Crossing The East Sea

11 The Sparring Match

Choe Yong-gon took a cigarette out – an expensive local brand named "7.27", Shinsou noted – and lit it with a sleek, black lighter.

"Good evening, Yeonha-ya," he said through a cloud of smoke, glancing at them as they got into the elevator.

"Abeonim," Yeonha greeted him.

"Who's this?" enquired Choe, looking at Shinsou.

"He's the son of Eomma's old friend from Japan who came to visit," said Yeonha, nervously.

The elevator reached the tenth floor, and they got out.

"Old friend?" said Choe, looking appraisingly at Shinsou, "Where's this old friend, then?"

"He and Eomma are in the apartment," said Yeonha, eyes downcast.

"Ah, she sent you out, did she?" said Choe. He blew out another cloud of cigarette smoke.

"No, I brought oppa here to have a look at the jangmadang," said Yeonha, quickly.

"Well, let's go in, then, shall we?" said Choe, expansively.

Nakajima and Park Soojin were sitting in the living room, talking. The latter went pale when she saw Choe.

"Yong-gon oppa," she said, rising.

"I see you have company, Soojin-ya," said Choe smoothly, "Why don't you introduce us?"

"This is an old friend from Japan, Han Kyung-ju," said Park Soojin nervously, "He's a sailor. His ship the Kirogi has docked here, and he and his son came to pay a visit."

Choe Yong-gon bowed, and so did Nakajima. Shinsou was wondering whether Choe would see through Nakajima's disguise.

"Kirogi, eh?" said Choe, "Now, that comes from Niigata City, doesn't it?"

"It does," said Nakajima, calmly.

"You must be a Zainichi Korean too, then," said Choe, "I was in Japan, long ago, with Soojin here. We must have met. I'm sure I'll be able to recall who you are, after a while."

"Unlikely," said Nakajima, "we probably moved in quite different circles, there."

"You remind me of someone I used to spar with, there," remarked Choe, looking carefully at him, "I can recall it clearly, although it was many years ago."

"Perhaps that must be because the outcome of the matches was not as desired?" said Nakajima, quietly.

Choe's face darkened.

"I won," he snapped, "I always win. Do you know martial arts, Kyungju-ssi?"

Yeonha was listening, her eyes wide. Park Soojin was looking tense.

"I know a little," said Nakajima, smiling slightly, "I would be happy to help you relive those sparring days, if you wish."

"Then no doubt your son here is also well-versed in those arts," purred Choe, looking at Shinsou.

"Yong-gon oppa, please – " Park Soojin began, looking worried.

"Yeonha here has been learning taekwondo for the last two years," said Choe smoothly, ignoring her, "I arranged the lessons specially for her. Perhaps she and your son can have a little match, now."

"Oh, abeonim, I'm sure that's not necessary," said Yeonha softly, looking distressed.

"Come, Yeonha-ya, you know that is my criterion for all the boys I see you with," said Choe, "I always make them spar with you. If they lose, they're not worthy of you."