Chapter 23

Chapter 23

An ambassador for Yeongdo District?

Yeongdo, a city filled with sorrow and grief. It was once known as the city that never sleeps. Its not referring to the glamorous night view like Las Vegas. Its a term that stuck because of the never-ending cries and wails of refugees looking for their families. The winding mountain roads are just as twisted as the lingering fatigue.

In my past life, it was a place I simply disliked. I hated the smell of poverty and the fishy stench as much as I hated the salty sea breeze and the rough accents of the sailors. I never returned to my hometown, not even once, until my mother fell ill. Now, that place welcomes me like a long-lost family member.

Why do you dislike it?

No, its just so unexpected.

Whats unexpected? People in Yeongdo know how much they love you. Im sure youll know once you go near Namhang. The district office has already sent a letter to your school, so dont worry and go. Id like to send a road manager with you, but I didnt expect this to happen so suddenly.

Its alright. Im not a child who cant find the district office.

Anyone would think youre a 60-year-old woman!

CEO Kim Seonghwan was now speaking comfortably with me. Even though it was through the phone, I could clearly see his warm smile.

By the way, when you arrive at the district office today, there will be people youll like. Look forward to it!

The call ended. For some reason, I could imagine CEO Kim Seonghwan making a playful expression. I happened to catch my mothers gaze as she hurried to work at Namhang Market. She seemed quite curious about the content of the call.

Ah, the CEO said I was selected as an ambassador for Yeongdo District.

What? Really?!

My mothers face brightened up. It wasnt even like this when I showed her my report card with the third-highest score in the entire school. I felt a bitter taste in my mouth. In my past life, I wondered if she had the same expression when I won an award at the year-end ceremony. Thats when it happened.

Yeongguk! What are you doing not coming out!

It was Mrs. Yang. She was a resident of the same neighborhood and often went to work at Namhang Market with my mother since they both sold fish. It was the same today. Mrs. Yangs eyes widened as she heard the news from my mother. Soon, her loud voice echoed like a train whistle.

What?! Yeongguk is going to be the ambassador for Yeongdo District!

Ah, I can already imagine the rumors spreading around Namhang Market.

* * *

Jang Youngguk!

When I arrived at the district office, a government official ran towards me. He must not have expected me to arrive so early. Its a long-standing habit of mine from my past life. Whether it was a filming set or a broadcasting station, arriving earlier than the scheduled time was natural for me. It was a rule created by the passion of Jang Youngguk, a young man who wanted to stand out just once more in the eyes of the broadcasting station staff. Maybe this was what made me the actor Jang Youngguk in my past life.

I heard Jang Youngguk came as soon as I got to work, even though there are still two hours left until the appointment.

I just came early to look around the district office. Dont worry about it.

Wow, youre really mature, just like I heard. To be honest, Im a huge fan of Man of August. You dont know how much I liked young Kim Hajin or you, Jang Youngguk. So, can I ask for an autograph and a photo after the appointment ceremony?

Whats the problem? Since we have time before the appointment, let me give it to you now. By the way, who else is appointed as an ambassador for Yeongdo District with me today?

Jang Youngguk, you didnt know? We definitely informed your agency in detail.

The CEO didnt mention anything about it? Was what he said at the end of the call related to this? Thats when it happened. The sound of high heels clacking caught my attention, and a woman wearing sunglasses appeared. She looked like an actress as if she was advertising herself.

Our Yeongguk is truly the most handsome! Jang Yeongguk, youre the best! The best!

The one next to Yeongguk is also really beautiful! My eyes are feasting today!

Ah, thank you. Im actress Park Suyeong.

No, not you, Suyeong. The young lady next to you! She looks like a painting next to Yeongguk!

It seems the outfit my mother picked out for me this morning was quite a hit. I usually wear a simple T-shirt and shorts, but today I wore golden pants and suspenders. It was a look far from my past lifes taste but still worth a glance due to my age.

Lets take a photo with the fish stand!

The civil servant guided us to a narrow alley lined with fish stands. Mrs. Yang waved her hand enthusiastically, and my mother also beamed by her side. I waved back at my mother and Mrs. Yang, as it was hard to move due to the large crowd.

How about holding a fish each for the photo? Since this is Namhang Market.

The civil servant cautiously suggested the idea. Apparently, his professionalism had kicked in during the difficult photoshoot. Naturally, some people gladly accepted the idea, while others disliked it.

How about I just hold a fish by myself and stand in the middle?

Ah! That would be better!

Maam, can I borrow one of your flatfish for a moment?

Of course! If its our Yeongguk, I wouldnt even mind if you took the whole tray! Go ahead!

Thank you!

I picked out a lively flatfish from the red tray. It was struggling so much, trying to escape. However, no matter how hard it tried, it couldnt escape from Jang Yeongguks palm.

Then lets take the photo with the fish stand as the background!

Park Suyeong and Yeon Su stood next to me. It felt like I was a fisherman who had caught a huge fish on a fishing boat. Holding the flatfish stylishly with both hands, the civil servant showed a satisfied smile. On the other hand, Park Suyeong seemed to wish the photoshoot would end quickly. The civil servant raised his finger, counting down.

Three!

At that moment, the flatfish gathered its last strength.

Two!

As it wriggled violently, my hand slipped. The flatfish flew towards Yeon Su, who, startled, swatted it away, and it landed on me.

One!

With a loud splash, the flatfish fiercely slapped Park Suyeongs cheek with its tail before.

Click!

It fell back into the red tray it originally came from.



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