Chapter 41
Chapter 41
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 41
Chapter Title: Volunteer Work (2)
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[Black Wolf]
The orphanage sign was written in elegant black brush script, giving it an antique feel. Unlike the demonic cave image its name evoked, the entrance featured a cute wolf drawing. And it wasn't some traditional hanok or tiled-roof house either.
The building was a plain, neat modern design, and the staff visible through the windows wore clean, tidy uniforms. It seemed much better managed than I'd expected. I stood at the entrance, checking my phone. On the screen was a text from Ichie.
[Where are we going for volunteer work?]
[Now that I think about it, I should come too if we want the discount.]
I chuckled at the message. It was amusing that Ichie had changed her mind. Had her uncle scolded her for not knowing the value of money?
Scrolling down further showed my reply: the orphanage address. After school ended, we'd agreed to change at home and meet in front of the orphanage. I leaned my head against a stone pillar, waiting for her.
"Su-hyeon-oppa."
I'd been resting my eyes, tapping my head against the pillar, when a voice called from the end of the street. I opened my eyes. Ichie, in knee-length shorts and a light shirt, was waving at me. Her long legs and slim waist caught my eye.
"Ichie."
"Did I keep you waiting long?"
She trotted up to me. I shook my head.
"No, not really. Shall we head in?"
"Yeah, let's go."
Ichie nodded enthusiastically and eyed the orphanage with excitement. She seemed to actually enjoy this kind of volunteer work. A staff member pasting something on the wall inside spotted us through the glass door and opened it.
She looked a bit surprised as she regarded us.
"You actually came?"
"Yep, we did. We said we'd volunteer."
"Most people just donate and call it a day. It's rare for anyone to show up in person."
"Really?"
"Yes. Thank you so much for taking the time."
The staffer was a kind-looking woman in glasses with a warm smile. She wore an apron and was posting the monthly schedule. Peeking over her shoulder, I saw a variety of events: movie outings, recreation instructors, and more. Ichie and I looked around and asked,
"So, what should we do?"
"We won't give you anything tough. Just watch the kids a bit and lend a hand where needed."
It sounded no different from high school volunteer gigs. We followed her lead into the office and took seats.
The office was neat and tidy—no trace of the musty uncle vibe you'd expect from a wuxia-themed guild like the Black Dragon Clan. The only spot with any old-man smell was the bookshelf in the corner, stuffed with ancient-looking martial arts novels.
The standout was the 23-volume epic Urban Heavenly Demon Chronicles, a massive hit back in the day about the Demonic Cult's Heavenly Demon reincarnating in Seoul to fight injustice. Ichie noticed me staring and said,
"Lots of books."
"Probably all the clan leader's."
They didn't seem for the kids. The printer hummed, and the staff handed us each a form.
"We have our own application form. Could you fill in your name and nickname?"
Ah.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The staff took our forms, glancing between us and Ichie before saying,
"Your nickname is '1', right?"
"Yes. Read as 'Ichi'."
"Ah, and this gentleman..."
She trailed off looking at me, tilting her head. I spoke up.
"That's correct."
"Oh, okay..."
Even after I confirmed, she didn't look entirely comfortable. Forcing a smile, she composed herself and said,
"Alright, let's assign tasks. Ichie-ssi, you help our teachers with the kids. Su-hyeon-ssi, you assist me with paperwork and sorting donations."
"Teacher?"
Ichie tilted her head at the term. The staff explained,
"That's what we call volunteers here—'teacher'."
Ichie glanced at me, patted her chest, nodded, and said,
"Teacher."
"Heh, Teacher Ichie."
She beamed happily even at my teasing. Meanwhile, the staff fetched plum juice from the fridge.
"Have a glass and we'll get started?"
I nodded. Ichie's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "Good work."
"Thanks. You saved us, Teacher Su-hyeon. Our director usually helps with heavy lifting, but we got a huge influx today."
I sat catching my breath. Turning, I saw the staff wiping sweat with a wry smile, doing the same. Other employees bustled sorting the papers we'd just moved. Even as an Awakener, this tired me out—what about the regular staff?
"Have some tea."
"Thank you."
An iced coffee appeared before me. Instant brew had never tasted so sweet. Sugar rushed to my head; I shuddered, exhaled deeply, and crunched the ice.
"Good work."
Ichie wobbled over, leaning forward unsteadily. Her apron was askew, hair mussed from wrangling kids. She plopped right next to me and said,
"Too many kids. Too hyper. They played with my hair."
"You did great, Ichie. But weren't they cute?"
Ichie glanced around and clammed up. Her silence made the staff chuckle instead. She got her coffee too, stirring the ice against the chair back with a deep sigh before sipping. The staff came to settle our hours.
"You did three hours each today, but we count each visit as five."
"Oh, really?"
"Director's policy. The effort to show up matters more, so even less gets you five hours on the certificate."
"Thanks so much."
Volunteer time: 5 hours. Reward for three hours of hauling. The clock read 8 PM. Ichie clutched her certificate, eyes shining, and asked me,
"How much discount is this?"
"10%. Ten gets you 100% off."
I hadn't planned to fill all ten—80% (saving 600k won) seemed worth it. But with this generosity, ten days for full 3 million saved? Tempting.
"Coming back tomorrow?"
"Yes."
Ichie nodded and added,
"Tomorrow, Su-hyeon-oppa and I work together."
"Hmm..."
The staff looked troubled, eyes darting.
"I'll check the schedule and let you know."
"Okay."
Ichie seemed thrilled, like kid duty with me was set. The staff—name tag reading 'Choi Mi-so'—escorted us out. Suited her warm vibe.
Time to go. As we turned to leave, she stopped us.
"Eat before you go. Dinner's good today."
"Ichie, what do you think?"
She shook her head firmly.
"I want something else."
"Yeah... We'll head out then."
"Too bad. See you tomorrow. Thanks again."
We bowed as she waved. A warm glow of doing good filled my chest. Crossing the yard, I said to Ichie,
"Thanks for coming today, Ichie. You need training for the tournament, but you matched my schedule."
"We're a team. I don't go alone."
Fair point. I'd have helped her for the same reason.
"Hungry."
She rubbed her tummy, looking at me. I asked,
"What for dinner, Ichie?"
"Budae jjigae."
Perfect compromise—stew over rice, spicy like she loves. I said,
"Great choice. I can tell your taste is improving since coming to Korea."
"Thanks to Su-hyeon-oppa."
The cheerful mood was interrupted by my phone ringing. Ichie eyed my pocket, still smiling. I checked: Yu-jeong sunbae. I answered brightly,
"Sunbae? What's up?"
Her cheerful voice replied,
"Hey, Su-hyeon. Called to see if volunteering's done. Work ended early—can swing by. Dinner together?"
Ichie asked,
"Who?"
"Yu-jeong sunbae."
Our exchange prompted,
"Who's there?"
"Yeah, Ichie's with me."
"Ichie?"
"Yep."
"On my way."
Call ended.