EPISODE 15

Fearing her mother's temper might cause unpredictable damage, Qing bolted out of the room. She flew out while her mom did same with the brush. She chase her in circles. Ming, Min-Jun, and Ari tried to intervene, but the chaos was too much. Eventually, Qing's mother grew tired of the chase after a long breathless run and she stopped, panting heavily.

Ming and Ari quickly ushered her inside while she kept on saying, "Go back, go back to your miserable father.

Min-Jun stayed back, Wondering what's going on. Isn't she supposed to be Happy her daughter is back? He thought

Ming came out to Qing, she stood, her crossed waiting for her to start spilling what she said to her mother that gets her that upset. Yes, she's supposed to be angry but definitely not to that extent.

"Trust me, I didn't say anything," Qing replied after sensing the meaning of Ming straight gazes, still panting from running around. Her hand move to her hurting head, she felt the warmth of blood and when she look at her hand, she was actually bleeding. Obviously from the comb hitting her head earlier.

"Oh shit!"

"Your head is bleeding," Ming said when she saw Qing head.

"Yeah, I know. My mom hit me with a comb earlier."

"Really! I think it's best if you stay at my place for now while i talk to your mom on your behalf."

Qing agreed at first but then, Min-Jun. He was still standing firmly, watching the whole situation in silent. "What about him?" She asked, glancing at Min-Jun.

And then, it suddenly reoccurred to ming that he actually came with her. "Oh, I didn't think about that. I don't think my dad will let me bring a stranger home. Besides, who's he?"

Qing wasn't sure how to start explaining right away to ming. She was tired from the whole drama and needed some rest so badly but she can't leave without Min-Jun. She brought him to the village already, she can't just leave him now. He look so pitiful when she turned and saw him standing firmly.

"Don't worry; I'll talk to my mom," Qing offered.

"Are you sure?"

Qing nodded.

"Okay, but first, let's get your head treated," Ming said, leading the way.

With a sense of camaraderie, the group moved forward, ready to face whatever came next together.

Hours later, Ae-cha sat quietly in the living room, her gaze fixed on her mother. Ming, Ari, and Min-Jun were also present, creating a tense atmosphere filled with unspoken words. The silence stretched on, heavy and uncomfortable, until Ae-cha finally mustered the courage to break it.

"Mom..." she began, her voice trembling as she walked over and knelt before her mother while her Mom slowly hold unto the brush that was still standing beside her.

She notices her Mom action and she swallow hard not ready to back out. Even if she's going to hit her, she certainly won't kill her, Qing thought.

"Mom, I know I shouldn't have done what I did. I understand that you were so worried because you love and care for me. But look at me now—I'm back, healthy and safe, and I promise I will never leave again."

Ms. Gown remained silent, her eyes averted. Qing gently took her hands, desperation in her voice. "Please forgive me. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have even thought about looking for Dad, who abandoned us. I promise I won't bring him up again. Besides, I lost his photo, so there's no way for me to find him now."

At that moment, Ms. Gown, who had always been the strong unbeatable woman broke down in tears. Qing quickly stood up and enveloped her mother in a warm embrace, tears streaming down her own cheeks. "Mom, I'm so sorry," she murmured softly.

"I was so worried, I thought you were not coming back this time." Ms. Gown cried.

"Promise me you won't run away ever again," Ms. Gown continue, her voice choked with emotion.

"I promise, Mom," Qing cried, holding her mother tightly. Ari and Ming joined the embrace, creating a circle of love and support, while Min-Jun watched from his seat. He suddenly remembered Ha-ri and he felt heartache, longing for her already.

Suddenly, Ms. Gown broke the moment with a warm smile, asking, "Who is hungry?"

The room erupted in laughter as they all exclaimed, "Ms. Gown!!" The tension melted away, replaced by a sense of relief and togetherness.

****

Ming helped Ms. Gown serve dinner. The moment Qing caught sight of her favorite dishes on the table, her excitement bubbled over. The sweet aroma wafting through the air reminded her of her mother's cooking, and she couldn't wait to dig in after just a few days away from home. Ms. Gown, renowned for her Mapo Tofu, was a beloved figure in Qingfeng, known for her exceptional culinary skills.

As Ming and Ms. Gown returned with the last dish, they took their seats. Qing wasted no time and dove into her meal. "Ms. Gown, you never cease to amaze me with your cooking!" she exclaimed, her mouth full of food.

"I know! It could have been even better if you had taken after me, but instead, you went in the opposite direction," Ms. Gown teased and they all find it funny, well expect Min-Jun.

"How do you mean? I cook better than you do!" Qing shot back, turning to Ming for support. "Right?"

Ming looked away, pretending she hadn't heard.

"Don't deceive yourself; just admit it—your cooking is terrible," Ms. Gown replied with a playful smirk.

"Ms. Gown!!" Qing cried, nearly spitting out her food, which made everyone chuckle, except Min-Jun. He keep staring at the strange food before him and was finding it difficult to take a bite

Ms. Gown's gaze shifted to Min-Jun, who was quietly picking at his food. She raised an eyebrow and asked Qing who he was, and Qing realize there's a strange man at the dinning she hasn't introduce.

"Oh, my bad! I totally forgot to introduce him, everyone," Qing said, a bit flustered. "Ms. Gown, Ming, Ari, meet my friend Tao.

"Tao? I thought he's Korea?" Ming said.

"He's mix," She lied. "But he can speak Chinese very well."

Ms. gown felt a bit of excitement washing away but she quickly shook herself in, not wanting to spoil the fun.

"And why did you bring him here?"Did She asked and hesitated for a moment before going further, "Are you dating him?"

The room fell silent at once as Qing and Min-Jun choked on their food, except for Ms. Gown, who keep a straight serious face, wating for their answer.

"What!" both Qing and Min-Jun exclaimed in unison afterward.

"Is he your boyfriend?" Ms. Gown repeated.

Qing shook her head vigorously and muttered, "No, he's not."

Ms. Gown was quite pleased with Qing answer. For a second, she thought Qing had brought him home to introduce him as her boyfriend or fiance and she prayed that shouldn't be the case. "So, why he's here?"

"He's homeless and lost." Qing said.

"Oh, really!" Both Ari and Ming exclaimed.

Ms. Gown sighed and turn, looking at Min-Jun, "What's your last name boy? We can report it to the police...

Min-Jun choked on his food immediately hearing the police. He quickly reaching for a glass of water. "What?" he managed to say, looking bewildered. He can't be reported to the police, he thought.

"Tao doesn't have a last name. He has amnesia. I found him on the street, and he didn't know where he was. He's homeless, and I couldn't just leave him there. Even if we report it to the police, it's going to be totally useless."

"So, do you suggest I keep him here?"

"Please mom, he really need our help right now. Please let him stay and once he regain his memory, he'll leave." Qing plead.

Ari and Ming exchanged sympathetic glances, touched by Min-Jun's misfortune. A hush fell over the dining table as everyone absorbed the weight of the situation, their hearts filled with compassion for him.

"Mom, please let him stay, please." Ari plead.

After a brief moment, Ms Gown voice came up l, " Fine, but while you stay, you'll have to work for your stay and... don't be too close to Qing."

Qing nodded excitedly. " Thanks Ms Gown."