Chapter 8: The Village Market

In the Village, when people talk about an opening celebration, it’s pretty much like handing out rice cakes after moving in.

It’s very different from how regular stores hold Events to attract customers.

It’s just a small Event to greet the neighbors.

That’s what an opening Event in the Village is.

But the way Sanghyun spoke, it didn’t quite match that image.

“Aren’t you the Youth Association President here?”

“You still are? Hyeon Ung is here too.”

“You brat, I’m still active, you know.”

In this Village, where the population is already aging, Hyeon Ung is still considered a young kid. It takes someone like Sanghyun to be called a youth.

Sanghyun looked a little sullen at the mention of being the Youth Association President.

“Still, I wish Hyeon Ung would help out a bit. He avoids it like the plague.”

“He’s not the type to take on things like this.”

If he did take it on, he’d do well, but it’s just that getting him to actually do it is like pulling teeth. That’s Hyeon Ung for you.

A tsundere country boy, that one.

“Let that brat go flirt with watermelons, and here, take this.”

“What’s this? Bazaar?”

Sanghyun handed me a promotional Poster.

I’d seen it a few days ago when I was walking around the Village with No-Rani, though I hadn’t paid close attention.

“Yeah. For this round, we told the Villagers to bring stuff they don’t use. Trying to expand the Market a bit.”

“Even if you do that, most people just end up giving things away, right? If they take anything, it all goes to drink money.”

No matter how you slice it, once evening comes, there’ll be a drinking party. It’s predictable.

Sanghyun didn’t bother refuting that part.

“We’re not just doing it in our county—other counties are joining too. It’s to help revitalize the local Markets.”

“Oh, really? Sounds like it’ll be a decent size.”

“Yeah. Even the ladies over there caught the scent of money and started asking if there were any spots left.”

“When people gather, money follows.”

It’s not that huge crowds show up, but wherever you open a Market, money flows.

Even folks in the Village know that.

“But first, shouldn’t we take care of our own? So here’s the thing, do you want to run a little stall?”

That got me a little interested.

If I opened a Chachip at the Market as an Event, I could let people know the was open for business.

It’d be a good chance to greet the Elders too.

“Is that okay?”

“Of course. Let’s call that your participation fee.”

“That seems too cheap. Hold on a sec.”

I packed some Cookie and Madeleine I’d baked in advance into an envelope.

And a jug of Watermelon Juice.

I handed them over, my arms full, and Sanghyun chuckled.

“Is this a bribe?”

“I’m just saying hello, aren’t I? Would I need a bribe for you? I know you’ll look after me anyway.”

“You sure know how to talk.”

Sanghyun slapped the table with his thick palm.

“Alright. If you’re going to take care of me, do it right. I’ll get you a spot at the Market entrance!”

“Really?”

The Market entrance is a fiercely contested spot.

For someone like me, just looking to greet people, it doesn’t matter much, but for those looking to actually make money, that’s prime real estate.

Worried, I asked, and Sanghyun smiled gently.

“Don’t worry. Your Grandfather’s spot is still there, right? You remember?”

“I do. The one on the left side of the entrance, right?”

“Yeah, I’ll set you up there again.”

“That’s perfect.”

It’s a good idea to show I’m carrying on Grandfather’s legacy.

I’m just grateful for Sanghyun’s consideration.

“Then, when I set up my stall, I’ll make Watermelon Juice the Main Dish.”

“With our watermelons?”

“Of course. I’ll put up a sign next to it. ‘Sweet and juicy watermelons—get them at Seo’s Watermelon!’”

“Hah, that’s a mouthful.”

“What’s wrong with it?”

“Alright, let’s do that. And if the old ladies next door give you trouble, tell me later.”

“I can handle that much myself. I’m not a kid anymore.”

“To me, you’re still a kid, punk.”

Sanghyun set down the Bazaar Poster and got up from his seat.

“Well, I’ll be going. Got to stop by the other shops too.”

“Youth Association President, fighting!”

“Thanks, I appreciate it. Work hard getting ready for the business.”

“Yep.”

I saw him out and returned to the Bar Table.

Looking at the Poster he made himself, a flood of memories came back.

“When I was little, I think I used to help Grandfather get ready for things like this.”

Maybe not often, but I’d follow Grandfather to the Market.

I guess he liked those moments because it was time he could spend getting close with people.

I used to help him a few times, but at some point, I stopped caring.

Grandfather was so skilled that I didn’t have much to help with, and more than anything, I just wanted to get out of the Village as soon as I could.

That’s why I ignored most things about my hometown.

Even things like this Event.

“I can’t embarrass Grandfather now.”

Only five days until the Bazaar Event.

It’s time to put the finishing touches on my preparations.

***

“I’m here.”

The next evening.

As promised, Hyeon Ung showed up holding a bottle of expensive Whisky.

Surprisingly, he was alone.

“Where’s Hyeonseo?”

“She said she had a blind date, spent ages putting on makeup, and dashed out.”

“Oh.”

“She’ll be back soon. Bet she’ll be pissed and kick the guy to the curb.”

Didn’t seem like it was a rare occurrence, judging from how casual he sounded.

He might seem indifferent, but that’s just their usual way.

“Make something to eat with this.”

“This is a pretty good Whisky. Hold on. Did you eat dinner?”

“A big one.”

“Then I’ll whip up something simple.”

I decided to make some Canapé with Biscuit, cheese, and Ham.

“Never thought I’d use the Ham I bought for taste testing like this.”

As I bustled around the kitchen, Hyeon Ung asked from the Bar Table where he was watching me.

“Your dad came by yesterday?”

“Yeah. I guess he’s making the rounds for the Bazaar. He’s the Youth Association President, right?”

“He’s still at it? What kind of Youth Association President is he at that age?”

“Then why don’t you do it?”

“That’s too much hassle. I’ll pass. I gave him some pocket money instead, so it’s fine.”

“What a model son.”

“Shut up.”

“Just means you’re a devoted bastard.”

The so-called ‘fire attribute filial son.’

Still, a filial son’s a filial son.

We chatted for a bit, then got to the point.

“You’re doing the Bazaar?”

“Yeah. By then, I should be ready to open the Chachip.”

“Is it the official opening, then?”

“That’s right.”

“Wow. The Chachip is really opening again.”

As I dried my hands and prepared the food, Hyeon Ung spoke up again.

“Sorry.”

His sudden apology made my hands freeze.

Did he do something behind my back?

No, that’s not like him.

He might be grumpy, but he’s not the type to stab someone in the back.

I turned to look at him, and he was gazing at me with serious eyes.

“I just thought you were joking before.”

“What?”

“That you were really coming back here for good.”

When I first returned, Hyeon Ung had a bit of an edge towards me.

He was always grumpy, but it was a little sharper than usual.

I know why.

“In high school, I hated this place so much.”

“You tried to cut ties with us and everything. Remember, you little jerk?”

“I really was a jerk back then.”

“At least you admit it?”

“If I denied it, I’d have no conscience left.”

For me, it feels like over forty years ago, but I remember.

I pushed everyone away to leave this place, built up walls in my heart, and bristled at everyone.

I thought it was the only way to leave with no regrets.

That’s how I drove people away.

There’s nothing I can say about that now.

“So I thought you’d just be here for a bit. Pretending to settle down.”

“I’m staying. I’m not leaving anymore.”

Now, this is my home.

I’m not thinking of leaving.

Hyeon Ung grinned, breaking the serious mood.

“Wow, look at you—did the Seoul water rub off on you?”

“Yeah, it was rough. My whole outlook changed.”

“Bring some of that water for Hyeonseo. She needs it.”

“Like it would make a difference for her.”

She’s hopeless, just like you.

As we bantered, I finished the Canapé and set them out.

Ding.

Just as I popped open the Whisky, the door swung open.

Speak of the devil, and she appears.

“Hyeonseo’s here? Heard you went on a blind date today. How’d it go?”

“Can’t you tell by looking? It was a disaster.”

“It wasn’t my fault—just that loser showed up.”

Dressed up for once, Hyeonseo frowned and sat next to Hyeon Ung.

Then she filled a glass with Whisky and downed it in one gulp.

Hyeon Ung looked stunned.

“Hey! That’s strong stuff! It’s 50 proof!”

“So what? Ugh, it tastes terrible.”

“You don’t even know good liquor. Fine, if you’re going to sulk, go home and sleep it off.”

“Whatever, pour me another.”

These two really are like a sitcom.

I pulled over a chair and sat down, filling my glass and listening to the story of Hyeonseo’s failed blind date.

“That guy, I mean, that jerk. First thing he says to me: ‘You must work the farm, your face is so tanned.’”

“The last guy said you didn’t know how to make money, right?”

“Yeah. This one gave me a speech about how if I’d built a building on the farm land, I’d be rich by now.”

“And you just sat there?”

“Of course not! I poured coffee in his face, gave him money for the dry cleaning, and left.”

That’s fiery.

Both Hyeon Ung and Hyeonseo have always been the type to charge in headfirst, past or present.

“Why do I only meet people like that?”

“You’ve got the worst luck with guys.”

“Why is this jerk my brother…”

“Just marry a watermelon. Marriage doesn’t mean anything anyway.”

“You’re just as bad as him.”

Hey, I was giving heartfelt advice from experience.

Hyeonseo just glared at me like I was the source of all her woes.

What can I do? It’s just something I have to endure.

Still, after a few drinks, the mood softened. We shared stories and memories, one by one.

In a small town like this, whether you want to or not, you go through elementary, middle, and high school together, and the memories pile up thick.

Whether good or bad.

A single day isn’t enough to talk about it all.

Ding.

“Hey, I’m here!”

“No-Rani, you’re here?”

“Whoa, it smells like booze!”

“Hi, No-Rani.”

“Hi!”

No-Rani, who must’ve spent the day playing around, trotted over to my side.

As No-Rani naturally tried to sit on my lap, the two siblings watched, suspicious.

“If you have something to say, say it with words. Don’t just stare.”

“Come on, you’re so close. Isn’t she your kid?”

“Yeah.”

“Alright, fine, I’ll let it slide.”

Let what slide, exactly.

These two still seem convinced that No-Rani is my child.

If they find out I’m living with No-Rani, there’ll be chaos.

“But, No-Rani, aren’t you going home? Isn’t it late for you to be out?”

“I’m going with you, mister!”

“Oh.”

The moment I worried, a bigger problem came up.

Hyeonseo’s gaze sharpened, and Hyeon Ung also looked intrigued.

“Is Chunsung taking you home because it’s late?”

“Where do you live that you’re taking her home? We all know where everyone lives here.”

One thing I learned living up to just before sixty is this:

If you didn’t prepare for the explosion, at least brace yourself for the aftermath.

“If you forgot your wedding anniversary and didn’t prepare, at least get ready for the punishment.”

There’s no way to stop this conversation now.

I might as well get ready to clean up the mess.

With resignation, I took a sip of alcohol, and Hyeonseo tossed out a question.

“No-Rani, are you living with him?”

“Yep! Mister said we should live together.”

“Oh my.”

“Isn’t that child abduction…?”

“Hold it. Grandfather left instructions, so that’s why.”

At times like this, Grandfather makes for a very handy excuse.

Even if my Confucian 014& protests at invoking his name, what can I do?

Grandfather would understand. After all, it’s for the peace between me and No-Rani.

“Grandfather was looking after the child, but after he passed, she was left alone for a while. So now I’m protecting her.”

“Really?”

“Then you are her dad.”

“Acted like you weren’t before.”

“That’s not the same thing.”

“What’s the difference?”

With their two mouths firing questions one after another like a double-barreled gun, it’s dizzying.

Fine, you’re both right.

“No-Rani, call mister ‘dad.’”

“Daddy?”

No-Rani looked up at me.

She tilted her head, then shook it.

“Mister isn’t my dad.”

“Do you remember your dad, No-Rani?”

“Yeah! Grandfather is my dad.”

“Huh?”

“Huh?”

The three of us had question marks hanging over our heads.

Did I just hear a family tree explode?

“No-Rani… what did you just say?”

“Grandfather said he was my dad.”

“Sorry.”

“So you’re not a daughter, you’re an aunt now.”

“Congratulations, you’ve got a little aunt.”

“Is this really something to celebrate?”

I don’t know.

I’ll just give up thinking.

…That’s probably best for my sanity.