Impossible Romance - Chapter 70

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

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70.

“We can go now. Come on out!”
At Byung-ho’s gesture, Jun-hee rose from her seat and pulled on a large wide-brimmed hat. She covered her face as much as possible, shouldered a large backpack, and stepped outside.
Since she’d be away for quite some time, she locked the Ice Cream Bookstore door. On it, she hung a sign reading “Ice Cream Bookstore Closed.” Her sky-blue dress rippled gently in the sea breeze.
“I’m glad I knew Na-yeon was going to the Book Fair. See? I’m useful too, aren’t I?”
Byung-ho flashed a bright smile, his face darkly tanned beneath the sunlight. In moments like this, he appeared remarkably guileless.
“Don’t say such things. Useful? You’re like a benefactor to me.”
Jun-hee replied with a smile.
The two walked toward the Dock, exchanging small talk about everything from the island’s weather to the neighbor’s dog. As they passed the Community Hall, they noticed it was unusually crowded with people.
“What’s happening today? Why are so many people gathered here?”
Jun-hee asked with a puzzled expression, looking at the yard in front of the hall.
“I mentioned it before, didn’t I? That Offshore Wind Power Project? It’s an information session. They’re talking about resident compensation and things like that. Looks like they’re in the middle of explaining it now.”
Byung-ho spoke as though it were of little consequence.
“Then shouldn’t you be going too?”
“I was there, but it got so boring I stepped out. The preamble just drags on forever before they get to the actual content. So I came out for some fresh air, and when I saw the bookstore, I noticed you were sitting there doing something intently, so I went in.”
Byung-ho offered a rather lengthy explanation for his visit to the bookstore. Ever since he’d broached something like a date at the raw fish gathering days ago, he’d been noticeably more cautious.
“Thank you. Without you, I would have missed the ferry.”
“Don’t be so formal with me.”
He scratched the back of his head, looking embarrassed, and broke into another grin.
“Still, shouldn’t you go back now?”
Jun-hee disliked the thought of Byung-ho suffering any inconvenience because of her, and above all, she found it burdensome.
“They’re only doing a survey today. Some high-ranking person from a big company came, but what’s the point in meeting them? The Village Chief and Chairman will handle it just fine. Let’s hurry. We’ll miss the ferry at this rate.”
Byung-ho extended his hand toward Jun-hee, then awkwardly let it hover before pulling it back. His hand had shot out before he could help himself, and he felt embarrassed.
Jun-hee kept her eyes forward as she walked toward the ferry, unaware of Byung-ho’s gesture. Just then, a black sedan passed by—a large, expensive car unlike any she’d seen on the island.
“Na-yeon!”
Byung-ho stepped in front of Jun-hee to shield her, blocking the car’s path. The automobile glided smoothly past them, heading toward the Community Hall.
“It’s fine. Thank you.”
Jun-hee watched the car pass, then resumed walking toward the Dock.
“Driving such a large car in this neighborhood must make it difficult to navigate the alleys.”
Byung-ho added a comment before continuing on.
“Indeed.”
Jun-hee’s heart trembled inexplicably at the sight of the car as she slowed her pace.

***

Seok-ha and Hwang Manager were in the car. Seok-ha was so absorbed in reviewing documents that he failed to notice Jun-hee passing by just outside the window.
“Kim Team Leader is currently handling the resident survey, the pros and cons assessment, and compensation matters. I’ll report the results once everything is organized.”
Hwang Manager briefed him on today’s resident information session. The field team was already conducting preliminary investigations and surveys at the site.
Seok-ha planned to appear before the residents once he had grasped the results, if necessary. So far, the residents seemed to be accepting the compensation favorably, and everything appeared to be progressing smoothly.
“What is Seok-jun up to?”
Seok-ha suddenly thought of Seok-jun and asked. There had been instructions from Chairman Kwon as well, but he couldn’t openly obstruct me. Still, it was necessary to check in advance.
“Yes. The Department Head will be arriving on this island this afternoon. Since he cannot disobey the Chairman’s order to assist the Executive Director, it appears he will make only a formal visit. This morning, his secretary inquired through me whether there were any necessary tasks.”
“Right. That lazy bastard meddling in actual work is annoying enough. Just tell him to enjoy himself and leave.”
“Yes, I understand. I suspect that’s what will happen anyway.”
Hwang Manager nodded in agreement.
After the sedan pulled into the Village Community Center Parking Lot, Seok-ha stepped out. With the intense sunlight, he wore sunglasses and looked just like a movie star.
In front of the community hall courtyard, beverages and refreshments were laid out as the resident information session was in full swing. Seonjin Corporation employees were approaching the residents directly, listening to their opinions and persuading them.
Seok-ha turned his head to gaze toward the dock. Not far away, a fairly large ship was preparing to depart. It was the very ship he had just arrived on.
As I disembarked, I had observed the faces of the village residents standing in line. Without realizing it, I was searching for Jun-hee. It had become an action ingrained in me like a habit.
Jun-hee was not among the diverse crowd of people. I felt pathetic searching for her among the jumble of elderly women in traditional dress and sophisticated-looking tourists.
‘There’s no way Jun-hee would be in a place like this.’
It was as I let out a hollow laugh and cast my gaze into the distance. The ship was about to depart, and I could see a crew member raising the anchor. Beyond that, I caught sight of a woman’s silhouette wearing a large hat and carrying a bag bigger than herself.
Seok-ha’s brow furrowed. The distance was too great and the woman soon disappeared into the crowd, but something about her nagged at me.
“As expected, the residents’ opposition is quite significant. They show interest in the compensation itself that we’re offering, but some don’t trust whether it will actually be implemented. The persuasion process will take time.”
Hwang Manager, who had been observing the resident information session in front of the community hall, approached.
“It was expected anyway. If anything, they seem more naive than we anticipated.”
Seok-ha spoke while watching several fishermen discussing with Kim Team Leader in the community hall courtyard.
“That’s true. At least there were no violent incidents.”
“Since there’s a branch school for children, they probably have some interest in their children’s education and employment.”
Seok-ha surveyed the surrounding landscape. A small building that appeared to be a school caught his eye in the distance, and not far away, a bookstore came into view.
“Yes. That’s why even before we mentioned that Seonjin would offer preferential hiring when the offshore wind power plant is built, some people were already showing interest.”
“Nothing weighs more heavily than worry for one’s children. Focus on that angle and proceed.”
“Yes.”
“By the way, did anyone come to this island searching for Jun-hee?”
Seok-ha asked while running his hand through his hair. His gaze remained fixed on the departing ship in the distance.
“They did. It would have been about six months ago when we were doing our preliminary survey. But when we asked the residents, there was no one named Ahn Joon-hee.”
“Maybe those people didn’t search thoroughly back then?”
Seok-ha continued to ask, unable to let go of the lingering doubt.
“Those people are from the Errand Center. They’re relentless when it comes to finding people—more thorough than ghosts. It seems Jun-hee went overseas. So please let it go.”
Hwang Manager drove home the point once more, cutting off hope so that Seok-ha would give up.
“Overseas… Maybe she’s come back.”
“Executive Director! Don’t do this and hurry into the hall. When you stand here admiring the scenery, you keep thinking of her.”
Hwang Manager pushed Seok-ha’s back and led him toward the community hall.
A few people who had remained to continue the discussion were gradually leaving their seats after accepting Kim Team Leader’s invitation to share a meal.
A few employees remained in front of the community hall, tidying up the site. As Seok-ha walked slowly over, the employees recognized him and bowed respectfully.
Seok-ha greeted them lightly while glancing around the Community Hall. Hwang Manager walked alone, engrossed in shop talk with the other staff members.
The Community Hall was immaculate, apparently remodeled not long ago. The spacious interior featured heated flooring that would surely keep things warm during winter, though at the moment, a large air conditioner hummed efficiently, dispensing cool air throughout.
It differed little from the community halls in other rural villages. Yet one detail caught his eye—children’s drawings adorned one wall, lending the space a refreshingly vibrant atmosphere.
Beside them, village newsletters and books were neatly arranged on shelves. Among them, a book titled “Island Village Clouds” had been selected as the month’s featured work and was displayed prominently.
Without thinking, Seok-ha reached for the picture book.

Text and Illustrations: Ahn Na-yeon.

Upon seeing the author’s name, he quietly turned to the first page.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

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