Saet-byeol, having devoured the childcare diary, took a notebook from her room, stuck the ultrasound photo she got today, and started writing something.
She was writing a childcare diary just like I did. It's a strange feeling. The child I thought was just young looked like an adult. To feel her growth through something like this....
I watched it with a satisfied smile.
As time passed and the sun began to set, I prepared to go to the meeting place. The meeting place was a special place chosen by Shi-hyun....
It was a place to flaunt our wealth.
,"We're going there again."
,"We only go there at times like this."
Our destination was a Korean traditional cuisine restaurant. A very special Korean traditional cuisine restaurant. It's a place favored by those who are successful in the political, legal, and Hunter circles for holding secret talks or flaunting their status.
Of course, the quality of the food is good, but the price is too high for an ordinary office worker to use. The basic cost is hundreds of thousands of won per person, with a separate seating charge, and you can't even use it unless you're a member.
I've been there thanks to Oppa and Mi-ra... Now Shi-hyun, who has established himself as an A-Rank Hunter, was able to become a member and use it.
,"Where is that?"
,"There's a Korean traditional cuisine restaurant."
The taste and the dishes are decent, but the kids don't really like Korean food, so I've never bothered to come here.
When we arrived at our destination, Saet-byeol stared blankly at the Korean traditional cuisine restaurant. It was understandable that she was captivated and overwhelmed by the magnificent traditional Korean house.
,"I, it looks expensive."
It is expensive. There was a reason why Shi-hyun specifically chose this place. It was to flaunt our wealth, to prevent our family from being looked down upon, and to prevent Saet-byeol from being oppressed.
The other side is also a doctor and an employee of a large company, so they'll probably come out with their shoulders puffed up, but he's trying to show them that our class is different. Since they're a reasonably well-off family, they've probably heard rumors about this members-only place.
,"It's an expensive place."
When we went inside and said Shi-hyun's name, we were guided to our reserved room.
,"Wow...."
Saet-byeol was admiring the fancy interior. I pulled the admiring Saet-byeol and took a seat on one side. Having come to her senses, Saet-byeol nervously checked her surroundings and became wary.
And she was surprised when she saw the menu.
,"230,000 won per person!?"
,"Places like this are always expensive."
That's the cost for a single-person set meal. Ordering additional items will, of course, cost extra.
After waiting about 10 minutes at our seats, the other party arrived. As Shi-hyun had intended, they were overwhelmed by the place and intimidated.
We got up from our seats and greeted each other.
Of course, the atmosphere was subtle. It would be strange if the atmosphere was good, since we didn't meet for a good reason.
,"It's unfortunate that we have to meet under such unpleasant circumstances."
,"Ah, no."
The other party was flustered when Shi-hyun greeted them politely.
,"We are the ones who should be sorry."
The couple immediately made their son bow his head.
,"We have caused great trouble due to our carelessness."
,"No, how can it be the fault of the man alone?"
It was something that happened because the two were a match.
,"Let's sit down first."
When we sat down, we called someone and ordered. They were wide-eyed again when they saw the prices on the menu.
,"We'll take care of the bill, so you don't have to worry. You can order anything else you want to eat."
Geon-u's parents looked bewildered at Shi-hyun's words. They're people who make a decent amount of money, but the prices seem shocking. It would be shocking since 150g of Bulgogi costs more than 100,000 won per serving.
Because the prices were high, no one ordered additional items.
,"First of all, I would like you to accept this."
I handed over Saet-byeol's obstetrics and gynecology report. They opened it with trembling hands and sighed.
,"It's real."
,"Yes, since the two have been dating for quite a long time, it won't be another man's child. Of course, we'll also do a proper DNA test when she's 7 weeks along."
Is it because it's shocking? Their expressions were dark.
,"Have you heard your son's opinion?"
At my question, the other mother sighed and answered.
,"Yes, he said he would take full responsibility."
,"Our daughter also said she would give birth to it."
We looked at the kids and sighed.
,"Since they both want it, there's no need to forcibly tear them apart."
All the adults except the kids started laughing, but the atmosphere was very subtle. The two kids were quietly watching, knowing that they were at fault.
Since the food hadn't come out yet, we discussed future plans.
,"Then, are you going to marry them after the DNA test results come out?"
We nodded at their question.
,"I would like to, but...."
There was also the issue of whether or not to hold a wedding. It was ridiculous for kids who were just becoming adults to get married. If we held a wedding and invited guests, they would gossip.
,"How about registering the marriage and only putting them on the family register, and then having the wedding in about 2 years?"
2 years... I was thinking after college graduation.
,"W, we don't have to have a wedding...."
I poked Saet-byeol in the side for talking nonsense next to me.
,"Quiet."
I was so sad that I couldn't have a wedding with Shi-hyun! It's so hard not being able to show my face to my relatives! I didn't want Saet-byeol to go through that pain.
,"2 years later... I was thinking after college graduation, but...."
,"Isn't that too late? The baby will have grown up too."
That's true too, both sides had their pros and cons.
,"Then we can decide to have the ceremony in 2 years."
There were many other things to discuss, but the food came out.
,"Let's talk after we finish eating."
,"Yes."
The only thing that was decided was to register the marriage first and have the wedding in 2 years. The mealtime was quiet. It would be rude to chatter in front of such a feast.
The taste was consistent. Since the food was delicious, everyone was focused on eating. I watched Saet-byeol eat and picked out foods that pregnant women shouldn't eat.
,"It's better not to eat that and that."
,"Okay...."
Saet-byeol gave me a sad look. But if she wants to be a mom, she had to endure it.
After we finished dinner, the waiter cleared the table and brought tea and coffee. We drank tea and coffee and continued our conversation.
,"The problem is where they should live after they register their marriage."
Letting them live independently was out of the question. She has to go to school, and it's hard to do housework and childcare.
In addition, it was rare these days for women to move into the man's house and live under his family, even after marriage.
Yes, unlike 30-40 years ago, it was common for men to live near the woman's parents or with the woman's parents.
In addition, they thought there was a difference in wealth based on our display. That's why they were being cautious now.
,"For us, it's easier to take care of and help if our daughter stays at home, but...."
At my words, they looked at their son. In a way, it was like their son was being sold off.
,"A, are you okay with that?"
,"My oldest child just moved out, so we have room in our house."
They must be worried if their son lives with his in-laws.
,"Of course, you don't have to decide right away. We have to do the test anyway."
I said with a smile. Still, I was half-forcing him to live with his in-laws. It would be nice if Shi-hyun helped me... but he was just watching.
I put this issue aside for now and brought up another agenda.
,"There's also the issue of his career path, right?"
I brought up the topic first.
,"That's...."
,"I heard your son is aiming for medical school."
,"Yes, we know that too."
,"But I heard he's considering changing his career path because of our daughter."
They looked at their son with pitiful eyes.
,"I don't think that's necessary."
,"Is that so?"
,"Yes, if I roughly calculate the due date, she'll be in a stable period during the semester and give birth during the vacation."
Geon-u looked at his parents.
,"It's a pity to give up on his dream."
It was a trick to tell him to behave himself because we would be considerate. They probably heard that Shi-hyun is an A-Rank Hunter. They didn't have many options and it was hard to come on strong.
,"I, I'm okay with it."
,"A man shouldn't give up on his goals."
Shi-hyun, who had been quiet until now, opened his mouth.
,"I, I'm really okay with it."
,"Do you think your daughter will like it if you give up on your dream?"
He had no choice but to shut his mouth at Shi-hyun's words.
,"Excessive consideration is not necessary."
I felt like laughing when I saw Shi-hyun acting all serious. He's cool, but it was funny because he was so different from the Shi-hyun who usually clings to me.
I could see Shi-hyun's intention. Since there have been many stories that were favorable to us, he was going to let them have one thing they wanted.
It's a terribly petty act, but I didn't feel sorry. I came out prepared to be criticized to some extent for the sake of my daughter.
As we backed down, they became busy too. As expected, they didn't want to give up on medical school, so they decided to accept this agenda.
After that, we discussed several other issues, but most of the stories progressed in our favor.
It was already difficult for them to come on strong, but it was a natural result since we put a lot of pressure on them.
I couldn't back down even if I was called petty.
When the general direction was decided, we finished the conversation and came out of the Korean traditional cuisine restaurant. Standing at the gate in a somewhat friendly atmosphere, we looked at each other.
,"I guess we should call each other in-laws now."
In-laws... The DNA test is still left, but... If Saet-byeol didn't cheat, there shouldn't be a problem.
,"Haha, please take good care of me, in-law."
Shi-hyun smiled and held out his hand, and they shook hands. I went next to him and shook hands too.
,"Please take good care of me in the future."
We parted with a smile for now. In the car going home, Saet-byeol complained a little.
,"Mom, aren't you being too much?"
,"Why?"
,"You only talked about things that were favorable to us."
Is it because she's smart? She figured it out quickly....
,"But we have no choice, do we?"
,"Why?"
,"Both of Geon-u's parents work."
If one of them was a full-time housewife, Saet-byeol could have gone to live with her in-laws. Even if a grandchild is born, the person who is playing at home can take care of the child.
,"Who's going to take care of the baby when it's born? You said you're going to school."
,"T, that's... Mom will do it all."
Saet-byeol had nothing to say, so she lowered her head.
,"So we have to make it favorable to you, and if your boyfriend comes to our house, do you think it'll be comfortable for Dad or Mom?"
Just having an outsider increases the things you have to be careful about.
,"Your sibling and us will all be uncomfortable, so what do you think is the reason why we're trying to bring him to our house despite that?"
I was annoyed, so I scolded her.
,"It's all for your own good, for your convenience, do you understand?"
,"I, I'm sorry."
,"If you know, stay still. Do you think we want to take advantage of someone else's son?"
I know that it's not good to gain an advantage in a relationship like this. If we do it wrong, the relationship between the two families could turn cold. But the reason why I went this way was because I wanted Saet-byeol not to lose her time as a student, I wanted the man who would become Saet-byeol's husband not to give up on his dream, and I wanted the child who would be born later not to grow up lonely.
,"Stop it."
When Shi-hyun opened his mouth, my head cooled down and I was able to calm down.
,"Please understand Mom and Dad's feelings too."
,"Okay...."
Saet-byeol was quiet and didn't say anything until she arrived home.