Chapter 148: Even the Absolute Being Is a First-Time Dad
Absolute One Is Also New to Fatherhood Episode 148
As usual on a weekday morning, the house was quiet.
Pitter-patter.
Raindrops began drumming against the window.
Lee Soo-bin took a sip of coffee from her mug and murmured.
"It's been raining for days now."
Was the rainy season starting already, even though summer hadn't arrived yet?
After several muggy days, the rain had been falling nonstop for days.
Soo-bin gazed out the window and softly pondered.
"What should I make for dinner tonight?"
Preparing delicious meals for her family every evening—
It was her sole joy in these monotonous days.
"On days like these, nothing beats bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), right?"
Stacking perfectly cooked pancakes high on a plate for everyone to share would be nice.
"No."
Soo-bin shook her head.
"Greasy food doesn't sound appealing today."
Then what would be good?
Light janchi-guksu (banquet noodles)?
Or spicy sujebi (hand-torn dough soup)?
"Hmm..."
As she agonized over the decision—
"Ah, right!"
Soo-bin suddenly clapped her hands with a loud "Smack!", startling Marbas who was lounging belly-up on the balcony.
"Bark!"
Looking down at Marbas with an apologetic smile, she said, "Sorry, did I scare you?" before brightly declaring:
"Udon sounds perfect today."
Tonight's menu would be steaming hot udon.
The broth, painstakingly simmered for hours with bonito flakes and anchovies, harmonized perfectly with the springy, chewy noodles.
"Ahhh..."
Crabsley wiped the beads of sweat from his forehead after several hearty slurps, giving a thumbs up as he muttered:
"With a bowl of udon like this, I could down several bottles of soju."
He grabbed the chili powder bottle from the table, shaking several generous dashes into his broth before murmuring again:
"The broth is incredible..."
After stirring thoroughly, he recited with reverence:
"Oishii desu ne~"
Utterly enchanted by his first taste of udon.
The sentiment was shared by everyone at the table.
Slurp-slurp!
Seol noisily sucked up the long noodles, chewing thoughtfully before declaring:
"Mmm, 'licious..."
Then looking up at Kang-jun, she immediately asked:
"Daddy 'licious too?"
Kang-jun nodded.
"Yeah, it's been a while—tastes great."
Just then, Crabsley turned to Seol and asked:
"Your Highness, have you heard the story 'One Bowl of Udon'?"
"Nooo."
"Though it's recommended children's literature, this god happened to read it..."
Crabsley proceeded to summarize the story clearly.
About three motherless children visiting an udon shop called North Sea Udon Shop, only ordering two bowls because they were poor...
And how the owner secretly cooked extra noodles so they could share three portions without embarrassment.
"That's the gist."
"Udon uncle nice!"
"Indeed, a story with moral lessons."
Suddenly, Kang-jun paused mid-bite.
"I've read it too."
"Have you?"
"Back in elementary school."
Most childhood memories were hazy, yet for some reason, 'One Bowl of Udon' remained vividly clear.
"Kang-jun, have you read 'One Bowl of Udon'?"
The question plunged Kang-jun into deep reminiscence.
He recalled being asked that by a boy around ten years old—
A boy who'd been quite close to young Kang-jun.
Even now, he remembered him as remarkably kind-hearted.
'What was his name again?'
Kang-jun murmured softly, "Ah..."
"Pil-sang."
Jeong Pil-sang—that was his name.
A scrawny, undersized kid...
But more manly in spirit than anyone.
"I decided after reading that book."
After reading the children's classic by Ryohei Kuri, something had stirred in him...
"I'm going to open an udon shop when I grow up."
"Why?"
"I'll give you free udon for life."
He'd suddenly declared his udon shop dream with conviction.
Just like the shop owners in the story...
He wanted to serve warm udon to those in need.
'He was a good kid.'
Kang-jun found himself smiling unconsciously.
'I wonder how he's doing.'
Pil-sang remained one of the few childhood friends Kang-jun still remembered.
When was it?
One day during homeroom, their teacher had said:
"Everyone, close your eyes."
The whole class tightly shut their eyes...
"Raise your hand if you're from a single-parent home or orphaned."
Probably for some family survey.
Young Kang-jun agonized over whether to raise his hand.
What if someone saw and teased him for being an orphan?
Thump-thump.
Peeking through barely-closed lids, he despaired seeing no hands raised.
Like a criminal, he finally raised his head with eyes downcast.
Just praying for the moment to end.
Then—
He locked eyes with another peeker...
It's. Okay.
Mouthing the words silently, the boy raised his hand.
Though neither orphaned nor from a broken home, he raised it in solidarity.
That inexplicable courage let Kang-jun raise his too.
After school, buying him a slushie, the boy said:
"That was the teacher's mistake today."
"Huh?"
"She didn't consider students' feelings."
Kicking his indoor shoe bag angrily, he grumbled:
"Very immature of her."
What had Kang-jun replied then?
Flustered, he'd challenged:
"But you're not an orphan."
"Yeah."
"Your parents are both alive."
"Yeah."
"So why raise your hand?"
After brief thought, the answer came:
"Because we're friends."
With no parents to teach him loyalty...
Kang-jun learned it from him.
"That kid."
Since then, over three hundred years had passed.
They'd lost contact ages ago.
He had no intention of forcibly digging through that accumulated time.
Simply put, he wouldn't go looking for him now.
"He's probably doing fine."
Still, he wondered.
"Did he really open that udon shop..."
As he set aside the thought and picked up his chopsticks—
Kang-jun's phone on the table vibrated.
A message from Kazan had arrived.
"Hmm?"
Kang-jun checked the message immediately.
[Oh Great Immortal One, the idle capital in the Young Miss's account has surpassed billions, so I humbly seek counsel...]
Detailing how Seol's Gangnam commercial building generated tens of millions monthly in rent...
Plus income from leased Boeing 747s and California cornfields...
All accumulating to billions sitting idle.
[Thus I contemplate stable real estate investments with these funds...]
Meaning he'd buy more properties under Seol's name?
'Better than leaving it idle...'
Kazan continued:
[After acquiring additional properties, if you could spare a day to teach the Young Miss real estate fundamentals...]
[Perhaps meeting tenants to discuss basic economics?]
Goblins, quick with numbers and profits, believed in teaching 'figures' before 'letters.'
"Not a bad idea..."
This philosophy likely enabled weaker goblins to amass fortunes.
"Financial literacy is important..."
After sending an approving reply...
Kang-jun downed a refreshing gulp of udon broth.
Several days later...
"Manager Jeong, heard the rumors?"
Uneasy whispers spread through Garibong-dong.
"Some VVIP from a private bank's wealthy client circle is buying all the commercial buildings here..."
Jeong Pil-sang, running a modest udon shop, asked gravely:
"The building owners are changing?"
The bakery owner next door nodded:
"The realtor warned me—the new owner won't be lenient about late rent like before. Goblins will manage things tightly."
"Really?"
Pil-sang sighed.
"I see..."
Though his North Sea Udon Shop had many regulars, profits remained slim.
Some months, despite working diligently...
They still ended in the red.
"Manager Jeong, you should cut back."
"Huh?"
"Your kindness is admirable but..."
The baker clucked his tongue sympathetically:
"Between weekly free meals for orphanages and giving portions away, no wonder nothing's left."
"Well..."
"You're unusually compassionate for someone young, but survival comes first—that's why I'm saying this."
He added another remark.
"I heard you're already two months behind on rent?"
"Yes, thankfully the landlord has been understanding..."
"And what guarantee is there that the new landlord will be just as lenient?"
With that, he shook his head and grumbled under his breath.
"Those sly goblins come knocking every morning, demanding the overdue rent. If they'd just leave without causing a scene, that'd be one thing, but..."
Feeling awkward, Jeong Pil-sang scratched his head absentmindedly before spotting a customer entering the shop and quickly changed the subject.
"Boss, I really appreciate the advice."
"Huh?"
"A customer just came in. I should get going."
The bakery owner chuckled again.
"Ah, fine."
Jeong Pil-sang bowed slightly with a "Thank you," then turned and began walking back toward his own shop.
North Sea Udon Shop.
He looked up at the sign above his store.
'Is this really the end...?'
The name North Sea Udon Shop had been inspired by a novel he'd read as a child, One Bowl of Udon.
Just like the couple in the story...
He had opened this shop with the dream of offering not just warm udon but also comfort and hope to those in need.
But...
His business skills weren't the best, and his soft heart had led to financial struggles that had persisted for years.
"I've only managed to stay open this long because the landlord was kind enough to overlook things..."
The landlord, who had some understanding of his situation, had turned a blind eye to the late rent—and even refrained from raising it when the lease was renewed.
Yet despite that kindness, his debts to the bank had only grown, leaving him in a pitiful state.
"Now that the landlord's changing..."
Was this really the end?
Then...
What would happen to his customers?
"This is frustrating..."
What about the children from struggling families or the elderly who relied on his shop for a warm meal every day?
"Sigh..."
He pushed open the door and stepped inside.
"Welcome to North Sea Udon!"
He forced a smile as he greeted the customer.
A young man and a little girl.
The man placed his order right away.
"Two bowls of udon, please."
Jeong Pil-sang stepped behind the counter and cautiously suggested,
"Sir, you might want to just order one bowl."
"Huh?"
"Your daughter probably won't eat much, so one should be enough."
He washed his hands under running water and added,
"But I'll make sure to give you extra noodles."
The young man blinked in surprise.
No—
Kang-jun blinked in surprise.
"Ah... then just one bowl, please..."
As he watched the broad-shouldered owner hum a tune while washing his hands, he muttered under his breath.
"You really did it..."
Then, smiling, he added,
"You really opened an udon shop."
Just then, Seol beamed and tugged at his sleeve.
"Daddy, hurry! Wanna eat udon!"
"You hungry?"
"Uh-huh! Too busy to eat!"
Following Kazan's suggestion, Kang-jun had been taking Seol around their newly acquired properties to teach her about finances.
"Daddy, this one ours too?"
"Yeah, it is."
"Why Daddy have so many buildings...?"
Then she mumbled,
"Seol like stickers more."
Their udon arrived.
"Here you go! Enjoy!"
The owner set down a steaming bowl, fragrant with rising heat.
On top was a cute fish cake shaped like a character.
"Wow, it's Pororo!"
Jeong Pil-sang grinned faintly and added in a low voice,
"A special topping just for well-behaved kids."
"So Seol good girl, so got it?"
"Of course. If you keep listening to your parents, I'll give you more next time."
Kang-jun let out a quiet laugh.
Should I let him know?
He hesitated for a moment before shaking his head.
"What's the point now...?"
He carefully scooped some noodles onto a small plate and blew on them to cool them for Seol.
Just then—
Ding-ding!
The door opened, and a ragged-looking pair of siblings stepped inside.
"Hello..."
Jeong Pil-sang immediately brightened and greeted them.
"You're late today. What happened?"
"Well..."
The older brother hesitated, so the younger sister pouted and answered for him.
"Oppa said we can't come here anymore!"
"Huh? Why?"
"He said it's rude to keep getting free food, so we can't come back!"
Jeong Pil-sang frowned slightly and fixed the older brother with a stern look.
"Didn't I tell you not to worry about that and just come at mealtime?"
"But..."
"Guess you don't know how scary I can be when I'm mad."
He filled a pot with water and spoke firmly.
"You're not going home until you finish everything I give you today."
In no time, he had set out a full spread—meat stir-fry, seasoned vegetables—dishes that weren't even on the menu.
"Eating nothing but flour every day isn't good for you. Today, you're having rice."
Watching this, Kang-jun chuckled again.
"You really haven't changed."
He was living exactly as he'd said he would.
Amazingly so...
He was keeping his word.
"How do you make any profit like this?"
At Kang-jun's sudden question, Jeong Pil-sang smiled wryly.
"Profit would be nice."
"Oh?"
"Truth is, I've been in the red every month."
He stirred the noodles with his chopsticks and continued in a low voice.
"Honestly, I've been behind on rent for a while now. The landlord's been lenient, so I've managed to keep going, but..."
He glanced at the children eating and whispered,
"I think even that's about to end."
"Huh?"
"The building's changing hands."
Kang-jun looked at Seol.
The new landlord...
Seemed to like the udon.
"Mmm, yummy..."
After a moment of thought, Kang-jun asked,
"Are you thinking of giving up?"
"No, what's there to be tired of?"
Jeong Pil-sang answered as if it were nothing.
"Honestly, it's not about being tired or not. All I'm doing is sharing a bit of food with those who need it."
Then he added,
"But reality isn't as forgiving. I'm already two months behind on rent, and the bank loans are piling up."
"I see."
"And word is, the new landlord isn't the lenient type. I can't expect kindness, so if things don't work out..."
He paused briefly.
"I'll have to close up."
His tone was self-deprecating.
"Guess it was beyond me."
"......."
"Maybe I was wrong."
He muttered, his voice heavy with worry.
"If I have to shut down, where will these kids get their meals? What about the elderly in the neighborhood...?"
Wiping a plate with a rag, he murmured quietly.
"This world's in chaos, isn't it? Gates, monsters—everywhere you look, people have lost parents, children..."
"Yeah, it's..."
"I just wanted to ease their hunger, even a little. But maybe my goodwill was reckless. I didn't think it'd come to this..."
These were troubled times.
Even now...
Someone was dying.
"Hmm."
Kang-jun studied Jeong Pil-sang.
He couldn't force him, but...
The world needed people like him.
"Ah, sir."
He suddenly stopped wiping the plate and apologized.
"Sorry. I got carried away and rambled about my problems."
Then Kang-jun replied abruptly.
"You weren't wrong."
"Huh?"
"I don't know much, but..."
Kang-jun set down his chopsticks.
"Someone will remember your kindness for over 300 years."
Jeong Pil-sang tilted his head.
Was that a joke?
If so, it was a baffling and unfunny one.
"Pil-sang, the udon's really good."
"Huh?"
"I forgot my wallet. What should I do?"
Jeong Pil-sang's eyes widened.
"What? Suddenly—?"
Then Kang-jun casually asked,
"Can I pay the rent instead?"
"Huh?"
"Let's call it even for 300 years' worth."
Then he added,
"We're friends, right?"
Silence lingered for a moment.
"I had a feeling, but... you..."
Kang-jun smiled.
"Bastard. Long time no see."
"You... you're really Kang-jun?"
"You really haven't changed."
Then Kang-jun added,
"Don't worry about the rent."
"Huh?"
"My daughter's the new landlord."
He took a sip of water and continued.
"Remember back then?"
Jeong Pil-sang's eyes wavered.
"Even though I grumbled out of embarrassment..."
"......."
"Thanks for raising your hand with me."
Kang-jun added again.
"I was really grateful."
Seol, having finished her bowl, patted her belly.
"Wow, Seol so full..."
"Daddy will carry you."
"Uhn, carry me home..."
Then she grinned brightly.
"So yummy, ate it all..."
Kang-jun lifted her into his arms.
"I'll come back soon."
"W-wait, you're leaving already?"
"Next time, let's have a drink."
With a grin, he left one last remark.
"See you later, friend."
Jeong Pil-sang stood frozen, staring blankly at Kang-jun's retreating figure.
"Kang-jun..."
Overlapping with that image was the memory of a scrawny kid in a worn-out shirt.
"I'll pay you back for raising your hand with me."
"Pay me back how?"
"I'll find a way. I swear."
A kid whose oversized shirt had looked pitiful.
"I'm gonna be rich someday."
"That's your dream? Just being rich?"
"Yeah. My dream is to be rich."
A kid who wanted to be wealthy so his sister wouldn't have to work.
"I'll get rich and open an udon shop for you."
A kid who, unable to afford school lunches, had filled his empty stomach with water from the playground fountain.
A kind kid who saved half the hamburger his sister packed for dinner to share with friends at school.
"You really did it..."
Jeong Pil-sang smiled brightly.
"You really became rich..."
All he felt was overwhelming joy.