Chapter 38
Chapter 38
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 38
Chapter Title: Like a Mayfly
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"No way, we can't open a directly managed branch like this, boss!"
I was taken aback by Dong-hyun's firm opposition.
After closing time at Babsang, carving out time like this to discuss store operations with him had become our new routine.
He had majored in restaurant management and gained hands-on experience as a floor manager at a chain buffet.
He was the perfect partner for realistically assessing the feasibility of my ideas.
I casually brought up the idea of expanding into a chain.
But Dong-hyun shot it down flat.
"Boss, you absolutely can't do a chain with basic set meals like what we're doing at Babsang right now."
He nailed it shut.
The issue wasn't just labor costs—logistics was the bigger problem.
Supplying side dishes, soups, and stews daily, and keeping the seasoning consistent across all locations.
Impossible with our current system, he said.
Ah.
Did I get ahead of myself?
Maybe I was a bit arrogant.
Customers were still overflowing, so from my perspective, I thought we could ride this momentum and open at least one more directly managed branch.
Dong-hyun said now wasn't the time—it was too early.
I had no choice but to agree.
His reasoning was too logical.
I'd simply thought we could use the current pre-prep and post-prep kitchen system, but his thinking was entirely different.
After hearing his explanation, I realized I'd been thinking too simplistically.
For now, we'd put the chain expansion idea on hold and approach it more cautiously.
Since Dong-hyun came on as manager, things had definitely gotten easier.
The store's overall efficiency had visibly improved.
He started with the dining hall.
He divided the tables into three large zones, assigning one staff member per zone to handle everything there.
Instead of running around the entire place chaotically, focus on managing your assigned zone intensively.
In other words, each server was responsible for orders, serving, and cleanup in their own area.
So they only had to worry about their zone, eliminating order and serving mistakes.
The staff loved it too—no more confusion from juggling multiple tables.
And Dong-hyun himself stood at the kitchen entrance, guarding the path where food came out.
Like a traffic cop.
When a completed dish emerged from the kitchen, he precisely distributed it to the tables marked with zone numbers at the hall entrance.
Servers could then spot and pick up their zone's food easily.
Seeing that made me realize how haphazardly I'd been running things until now.
As a first-time business owner, I'd thought I was doing okay, but to someone seasoned in operations, there were clearly many shortcomings.
Personally, he seemed a bit scatterbrained, but damn, he was sharp and efficient at work.
Thanks to him, I could relax and spend time with Lily.
"Hey, so how's newlywed life? Oh, wait, second time around—less sweet, huh?"
The kind of jab only a close friend could make.
"What does a guy who's never even married know? Go live with your anime characters, asshole."
"Ouch. That's kinda sad."
Verbal win for me.
"Anyway, try recruiting a chef."
Dong-hyun said with a serious face.
"We need signature dishes beyond basic Korean fare and rethink the menu."
"Don't you have a cooking certification?"
"Ugh, that was just something I got ages ago. After my army cook days, I swore off kitchens. So bring someone over from Korea—a Korean cuisine specialist."
No wonder he was frustrated; those army days were hell.
Ah.
We do need to refresh the menu periodically...
We're holding on with the seasoning for now, but an expert's touch would definitely boost quality.
Dong-hyun kept bringing up the menu because of average spend per customer.
Our prices were low compared to U.S. standards, so to raise per-head spending, we needed high-quality dishes to match.
I'd only learned by watching over shoulders.
Hard to find Korean cuisine experts in the U.S., so bring one from Korea.
"Gotta have people first. Can't we just get recipes?"
"Think long-term. Recipes are useless without someone to execute them properly. Ask your mom~"
"She doesn't speak English. And how many would fly to the U.S. to work?"
"Whatever, just try your best. Kitchen staff is essential. Fine for just the main store, but you want to grow, right? Stock up on talent early."
"Hmm... I'll think about it. Let's head in."
"Yawn~ Yeah."
Dong-hyun stretched with a yawn.
"Oh right, group reservation, yeah? When?"
"Week from now. Come tomorrow and post notice at the entrance."
"Just evenings?"
"Yeah. Lunch service only, no general customers from break time on."
Dong-hyun checked something on his phone calendar.
"Just prep the usual menu?"
"Nah, it's the landlord's friends—make it special."
"Got a menu plan?"
"About eight people, so go a bit upscale."
"Hmm... Got it. Besides the entrance notice tomorrow, no other prep?"
"Yeah~ Let's go. I'll drop you off."
"Yawn~ Tired. But you have work tomorrow? Won't make it in?"
"Yeah. Going to USCIS application center with Lily."
"For citizenship?"
"Yeah. Takes two years—can't wait that long. Filing I-130 petition for expedited."
"Cool. Good luck."
"Thanks."
After consulting David the lawyer, luckily we qualified for spousal citizenship expediting.
One condition was serious health issues for the spouse—Lily's albinism gave us valid grounds.
If approved, what takes two years could come in as little as two months.
I opened the door and stepped inside.
Another hectic day had flown by.
My body felt heavy as lead...
"Honey~!"
A bright voice rang out, and Lily came running from the living room, throwing herself into my arms.
I felt the strength of her small body hugging me tight.
In that instant, the fatigue accumulated all day melted away like snow.
This tiny warmth was more powerful than any fatigue reliever.
I patted her back and asked.
"What were you up to, Lily?"
Lily lifted her head from my chest, beaming innocently.
"Studying while reading a book!"
On the table she pointed to lay an open basic Korean textbook for foreigners.
After marriage, Lily said she wanted to visit my hometown, Korea.
She wanted to study hard so she could converse with my family in Korean.
To keep that promise, she'd been studying alone like this.
I found her so admirable and lovable that I hugged her tight again.
Smiling, I asked.
"Studied a lot?"
"Yes!!"
Lily nodded vigorously.
"Go wash up, then help me study! So much to learn, honey~"
Ah, isn't she just precious?
Her face was pretty, but her actions were even prettier.
No wonder I counted the minutes at work just to get home.
"Got it~ Study a bit, then early bed tonight. Gotta go for citizenship application early tomorrow."
"Okay, okay!"
"You ate?"
"Mmm~"
Every morning before work, I prep bean protein and antioxidant-rich foods for Lily.
I know diet alone can't cure albinism.
Still, it's my effort to maintain her condition as best as possible.
Avoiding anything harmful.
"Good girl. I'll wash up, you study a little more~"
"Okay~!"
I stroked her hair and headed to the bathroom.
"Okay~ Lily, repeat after me."
"Hello."
"I love you."
"Honey."
Heehee.
I propped my chin on my hand, watching my husband diligently teach me Korean.
Why did I keep giggling?
Thinking how we were really married now made my heart tickle and laughter bubble up.
"Lily? You listening?"
Caught spacing out smiling, he looked at me puzzled.
Hehe... so cute.
He works so hard for me, must be exhausted coming home, yet he sticks by me, keeping me from boredom.
Spending all day at home waiting might bore some, but I've always lived like this—no big deal.
By my lonely side, with no one.
Now having this warm man just for me.
That alone made me so happy.
Mom passed when I was ten.
I still remember her apologetic eyes till the end.
So I know.
Dad tried everything to cure her, failed, so I hold no big hopes for my illness.
But...
Until that final moment, can't I be a little happy?
With this man, God's last gift to me, until I close my eyes.
I want to live happily and die.
Even one day, passionately loving like a mayfly.
'God, let me live a little happily before going. Just a bit... delay taking me a little longer. Okay?'
"Okay~ Lily, this one's tricky to pronounce..."
"Honey!"
At my call, my teaching husband looked over.
"Huh? What? Too hard?"
I shook my head and said.
"Hehe, honey. Hug me."
I spread my arms wide.
He grinned and pulled me into his embrace.
His arms...
Warm enough to bring tears.
"Kyaa~ Save me~"
Hugging me snugly, he suddenly scooped me up princess-style.
Floating in the air was scary, but I clung to his neck, kicking playfully.
The firm support under my legs and waist.
His strong arms gave me security.
"Uwung~ Put me down~ Put me down~"
"Haha, study time over—bedtime, princess~"
"Kyaa!"
He spun and headed to the bedroom.
I whispered in his ear.
"...Just sleeping?"
He paused, looking down at me.
His eyes flickered.
Then he bolted toward the bed.
"Kyahaha~"
Thrilling like a ride I'd never tried.
Our first night.
Honestly, it hurt so much I bawled.
He looked flustered consoling me.
But after a few nights, I adapted quick.
Ah... so this is it.
Feeling his love fill my whole body.
The ultimate marital affection.
Loved his loving gaze from above.
His gentle enveloping touch.
That union, communion—precious time.
Giving myself fully to this loving, cherishing man... felt so good.