Chapter 26: New Year on Jeju Island

After the meat broth was cooked, the beef and scallions were fished out, and the heat was turned up to high. White rice cake slices were added and cooked for about 3 minutes. Once the rice cakes floated to the surface, clear sauce and salt were added for seasoning, and the soup was cooked for a bit longer with chopped scallions before being turned off and served. On top of the rice cake soup, shredded beef, sliced egg, and chili threads were placed, and it was ready to be served.

After breakfast, everyone gathered to play a card game. It is said that 90% of Korean adults know how to play this game.

Everyone sat in a circle, and Lee Shin-haeng gave his grandmother advice as he sat beside her. After playing two rounds and winning some money with Shin-haeng's help, his grandmother stopped, as she was too old to keep up with the younger players.

Lee Shin-haeng laughed and pulled his grandmother, not letting her leave. He held out his hand, palm up, "Grandma~! Hehe..."

Smack! His grandmother lightly tapped his hand, "Do you think I'd forget? Here you go." She took out a few bills and gave them to him.

"Thank you, Grandma." He happily hugged his grandmother and kissed her on the cheek. Lee Shin-haeng wasn't short of money; he just wanted to be close to his grandmother and make her happy.

The men continued playing the card game, while there was still plenty of time before lunch. The women, including his mother and aunt, went to the bedroom to rest, as they had been busy since early morning.

After saying hello to his father and uncle, Lee Shin-haeng took Hye-ri, who was watching the game, by the hand, put on their coats, and walked out of the house, taking Dofu with them for a stroll.

"Hye-ri, let's go see the villa. We haven't spent much time there since it was built." Outside the door, Lee Shin-haeng held Hye-ri's hand and said.

"Sure~ Let's walk there; it's not far." The two, dressed in hanbok and wearing coats, walked hand in hand down the country road, with a dog following them.

The villa in Yae Moon-eup was designed and built by Lee Shin-haeng before he proposed. The entire villa, from the interior to the furniture, was designed in an eco-friendly style, using materials like solar panels, wood, and stone. The villa was surrounded by trees on three sides, with a stone wall around it. The entrance was made of stacked stones, and many tall trees were transplanted around the gate, ensuring good privacy and preventing outsiders from seeing inside.

Opening the gate and walking in, a path made of stones and cement led to the villa, with a row of transplanted trees on both sides. There was a large open space around the path, currently covered with wild grass, with no immediate plans. They would see what Hye-ri thought about it when they had time.

On one side of the villa, a row of stone-built garages stood, but there were no cars since they didn't live there often. The house was entirely made of stone and wood, blending seamlessly with the surrounding forest, exuding a natural and fresh atmosphere.

Leaving Dofu to play outside, Lee Shin-haeng and Hye-ri walked into the house. The walls were made of stacked stones, unadorned and rough, with a rugged and grand appearance. The living room floor was covered with a fabric carpet, and a wooden sofa in a natural wood color was placed on it. The most natural color scheme and the most primitive home environment created a cozy and warm atmosphere.

The kitchen, unlike the living room, had walls made of the same wood, creating a relaxing atmosphere for cooking. The low ceiling eliminated the feeling of a cold and empty space. The bright windows provided excellent lighting for the kitchen.

A long solid wood dining table could accommodate many people, and the cooking area was right behind it, allowing for good communication while cooking and dining.

A small corner next to the kitchen was the most attractive, often creating a lazy atmosphere. A simple dining table and a comfortable, soft sofa were placed by the window, with wooden walls and fabric cushions, creating a unique and charming atmosphere.

In the afternoon, the two could enjoy a comfortable and pleasant afternoon tea time there.

The house was very clean, with regular cleaning and maintenance. The two snuggled on the sofa, feeling the different atmosphere from their home in Seoul. Here, the pace was slower, and life seemed to slow down, making them feel very relaxed, free, and comfortable.

Lee Shin-haeng held Hye-ri's chin and rested his head on hers, speaking with a longing tone, "I really want to live here. In the morning, we can run along the path, eat breakfast made from vegetables we grow, water the plants, weed, and till the soil. When it's harvest time, we can sell the produce at the market. After dinner, we can take the dog for a walk along the beach, working from sunrise to sunset.

When the time comes, we'll have two children. The boy will be the older one, protecting his sister. I can teach them how to grow vegetables and take them fishing at the beach. Occasionally, we can travel together as a family, watching them grow up slowly." Lee Shin-haeng rubbed his chin, which was covered with stubble, and asked Hye-ri hesitantly, "Will I be a good father in the future?"

Hye-ri wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned against his chest, listening to his description of their future. She felt truly happy, with a sweetness in her smile that was indescribable. She also longed for that kind of life, but it wasn't what she wanted right now, maybe in a few years. When she heard his uncertainty about being a good father, she looked up at him, her tone firm, "Yes, Oppa, you will definitely be a good father, a very excellent dad. I believe it."

People in the industry couldn't understand why she announced her engagement a year after revealing her relationship, at the peak of her career. Only she knew that she couldn't find anyone who loved her more than him.

Lee Shin-haeng was a very family-oriented person, with a gentle personality, a love for small animals, and a kind heart. He never went to nightclubs or other places. He always thought of her in everything he did, pampering her so much that even her mother couldn't stand it. A man like him couldn't be let go. After they confirmed their relationship, she knew that she, Lee Hye-ri, could never leave this man named Lee Shin-haeng.

"Yes, I will be a good father." Lee Shin-haeng emphasized, encouraging himself and strengthening his resolve.

The two leaned against each other, chatting about their future life here, discussing what to do with the open space by the road—whether to plant crops, flowers, or build a small playground. Their leisurely time was interrupted when Lee Shin-haeng's phone rang.

It was his mother, reminding them to come back for lunch.

Although it was just a vision of the future, having a goal and working towards it would eventually make dreams come true.

[The author also believes that the life Lee Shin-haeng looks forward to as a doting father will come true, and it might not take long.]

...

On the third day, after lunch, they received repeated reminders from his grandmother and mother and got into their cousin's car to head to the airport.

An hour later, they picked up their car from the airport and drove home.

Before going home, they made a special detour to the café. Since they were away for two days during the New Year, they had brought their pets, Mimi and the others, to the café, where Min-ya took care of them.

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