village, it’s actually harder not to know someone.
While I greeted the group, Hyeonseo spoke.
“Hyunmoong found a lot of useful references. I used those as inspiration and added my own touches.”
“You did?”
“I did.”
I don’t know what references she saw, but making it blend this well is no easy feat.
“Really, these two siblings are too talented to be wasted on Watermelon alone.”
“The stage will be finished by tomorrow. And here, take this.”
Hyeonseo handed me a list.
About twenty names were listed there.
“Hyeon Ung is out promoting in other towns. These are people who said they’d like to participate.”
“No wonder he was missing. Thanks to all his running around, we have a decent number of participants, huh?”
“There were about fifty at first. We filtered it down to this list using the clothes we’ve refashioned.”
“Really?”
“I checked them out, and the clothes are nice. You can look forward to it.”
At Hyeonseo’s words, No-Rani came trotting over.
“Are the clothes pretty?”
“Very. We’ve prepared a ton of outfits just for you, No-Rani.”
“Wow! Clothes, clothes! Pretty clothes!”
“By tomorrow, you’ll get to try them all on.”
“I’m so excited! Clothes, clothes, clothes! What kind of clothes will I wear!”
No-Rani started singing her own little tune and twirling like a butterfly.
Watching her walk the stage in her own way, I asked,
“Is there anything I can help with?”
“Nope, nope. This is just our little stubbornness, isn’t it? You and No-Rani should just have fun tomorrow.”
“Yeah, let the kids enjoy themselves.”
“That’s all there is to it.”
All the Ajossis holding hammers nodded in agreement, so there was nothing left for me to say.
Well then, I’ll just help out in another way.
“Hyeonseo, how many people are working here?”
“Thirteen.”
“Okay. I’ll go make some Watermelon Juice for everyone.”
“Oh, that’s great.”
Nothing beats a refreshing drink to beat the heat.
I might not be much help otherwise, but this much I can do.
I really hope this stage is a big success.
***
And then, the long-awaited day arrived.
So many people gathered downtown.
Folks from Hanseong Goon and Hacheon Goon brought goods to sell, and all our people from Hyeon Goon came too, so it was no surprise.
The already sweltering summer day felt even hotter.
But there was a silver lining.
“One Watermelon Juice, please.”
“Yes, 3,000 won.”
With Sanghyeon Ajussi’s help, we opened Hahyeon Sijang Jeom at the entrance of the Market.
What we had prepared was our special Watermelon Juice, made in advance.
Based on the Recipe Book, I mixed in selected leaves to make this Watermelon Juice.
I put a lot of thought into making this.
As a result—
“Wow, this is good. I feel stronger just drinking it! What did you put in here?”
“That’s a trade secret.”
Today’s Watermelon Juice had Lunatic Leaf, which chases away heat, and Kain Leaf, which restores energy.
Mixing the two together makes adrenaline shoot through your body—Red Bull, eat your heart out.
Who knows if these leaves even exist on Earth.
But it’s Grandpa’s Tea House, after all.
No need to think too hard.
As long as it tastes good and works, that’s enough.
“Man, this really cools me down. Give me two more, please.”
“Thank you. I’ll give you some sliced Watermelon on the house, too.”
“Are you sure you’re making a profit like that?”
“There’s plenty left. Don’t worry.”
Word of our First House began spreading among the people who came seeking Watermelon Juice to beat the heat.
And then—
“Well, if it isn’t the First House grandkid!”
“Soomyeong Halmeoni.”
“How long has it been? How have you been?”
“I’ve been well.”
It’s been years.
Soomyeong Halmeoni took my hand in her wrinkled one and stroked it.
“You’ve grown up so pretty. What brings you here?”
“I’m planning to live here now. And keep running Grandpa’s Tea House, too.”
“Really? Then I can have tea there again.”
“Please come by next time. I’ll make tea for you.”
“Good child. Such a good child.”
Halmeoni looked at me as if I were still a child.
I suppose that’s only natural.
And Soomyeong Halmeoni wasn’t the only one to recognize me.
“Oh, the First House grandson!”
“Wow, you’re really back for good?”
“Hey, First House grandkid, get me a juice too!”
Passing Halmeonis and Harabeojis recognized me and came over.
Seeing them talk to me so familiarly made me realize:
I really have come back here.
While chatting and selling a cup here, a cup there, before I knew it, I’d sold out of juice.
Sold out in just two hours after opening!
I never expected business would be this good, even though I hadn’t planned on working hard.
Half overjoyed, half stunned.
The time for the fashion show had come, too.
I packed up my stand and headed for the stage.
At the stage, the true stars of today’s event, Hyeon Nammae, were waiting.
“What, you’re sold out already?”
“Really?”
“You’re crazy. It must have tasted amazing.”
“Come to the Tea House later. I’ll make you some.”
“You’d better keep your word.”
Of course, I can do at least that much for my fellow Watermelon people.
“Are you ready for the fashion show?”
“Yeah. It’s about to start. Come on.”
“Right, can’t start without the main characters.”
Hyeon Nammae ushered me toward the center of the bustling Market.
At the very center of the busy Market.
There was a stage that was hard to believe had only taken two days to build.
Wow.
With the lights on, it looked even more splendid than before.
You’d believe it if someone said a professional came to do it.
Hyeon Nammae stuck their necks out, looking proud.
“We got help from Son Ajossi at the hardware store.”
“We worked hard to make sure the lights would be strong even during the day.”
“You’re really something, where’d you learn this stuff?”
“When you live in the countryside, you learn how to make do with what you’ve got.”
Dark circles under their eyes, but there was a glimmer of pride in Hyeon Nammae’s faces.
They must be proud of having completed this stage.
But I doubt that’s the end of it.
“You two are up to something again, aren’t you?”
“Up to something, huh.”
“How do you even see us?”
“People who are as serious about event planning as ginseng pickers.”
“Not wrong.”
They laughed in unison, then pointed their chins in one direction.
“Look over there.”
“Hm? Oh.”
There was No-Rani, walking confidently.
No wonder I hadn’t seen her all morning—she must have come here quietly to practice her walk.
“No-Rani practiced thoroughly.”
“She could be a model when she grows up.”
“She really has a knack for the stage.”
“She’s too talented to be stuck in the countryside.”
No, you two are the ones too talented to stay here.
But honestly, with all that talent, maybe No-Rani will say she wants to be a model or celebrity when she grows up.
She’s bursting with charm—a talent ready for the world.
After a few more walks, No-Rani spotted me and trotted over.
“Ajossi!”
“Did you have a good practice?”
“Yes! I can do even better!”
“Amazing.”
“Hehe. Watch this!”
No-Rani spoke energetically and ran off to practice walking again.
Hyeon Nammae watched her overflowing energy with admiration.
“How many times is that now?”
“Must be over twenty by now.”
“She doesn’t even look tired.”
“…Raising kids isn’t easy.”
People say the energy of your twenties exists just for raising kids.
Now I see why.
After a few more of No-Rani’s model walks,
Sanghyeon Ajossi took the mic and stepped onto the stage.
“Ahem, beloved people of Hyeon Goon, Hanseong Goon, Hacheon Goon! Thank you for waiting. Now, the Noran Fashion Show will begin!”
Applause and cheers erupted from every corner.
The fashion show, just for No-Rani, had begun.