A few days later, Chairman Park Yeongil summoned Chief Secretary Kang Inhan to his office.
“Secretary Kang, has the investigation into Jiham been completed?”
“The amount of information turned out to be enormous, so only the basic background check has been completed so far.”
“That’s enough. More importantly, what kind of person is Jiham?”
“It seems that because he has had to support his entire family, he has developed a very strong sense of responsibility. On the other hand, losing his father at such a young age left him with a somewhat passive personality.”
“As I expected. My first impression wasn't wrong. What about his education?”
“We have confirmed that he graduated from Korea University's Department of Korean Literature two years ago.”
“Korea University? That’s one of the most prestigious universities in the country.”
Chairman Park Yeongil brought up the subject because he wanted to understand why someone with such credentials was making a living delivering food instead of working for a major corporation.
“Since Cha Jiham graduated from the literature department, it appears finding a suitable job wasn't easy.”
“Hm, that's certainly possible. Continue.”
“On average, Cha Jiham earned around 6.5 million won per month.”
“So he wasn't trying to deceive me.”
“That’s correct. Nearly all of his income went toward hospital bills and supporting his family.”
“I see! He looked perfectly healthy to me.”
“He’s not the one who's ill. His younger sister, who is four years younger than him, was involved in a hit-and-run accident six months ago. She is currently undergoing rehabilitation.”
“Tsk, tsk...”
Chairman Park Yeongil clicked his tongue sympathetically.
“But surely other relatives could help with the expenses?”
“Cha Jiham’s grandparents are farmers in Taebaek, Gangwon Province, and his mother works at a small restaurant in town.”
“So the family’s financial situation isn't very good. By the way, how did Jiham’s father die?”
“We only managed to confirm that he died about twenty years ago during an overseas military operation.”
“How long would it take you to discover the exact cause?”
“I think we can investigate that later. Even after we finish evaluating Cha Jiham, it won't be too late.”
Throughout the years, Chairman Park Yeongil had investigated countless people in pursuit of his goals. They came from all walks of life, and most were exceptionally talented individuals. Yet not a single one had met his standards. Who could guarantee that Cha Jiham would succeed? Knowing this, Chief Secretary Kang Inhan suggested postponing the matter.
“Let's do that. Well then, shall we begin testing him?”
***
Completely unaware that I had caught Chairman Park Yeongil’s attention, I continued my delivery work as usual.
“Enjoy your meal!”
Vrrr!
Just as I handed over an order and turned around, my phone buzzed briefly in my pocket. Expecting a new order, I checked the screen and was surprised to see a text message from old man Park Yeongil.
“Why send a text when he could just call?” I muttered and dialed his number.
After a few rings, his cheerful voice came through.
“Jiham, are you busy?”
“No matter how much work I have, I always have time to talk to you.”
“Good. Could you do me a favor?”
“Of course. What do you need?”
“I suddenly have a craving for hot festive noodle soup. Go to that famous restaurant called Original near Haengju Fortress and bring me two servings.”
My regular work area was Pyeongchang-dong in Jongno District. Even by motorcycle, getting to Haengju Fortress would take quite some time. By then, the wheat noodles would have soaked up the broth and turned into mush. Honestly, I should have refused, but for some reason I didn't want to. The first thought that came to mind was:
'If he's asking me specifically, then he really must be craving it.'
Naturally, his promise of generous compensation also played a part. Even so, immediately agreeing without a word of warning would be rude.
“Sir, the noodles will become completely soggy by the time I arrive. Is that alright?”
“That doesn't matter at all. Just bring the soup.”
“Understood. I’ll do my best to get back as quickly as possible.”
Click.
After hanging up, I opened the map app and plotted a route to Haengju Fortress. The navigation stubbornly suggested the Inner Ring Road and Gangbyeonbuk-ro.
“At this hour there shouldn't be traffic. One hour should be enough.”
Then something occurred to me. If my suspicions were correct, even if I pushed myself to the limit, there was no way I could make the round trip in an hour. I immediately checked online, and my bad feeling proved correct. Motorcycles were prohibited from both roads.
“Haa... How am I supposed to solve this?”
No matter how much I thought about it, there was only one answer.
'The old man did say he'd generously cover the expenses.'
Coming to that simple conclusion, I parked my motorcycle somewhere safe and called a taxi through an app. Since rush hour hadn't started yet, I found one quickly. As soon as I got in, I told the driver to head for Haengju Fortress. Happy to get a long-distance passenger, he smiled and stepped on the accelerator.
“Driver, I'll need to come back to this area. Could you wait for me at the restaurant?”
“If I get another call through the app, I'll have to take the next customer.”
“I’m only picking up festive noodle soup, so it won't take long.”
“The trip there and back will take ages. Won't the noodles get soggy?”
“I said the same thing to the person who sent me, but he told me it didn't matter.”
“Still, serving mushy noodles doesn't seem right.”
His tone made it sound as though he knew a way to preserve the original taste. I cautiously asked.
“There's no shortage of noodle shops around Haengju Fortress, but none compare to Original. And they use ordinary noodles, unlike everyone else.”
“You mean the secret lies in the broth?”
“Exactly. You should buy a thermos and transfer the broth into it.”
“Thank you! That's a brilliant idea. If we pass a supermarket, could you stop?”
Soon the driver pulled over in front of a large market. I rushed inside, bought a one-liter thermos and two kinds of dry noodles, and returned to the taxi. The entire stop took no more than three or four minutes.
The driver accelerated smoothly and asked,
“You know how to cook noodles?”
“I think I can manage if I find a recipe online.”
***
“Secretary Kang, do you think Jiham will pass this test?”
Chairman Park Yeongil had given the same assignment to many people before him. Every single one had brought back nothing but soggy noodles.
“Even graduates of Seoul National University failed.”
“So Jiham will also bring me ruined noodles.”
“I think the probability is very high.”
“I see. How do you think he's getting there?”
“Probably combining the subway and taxis like everyone else.”
“Then he'll be here in about two hours.”
Ding-dong!
At that moment, the doorbell rang. Chief Secretary Kang Inhan checked the intercom monitor.
“Chairman, Cha Jiham has arrived.”
“What?! Jiham is already here? Bring him in immediately.”
***
At that moment, the hairs all over my body stood on end.
The man who opened the gate didn't just look stern—he looked downright terrifying. As I awkwardly shifted my feet, the man in his fifties spoke.
“I am Chief Secretary Kang Inhan. I serve Chairman Park at all times.”
'What? So the old man actually runs a company?'
“It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Cha Jiham.”
“I know. But why did you return empty-handed without completing the Chairman's request?”
“Empty-handed?”
I raised the thermos and plastic bag in my hands.
“How could that be?”
“The Chairman asked you to bring ready-made festive noodle soup from Original.”
“I remember perfectly.”
“But what you're holding doesn't look like festive noodle soup.”
“I'll prepare soup that tastes exactly like theirs myself.”
“Very well. Come inside.”
Following Kang Inhan deeper into the mansion, I couldn't help opening my eyes wide again. Before me stretched a living room so magnificent it looked like something from a movie. Through the panoramic windows, the mountain range of Bukhansan could be seen in all its glory.
Quickly collecting myself, I bowed politely to Chairman Park Yeongil.
“Chairman, it's been a while.”
“The same to you, Jiham. Now then, where is the festive noodle soup I asked for?”
“I thought serving you soggy noodles would be disrespectful, so I only bought the broth, toppings, sauce, and kimchi from Original.”
“And the noodles?”
“I bought thin and medium wheat noodles from the supermarket. I'll prepare the soup myself.”
“You know how?”
“I've never made it before in my life, but I just studied the recipe on my phone.”
“Hahahaha!”
Chairman Park Yeongil burst into booming laughter. Feeling embarrassed about not bringing the finished dish, I stood there awkwardly. A moment later, after recovering from his laughter, the old man turned toward Kang Inhan.
“Ask the cook to boil the noodles.”
Kang Inhan took the thermos and bag from me and headed for the kitchen. Chairman Park watched him leave before speaking again.
“Jiham, shall we sit and talk?”
“Yes, of course.”
I sat down on the sofa. Soon, Kang Inhan returned and took a seat opposite me.
Chairman Park Yeongil smiled.
“Secretary Kang only looks frightening. In reality, he's a soft-hearted man who wouldn't hurt a fly.”
'I would sooner trust a vicious guard dog than those words.'
“Ah, I see...”
“Now then, let's seriously discuss your trip.”
'Seriously discuss it...?'
“Secretary Kang and I estimated that it would take at least two hours to travel to Haengju Fortress and back. Yet you did it in just over an hour. What's your secret?”
“I took a taxi. Surprisingly, both the Inner Ring Road and Gangbyeonbuk-ro were completely clear.”
“And why did you choose a taxi?”
The truth was simple.
I took a taxi because I trusted Chairman Park Yeongil’s promise to generously cover all expenses.
But judging by his curious expression, he seemed to expect a deeper answer.
“On the way there, I took a taxi because I wanted to retrieve the broth as quickly as possible. On the way back, I took one because I was afraid the broth inside the thermos would cool down.”
“So, the result mattered more to you than the process?”
'Just like they say, the interpretation matters more than the dream itself.'
“I won't deny it.”
“And how did you come up with the thermos idea?”
“A taxi driver suggested it.”
“You know, even if you had lied and claimed the idea as your own, I would've believed you.”
“There's no need for me to curry favor with you, Chairman. What would I gain by hiding the truth?”
“That's true... You're right. By the way, where did you get the thermos?”
“I bought it at a supermarket on the way.”
“Calculate everything. Taxi fare, thermos, noodles, and the broth.”
Feeling embarrassed, I handed the receipts to Kang Inhan.
“I'm not very good with numbers.”
Using the calculator on his phone, Kang Inhan quickly totaled the receipts and quietly informed Chairman Park Yeongil. The Chairman nodded and looked back at me.
“If I round everything up and include your service fee, will 300,000 won be enough?”
“I'll gratefully accept.”
“Hahahahaha!”
Chairman Park Yeongil's loud, booming laughter echoed throughout the enormous living room.