Ch. 128 It’s My First Lunar New Year Not Alone!
by AfuhfuihgsChapter 128: It’s My First Lunar New Year Not Alone!
After the father of the CEO—he told me to call him “Uncle”—returned, we all decided to grill the beef I had bought and have lunch together.
“Having beef for lunch? How luxurious.”
“Da-jeong bought it. You should eat a lot too.”
“Oh? Thanks to Da-jeong, I’ll feast. Thank you.”
“Hehe… No, no. Please eat a lot!”
The savory smell of the beef grilling filled the living room. The auntie said she should leave the door open for a while and headed to the back. In the meantime, I tried to take the tongs that were left unattended, but…
“Tsk, guests shouldn’t be the ones grilling.”
“Yes…”
The CEO, as if it was out of the question, snatched the tongs from my hand, leaving me pouting. Hmph, I wanted to grill too. Whenever we went out to eat, I was always on the receiving end. Even when I went to a barbecue place with Yuna, who’s the same age as me, it was the same.
Why doesn’t anyone give me a chance to grill the meat? Do they not trust me because I don’t get to eat meat often? I think I’m pretty good at it…
“By the way, Da-jeong, do you live alone?”
“Ah, yes, Uncle.”
While I was fidgeting and watching the meat cook, Uncle broke the silence and started the conversation. It seemed like a casual inquiry.
“Living alone must be tough. Do you cook well? Like meals and side dishes?”
“Hehe… I’m not great at it, but I can manage simple dishes. I get by.”
“Oh, really? My daughter can’t even fry an egg properly, so her mom scolds her every day. You’re impressive.”
“Ah, Dad! Why are you saying that in front of her!”
The CEO, who seemed to want to hide this flaw, vehemently protested while holding the tongs and scissors. Uncle took a step back, looking shocked.
“Hey! Don’t move around with sharp objects! You’ll stab someone!”
“It’s because Dad’s saying weird things! And what’s the big deal about not being able to cook these days…! Right, Da-jeong?”
“Huh? Ah, yes…”
Well, yeah. I’ve heard that delivery is convenient these days, and frozen foods are really good. So, I don’t think you need to be great at cooking. But, not being able to fry an egg is a bit extreme, don’t you think, CEO…?
“Oh, she talks well. She couldn’t even get permission to live alone because she can’t cook.”
“That’s because Mom is old-fashioned… Ah!”
The CEO tried to retort but just as the auntie returned from opening the window, she heard it and, pretending not to notice, hit the back of her head with her knee, cutting her off.
“Oh, sorry. I didn’t realize our pig was there.”
“Mom!”
Anyway, the CEO’s house is so lively. Even their little bickering is fun to watch. Is this what families are usually like? Hmm, come to think of it, Ra-hee unnie’s house was similar too. Although Ra-hee unnie’s mom had a more calm and elegant vibe. Jia unnie’s house felt similar too. Anyway, it’s fun.
“Da-jeong, the meat’s done. Come and eat.”
“Ah, yes. Thank you.”
While I was lost in thought watching the three of them, Uncle’s words brought me back to reality. I looked and saw that the grill was now filled with perfectly cooked beef.
“Da-jeong, eat this first. It’s the sirloin, a premium cut, so it’s delicious.”
“Really?”
I thought all beef was delicious, but this one is especially precious.
Come to think of it, whenever we went out to eat meat, we mostly had pork or lamb. We actually ate more sushi and sashimi than meat.
In that sense, I’m a bit excited. How will the beef I bought taste?
Yum.
I put a piece of beef dipped in sesame oil in my mouth and chewed. Soon, the rich, oily flavor of the meat spread in my mouth, followed by a unique, savory taste.
“Mmm…!”
What, what is this? It’s so delicious. Is this what sirloin tastes like?!
“Hehe, is it good? Your eyes are sparkling, our youngest.”
“It’s, it’s delicious…! Everyone, please try it.”
“We can eat slowly, so you eat a lot.”
Ugh, but if I leave it like this, I’ll end up eating it all by myself. Even if I bought the meat, that wouldn’t be right.
Alright, Uncle and Auntie have started eating, so I should take care of the CEO. It’s probably hard for her to eat while holding the tongs.
“CEO, here. Say ‘ah.’”
“Huh?”
“You’re holding the tongs, so it’s hard for you to eat. Let me feed you.”
Since the CEO once said she prefers eating beef without wrapping it in lettuce, I dipped it lightly in sesame oil and offered it. The CEO looked a bit flustered, glanced around, and then…
“Ah, ah~”
She opened her mouth slightly and took the meat I offered. After chewing a few times to savor the flavor, she silently gave a thumbs up and nodded.
“How is it? Delicious, right?”
“Mhm, it’s good. Is it because our youngest is feeding me?”
“Really? Hehe…”
Even though I know she’s just saying it, I’m secretly happy. Alright, I’ll be in charge of feeding the CEO.
“Where did you find such a kind kid?”
“Right? The viewers always say she’s a lucky charm.”
“She’s so nice. I wish I had a daughter like her.”
“Sorry about that.”
While I was busily eating my share of the meat, the constant stream of compliments from all sides made me a bit embarrassed, and I had to lower my head.
Hehe.
But it’s fun. I guess this must be what it feels like to be together during the holidays.
＊＊＊＊＊
After the meal, we all sat together and chatted. The auntie and the CEO drank tea, while Uncle ate some fruit. I thought about having something else to drink but decided to just have water. I’ve been drinking too many sugary drinks lately, so I should take care of my health. It might already be too late, though…
I also grabbed a piece of fruit. Yum, it’s delicious. Especially this apple, it’s so sweet, it’s the best.
“So, Da-jeong, have you always spent Lunar New Year alone?”
“Ah, yes. Usually, I was alone, but sometimes the grandma next door would bring me some food.”
Munching on the apple, I nodded in response to the auntie’s inquiry. She then made a sympathetic expression.
“Oh dear… That must have been tough. Holidays should be lively, it makes it feel warmer.”
“Right. Living alone isn’t easy. Tsk.”
“Hehe, it’s okay. This year, I’m happy because Uncle and Auntie are here with me.”
I smiled brightly, showing that I didn’t mind, and Uncle and Auntie made a slightly bittersweet expression before smiling back. I could feel that they didn’t want to say anything unnecessary in front of me.
“Ha-neul, bring Da-jeong over for every holiday. It’s not like we have many visitors anyway, so it’s nice to spend it together.”
“Yeah, I plan to. Da-jeong, is that okay?”
“I’m grateful, but I don’t want to be a burden…”
After Uncle’s words, the CEO made the suggestion, but I couldn’t nod right away. Even if I’m grateful for this Lunar New Year, I feel like it would be too much to impose on them every holiday.
“It’s not a burden, so don’t worry. Besides, my parents don’t say things they don’t mean. They’re happy because you’re here.”
“Is… that so?”
I cautiously raised my head and glanced at them. When our eyes met, Uncle and Auntie nodded, and I felt a wave of relief. So, I’m not a burden.
“By the way, Da-jeong, is there anything you want to do with your family during Lunar New Year?”
“Something I want to do?”
“Yeah.”
Something I want to do… That’s a bit of a tough question. I don’t even know much about what people do during Lunar New Year. Like holding ancestral rites or having meals with family. Beyond those common things, I’m not sure.
Ah, but if I had to pick one thing, there is something. It’s a bit childish, though…
“I, I do have something… but it’s a bit childish…”
“It’s fine, tell us. What is it?”
“Well, it’s…”
After glancing at the CEO and her parents, I fidgeted with my hands, closed my eyes tightly, and said it.
“…Yut Nori.”
“What? Sorry, I didn’t hear you.”
“Well, um… Yut Nori…”
“Huh? Yut Nori?”
I nodded, glancing at the CEO. Does wanting to play Yut Nori at my age make me look like a fool?
But I’ve never played it before. I know the rules, though.
“Da-jeong, have you never played Yut Nori before?”
“No, no…”
“Well, Yut Nori is a must for Lunar New Year. We used to play it a lot when Ha-neul was young.”
“Right. We haven’t played it much since relatives stopped coming over.”
So, the CEO’s family used to play Yut Nori too. That makes me a bit envious.
“Alright, let’s play it again after so long.”
“Huh? Really?”
“Yeah, it’s not like we have much to do at home anyway. Da-jeong can team up with me, and Dad can team up with Mom. 2 vs. 2.”
“Wow…!”
At the CEO’s suggestion, my eyes sparkled reflexively. That sounds like it’ll be fun. Team play is always more exciting than individual play.
“Since it’s a special occasion, let’s make a bet. The losing team treats everyone to dessert after dinner.”
“Oh, I like that. Mom.”
With the auntie’s additional suggestion, we suddenly found ourselves playing a Lunar New Year Yut Nori tournament.
LegoMyEggo
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