Episode 19

Ms Gwon was at the market, patiently waiting in front of her pork vendor as he packed her order. Just then, Mrs. Pong, a regular customer of her restaurant approached her. She'd saw her from a distance and recognized her from her usual scaring makeover.

"It's been such a long time! How have you been?" Ms. pong said when she gets to her. As well, she had heard about the rumors of Qing returning with a Korean man, she took it upon herself to confirm if the rumor was truth from Ms Gown, here and now.

"I'm doing well, thank you," Ms Gwon replied with a warm smile.

"I heard you've reopened your restaurant?"

"Yes, I have!" Mrs. Pong exclaimed excitedly.

"I suppose your daughter is back, then? That's the only reason you closed and reopened." She laugh alone and continue, "Oh! and I heard she came back with a man this time. Is that true?"

Ms. gown nodded this time forcing to keep a bright face though it was becoming quite discomfort. Definitely she knew it will surely get to this when she approached her. Everyone know Ms. pong too well, she's always too busy to stopped for a greeting but not too busy for a gossips. She silently prayed the vendor get it done quickly so she can just leave before it get even more suffocating but Ms. pong was fast.

Mrs. Pong continued, "So the rumors are true! And I heard he's Korean. Don't you think history is going to repeat itself?"

She continues when Ms gown remained silent, "What kind of daughter brings nothing but trouble to her family? I really feel for you, Ms Gwon. Are you sure you're okay? You've lost quite a bit of weight and look a very stressed. Are you sure you're okay?"

She went further even she Ms Gown ignore her. "Oh dear, it must be tough dealing with the challenges of having a daughter like that. If it were me, I'd consider disowning or killing her with my own bare hands her before she drives you to despair. Look at yourself, you're getting old quickly." She rambled not considering how it will make her feel.

The pork vendor, who had been quietly observing the conversation, decided to speak up for her customer who was so short of words.

"Mrs. Pong, I couldn't help but notice that you don't have a child yet," he said gently but firmly.

"It's easy to judge when you haven't walked in someone else's shoes. A childless person may not fully understand the value of a child, even if they face difficulties."

Mrs. Pong looked taken aback and embarrassed. "I beg your pardon," she stammered and the vendor continued matching his words, making sure she regret starting such conversation, "It's important to remember that every family has its struggles, and love can often prevail despite the challenges. Miss Gwon, here, is doing her best."

With that, Miss Gwon received her packed order from the vendor, grateful for his support. She smiled at him appreciatively and then turned to Mrs. Pong, who seemed to have lost her earlier bravado. "Thank you for your concern, Mrs. Pong. I appreciate it," she said kindly before walking away with her goods, feeling a little lighter despite the earlier tension.

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Dinner was served, and everyone gathered around the table, chatting happily as they enjoyed their meal. However, Miss Gown was an exception. She picked at her food, clearly troubled. Though she was physically present, her mind seemed far away back to the scene at the market. The more she look at Min-Jun, the more she remembered Ms pong words. Might this really be history repeating itself. She felt this oddness when she first saw him but she decided to keep her cool. She got even more worried when Min-Jun and Qing where arguing playfully while they eat.

Min-Jun noticed Miss Gown's mood and discreetly signaled to Qing. She glanced at her mother, then at Ari, and whispered, "What's wrong with Mom?" Ari shrugged in response after sensing her mom's discomfort.

Concerned, Qing turned her gaze back to her mother and asked gently, "Ms. Gown, what's wrong?" Snapping her Mom back from her thoughts. She look up to Min-Jun and then Qing and she said, "Maybe you should stop coming to the shop," Miss Gown replied sharply, her tone unfriendly and her expression matching her unfriendly tone.

"What?" Both Ari and Qing exclaimed stunned. Qing pressed on, "Why?"

"I've thought about it. It would be better if you focused on finding someone to marry, you're not getting any younger." Miss Gown said, exhaling calmly. She can't bring herself to just chase helpless Min-Jun away and she can't imagine witnessing what Ms. pong said earlier.

While he keep Min-Jun at the restaurant and Qing away, that way, they won't get to see often, She thought.

Qing sighed, realizing the root of her mother's concern. "So this is all about me getting marriage," she commented. "Mom, helping you at the shop doesn't stop me from getting married. I'll get married when the time is right."

"And when is the right time?" Ms Gown shot back. "You keep saying that, but you'll be twenty-six soon and you're still single, running around looking for him!"

"Mom!" Ari interjected, shocked.

Her mom continue after a moment, "Get back together with Bo Muchen. " Ms Gown insisted.

"What?" Qing exclaimed, taken aback. She hadn't expected her mother to say that.

"Just marry him already and stop causing me trouble!" Ms Gown roared. The atmosphere at the dinner table suddenly turned icy, an uncomfortable silence fell over everyone. Faces dropped, except for Qing, who glared at her mother with tears welling in her eyes. How could she even say that when she knew exactly what occurred between her and the so called Muchen.

She stood up, anger radiating from her, and stormed out of the table. The dinning remain silently suffocating until Min-Jun voice came up.

"Excuse me," Min-Jun said softly and ran after Qing.

"Mom, that was too much," Ari said, her voice filled with disappointment as she left the table as well. Ms Gown buried her head in her hands, feeling guilty. It was all due to her fears. It's better she die first than witnessing it again.

Min-Jun knocked on Qing door several times, but she ignored him. He knew definitely she was inside, and noticing the door wasn't locked properly, he gently opened it and crept in. Qing lay on her bed, hidden under the blanket, silently crying.

Min-Jun sat beside her, listening to her cry her eyes and heart out, unsure of what to say to comfort her so he just sit quietly, patting her head gently which was covered in the blanket while letting her cry all she wants. Ms Gown worries was quite not understanding but he couldn't judge her actions.

He remained silent, listening to her sobs until they eventually faded into quietness. For a second, the sudden silent got him scare and carefully, he pulled the blanket from her head and funny enough, she had fallen asleep. with a gentle smiled, he wiped her face, covered her up again, and quietly left the room.