Chapter 20
Chapter 20
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 20
Chapter Title: A Lively Opening Day
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The shop was bustling with noise.
Not only were the tables packed, but voices calling for Kim Jong-chun echoed from every corner.
"Hey, you're the boss now! Boss Kim!"
Some called out to him in exaggerated tones with booming voices, elevating his status.
"Wow, Team Leader Kim... no, Boss Kim! Lunch was delicious today!"
A mild-mannered office worker flashed a bright smile and bowed politely to Kim Jong-chun.
"Hey, kid. I was shocked when you said you were opening a gukbap joint. Didn't know you had this kind of talent."
Others slung an arm around his shoulders casually, joking around like old pals.
'All former coworkers from his old job.'
It was normal for acquaintances to show up and help drum up business on opening day. Kim Jong-chun's previous company was just a 15-minute drive away, apparently.
Several people had made time during their precious lunch breaks to come.
On top of that, Kim Jong-chun was someone who had earned rave reviews from Lee In-cheol, who had quit early. His long-time colleagues, with whom he'd shared bonds over the years, seemed even more supportive.
'Friends and family always flock to openings, but this turnout is impressive.'
It was clear Kim Jong-chun had built up a lot of goodwill over time.
This was all a good thing. On the first day, a crowd created buzz everywhere, sparking curiosity.
After all, the best interior design was a full house. Even the fanciest decor felt off-putting if empty, while a rundown old eatery packed with people screamed "hidden gem."
That said, I wasn't a big fan of inviting personal connections to the shop.
Because...
"But is Hapjae Gukbap the only thing on the menu?"
I glanced over at the voice from the next table. It belonged to one of the guys who'd been rowdily greeting Kim Jong-chun.
A well-tailored suit caught my eye first. A man about Kim Jong-chun's age yanked at his tie with one hand and pouted.
"I had a company dinner last night and wanted something for the hangover. Craving something spicy~. No hangover soup?"
This was the problem.
Kim Jong-chun's eyes widened in surprise, then he smiled and continued.
"We only have Hapjae Gukbap right now. If you want spice, add some pickled radish broth, or mix in the seasoning sauce over there..."
"No, what kind of gukbap place has just one item? Come on. You gotta offer sundae gukbap, offal soup, bone hangover soup, stuff like that too."
The man clicked his tongue and blurted it out. Kim Jong-chun froze for a moment.
A strange anxiety flickered across his face.
Oh no.
"Boss, sorry to interrupt your chat."
Pretending I knew nothing, I sidled up to Kim Jong-chun and called out to him, emphasizing "boss" loud enough for others to hear.
"Huh? Woo-yeon? What's up?"
"Looks like you need to check over there. Someone's been asking for you. I'll take this order."
"Sure?"
I pointed to another table where he'd seemed close with someone earlier, and Kim Jong-chun hurriedly wrapped up the conversation.
"I've gotta run—super busy. I'll hit you up later. Thanks for coming!"
"Hey, wait...!"
The man stared helplessly at Kim Jong-chun's retreating back. I flashed a bright smile and continued.
"Can I get your order?"
"...Three Hapjae Gukbap, please."
"Got it, three Hapjae Gukbap~."
I took the order with a smile, then hardened my expression the moment I turned away. This was at least the fifth time I'd seen it today.
People nitpicking the menu.
'They probably think they're giving advice for the uncle's sake. But for a newbie owner, that's counterproductive.'
Ignoring customer reactions was a problem in itself, but getting swayed left and right in the early days was an even bigger issue.
When you invite friends and family, they all chime in with well-meaning suggestions.
'Shouldn't the tables be a brighter color for a livelier vibe?'
'The chairs feel a bit low.'
'Prices could go up another thousand won, no problem.'
'You could sell egg rolls—great drinking snack.'
...
Suggestions like that just confuse a rookie owner.
With total strangers, it's easy to brush off as "just that one guy." But when it's someone you know, you start thinking maybe they're right.
If you're the type with thin skin, cut it off at the root.
Regular customers don't voice specific likes or dislikes—they eat quietly. And they vote with their feet: repeat visits.
Ignore that and chase loud advice from a few pals? Recipe for disaster.
'I hope he doesn't get rattled.'
I glanced at Kim Jong-chun's profile, then got back to work.
"Whoa~! Finally done!"
After seeing off the last customer, Kim Jong-chun half-collapsed into a chair and shouted.
"Woo-yeon, we had a ton of customers today, right?"
"Yeah. Lots of your old coworkers."
"Yeah. Coworkers, a neighbor from next door back in the day who lives nearby now, bosses from client companies I saw often, the regular cafe owner, the sauna guy near my house..."
Who knew he had so many connections?
I cut him off midway—I'd be up all night hearing the full list.
"Like I said before, openings get the hype crowd. What's the important part?"
"Repeat visits!"
"Right."
I gave him a thumbs-up for nailing it, and he grinned.
"Woo-yeon, body aches and all, but business booming makes it all worth it. Yeah? If every day’s like this, I'd have no regrets!"
"Just this much?"
I scoffed, and his eyes went wide.
"Don't you know Lee In-cheol's place has lines with numbered tickets? It's just word hasn't spread yet. We'll be like that soon."
"You think?"
"Yeah. So focus on not messing up orders first, mister. I caught like six today."
"Ugh. It's so hectic—can't keep track of what goes where..."
He mumbled with a sulky face. He treated me like an equal despite our age gap—maybe that was his networking secret.
I prodded the groaning Kim Jong-chun to start cleaning the kitchen. He dragged his weary body toward it.
'Huh. Unexpected.'
I tilted my head at his back.
'Figured he'd bring up adding menu items.'
He must've heard it nonstop all day. "Just gukbap? What about spicy options? Need side dishes..." And yet, no sign of it—he just kept at his work.
Once the dining area and kitchen were cleaned up, I couldn't hold back my curiosity.
"Mister, no thoughts on adding menu items?"
"Hm?"
"Customers asked a lot today."
"Oh, that."
He scratched the back of his neck with an awkward smile.
"That's your expertise more than mine. You already explained our gukbap shop concept—specialty restaurant, right?"
"Even with that, seeing reactions makes you second-guess."
"True. But..."
He looked at me and continued.
"Won't you handle it just fine, Woo-yeon? Right?"
"......"
This was the moment to scold him: as the boss now, he couldn't afford lazy thinking.
But that gaze full of pure trust stopped me cold.
"And thanks for earlier. Calling me 'boss.' You did it on purpose, huh? Saved my face."
His chuckling face was endearingly gruff.
How long had it been since I'd felt this kind of human warmth?
Even before my regression, I'd been too busy to stay in touch with Kim Jong-chun or Lee In-cheol for years.
I swallowed the sudden lump in my throat.
"...Let's clean the front too. Your friends left a ton of cigarette butts."
My voice came out drier than intended. He replied playfully, "Aye aye~."
We grabbed cleaning tools and stepped out side by side.
Someone happened to pass by, so I bowed politely.
"Hello!"
"Uh, hello~."
Kim Jong-chun bowed after me. The passerby looked puzzled—"Why me?"—but bowed back.
"Know them?"
He whispered to me.
"Nope. Told you, greet everyone passing by."
"Oh right. But everyone? That guy wasn't even a local merchant—just some random..."
He looked baffled. I'd explained it earlier—why repeat?
"Mister, everyone~ comes back around, so greet passersby. Don't sweat if they respond or not."
"Hm..."
He couldn't argue to my face. Just stared like I was an alien.
Yeah, yeah, I get it.
Words wouldn't stick anyway. Better if he experiences it himself soon. I clamped my mouth shut.
And not long after, it happened.
During the peak lunch rush,
Someone furious flung open the restaurant door.
Eyes bloodshot like they were hunting their parents' enemy, they scanned the room, took a deep breath, and roared like a lion.
"Move! That! Car!"