Chapter 290

Bowls (2)

Are Jin-hyuk oppa and Yoo-jin people who have no concept of money?

Is it because they live in the countryside?

If they’re going to do that, wouldn’t it be easier to just give gifts to all Earthlings?

I think my dad used to scold my mom whenever she did that.

If I were a kid, I would have just done what Jin-hyuk oppa said, but to Hong Soo-jung, who grew up with thorough financial education, it was an incomprehensible action. Although there was a slight error in that the educator was Yoo Se-ra.

Yoo Se-ra’s mom isn’t the type to save money, but she doesn’t spend it recklessly either. Ah, this doesn’t make sense.

Spending recklessly but saving money? That’s not it.

Spending recklessly but with a plan. Yeah, that’s it.

“Ta-da! Since Soo-jung’s mom said she’d buy it, we can just use this.”

“Wow-. Aunt Se-ra is amazing-.”

As Jin-hyuk waved a blank check, Yoo-jin clapped enthusiastically.

Like a kid cheering in front of a magician.

I think I need to check with my mom?

Hong Soo-jung rummaged through her bag to find her phone.

Her heart was racing, but she couldn’t find her phone. Small things aren’t always good, huh.

“Soo-jung.”

“Yes, yes!”

When she made eye contact with Jin-hyuk, she was startled like a scared cat.

It’s the first time she’s been caught rummaging through her own bag.

“Soo-jung, you don’t have to buy souvenirs for your school friends, right?”

“Ahhh-, I…”

The school is big, there are many friends, and the kindergarten is big too. Blah blah-.

“Let’s buy this together.”

Jin-hyuk smiled brightly and waved the blank check. Fluttering like a hypnotist.

Hee-.

Under the powerful magic of Jin-hyuk’s blank check, Hong Soo-jung’s eyes glazed over.

“Hehe-, yes-.”

Whatever.

I’m Yoo Se-ra’s daughter after all; I can’t fall for spending money.

And there’s a saying, “Fortune follows fortune.”

“Oppa, then I’ll just take 2,500.”

***

Yoo Se-ra skipped dinner.

Even though her favorite spicy braised chicken was the main menu, she made excuses about not having an appetite and went to bed early, taking only Hong Soo-hyuk, who had already eaten dinner.

Sigh-.

It’s because of the receipt Jin-hyuk gave her when he returned to the mansion.

She checked the amount several times to make sure it was correct, but the amount didn’t change or disappear.

「$25,000.00」

The amount spent on 6,000 keychains and some special items, plus an additional thousand dollars.

At first, she almost fainted thinking it was 2.5 million dollars.

Upon closer look, it was 25,000 dollars. Whew-, thank goodness.

25,000 dollars is both a small and large amount for Yoo Se-ra.

No, what am I saying.

‘Well, it’s still just a few pennies-.’

Only 25,000 dollars.

The big spender who led a large delegation hasn’t gone anywhere.

However…

The team’s activity expenses are budgeted and reviewed by the foundation, but this blank check will be billed to Yoo Se-ra personally, which made her chest feel tight.

‘That’s the problem. It’s not just the amount; I’ll get scolded by Hong Ki-jun again.’

Hong Ki-jun hates impulsive spending.

He always lectures like an old man, saying that money should be spent where it’s needed and with a plan to truly shine.

So Yoo Se-ra always planned her overspending.

I’ll buy this later, I’ll buy that tomorrow, let’s buy that next month…

It’s like giving a heads-up before spending money.

Well, every time, Hong Ki-jun would press his forehead, but it was still planned spending, right?

Ugh-.

In all my life…, I never thought I’d get tangled up with someone who buys 6,000 keychains.

‘If it were 6,000 bottles of wine, Hong Ki-jun would have understood.’

Her daughter, who also bought her own stuff, was ridiculous, and even Yang Gang-wook and Min Yong-rak, who were just guarding outside the store to protect the kids, didn’t seem like normal adults. They should have taken care of the kids since they’re still children.

She couldn’t even scold Jin-hyuk, who was smiling happier than when he won a gold medal.

– “Hehe-. Other things were more expensive and bulky, so I went with something small. It was originally five dollars each, but I got a discount. The phone strap was prettier, but many people still don’t have phones.”

– “That’s right. Keychains are something anyone can use, so it’s a good choice. Getting a discount too, you have good taste.”

What kind of talk is that, fart?

The big guy is unnecessarily cheerful and causing a fuss.

He was proud of himself for buying five-dollar items for four dollars, and she even applauded him.

– “They said they’ll deliver it to the airport because of the large quantity. The service was good.”

Of course, it would be good.

Sigh-.

I miss my dad.

It felt like Yoo Myung-sun, who is very healthy and alive, was looking down from the sky and laughing.

– “Hahaha-. You did well. Our daughter has always had a bigger bowl than her brothers since she was young! Very well done-!”

Well done, my foot!

Eek-!

Yoo Se-ra, lying on the bed, punched the air furiously.

Gah-!

She even kicked her legs.

If you think about it, it’s my dad’s fault.

He spoiled me as his precious daughter, so I have no manners and spend recklessly. Even Hong Soo-jung is trying to raise her properly, but what she learned is money-wasting, so she can’t teach frugal shopping. Thankfully, Hong Ki-jun keeps things in check.

‘Wow-. The more I think about it, my dad was bad!’

It’s because he built a gym for that guy that we ended up here.

That’s why he bought 6,000 keychains.

Yoo Se-ra, who analyzed the butterfly effect quite smartly, buried her face in the pillow. Poof-.

‘But I shouldn’t hate my dad.’

I know he spoiled me because he missed his wife, who passed away after giving birth to me, and felt sorry for his daughter who grew up without a mother.

She turned over and rummaged through her pocket.

The keychain Jin-hyuk gave her came out.

– “This is a limited edition phoenix with gold plating on the edges. I kept it separately for you, mom. So you can live long and healthy…”

Well…

It kind of makes me feel good.

My nose tingles and my cheeks puff up.

Sigh-.

A phoenix… It’s still just a bird. Whether it’s gold-plated or limited edition.

When it comes to birds, chicken is the best.

The braised chicken smells good; maybe I should go eat.

Sniff sniff-.

The smell seems to have permeated the room.

The savory smell is creeping in.

“Yum-.”

Hong Soo-hyuk, who was playing with an ugly alien doll, scratched the back of his head and wobbled over.

“Oh my- our son. Should we go eat more?”

“To-hyuk pooped-.”

Oh, that smell? No wonder it smelled golden.

Soo-hyuk has a very strong stomach, even in America!

“Yum- To-hyuk-.”

“Okay, man.”

“Yum bad word-.”

“Uh-. Mom is sorry-. The words came out wrong.”

You try blowing 20 million won in one go, man.

Good words don’t come out.

Ah-, what will Hong Ki-jun say?

***

With 9 gold medals, 15 silver medals, and 6 bronze medals, South Korea finished the Olympics in 7th place overall, following Italy.

[- It was a splendid event and the most moving Olympics ever-.]

The tone of IOC President Samaranch’s closing remarks was peculiar.

‘The best Olympics ever.’

The phrase that used to appear like a cliché in every Olympic closing speech was gone. It was an indirect criticism of the extreme commercialism that made many people frown.

On the other hand, he praised it as the most moving.

The events showcased by the track and field athletes were constantly talked about, and a little over a minute of footage was shown on the big screen as a separate pre-event, reviving the emotions.

No one missed that the chairman pointed out both at the same time.

There was also an unexpected bombshell.

[We will never forget the heroes who reminded us of the Olympic values. Just the attempt is enough to be enshrined in the Olympic Hall of Fame. We will strongly request a review.]

Wow-.

“Next Olympics, you’ll be the flag bearer.”

After all the events, Kim Hyeong-tak patted Jin-hyuk’s shoulder.

Seo Pil-gu and Jin Seon-kyu also nodded.

Even though there were two gold medalists in archery, Jin-hyuk, who won two gold medals in the short-distance track and field events where even participating was difficult, is the one who can symbolize South Korean sports.

Moreover, the IOC chairman publicly mentioned enshrinement in the Hall of Fame. In the closing speech watched by the whole world, no less.

“Now, let’s put the emotions aside and return to reality. It’s not good to stay excited for too long. Accidents happen when you’re excited and relaxed.”

Kim Hyeong-tak put on a solemn expression.

“Don’t worry. Jin-hyuk is not the type to relax.”

“You, man, you! How many times have young people caused accidents after drinking?”

Jin-hyuk was inwardly surprised seeing Kim Hyeong-tak scold Jin Seon-kyu.

‘As expected, the coach is the coach.’

Pretty sharp, huh.

Jin Seon-kyu deeply bowed his head.

“Today, I’ll go straight to the dorm. I’ve never gone out at night.”

Hmm. Didn’t go out.

Jin-hyuk nodded slightly and muttered.

Jin Seon-kyu had been soothing his regrets by having a simple beer with Min Yong-rak in the garden every night.

And it’s more accurate to say he couldn’t go out rather than didn’t.

Jin Seon-kyu tried to escape every night, but it was a futile attempt.

– “I hereby name this the Great Georgia Escape!”

The grandly named escape drama ended as a comedy with Yang Gang-wook grabbing him by the scruff of his neck and struggling. Windows, back doors, basements, garages, fences, wherever he tried to go, a bear was blocking the way.

Thus, Yang Gang-wook, scarier than a gun-wielding gangster, and the SSS agents guarded the mansion with fire in their eyes.

Because security duties include not only protecting the residence from intruders but also controlling the movements of the VIP.

***

Yoo Se-ra, who had recovered from the shock of 25,000 dollars, quickly returned to her usual self.

Jin-hyuk, who said he would repay her with the prize money, and Yoo Se-ra, who told him not to even think about repaying, were at a stalemate, but the more stubborn Jin-hyuk won.

Yoo Se-ra pretended not to win and stepped back, saying to do as he pleased.

“If you’re going to do that, why not earn money from other things to repay? You’ll soon sign a sponsorship contract, and it would look good to donate the prize money without touching it.”

“I’ll do that. Thank you.”

Yoo Se-ra felt good, maintaining her dignity as an adult and avoiding getting scolded by Hong Ki-jun. On the other hand, it seemed like it would be fun. Isn’t watching your child earn money one of the joys of being a parent?

She was also relieved that Jin-hyuk, who had spent recklessly, resolved it well.

The reason Jin-hyuk insisted on repaying despite Yoo Se-ra’s strong refusal. It’s a gift for the village and school, and Yoo Se-ra has no connection with them. If so, the meaning as a gift would fade.

Jin Seon-kyu, who was sad about the last day, drank beer with Min Yong-rak until late.

Yoo Se-ra comforted Jin Seon-kyu, who woke up late and was in a hurry.

“No need to rush. We decide the departure time and route.”

The advantages and privileges of a chartered or private jet are endless, but the ability to set the flight schedule and route arbitrarily is the best. Of course, without violating enemy airspace.

“Yoo-jin? Where did your brother go?”

Jin Seon-kyu, who had caught his breath, gestured to Yoo-jin, who was drinking milk with Hong Soo-jung in the reception room. The siblings were always together outside training hours, but for some reason, the guardian was nowhere to be seen.

“My brother is saying goodbye to the lawn.”

“Saying goodbye? To the lawn?”

Is he peeing on the street or something?

Jin Seon-kyu scratched his butt and headed to the back of the mansion where the pool was.

*

“Jin-hyuk, are you ready?”

“Yes.”

Jin-hyuk woke up four hours ago, washed up, and finished packing.

“What are you doing?”

Jin-hyuk, with the morning sun on his head, was stepping on the lawn barefoot, pressing it down firmly.

Yang Gang-wook also silently helped with his shoes.

“I feel bad if it gets damaged after receiving so much hospitality.”

It’s not like it’s going to get seriously damaged, but what if the grass gets a little damaged?

Jin Seon-kyu shook his head.

But with Yang Gang-wook stepping up, it felt awkward to back out alone.

Jin Seon-kyu also took off his shoes and stepped on the grass here and there.

“The caretakers will do it…”

“I just feel bad leaving. We stayed comfortably for a month, and there’s nothing I can do for them. It’s also a substitute for today’s workout.”

He’s quite obsessed with exercise. Jin Seon-kyu thought so.

Even now, Jin-hyuk is stepping with his toes, gently applying pressure to his calves.

But stepping on the grass while leaving, is that a countryside culture?

It’s not like anyone will appreciate it.

“My heart doesn’t feel light. Is it just me?”

“Me too.”

Yang Gang-wook spoke.

“Missing home but feeling reluctant to return. That’s what traveling is.”

In America, Yang Gang-wook traveled more places than Jin-hyuk.

Under the pretext of guarding Son Yoo-jin, it was essentially tourism. If it were just security work, it would have been more boring than in Korea. There were no threats.

In Korea, Yang Gang-wook works more like the head of the General Family Management Support Division than the head of the security team.

Because of the incident where he met a strange being and handled a bomb, Yang Gang-wook’s memories of Atlanta will last a lifetime.

When Jin-hyuk nodded in agreement with Yang Gang-wook’s words, Yoo Se-ra called.

“Hey, big soooon-?”

“Yes!”

Jin-hyuk’s face lit up when he saw the paper box the size of a Chinese food delivery bag in Yoo Se-ra’s arms.

“Is that the sample?”

“Yes, I just got it. Let’s open it together.”

Yang Gang-wook and Jin Seon-kyu also approached, fixing their eyes on the box.

Jin-hyuk took out a transparent, thick square object and admired it.

“Wow-. It’s cool.”

It was a plaque of appreciation.

The general content was: In commemoration of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, we thank you for the best service provided for a month. – 1996 Korea Athletics Team –

“This is a sample. The real one is made of marble, bigger and heavier, so you can’t carry it.”

“Why make a heavy plaque of appreciation?”

Jin Seon-kyu, who didn’t understand, scratched the back of his head.

“For the juniors. You could also say it’s for other Koreans.”

Jin-hyuk briefly explained on behalf of Yoo Se-ra.

“It will be installed like a cornerstone in front of this mansion. The hotel management team was actually grateful. Even though it’s private, there’s no better way to boost recognition and promote service quality than having a celebrity stay safely for a long time.”

Ah, if there was such a thing, they should have told me earlier. Jin Seon-kyu didn’t hide his disappointment.

“Chairman, I also want to contribute to the cost.”

“Jin-hyuk decided to pay. He said the person who gained the most should pay.”

Ah-, Jin Seon-kyu made another regretful sound and turned to Jin-hyuk.

“That, that work? Task? Whatever it is, did you do it all?”

“Well-. Just roughly. I contacted the staff staying here.”

Jin Seon-kyu puffed his cheeks.

‘What is this kid-.’

The more I know, the more he feels like someone from another world.

A person who steps on the garden grass as a farewell, embodying both the rustic countryside and the sophisticated urban businessman. It might be easy to explain as business sense, but it’s a sense I haven’t seen even in friends who work at companies. Honestly, would anyone even think of that?

Moreover, it’s not about leaving his own name but for future juniors and other Koreans who might come here. And he’s paying out of his own pocket.

‘His bowl is overshadowed by his skills.’

I followed along with training and participated in competitions, vaguely feeling it, but now I realize it anew because it naturally seeps out like a fragrance.

Clap-!

Yoo Se-ra clapped to get everyone’s attention.

“Alright! We can’t see the installed plaque ourselves, but since we’ve confirmed the last task, let’s go home!”

Everyone had been waiting for those words.

“Manager Min, make the arrangements.”

“Yes. I’ve already contacted the airport.”

Yoo Se-ra grinned mischievously and wiggled her index finger left and right.

“No, I mean inform Korea. Our champions are returning in glory.”

“Yes! I’ll handle it right away.”

Min Yong-rak nodded with a pleased expression.

After a month away from Korea, it was time to return and finally do some real work.

“Contact the pilot and tell him to fill the flares-, ah, no. I should do that myself.”

Should I tell him to mix ch