Start Up Vol.2

Chapter 4

They decided to name their company, Cosmo Co.

"I've submitted our names and relevant information needed."

"What's next?" she asked, slurping her coffee away.

"Just wait. With my idea, i think the chance of us entering the next round is high."

---

Jihyun managed to get some books on design and business after a short meetup with him. It has been few years since she touched on design and to be honest, her skills are getting rusty. Sejun was kind to lend his Adobe Creative account for her usage.

"AH! It's already 2pm. I need to hurry if not ajumma will curse at me!"

Jihyun ran as she headed for her part-time job.

---

"Oh, you didn't open for business today?" Jipyeong called Halmoni, with the intention of dropping by.

He sounded concerned. "Are you unwell? Do you need anything? I can drop by..."

"I'm fine, I'm fine. Just a minor accident at home." She paused a while. "Dosan is here, taking care of me."

"Oh.. is that so?" She could sense the awkwardness in his voice. Halmoni knew it was uncomfortable mentioning Dosan's name to Jipyeong, now that he's officially part of her family.

"If so, I'll drop by another day. Since Dosan is there, I'm sure you are in good hands."

"Jipyeong-ah..."

"Aish, I'm getting on well, Halmoni. I'm living and eating well. So, don't worry about me."

"Are you really getting on fine?" She didn't seem assured.

"Of course! Halmoni, ah, I have work to settle. I'll contact you again!"

Jipyeong quickly ended the call. He sighed.

"Han Jipyeong, why are you still being like this?"

---

Spending most of the time either in his apartment, office or his car, Jipyeong had never really went out and explored the city. His comfort was being alone in enclosed space he was too comfortable with.

He was so used to his solitude and didn't find new environment enthralling.

That day, he "sailed without a map", his feet leading its way. He looked around, his eyes observing those people interacting happily around him.

He remembered that phrase. Dalmi letting herself sailing without a map, and eventually was greeted by a beautiful rainbow. Would grass be greener on the other side? Will he find what he desired for all this time?

He stopped his tracks and looked up.

Tongin Market.

Suddenly, his right shoulder was knocked over. He let out a tiny whimpered.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Jipyeong squinted his eyes and realised the one who knocked him over was a woman. She looked like she was in a hurry.

"I need to carry weights more often. She's definitely a wrestler." Jipyeong and his sarcasms.

---

Jihyun arrived at the fruit stall only to see her boss was fighting with another fruit stall owner. She scratched her head. She always witnessed this scene every time she came. It was an endless frustration.

"Ajumma!" Jihyun attempted to cease the fight but they were too strong.

"Ya! You stinky old man. Why you have to snatch my customers away?!!"

"You old woman, it's not like you own them! First come first serve!"

Jihyun came in between them. "Can both of you stop?"

"Ajumma, can't you grow up a bit? Why are you trying to nitpick even smallest thing like this?!" She stared at her boss, her anger rose up real quick.

"Ya, you wretched girl, are you siding with him? I'm your boss!"

Jihyun rolled her eyes in disbelief. Meanwhile, the bickering attracted Jipyeong's attention.

It was a sight that even regular customers were so used to witnessing it. No one really bothered to stop their fight. It was always Jihyun who always came to stop them.

"Ahjusshi, you stop too, alright?"

"Jihyun-ah, step aside. She need to learn her lesson."

Ajumma stepped away for a moment. Jihyun tried to persuade him not to drag this further. Jipyeong stood a distance away, observing her conversation with him.

"I understand your point ahjusshi, in business, it's all about who gets it first but playing fair too is important. I'll try to talk to her."

"Jihyun-ah, in business, it's also about grabbing opportunities. I didn't steal her customers. They came to my stall."

"What are you trying to do?" Jipyeong grabbed Ajumma's arm. Jihyun turned around and saw her holding a basin of dirty water. She attempted to throw it at her.

She glanced over, at Jipyeong, wondering why a random guy came to stop when no one has ever step forward to stop them.

She struggled to break free. "Ya, who are you to mingle in our business? Let me off!"

She felt a tinge of disappointment.

"Just because she said a piece of truth, you accused her. That's not fair." Jipyeong spoke, his grip still firm.

"Ajumma... I think I had enough. I'll quit."