Nan Gil doesn’t even flinch at Na Ri’s scoffing. He continues: because he’s her stepfather, he won't have her lose her sight due to stress, have malnutrition, and have insomnia. So, he’s going to continue to meddle. He tells her to go back to Seoul. Why is he trying to get rid of her? He says that he’ll let her know when the test results come out.
Na Ri can’t believe what he’s saying. She’s speechless. And yet, talking. Nan Gil sighs and says that he was going to tell her little by little. Doesn’t work with a Band-Aid, either. You gotta just rip it off. Na Ri breaks into banmal and (with sarcasm in her voice) asks how old he is. He corrects her use of banmal: he’s her stepfather. Isn't speaking informally to him disrespectful? She tells him that he should've done his homework better. Oma passed away. How can she have a stepfather when Oma already passed away? Just what *is* his identity?
Calmly, Nan Gil repeats that he’s her father. He tells her that they live in a polite country. "Hey," "You"... it’s not right. He says that Shin Jung Im (Oma) and he registered their marriage a year ago. She can’t believe he’s referring to Oma as Shin Jung Im. She gives him a ‘ya!’ and calls him a con artist gigolo! It seems that Nan Gil takes a bit of offense at something in that last sentence. He steps closer and says, with terseness in his voice, that calling him those kind of names is an insult toward Oma. And the way he says it shows that he’s upset at how she’s insulting her mother.
There’s a pause. Nan Gil says that the day they ran into each other at the forest burial was his and Oma’s first wedding anniversary. So why way he napping there? Seems a little odd way to deal with a lost anniversary.
Na Ri turns around and says that it’s possible that he registered the marriage by himself and her innocent Oma had no idea about it. But her tone is much less insulting. Nan Gil answers that it would be hard for Oma not to know. They went there together. Na Ri starts to be disrespectful again, but stops herself, and suggests they went to register at the post office. Nan Gil clarifies: at the town hall. Which makes it much more likely to be legal. She gives him that it was at the town hall.
Still not wanting to lose face, she asks why he pretended not to know her at the forest burial? He points out how she’s reacting now – he couldn't possibly say that he was her father then (because she’d react even worse). He said that he’d see her again. She refuses to yield: Why didn't he tell her about it last night?! Indignantly he replies that she was drunk and out of your mind. He couldn’t say it then. Especially not after she whacked him with the shovel.
Na Ri starts flapping her hands about her ears and orders him to stop saying 'father'! Nan Gil sighs. He declares that she’s the type to get stressed and have a lot of rage inside herself. His tone scolding, he says that she can't control her emotions, so she gets stressed out that she can't fall asleep. It’s going to give her wrinkles and make her look old. She starts to argue that how she is won’t cause wrinkles, but then worries that she’s getting some. He repeats that she’s getting stressed that she can't sleep.
Na Ri wants photographic evidence. There must be some photographic evidence. He sighs. He starts to leave the roof, but she blocks his way with her arms. She calls him ‘Stepfather’ and says that she should show her some evidence, like a picture. He sighs again and pulls out his phone. He shows her a picture from the day they registered the marriage. He looks so young there! Na Ri looks back and forth at the picture to Nan Gil’s face. He’s staring at her with an annoyed look on his face.
Duk Bong has listened to the whole thing. He smiles to himself and leaves.
Nan Gil takes back his phone and Na Ri’s in a slight state of shock. He pats her on the arm and walks off the roof.
Na Ri meets with Doctor, who sighs because it looks like there is nothing else out of the ordinary. It is just temporary vision loss due to stress. She’s not listening, but thinking of that picture of Oma with Nan Gil and the marriage license. She starts breathing heavily and pounding her chest with her fist. Doctor is taken a little aback. He tells her that she gets stressed really easily. He continues that when they don't find anything out of the ordinary, she may say they’re over-treating her, but really...
Na Ri asks if Doctor is married. He is. How did he register his marriage? Is it true that you register at the town hall? Do both people go together? Don't you need a witness or a guarantor? Not really giving him time to answer.
Nan Gil is waiting for Na Ri in reception. Duk Bong approaches him and remarks that as expected, it's good to help others. Good fortune came to him after helping out a neighbor. Nan Gil just looks at him. Duk Bong holds out some paperwork and says that they should enter into a contract. Nan Gil doesn’t respond, just walks by Duk Bong and sits down. Duk Bong sits down near him.
Not looking at Duk Bong, Nan Gil asks what kind of contract Duk Bong’s discussing. Duk Bong says that it’s for half of the original price he offered for the land. He’ll buy it from Nan Gil right this minute. He’s got to be figuring that Nan Gil is panicking since Na Ri came back and is protesting Nan Gil’s claim on the property. From Nan Gil’s reactions, he’s not lying about the marriage being fully legal. Duk Bong holds out the contract and tells Nan Gil to sign. Nan Gil continues to not look at Duk Bong.
Duk Bong tells him that he should have sold sooner. If Hong Na Ri decides to sue, he's not in a spot to relax about it… so he should just be satisfied with that price and sell it. Nan Gil wants to know what lawsuit Duk Bong’s talking about. Canceling the marriage, claiming the inheritance, fraud... Duk Bong asks if he should continue? Nan Gil clarifies that Duk Bong is saying he wants to enter into into a contract with someone who he thinks is a swindler? Duk Bong replies that Nan Gil wasn’t scamming him so he doesn’t care. Nan Gil holds back rolling his eyes in disbelief at Duk Bong’s ethics.
Duk Bong says that on paper and legally, that land completely belongs to Nan Gil. With a patronizing tone, Nan Gil tells Duk Bong that even if Duk Bong offers ten times the original price, he’s not selling. He shoves the contract away for emphasis. No more eye contact. Duk Bong mutters that Nan Gil seems to have an overdeveloped sense of money. He tells the gold digger and fraud (Nan Gil) to wake up. Then he adds that he doesn't know how Nan Gil managed to seduce an ajumma 30 years older than him... That ticks Nan Gil off and he loudly tells Duk Bong to watch what he says!
Nan Gil realizes that Na Ri just said the same words, just as loudly. He didn’t know that she was listening. They look at her. Na Ri walks over to Duk Bong and tells him that he’s insulting her deceased mother. Apologize immediately! Nan Gil smiles to himself and nods approvingly. Duk Bong looks over at Nan Gil, uncomfortable, and says that he didn't know she was listening. If she did, he’s sorry. Na Ri can’t believe that he’s saying it’s her fault for hearing. I’m thinking that Dong Jin’s attitude is making her more sensitive about this. Heh. She asks Duk Bong how he can apologize so insincerely, like a politician? Nan Gil nods, strongly showing his agreement. Do I detect a little bit of pride there, too, at how cool Na Ri is?
Duk Bong blinks a couple of times and looks back over at Nan Gil. Nan Gil just looks back – with a face that says ‘she told you!’ Duk Bong squirms a little and sincerely apologizes. Na Ri huffs because she can’t yell at him anymore.
Nan Gil asks what the doctor told Na Ri. Pleasantly, Na Ri says that there's nothing wrong. What a relief, isn't it? Nan Gil smiles and nods pleasantly.
Annoyed, Duk Bong leaves the hospital. Muttering to himself, he wonders why she’s taking it out on him rather than yelling at that gold digger and swindler? Let her lose both the house and the land! And he’s going to take his crayons and go home!
Na Ri and Nan Gil are now sitting, arms crossed, not looking at each other. Nan Gil is bouncing one of his legs nervously. He glances at Na Ri out of the corner of his eye and then winces. A nurse calls for Na Ri. He jumps up and hurries over to her. She watches him talk to the nurse at the desk. Resolutely, she gets up.
She walks over to him, now dressed in a red track suit and her hair in a twist on either side of her head. I know this outfit references something, but I haven’t figured out what. It kind of reminds me of ‘Kill Bill,’ which would make sense since this fantasy is her taking him to task. Avenging Na Ri grabs Nan Gil by the lapel and yells at him that he should make it more believable. How can a young man live like this? Nan Gil insulted her and Oma! He’s a gold digger and swindler! He won't ever take her house. She’ll protect it. He doesn’t belong in their house, but behind bars. She declares that they should go to the police! She shoves him to the floor.
Nan Gil grunts and suddenly Avenging Na Ri is gone. Teacher Na Ri has taken her place. She’s holding a pointer. Or switch, depending on what you use it for. Teacher Na Ri says that Oma said she had something to tell her for sure. Could it be Oma was talking about her marriage to him? Does he think she would believe that? Does he really think Oma wishes for them to live as stepfather and daughter? Avenging Na Ri declares that the answer’s no! She knows Oma the best. Nan Gil’s not taking their house. They’re strangers! He needs to get out of her house right now!
Back to Na Ri sitting on the bench. There’s a cracking sound of Nan Gil flicking the paper he’s holding. It startles Na Ri out of her thoughts. I love her imagination. Although, why do Na Ri’s rational selves wear glasses? What’s with the intellectual stereotype? Nan Gil says that they should go.
Na Ri’s phone rings. Mother-in-law (Dong Jin’s mother). Na Ri awkwardly gets up and answers it, walking away for more privacy. Dong Jin’s mother doesn’t know that they’ve broken up. She says that he’s not answering her phone calls. Na Ri says that she’ll have Dong Jin call his mother and hurries off the phone. Aw, Dong Jin’s mother sounds nice. That has to stink that her son is a jerk! Particularly since Na Ri no longer has a mother. Na Ri sighs.
Duk Bong rolls up in his car and honks to get her attention. He tells her to get in. She tells him that she’s fine and he should go. He asks if Shin Jung Im is her mother's name, right? Weren’t you just insulting Oma not 5 minutes ago? He tells her to get in and they’ll talk. Na Ri climbs in and asks how he knows Oma. He says that he wanted to buy the dumpling shop. She asks if he sells dumplings. He doesn’t (scoffing at the thought). Na Ri says that she heard Oma wasn’t selling. He confirms that. Na Ri defiantly says that she’s not going to be selling either.
Nan Gil comes out of the hospital. He frowns a little, seeing her in Duk Bong’s car. Why is she so stubborn?! She sees him and starts to get out of Duk Bong’s car. Duk Bong tells her to wake up. It's not that she won't sell but that she can't. The title is under Go Nan Gil. It's Go Nan Gil's. She looks back over at Nan Gil. He rolls his eyes and starts to walk away.
Duk Bong declares that Nan Gil is definitely a swindler and a gigolo. He adds that he wasn't trying to insult the deceased. But she should see the situation for what it is. Na Ri doesn’t believe it. How could that be? But does that make sense? She’s have never seen Nan Gil before, how can her house... Duk Bong quickly replies that Oma suddenly registered their marriage and formed a joint partnership. Doesn’t she find it weird? There has got to be a reason for it, because I trust Nan Gil and Oma. He points out that Oma didn't say anything about her marriage to her only daughter. He adds that the title was changed and the accident happens all of a sudden. Niggle of doubt.
Na Ri and Duk Bong drive by a walking Nan Gil. He goes into a pharmacy. At the corner, Na Ri hops out of the car – without a word – and hurries over to watch outside the pharmacy. Nan Gil glances in her direction. She ducks behind a car. She tells herself to think this through before she says anything. She needs to speak assertively. Speak without getting angry. Use your stewardess training! She peers around the car and Nan Gil is leaving the pharmacy with a plastic bag. She ducks again. He keeps walking and she follows him.
Nan Gil’s greeted by everyone as he walks down the street. That should say something right there. He stops walking and looks behind him. Na Ri pathetically tries to hide behind a light post. He sighs and yells for to come eat. She grimaces over being caught.
They walk toward the restaurant, Na Ri several steps behind Nan Gil. When he turns to look back at her, she hesitates. He asks why she’s not coming in. Hostess says that she will take them to a quiet room with a great view. She conspiratorially adds that a lover's quarrel should be at a natural environment. Nan Gil starts to correct Hostess – they’re father and daugh— when Na Ri cuts him off and says that a quiet room would be lovely.
Lunch is served. Na Ri is sitting with her arms crossed. She tells him that whether people see us as lovers, friends or noona and a little brother, he should just let it be. Don't ever say that they’re father and daughter. He sighs and slaps the table. This is why she gets stressed! She’s caring too much about how other people look at her. Why would she care about how they look at her? They’re not dating. They’re not even friends. They’re not in an oppa-dongsaeng relationship either. Plus, lying to people is–
She interrupts and asks just how old he is. He points his finger and tells her that she has a lot of anger, no wonder she get so stressed. I am cracking up because he is totally changing the subject. Scolding, he asks how she can lose her vision because of stress? Na Ri smiles and says that because he’s avoiding it, that means he’s younger than she is. Grabbing his chopsticks, Nan Gil replies that in their relationship, age is not important. He starts to prepare his bowl.
To herself, Na Ri says that she’s not sure what kind of situation this is, but they should not use banmal. He glances at her, annoyed, as he pours red bean sauce on his pile of food. Talking to her like she’s a child – which makes me laugh – he tells her that she should first eat and then take her medicine. Get her strength back and then go back to Seoul... please. He adds the –yo at the end to make it formal. When she’s back in Seoul, get a check up at a big hospital... please. Eat well and sleep well. Don't get stressed... please. The sarcasm in the yo/please is cracking me up.
Finished mixing the bowl, he swaps it out with Na Ri’s untouched one. Aw, he made her food. Being a chef, it’s got to be good. She begrudgingly starts to eat. He wants her to disappear so he can be in peace? She couldn't do that. She starts to roughly stir her bowl. Even though he just got done mixing it for her. She’ll eat well and take the medicine, and get better. Then, they’ll talk again. Like she’s a kid, he tells her eat slowly and chew it well. She stabs her bowl. He stops.
She declares that if he keeps acting like her father, she won't hold it in any longer. Nan Gil groans indignantly. Huh, he can't call his daughter, ‘daughter’ and she won't call her father, ‘father.’ She takes a swig of tea and sets her cup down firmly. He must think that she’s joking right now. He sighs and looks at her. Has he even tried to think about it from her point of view? I bet he’s done a lot of thinking about that.
Nan Gil asks what part? The mother got married without Na Ri knowing and she feels sad? If not that, she’s disappointed because she thought she would inherit the house. Or she’s startled because a man takes the house and says he's her father? I think that about covers it. Na Ri’s pretty surprised because he covered it all.
Dong Jin stands outside a restaurant, pensive. Yeo Joo arrives. She primps a moment – because he hasn’t seen her. Plastering on that smile, she walks up and calls him ‘Oppa.’ I so want to gag. What is it with the ‘oppa’ name? Is it because it calls up images of being the manly protector that men want to be called that? Plus, I want to gag because of how manipulative and fake she is. Oppa smile. He sighs with a smile and says that she’s so pretty. She flirtily punches his arm. She says that it’s been awhile, so she must look pretty. All aegyo, she asks if he was startled that she asked to meet? Oppa tells her, of course not. He should have called first. An apology, which she stops by putting a finger to his lips. She tells him not to say it.
She adds that she can’t meet with him for very long – so why ask him to lunch if you’re having to cut it short? Arg! – so she suggested the lunch. She says that she felt like they didn't end things very clearly. Aw, Oppa’s hurt her feelings… Wah. She adds that she was curious about how things were with Na Ri Sunbae. Maybe I should be taking notes on how she’s talking, so that I can get an Oppa, too, and have him wrapped around my finger.
Her question reminds him that Na Ri is in the emergency room, so he has to go now. Not the answer Yeo Joo was expecting. He's blowing off their lunch to go to Na Ri. Yeo Joo acts shocked/concerned. Omo! Is Na Ri hurt somewhere? She tells Dong Jin that he should go now. He buys it and smiles at how thoughtful she is. He’s grateful at how understanding she is. He tells her to wait there while he goes and gets the car, so he can drop her off along the way. She tries to get out of that, but Dong Jin insists. As Dong Jin passes out of earshot, Yeo Joo calls Na Ri an old hag and groans about Na Ri playing it up till the end. Then she wipes off most of her lipstick – somehow this is supposed to reel Dong Jin back in.
Back at the restaurant, Na Ri asks Nan Gil to be honest - wouldn't he be flabbergasted? Oma marrying a younger man, she can understand that. Even if Oma gave away all she had, she can understand that. If Oma were alive, she could understand everything. But, this situation is just too weird. There's no way she can accept that, is there? Nan Gil sighs but doesn’t say anything.
After a moment he answers, that if Oma were alive, that's right. There's a somber tone in his voice. He says that many times every single day. He goes down that road every day. He looks out the window and sighs, emotional. That there is a reckless driver on the road every so often, that's a road he knows very well. Why did she have to be there at that time? It’s obvious that he's hurt by Oma’s death. His eyes are a little misty and he can barely speak that last sentence.
Na Ri can tell he's being sincere and it moves her. He seems to miss Oma almost as much as she does. She admits that Oma said that there was something she wanted to tell her in person. Nan Gil’s still looking out the window. Na Ri says that she kept avoiding it, saying that she was busy. What Oma wanted to say... Was it about this? Nan Gil sighs and slightly nods. Probably.
Na Ri puts her head in her hands to regroup. Then, resolutely, she tells Nan Gil to answer truthfully all the questions she asks him from now on. He looks at her. He looks much less light-hearted now. He replies that if he has to lie, he won't answer. I like that answer. He’s not going to lie. I think Na Ri likes that answer, too.
Na Ri asks if Oma ever said anything about her. Nan Gil replies that it wasn’t much. Na Ri doesn’t like that answer. That speaks loads about where their relationship was at when Oma died. Na Ri asks when Nan Gil started working at our dumpling restaurant. He thinks and says that it would have been just before they registered their marriage. And that makes me wonder more what the real story is. Na Ri points out that Nan Gil just happened to go to a dumpling restaurant in a remote location. He just happened to work there and then met Oma and married her? Is that it?
Nan Gil says that that’s not right. Waxing poetic, he says that it was a necessary meeting that was arranged like true fate. And I laugh – and if I was her, I’d want to smack him. Her huff says that she wants to as well. She asks how she’s never seen him before. He answers that she came at night, or on the days the restaurant was closed. When she did come, she slept all day in her room or he avoided her. Na Ri asks my next question: Why did he avoid her? He thinks and shrugs. But what’s his real reason. People always know when they say ‘I don’t know.’ They just don’t want to say.
Na Ri asks if he goes to see Oma now? He replies that he goes often at her favorite times. Na Ri thinks about when she was younger, sitting with Oma by the lake, Oma sighing that she likes this time so much, in between starting something and not, feeling hungry and then not. Annoyed, Na Ri closes her book and takes off on a walk. Oma protests but Na Ri ignores her, until Oma yells that there’s a snake. Oma laughs as Na Ri freaks out. Na Ri’s thoughts jump to Nan Gil telling her there was a snake to startle her. She looks over at Nan Gil and he seems lost in his thoughts, too.
Na Ri asks him if he married Oma because he was in love. He just looks at Na Ri. I don’t think he was in love, but he did it for love. She tells him he failed because he hesitated too long. He won't answer if he has to lie. Quietly, Nan Gil says that they married because of love. Na Ri sighs.
Dong Jin pulls his car up next to Yeo Joo. She flicks her hair over her shoulder and gets in. Oppa glance. She says that Na Ri doesn’t show it at work, but Sunbae Na Ri must be having a hard time. What's wrong with her? Aw, she’s so concerned… Dong Jin answers that he didn’t hear from Na Ri directly. He’s not sure who exactly called. But they said she's out of emergency room and he should come to the house. Yeo Joo sighs and says it’s a relief. She adds that it must not be a real emergency.
When Dong Jin doesn’t bite, she hesitantly says ‘Oppa.’ This gets his attention. As if she was a virgin school girl, Yeo Joo asks if he could stay with her for a little while if she asks? The flare of his nostrils tells me she’s suggesting that she’s finally going to put out. He asks if she means together? She smiles and says that he's getting all weak, like a fool. But really she doesn’t want any other reaction. He’s still drooling over the thought of them staying… together. In Oppa voice, she says that for once, she wanted to tell him something she really wanted to say. He’s still on the hook. She tells him – sounding like his best friend and that she’s looking out for him – that he should be good to Sunbae Na Ri and quit looking at other women. Wow, what a pure heart she has! He shakes his head – like he couldn’t bear to think about letting Yeo Joo go.
Yeo Joo acts like she’s going to get out of the car. She pauses. Dong Jin is feeling tortured by how ‘good’ and ‘selfless’ Yeo Joo is. He can’t see her grin. After a moment, she turns around and says, like she’s holding back tears, that she’ll be happy to be able to see his face once in a while. Her voice quivers. They can't even do that, can they? A pause. More desperate, she asks if they make sure not to get caught? Dong Jin thinks and blinks. Right… if they are careful... they don't have to get caught. Right? Her face is pleading. So innocent. My eye roll. Dong Jin says that he feels so badly. For how this is treating Yeo Joo, of course.
Yeo Joo sighs and smiles like she’s a martyr. She tells him to forget it. It’s too much on her self respect. She doesn't want to be hurting anymore. Quietly, she tells Oppa thank you for everything. Dong Jin’s mouth has sagged open in tortured protest – because he is definitely on the hook. She half waves, pathetically, and says goodbye. She climbs out of the car and slowly, sadly walks away. Dong Jin hops out of the car and calls after her to wait a moment. She smiles because she’s just about to reel him in.
Na Ri is walking down the street with Nan Gil several steps behind her. She stops and asks what Nan Gil did with Oma’s belongings. Aren’t they in the house? You said it didn’t look any different. He answers that he took care of it. She answer that it’s something she should have done. He replies that Abeoji comes first in everything. She yells at him to stop saying ‘Abeoji’! He groans a ‘geez.’ She’s back to not calling her father, ‘Abeoji.’ He looks down and walks past her.
As he goes, a high school girl takes pictures of him. Stalker much?
They arrive at Hong Dumplings. She’s surprised at the line. He nods proudly that that *is* the line for people who want to buy dumplings. Must be much better than when it was just Oma running things. Inside, Yong Kyu greets her. He asks if she’s okay and then if she’s the one, right? The boss's daughter. She hesitates to confirm it and Yong Kyu says that the boss was waiting everyday for her, cleaning up the house all the time. Now that says something. A conman wouldn’t do that. Yong Kyu declares that she came so late and made your presence known so loudly. Anyway, thank you. He heard she’s a stewardess.
He croons that he knew he’d run into a stewardess someday. She looks away, smiling (at how dorky and typical he is). He asks if she’s close to some of her hoobaes? With malice she declares that she is not. Her hoobae is her enemy. Not the answer Yong Kyu wanted so he orders Na Ri to make the boxes he’s supposed to be folding. He whines that his hands hurt. Na Ri rolls her eyes but starts to put one together. Nan Gil walks up, takes the box out of Na Ri’s hands and throws it at Yong Kyu. He tells Na Ri not to do that and to go inside. Like an Appa, he herds her to go out back. Yong Kyu mutters that Nan Gil is a fool for his daughter...
Na Ri goes out back and thinks about Yong Kyu’s comments that Nan Gil was waiting for her to come. She considers Duk Bong’s comment that Nan Gil is a gigolo and a swindler. She thinks about that picture in front of City Hall.
She makes a decision to spy on Nan Gil.
♬ What up girl? ♬
♬ That's right. Come on ♬
She sneaks back through the kitchen and into Nan Gil’s office.
♬ Hold on, there’s a reason why I’m worrying these days ♬
♬ When I see you, I keep getting confused. About you, about you ♬
She starts to rifle through his drawers.
♬ Everything looks new ♬
♬ That actually scares me too. About you ♬
♬ About you ♬
♬ I told you ♬
She finds a drawer that is locked. She tells herself that the drawer proves he’s hiding lot of things. Or, it could be where he keeps his money in a safe, since it’s the restaurant’s *office.*
She starts to look in the cabinets. Bed roll. So maybe it’s his bedroom, too.
♬ I will go to you slowly so you won’t notice. So I can give it all to you ♬
♬ Baby, each day, my heart gets taken away ♬
Nan Gil enters as she’s rifling through his underwear drawer.
♬ I will protect you till the end. So why don’t you come, you got me ♬
Na Ri stands up, like she’s not doing anything, oblivious to the fact that she’s clutching a turquoise set of briefs. She quickly tosses it into the closet. Nan Gil doesn’t say anything.
♬ Baby I’m in love with you ♬
She tries to play it off, like it’s because the store has changed... This room is... bigger than she thought. Nan Gil totally isn’t buying it.
♬ Baby I’m in love with you ♬
She trips over the edge of the bed. Clutching her foot, she jumps around and ends up falling, hands first, into two buckets of dough. That annoys Nan Gil.
♬ I’ve fallen for you, Just you and me ♬
♬ I’m so confused, tell me. Tell me what to do ♬
She stands up. She has to fight to pull her hands out of the dough. Nan Gil comes forward. His breath says he’s mad. He picks up both buckets of dough and breathing again, tells her to leave. She makes a face and does. The cooks enter as she’s exiting. Yong Kyu notices her doughy hands and protests that she’s learning how to make the dough first just because she's family? Nan Gil shoves the buckets into Yong Kyu’s chest, telling him to throw it out. It's been polluted. And that’s a slam in Na Ri’s direction. Chef loud command: Throw it out! Na Ri huffs over the comment that she’s polluted the down. Overreacting much? She walks off and Nan Gil follows her. He still looks angry. It’s interesting that all her acrimony about the marriage doesn’t upset him but messing with his dough does. Yong Kyu mutters that he can feel the cold viciousness between the father and daughter.
Outside, Na Ri is trying to wash the dough off her hands. Now calm, Nan Gil tells her to not ever go in there again. Not acknowledging him, instead Na Ri mutters about how the dough isn’t coming off. He sighs and walks away. Na Ri decides to quit with the washing. When she turns around, Nan Gil is there again. He asks what she was looking for in his room? What would she have to find to make herself feel better? Not wanting to admit she was being shady, she proudly says that it would be Oma’s hand phone. He answers that he said he took care of Oma’s belongings. Na Ri wasn't looking for a hand phone, was she? She’s trying to find something to prove that he’s a fraud or a bad guy. But there's no such a thing. Because he’s not a fraud. Na Ri responds that ordinary people who live in a nice country don't lock their desk drawer like that. A jaw clench and sigh from Nan Gil. Staring.
He asks why she brought the shovel anyway? She couldn't get in touch with her uncle. And she was sure the house was locked up. She sure to have known how fast weeds grow around here, having lived in this house. So, she bought a shovel first. Since she was drunk, she bought a huge shovel. But a shovel wouldn't have been enough. Na Ri’s not going to budge. He continues: Houses without people living in them crumble easily. Even a house knows that it's been abandoned. Na Ri huffs. Is he saying she abandoned this house? Her uncle was supposed to take care of it and she needed time.
A scolding tone in his voice, Nan Gil asks what she did during those times when seasons changed, besides damaging her health? There are some things you need to accept even if it's difficult to do so. Some things won't change no matter what she finds out about him. Like the fact that he’s her father and that this house is his. Finished, he starts to go back into the restaurant. Refusing to let him be the victor, she calls out that his last name is Go and hers is Hong. He shouldn’t keep calling himself her father. They’re strangers. He chuckles and turns to look at her. She firmly and swiftly cleared things up as he hoped she would. What does that mean? Firmly, he tells her that she just has to leave this house.
She asks why she would leave. He asks with what reason for the strangers to live in the same house? Na Ri responds that she’s Oma’s one and only family. He answers, no, *he’s* the one and only family of Oma’s. At least from the legal ownership standpoint, which I think is what his point is. She replies that Hong Dumplings is Hong Na Ri's Hong Dumplings. Holding back a smile, he answers that the person who's running Hong Dumplings, is him, her abeoji. Ah, to be exact, should he say her stepfather?
She can’t say anything to dispute that. She starts to walk into the house. He says that she looks like she’s feeling better. Why doesn't she make dinner? There will be a guest in the evening. She stops and asks if he’s talking to her? He walks over, stands close, and with a smile says that he has pretty much everything in the fridge. His daughter's cooking skills... he’ll be highly expectant. Then he goes inside.
Duk Bong’s work. Unveiling of giant robot statue. Kids clapping. Duk Bong remarks to Soon Rye that he’s impressed by the Chairman’s ability to avoid taxes. She ignores him and flatly declares there's a part where they didn't get a permit yet. He’s moving too fast with the resort business... He tells her to just keep going. They have to be bold to stay in business. She just looks at him, disapproving. He notes that her expression is the same one that that woman gave him. She was extremely annoyed by him. An expression like this.
Soon Rye looks away (not to give him any satisfaction). He notes that Soon Rye knows what kind of person he is and how irresistible he is to women, especially women Na Ri’s age. Soon Rye comments that she must be someone who knows not everything you see is the entire story. He knows that he’s a bad guy who's annoying, but he hides it very well. He even fools himself sometimes. He makes a decision and tells Soon Rye to look into that unique woman. Her name is Hong Na Ri. The daughter of Hong Dumplings. Soon Rye’s expression says that she’s a little surprised at his request.
Na Ri is muttering about Nan Gil’s comment about being highly expectant of the daughter's cooking skills. She pounds her chest a few times and opens the refrigerator. She’s shocked when she opens the doors. Not sure why. She struggles with whether she’s going to cook and then realizes how organized it is. Flashback to being a teenager, opening the refrigerator and things falling out. She yells at Oma to organize the refrigerator. She wonders if he’s the god of organization.
More recent memory of Na Ri hesitantly opening the refrigerator and it being organized. She’s shocked and scares Oma which her yelp. She asks Oma what the deal is with the fridge. Don't change too drastically. It's scary! Oma chuckles and says that she didn't do that. People don't change easily. Na Ri doesn’t need to worry.
Na Ri – in the present – sighs. She closes the refrigerator doors. Wait, they have 2 refrigerators in that huge kitchen. She asks Oma is the current situation is really true and sighs again.
Nan Gil looks at a cell phone with Na Ri and Oma posing as the wall paper. He unlocks the drawer and puts the phone back in his safe. That’s got to be Oma’s phone and there’s got to be something on there that Na Ri’s eventually going to need to see. Otherwise he wouldn’t wait to give it to Na Ri and he wouldn’t keep it locked in a safe.
Na Ri cooking montage.
♬ You don't know me as much as I know you, since the time you have no idea of ♬
♬ Why me, why me, why don't you come around as much? ♬
Lots of yummy food and one of those cast iron pots that boil the food inside. She’s proud of her meal.
Outside, Nan Gil is pacing and looking at his watch. He’s dressed in a suit. Who is this guest that’s coming?
♬ Does she love me more than I love her? If she says something, can I stop it? ♬
♬ Her character is staunch. Right, very strong. It helped me ♬
♬ Will it become a real love and will he protect me? ♬
Na Ri comes outside and notices he’s in a suit. She shakes her head and then uses her hand to emphasize the idea that he’s her stepfather as she tells herself this several times. She decides to says something to Nan Gil. She puts on her best stewardess smile and pleasantly says that dinner's ready. She bows and notes that the guest is late. Would Nan Gil like to wait longer? Isn’t Nan Gil hungry? He’s a little thrown by her polite attitude. He clears his throat and says they should wait a bit longer. She continues to smile and asks if he would you a drink while he waits? He wonders why she’s acting so weird.
♬ As much as I trust you, trust me ♬
She comes down off the porch and looks him over. She asks if the guest is an important person. Of course. She notices the garden and notes that Oma only knew how to grow weeds. He’s not bad. She adds that the garden is to Oma's taste. Oma liked baby's breath. He points out that it's buckwheat. Not to be outdone, she looks over and gestures to her collar. He doesn’t get what she’s trying to say. She reaches over to fix his tie and he bats her hands away. They look at each other. She tells him that his tie is crooked. Nan Gil straightens it and clears his throat.
Na Ri says that she’s decided to accept it. She trusts Oma’s choice. He looks at her, as if asking for an explanation. He didn’t expect her to cave quite so early. She explains that she felt like Oma started having a secret. If she was a better daughter, Oma probably would have told her without worrying about it. Nan Gil says that Na Ri’s a good daughter. Oma said Na Ri was the best daughter in the universe. She smiles and says that that's something nice to hear.
She reaches over and fixes his tie. He tries to lean away, looking very uncomfortable. She says that they should get along well. it's not like they’ll see each other often. He continues to avoid looking at her. What a weird reaction. There’s got to be a story there.
A car has driven up. Dong Jin walks up and asks Na Ri, what she’s doing? He does not look happy that she’s fixing another man’s tie. Nan Gil gives and aigoo and declares that his son-in-law is here. He declares that he’s glad Dong Jin came. He shakes Dong Jin’s hand as he tells Dong Jin ‘Well done. Good job.’ Dong Jin has no idea what Nan Gil is doing, but places Nan Gil at the funeral. He’s the fixer. Fixer? Nan Gil continues to smile.
Dong Jin says that he thought Nan Gil was a funeral home employee. Nan Gil was a relative. No wonder... Nan Gil was working so hard. Nan Gil’s smile has gotten a little bigger. Embarrassed? And it’s obvious that Na Ri had no idea that Nan Gil was there… But he was working really hard to take care of things at Oma’s funeral. That says a lot.
Na Ri asks, annoyed, why Dong Jin is there. Dong Jin asks if Na Ri is okay. He heard she went to the emergency room. She asks how he knew. Looking up at the sky, Nan Gil declares that he called Dong Jin. Dong Jin appreciates the call, but then notices the banmal that Nan Gil just used. Na Ri interrupts Dong Jin’s questions, asking how Nan Gil knew Dong Jin's phone number? Did Nan Gil go through her phone?! The put-upon father (or boyfriend), Nan Gil answers that Dong Jin gave him a business card at the funeral.
Dong Jin asks again why Nan Gil keeps using banmal with Na Ri. Na Ri interrupts again, indignant. Even if Nan Gil did, why didn’t Nan Gil discuss calling Dong Jin before he did it? Nan Gil tuts and tells her to watch what she’s saying. Dong Jin doesn’t like this exchange at all: What's going on? Na Ri glares at Nan Gil. It’s like Dong Jin isn’t there at all. Nan Gil asks Na Ri – a little sarcastic in his tone – if something’s wrong. Dong Jin asks about the banmal again. Question ignored.
Nan Gil puts his hand on Dong Jin’s shoulder as he tell Na Ri that Dong Jin served as head of the household during the funeral so faithfully. Another slap of the shoulder as he says that everyone thinks Dong Jin’s the son-in-law. Another sarcastic ‘he's the only one you can depend on.’ Nan Gil declares that he should have let him know about her emergency visit. Na Ri declares that she has no intention of depending on anyone! Does that mean she’s sworn off men now?
Dong Jin asks why Na Ri’s not using banmal with Nan Gil. Like Dong Jin didn’t ask anything, Nan Gil asks his ‘son,’ if he did something extremely wrong? Hehe. His body language is totally of a dad talking to his daughter’s boyfriend. Hehe. Dong Jin ruffles at being called ‘son’ and asks why Nan Gil is using banmal with him. Not looking at him, Na Ri tells Dong Jin that it’s none of his business. She tells Dong Jin to go home. Nan Gil responds, no! Dong Jin needs to take Na Ri home. In a very officious fatherly tone. Na Ri’s a little surprised by the tone.
Dong Jin asks if that command is directed at him. Another hand on Dong Jin’s shoulder as Nan Gil tells Dong Jin to make sure to take Na Ri to a bigger hospital and have them run some tests once they get back to Seoul. They say it was due to stress. From now on, don't stress her out... Na Ri loudly protests that she said she doesn't want to. What kind of father is he?! Nan Gil frowns and puts his hands on his hips. Dong Jin caught the ‘father.’
Na Ri repeats that she said ‘no.’ She tells Nan Gil not to ever ever do something like this again. Don't meddle in her business! Finally talking to Dong Jin, she tells him to leave. She goes into the house. Dong Jin doesn’t know what to think about Na Ri’s behavior. As the door slams, Nan Gil sternly calls Dong Jin ‘Son!’ and asks what Dong Jin did.
Na Ri is inside stewing. Nan Gil scratches his head as he walks up to her. Putting a hand lightly on her shoulder, he sheepishly says that he’s sorry for contacting Dong Jin on his own... he apologizes again. Na Ri spins around and repeats that she said she’d trust Oma and accept him as her stepfather. If Nan Gil is are her father, he should throw Dong Jin a punch in this situation, regardless.
Dong Jin makes noise as he comes in the house. Nan Gil and Na Ri’s conversation stops. Na Ri makes a face at Nan Gil for him to punch Dong Jin. Dong Jin slowly approaches them and Na Ri gives Nan Gil another head jerk, telling him to punch Dong Jin. Dong Jin hesitantly declares that he has a hard time understanding this right now and he'd like an explanation. Nan Gil’s jaw clenches and he balls his fists.
Dong Jin again asks for an explanation. Nan Gil slowly, wordlessly, walks over to Dong Jin. Is he really going to punch him? A pause. Na Ri waits with anticipation. Nan Gil slowly raises a fist, but at the last minute pleasantly puts his hand on Dong Jin’s shoulder. He declares that he thinks that it’s correct for Dong Jin to just leave tonight. Broad smile. Na Ri is disappointed. She stops off.
She goes to her room. Dong Jin enters, asking if she’s stupid?! That’s a way to talk to her, dude. He yells that she’s a know-it-all all on the surface! She defiantly asks where he thinks he’s coming into. He ‘magnanimously’ tells her that it’s fine if she’s angry with him. Wow, how generous. He says that she should at least let him say what he needs to say. Turning away, she tells him to stop meddling in another family matter and just leave. He asks how he can not meddle?! He mutters to himself that Na Ri must be out of her mind.
Na Ri takes exception to that: whose mind is he talking about? Glaring and then Dong Jin declares that Nan Gil seduced her naive mother. Nan Gil’s a swindler any way you look at him. Is she stupid? Why is she speaking formally to a guy like that? What does Nan Gil want? Does he want alimony? Um, no, since he owns everything. Or does Nan Gil want to live there? Dong Jin asks why she’s packing. Does Nan Gil say this is his house? Did Nan Gil ask her to leave?
Na Ri angrily says that she told Dong Jin not to meddle! And stop insulting Oma. She trusts Oma’s choice. Dong Jin calls her really pathetic. And she knows he’s right. The answer is clear no matter who sees this. Oma fell for the young guy. She fell for a gigolo... no, a swindler! Na Ri hits Dong Jin on the head with the book she is holding. She’s shocked that she did that. So is Dong Jin. Even though it was deserved.
Dong Jin sighs and suggests that Oma’s accident might not have been an accident. Wow, that is low. What about her uncle? How long has it been since she heard from him? Wow. Making Nan Gil even more sinister. And then his phone dings with a bunch of texts from Yeo Joo. He mutters about Yeo Joo texting in pieces. We know that it’s intentional to rub Na Ri’s nose in it. Her texts sound all concerned.
Back in Seoul, Yeo Joo is working out as she texts Dong Jin. The guy next to her says that things must be going well since she's texting during her workout. She replies that the guy lied to her, saying that he's in a meeting, but he went to see his girlfriend of nine years. She’s pretending not to know and told him to have a nice meeting. Guy says that Yeo Joo looks like she’s in a good mood. She smiles widely and says that he's lying to *her.* Guy doesn’t get it so she explains: When her existence in his life was vague, he always talked about his nine-year-old girlfriend. It meant that she should never contact him since she’s the other woman. But... he's lying to her now. She's become his main squeeze. Wow, the logic. They deserve each other. Guy is jealous at her being a main squeeze.
Na Ri tells Dong Jin to please leave. He won’t. Does she even know how much this house is worth? Resorts want to develop this area; they’re lining up right now. Nan Gil knew all this and scammed Oma! It’s a classic conman move! She yells at him to go and shoves him out of her room. He pushes back in and asks about the money Uncle owes him. Na Ri says that she’ll pay it back. Dong Jin wants to know why she’ll be paying him back. He tells her that the house is hers. Even if she ends their relationship, she needs to protect this house.
She trusts Oma’s choice. Don't be so naive. She and Oma are both naive! That's why they’re both being taken by a guy like that! Na Ri looks over Dong Jin’s shoulder to where Nan Gil is standing. He doesn’t look pleased. She pointedly asks Nan Gil what he wants. Nan Gil tells her to eat dinner if she plans on taking her medicine. She answers that she will. Nan Gil starts to walk away but Dong Jin stops him. Nan Gil overheard their conversation, right? He's hiding something, right? Nan Gil doesn’t react.
Dong Jin tells Nan Gil that he’s picked the wrong person to scam. Does Nan Gil know how many friends he has who are prosecutors and judges? Nan Gil leans in and says that he’s not curious, so he won't ask. Heh. No curiosity, no questions. Na Ri lets a chuckle slip. Dong Jin looks back at her, offended that she laughed.
Nan Gil announces to Na Ri that he’s going to knead. Like everything’s normal and Dong Jin didn’t just try to convince her that he’s a conman. Dong Jin grabs his shoulder, calls Nan Gil a gold digger and tells Nan Gil that he needs to pack up and leave right now! Nan Gil looks at Dong Jin. He looks at Dong Jin’s hand on his shoulder. Looking back at Dong Jin, he grabs Dong Jin’s wrist and pulls Dong Jin’s hand off his shoulder. Dong Jin can’t get his arm free from Nan Gil’s grip. When he finally lets go, his face impassive, Dong Jin winces and grabs his arm. Strong hands from all that kneading! Nan Gil leaves.
Messy room. Nan Gil’s stalker is sitting on her bed under the covers, working on her laptop. She smiles as she looks through her most recent batch of pictures. She’s not happy about seeing Na Ri in them. She zooms in on Na Ri’s picture and asks who Na Ri is. Sounds of a lock opening and Duk Bong enters. Sister? She pops on the headphones and switches to a video game. So he doesn’t know what she’s doing. He tosses the key onto her bedside table, saying that he told her not lock the door as long as she lives in his building. She ignores him.
Duk Bong flicks off her headphones so she looks at him. Looking at the cast list, I see that her name is Kwon Duk Shim (Shin Se Hwi), she's 19 and is Duk Bong’s half-sister. She doesn’t say anything. Duk Bong is there to talk about her skipping school. He says that he’s not too concerned since it's her life. That’s heart-warming. But when he thinks about it, this could affect him somehow. Ah, smooth. I think under the self-absorbed exterior is a heart after all. Her brother is a well known influential personality, so he can't have a sister like her, can he?
Duk Bong reaches over, closes the laptop and takes it. He tells her that he’s going to get rid of it. Why? Because there is nothing here that she bought herself. From now on, for every school day that she misses, he will get rid of one thing from her room. He starts to leave and she cries out that he should negotiate! Because all of her Nan Gil pictures are on it! He stops and smiles slightly. He knows his sister. Heh.
When he turns around, he’s stern again. Holding up an index finger, she says that it should be a warning. Duk Bong agrees to a warning. But if she skips school again, she and this room will perish. Heh. This is negotiation... in other words, it's a threat. He tosses the laptop on her bed and announces that he’s headed to Seoul. If she tries something foolish while he’s gone, she will get it. As he leaves, he smiles to himself again. Duk Shim flops under her comforter and throws a fit. At least you got the laptop back. And you do not look 19.
Nan Gil is kneading and thinking of Na Ri fixing his tie and saying that they should try to get along. He smiles widely. In a good mood now, he vigorously starts kneading the bread, making lots of noises to match his effort. He yells even louder when he looks to his left and Na Ri is standing there. He sputters that Na Ri scared him. She doesn’t react to his yell.
Na Ri holds out her phone and tells him to add his phone number. He wipes the flour off his hands and quickly complies. He hands the phone back and she calls him (so he’ll have her number). His ringtone is a song that was special to Oma:
♬ If you were the sky ♬
♬ I wish to be submerged in your face ♬
Na Ri remembers sitting with Oma in their spot, Oma singing the song while it plays on a portable speaker.
♬ Like the red sky during the sunset ♬
♬ I wish to be submerged in your cheeks ♬
Na Ri starts to sing along with Oma.
♬ If I were a poet ♬
♬ I would sing a song for you ♬
They share a smile.
♬ Like a child in mother's embrace ♬
♬ I wish to sing so happily ♬
Either he’s a really devious conman, or he knew Oma really well. I think he knew Oma.
Awkward silence. Na Ri tells Nan Gil to sing the song for her. He must know it. Oma only sang this song. He hesitates: Now? Na Ri acts like a cheerleader, clapping her hands as she tells him to hurry up. He’s embarrassed but starts to sing as he starts working the bread again.
♪ If I were the sky ♪
♪ I wish to be submerged in your face ♪
It’s obvious that he's not sure of the words. Na Ri asks what he does when he wants to see Oma. He says that he closes his eyes and says 'I want to see you' and he sees her. She is always smiling. Na Ri looks a little sad as she thinks about this. He doesn’t say anything, just works the bread.
Na Ri swallows - so she won’t get teary-eyed - and announces that she wants to go before the last bus leaves. He nods and says “Right. Right. Right.” She remarks that he looks so happy that she’s leaving. He protests that he’s not. She tells him that she will come and get the stuff from her room later. He nods and says “Right. Right. Right.” again. Noting her face, he changes that to “No” and says that she can just leave them there. So that she can come back and visit again. Heh. And if he was a conman, he would have sold off all her stuff instead of leaving it as is. He kneads his bread some more. She frowns and leaves without saying anything.
Outside, he catches up to her. He tells her that when she gets to Seoul, she should go to the hospital and don't get so stressed out. He’s got the Appa voice going. Eat your meals at home and get plenty of sleep. Look her face. Dark circles under her eyes and her skin looks rough. She is full of wrinkles up close. She shrieks to get him to stop and yells at him to stop his nagging! This is the stress! He closes his lips tight and she starts walking again. Then he remembers something and calls for her to wait. She stops and he hurries inside.
Na Ri starts walking again and Dong Jin is outside, waiting for her. Dong Jin orders her to get in the car. She says she doesn’t want to. She won’t look at him. He walks up to her and says that he was wrong. It doesn’t mean that you’re not going to run right back to those apron strings, cheater. But she was the one who called it quits as though she was waiting for it. She looks at him with disdain and asks if he isn’t embarrassed to say such things? She tells him to answer his mother's calls and tell her they are finished. She adds that she regrets not calling Omeoni more often, the most.
He gets sarcastic: She is acting so wisely. This is money she may never see again in her life. Does she think this is a joke? She snaps back, asking if he’s feeling sorry because it was almost his money? His mouth hangs open; he’s a little shocked. He finally says, “Wake up.” It's hers because it was Oma’s. Oma would want Na Ri to have it. Na Ri responds: Is that the problem now? He think she’ll lose this house? She calls him now, you materialistic snob! He’s insulted and demands that she pay me back $30,000 then. Pay it back now and they will talk. Butthead. It’s her uncle who owes him the money, and he should have checked with Na Ri before lending it. She would have said it was a bad idea, since Uncle has a gambling problem.
Duk Bong drives up, window down. He asks Dong Jin what he's doing, here, at this time. The tone is one you’d use when someone is acting inappropriately, like harassing someone. He realizes that it’s Na Ri. He jumped in, not even knowing it was her. There is heart in there! Dong Jin asks if Duk Bong is someone she knows. Another good-looking guy for Dong Jin to worry about, heh. Dong Jin’s phone dings with more texts from Yeo Joo. He scurries away to read them, acting like he’s annoyed.
Nan Gil comes out the gate and, with a commanding Appa tone, asks what’s going on. Na Ri mutters that everyone in the neighborhood will be there soon. Nan Gil scowls over at Duk Bong – who is now looking out his windshield – and turns to Na Ri. She asks what he’s carrying. Dumplings. Duk Bong – who, of course, has been eavesdropping – says, wow, is that a parent's love? He’s amused. A glare from Na Ri and Nan Gil.
Nan Gil tells her, sounding very fatherly, that she has to eat homemade meals to sleep well and reduce stress. To get rid of dark circles and the wrinkles. He points at the wrinkles and I laugh. She whispers to him to cut it out. Duk Bong points out that a homemade meal needs soup, rice and side dishes... When Nan Gil scowls at him, Duk Bong looks over at the restaurant and says that what he means is, dumplings from Hong Dumplings aren't quite a homemade meal. Nan Gil says that it’s a homemade meal since Hong Dumplings is Hong Na Ri's dumplings. He holds out the lunch pail.
Ding of Dong Jin’s phone. Because he doesn’t want Na Ri to ride back to Seoul with Dong Jin, Nan Gil calls over to Duk Bong, asking for Duk Bong to give Na Ri a ride, if he’s heading for Seoul. Duk Bong’s game. After all, it will give him more time to try to drive a wedge in Na Ri and Nan Gil’s relationship so he can get his permit. More dinging. She frowns at that, takes the lunch pail and gets in Duk Bong’s car.
Duk Bong has to honk to get Dong Jin out of the way so they can drive off. Dong Jin doesn’t notice Na Ri’s inside – since he’s so focused on his phone - until they drive away. Nan Gil stands at the game, a pleased smile on his face, his arms behind him like an Appa. Dong Jin asks no one what Duk Bong is doing, taking someone else's girlfriend. She’s not your girlfriend, dude. She dumped you because you cheated on her with her hoobae. And I wouldn’t want to date you if you were that ridiculous over a woman, anyway. He looks back at Nan Gil, who is now scowling at him to get lost. I love Nan Gil as Appa! He’s so great!
Driving, Duk Bong sighs and says that that man with noisy, ding dong, ding dong, texting worries him. Her stepfather looked like he was going to kill that guy after he sent us off. Heh. Who is he? Na Ri replies that Dong Jin is someone who deserves to die. Stop being curious. He mutters that he thought he asked so skillfully but she dodged it. He repeats his question: Who was that man earlier? Then he says that if he has to ask so directly, it's no fun. He tries to put on his charming smile but she’s not looking.
Na Ri sees a bus stop and asks that he drop her off there. Duk Bong replies that he can't do that when her stepfather made a special request. She doesn’t argue and says that she didn't really want to get off anyway. Pleasantly, she declares that she’s tired and will be quiet. She asks that he please drive. She closes her eyes and turns toward the window.
Duk Bong can’t believe that he’s not going to get his answers. He tries to sound diplomatic: He’s driven her twice today. Isn’t she even thankful? Eyes still closed, she gives him a bow while saying thank you. I detect a little sarcasm. Heh. Duk Bong sighs, annoyed. Sounding like he’s sulking, Duk Bong declares that he won’t stop at the rest stop. Too many people, not to mention the smell of food and the toilet. He hates the way it gets all seeped into the clothing. Na Ri pretends to snore. Heh. I realty like her. She’s spunky.
Back at the house, Nan Gil steps in Dong Jin’s path and says 30,000 RKW. There’s a little bit of menace in that voice. He’s probably irritated that Dong Jin tried to manipulate Na Ri with it. Dong Jin takes a step backward. Because he’s a weasely coward. Nan Gil steps forward. He’s definitely menacing. He says that he will pay Dong Jin back. So much for him being out for the money. He tells Dong Jin not to appear before Hong Na Ri again. That voice is definitely threatening. Nan Gil makes strong eye contact as he asks if Dong Jin understands.
Nan Gil reaches up his hand and Dong Jin flinches. Heh. More eye contact and slowly Nan Gil puts his hand on Dong Jin’s shoulder. He pats it and gives Dong Jin a couple more looks before walking away without a word. Hands clasped behind his back like an Appa. Dong Jin silently mutters – but because he’s a coward he doesn’t do anything.
Na Ri’s in the sky, working. Shi Eun asks if Na Ri and Dong Jin are really over. She confirms it and mutters that Do Yeo is quick with her sixth sense. Na Ri asks what she’s talking about. Shi Eun says that when they had a company dinner, Do Yeo said they two were finished. Na Ri is rightfully irritated. The other stewardesses arrive with a birthday gift and birthday treats. Yeo Joo shows her face.
Na Ri thanks them and says, since she’s still got some left over in the one she’s using, she’ll exchange it for the men's. A gift for Nan Gil? Aw. The girls are impressed at how much she’s a devoted girlfriend. Yeo Joo makes a face (since she doesn’t like that idea). They ask if she’s giving it to her boyfriend of nine years. In English, she replies, “No comment.”
Na Ri addresses Yeo Joo and asks if she’s been telling everyone that they broke up. Yeo Joo shifts uncomfortably. Na Ri asks how they broke up? Yeo Joo seems to know about it well. Trying to sound innocent, Yeo Joo replies that she didn't say anything like that. One of the other stewardesses elbows Yeo Joo and says that she *did* say that. Na Ri looks at Yeo Joo, waiting for her answer. Without a word, Yeo Joo walks back out into the cabin. Shi Eun looks at Na Ri, wondering what that was about.
When they get off the plane, Na Ri checks her messages. There are tons of texts from Nan Gil with calming images: meditating at the beach, dandelions, lily pads (with a flower), serene rocks. “Stress causes insomnia.” “Things to avoid before going to bed.” Na Ri comments that Nan Gil has been sending her one at least once a day. What a nag... You know you like it. He's worse than Oma.
Na Ri decides to call Uncle. No answer. She texts him, saying that she knows about the money. She asks him to please be sure to come by Oma’s memorial day.
Na Ri is riding the bus out to the house. A phone call. It’s Uncle. He takes a moment before saying anything. Since she didn’t recognize the number, that means he’s using a different phone. Immediately, he apologizes and says that he feels so bad toward Noona, too. Whatever, dude. Self pity, not real remorse. And I bet Oma’s been cleaning up her dongsaeng’s messes her whole life. Na Ri asks where Uncle is and mentions that she cleaned up his yard. She wants to meet to talk. Uncle doesn’t want that to happen. Uncle says that he doesn't think he can go see her on Oma’s memorial day. You don’t think. Why don’t you just be a man and say the truth? He apologizes again and hangs up.
Na Ri immediately calls back. Someone else answers, an old ajumma who’s hard of hearing. Ajumma says that Na Ri’s reached Seulgi Supermarket. After leaving the bus, Na Ri takes a taxi there. She asks ajumma about Uncle. Ajumma says he left. Na Ri walks over to Uncle’s house. A bunch of men (thugs) are waiting outside Uncle’s house. Running from debt collectors, I see. Uncle, you’re a prince, really. She hears them tell the boss that no one is inside.
Someone grabs her and pulls her out of their line of sight. It’s Nan Gil. She starts to protest but stops when he shushes her. He tells her not to be scared, it’s him. He tells her to go home and stay there. She tells him that Uncle came back. Cutting her off, he says he’s got it and repeats his order for her to go home. That’s not a voice you want to argue with. He walks away quickly. She follows him.
Nan Gil walks over to the group of thugs. Boss sees him approach through the rear view mirror and gets out of the car. Rut roh. But he’s not about to threaten Nan Gil. Bossman knows Nan Gil and greets him like they’re old friends: “Long time no see.” Nan Gil asks what they’re going around in a group like this? No answer. Nan Gil asks Bossman if he’s still that scared of him (Nan Gil)? Bossman smiles and says his guys are curious about the legendary Go Nan Gil. Hmmm…
Bossman puts his hand on Nan Gil’s shoulder and tells the guys to greet Nan Gil. Nan Gil looks at the hand on his shoulder – with a face that says ‘why are you touching me?’ The boys bow deeply and greet him. Nan Gil shoves the hand off his shoulder. Bossman’s a little surprised. And not quite pleased at the disrespect. But he knows Nan Gil’s not to be messed with. Nan Gil sighs and asks what Bossman is trying to do. Bossman answers that he heard Shin Jung Nam was there.
A twitch of a smile from Nan Gil. He steps closer to Bossman – definitely with menace. Nan Gil asks who tells Bossman stuff like that? Bossman takes a step backward. Did Bossman plant someone in the neighborhood? A beat and Nan Gil says that they should trust each other... okay?
Bossman and his boys leave. Na Ri wonders what’s going on. Nan Gil walks toward the house, looking pensive. When he sees Na Ri, he changes his expression to be the Nan Gil she knows. She asks who Bossman was. His response? Huh? Like he has no idea what she’s talking about. He immediately focuses on the lunch pail Na Ri’s holding. She didn't forget to bring it! She understands the importance of dishes since she’s always gotten food from home. Na Ri isn’t distracted.
Na Ri asks again: Who are those people who were at Uncle's house? Nan Gil is vague: You know guys like that... it's hard to explain who they are. They’re hard to define. He has no idea why they dress up in suits. She says that it looked like they were friends. "Hey, Go Nan Gil, long time no see." Bossman seemed very happy to see him. Nan Gil replies that guys like that always do that once they know your name. Like it’s common knowledge, duh. "Hey, Go Nan Gil! Hey, Hong Na Ri! Hey, Hong Gil Dong, long time no see!" He stops because her face says that she’s not buying it.
Na Ri asks if Uncle came by. Nan Gil says that he didn’t. Na Ri answers that Uncle was at Seulgi Supermarket. Is Nan Gil honestly saying that Uncle didn't come by here? Nan Gil answer affirmatively. Na Ri points out that Nan Gil married Oma but doesn’t know Uncle well. Oma looked after Uncle so much. Nan Gil answers that he wants to look after Uncle, but Uncle’s not around. Na Ri asks if Uncle’s on the run. How much does Uncle owe exactly?
Scolding, Nan Gil says that no matter how many great videos he sends her, she can't hold back her anger. Meditate, meditate! She yells at him to just tell her! He yells back that, yes, Uncle’s on the run! Na Ri replied that she thought Nan Gil wasn’t close to Uncle. Nan Gil replies that he didn't say they weren't close. She asks if Nan Gil’s staying in touch with Uncle. He denies it. Did Nan Gil loan Uncle money and stuff? Strongly Nan Gil denies it.
Frustrated, Na Ri asks how much debt does Uncle have exactly. Just tell Uncle to sell the house! Back to scolding, Nan Gil remarks on Na Ri’s extreme personality. Something occurs to Na Ri: Is Uncle’s debt bigger than the value of the house. She heard debt like that swells up like a pile of snow. She starts to freak out over what to do about Uncle.
Nan Gil sighs and says that they should just abandon him. She doesn’t like that answer. He repeats: She just has to abandon Uncle. She makes a face and hisses at him. He says Uncle is Oma’s dongsaeng. He can take responsibility for Oma’s dongsaeng. So – pointing to her head – abandon him from her mind. There's a pause. Na Ri looks like she wants to do it, but still feels responsible. Nan Gil scowls and tells her not to say her back hurts or she can't see or something...
Nan Gil tells her that it's late. She should go in and rest. He has to make the dough. She mutters that he’s always making dough. Indignant, he replies that he sells dumplings. Kneading dough is his lifeline. They should go knead. Knead! And he gets out of Dodge. Na Ri sulks as she follows him.
Nan Gil enters the house. He is not happy. His face looks burdened. What isn’t he telling Na Ri? And why? Sad music plays as he sighs.
Na Ri flops onto her bed. She notices the present in her bag and goes out to give it to Nan Gil. When she enters the bakery, he’s not there. She sees the office light on. As she’s about to enter, Nan Gil says, “I told you never to call me. Why did you come here?” Sternly, Nan Gil tells caller – who sounds like is Uncle – that he said for Caller not to ever think about putting his foot in this house again. This is Nan Gil’s last warning. If Caller does this once more... even if he’s Na Ri’s uncle... Nan Gil can't guarantee what happens to him. Shocked expression on Na Ri’s face. Nan Gil is talking to Uncle (and threatening him). Why would Nan Gil tell Uncle to get lost? Could Oma’s accident have something to do with Uncle’s gambling?
Forcefully, Nan Gil adds that Uncle knows he’ll keep his word and do what he says he’ll do. Nan Gil hangs up the phone and his face looks shaken. He tosses his phone on the desk, bothered and yanks off his sweatshirt. As he pulls off his t-shirt, slow motion reveal of some serious-looking tattoos on his back: a wolf, a snake, a skull. Dang, Young Kwang has some broad shoulders! He throws his t-shirt down in frustration. Na Ri’s mouth is hanging open.
Then he notices she’s there and turns around. Their eyes meet and the episode ends.
Thoughts
Dude! He's an ex-gangster! And a legendary one at that. ‘They should trust one another’ and Bossman leaves. Bossman who’s afraid of him. Dude. What are they trusting one another over? That Nan Gil will pay off Uncle’s debts? Why is he telling Uncle not to ever show up again? And Uncle seems to know about Nan Gil’s past. Could it be that Uncle’s money problems somehow caused Oma’s death? Or is Nan Gil concerned about Na Ri getting involved and finding out what a user Uncle is?But he’s an ex-gangster! That’s the only reason why they would slow-mo on his tats. This really explains how he doesn’t feel threatened very easily and how he stays so calm all the time. You’d have to be even keeled to be an enforcer for the mob. And Bossman said he was legendary. Which means maybe we’ll see some martial arts skills out of Nan Gil before this is all over! I think the only way he’d be legendary is if he was extremely good (and brutal) at his job. And you can’t be that effective if you can’t control your emotions.
I wonder how he ended up married to Oma and working in the restaurant? Did Oma teach him how to cook? Did they meet because of the thugs? Did Oma help him which is why he left the life? Did he start living there to protect Oma and keep them from bothering her? I still think they got married because he loved her (like an Oma) and they wanted to protect Na Ri. I think he’s really grateful to Oma for saving him from a life he didn’t like, a self he didn’t want.
There’s no way he’s this considerate, kind and selfless if he wasn’t a good person underneath his bad past. And that may be why everyone in the neighborhood likes him – not only is he a nice guy, but he saved them from the threats of the thugs. More and more, I think Oma and he got married to protect Oma, Hong’s Dumplings and Na Ri, a responsibility that Nan Gil takes very seriously. Uncle’s gambling probably caused serious problems for Oma that Na Ri has no clue about – because Oma never told her – but Nan Gil was there to see them all.
Maybe Oma saved his life after he was beaten up or something, and that’s how their relationship started, with him owing her a debt. Because of how kind Oma was, that gratitude turned into affection and affection into familial love. That would make sense why his former bosses would let him go – if Nan Gil’s honor (“I owe her a life debt so I can’t let you do that”) was the excuse for him to get out.
I really like Nan Gil. I liked him after Ep. 1, but I love him now. He cracks me up how he clucks after Na Ri and when he gets his Appa groove going. He’s going to be a great Appa one day. And I love how he enjoys being the Appa, too. He’s very good at pushing Na Ri’s buttons, especially when he’s trying to distract her. It seems like he’s been planning for Na Ri’s arrival for a while, how to handle things. And he seems to know her – via Oma – very well.
Nan Gil’s interactions with Dong Jin. I think he was seriously debating putting the hurt on Dong Jin, but decided not to let his gangster out. Twice. I love him. And I love that when he gets menacing, people know he means it and back up.
So far, little things have showed us that both Nan Gil and Duk Bong aren’t bad guys. Even though Duk Bong is used to acting like one. It’s going to be interesting to see how things develop. I can already see him liking Na Ri because she is a challenge – she doesn’t fall for his charms and actually completely blew him off.
I said something earlier that I think Na Ri should have realized by now: even though there are lots of reasons why Nan Gil could be a conman, he isn’t one because of his actions: (1) After getting the house and all the stuff in it, he didn’t sell everything and run off with the money. (2) He left the house like Oma left it for Na Ri. (3) He’s quick to spend money to take care of Na Ri, which he wouldn’t do if he was a conman. Na Ri doesn’t have money and the logic that he’s doing it to get Na Ri not to contest the will seems far-fetched. (4) Not only is he not out to get the money, he told Dong Jin that he would pay off Uncle’s debt. He wouldn’t do that if he was a conman.
Like I said last episode, I love Na Ri already. She’s my girl. I love that she’s confident and knows her own mind and isn’t overly emotional. That’s why she controls her emotions – kind of like Nan Gil, hmmm… – and doesn’t react to situations based on them. I love how she’s already settled into this familiar relationship with Nan Gil – even if he’s the only one using banmal. The way that they bicker shows how attached to Nan Gil she is already. She likes him in spite of herself. And I can’t blame her. Nan Gil’s done nothing but try to take care of her, even when she didn’t know he was doing it. He kept the house clean for her. He flourished the restaurant to take care of her.
I wonder what he exactly did at Oma’s funeral. Dong Jin said that he was working really hard, which means even then, he was taking care of Na Ri.
It will be interesting to see who likes who first. I think it’s going to be Nan Gil, but he won’t act on it because of his promise to Oma to take care of her. I am going to enjoy watching Na Ri feel unsettled as she realizes that she has more than daughterly affection for her step-father. So glad I’m watching this show! I can’t wait to see how the last scene play out in the next episode.
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