Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Affection.

The table was laden with fluffy white rice, a rich soup, pickled vegetables with a tangy flavor, and seasonal braised sea bass. It was a meal prepared with a mothers love, for she could not send the guests who had come all the way from Seoul away on an empty stomach.

Im sorry there isnt much to offer, but please enjoy.

Not at all! This is quite a feast. I feel bad for bothering you.Cheêck out latest novels on novel/bin(.)com

Its not a problem at all. Theres still time before your train leaves, and since youve come all this way, its the least I can do. Please, have plenty.

Its embarrassing that my stomach just had to growl at that moment

The incident began when a handbag filled with money was placed on the fish stand. In the quiet shop, Kim Seonghwans belly made a loud noise. Yeongguks mother was so startled by the sound.

Is it to your liking?

Its delicious!

It seemed it was no exaggeration as Kim Seonghwan cleared his rice bowl as if he were starving. Even as a CEO, its not like he could freely use the companys money. He must have been too busy to even properly eat a spoonful of rice.

Would you like another bowl of rice?

Kim Seonghwan, with a mouthful of pickled vegetables, nodded briefly. Yeongguks mother smiled contentedly at the sight. He finished not one but two bowls of rice and cleaned the soup bowl to the bottom.

Maam, what is this soup made of? Ive never had anything this sweet and salty in my life. Does it have a name?

There isnt a specific name for it; its just something my mother used to make for me a lot. When I was a baby, I was wrapped in a blanket and brought to Yeongdo. I had nothing to eat and no milk, so I survived on what the sea provided. We couldnt even afford sugar back then, so we used sweet potatoes to sweeten it. Thats still how I make it.

It was a dish with such a story behind it. He had thoughtlessly eaten the unknown soup his mother had prepared, never wondering about its origin. In that sense, Yeongguk felt grateful to Kim Seonghwan for asking the question. It felt like he got to know another of his mothers memories. After finishing his meal, Kim Seonghwan carefully put his spoon down and looked at her.

What do you think of Yeongguk continuing to act?

If Yeongguk likes it, then its fine. Hes my only son. Even though its an age where he wants to play and have fun, hes grown up so quickly and helps his mother instead. The market vendors call him a filial son. But as a parent, it breaks my heart. I wonder if Im making him suffer this much.

No, Mother, dont think like that. Im just doing it because I enjoy it. Going to the market and meeting a lot of people is fun. If you think about it as gaining social experience early, theres nothing bad about it.

Even though he says that his heart is different. Hes still not skilled with his hands, so he makes mistakes sometimes. Seeing that, he worryingly puts all the burden on his small shoulders. CEO, still, did I not raise my son well?

Then, his mother took Kim Seonghwans hand and spoke.

I dont know what he told you but dont take it too seriously. Although his words may be blunt, hes not like that on the inside. I dont even have a high school diploma, so Im not good with numbers or understanding things well. So, if my son wants to do something, CEO, please guide him well.

* * *

-Will that nobleman become one of my people?

Anyway, Im grateful! We get to eat delicious chicken and drink sweet beer today!

Thats right! I take back what I said earlier. My big mouth always gets me in trouble. Were all gathered here to watch Yeongguk, after all!

Good! Now, as a reward, have a chicken leg!

Namhang is a cozy place. Just as the height of the waves varies, so do the people. But like the creatures and seaweed in the ocean, they shared an inseparable bond. Even now, they gathered and sang sea shanties together.

Alright, everyone! Focus now! Its starting!

At the chairmans shout, the local broadcast was momentarily turned off. As the opening sequence of the drama appeared on the screen, everyone could hear the nervous gulping of saliva.

Its well-made.

The opening sequence alone showed the amount of effort put into the drama. It was PD Yoo Myeonghan and Writer Choi Eunsuks debut work, but the broadcasting station seemed to be putting in considerable effort. Everyone leaned in as the curtain rose on the first episode.

Wow, its amazing!

After the drama ended and a brief silence, exclamations of admiration burst forth. Everyone eagerly applauded. It was no wonder, as the first episode of Man of August was practically Yeongguks life story. He played the lead role as a child actor, filling a large portion of the screen. And his acting was exceptional.

Im still in awe. Ive seen Yeongguk perform many times, but he completely transforms into a different person in the drama. Look at the goosebumps on my arm!

Its lucky that you only got goosebumps! I almost dropped my beer while watching!

Yep, thats quite something. I thought he was born to be a merchant, but now I see hes a full-fledged actor! In my opinion, Yeongguks acting was the best. Ajumma, what do you think? You always watch dramas!

Quiet, let me savor the lingering emotions! Yeongguk, will you keep acting? In my eyes, youre a born actor!

Yeongguk licked his dry lips. He knew the pain of his past life and vowed never to act again. Just as there was no paradise without greed and desire, there was no end to acting. Theres no end to an actors selfishness and ambition. Yeongguk didnt want to lose sight of those around him because of his obsession with acting. It was then.

Hmm? Yeongguk, comfort your mother a little.

His mothers shoulders were shaking. Her quivering was so intense that even her wrinkled fingertips were trembling. It must have been the same in her past life. An old mother who wouldnt leave the screen to watch her son on television. But her cruel son never mentioned his mother in any media or award ceremonies.

The boy embraced his mothers shoulders. The shaking seemed to stop when his small arms wrapped around her heavy shoulders.

Im not crying because Im sad.

His mother smiled; her eyes reddened.

Yeongguks mother! Why are you crying? On such a joyous day as today, should the main character cry? Do we have to create a sea of tears?

Im just so happy, thats why. Seeing my beloved Yeongguk so happy, my tears just naturally flowed. Now, Ive cried enough.

For the first time, Yeongguk heard his mothers cheers. Her eyes were filled with tears, but she didnt look sad. She seemed to have everything, like someone who owned the world. It was then that Yeongguk realized his mothers happiness wasnt far away. The door locked inside the boys heart began to open gradually.