episode_0200

*** ***

The change in the black cat was immediate.

The next morning, a black cat appeared at the restaurant used by Wolbok Party members. A black cat that would normally eat breakfast prepared in its own space.

After receiving the food, the black cat was torn between my seat and the seat where many Wolbok Party members were gathered, and then sat down at the seat where many Wolbok Party members were gathered.

“…Good morning.”

“Good morning. Head of the family!”

There was no conversation after that, but the atmosphere had definitely changed. There was only silence between the Black Cat and the Wolbok Party members, but rather than an uncomfortable and awkward silence, it was more like a silence that seemed to be considerate so as not to disturb each other while eating.

The changes in black cats continued.

Instead of staying confined to his place all day, he actively walked around Wolbokdang, greeting and talking with Wolbokdang members.

I was worried that I might be overdoing it a bit, but I decided to watch to see if it would discourage someone who had barely managed to muster up courage.

After watching it for a few days…

“Huh, hello. Head of the family.”

“Good morning. Heavy rain.”

“Head of the family, how should I handle this…”

“This part…”

“Head of the house, I heard that dumplings are being served for lunch today. Would you like to eat together?”

“Like.”

There was no place for me to step out.

Each member of the Wolbok Party can be said to be a skilled intelligence merchant. What are the basics of information? This is digging up rumors. How to dig up rumors? You need to have the ability to easily become friends with people.

The Wolbok Party members, who understood the will of the black cat, naturally created opportunities to become friendly with the black cat, breaking down the wall of awkwardness.

“I think most Wolbok Party members will gather by this New Year.”

“I’m glad. Because I can show you my changed appearance.”

“Hahaha… Other Wolbok Party members will be surprised to see the change in the leader.”

The Black Cat and the Wolbok Party members have reached a point where they naturally fit together. I observed to see if anyone was showing any unusual symptoms due to being too close to the black cat, but the Wolbok party members also seemed to hang out and strictly adhered to the contact time.

hmm.

What can I say about a black cat? It seemed like he was enjoying great happiness. Just being this close to the members of the Wolbok Party would be enough to make Black Cat happy.

Suddenly this thought occurred to me.

I went on various adventures with the black cat to teach it the joy of being together, but… in fact, I think just being in Wolbokdang is enough for the black cat.

While thinking about that and looking at the black cat hanging out with the Wolbok Party members, someone sat down next to me.

“Can I sit down?”

It was Jinseo who could be said to be a veteran among the Wolbok Party members.

“Please sit down.”

Jinseo said as he put a dumpling in his mouth and poured the soup over it.

“Thank you.”

“What do you mean?”

“Thanks to you, the head of the family has changed so much. I just thought I should say thank you.”

“Um.”

“Also, I should be thankful for making such a big decision.”

It’s a big decision. What are you talking about?

“Over the past few days, I have been talking about various things with the head of the family, and I have been able to pick up stories one by one about our travels with you.”

“Is that so.”

“I felt something while listening to that story. If you wanted to own the head of the family, you could have done so. Since you were a resourceful person and the head of the family was a person who suffered from loneliness, you would have been able to captivate the head of the family.”

“….I don’t know.”

I looked at the black cat again. Even though it is still in a neat condition, the black cat is attractive. The lines of the body that are revealed even when covered are attractive, and the lines of the face are small and delicate even though most of the face is covered. And beautiful eyebrows and alluring eyelashes. Lastly, just looking at the large, clear, jewel-like eyes brings out admiration.

If I wanted to own a black cat and make it my own…

well.

“Maybe that’s not the case.”

I don’t know if I would have actually done that if I didn’t know much about black cats…

It’s a beautiful and attractive black cat, but somehow it still looks like a kitten to me. ‘help! A kitten runs towards me with a cry that sounds like ‘Help!’ and curls up to sleep on my lap.

Isn’t that the true appearance of a black cat hidden behind its Taeeumseong energy and beautiful appearance?

“Jinseo, isn’t that the same?”

“Hehe, maybe so. So don’t be too upset.”

“I wasn’t particularly upset.”

Jinseo said with a chuckle.

“What are you talking about when you look like a child whose toy was taken away?”

…I guess so.

“We also have no intention of monopolizing the head of the family. Because we are just like you. Rather than staying here in Wolbokdang, I hope you experience the world, achieve the state, and reach the realm of peace. Thus, the head of the family completely throws away his punishment. Because that is the purpose of Wolbokdang’s founding.”

Jinseo continued.

“But…for us, the change in our current head is something we have been waiting for for a very long time. I had given up halfway because of the long wait. So why not give us time to enjoy that joy too?”

I quenched my appetite.

Since you come out like this, I have nothing to say.

“Well, he’s a colleague. Shouldn’t there be some waiting for each other?”

This is a black cat that wandered around here and there asking if I would hang out with it. In Luoyang, people waited at a guesthouse for over a month.

I guess it wouldn’t be a bad idea for me to wait this time.

*** ***

The day before the Lunar New Year.

Wolbokdang was also bustling with preparations for the Lunar New Year.

“Please help me stand still.”

“Yeee.”

Wolbokdang’s secret base was quite large. They say they usually just decorate the restaurant or banquet hall slightly, but this year they decided to make it grand.

There are many reasons.

There is a reason to celebrate the Black Cat’s accomplishments, and it is said that all Wolbok Party members are gathering to confirm the Black Cat’s achievements, so they are preparing a monumental New Year’s event or something.

I became quite friendly with the Wolbok Party members.

Black Cat continued to narrow the distance between him and the Wolbok Party members, and aside from talking about work, in the end, the only story he could tell the Wolbok Party members was about his adventures with me.

After hearing my story from Black Cat, there were quite a few Wolbok Party members who approached me without hesitation, as if their inner intimacy with me had increased.

Since they are basically members of the Wolbok Party with insider traits, it wasn’t difficult to become friends with them.

“No, but making customers do their work is a bit…”

I wonder if we are getting too close to each other in less than a week.

As I was grumbling and putting red paper on the aisle, I heard laughter from behind.

“This is something we want everyone to enjoy together, but seniors should also participate.”

“No, I didn’t particularly mean to have fun…”

“Give me.”

The black cat took away half the paper. I thought it was just a decoration, but to my surprise, the black cat dragged a chair and started filling the bookshelf and wall, step by step.

“Wouldn’t it be convenient to attach it as a decoration?”

“That may be true, but it’s not sincere.”

The two of us focused on gluing the red paper in silence for a moment. It definitely feels like the New Year as I hang the red paper with the word ‘Bok’ written on it upside down.

“Actually, this is my first time preparing for the New Year like this.”

“Is that so.”

“That’s right. Is this year special? Since it’s New Year’s, it’s normal for everyone to go to their hometown.”

That’s right. Because it is normal to spend the New Year with family. Even if they are members of the Wolbok Party, do they not have families? Everyone will have siblings and parents.

“Party members are spending New Year’s here this year because of me, so I want to do everything I can.”

“Okay.”

“How did you spend the New Year at Rongin Gaekjan?”

“Hmm. Specifically?”

It’s New Year’s at Rongin Gaekjan. Guys who like to decorate used to stick colored paper or paper with good luck written on it in their rooms, just like now, but as a modern person, I didn’t really participate in such events.

The New Year’s party also created an atmosphere, but rather than enjoying it together, people only realized that the new year had come because Yoo Yu-yeon decorated it and special food was served.

Even in the New Year, the lights at the gambling house didn’t go out, so I went to gamble.

It wasn’t a particularly pleasant story, so I just glossed over it.

The black cat didn’t seem to be asking for an answer either, so he focused on attaching the colored paper.

I also thought as I pasted the colored paper on the wall. Black cats are changing.

What would it have been like to have been a black cat when we first met? If I hadn’t answered how I spent New Year’s Day at Ronin Gaekjan, would things have gone smoothly like they did now?

When I think of the clueless black cat back then, I wonder if he would have asked me until he got beaten up.

And like now, he would have just waved the colored paper and disappeared without a word of sincerity or anything.

“Over there.”

“Why.”

“Are you planning on staying at Wolbokdang any longer?”

“Why?”

The black cat calmly accepted my question. Well, why did I think this?

Over the past week, the black cat has grown significantly. Especially when it comes to how to treat people. Is it appropriate to say that Wolbok Party members taught naturally?

Considering that, wouldn’t it be better for the black cat to stay at Wolbokdang a little longer?

Suddenly a thought occurred to me.

“Wouldn’t it be better to be sure while building a friendship? It is said that it is rare for Wolbok Party members to gather in one place like this.”

“That’s right. But will it be okay, senior?”

“Hmm. I need to move slowly. After gaining some practical experience in Sichuan Province, I have to stop by Dangga when the weather warms up…”

Over the winter, the interior was strengthened to the point of strength. Now that spring has arrived, it’s time to get active.

“I’ll think about it.”

The black cat’s answer came back after a moment of silence.

“Okay.”

Black Cat and I decorated the room in silence.

*** ***

“Hahahaha!”

“Whahahaha!”

The meeting room was transformed into a banquet hall. The table, placed in a space decorated richly with red paper, was piled high with delicious food.

Black Cat stood on the platform and looked down at the banquet hall. Wolbok party members enjoying various foods, including gyoza and bokju (福酒).

‘Senior Ho seems to be enjoying it too…’

His face was red, as if he had already drunk a lot while being held by the Wolbok Party members.

The black cat raised his hand.

“Attention everyone! It seems the head of the family has something to say!”

The banquet hall became quiet at Duhwi’s words. A loose and cozy atmosphere rather than oppressive silence.

“A lot happened this year.”

“I achieved some personal achievements and the situation in Sacheon changed dramatically. Because of that, there was a lot of work to be done. I think it was a difficult year for Wolbok Party members.”

“It was a rewarding year of work!”

“That’s right!”

The black cat smiled at the response of the Wolbok Party members. Because his face was still covered with cotton, all the Wolbok Party members could see was a smile rather than a smile, but Heukmyo now believed that the Wolbok Party members shared his emotions.

“If it were last year, I would have been standing on that platform, wrapped in several layers of cloth. It was unimaginable to clink glasses and share food with all of you like this.”

The Wolbok Party members nodded. The black cat looked around at each person carefully and read the eyes of the Wolbok party members.

Proud. pleasure. Admiration.

Black Cat continued speaking while making eye contact with each member of the Wolbok party who was looking at him with positive emotions.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the Wolbok Party members who rejoiced in my change as if it were their own, took interest in my change, and braved the cold winter journey to gather together.”

The gaze of the black cat also reached Jeon Hudam, who could be said to be a newcomer. Jeon Hudam, who had not yet developed a bond as a member of the Wolbok Party, only scratched the back of his head as if he felt awkward looking at the black cat. And naturally, his eyes fell on Ho Cheon-an next to him.

“And to Senior Ho.”

“…me?”

“I am very, very grateful to senior Ho. From forgiving me for what I did to the various things you did for me.”

Ho Cheon-an looks embarrassed, as if he had not expected this at all. The black cat looked at Hocheonan and laughed.

“I asked you if you would like to stay at Wolbokdang for a while, sir? What do Wolbok Party members think about this proposal?”

“That’s a great idea!”

“Just take a rest for a year!”

Wolbok Party members clapped and cheered. And the cheers immediately extended to the originator, Ho Cheon-an.

“You had a great idea!”

“Good! Good!”

The black cat laughed. This was because Hocheon’s pupils were shaking violently as if there had been an earthquake. In fact, I wanted to move along, but I pretended to be considerate for no reason.

‘Please pay a little more attention to Ho Cheon-an. I feel like I’m feeling a bit left out these days.’

‘Hehe, I guess it’s bothering you that you monopolize the head of the family and hang out with other people.’

I couldn’t help but laugh when I saw the Wolbok party member who had been telling me a bit about Ho Cheon-an’s condition patting him on the back, pretending not to notice.

“But I plan to stay for a few days and then leave with senior Ho. It can’t be helped. Even if my senior says something like that, I have no choice but to take care of him because he gets lonely.”

“No, when did I…!”

“Take off your balls! A grown man is making women worry by dropping Cheongseung!”

“We need to beat up this guy!”

“Evil! Wait a minute, evil!”

The palm, filled with regret at being separated from the black cat, repeatedly tapped Ho Cheon-an’s back. Ho Cheon-an, who was twisting his body back and forth, tripped over someone’s leg and fell… Palms rained down on Ho Cheon-an’s whole body.

“Evil! for a moment! I got hit in the bone! evil! who is this! The person who kicked it!”

Black Cat spoke with sincerity as the chaos passed and Ho Cheon-an, who was a mess, barely sat back down.

Senior “Ho said. Someday I have to be with people. Actually, I didn’t understand what Senior Ho wanted to say at that time. Because I didn’t know what it meant to be together.”

Everyone in the banquet hall listened to the black cat’s words.

“I still can’t say that I really know what it means to be with people, but one thing is certain. If I hadn’t gone on a trip with senior Ho, I wouldn’t have known what it means to be together. If I hadn’t learned to be together with senior Ho, I wouldn’t have known how much you guys cared for me.”

Heukmyo expressed his gratitude to the Wolbok Party members.

“Over the past week. I know that you all have been very considerate of me and have given me many things. That’s not the only thing we have to be thankful for. I am also grateful that you have waited silently for so many years for the ugly head of the family who doesn’t even know how to get along. And I am grateful that you are so happy about the growth of such an ugly head of the family.”

“Head of the family…”

“So, I think this ugly head of the family should leave in order to grow further and become a proud head in front of everyone. I am trying to gain experience and see the world with senior Ho… and based on that experience, I will raise my level and overcome heavenly punishment.”

“Actually, it’s a shame.”

Jinseo opened his mouth. Several Wolbok Party members nodded at Jinseo’s remarks.

At first, I was simply fascinated by the beauty of the black cat and became a Wolbokdang member, but after becoming a member of the Wolbokdang and seeing the black cat up close, the life of the black cat was not so smooth.

To avoid uproar, she hides her beauty and hides her existence. How can a relationship be attached to a life that is like a shadow, like an illusion? I sympathized with the lonely, lonely life I was living, but there was nothing I could do.

Because no one could get close to the black cat.

However, I was able to get close to such a black cat. We were able to look into each other’s eyes, exchange emotions, and exchange pleasantries.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to spend more time.

“But we can’t hold the head of the family back.”

“…Thank you for your understanding.”

However, the current appearance of the black cat was exactly what the Wolbok Party members had hoped for. A life that is real, not a life of illusion. It’s a pity that if you’re alive, you have to face the world and live, but wouldn’t it be right to let them go?

Instead of “! It’s a feast until you leave!”

“That’s right!”

Wolbok Party members pounded on the table. The black cat smiled as if there was nothing he could do about the glass being handed to him while making a fuss, and picked it up. Ho Cheon-an’s hand, which still had ridges in it, also held the cup.

“For Wolbokdang.”

“For the head of the family!”

Black Cat’s chant and the chorus of Wolbok Party members followed, and the unique exclamations of those who drank alcohol filled the banquet hall.

After that, the sound of excitement continued in the banquet hall.

As the new year began and spring arrived, the night deepened.