Chapter 20
Chapter 20
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: uly
Chapter: 20
Chapter Title: How to Make a Regular Customer (1)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Knead, knead.
Squelch, squelch.
It was getting close to nine in the morning.
Yoon-seul and I were kneading the pork for lunch service.
"Jjweol jjweol~."
"Knead knead?"
"Yeah, Yunseul-i does it well, right?"
"Like my little sister, it's amazing."
"Oppa brother, amazing?"
"Yup!"
"Hee hee hee."
My sister beamed from ear to ear.
She was shy about it, but her hands never stopped.
We kept at it, both of us with our hands in the same bowl, working the meat.
Honestly, having Yoon-seul here didn't make the work go any faster.
Still, it was more fun and energizing than doing it alone.
Like a buff character in a game, I guess?
I hadn't originally planned on doing this together. But Yoon-seul kept begging to help, so it became our routine.
- You've always had such a great sibling bond. It's heartwarming to see.
"Oppa and me, best bond!"
"Yoon-seul-ah, that's right! Good job."
"Best bond."
"Exactly."
- Ha ha ha ha.
The elder chuckled politely.
According to the Tycoon app, he was a retired university professor.
He'd mentioned researching Korean literature before, so that tracks.
I'd kinda sensed he was an intellectual type from the start.
"Sorry about this, sir. We usually prep for lunch around this time.
This is the best we can do to entertain you."
- No, no need to apologize. If anything, I'm the one who's sorry.
"Thank you for understanding."
Are all university professors this calm and refined? Years of study must instill that kind of cultivation.
- Is that marinated pork you're kneading for lunch?
"Yes, sir. Seasoned meat like this soaks into the fibers best after two or three hours.
So we prep the lunch batch in the morning, and the dinner one during our three o'clock break."
- You're so diligent. RUnnieng a business isn't for just anyone.
"Business is tough. But our Oppa can do it."
- Indeed, the boss looks sharp and hardworking, just like our little miss says. What's your name?
"Jang Yoon-seulmnida!"
For once, her 'seul' came out clear, no lisp. Must've grown her tongue overnight. Kids grow up so fast, they say.
- What a pretty name. Your eyes really sparkle like dewdrops on water.
"Huh? What do you mean?"
- Oh... you didn't know? Yoon-seul is a pure Korean word with a very elegant meaning.
"Really? I've never heard that before."
"Yunseul-i too, first time hearing it."
He knew a secret about our name even we didn't.
Scholars are on another level.
"What does Yoon-seul mean?"
"What does Yunseul-i mean?"
- When sunlight or moonlight shines brightly on a stream, the shimmering ripples on the surface are called yoon-seul.
"Oh..."
Hearing the professor explain it brought back that walk along Seongbuk Stream with Yoon-seul not long ago.
The clouds were scarce that day, and the sunlight felt so pleasant.
I remember the way it glittered off the flowing water. It was one of those moments that made spring feel so warm and inviting.
It felt like a blessing that Yoon-seul had been given a name for something so beautiful and memorable.
"I had no idea it meant that. Thank you for telling us."
"Ooh...?"
Yoon-seul's reaction next to me was a bit ambiguous.
Not sure if she got it or not.
- I'm glad I could share it. Back in my teaching days on campus, moments like this come to mind.
"You taught students at university? That's incredibly impressive."
- Ah, yes. You must've picked up on my mention of Korean literature research.
"Yes, exactly."
I couldn't exactly tell him about the Onui Tycoon app.
The app gives a brief rundown on customers' backgrounds.
We finished marinating all the seasoned pork and headed out to the dining area.
Yoon-seul and I carefully stacked the divided portions into the fridge.
That's when she eyed the prepped shrimp for family meal and let a little drool slip—then slurp! Gulped it back.
She must want some.
Now we just wait for customers to arrive.
It was still over an hour until our eleven-thirty opening.
Normally, I'd read her a book or we'd play with toy cars.
But with a guest today, we decided to chat instead.
- You should rest before opening. I hope I'm not in the way.
"Not at all. Yoon-seul needs practice talking to all kinds of people anyway. If anything, we're grateful."
- That puts me at ease. Thank you.
He had the air of a refined British gentleman.
The crepe truck owner from Dongdaemun last time was polite too, full of respect.
But this man exudes gentleness in his actions.
Like how he folds his newspaper small to avoid bothering anyone, or turns pages slowly and quietly.
Those little details show his thoughtfulness.
"Grandpa, newspaper fun?"
- Of course.
"Why?"
- Because it holds a world I don't yet know.
"Hmm...?"
He answered earnestly, but it was probably too deep for Yoon-seul.
- It feels like ages since we met at Seongbuk Stream. How's business?
"So-so. Opening day brought a crowd since it was right on launch, but after that, it's been a trickle here and there."
- Still, that's good. The food industry's tough for small operators these days, from what I read in the papers. Probably because your cooking's great and you're a good person—customers keep coming back.
"I haven't even served you yet."
- True enough. I'd love to try it sometime. Still about an hour till opening?
"Yes, around an hour left."
That's when it happened.
Yoon-seul, who'd been sitting quietly on my lap, started bonking her head against my chest.
Bonk bonk bonk—like little bouncy balls tapping lightly.
Did she have something to say?
"Why the head-bonks, Yoon-seul?"
"Oppa."
"Yeah?"
"Yunseul-i wants shrimp. Now."
"That's for your lunch later, though?"
"Wants now... with grandpa. If we eat before opening, no hungry tummy. Yunseul-i and grandpa can't be hungry."
Was Yoon-seul worried this guest might get hungry waiting till opening?
Nah, she kept slurping—slurp slurp!—swallowing her own saliva. She just wants to eat.
- Aigoo, Yoon-seul's looking out for Grandpa too?
"Yunseul-i takes care of lots of customers."
- So considerate.
"Consi-what?"
- Amazing.
Yoon-seul thumbed up, and the elder followed suit.
What a nice guy.
"If it's okay with you, sir, how about a meal now?"
- Well, but it's not regular hours yet. I'd feel bad making you cook.
"No, Yoon-seul wants it anyway. It's not on the regular menu—something I'm testing as a future new dish.
Give me your thoughts on the taste."
- In that case, I'll pay full price. That okay?
"Guess I better make it delicious. One moment, please!"
I headed to the kitchen. Yoon-seul was already by the elder, looking at the newspaper.
From their chat, they were checking out photo articles. Photos she could probably follow.
I pulled dark brownish live shrimp from the fridge.
Standard medium shrimp—pre-peeled and deveined, super convenient.
Even innards removed. Still, I scored the backs.
"Helps the flavors penetrate better."
I heated plenty of oil in the wok, tossed in minced ginger and garlic. Tsss—!
The shrimp's moisture hit the hot oil, sizzling wildly.
Garlic and ginger aromas assaulted my nose.
"Oil alone smells delicious."
I crushed dried chilies for heat, then dropped in the shrimp. Chijijik!
More splattering as moisture met oil again. A few spatters hit my arms, but good thing I'd worn long sleeves. Smart move.
Sauce was the same as for fried eggplant.
Target: chili shrimp rice bowl.
As the shrimp turned red, I ladled in the sauce.
Chwaaa—
Sauce mixed thickly with oil, calming the sizzle.
Ginger-garlic oil blended with tomato-chili base—sweet and spicy notes wafted up.
Fine-chopped green onions for texture, done.
"Time to plate."
Scooped rice for two into bowls, topped with chili shrimp.
Green onions dotted the chili shrimp rice bowl—complete.
Brought it out on a tray, and Yoon-seul clapped in welcome.
Clap clap clap—
"Yum! Smells good."
"You haven't eaten yet."
"Smells good even before eating!"
- Yoon-seul's right—it looks delicious.
Set it down at the bar table with their bowls.
"Our menu has chili fried eggplant. But eggplant's out of season soon, flavor drops off. Thinking of swapping shrimp as the star then.
Of course, come summer."
- So you were gonna test on Yoon-seul first?
"Yes, exactly. Lucky you showed up—perfect timing."
I swallowed dryly.
Still get nervous serving guests.
Yoon-seul blew on hers—hoo hoo—then shoveled rice and shrimp.
Yum yum.
Eyes widened, she nodded.
"Chewy and good."
"Shrimp's chewy?"
"Munch munch... yummy. Bouncy."
Her taste descriptions always make me smile.
Kid vocab, but nails the flavor and texture. Makes cooking worth it.
Watching her, the refined elder couldn't hold back. He grabbed his spoon in a hurry.
Scooped saucy rice and shrimp, took a bite, then pressed his temples—kuk kuk.
What? Too spicy from the dried chilies?
Yoon-seul's eating fine, so probably not.
"Headache from the spice?"
- Oh, no, not that...
He kept pressing his temples sheepishly, then smiled awkwardly.
- Sorry. When I get excited, this is my habit to calm down.
Excited?
- It's a taste that makes me feel young again.
[Onui Tycoon!]
[Customer marvels at your cooking skill.]
[Retired University Professor: Restaurant satisfaction +20%!]
[Total Satisfaction: 40%]
What kind of flavor is that?