Chapter 7- Plans Beneath The Table
---
"I should definitely try making that!" Jang Mi exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she pointed to the dish on Vincenzo's phone.
"You absolutely should! And if you need any help, just call me. Those online videos are useless," Vincenzo replied, his excitement matching hers.
"Hyung, don't introduce her to more Italian dishes. I'm the one who'll end up cooking them anyway," Han Seo teased, earning a playful eye roll from Jang Mi.
"Aniya! Since Vincenzo-ssi has so graciously offered, I'll definitely call him when I cook it. Right, Vincenzo-ssi?" Jang Mi insisted with a grin.
"Ne! Call me, and we'll whip it up together," Vincenzo responded, his tone eager.
Their laughter filled the room, a lively conversation flowing easily between the three until the rest of the family joined them.
"How was the food?" Cho Hee asked, her voice casual but her eyes sharp.
"It was great, thank you," Vincenzo replied, maintaining his polite composure.
"No need to thank me. You're my daughter's boyfriend, after all. I have to treat you well," Cho Hee said with a smile that hinted at something deeper.
"Treat him well, then use his kindness to your advantage. Classic," Jang Mi muttered under her breath. Hong Cha Young, who had just joined the group, caught the remark and stifled a laugh.
Vincenzo cleared his throat, hiding a grin. But before he could speak, a small voice rang out from the doorway.
"Emmo!"
"Waah, Somi-ah! You're here!" Hong Cha Young's face brightened as she turned to see her niece. Somi, full of energy, released her father's hand and rushed to her, wrapping her arms around her in a tight hug.
"Cha Youngie, I missed you so much! When Halmeoni and hal-abeoji told me you were coming for dinner, I was so happy!" Somi rambled, nearly pulling Hong Cha Young off the sofa.
"But dinner's over now. If I'd known you were coming, I would've waited," Hong Cha Young said with a touch of regret.
"It's okay, Appa had to work late. But now that we are here, we can have family dessert instead!" Somi declared with a smile.
"Of course we can!" Hong Cha Young laughed, her mood instantly lifting.
"Yebo, unnie! Let's make some desserts with Somi," Jang Mi suggested, extending her hand to Somi, who eagerly took it.
"Emmoni, we'll be back!" Jang Mi called as they headed to the kitchen, with Han Seo following closely behind.
"Let's go..." Han Seo said, raising an eyebrow at Hong Cha Young, who lingered next to Vincenzo.
She looks at her family, who Vincenzo would be left alone with and hesitates. "Aniya... I'll stay with Vi-"
"Ommo, didn't I call for Vincenzo-ssi too? Mianheyo! Vincenzo-ssi, come with us!" Jang Mi interrupted, motioning for him to join.
The group moved to the kitchen, leaving Min Ju and Yun Jin unnoticed at the door step.
Somi, who was ever curious, looked up at Vincenzo with narrowed eyes. "Who are you?"
"I'm your Emmo's friend," Vincenzo replied, offering her a warm smile.
"Ani! You're her namja chingu! Samchon told me lying is bad," Somi declared with a seriousness that made everyone chuckle.
"Did I?" Han Seo muttered, scratching his head.
"Somi-ah, do you know what namja chingu means?" Jang Mi asked, amused.
