Chapter 129
Chapter 129
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 129
Chapter Title: K Brunch
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"Enjoy your meal."
"Thank you."
Even though I hadn't asked, the server brought over a disposable side plate.
"Guess it's a plate for Baekseol."
"Yay!"
— ⚔️ Viewer lollll so cuuuute — ⚔️ Viewer Baekseol wigglin' and gigglin' I scooped a bit onto Baekseol's plate before adding the seasoning sauce, and she devoured it happily.
"It's basically just a standard Korean set meal, huh?"
— ⚔️ Viewer Yeah pretty much — ⚔️ Viewer Not some super fancy dish lol White steam rose from the freshly cooked gondre rice.
In addition, a salty doenjang stew and assorted side dishes were set on the table.
"Looks delicious."
I added the seasoning sauce to the gondre rice and mixed it vigorously, producing a satisfying sticky sound.
The red sauce, chopped with green onions, blended beautifully into the gondre rice.
I piled the fully mixed gondre bibimbap onto my spoon into a neat mound that looked absolutely mouthwatering.
The elders peering over from the next table. Even they probably wouldn't dismiss this as some fairy tale.
"Ta-da. Bet it's tasty."
— ⚔️ Viewer lollll adorable — ⚔️ Viewer Two cuties now Baekseol was chowing down enthusiastically beside me.
"Let's give it a try."
I opened my mouth wide and took a big spoonful. The unique bittersweet flavor of the gondre harmonized perfectly with the sweet white rice, filling my mouth with bliss.
"Mmm!"
— ⚔️ Viewer Tasty? — ⚔️ Viewer lollll our captain suits this so well — ⚔️ Viewer Loves her food, always a great sight lol Next up was the doenjang stew.
I scooped up a big ladleful, and a pretty red pepper and tender tofu came up with it.
"Whew, whew."
Slurp—
"Wow, this is seriously good. Want some, Baekseol?"
I dipped my finger in the stew and offered it, and she licked it right up.
"Yum!"
Her butt was wiggling, so it must've suited her taste.
As Baekseol and I kept eating, I noticed some rough-looking guys approaching the shop through the window.
One of them scanned the area, chatted with the burly guy sprawled on the ground, then took a seat nearby.
A guy who'd lived by pride alone— that scene must've hit him hard.
Right now, my image was probably inflating endlessly in his head.
"Ah, I'm stuffed."
"Me too."
Baekseol must've finished too, flopping down with her belly all puffed out.
"Ate a lot?"
"Yeah!"
I patted her belly; she wouldn't starve anytime soon.
"All done, so let's head out."
As I picked up Baekseol to leave, the server approached.
"Oh, finished already? I brought dessert—what now?"
"Huh, I didn't order that."
"It's on the house."
I was halfway out of my seat when she handed me a bowl of sikhye with rice grains floating in it.
"Thank you."
"Enjoy."
The server bowed and vanished.
"Whoa, check out that thin ice."
— ⚔️ Viewer Damn nice — ⚔️ Viewer Sikhye cravings hit "Want some, Baekseol?"
"Stuffed."
Baekseol, lounging on my palm, proudly thrust out her plump belly.
"She says she's full."
I brought the cup to my lips, and a chill brushed my nose.
Gulp, gulp, gulp.
"Ahh."
— ⚔️ Viewer Ajushi vibes — ⚔️ Viewer lololololol "Thanks for the meal."
After dessert, we stepped outside to find the burly guys groaning in a group.
Over thirty of them, easy—lucky no cops showed up.
I approached the Arirangpa boss, who looked up, sensing me.
"This is my turf."
"D-didn't know."
"Sigh, get up."
Only then did the burly guys dust off their hands and stand.
No words left, just staring at me with fear etched on their faces.
"Know Kang Sajang?"
He shook his head, incongruously meek.
"The guy running loan shark ops here. I sent him packing."
"We'll leave too."
"Who said?"
The burly guys flinched as one.
"Hmm, you guys manage this place."
"...Why?"
My words must've come out of left field.
"Better a familiar face than some brutal outsiders stirring trouble."
"We just wanna go."
"Wanna take the highway to hell?"
"We'll manage it tight. We're pros in this biz."
"Just do your usual water-selling gig, handle drunks, whatever. Don't mess with merchants or passersby, or you'll regret it."
The Arirangpa boss nodded reluctantly, face sour.
"This place sucks?"
He glanced around, stroked his chin thoughtfully, then nodded.
"Good business district."
"Then plant your flag here."
Good district, but he still seemed unenthused.
"Why though."
"For real?"
Must've been a huge shock.
One flash of power, then suddenly their flesh sliced open— to them, I must look like some movie monster.
"This spot's precious to me, so it'd be great if you watched over it."
"I see."
"And if you get in danger, I'll protect you."
His eyes widened in surprise, then he pondered deeply.
Made his choice—he bowed slowly.
His underlings followed suit, bowing deep.
"Damn it, cut that crap, you punks."
So childish, couldn't watch.
What era is this, still living by raw power?
Society's villains, finger-pointed at.
Spat outta my viewers' mold.
Unnecessarily romantic fools.
Romance couldn't beat time either—now it's just corny.
But that corniness wasn't half bad.
"What's your name?"
"Kim Man-wook."
His tone flipped instantly.
Up close, he looked mid-to-late thirties at most.
Heading a massive outfit at that age? Beyond capable—something more.
Capable in bad ways, problematically so.
"Quit the drugs."
"Yes, ma'am."
Answers like a trained rabbit.
If it were that easy, everyone would.
— ⚔️ Viewer What just happened? — ⚔️ Viewer Ga-eul was the boss all along? — ⚔️ Viewer ???? "Brought the car?"
"Over there."
—Thwack!
"Guh."
"You punk, no vehicles allowed here."
The old-timer pouted like he was wronged.
"Your eyes look shady. Manage that before I pluck 'em."
"Yes, ma'am."
He rubbed his flicked forehead and led me to the car.
Click.
"Hop in, ma'am."
As I slid into the back seat, the chat exploded belatedly.
"Guys, I'll go live again soon. Close your eyes for a bit."
— ⚔️ Viewer Nooo I ordered chicken ffs — ⚔️ Viewer Prof I can't keep up is this scripted or real??? — ⚔️ Viewer lollll whatever it is it's hilarious — ⚔️ Viewer Just getting good why stop!! I ignored the protests and turned off audio and video.
Click.
—Yes, miss?
"Albert, how do you treat drug addiction?"
—Depends on the drug, but usually with an antidote.
"Easy to get?"
—In my homeland, antidotes are over-the-counter, no prescription needed.
"Oh, then..."
—Miss.
Albert, who always listened fully, cut in.
—Antidotes mean little to addicts. Their emotions are dulled beyond numb, crushed by the drugs. Antidotes only ease the physical withdrawal pain.
"I see."
—Yes. Drugs forcibly spike calm emotions into sharp peaks, instantly turning to pleasure. Then those peaks wear down, so for the same high, they need more. That's addiction. Pain relief from antidotes is meaningless to pleasure-chasers.
Albert sounded passionate—must have a grudge against drugs.
Meanwhile, Kim Man-wook climbed into the front seat.
"Got it. Thanks for the info."
—Of course, miss.
Click.
Just us two in the car, silence thick.
"Man-wook."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Here."
"Gasp!"
I opened subspace right in front of him, pulling out a pistol and bullets.
His eyes bugged out.
Ironically, first to witness my powers straight-up: Kim Man-wook.
Besides the rabbit.
"G-g-g-ghost...!"
—Thwack!
"Gah!"
"A soft girl with pink hair slicing flesh normal? You had a hunch."
"B-but still..."
Mouth agape, drool pooling.
Lives up to his looks, no filter.
"Take it quick."
"Y-yes!"
"I'm like a psychic or whatever, ignore it."
"R-right..."
He alternated stares between the gun and me, then nodded.
Muttering "it's real" under his breath.
Humans adapt, but Man-wook looked like he'd given up thinking.
"Uh... ma'am."
"Yeah."
Cautious, like he wanted to say something.
"VIP clients crave the stuff bad."
"Fuck, feed 'em flour up the nose. They won't want it then."
"Got it."
Casual nod, fiddling with the gun.
Club named Carpon too—perfect gift for a mafia fan like him.
"And Man-wook."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Quitting drugs ain't easy, right?"
"...Yes."
"Got cash?"
He stroked his chin, pondering.
"What percentage tribute?"
"Ugh."
His conclusion? Laughable.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ *Ding!* ◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "Recruiting Peach Cult followers♡"