Chapter 43

"Koko, no... my butt... ."

"Butt? Young friend, you must be going through a lot. Eat more greens."

"Yes, thank you! Please come in!"

As I greeted and glanced over, Koko was cautiously following behind, looking around.

Sigh...

Still, if it's something you desire so much, it must be quite extraordinary, right? Something worth 730,000 won?

Indeed.

If it were the first blue-and-white porcelain created by Johann Friedrich Böttger under the order of Augustus II, the Elector of Saxony, and an unpublished piece that wasn't revealed to the public...

This would be the story of the real first blue-and-white porcelain in Europe.

Its value would be immense.

But how do I sell it?

No, I should get it appraised first.

──Kororororo...

Hold on tight, you little troublemaker!

I quickly approached Koko, and Koko slightly flinched but didn't run away anymore.

'Right, right.'

Swoosh swoosh—

After brushing Koko's blue-white light, I continued walking.

"Alright."

Now that I've bought everything I need, let's find Duo Mustering.

Checking the chat, I saw that photos had arrived.

They were the items sent for my confirmation.

'Hmm, not bad. Well chosen.'

I replied to pay, and then the phone rang.

[CEO Choi Jeong-hyun]

It wasn't Duo Mustering, but a call from Choi Jeong-hyun.

What's up? I answered.

"Yes, CEO!"

It turned out to be about the cafe's grand opening.

[We knew the wedding date would overlap, but I didn't expect it to be on the same day, hahaha.]

"That's true. It's hard to move the opening schedule, so there's nothing we can do."

[No, don't worry about me. I'll be busy with the wedding preparations anyway.]

"Ah, that's right. Good luck with everything."

Wedding preparations.

I only got a taste of it, but it's really not an easy task.

Money can't solve everything.

It would be so much easier to delegate everything to someone, but since it's a once-in-a-lifetime event, you want to take care of everything yourself.

[It's a shame I can't see it with my own eyes. I feel bad for not being able to attend the opening.]

"That's fine! You've helped so much already. I appreciate it!"

[So, about that...]

"Yes."

I always get nervous when he starts like this.

[I couldn't attend the opening and feel bad, so I thought I'd give you a gift.]

Ah, good news!

But I feel like I've already received more than enough gifts.

"No, really, I've received more than enough gifts. It would be nice to see you after your honeymoon."

[Ha-ha, how could you have received too many gifts? I'll think about what else would be good, but if you need anything, just let me know.]

"Ah, I'm really fine... ha-ha."

Of course, if you insist on giving me something, I won't refuse.

*

After completing the purchases at Namdaemun, I visited various places in Seoul, including a coffee supplies wholesale store, a food ingredients wholesale store, and the Bangsan Market.

At the Bangsan Market, under Choi Pil-su's lead, we placed orders for baking and pastry equipment and tools.

There were limitations on the equipment we could acquire.

"Since the space is small, there's not much we can do. With your skills, even 100 square meters would be too small."

The menu was also affected.

We had to choose items with simple processes and low labor costs.

A bakery cafe was out of the question, and we could only aim for a dessert cafe.

'Really a shame... .'

Fortunately, Choi Pil-su and Im Su-jeong didn't seem to mind much.

"Hehe, this is more than enough. As long as people enjoy the food, that's all that matters."

"Me too! With both of you, even a food truck would be great! Hehehe."

...Are they some kind of immortals?

This is why people say that when choosing someone to work with for a long time, character is as important as ability.

"And didn't you say last time that you'd hold my hand and tell me we'd do well, no matter what?"

"Ah... ."

"I believe in you, sir."

Yes, that's right.

We will succeed.

"Of course! We'll keep working hard, and later we'll open a 100-square-meter store in the suburbs!"

"Wow, just imagining it is amazing."

"Hehe, that's great."

By then, it was already 4 PM.

Even just shopping for clothes can tire you out in 1-2 hours.

But after checking the quality of the products, discussing storage and usage in the store, I was almost exhausted.

"Everyone must be hungry, right?"

We went to have a late lunch.

The menu was hearty beef, at <Ilpum Hanwoo>!

Sizzle—

"Ah, that was delicious."

"Phew, I feel like I'm going to burst... . I need to diet."

Seeing them pat their bellies and leave, I felt a bit pleased.

"Mr. Pil-su, how does it compare to French beef?"

"Still, Korean beef is the best."

"Right, right."

Meanwhile, Im Su-jeong served us ice cream.

"Oh, thank you!"

Right, you should have ice cream after eating meat.

No matter how many high-end ice creams there are, none can beat the ones served at meat restaurants.

Im Su-jeong took a big bite of the ice cream and asked.

"Is today's schedule over?"

Ah, I couldn't just treat you to beef after all the hard work. I had something prepared.

"If you have time, let's go back to the cafe together."

"The cafe?"

"Yes, we can review the layout and kitchen space again, and I have some things to discuss."

"Sure! I'm free for the rest of the day!"

"What about you, Mr. Pil-su?"

Choi Pil-su also smiled kindly and nodded.

'Okay.'

While walking to the car, I sent a text.

[We'll arrive in about 40 minutes. Is the installation finished as we discussed yesterday?]

I got an immediate reply.

[Yes, it's finished. You can come and check it out.]

Perfect timing.

"Let's head out. If you're tired, you can rest."

"What? How can you say that!"

Thus, we arrived back at the Shinchon branch.

I parked the car a bit away from the cafe.

The sun had already set, and it was getting dark.

We enjoyed the cool evening breeze as we walked to the cafe together.

"Everyone, wait a moment."

"Huh?"

Just around the corner, the cafe was in sight.

I peeked first to confirm.

'Perfect!'

Ahem, I cleared my throat and walked around the corner.

"Let's go."

A few steps later, the cafe and the new sign appeared.

"Oh... ."

"Wow!"

Choi Pil-su and Im Su-jeong were immediately captivated.

"Did they put it up while we were gone? It's so beautiful!"

Im Su-jeong was excitedly running around, and Choi Pil-su couldn't hide his smile as he stared.

Hehe, actually, this is the first time I'm seeing it in person too.

A solid purple background.

On top of it, the cafe name in simple embossed letters.

[ A M U S E ]

LED modules were placed before and after the letters, making each of the five letters glow softly but clearly.

And the highlight, the Amuse logo, a simplified version of a Ferris wheel.

"This is our logo? It's so beautiful."

The logo was also on the small, square vertical sign.

"Za-zan!"

"How does it look?"

"Just looking at it makes me feel good. It's really beautiful!"

I'm glad.

I also took a moment to soak in the entire cafe.

'This is my cafe... .'

It was the moment when what I had only imagined for so long was finally in front of me.

'Really... . It's great.'

The purple Amuse.

I stared at it for a while, dazed.

Then I snapped back to reality.

"I wanted to see this with both of you. We need to work together from now on."

The looks they gave me.

I'm not sure what they mean, but I think I got my message across.

Let's start running properly.

"The grand opening is in four days, but today was our opening day. Starting tomorrow, please come here to prepare for the opening. I'll also pay your salaries from today."

"Yes!"

"Sure."

After conveying all the necessary details, I shook hands with both of them.

"Please take good care of me from now on."

I thought to myself as we shook hands.

Remember this moment for a long time.

One day, signs just like this will light up countless night streets.

But for now.

"See you tomorrow."

One step at a time.

*

As soon as I got home, I took a shower.

"Ugh!"

I was exhausted.

I dove straight into bed!

I buried my face in the pillow.

Turning my head slightly, I saw Koko floating nearby.

"......You, let's have a talk tomorrow. I'm too tired today. Should I go look for you?"

I picked up my phone and opened the internet.

The search term was Johann Friedrich Böttger.

'So, he really existed.'

Not only Böttger, but the name of the Elector, Augustus II, was also the same.

And there was a photo of the first blue-and-white porcelain made in Europe in 1710.

"It's the same!"

It looked almost identical to what I bought.

'What about the price?'

I searched for the price of the first blue-and-white porcelain in Europe, but couldn't find much.

Instead, I found an article about a late Joseon Dynasty blue-and-white porcelain that was auctioned in Korea.

'1.8 billion won? That's insane... .'

It would probably be more expensive than that?

No, even if it's cheaper, I learned that Korean blue-and-white porcelain is world-class.

With high hopes, I was about to search again.

Buzz—

My phone rang.

[Park So-jeong]

What's up? The couple must be taking turns day and night.

She must be busy with wedding preparations, yet she's calling me.

I casually put the phone to my ear.

"Hello."

[Oh? Were you already sleeping?]

"No, just about to. What's up?"

[Good. I have something to tell you.]

What is it? Park So-jeong doesn't usually sound so weak.

"Why do you sound like that? Is there a problem?"

[No, not really.]

"Are you also breaking off the engagement?"

[Ha-ha-ha, is this kid really crazy?]

"Then what is it?"

[You said you'd come to the wedding, right?]

What?

"Yes, I said I'd come last time."

[Right. The thing is...]

Don't drag it out and scare me.

Just get to the point.

[...I tried to stop it, but it didn't work.]

After that, the words that came out of Park So-jeong's mouth.

"......Oh, keep talking."

It was a story that could make even a lurking demon flee.

I thought it was time to withdraw the 55 million won I had set aside in another account.

Money issues, or rather, quality issues.

An unexpected night visit.

[Your ex-fiancé... seems to be attending.]

At first, I was surprised.

But upon listening, it wasn't something Park So-jeong could control.

[KJ Food Home's CEO is coming, and he said he's bringing his daughter.]

KJ Food Home is one of the major players in Korea's food industry.

Ilpum Korea is a rising star.

We don't know when they might clash, but we also don't know when they might join hands for the future.

This important event in CEO Choi Jeong-hyun's life.

There's no way KJ's owner family would attend and cause any trouble.

It would only be beneficial.

"So-jeong."

[Yeah?]

"Trying to stop it was impressive."

[No, I know your situation, so I couldn't just stand by. I did try to talk to him, though.]

"......'Our husband'?"

This kid.

Is she trying to drive me crazy!

[Oops, anyway! Since CEO Choi Jeong-hyun thinks highly of you, I asked if there was any way to adjust things...]

Still, I appreciate the thought.

"Hey."

[What?]

"Our CEO is so busy, he should have asked me about such a trivial matter first!"

[Ha-ha, really? Lately, you seem to be getting closer to CEO Choi Jeong-hyun than to me.]

"Sure, sure, we're dreaming big dreams together."

[Really ridiculous, ha-ha.]

"Anyway, madam. I'm sorry for making you think I'd be uncomfortable and causing you trouble... ."

I asked myself again.

Am I really okay with this?

I couldn't help but chuckle.

"I'm not uncomfortable at all, no matter who attends the wedding. I'm fine. So, forget about my problem and focus on making your wedding beautiful and successful."

It wasn't just to be considerate of Park So-jeong.

This is my true feeling.

I've met Grandma, and Koko, and I'm living a good life with my own cafe, and my accounts are booming.

What could Ji-jeon Gu mean to me now?

Affection? Love? Sentimentality?

Humans are creatures of forgetfulness.

[It was out of concern that you might get hurt because of me... but I'm grateful for your words.]

"You've softened, Park So-jeong. You must be really tired from the wedding preparations?"

[Maybe, hehe. But I'll try my best to pay attention to the seating arrangements!]

"KJ Food Home's CEO will probably have a prominent seat. You're putting me in a corner, right?"

[No! The yard is really big, so it's a round layout, round! Just sit on the opposite side.]

"Opposite side? We'll be facing each other, then?"

[Oh... then 90 degrees apart!]

The wedding is said to be held at a newly purchased residence with a big and small wedding concept.

Big is big, small is small, but big and small?

Anyway, it means the yard is that big.

"Alright, I'll enjoy the grand mansion."

[Hehehe.]

After that, we talked about various things and ended the call.

"Phew... ."

I recalled the conversation with Choi Jeong-hyun earlier.

[I couldn't attend the opening and feel bad, so I thought I'd give you a gift.]

At the time, I didn't understand the meaning of 'feeling bad' and just let it go.