Chapter 16. Meeting (2)

Eunha swallowed saliva as she looked at the piece of meat bigger than her fist. The fragrant smell of soy sauce wafted from the braised short ribs covered with precious ginkgo nuts and pine needles, and the noodles, which were only usually eaten on special occasions, were served in a shiny bowl. Plus, the spicy beef stew was light and delicious.

She wanted to bow deeply, but first she had to fill her hungry stomach. Shihoon, who watched with pleasure as Eunha ate, tilted the teapot and poured himself water.

“No one will take away your food. So eat slowly.”

“Thank you. Gosh, it’s so delicious. I’ve only tasted dishes like this a couple of times in Buyeong, picking up leftovers from customers…. I swear I’m in heaven.”

“Seeing you enjoy it so much, it makes me feel full.”

While Eunha ate, Shihoon scanned her body for any wounds.

‘Obviously, it was my fault that my mother was hard on Eunha.’

Since he couldn’t hide his feelings properly, Eunha and Yongi were both mistreated.

‘But how can I hide my overflowing feelings?’

Shihoon removed the grain of rice from Eunha’s lips and caressed her soft cheek. Then, as if it tickled her, she leaned her head back and rubbed the skin he had touched.

“By the way, are you sure you don’t mind? If you bring my sister to your house so that I can see her, it will be misunderstood…”

“Why? Are you afraid that a rumor will spread that I have called a courtesan home?”

“Yes. Noble men would never invite a courtesan to their homes. They all come to see them secretly late at night.”

Shihoon chuckled at those cruel words.

“Don’t worry. I’m not an official yet, I’m just someone who studies hard. Besides, there’s no one in this town who doesn’t know who my mother is.”

“Even so…”

Just as she was struggling with her words, the voice of Mr. Kim, his assistant, burst into the room.

“Young Master, Lady Sohyeon has come to see you.”

Since he knew Eunha was there, his tone was filled with embarrassment.

“Please wait here for a moment. I’ll be back after having a cup of tea with the guest.”

“Shouldn’t I leave?”

“It’s not necessary. It will be brief.”

That said, Shihoon stood up and walked out. Before he closed the door, Eunha saw a young lady dressed in fine clothes. She greeted Shihoon with a cheerful smile.

She really was such a beautiful woman that one could believe she was already married. Her hair was prettily braided, and she wore a lovely coat of silk and cotton. Her fine eyebrows curved as marvelously as a crescent moon.

Eunha sucked on her spoon and gulped. But she quickly shook her head and focused back on the food. She was grateful to Shihoon for his generosity since he not only served her delicious dishes, but also sweets and luscious fruits.

‘Ha, this place is paradise.’

Eunha, who was looking around with her mouth full of food, noticed a poem hanging on the wall and her cheeks blushed intensely.

‘How can he cherish such a clumsy poem?’

As Eunha stood in front of the poem in disbelief, the voice of the young lady named Sohyeon reached her ears.

“Looks like you have company. I’ll come see you later.”

“She’s someone who’s like a real little sister to me, so don’t worry. Let’s have a cup of tea.”

“If you say so. Then I’ll leave after that.”

“Okay.”

“By the way, I heard from your father, why do you want to postpone the wedding? I was so shocked that I came unannounced.”

Eunha was startled as soon as she heard ‘wedding’ and hurriedly pressed her ear to the paper sliding-door to eavesdrop on the conversation between the two.

“That’s… That’s because I want to focus only on my studies until I pass the exam. If I’ve worried you, I’m sorry.”