Chapter 47
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 47
Chapter Title: Healing Place
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Newly uploaded video.
The comments on [Why You Shouldn't Write Names in Red] were a bit strange.
Now you're dragging superstitions into this too?
Red ink just reminds people of blood. No scientific evidence. GTFO.
Normally, comments like these would dominate, and that would've been fine.
But today, the section was flooded with people posting totally unrelated stuff.
Whoa, the modeling is insane!
The tech is nuts!
Taking commissions on those custom models? Drop a price.
No way, that's gotta be over 1k just looking at it.
1,000 won?
10 million won, dumbass.
Custom model commission for 50k? Possible? Reply pls.
Are you insane lol? That quality for 50k? Add a zero and still no. Where's your conscience?
Go to open chat, plenty do it for 50k.
Haa...
Doing custom model outsourcing? Wanna get one made. 500k, possible in a week?
These kinds of guys are why the industry's gone to shit.
This pisses me off lol.
Even the one-week rush option is over 500k. F for you.
What tools you using? Blender? Maya? Share your rendering setup pls ㅠㅠ Pretty please.
Fr lol, no plans for a tutorial? I'd pay for a paid course.
You think knowing the tools lets you make that? Lol.
What's your deal with our Ha-min noona?! Spill! No convincing explanation = unsubscribe.
Go see a doctor.
Business partners, obvs. No overimmersion.
Makes great videos, insane custom modeling... what's he bad at? If he was just hot too, world'd be unfair. God is fair.
Voice sounds like total nice guy. Could be a hidden gem.
Nerd voice tho? Lmao, sounds edited.
Pls be bald. Pls be fat uncle. Pls.
Twisted jealousy everywhere.
Just scrolling through the barrage of custom model commission requests was giving me a headache.
Every swipe down brought more inquiries.
I got that it could make money, but I had no intention of mass-producing and selling them.
Ultra-high-quality stuff needs to stay exclusive.
Keep it as a [unique item] only for me and Eun Ha-min—that's how the value skyrockets.
If everyone's carrying one around, what's so luxury about it?
Just mass-produced consumer goods.
"Ignore them all."
Even nicknames that seemed like famous streamers or YouTubers had commented, but I decided to consistently ignore them.
Reacting wouldn't benefit me anyway.
Might even stir up weird rumors if I responded rashly.
Mystery concept is the best.
"Whew. Time to head out..."
I shut off the computer.
Checked the video comments, gauged the public sentiment—good enough. Time to go.
Today was an important appointment day.
I was set to have dinner with Lawyer Yoo Yi-seol.
Last time at her firm, we'd scarfed down some half-assed burgers, and it bugged me. I'd bragged I'd treat her properly once, right?
Today was the day to keep that promise.
Yoo Yi-seol had picked the date herself.
No clue on the menu, but she was probably waiting downstairs by now.
I opened the closet and pulled out my most casual-yet-neat outfit.
Overdoing it would look try-hard, but showing up in my usual sweats would be rude.
Plain slacks and a shirt—perfect middle ground. Hopped into the elevator.
Checked the mirror, roughly fixed my hair.
Not quite a date, but too intimate for business.
Whatever this relationship was, I didn't hate it.
The lobby doors slid open on the first floor, and a familiar silhouette caught my eye.
Sure enough, Yoo Yi-seol was already there.
White suit set with a sleek shoulder bag.
Even on a weekend, she radiated sharp, intellectual lawyer vibes.
"Long time no see, Min-jae."
Yoo Yi-seol spotted me and waved with a bright smile.
It felt genuinely nice, and my lips curved up before I knew it.
Instead of a greeting, I pointed at her neck.
"Nice to see you too... but why're you still wearing that?"
"Huh? What do you—"
She tilted her head, then followed my gaze down to her chest.
Finally realized her name tag was dangling from her neck.
Had to have forgotten to take it off rushing here after work.
"Oh god, why is this still—"
Her face flushed tomato-red in seconds.
She fumbled to yank it off and shoved it deep into her bag.
Then cleared her throat like nothing happened, straightening her clothes.
"Ahem. Must've slipped my mind rushing out. Pretend you didn't see."
"Dunno. Saw it crystal clear—it's burned into my brain now."
"Ugh... Should've double-checked one last time."
She shot me a glare.
Worlds away from her sharp lawyer mode at the firm—a chuckle escaped me.
"Kidding. But seriously, no more work today, right? Showed up with the tag, thought we might have to head back to the office."
"No work at all, don't worry. Cleared my whole day just for hanging with you, Min-jae."
She emphasized it, stumbling a bit over her words.
Good.
Today, I planned to properly drink with Yoo Yi-seol.
No matter the snacks, a day like this without booze would feel off.
"Hop in for now."
I opened the passenger door for her, and she slid in smoothly.
I got in the driver's seat, buckled up, and she handed me her phone.
"We're going here today. Think you'll like it, Min-jae."
I punched the address into the nav.
Something about the building name felt familiar.
"Huh?"
Seemed like a place I'd seen before...
It was a braised short ribs spot in Gangnam.
A very familiar one at that.
"This... I went here before."
"Really? You've been?"
"Yeah, remember it being pretty tasty."
I skipped mentioning going with Lee Soo-yeon.
Lately, I'd been careful not to drop pointless details that could lead to a Nice Boat ending.
Yoo Yi-seol's eyes flickered for a second at my words, but she quickly smiled brightly.
"Personally, I like the spicy braised ribs more than the sweet ones. Suited my taste."
"Oh! I love spicy too! Spicy braised ribs and steamed eggs!"
Yoo Yi-seol chimed in excitedly.
She seemed relieved I'd not only heard of her carefully picked spot but actually liked it.
Of course it'd feel good when someone shares your favorites.
"Perfect. Let's go for spicy braised ribs then. We're going all the way today."
"Sounds good. Get ready."
I drove hard, and soon pulled up to the restaurant.
Weekend evening—streets were packed.
Parked in the underground lot, took the elevator up to the first floor.
Habitually glanced up at the building directory.
5th floor.
Lee Soo-yeon's Gangnam Haneulhaneul Clinic.
Saturday today.
Clinic closes at 2 PM.
Lights would all be off by now.
Still, my eyes drifted there for some reason.
"Min-jae? What're you staring at?"
Yoo Yi-seol stood beside me, following my gaze.
She checked the 5th floor and tilted her head.
"The clinic? You sick or something?"
"Nah, just."
"C'mon, let's eat. I'm starving—might collapse."
She grabbed my wrist and dragged me into the ribs place.
Her hand felt warm against my skin.
The smell of braised ribs and lively chatter hit us as we entered.
Staff greeted us energetically.
"Welcome! Table for two? Sit wherever you're comfortable!"
Yoo Yi-seol confidently led me to the coziest corner spot.
We sat, she snatched the menu, and ordered without hesitation.
"Spicy seasoned braised ribs for three, one bomb steamed eggs. And a bottle each of Chamisul and Terra."
Server left with the order, and soon side dishes covered the table.
Yoo Yi-seol grinned, grabbing the soju bottle.
She popped it open like a pro and went to pour into my glass.
Pour pour.
I reflexively cupped the glass with both hands.
She pouted her lips.
"Min-jae."
"Yeah?"
"We're not client-lawyer anymore. Case is closed."
"True. But you're older—gotta be polite."
Yoo Yi-seol was five years my senior.
Respect is due.
"Pfft. Friends pour with one hand. Don't be so formal—it feels distant."
I chuckled at her whining and dropped one hand.
Fine.
"Got it. Friend-style it is."
"Can't call you Lawyer anymore? Yi-seol-ssi, or just Yi-seol works too."
"That's advanced level. Yi-seol-ssi for now."
I'm not Eun Ha-min or anything.
We poured for each other and downed the first shot.
"Kuh..."
The sharp burn down my throat wrinkled my brow.
Straight soju after so long hit extra hard.
I usually stuck to low-proof apple cider or beer.
Soju only on special occasions.
"Pfft."
She burst out laughing at my face.
Pretty cute.
"Min-jae, your expression. So adorable—you know that? Looks like you're downing poison."
"Ahem... Didn't expect you to be such a soju pro, Yi-seol-ssi."
"Not bragging, but I hold my liquor well. More like... you seem weak? Want me to get you cider? The kid stuff, Pal Seng cider?"
Hey now...
Pal Seng cider's for all ages.
Clear provocation.
I've got pride—no backing down here.
"No thanks. Soju's perfect. Nice and sweet. Another round?"
I shoved my empty glass forward defiantly.
She sparkled with amusement, refilling it.
As the ribs bubbled away, our conversation warmed up too.
Work stories.
Life stories.
And stories about each other.
Before we knew it, outside was pitch black from all the pouring and drinking.
"Ugh, so full."
I patted my belly leaving the shop.
They weren't a late-night spot—closing time approaching.
Just past 9 PM.
Too soon to split, but belly too stuffed for round two drinks.
"Yi-seol-ssi, wanna hit another spot for more drinks? Or coffee?"
She looked up at the night sky thoughtfully, then shook her head.
"Nah, too full for more food. Coffee'd keep me up."
"Then?"
"Wanna just walk? Aid digestion."
"Walk? Where?"
"Yeah. Hangang Park's nearby. Catch some river breeze, stroll. I love walking."
Not a bad idea.
Sober up with cool riverside air.
"Sure. Hangang it is."
I handled the bill.
She whipped out her card insisting she'd pay, but I beat her to it.
I'd said I'd treat—her trying to pay now?
Women.
We grabbed 2-for-1 green tea from the convenience store and headed to Hangang Park.
Night air was nicely cool.
Weekend crowds in the park, but the river path led to quieter spots.
Yoo Yi-seol spotted an empty bench and dashed over, plopping down.
She patted the spot next to her.
"Min-jae, sit here. Great view."
I sat beside her without a word.
City lights shimmered on the river.
Busking music drifted from afar.
Like a drama scene.
"Y'know, I actually love this place."
She spoke softly, eyes fixed on the water.
"Before becoming a lawyer, I'd come almost daily. When studying made my head explode, I'd bolt here. Staring blankly at the river... it opened up my chest, y'know?"
"Stress relief spot."
"Yeah. Sitting here watching the river always refreshed me somehow."
She smiled—lonely yet relieved.
"Too busy now—only weekends if I'm lucky."
"Still come?"
"Yeah. Forces me to refresh my mind even if I have to."
A glimpse into Yoo Yi-seol's hard-fought life.
Logistics wore me out plenty, but a lawyer bearing others' lives? Must be brutal.
Mental strain even worse.
Glamorous outside, frayed inside maybe.
"So today's a refresh trip too? Hope I'm not intruding."
She turned, staring straight at me.
Her eyes sparkled unusually.
"Hmm... half right, half wrong."
"Huh?"
"Used to be. But last two months, no need to come here anymore."
"Why? Work eased up? Win rate up?"
"Nah, work's still tough and annoying. Weirdo clients too. But instead..."
She paused, voice softening.
"Found another way to refresh my mind."
Her gaze locked on my face.
Straight into my eyes, full of certainty.
No way I'd miss what that meant.
"So today, wanted to test it out."
"Test?"
"What happens when new refresh method meets the old one. Synergy? Or meh?"
She leaned toward me playfully, grinning.
A whiff of shampoo—or perfume?—soft scent hit me.
"So... results? Hope they're good."
Instead of answering, she nodded big, face beaming like a kid.
"Used to feel cool but kinda empty coming alone? Like my side was chilly."
Her hand overlaid mine.
"But today... not empty at all."
Her face drew closer.
Booze or mood—her cheeks flushed.
Finally, Yoo Yi-seol's lips softly met mine.
Bitter green tea mixed with faint alcohol.
