Chapter 247: Celebratory Party (3)
Chapter 247: Celebratory Party (3)
She wanted to throw a party to celebrate his becoming one of the Seven Stars? Alright. Then should we order some food for dinner? Ohjin asked. He didnt really care, but he planned to treat Isabella to a nice dinner in commemoration of their reunion after a few weeks of separation. Calling it a celebration of his success would be killing two birds with one stone.
What are you talking about, Ohjin? Isabella asked.
Huh? Whats wrong? Oh, you said you didnt like delivery food before, right? He remembered her yelling about how bad the food was.
Thats not the problem! Isabella jumped out of her seat and put her hands on her waist. First, I booked a five-star hotel on Jeju Island. I rented it for the whole day and invited famous chefs
Wait, what? Ohjin disdainfully shook his head at the growing scale of the party. What did she mean she rented a whole five-star hotel for a party?
Cmon. Ohjin doesnt like such grandiose things, Ha-eun tutted with a shake of her head.
Isabellas eyes narrowed at Ha-euns mocking tone, and she asked, Isnt it simply because he has never experienced such things before? She also knew that Ohjin had lived in extreme poverty in the past and had heard that there were times he and Ha-eun wore used clothes from a collection box and ate cheap calorie bars.
I want to give Ohjin a life he hasnt experienced before, she proudly said. Ohjin had been out of poverty for some time and even had enough money to be considered wealthy. Maybe it was because habits were hard to break, but he still never spent much more than he used to. Isabella, who was born into an aristocratic family and enjoyed all kinds of luxury, felt sorry for him.
Hmm. Ohjin awkwardly smiled at Isabellas enthusiasmshe was acting like she would offer her heart and liver to him if she could. I appreciate it, but as Ha-eun said, such grand things dont suit me.
But Isabella tried to argue.
Lets keep the party simple at home, Ohjin said. Whether it suited him or not, there was also the problem with his image. Korea was still in chaos following the First Stars death, so what would the public think if he rented a five-star hotel for a party after joining the Seven Stars?
The kind of reaction Id get is obvious. Thered always been negative opinions about those who flaunted their wealth. Whether the money was justly earned or not, showing off money was a good way to get criticism from the public. There was a reason why politicians went to the market for food and used the subway around election season, after all.
Hmm I see. Isabellas shoulders drooped. She bit her lips as if she were upset, but she knew they were right. Can I at least prepare the food?
Looking at her like that, Ha-eun shrugged. Id be happy if you did. Will you be okay? You just got here. Arent you tired?
Im alright. Isabella rolled up her sleeves. Though she was tired after working day and night for the past few weeks, she felt energized at the thought of Ohjin eating food shed personally cooked.
Ill help Ha-eun said.
Youll be helping by staying still.
So mean! Though Ha-eun sounded upset, she only knew how to cook roasted coal meat and deep-fried squid, neither of which Ohjin would want to eat during his celebratory party.
How many guests are we inviting? Ohjin asked.
Lets see Ha-eun mumbled. Definitely Vega and Riak. Lets call Mr. Gorilla, too.
You mean Manager Han? Ohjin asked.
Yeah. He worked hard to guide you.
Youre right. He owed a lot to Manager Han. Maybe Lee Woohyuk Though he was reluctant to approach Woohyuk recently due to Lee Shinhyuks memories, he felt it was necessary to maintain a proper friendship with the man, regardless of his personal feelings. I should still invite him. Hating Shinhyuk didnt mean he also had to hate Woohyuk just because they were related by blood.
Should we invite Allen and that cheeky kid, too? Ha-eun said.
Cheeky kid? Isabella asked.
A woman named Rebecca.
Rebecca Isabella muttered. Are you talking about the Star of Celestial Shining Pearl?
Yeah.
She was speechless that Ha-eun was calling the Third Star a kid.
Lets keep it to those people for now, Ohjin said.
Okay, then should I prepare nine servings? Isabella asked.
You should make a little more. Considering Riak and Manager Hans appetites, nine servings wouldnt be enough. Then, Ill go contact everyone. Ohjin took out his phone and headed to the room.
* * *
-Im sorry. I have an engagement with Deneb today, so I wont be able to attend.
Oh, I see.
-Ill visit you another time. Congratulations on receiving your title as the Star of Twinkling Brilliance.
Yes, then Ill see you around. Allen had said he wouldnt be able to make it due to other business. Nows a busy time, after all. In the end, everyone else expressed their willingness to attend.
Shall we go grocery shopping first? he asked Isabella upon returning to the kitchen.
Oh. Its fine. I already told Roberto to prepare the ingredients.
Ding dong
As if on cue, the doorbell rang, and Isabella opened the door to see Roberto and Melissa holding boxes of ingredients.
I have the best ingredients, Roberto said.
Well done, Roberto.
Is he the Star of Twinkling Brilliance? Melissa asked as she placed a large box in the living room.
Isabella stepped up and introduced Melissa when she saw Ohjin giving her a confused look. Her name is Melissa, and shes one of my familys employees.
Melissa bowed deeply at the waist. Nice to meet you! Im Melissa, Miss Isabellas personal maid!
* * *
* * *
Nice to meet you, Ohjin said.
Hehe. Please speak casually!
Oh, um alright. Ohjin nodded at Melissas cheerful attitude. She seemed to be about the age of a high school student and was as fresh and innocent as a dandelion.
Ill help with the preparations, Miss Isabella! she exclaimed.
Oh, would you? Isabella and Melissa headed to the kitchen with the boxes of ingredients.
Roberto looked at Isabellas bright and calm smile and watched the two prepare food for a bit before turning to Ohjin. Im Roberto, the head butler of the Cologrande family.
Oh, yes. Ive heard a lot about you.
Its nice to finally meet you in person. Roberto bowed.
Oh! Arent you the grandpa who sent me the Cuban cigars? Ha-eun exclaimed.
A pale blood vessel appeared on Robertos wrinkled forehead. Haha. Thats right. I sent you my collection that I worked on for years.
Oh Ha-euns shoulders trembled at the gloomy energy emanating from the old gentleman. D-dont worry! I didnt smoke that many of them! Ill give them back to you, gramps!
Roberto shook his head. More importantly The old gentlemans gaze turned to Ohjin. Thank you. He bowed deeply to Ohjin again.
Ohjin was rather embarrassed by his extremely polite attitude. I dont think I did anything to deserve such thanks
Ive never seen Isabella smile so sincerely from the bottom of her heart in my years of serving her The old gentleman continued with a bitter smile, Until she met you, Ohjin.
Ohjin was speechless.
Youre the reason shes able to smile so happily.
Well, she also helped me a lot.
Haha. Im glad. Roberto looked over at Isabella as if looking at a beloved granddaughter. Please continue to look after her.
Yes.
Oh, and let me tell you one thing. Roberto approached and whispered, The miss has been growing recently.
Growing what?
Hahaha! Well have to order her new clothes soon! Roberto happily twirled his mustache. Oh, and do you know?
What else? Ohjin asked.
Roberto patted Ohjin on the shoulder and winked. Its still common among Italian aristocrats to have more than one wife.
Ohjin raised a hand to his forehead as he suddenly felt a headache from his image of Roberto being shattered.
Around 30 minutes later, Melissa and Isabella finished preparing the food and returned to the living room.
Then well be leaving now, Roberto said.
Ha-eun, who had been chatting with him for the past 30 minutes about cigars, tilted her head. Huh? Why dont you stay and eat with us?
Hoho. This isnt something the maid and I can partake in.
But still Ha-eun tried to argue.
At least have a cup of coffee before you leave, Ohjin insisted.
Well, that should be fine. Roberto and Melissa took their seats with a nod.
Ohjin took a couple of Maxim coffee sticks out of the cupboard. I dont know if this will suit the tastes of people who work for a noble family, but He added hot water and stirred with the wrapperfive cups of coffee were done in the blink of an eye.
Huh? This is good! Melissa exclaimed as soon as she tried it.
Its one of the best inventions in Korea, Ohjin proudly stated.
Huh, I cant believe you can make coffee so easily
Ill give you a few boxes as a gift, so take them.
Really? Melissa smiled.
Ohjin nodded and gave her a couple of boxes of Maxim coffee stacked in the cupboard.
Hehe. The Star of Twinkling Brilliance is such a kind person.
Just for this? Ohjin asked with a smirk.
Melissa wiggled her fingers and carefully said, Um would it be alright if I asked you a question?
What is it?
How did you two get together?
Huh? Ohjins eyes met Ha-euns.
Ha-eun scratched her cheek with an embarrassed look. Ohjin and I have
Huh? What are you talking about? Melissa tilted her head and gave Ha-eun a puzzled look, as if she were unable to understand why she was the one answering the question.
Ack! Isabellas eyes widened as if shed just remembered something. M-Melissa! She hurriedly tried to stop Melissa.
It was too late, though Isnt Ohjin dating Isabella? Melissa asked with an innocent look. Im curious as to how you two ended up together!
What? Ha-eun asked.
Silence filled the living room. Ohjin and Ha-eun turned to Isabella.
Isabella restlessly looked around before closing her eyes and pointing at Ohjin. O-Ohjin! Ohjin confessed first! she stuttered.
What? Ohjin asked. I did?