NOVEL NEXT Chapter 138
There’s a big event that has arrived with the return to school.
It’s finally the day our Joo-ha turns one year old, marking the first anniversary of her birth, and it’s the birthday party.
“Joo-ha, grandpa is here.”
“Our Joo-ha has grown so much since we last saw each other!”
“Gyaah…!”
On this monumental day, family from both sides gathered in one place. Joo-ha seemed incredibly happy to see her grandparents after a long time, her smile never leaving her face.
In fact, today’s so-called birthday party is just a simple gathering for the family to share a meal and offer quiet congratulations.
Originally, we thought about inviting friends and making it a bit more festive like a typical birthday party, but I sensed that my father-in-law doesn’t really favor grand celebrations, so we kept it low-key.
Considering his social position, he’s often involved in various events, so he might actually prefer to avoid overly extravagant festivities.
Fortunately, our parents also agreed that making it noisy would just be hard on Joo-ha, and they suggested a simple party instead, allowing us to hold a modest birthday celebration without any objections.
“Joo-ha! Auntie is here! Oh my, what a pretty girl! I need to hug our nephew!”
“Bauuuh…!”
Just as we were busily preparing food, my sister, who had just returned from Italy, rushed to see Joo-ha.
Well, among the people here, my sister had probably gone the longest without seeing Joo-ha. I understand her excitement, but I worry she might overwhelm our little one.
If she loves kids so much, hasn’t she thought about getting married and having one herself?
Oh, right, she doesn’t have a boyfriend. Silly me—almost got hit for that slip!
“Has my sister just arrived from the airport? You must be tired.”
“Good thing I have stamina. Hehe, thanks for worrying about me!”
Seeing her, my father-in-law seemed concerned, but of course, my sister’s reaction was full of energy.
I always wonder where that mysterious energy comes from. If there’s a secret, I’d love to learn it.
“Honey, how should we serve the meal? It’d be better to put everything out and eat together, right?”
Meanwhile, my wife quietly approached, tugging at my sleeve while helping her mother in the kitchen. Only then did I realize the table was filled with a feast.
Wow, even with lots of mouths to feed, this is quite a spread!
“Yeah, that sounds good. If we have appetizers and all that, it might feel too formal.”
“True, it’s much more fun to eat together in a lively manner.”
As I nodded, my wife smiled, pleased that our thoughts aligned, and returned to the kitchen in her apron.
I quietly followed her into the kitchen. Just as I did, I locked eyes with my mother-in-law.
“Mr. Kang, are you here to help?”
“Yes, I felt a bit awkward just standing around. Is there anything I can help with?”
I had helped with the preparations early on, but afterward, most of the work was done by the three women, including my mother, so I felt I should pitch in.
“Oh, thank you! Could you please divide the food on the plates?”
“Should I split it into about three bowls?”
“Yes, that seems perfect.”
Listening to my mother-in-law’s request, I quickly grabbed tongs and a ladle and diligently began serving the food.
Mmm, my mouth is watering. My mother’s cooking isn’t lacking either, but my mother-in-law’s skills are beyond comparison. Just look at the color of this ribs dish. I want to take a bite right now…
“…Hmm!?”
I’ve stopped being surprised at how well my wife reads my thoughts. I’m convinced there must be a machine attached to her body that can see into my head.
“So, how is it? Tasty, right?”
“Yeah, it’s really delicious. I think my mother-in-law’s cooking is the best!”
With my honest praise, my wife beamed with joy as she casually mentioned to my mother-in-law.
“Hehe, Mother, Uju says your cooking is the best.”
“Oh really? My son-in-law certainly knows how to please a woman’s heart. Our husband jumps up and leaves without saying a word once dinner is over!”
“Hahaha…”
Now that I think about it, my father-in-law, while being a devoted husband, does seem somewhat stoic. That was an accidental landmine moment.
“Uju always gives me compliments after meals. Just the other day, I made kimchi pancakes for the first time, and he kept asking for seconds… It really makes cooking worthwhile.”
“True, my son-in-law is quite kind. He doesn’t drink, doesn’t smoke, isn’t wandering around all the time, understands women’s hearts well, has a great personality, does good work. How wonderful!”
“That’s right. I must be very lucky.”
Please, I beg you, could you save this cringeworthy praise for when I’m not around? Sure, I’m happy, but my face is burning up over here. Both of you.
“Joo-ha…! Joo-ha…!”
“Mr. Kang, Joo-ha is calling out for you.”
Trying to ignore them while finishing up the last of the dishes, I heard Joo-ha’s babbling along with my brother-in-law’s voice from the living room.
The titles he uses for me change depending on the situation, sometimes it’s just my name, other times it’s brother-in-law, and now it’s Mr. Kang again. It’s quite confusing.
“Oh, yes! Honey, I’m sorry, but can you finish up here?”
“Sure, don’t worry about it. You’ve really worked hard today, my husband.”
As I handed over the frying pan and tongs to hurry off to Joo-ha, my wife patted my back with a look that seemed to say “There, there.”
I guess that age gap doesn’t just vanish, as it feels a little embarrassing yet amusing that my wife still sometimes treats me like a younger brother even after getting married.
Lately, however, it seems that my wife has been acting like the younger sister more often. She keeps coming over and cuddling me.
“Ah, my princess. Did you miss Daddy that much?”
“Whoa─!”
After finishing the reunion with my daughter, I hugged her tightly and couldn’t stop showering her with affection. She’s definitely feeling heavier now that she’s turned one.
Grow big and strong, my little girl.
“Dinner is served.”
“Oh my, it’s quite a feast.”
As we chatted happily, it wasn’t long before a huge spread was laid out on the table, leaving my father amazed.
I had ordered a large table, thinking there might be many guests, and now it was overflowing with food.
I really hope the table doesn’t break!
“Everyone, take your time eating, and let’s congratulate our granddaughter on her first birthday.”
“Yes, father-in-law.”
As soon as my father-in-law finished speaking, we started our lively meal.
After having just eaten with the three of us for a while, I found it refreshing and enjoyable to be dining with so many people in such a lively atmosphere.
I understand now why the saying about how food tastes better when shared with others exists.
“Honey, come join us for dinner. I’ve put some aside for you.”
Seeing my wife busily working on other tasks, I pulled her arm and quickly made her sit next to me. Work is good and all, but we can do that later.
Besides, today is a momentous occasion for our princess, and it wouldn’t feel right for mom to be absent.
“In that spirit… Ta-da! I’ve brought pretty clothes as a birthday gift for our Joo-ha!”
“Ohhh…!”
While everyone was gathered at the table and dinner was underway, my sister suddenly sprang up and triumphantly lifted a paper bag that had been sitting next to the sofa.
They’re clothes personally picked out by one of the top models from overseas. I’m quite curious about this.
“Why don’t you take a look? And if they’re not to your liking, feel free to make a complaint.”
As I handed the bag to my wife and playfully suggested,
Rustle.
With a slightly flushed face, my wife took the bag and then pulled out a neatly folded pink outfit.
“Gyaaah…! So pretty, sis!”
Just seeing it, I could tell that the moment it’s on Joo-ha, she would turn into the cutest thing in the universe—my wife didn’t hold back her exclamation of delight.
Oh, you definitely chose well. That headband-like thing looks really cute too. If she wears it as a set, she’ll be adorably perfect.
“Right? I picked it out with much thought. Check out the other clothes too.”
“Yes…!”
The exceptionally well-selected clothes continued to pop out, each one aligning perfectly with my and my wife’s tastes.
Especially the overalls, which, when worn, would turn her into a baby bear—it was so cute that my wife couldn’t hold back and rushed into the room with Joo-ha to try it on immediately.
She must really love it.
Thud.
“Our little bear princess has arrived!”
“Wow…!”
“How adorable…!”
Soon after, the bear princess in her new outfit made her entrance, and smiles spread across everyone’s faces as they watched her.
I finally understand what it means to feel healed just by watching something.
“We didn’t get anything too extravagant, just a birthday ring and a stuffed toy that Joo-ha will probably like.”
“Not at all, Father. Thank you so much.”
Following that, my parents kept the gift-giving going, and my brother-in-law presented a set of toys suitable for little children.
What surprised me further was that the toy set was actually more expensive than all the clothes my sister had gotten. What on earth are kids playing with these days?
“Ahem, I didn’t prepare anything big… I just set aside some money for Joo-ha when she grows up and finds something she wants to do.”
Then it was my father-in-law’s turn, and he nonchalantly slid a document that looked like a bankbook onto the table.
“What’s this, Father?”
“It’s a solid investment I made after consulting with some investors. I put in quite a bit, so when Joo-ha grows up, she can have it.”
“……”
A solid investment? I felt my head spinning at this unprecedented birthday gift.
Meanwhile, my wife seemed unfazed as she examined the contents of the stock account, then beamed and expressed her gratitude.
“Thank you, father. I was just thinking of opening a savings account for Joo-ha and buying stocks to manage for her later on.”
“Ah, so we were on the same wavelength.”
Amid this peaceful father-daughter exchange, I chuckled to myself, pondering how different our worlds are.
My daughter is bound to be wealthy, that’s for sure.