Chapter 9: You have to feed me
On my way to the kitchen, the servants greeted me with smiles, which I found a bit odd. However, I didn't dwell on it for long and soon arrived at the kitchen.
I started by preparing a traditional Korean breakfast, knowing it was one of Yura's favorites. I decided to make a nutritious and balanced meal, consisting of rice, soup, side dishes, and tea.
For the rice, I used a mixture of white and brown rice, cooked to perfection in a rice cooker. The aroma of freshly cooked rice filled the kitchen, adding to the inviting atmosphere.
Next, I prepared a hearty soup called "doenjang jjigae," a traditional Korean soybean paste stew. I used homemade soybean paste, tofu, vegetables, and mushrooms to create a rich and flavorful broth. The soup simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its savory fragrance.
For side dishes, I made an assortment of banchan, small dishes served with rice. I prepared kimchi, seasoned vegetables, and marinated tofu, each bursting with unique flavors and textures. The vibrant colors of the banchan added a pop of color to the breakfast table.
Finally, I brewed a pot of "boricha," a traditional barley tea, to accompany the meal. The nutty and refreshing flavor of the tea would complement the other dishes perfectly.
With the breakfast ready, I arranged everything neatly on a tray and made my way back to Yura's room. I knocked softly on the door before entering, not wanting to disturb her if she was still resting.
Yura was still lying on the bed when I entered the room, her eyes closed, peacefully asleep. The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on her face.
Her peaceful expression brought a smile to my face as I approached quietly. I set the breakfast tray down on the bedside table, careful not to make too much noise.
"Yura," I said softly, gently shaking her shoulder to wake her up. "Breakfast is ready."
Yura stirred awake, blinking her eyes open slowly. As she sat up, the blankets slipped off her shoulders, revealing her tousled hair and sleepy expression.
She looked at me, still somewhat drowsy, but made no move to take the breakfast tray. Her gaze fixed on me, and I felt a hint of discomfort.
"You can eat," I said, pushing the breakfast tray towards her.
"No," she replied firmly. "You have to feed me, with your hands," she said, crossing her arms.
Yura's sudden demand caught me off guard, and I found myself at a loss for words. Was she serious? Did she really expect me to feed her like a baby?
"Yura, I don't think that's necessary," I said, trying to keep my voice calm.
But she was adamant, and her tears were starting to flow more freely.
"Please, Jiyeon," she pleaded, her voice trembling. "I need you to take care of me. You're my wife after all."
Feeling a mix of frustration and sympathy, I relented. After all, I didn't want her crying all day.
"Okay, okay," I said, trying to sound reassuring. "I'll feed you."
I picked up a spoon and began to feed her, trying not to let my discomfort show. Yura's tears gradually subsided, and she began to eat more peacefully, with a smile on her face.
As I fed her, I couldn't help but feel a sense of absurdity. Here I was, feeding my contracted wife like she was a child. It was definitely not how I imagined my morning would go.
But despite the awkwardness of the situation, there was something oddly endearing about it. Yura looked so vulnerable and needy, like a little puppy. It was too adorable. I even took advantage of the moment to pull out my phone from my pocket and take a photo. It would be my little revenge because when her estrus passed, she would be really embarrassed.
As we finished breakfast, Yura seemed to relax, her tears drying up completely. She looked up at me, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.
"Thank you, Jiyeon. You're not as bad as I thought," she said softly, her eyes full of gratitude.
I smiled back, feeling a sense of relief that the ordeal was over.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some work to do," I said, taking the tray.
As Yura returned to sleep peacefully, I left the room. As I walked away, I couldn't help but chuckle to myself. Who knew married life would be so...interesting?
As I left Yura's room, I immediately ran into a servant. She took the tray from my hands before hurrying away. I took the opportunity to head to my own room to change. After freshening up, I grabbed the car keys and made my way to the courtyard, where I hopped into the car. In just 10 minutes, I arrived at the restaurant.
The restaurant, nestled in a cozy corner of the city, exuded an inviting aura even from the outside. Its warm, earthy tones and welcoming facade invited guests to step inside and experience a taste of Korean cuisine. The smell of freshly cooked food wafted through the air, tantalizing the taste buds of passersby.
I parked the car and stepped out, feeling a sense of pride wash over me as I gazed at the restaurant. It had been a dream of mine to own a place like this, and seeing it thrive filled me with a sense of accomplishment.
The moment I stepped inside, I was greeted by the familiar sounds and smells of the kitchen. The sizzle of meat on the grill, the rhythmic chopping of vegetables, and the fragrant aroma of spices filled the air, making my mouth water. However, I noticed something unusual—there was no one in the restaurant, which struck me as odd.
"Good morning, Chef Kang," I greeted the head chef as I entered the kitchen.
"Good morning, Madam Jiyeon," Chef Kang replied with a warm smile. "It's good to see you. How can I assist you today?"
"I wanted to ask you a question. Why there are no customers in the restaurant?"