Chapter 20 Party Members 2
Chapter 20: {Party Member} 2
{Party Member}
The children showed varied reactions to Yu Ji-hu's words.
Some visibly expressed disappointment, while others looked relieved.
"Then, Yu-rin. I need to discuss something work-related. Want to step outside with me?"
"Sure, okay."
Once Seo Yu-rin agreed, Yu Ji-hu immediately led her outside.
The moment they stepped out of Sarang Orphanage, he asked her:
"Where do you want to have lunch? There's a grilled meat place with good reviews nearby. Want to talk over a meal there?"
"Yeah, sounds good. I've been there before."
Awakened Ability Users—unless they were healers or long-range fighters—tended to have voracious appetites. Because of this, buffets often charged them three times the normal price.
Even someone as slender as Seo Yu-rin, being an Ability User, could easily pack away a substantial meal. For them, protein-heavy foods like meat were practically essential.
They entered the nearby barbecue restaurant and took their seats, placing their order immediately.
Since it was midday, the place was fairly crowded. Patrons glanced at the strikingly attractive pair, but Ji-hu and Yu-rin paid them no mind as they settled in.
"What do you want to order?"
Yu-rin scanned the menu before answering.
"The marinated ribs here are good."
"Yeah? Then let's get eight servings of marinated ribs, please."
"Noted, sir."
The moment Ji-hu placed the order, Yu-rin's expression darkened slightly.
"Eight servings of just marinated ribs... Isn't that a bit expensive?"
At 25,000 won per serving, eight portions totaled a staggering 200,000 won.
Judging by her expression, she had been planning to split the bill.
'So 100,000 won is a burden for her.'
Solo Rift diving wasn't exactly lucrative. Without a guild, selling Mana Stones to the government meant taking a significant loss. Whatever money she did earn went toward equipment repairs and supporting the orphanage, leaving little for personal expenses.
"It's fine. I invited you, so I'll cover it. Just hear me out properly, okay?"
"...I'll listen."
Since their food would take a while, Ji-hu first enveloped them in a thin layer of Qi to prevent their conversation from being overheard. It wasn't anything classified, but if other diners caught wind of it, things would get chaotic.
"You know who my sister is, right?"
"Yeah. The Empress, Yu Ha-rin."
Ji-hu nodded at Yu-rin's response.
"Right. And after coming back, I found out she's running a guild—the Underground Guild."
"...Yeah. I know."
The Underground Guild's reputation was formidable enough that Yu-rin looked visibly uneasy just mentioning it.
Even Ji-hu could tell it wasn't ordinary—after all, his sister had casually handed him over 20 trillion won.
"Yu-rin, how would you feel about joining the Underground Guild?"
"Me? Joining the Underground Guild?"
Yu-rin's face twisted in shock—this was something she'd never even considered.
For an average Ability User, the Underground Guild was practically a pipe dream.
Ji-hu had looked into the benefits. The welfare packages were excellent, and even entry-level members earned a base salary of 200 million won annually—not counting additional income from Rift clears.
On top of that, the guild provided high-quality equipment and covered all maintenance costs, meaning members like Yu-rin wouldn't have to worry about personal expenses.
"I-I'm not... I mean, with my skills, wouldn't it be impossible...?"
Her stuttering made it clear just how flustered she was.
Ji-hu chuckled at her reaction.
"I think you've got talent. With proper training and support, you'd grow fast—I guarantee it. Having you as a party member would be a huge asset."
Yu-rin's face cycled through shock, embarrassment, and joy in quick succession.
Though their voices were muffled, nearby diners whispered among themselves.
"Look at her face. Did he just confess?"
"I can't hear anything, but damn, they're both gorgeous."
"Must be Ability Users using sound-dampening skills."
"Ah, youth."
"I wonder what they're talking about?"
Yu-rin's ears burned as the murmurs reached her, her face turning crimson.
'It's not like that...'
Ji-hu offered an apologetic smile at the misunderstanding.
"R-really? You think I could actually do it?"
She lacked confidence, so Ji-hu bolstered her with a grin.
"Yeah. Let me call my sister real quick."
"O-okay."
Ji-hu dialed his sister's number. The call connected almost instantly.
[Ji-hu, what's up?]
Empress Yu Ha-rin's voice came through the speaker, and Yu-rin stiffened.
"I-It's really the Empress... It's been so long..."
Her reaction alone spoke volumes about how his sister was perceived.
"I want to bring someone into the Underground Guild. Noona... remember the promise from seven years ago? That you'd support any party members I brought in?"
[Of course I remember. How could I forget a promise to you?]
The Empress' voice was impossibly gentle. If the world knew she could sound this affectionate, it would cause an uproar—but Yu-rin, already aware of how deeply Ha-rin cherished her brother, didn't seem surprised.
[It's Seo Yu-rin, right?]
"You knew?"
[Yeah. You mentioned she volunteers at Sarang Orphanage. She's with you now?]
"Yeah. Want me to pass the phone?"
[No, just tell her to come to the Underground Guild when she's free. Since it's your recommendation, I'll register her immediately.]
"Thanks, Noona."
[Ji-hu, if you need anything else, just ask.]
"I will. See you later."
[Alright, Ji-hu.]
The call ended.
Some might call it nepotism, but Ji-hu genuinely believed in Yu-rin's potential. With the right support, she might even surpass Iris.
Given her kindness and talent, even if she'd applied alone, Ha-rin would've likely accepted her anyway.
"Party member... Underground Guild... This is so sudden, but I'm happy. I never thought you'd think so highly of me."
Her joy was palpable.
"Any objections to being my party member?"
"No, none. Ji-hu, I trust you. You saved my life, after all."
Her firm smile made him grin in return.
"Good."
Now she wouldn't have to risk her life in Rifts alone, and the orphanage director could rest easy.
He truly wanted to see her grow.
'Here it comes.'
As their conversation wrapped up, the side dishes arrived, followed shortly by the grill.
Ji-hu placed the marinated ribs on the sizzling surface, watching the meat sear as he reminisced.
'It's been a while since I've had grilled meat like this.'
Once the ribs were cooked, he deftly snipped them with scissors, serving Yu-rin first before taking some for himself.
"Tastes great."
Yu-rin laughed at his murmur.
"Right? This place is good."
She dug in without pretense, devouring the meat with impressive speed. Ji-hu almost laughed at her enthusiasm—but then his expression darkened.
'I shouldn't think about it...'
No matter how hard he tried, the memories surfaced anyway.
The image of Iris, roasting meat during their travels in the Other World, handing him pieces with her own hands.
The ache in his chest flared. He forced the thoughts away.
'Don't think about it. Don't. If I keep this up... I won't be able to live normally.'