章 4: 5. What is soju drunk with? 1 check
"Hey, Yeong-su! Come on in. It's been a while."
A place where I agreed to meet Kim Yeong-ha.
As we entered Dong-pyo Po-cha, the owner, who was in the kitchen, came out and greeted us warmly.
Dong-pyo Po-cha, a place we always come to after the first round with Kim Yeong-ha.
In these days when it's hard to distinguish between a club and a pub, Dong-pyo Po-cha is far from luxurious compared to modern pubs.
It's a place that could easily be described as a run-down pub that's not popular anymore.
But oddly enough, it still has its own unique charm, and most importantly, the taste of the owner's food is so amazing that even if we go somewhere else for the second round, we always come here for the first.
Well, even without boasting, it's not like there are a lot of customers here, so it's good for quiet conversations.
"Yes, boss. Have you been well?"
"Yeah, Yeong-ha came in first and was waiting. He's at the inner table. By the way, who's the pretty lady next to him? His girlfriend?"
"No, she's not. She's a junior colleague from work. Has Yeong-ha placed the order?"
"You guys always order the same thing. I'll get it ready quickly. Please go on in."
With a chuckle, the boss greeted us and then went back into the kitchen.
"It seems like you come here often."
"Yes. It's quiet enough to have a conversation here. The boss is generous with the side dishes and appetizers. Don't take it the wrong way about what Yeori said as a joke."
"What do you mean? Calling her a pretty lady? Or assuming she's your manager's girlfriend?"
"Both."
A mischievous smile appeared on Choi Ye-ri's face.
"Why? Both assumptions aren't that bad, are they?"
"Ye-ri, you seemed like the world was ending not too long ago, but now you seem to have cheered up."
Choi Ye-ri scratched her head shyly at my remark.
"Oh! Look, there's Assistant Manager Kim over there. Assistant Manager Kim!"
Kim Yeong-ha was staring at his phone with a serious expression.
His shoulders were hunched over the phone, and to my eyes, it looked like he was about to be sucked into the phone.
At the sound of Choi Ye-ri's voice spreading through the quiet pub, Kim Yeong-ha suddenly raised his head.
"Oh, what's this! Ye-ri is here too?"
"Yes. She said she'd have a drink too."
"Can I join too? Assistant Manager."
"Oh my, welcome. Come on over and take a seat."
Yeong-ha and I sat down side by side, and Choi Ye-ri took a seat in front of us.
"Why were you staring so intensely at that?"
"I was just looking at the coin. Nothing special."
"Has it gone up?"
"Hey, senior. You'd better ask when the world is going to end instead."
Kim Yeong-ha had invested a significant amount of money in cryptocurrencies.
He invested 500,000 won, and in just two weeks, it turned into 7 million won. He boasted about this a year ago.
It would have been nice if he had stopped there, but he got hooked on the taste of the sweet cryptocurrency and even invested his savings into it.
Everyone was saying that Bitcoin would surely hit 100 million won back then.
But who could have known that it would be the peak.
Downhill, downhill, a small recovery followed by another downhill.
Kim Yeong-ha, despite taking out a significant amount of credit loans recently, hasn't recovered his principal, and there are still pieces of investment scattered around.
It's not that I don't understand Kim Yeong-ha's feelings.
When I was around 20, I climbed to the top of Namsan Mountain and looked down at Seoul's night view.
The night in the capital of South Korea was as bright as day.
The lights of numerous buildings looked beautiful, like stars falling from the night sky.
I was certain back then that somewhere around here, there would be a place for me.
But as it turned out,
Even in the outskirts of Seoul, it's been a struggle to secure a small place to live for over ten years.
Yet the world is filled with glamorous things.
On social media, the feed is full of young and rich people flaunting luxury items and foreign cars.
In this world, if you have money, you can live like a king.
For young people who can't find hope on a salary of 200,000 or 300,000 won a month, they become like moths diving into flames, seeking a big win that will make their delicate wings flutter.
"Oh, Manager Kim is into cryptocurrency too. I have many friends who are into it as well."
"Ye-ri, let me say one thing."
"Yes?"
"Don't ever! Don't ever invest in cryptocurrencies."
Kim Yeong-ha's expression was resolute.
For me, it's not about promotions, it's about finding a new job.
"Hey, Hyung! Assistant Manager Kim. Are you listening?"
"I'm listening."
"That guy Kim, the one from the personnel department, they say he's aiming for a promotion this time. He's been investing quite a bit already. No, anyone can see that our Hyung is much more capable, so he should be promoted to manager, right? Ye-ri?"
"No way, it's not like that. I just followed you stubbornly, and I also thanked Manager-nim."
"It's not about being stubborn. Colleagues can have a drink together. By the way, Ye-ri, you're good at holding your alcohol. Your face hasn't changed at all."
"I have to stay composed when drinking with superiors."
"Ye-ri, if you're tired, you can go ahead. I'll probably have another drink with Yeong-ha."
"Hyung, are you trying to get me to go home again? Is it because of social distancing? If so, I'm really disappointed."
That's a pretty audacious suggestion. Retro vibes. Insider info. Promotions through social media.
What?
Assistant Manager Kim's mouth started spewing out detailed business plans.
After all, it's just a fantasy that will be forgotten once the alcohol wears off.
Both Choi Ye-ri and I eagerly joined in the fantasy.
"Hey! This might work. Hyung, the two of us, no, even Ye-ri, let's give it a shot."
"Oh my, am I included too?"
Suddenly, Kim Yeong-ha's face was filled with enthusiasm, and he stuck out his tongue playfully as he looked at me.
"It looks like Assistant Manager Kim is trying to get promoted before me. Of course, I'll help you, right?"
"Is that up to me? You start by doing well. You had a big failure last year, so you should definitely get promoted this time."
"Ugh. If he doesn't get promoted this time, should I just quit the company? Hyung, how about we start a pub together?"
A nostalgic feeling... retro sentiment... social media promotion...
Huh?
Assistant Manager Kim's words suddenly turned into a detailed business plan.
Anyway, once we're drunk, this fantasy will fade away in our memories.
Choi Ye-ri and I didn't hesitate to join in this fantasy.
"Now, should we head to the second round? The second round!"
As he extinguished the cigarette and approached, Assistant Manager Kim Yeong-ha joined us.
"Are you going to the second round too, Ye-ri?"
"Yes. Manager, can I join too?"
"Of course! Hey, today I have my beloved Yeong-su Hyung here, and even Ye-ri is here. I'm in a good mood. Come on, let's go. Second round!"
"*Burp*"
After a few rounds of drinks, Kim Yeong-ha called me with a slurred voice.
"Hyung, Kim Ye-ri from the HR team. We started working at the same time, right?"
"Yep, we're colleagues who started at the same time."
"Kim from the HR team, he's aiming for a promotion this time. He's been sucking up quite a bit. No, it's obvious that our Hyung, who's far more capable, should be promoted to manager. Don't you agree, Ye-ri?"
"Well, it's not up to me. I'm just following along, and I also thanked Assistant Manager Yeong-ha, so..."
"It's not about following along. Even colleagues can have a drink together. By the way, Ye-ri, you're really good at holding your liquor. Your face hasn't changed at all."
"What do you mean? You even said 'pretty lady.' Or did you mistake me for Assistant Manager's girlfriend?"
"Both."
Choi Ye-ri's face lit up with a mischievous smile.
"Why? Is it bad to call me both 'pretty lady' and 'Assistant Manager's girlfriend'?"
"Ye-ri, you looked like the world was ending just a while ago, and now you're all smiles."
Choi Ye-ri scratched her head shyly as I spoke.
"Oh, look! Assistant Manager Kim is over there. Assistant Manager Kim!"
"Yes, she's coming. It's my turn."
Kim Yeong-ha was looking at his phone with a serious expression.
His shoulders were tensed up, and it almost looked like he was being pulled into the phone.
As Choi Ye-ri's voice echoed through the quiet pub, Kim Yeong-ha suddenly lifted his head.
"Oh, what's this! Ye-ri is here too?"
"Yes, she said she wants to have a drink as well."
"Can I join too? Assistant Manager."
"Oh, of course! Welcome. Please have a seat."
Yeong-ha and I sat down side by side, and Choi Ye-ri took a seat in front of us.
"Why were you staring so intently?"
"I was just looking at my coin. Nothing special."
"Has it gone up?"
"Yeah, just ask when the world is ending instead."
Kim Yeong-ha had invested a significant amount of money in cryptocurrencies.
He put in 500,000 won, and in just two weeks, it turned into 7 million won. He boasted about this a year ago.
It would have been nice if he had stopped there, but he got hooked on the taste of the sweet cryptocurrency and even invested his savings into it.
Everyone was saying that Bitcoin would surely hit 100 million won back then.
But who could have known that it would be the peak.
Downhill, downhill, a small recovery followed by another downhill.
Kim Yeong-ha, despite taking out a significant amount of credit loans recently, hasn't recovered his principal, and there are still pieces of investment scattered around.
It's not that I don't understand Kim Yeong-ha's feelings.
When I was around 20, I climbed to the top of Namsan Mountain and looked down at Seoul's night view.
The night in the capital of South Korea was as bright as day.
The lights of numerous buildings looked beautiful, like stars falling from the night sky.
I was certain back then that somewhere around here, there would be a place for me.
But as it turned out,
Even in the outskirts of Seoul, it's been a struggle to secure a small place to live for over ten years.
Yet the world is filled with glamorous things.
On social media, the feed is full of young and rich people flaunting luxury items and foreign cars.
In this world, if you have money, you can live like a king.
For young people who can't find hope on a salary of 200,000 or 300,000 won a month, they become like moths diving into flames, seeking a big win that will make their delicate wings flutter.
"Oh, Manager Kim is into cryptocurrency too. I have many friends who are into it as well."
"Ye-ri, let me say one thing."
"Yes?"
"Don't ever! Don't ever invest in cryptocurrencies."
Kim Yeong-ha's expression was resolute.
For me, it's not about promotions, it's about finding a new job.
"Hey, Hyung! Assistant Manager Kim. Are you listening?"
"I'm listening."
"That guy Kim, the one from the personnel department, they say he's aiming for a promotion this time. He's been investing quite a bit already. No, anyone can see that our Hyung is much more capable, so he should be promoted to manager, right? Ye-ri?"
"No way, it's not like that. I just followed you stubbornly, and I also thanked Manager-nim."
"It's not about being stubborn. Colleagues can have a drink together. By the way, Ye-ri, you're really good at holding your alcohol. Your face hasn't changed at all."
"What do you mean? You even said 'pretty lady.' Or did you mistake me for Assistant Manager's girlfriend?"
"Both."
Choi Ye-ri's face
broke into a playful smile.
"Why? I said both 'pretty lady' and 'Assistant Manager's girlfriend.' Is there a problem?"
"Ye-ri, you looked like the world was ending just a while ago, and now you're all relaxed."
My words made Choi Ye-ri blush and nervously scratch her head.
"Oh, look! Assistant Manager Kim is here. Assistant Manager Kim!"
"Oh, really? Ye-ri is here too?"
"Yes, she said she wants to join for a drink."
"Can I join too? Assistant Manager."
"Sure, please come! Well, today it's so nice having my beloved Yeong-su Hyung and even Ye-ri. Let's go then. Off to the second round!"
*Burp*
As the alcohol began to take its toll, Kim Yeong-ha's speech was slurred.
"Hyung, Kim Ye-ri from the HR team. We started working at the same time, right?"
"Yep, we're colleagues who started at the same time."
"Kim from the HR team, he's aiming for a promotion this time. He's been sucking up quite a bit. No, it's obvious that our Hyung, who's far more capable, should be promoted to manager. Don't you agree, Ye-ri?"
"Well, it's not up to me. I'm just following along, and I also thanked Assistant Manager Yeong-ha, so..."
"It's not about following along. Even colleagues can have a drink together. By the way, Ye-ri, you're really good at holding your liquor. Your face hasn't changed at all."
"What do you mean? You even said 'pretty lady.' Or did you mistake me for Assistant Manager's girlfriend?"
"Both."
Choi Ye-ri's face lit up with a mischievous smile.
"Why? Is it bad to call me both 'pretty lady' and 'Assistant Manager's girlfriend'?"
"Ye-ri, you looked like the world was ending just a while ago, and now you're all smiles."
Choi Ye-ri scratched her head bashfully in response to my words.
"Oh, look! Assistant Manager Kim is over there. Assistant Manager Kim!"
"Yes, here I am. It's been a while."
Kim Yeong-ha was looking at his phone with a serious expression.
His shoulders were hunched, and it almost seemed like he was being sucked into his phone.
As Choi Ye-ri's voice reached our table, Kim Yeong-ha lifted his head in surprise.
"Oh, what's this! Ye-ri is here too?"
"Yes, she said she wants to have a drink too."
"Can I join too? Assistant Manager."
"Of course! Welcome. Please, have a seat."
Yeong-ha and I sat down side by side, and Choi Ye-ri took a seat in front of us.
"Why were you staring so intently?"
"I was just looking at my coin. Nothing special."
"Has it gone up?"
"Yeah, just ask when the world is ending."
Kim Yeong-ha had invested a significant amount of money in cryptocurrencies.
He put in 500,000 won, and in just two weeks, it turned into 7 million won. He boasted about this a year ago.
It would have been nice if he had stopped there, but he got hooked on the taste of the sweet cryptocurrency and even invested his savings into it.
Everyone was saying that Bitcoin would surely hit 100 million won back then.
But who could have known that it would be the peak.
Downhill, downhill, a small recovery followed by another downhill.
Kim Yeong-ha, despite taking out a significant amount of credit loans recently, hasn't recovered his principal, and there are still pieces of investment scattered around.
It's not that I don't understand Kim Yeong-ha's feelings.
When I was around 20, I climbed to the top of Namsan Mountain and looked down at Seoul's night view.
The night in the capital of South Korea was as bright as day.
The lights of numerous buildings looked beautiful, like stars falling from the night sky.
I was certain back then that somewhere around here, there would be a place for me.
But as it turned out,
Even in the outskirts of Seoul, it's been a struggle to secure a small place to live for over ten years.
Yet the world is filled with glamorous things.
On social media, the feed is full of young and rich people flaunting luxury items and foreign cars.
In this world, if you have money, you can live like a king.
For young people who can't find hope on a salary of 200,000 or 300,000 won a month, they become like moths diving into flames, seeking a big win that will make their delicate wings flutter.
"Oh, Manager Kim is into cryptocurrency too. I have many friends who are into it as well."
"Ye-ri, let me say one thing."
"Yes?"
"Don't ever! Don't ever invest in cryptocurrencies."
Kim Yeong-ha's expression was resolute.
For me, it's not about promotions, it's about finding a new job.
"Hey, Hyung! Assistant Manager Kim. Are you listening?"
"I'm listening."
"That guy Kim, the one from the personnel department, they say he's aiming for a promotion this time. He's been investing quite a bit already. No, it's obvious that our Hyung is much more capable, so he should be promoted to manager, right? Ye-ri?"
"No way, it's not like that. I just followed you stubbornly, and I also thanked Manager-nim."
"It's not about being stubborn. Colleagues can have a drink together. By the way, Ye-ri, you're really good at holding your alcohol. Your face hasn't changed at all."
"What do you mean? You even said 'pretty lady.' Or did you mistake me for Assistant Manager's girlfriend?"
"Both."
Choi Ye-ri's face broke into a playful smile.
"Why? I said both 'pretty lady' and 'Assistant Manager's girlfriend.' Is there a problem?"
"Ye-ri, you looked like the world was ending just a while ago, and now you're all relaxed."
My words made Choi Ye-ri blush and nervously scratch her head.
"Oh, look! Assistant Manager Kim is here. Assistant Manager Kim!"
"Oh, really? Ye-ri is here too?"
"Yes, she said she wants to join for a drink."
"Can I join too? Assistant Manager."
"Sure, please come! Well, today it's so nice having my beloved Yeong-su Hyung and even Ye-ri. Let's go then. Off to the second round!"
*Burp*
As the alcohol began to take its toll, Kim Yeong-ha's speech was slurred.
"Hyung, Kim Ye-ri from the HR team. We started working at the same time, right?"
"Yep, we're colleagues who started at the same time."
"Kim from the HR team, he's aiming for a promotion this time. He's been sucking up quite a bit. No, it's obvious that our Hyung, who's far more capable, should be promoted to manager. Don't you agree, Ye-ri?"
"Well, it's not up to me. I'm just following along, and I also thanked Assistant Manager Yeong-ha, so..."
"It's not about following along. Even
colleagues can have a drink together. By the way, Ye-ri, you're really good at holding your liquor. Your face hasn't changed at all."
"What do you mean? You even said 'pretty lady.' Or did you mistake me for Assistant Manager's girlfriend?"
"Both."
Choi Ye-ri's face lit up with a mischievous smile.
"Why? Is it bad to call me both 'pretty lady' and 'Assistant Manager's girlfriend'?"
"Ye-ri, you looked like the world was ending just a while ago, and now you're all smiles."
Choi Ye-ri scratched her head bashfully in response to my words.
"Oh, look! Assistant Manager Kim is over there. Assistant Manager Kim!"
"Yes, here I am. It's been a while."
Kim Yeong-ha was looking at his phone with a serious expression.
His shoulders were hunched, and it almost seemed like he was being pulled into his phone.
As Choi Ye-ri's voice echoed through the quiet pub, Kim Yeong-ha suddenly raised his head.
"Oh, what's this! Ye-ri is here too?"
"Yes, she said she wants to have a drink too."
"Can I join too? Assistant Manager."
"Of course! Welcome. Please, have a seat."
Yeong-ha and I sat down side by side, and Choi Ye-ri took a seat in front of us.
"Why were you staring so intently?"
"I was just looking at my coin. Nothing special."
"Has it gone up?"
"Yeah, just ask when the world is ending."
Kim Yeong-ha had invested a significant amount of money in cryptocurrencies.
He put in 500,000 won, and in just two weeks, it turned into 7 million won. He boasted about this a year ago.
It would have been nice if he had stopped there, but he got hooked on the taste of the sweet cryptocurrency and even invested his savings into it.
Everyone was saying that Bitcoin would surely hit 100 million won back then.
But who could have known that it would be the peak.
Downhill, downhill, a small recovery followed by another downhill.
Kim Yeong-ha, despite taking out a significant amount of credit loans recently, hasn't recovered his principal, and there are still pieces of investment scattered around.
It's not that I don't understand Kim Yeong-ha's feelings.
When I was around 20, I climbed to the top of Namsan Mountain and looked down at Seoul's night view.
The night in the capital of South Korea was as bright as day.
The lights of numerous buildings looked beautiful, like stars falling from the night sky.
I was certain back then that somewhere around here, there would be a place for me.
But as it turned out,
Even in the outskirts of Seoul, it's been a struggle to secure a small place to live for over ten years.
Yet the world is filled with glamorous things.
On social media, the feed is full of young and rich people flaunting luxury items and foreign cars.
In this world, if you have money, you can live like a king.
For young people who can't find hope on a salary of 200,000 or 300,000 won a month, they become like moths diving into flames, seeking a big win that will make their delicate wings flutter.
"Oh, Manager Kim is into cryptocurrency too. I have many friends who are into it as well."
"Ye-ri, let me say one thing."
"Yes?"
"Don't ever! Don't ever invest in cryptocurrencies."
Kim Yeong-ha's expression was resolute.
For me, it's not about promotions, it's about finding a new job.
"Hey, Hyung! Assistant Manager Kim. Are you listening?"
"I'm listening."
"That guy Kim, the one from the personnel department, they say he's aiming for a promotion this time. He's been investing quite a bit already. No, it's obvious that our Hyung is much more capable, so he should be promoted to manager, right? Ye-ri?"
"No way, it's not like that. I just followed you stubbornly, and I also thanked Manager-nim."
"It's not about being stubborn. Colleagues can have a drink together. By the way, Ye-ri, you're really good at holding your alcohol. Your face hasn't changed at all."
"What do you mean? You even said 'pretty lady.' Or did you mistake me for Assistant Manager's girlfriend?"
"Both."
Choi Ye-ri's face broke into a playful smile.
"Why? I said both 'pretty lady' and 'Assistant Manager's girlfriend.' Is there a problem?"
"Ye-ri, you looked like the world was ending just a while ago, and now you're all relaxed."
My words made Choi Ye-ri blush and nervously scratch her head.
"Oh, look! Assistant Manager Kim is here. Assistant Manager Kim!"
"Oh, really? Ye-ri is here too?"
"Yes, she said she wants to join for a drink."
"Can I join too? Assistant Manager."
"Sure, please come! Well, today it's so nice having my beloved Yeong-su Hyung and even Ye-ri. Let's go then. Off to the second round!"
*Burp*
As the alcohol began to take its toll, Kim Yeong-ha's speech was slurred.
"Hyung, Kim Ye-ri from the HR team. We started working at the same time, right?"
"Yep, we're colleagues who started at the same time."
"Kim from the HR team, he's aiming for a promotion this time. He's been sucking up quite a bit. No, it's obvious that our Hyung, who's far more capable, should be promoted to manager. Don't you agree, Ye-ri?"
"Well, it's not up to me. I'm just following along, and I also thanked Assistant Manager Yeong-ha, so..."
"It's not about following along. Even colleagues can have a drink together. By the way, Ye-ri, you're really good at holding your liquor. Your face hasn't changed at all."
"What do you mean? You even said 'pretty lady.' Or did you mistake me for Assistant Manager's girlfriend?"
"Both."
Choi Ye-ri's face lit up with a mischievous smile.
"Why? Is it bad to call me both 'pretty lady' and 'Assistant Manager's girlfriend'?"
"Ye-ri, you looked like the world was ending just a while ago, and now you're all smiles."
Choi Ye-ri scratched her head bashfully in response to my words.
"Oh, look! Assistant Manager Kim is here. Assistant Manager Kim!"
"Oh, really? Ye-ri is here too?"
"Yes, she said she wants to join for a drink."
"Can I join too? Assistant Manager."
"Sure, please come! Well, today it's so nice having my beloved Yeong-su Hyung and even Ye-ri. Let's go then. Off to the second round!"
*Burp*
As the alcohol began to take its toll, Kim Yeong-ha's speech was slurred.
"Hyung, Kim Ye-ri from the HR team. We started working at the same time, right?"
"Yep, we're colleagues who started at the same time."
"That guy Kim from the HR team is aiming for a promotion this time. He's been brown-nosing quite a bit. No, it's obvious that our Hyung, who's much more capable, should be promoted to manager, don't you think, Ye-ri?"
"Well, it's not up to me. I just tagged along, and I also thanked Assistant Manager Yeong-ha."
"It's not about tagging along. Colleagues can also have a drink together. By the way, Ye-ri, you're really good at holding your liquor. Your expression hasn't changed at all."
"What do you mean? You even called me 'pretty lady.' Or did you mistakenly think I'm Assistant Manager's girlfriend?"
"Both."
Choi Ye-ri's face lit up with a mischievous smile.
"Why? Is it bad to call me both 'pretty lady' and 'Assistant Manager's girlfriend'?"
"Ye-ri, just a while ago you looked like the world was ending, and now you're all smiles."
Choi Ye-ri scratched her head bashfully in response to my words.
"Oh, look! Assistant Manager Kim is here. Assistant Manager Kim!"
"Oh, really? Ye-ri is here too?"
"Yes, she said she wants to join for a drink."
"Can I join too? Assistant Manager."
"Sure, please come! Well, today it's so nice having my beloved Yeong-su Hyung and even Ye-ri. Let's go then. Off to the second round!"
Burp
As the alcohol began to take its toll, Kim Yeong-ha's speech was slurred.
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