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XI - Chasing after money

Seoul, Dongdaemun district

When Yoo Jin saw the whole crowd at the Gwangjang market, she felt despair falling on her head. She had left home after Jin Ah, Bo Hwa was glued to her computer and Mi So was still asleep.

- At least today I have some money! She said to comfort herself.

Choi Yoo Jin adjusted her glasses; she turned up her pointy nose and started looking for the scammer through the entire market.
It looked like a small village with lots of alleys: the stands were covered with sunshades of all colors and there was always something to see. The square was rather airy: the sales stands were spread out on the left and right, leaving a vast passage in the middle.
The sun came brightly with a refreshing gentle breeze. The girl took off her jacket and lingered near a fabric seller for Hanboks. She had been hanging around for three days but she was sure she had never seen this stand before.

- Please… Don’t get lost… Just stay focused… Oh! Food!

She continued on her way and felt more and more joyful: the colorful and spicy dishes made her craving. Yoo Jin stopped in front of a big red-haired lady's stand and ended up sitting at the table. She felt as if the steamed mandus were begging her to eat them.

- Hello... Ajumma, give me five fish mandus and five pork mandus please!

The saleswoman didn't react right away. Usually it took a few minutes of body language for her to understand any order from strangers.

- Good morning, Miss! She finally hurled herself by bringing her a dish of smoky mandus and a glass of iced water. It's so rare to meet strangers who speak Korean so well!

- Thank you... Yoo Jin said as she coarsely swallowed her meal. That's because I love this country very much! By the way, it's delicious....

- You look so hungry!  The saleswoman pointed out as she gave more mandus to Yoo Jin. Here, it's a gift!

- Oh, thank you! Yoo Jin replied, very touched - food is life, she thought deep down.

Yoo Jin was giggling with pleasure while eating and the saleswoman couldn't help but find her adorable.

Today, Yoo Jin felt particularly lucky and she had a good feeling about Gong Ji Kwan's research. Even after all those fruitless days, she did not know the meaning of the word "discouragement". Yoo Jin was always trying to look on the bright side even when there wasn't one. She could get very sick and then tell you "at least I lost my extra pounds!" with a smile on her face. If we could say that everything in her life was working like clockwork, she would surely tell you that the wheels have wings or that God Almighty has given her a helping hand and that's why it works so well.

Yoo Jin finished her glass of water in three sips and then looked for her wallet in her purse. She hesitated to take a second course before paying, but swept away the idea as soon as she saw the time on her watch.

- Whoa, whoa, whoa! It's almost noon! She shouted as she rushed. How much do I owe you?

- 16,000 Won, please. The saleswoman replied, adjusting her apron. Why are you in such a hurry? You’re gonna get indigestion if you rush this fast.

- That's because I absolutely must find someone. A dirty scammer, who managed to steal $15 million from us, do you realize that? Fifteen million gone... Living in Itaewon is already hard. And now we risk ending up on the street!

Yoo Jin sighed as she handed her three bills and continued to tell her story as if she was talking to a long-time friend.

- Oh really? Poor little... commented the saleswoman, almost as troubled as if she had suddenly lost fifteen million too.