If Silk Flowers Bloom by the Water’s Edge Chapter 65

A saying had somehow become official among the kitchen staff. The bread left out during the day is taken by Yirok, and the bread left out at night is taken by the sparrows. Perhaps the meal on the first day didn’t suit his palate, because from that day on, Yirok only stole bread, and the kitchen staff was inwardly disappointed. They were a kitchen staff that took great pride in surpassing decent families with their cooking skills.

They wondered if Yirok had developed a taste for the bland seasoning of the Baekyeong Family and found Nanjubeol’s seasoning too salty, but no matter how much they wracked their brains and researched, Yirok didn’t show his face in the kitchen, so there was no way to know the answer.

Besides, Yirok had a unique aura that made it difficult to just sit him down and ask. Whenever they saw an opportunity and tried to strike up a conversation, their courage would invariably vanish. Was it because of his deep gaze, which was unbefitting of his age? There was a certain difficulty in dealing with him compared to the other Haenangs they had watched grow up since they were young. But recently, Yirok had been showing a change in attitude, causing even the kitchen staff to buzz with excitement.

“Oh my, he’s coming, he’s coming.”

“Where on earth does he go to clean out the plates so thoroughly every time.”

“He’s tall, isn’t he.”

The kitchen staff’s cackling voices, however, died down as if doused with cold water when Yirok opened the door and entered. For the past few days, Yirok would take a dining table around lunchtime and return at four o’clock with an empty one.

Since carrying the table seemed cumbersome, today they had specially packed the leftover side dishes in a lunch box. These days were satisfying as it also took care of the headache of dealing with leftovers.

“It’s here, Mr. Yirok Haenang.”

“Don’t feel like you have to be discreet. If you need more, just say so.”

“Thank you.”

Yirok said softly as he received the lunch box. The staff shot a look at the youngest kitchen member, who had blushed while handing over the lunch box, as if to say she was being silly.

Being a man of few words, Yirok took what he needed and left the kitchen. As soon as the tall, handsome young man disappeared, the kitchen staff burst out with the words they had been holding back.

“It’s really nice to see.”

“I wonder who his wife will be later. I’m so envious, so envious.”

“I make the side dishes diligently because I want to see that face.”

At one staff member’s witty remark, everyone laughed until they were out of breath. Secretly leaving out bread for him was already a great privilege. They all chattered in agreement that it was best for a man to be handsome above all else.

Doesn’t life get better when there’s one more fun thing to look forward to? To the kitchen staff, Yirok was precisely that fun thing.

🌹₊ ⊹

More than three days had passed. Upon learning that the meat ban was the will of the Nanjubeol Jiju, Yirok was troubled, but he also didn’t dwell on it too much. He figured it was better to be caught by the Jiju and get whipped than to receive texts all night saying she was dying from not being able to eat meat. Moreover, the kitchen staff were loyal and wouldn’t tell on him to the Jiju even if he was carrying side dishes.

As Yirok walked with lunch boxes in both hands, two thoughts were battling in his mind.

What am I doing right now. And, if not me, who would carry the meat. The former was at least rational, while the latter was proof that he was going crazy.

Even as he criticized himself, his feet had long since left the kitchen. His mood improved when something went into the mouth of Chaehwa, who sang hymns of praise for meat side dishes. Could he say he had no responsibility for Chaehwa collapsing like a sick chicken like that?

Chaehwa tried to keep it quiet, but Yirok could tell. It must be because of the pen that ended up in Juhee’s hands, and Chaehwa’s hair, which was delivered by an insider. That is why Yirok cannot ignore Chaehwa’s texts whining that she wants to eat meat.

“I knew you were taking it to the young lady.”

As he opened the middle gate of the residence, Shinwoo was standing in front of a mighty pine tree. Yirok stopped his hurried steps at the sight of Shinwoo, who looked indifferent, as if he knew about the lunch delivery situation.

“You suddenly appeared and started eating two bowls of rice. Everyone was wondering if you were possessed by a hungry ghost.”

“Tell them I was.”

“Forget it. A spirit that starved to death wouldn’t deliver a lunch box with such care like you do.”

“If you know, then cooperate. The young lady you love so much says she’ll die if she can’t eat meat.”

Concerned that the lunch box was getting cold, Yirok tried to just pass by Shinwoo. But Shinwoo, who hadn’t come empty-handed, suddenly held out a thermos.

“Take this with you, too. The young lady likes it.”

However, Yirok did not accept the thermos that was offered as if to show off. Shinwoo, who had expected him to chase after him and force the thermos on him no matter what, spoke indifferently.

“Old Lady Yomyung told you to pack your bags and prepare to go to the Baekyeong Family. Within two days.”

Yirok stopped in his tracks and looked ahead. The clear sky, veiled with clouds, looked down on him as if to judge him. Shinwoo’s voice was as gentle as he had intended it to be.

“Usually, the day to leave Nanjubeol at the end of the year is similar for all the Haenangs. It’s strange. Why are they sending only you early?”

For the first time, Yirok thought that the Jiju of Nanjubeol, or Old Lady Yomyung, might have guessed something. Perhaps they had their fortunes told on the day Chaehwa collapsed and he came out as an ominous presence, or perhaps they found evidence of him being a spy.

Even though it was a matter of imminent danger, a laugh escaped Yirok’s lips. Why did he feel relieved at the thought that it was a natural consequence? With a much lighter heart, Yirok turned his head to face Shinwoo.

“Starting tomorrow, you do the meat delivery. It was a bother…. Try your best.”

“A bother?”

“Good luck.”

Without realizing it himself, Yirok’s steps, now lighter, ascended the residence stairs. Shinwoo’s presence was certainly a help to his mind and body. Whether he left for good, or was captured as a spy, the young lady’s mealtime would not be lonely. There was someone to bring her the meat side dishes she so desired.

If just one impure outsider was removed, Nanjubeol would have a happy ending.

Yirok considered that to be enough.

🌹₊ ⊹

The hand rummaging diligently through the jewelry box lingered for a long time over a butterfly-shaped hair stick. Yirok had liked the butterfly-shaped stick she had worn the day before yesterday. But wouldn’t it be boring to wear the same accessory yesterday and today? Chaehwa, who was looking in the mirror for a long time like any young person would, chose the same butterfly stick after much deliberation. She stuck it cutely into her hair and shook her head.

“He does have a good eye.”

Before long, when spring comes, the beautiful landscape of Nanjubeol will become stunningly beautiful. If you sit in a flower field where thousands of blossoms are in bloom and enjoy the breeze, you can understand why spring is the season beloved by the people of Nanjubeol. The corners of her mouth turned up as she pictured Yirok watching a swarm of white butterflies.

“It’s me. I’m coming in.”

Chaehwa, who had been occupied in the living room, hastily closed the jewelry box and pushed it under the sofa. She quickly changed her posture and answered Yirok, who was standing outside the door.

“Come in.”

She wanted to appear like a mature young lady, but the sight of the pink lunch box and Yirok in harmony was a spectacle. In the end, she ended up greeting Yirok with a laugh that made her choke.

“Wow! It really doesn’t suit you! A pink lunch box!”

Chaehwa, who was rolling around clutching her stomach, quickly calmed down because of Yirok’s lack of reaction. Like a well-disciplined servant, Yirok set the table, opened the lunch box, and arranged the side dishes. Not only did he remember to bring plenty of rice, he also neatened the lineup of the spoon and chopsticks. Her playful mood subsiding, Chaehwa cleared her throat in front of another lavishly set table.

“I’ll eat well.”

Yirok, his face stiff, gave a rare, quiet nod. The boiled pork slices she picked up after putting some ssamjang on her rice were firm like jelly. When she put it on her spoon and took a big bite, the fatigue of the day melted away.

Chaehwa, who was humming a tune, whipped her head around at the feeling of a gaze from beside her. It was not just unfamiliar but strange that Yirok didn’t avoid her eyes. She slowly chewed what was in her mouth, swallowed, and asked.

“Yirok. Why aren’t you being prickly today?”

“Listen while you eat.”

“You have something to say.”

“While you eat.”

As the atmosphere became awkward, she quickly picked up some random meat and put it in her mouth. Yirok smiled bitterly, as if looking at a younger sister who wouldn’t listen.

“Chaehwa.”

“Yes?”

“Are you as strong as the rumors say?”

“Me?”

“They say no one can defeat you… and that the Maengmusas always fail to curse you.”

“What are you talking about all of a sudden.”

“I’m asking if you’re that strong. You.”

Chaehwa stared blankly at Yirok, who was talking nonsense, and smiled confidently.

“I win against everyone. I’m telling you this because I don’t think you would know, Yirok. I’m the most silver-spooned of silver spoons. I was born with good things.”

It was half-joking, half-intended to lighten the mood. But Yirok smiled, pulling up the corners of his mouth just as he had in the rain that day. It was a smile that seemed to stem from pure joy, unmixed with any impure feelings. Chaehwa’s gaze was stuck, as if caught on a nail.

“Then that’s settled. Keep winning and live on. And eat lots of meat by ordering your subordinates around.”

“You have a strange way of cheering someone on, Yirok. To think you were worried because I collapsed. That’s why I….”

Actually, there was a special gift for Yirok hidden in her jewelry box. It was something she had been meaning to give him, meaning to give him, ever since he started bringing her meat side dishes. But since she had pushed it under the sofa, the situation was too awkward to take it out right away.

Instead of finishing her sentence, Chaehwa put several pieces of meat on her chopsticks and waved them at Yirok as if to show off.

“I’ll win if I eat this. And I’m all better, thanks to you.”

“Good.”

Feeling pleased by his ready agreement, Chaehwa performed the feat of finishing three slices of boiled pork in one go. Perhaps it was because only sunlight like gold dust came in at the time Yirok visited. It felt like a spring that winter had secretly hidden.

Tomorrow, I’ll definitely give him the gift.