Chapter 2
Chapter 2
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 2
Chapter Title: Flyer Duty with Yu-na
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After looking into short-term part-time jobs, I came to the conclusion that they were woefully insufficient to cover living expenses right away. So, I decided to get back into acting, which I had the most confidence in from my past life.
That's why, while choosing a short-term gig, I also applied for an extra role audition.
Honestly, I was inwardly anxious.
My body had changed, after all.
I wondered if the acting skills I'd built up in my previous life had diminished.
But when I secretly tried acting like a madman in the bathroom, my worries turned out to be unfounded. Even so, the reason my expression wasn't great right now was simple.
The thought of starting over as a rookie made the path ahead feel blocked.
'Me, a rookie...?'
Memories surfaced of tough times when senior actors who were much older kept me in check during my child actor days.
And I was only ten years old.
Whenever I made a mistake, they'd seize the moment to embarrass me in front of everyone.
Now, I wouldn't let myself be pushed around by those seniors...
'No, more than that... is this the right place?'
I arrived at the store selling various cosmetics and looked around the interior.
"Daddy! Why'd we come here?"
"Huh? Why we came?"
"Yeah."
After treating her kindly for just one full day, my relationship with Yu-na had improved.
Now she tugged at my pant leg without hesitation and asked questions.
"Why'd we come here? Huh?"
"Obviously to make money."
"Here?"
"Yeah. Stay quiet inside."
Reassured by Yu-na's vigorous nod, I entered the wide-open store.
Bam-bba-ra bam-bbam!
A song that made my body want to bounce, colorful cosmetics that caught the eye.
And a faint floral scent wafted through the air.
"Wow! Daddy! There's no flowers, but it smells like flowers!"
"Shh! I said be quiet."
"Wah! There are balloons over there!"
She was keeping close by my side obediently, but her little mouth and rolling eyes were anything but.
'Is this really the same kid who was always watching my mood?'
Thanks to Yu-na instantly drawing all the customers' gazes inside the store, I felt embarrassed.
As I fanned my flushed face with my hand to cool it down,
"Customer, looking for something...?"
"Yes?"
A female employee who approached trailed off, scanning me up and down.
Then, with an awkward smile as if troubled, she spoke.
"Sir, I'm sorry, but..."
It seemed my shabby appearance made me look like a beggar, and she was about to chase me out. Given my yellowed clothes, anyone would think I had no money.
Even though I wasn't there to buy anything.
I quickly opened my mouth.
"I'm Lee Jun-seo, the part-timer who contacted you in advance. I'll work hard at whatever you ask."
"Yu-na will work super hard too!"
She glanced downward.
Yu-na was clenching her tiny fist with eyes full of enthusiasm.
Only then did the employee widen her eyes, clap her hands as if remembering something.
"Ah! You're the one bringing your daughter, right?"
"Yes, that's me."
"Sorry about that. This way, please."
Fortunately, the female employee didn't chase out our ragged-looking pair.
"Yes, thank you."
"Ah! Take good care of Yu-na too."
"Hee-hee. Your daughter is so cute."
"Ahaha, yeah..."
Even though it wasn't me being praised, my face burned for no reason.
I guess I'd have to get used to this...
Following her guidance, we entered a cluttered storeroom full of goods.
Rustle. Rustle.
"Ah, it was here... Found it."
She rummaged through a box on the floor and pulled out a brightly colored uniform and a straw hat.
"The sun's strong today, so give your daughter the hat... And take the flyers out of this bag one by one and hand them to people around."
I took the bag full of flyers from her, surprised by how heavy it was.
"By any chance, do I have to hand out all of these...?"
"We aren't strict about it. Just distribute until the set time."
It was a hefty amount, but if I moved fast, it seemed doable.
"Then where should I distribute them? Is there a designated spot?"
"It's best to walk around downtown, but since your daughter's with you, please stay safely in front of the store."
"Ah, thank you for considering that."
"It's better to help each other out when things are tough, right? If your daughter gets tired, let her rest here."
She encouraged us and turned to a customer raising their hand.
'She's a really kind person...'
How many places would hire someone who said they'd bring their daughter to a part-time job?
I shrugged lightly and looked at Yu-na, who was wearing the straw hat.
"Want to rest comfortably here? Or stick with Daddy?"
The word "Daddy" still felt a bit awkward...
Turning my head in embarrassment, Yu-na answered confidently.
"Yes! I'll stick with Daddy!"
I hurriedly lowered my rising lips.
Is this why people raise daughters?
Seeing Yu-na's cuteness made strength well up inside me for no reason.
If I'm taking someone else's money, I have to give it my all.
I immediately stripped off my clothes in the corner and changed into the flashy uniform.
I checked my outfit in the mirror on the wall and nodded slightly.
Good, perfect.
My face still felt unfamiliar, but I'd get used to it eventually while living like this. Steel myself, I picked up the heavy bag.
"Ahem, shall we head out?"
"Yes!"
As soon as Yu-na and I stepped out of the store, I pulled a flyer from the bag.
Then I approached a couple walking toward us with a bright smile.
This was a cosmetics flyer.
Something a woman would be interested in.
Maintaining my smile, I handed a flyer from the bag to the young woman.
"Olive is running a discount event. How about it? Take a look before you go."
The woman hesitated briefly, then blushed and replied.
"Ah, yes! Thank you."
"Honey, you look thrilled?"
"Ah, no I'm not!"
"What do you mean no. Your face is red."
"I'm not!"
From overhearing their talk, they seemed like a married couple, not just dating.
'Is this my fault? Are they fighting because of me?'
To keep things from souring between them, I cheekily added,
"Your husband next to you looks tall and handsome too. How about it together? Men's cosmetics are on sale too."
Just then, Yu-na handed a flyer to the dazed young man from my compliment.
"Here, so don't fight."
He took the flyer from Yu-na with a flustered expression. They stopped bickering and smiled contentedly.
"So cute. It'd be great if we had a daughter this adorable too. Right?"
"Yeah..."
They entered the cosmetics store looking affectionate, as if they'd never argued.
First sale success.
After that, I continued pitching to numerous women, and people started gathering around.
Was it the effect of my handsome face?
Thanks to that, the bag that was full of flyers was now nearly empty.
This part-time was hourly.
Even after handing them all out, I couldn't go straight home.
As I pondered what to do, the female employee came out from the store.
She handed me a small microphone, telling me to gather customers and guide them in on my own.
So my job was...
Sorry, as a dad...
I left everything to Yu-na.
"Oh my! Oh my! So cute!"
"Really. I want to squeeze her tight."
"Aigoo! She dances so well!"
Look at Yu-na now.
She was singing and dancing to the music flowing from the store right in front.
"Non-ri-non-ni-non-ni- non-ni-non-ri-non-ni-!"
Thanks to Yu-na, the place turned into a festival atmosphere.
And the store employees, now busy inside, stared at us in awe.
They must never have dreamed we'd be this good at sales.
'Giving me the mic was your mistake.'
After finishing the part-time job, I hugged the exhausted, sleeping Yu-na tight and sat on a bench to catch my breath.
"Mmm... Hng."
"Did you wake? ...No, you're still out."
Yu-na, asleep in my arms, wriggled and groaned. She seemed uncomfortable in the position.
Who have I ever held like this...
I closely watched passersby carrying their kids.
"This way seems right, but..."
"Mmm... Hee-hee."
Soon, Yu-na's wriggling stopped. Her expression relaxed, as if she'd found a comfortable position.
Relieved, I glanced at the generous pay I'd earned, then back at Yu-na.
Faded yellow pants and a once-white T-shirt covered in stains.
Comparing to other kids around, a pang of sorrow hit me.
"Haa."
How little care must there have been to dress your one and only daughter like this.
Alternating looks between the money I'd worked hard for today and Yu-na, I steeled my resolve.
"...Yeah. Let's buy her some clothes this time."
Even if living expenses weren't plentiful yet.
Money could be earned again.
I immediately wandered stores selling kids' clothes, peering around.
40,000 won... 70,000 won...
With what I had, I could barely buy one decent outfit.
What could I do with 60,000 won?
'Should I just go to the market?'
I shook my head right away.
"Ah, right."
Suddenly, I remembered a large market near home. Yeah, there I could buy cheap and in bulk.
Times were tough now, so I had to save every penny.
But using the talent from my past life, becoming rich was just a matter of time.
With those thoughts, crossing downtown brought me into the market.
It hadn't changed from my childhood memories.
'As expected, cheaper than downtown.'
5,000 won per piece.
Perfect price for quick clothes. I dug through the mountain of piled clothes, picking them out one by one.
'This one's meh... That one's good.'
Then a kindly looking auntie approached with a smile.
"What can I help you... Hee-hee."
The auntie suddenly burst into laughter, composed herself, and spoke.
"You're Yu-na's dad, right? Nice to meet you for the first time."
"...You know Yu-na?"
The auntie covered her mouth and nodded quietly. Then she whispered just loud enough for me.
"She's our market mascot."
I turned and looked around, understanding. Everyone was sneakily glancing at me.
"Mmm... Daddy?"
"Hm? Sleep more."
"Yeees..."
Burying her face in my chest and wiggling her butt—it was too cute.
"You can't pick clothes comfortably like that, so how about I select some for you?"
"Ah, yes. Thank you."
"Hee-hee. No need to thank me."
The auntie carefully picked outfits for Yu-na, and I nodded each time one pleased me.
"Hmm, five pieces total?"
"Yes, please ring these up first."
I had no idea at the time.
That the auntie had slipped in some clothes for me as a service.
After a month of short-term part-times, our situation improved a bit.
Now we could eat simple home-cooked meals instead of packed lunches or kimbap.
Though I still hadn't earned enough to send Yu-na to kindergarten.
What costs so much anyway.
"Daddy! Where are we going today?"
With her hair neatly combed and cute clothes on, Yu-na's looks shone even brighter.
She could pass for a child actress.
The faded sneakers didn't quite match her bright yellow dress, though.
I bought clothes but forgot shoes.
Gotta get shoes next time.
With that thought, I kindly answered Yu-na's question.
"Going to an audition."
Exactly—today was a day off from part-time to attend an audition.
The audition was for a sitcom called [Guard the Pojangmacha!].
Sitcoms differ from regular dramas everyone knows.
Excess ad-libs often veer into unexpected directions.
What I'm saying is...
It's an audition to see how much you can elevate your acting in any situation.
"Hng-hng. Hng. Hng-hng."
"Please be quiet during the audition."
"Yes! Yu-na is quiet."
"...R-Really."
Yu-na's bold reply made me feel uneasy for some reason.
'Will she really stay quiet...?'
From her behavior so far.
She was definitely not a quiet kid.
When excited, she'd bounce and dance wildly, darting everywhere, making part-times exhausting just to keep up.
'If Yu-na acts up suddenly... I'll have no choice but to improv with her.'
Finally arriving at the venue, I got a number ticket and paper from staff, then waited in the holding room to be called.
Number 7.
Getting a lucky number gave me a good feeling.