Chapter 33: The Dropped Grocery Bag
After a long day, Lee Jihoon preferred to walk home instead of taking the bus.
The evening air was cool and crisp, the streets glowing softly under the warm yellow lights of passing storefronts.
People moved at a steady pace, some heading home from work, others enjoying a casual night out.
Jihoon had just stopped by a convenience store to grab some snacks for himself—and a new packet of cat treats for Hodu.
As he walked, a strong gust of wind blew through the street, rustling signs and causing a few people to clutch their coats tighter.
Jihoon pulled up his hoodie, stuffing his hands into his pockets.
Then, a sudden crash made him stop.
A few steps ahead, a middle-aged woman stood in front of an overturned grocery bag, her items scattered across the pavement.
A bottle of soy sauce had cracked open, its contents seeping onto the sidewalk.
The woman sighed in frustration, kneeling down to pick up her groceries.
People walked past, glancing at the mess but continuing on without stopping.
Jihoon sighed.
Of course.
Ding!
[New Kindness Challenge]
Someone is struggling with their groceries. Lend a helping hand.
Reward: 26,000 KRW
Jihoon smirked. Right on cue.
Jihoon stepped forward.
"Here, let me help."
The woman looked up, slightly surprised.
"Oh, no, no. It's okay—"
Jihoon ignored her protest and crouched down, grabbing a few fallen vegetables.
The woman hesitated, then sighed in relief.
"Thank you, young man."
"No problem." Jihoon carefully placed the unbroken items back into the bag.
The woman picked up the now-empty soy sauce bottle, sighing. "I just bought this, too…"
Jihoon glanced at the dark puddle forming on the sidewalk.
"Where's the nearest grocery store?" he asked.
She blinked. "Oh, just around the corner. But—"
"I'll go grab you a new one."
The woman's eyes widened. "Oh, no, you don't have to—"
Jihoon waved her off. "I'll be back in a few minutes."
Before she could argue, he grabbed his own bag of groceries and headed toward the store.
Ding!
[Bonus Kindness Opportunity Unlocked!]
Sometimes, a small replacement can mean a lot.
+10,000 KRW
The grocery store wasn't far.
Jihoon walked through the aisles, grabbing a new bottle of soy sauce and heading straight to the checkout.
As he stood in line, a cashier recognized him.
"Ah, you're the guy who always buys cat treats, right?"
Jihoon smirked. "Guilty."
The cashier laughed. "I knew it. You always get the same brand."
Jihoon chuckled as he paid for the soy sauce.
On his way out, he glanced at a small section near the counter that sold cheap tote bags.
Remembering how the woman's plastic grocery bag looked flimsy, he grabbed one and added it to his purchase.
Ding!
[Extra Bonus Unlocked!]
Thinking ahead is a kindness too.
+5,000 KRW
Jihoon shook his head.
Even buying a bag counts now?
When Jihoon returned, the woman was still standing near the spilled soy sauce, waiting.
She gasped when he handed her the new bottle.
"Oh, my goodness, you actually bought it?"
Jihoon shrugged. "Told you I would."
She placed a hand over her chest, visibly touched.
"This is so kind of you," she said. "Most people just walk by."
Jihoon smirked. "Yeah, I noticed."
She laughed softly, then glanced at the tote bag he handed her next.
"What's this?"
"The plastic bag you had looked weak," Jihoon said. "Figured this might help."
The woman looked at him for a long moment, then smiled warmly.
"You remind me of my son," she said. "He's studying abroad, but he always worried about little things like this."
Jihoon scratched the back of his neck. "Uh… well. Hope he's doing well."
She nodded. "He is. But I miss him."
Jihoon understood that feeling.
Sometimes, a small reminder of someone can mean everything.
Ding!
[Kindness Opportunity Completed!]
Reward: 26,000 KRW
Just as Jihoon was about to leave, the woman suddenly held out a small package.
He blinked. "What's this?"
"A thank-you gift," she said, smiling. "I bought some pastries earlier. I want you to have one."
Jihoon hesitated.
"I didn't help you just to get something—"
She chuckled. "I know. But kindness deserves kindness."
Jihoon sighed, then took the package. "Alright. Thanks."
She waved as he walked off, her smile still lingering in his mind.
As Jihoon walked back toward his apartment, he pulled out his phone.
Ding!
[Daily Kindness Reflection]
"Small actions matter more than we think. Sometimes, kindness is just about being there when no one else is."
Jihoon exhaled, then opened the small package.
Inside was a soft red bean bun.
He chuckled.
"…Guess today wasn't so bad."
Taking a bite, he felt the warmth spread through him.
Yeah.
That sounded about right.
One small act at a time.
End of Chapter 33
_________________________________________________________________________
🔥 Hey legends! Quick updates! 🔥
💥 Support me on👉 patreon.com/cyci07
✨ Power Stone Challenge! ✨
If we hit 100 power stones, I'll drop 2 bonus chapters! Let's see if you guys can make me suffer! 😂
💬 Enjoying the story? Leave a review and let me know your favorite moment so far! It helps the novel grow and reach more readers!
Thanks for all your support—you guys are awesome! ❤️