Chapter 39: Helping a Delivery Worker
A Calm Afternoon Turned Chaotic
Lee Jihoon wasn't in a rush today.
After finishing his work early, he decided to take a slow walk back home, enjoying the crisp autumn air. The streets were bustling with life—office workers heading to lunch, students chatting in groups, and elderly couples strolling through the park.
The scent of freshly baked bread wafted from a nearby bakery, making Jihoon briefly consider stopping for a snack.
He glanced at his phone—2:30 PM.
It was the perfect time to be outside. The usual lunch rush had died down, and the sun was still shining, casting long shadows along the pavement.
Jihoon was in the middle of deciding whether to buy some pastries or just head home when—
Crash!
A loud bang echoed from across the street, followed by the sharp clatter of metal hitting the ground.
People turned toward the noise, some pausing, others moving on after a brief glance.
Jihoon's eyes landed on the source of the commotion—a delivery worker kneeling on the pavement, his motorbike lying on its side, packages spilled all over the sidewalk.
The worker—a man in his late twenties wearing a bright orange jacket with a food delivery logo—groaned as he tried to get up.
Nearby, a car sped off, disappearing around the corner.
Jihoon frowned. A hit-and-run?
No one else seemed to be helping. People glanced over but quickly moved on, avoiding eye contact as if it wasn't their problem.
Jihoon sighed.
Why was it always like this?
And right on cue—
Ding!
[New Kindness Challenge]
Someone is struggling after an accident. Lend them a hand.
Reward: 37,000 KRW
Jihoon rolled his eyes slightly.
He was going to help anyway.
Helping Hand
Jihoon walked over, crouching next to the fallen delivery worker.
"You alright?" he asked.
The man winced, rubbing his knee. "Ah… yeah. Just lost balance when I swerved. Some guy cut me off."
Jihoon glanced at the overturned motorbike and the scattered food packages.
"You sure? That looked bad."
The worker tested his leg, wincing slightly before shaking his head.
"Bruised, but nothing's broken."
Jihoon nodded, then turned his attention to the fallen motorbike.
"Let's get this up first."
He stepped forward, gripping the handlebars, and with a quick motion, he lifted the bike upright, resting it back on its stand.
The worker let out a relieved sigh. "Man, thank you. I thought I'd be stuck here for a while."
Jihoon smirked. "You would've, since no one else was helping."
The worker laughed, though there was a hint of frustration in his voice.
"Yeah… People don't like getting involved."
Jihoon glanced at the surrounding pedestrians, most of whom had already lost interest.
"Typical."
The worker dusted off his jacket, glancing down at his delivery bags.
Then his face fell.
The Real Problem: The Orders
Jihoon followed his gaze.
The worker's delivery bags were open, and inside—several food containers were a mess.
One of the plastic bags had completely ripped, and a container of soup had spilled onto the pavement.
The worker groaned.
"Ah, damn… this is bad."
Jihoon crossed his arms. "You can't deliver those, can you?"
The worker shook his head.
"Nope. And the app automatically marks them as failed deliveries… If the customers complain, I might have to pay for the refunds."
Jihoon frowned.
"That doesn't seem fair."
The worker sighed. "It's part of the job."
He started checking the remaining orders, carefully separating the ones that were still intact from the ones that were ruined.
Jihoon could see the stress on his face.
Paying for one or two refunds might not be too bad, but what if there were more?
And just as he was thinking that—
Ding!
[Bonus Kindness Opportunity Unlocked!]
Cover the lost meals and lighten someone's burden.
+15,000 KRW
Jihoon exhaled.
Of course.
A Small Solution
Jihoon pulled out his phone.
"How much are the orders?" he asked.
The worker blinked. "Huh?"
"The ones that got ruined. How much?"
The worker hesitated. "Uh… maybe around 40,000 KRW total?"
Jihoon nodded and tapped a few buttons on his phone.
A moment later, he held it out.
"Here. Sent you 50,000 KRW. Should cover it."
The worker stared at the screen, completely shocked.
"Wait—seriously? I can't take this, man."
Jihoon smirked. "Then give me the food that's still good. Call it a fair trade."
The worker let out a disbelieving laugh.
"You're… actually serious?"
Jihoon shrugged. "I was gonna buy lunch anyway."
The worker still looked stunned, but eventually, he sighed and grinned.
"Man, I don't know who you are, but you're too nice."
Jihoon scoffed. "Don't get used to it."
The worker laughed and handed him one of the still-warm containers.
Ding!
[Kindness Opportunity Completed!]
Reward: 37,000 KRW
Jihoon took the food, waving lazily as the worker got back on his bike.
"Drive safe," Jihoon said.
The worker grinned.
"You too, stranger."
Then, with a quick nod, he rode off.
An Unexpected Meal
Jihoon continued walking home, the warm food container tucked under his arm.
He hadn't planned on eating takeout today, but here he was.
By the time he stepped into his apartment, Hodu was already waiting by the door, sniffing the air.
Jihoon chuckled, setting the food down.
"Sorry, buddy. Not for you."
Hodu flicked his tail, unimpressed.
Jihoon sat at the table, opening the container.
A steaming hot portion of stir-fried beef and rice greeted him.
Not bad.
His phone buzzed.
Ding!
[Daily Kindness Reflection]
"A little help can make a big difference. When someone's struggling, being there for them—even in small ways—means everything."
Jihoon exhaled, taking a bite.
Yeah.
That sounded about right.
One small act at a time.
End of Chapter 39
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