Chapter 55 - Orabeoni!

Chapter 55: Orabeoni!



Fortunately, my father’s surgery ended successfully. As long as he focuses well on rehabilitation, he should be able to manage daily life on his own.

Given that too much time had passed since the initial brain hemorrhage, even the top-ranked doctors in the world couldn’t guarantee the surgery’s outcome.

‘...It’s truly a miracle.’

If my father, who was once deemed lucky just to be alive, can stand on his own two feet again, it would be a tremendous mental comfort.

Moreover, thanks to Kim Eun-ha, we now have some financial leeway. Both of them can focus solely on recovery without overexerting themselves.

‘...I never imagined that my mom’s health was in such bad shape.’

A few days ago, my mother, under Kim Eun-ha’s insistence, underwent a comprehensive examination, starting from a simple X-ray to MRI and endoscopy.

However, the results were alarming. Her small body was harboring so many minor ailments that it was difficult to list them all.

‘I was really too neglectful all this time.’

My mother, as the eldest daughter in the family, had endured a hard life from a very young age.

Taking care of my father was not easy for her, both physically and mentally. It was only natural.

All this while, I was so busy taking care of myself that I unconsciously ignored the signs of my mother’s deteriorating health.

‘It’s a relief to have found out now, at least.’

Luckily, she didn’t have any severe illnesses like my father, and some could be resolved with simple procedures.

It could have escalated into something serious, but fortunately, it was discovered in time to prevent any major issues.

Despite her initial refusal, saying she wanted to stay by my father’s side until his rehabilitation was complete, I stood firm on this matter.

After a bit of back and forth, I finally managed to get them to agree to focus on their treatments together after my father’s surgery.

‘I’m really glad we caught it before it was too late.’

When I heard about my mother’s health, my heart sank, and I realized why the saying “Take care of them while you can” exists.

If we had continued to drift apart like before I met Kim Eun-ha, we would have faced this issue in an even more irreparable situation.

– Psychological stability is very important in treating illnesses. Since both of them seem to care about you a lot, frequent communication will surely help.

The doctor’s advice flashed through my mind. Following his words, I should visit and keep in touch regularly from now on.

Of course, they sternly warned me not to come near until the drama was over.

But I know that if I visit, they will complain about why I came, but secretly they’ll be happy.

‘They don’t need to overexert themselves for living expenses anymore.’

The reason my mother endured her illness in silence was ultimately because of money.

Hospital bills were a problem, but she didn’t have the luxury to spend hours waiting in a hospital.

Even if she received a detailed diagnosis, it would only make her feel more troubled, and she wouldn’t want to burden her children further.

‘It’s different now.’

Even though I got the job through connections, the contract fee I received as a formal actor is substantial. It’s a completely different level than before.

Moreover, with Kim Eun-ha, a solid support, there shouldn’t be any financial issues for our family.

‘Of course, they will consider it all as debt.’

Naturally, they wouldn’t just accept all this without feeling indebted.

Even if they were handed money, they would probably refuse, and they would try to repay whatever they had received so far in some way.

This is something I can’t do anything about. They probably think repaying the debt financially is too difficult, so they might try to treat Kim Eun-ha better instead.

– Oh my, our daughter-in-law is here!?

I recalled my mother’s enthusiastic welcome when I visited the hospital with Kim Eun-ha last time. My father was no less welcoming.

It will probably continue to be this way. They will repay the debt in their own way throughout their lives.

‘Even though our relationship is an act...’

Fortunately, Kim Eun-ha didn’t seem to dislike it. No matter how much of a contract it is, she would never force herself to do something she hates.

Maybe, for her, who lost her parents early, this could be much more valuable than money.

‘...I need to try harder too.’

The contract with Kim Eun-ha.

The relationship with my parents.

These are things I can’t afford to lose.

That’s why I resolved not to visit my parents whenever I have time, but to make time to go see them.

If I include regular visits with my parents in my schedule, it will somehow work out.

As I organized my thoughts one by one, I found myself arriving at the café in front of the hospital.

“Your personality is still as bad, I see.”

“Hey, are you picking a fight?”

“Kang Byul.”

“Seriously, this bas... Ugh, whatever. Call me whatever you want, play your little character. Just answer my question.”

Shaa-

Suddenly, there was a steely resolve in Kang Byul’s eyes. The air around us froze, creating a very serious atmosphere.

“What exactly is your relationship with Kim Eun-ha?”

“....”

Whether it’s a family trait or not, Kang Byul has always been very quick-witted. She immediately hit the core of the issue.

Unlike Baek Do-young or Park Ji-hoon, Kang Byul had no information about me and Kim Eun-ha.

Of course, being family, she had plenty of clues to infer my relationship with Kim Eun-ha.

But the look in her eyes wasn’t just a casual probe.

“Lovers.”

Of course, I had no intention of revealing the truth. Keeping it under wraps was better for both of us.

Even if she finds out the truth, nothing will change. Rather, despite her outward appearance, she’s soft-hearted inside, so she’ll just worry needlessly.

“Stop bullshitting.”

...I take back the soft-hearted inside part.

Anyway, the truth wouldn’t benefit her in any way, so I maintained my stance.

“You asked a question, and I gave an answer. Whether you believe it or not is up to you, but don’t worry our parents with baseless speculation.”

“Did you visit the Joseon era in your dreams or something? What’s with your speech!? Do you think acting like this will make me let it slide? Are you involved in something dangerous... Hey!”

Taptap-

When I ignored her and fiddled with my phone, she raised her voice, her face turning red.

For some reason, the third floor was empty except for us, so we weren’t bothering anyone else, but her voice was loud enough to hurt my ears.

“When someone is talking to you, don’t just play with your phone...”

Vrrr! Vrrr!

The familiar rhythm in Kang Byul’s speech instinctively came to a halt. Her phone, which she had placed on the table, started vibrating.

It was a vibration pattern I knew well, having used the same phone until recently. It was the notification for a deposit.

“What are you...?”

“Why don’t you check it first?”

“...”

Kang Byul gave me a suspicious look, but she couldn’t resist the deposit notification. She cautiously picked up her phone.

As she turned on the screen and entered the pattern, her pupils quickly dilated in surprise.

She raised her head slowly towards me, her eyes wide open as if she couldn’t believe it.

“...What is this?”

“Pocket money.”

“500,000 won as an pocket money!?”

“It depends on how you see it. I might increase it based on your behavior.”

“...Based on my behavior?”

Whirr-!

I could almost see the illusion of her eyes spinning like a pachinko roulette.

Being the smart girl she was, she quickly did the math. Her eyes, now bearing a (₩) symbol, focused intently on me.

“Orabeoni!” (TL: More formal and respectful way to address elder brother)

My sister finally expressed the joy of our reunion. As a magnanimous person, I decided to generously overlook our petty past.

Indeed.

Money is the best.

*****

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