Original subtitles

When I reared my son, I met barley tea again.

When he was sick badly with a high fever, he couldn't eat anything.

Then, I'd pour barley tea into the freshly-steamed rice...

and boiled for two hours on low heat.

And I fed him with the rice and water I got.

After one day or two,

he got his appetite back and started to eat well again.

I have to watch it boil all along...

because it can easily boil over.

I recently started to listen...

to "Yi Zhongtian Chinese History" published by Bookpot.

The beginning of history.

In other words,

it's about the beginning of the life of literate people.

- It's more than worth listening. - Dad.

- I should read it too. - Dad!

- Dad. - Yes?

What?

How come you don't answer me?

What music are you listening to?

I was listening to an audiobook.

- Book? - Yes.

When cooking,

my eyes and hands are busy.

Right. Do you want to have breakfast?

No thanks.

Mom wants you.

Okay. Stir it for me, then.

Okay.

Did you want me?

What were you doing? He called you so many times.

You have my car keys, right?

Your car keys?

Where are you going?

It's the last day of the year.

I have to go to the office.

You took leave, so you can stay home.

You're overworking yourself.

I've been away from work too long, so they'd find it weird.

I should attend the year-end ceremony at least.

But you're not even eating so well.

You should take care of yourself first.

My company is also part of myself.

Fine. Then, I'll drive for you.

You don't need to.

We used to go to work together often in the past.

It'll be like old times again and nice.

Then, what are you going to do while I'm at work?

What? Do you think I'll have nothing to do?

Let's go.

- Dad! - Yes?

What do I do?

Reduce the heat!

Do I reduce it, not turn it off?

- Get me water. - Okay.

Good.

It's messed up.

- It's hot! - Oh, my!

Are you okay, Dad?

I'm fine.

It's all right.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

(Episode 4)

(Rice Cake Soup on New Year's Day We Long For)

This is the road I've driven every day.

I never thought I'd miss it so much.

("Yi Zhongtian Chinese History")

You were really born to be a writer.

Or you wouldn't be listening to a book even when you're driving.

I'm driving, so my ears are still open.

It's just too good to just listen to it,

so I plan to buy it and read it.

I'm glad that you have a hobby you can enjoy by yourself.

Please don't say such a thing.

I don't want to say it, either.

I thought about it while I was lying in bed.

And if I have to prepare for it,

I think I should do it when I still have some energy left.

The doctor said it was stomach spasms.

You got so much better that you're even going to work now.

Think about Jae Ho and me, and don't say such things.

When we were dating, we said goodnight, bye, and everything.

Then, we missed the last bus and felt so embarrassed.

That's the best scenario we can expect for now.

I think Min Young has become quite a capable editor now.

- But... - Yes?

she still needs more experience to lead a project all by herself.

How about...

you come back to the company?

It'd be nice if you could lead a couple of projects for us.

Gosh.

I'm already too busy cooking for you.

You really hate to belong to something, don't you?

It's strange that you've actually been married all this while.

Although it didn't go well.

You are involved in both the company and my marriage.

You're right.

Yeo Jin!

Be careful not to fall!

I wish I could really fall.

Gosh. What do I do?

Your life is not over.

Have you ever failed to get into college?

That's not a big deal.

Fine. Let's go.

Shin Yeo Jin.

You're good at failing and falling.

But why were you such a coward just now?

If I had known this would happen,

I should've cut classes and lived more freely.

That's what you're doing now.

It's so nice and free.

Should I learn baking?

Then, I can maybe open a dessert cafe...

You're not going to repeat a year?

Are you telling me to do this thing for another year?

So many people do that.

I'm not one of those so many people!

Don't talk as if I'm nobody to you.

Okay.

I can help you.

How?

Will you give me tutoring lessons?

I understand you're not feeling happy now,

but you can't feel down forever.

You should make a fresh start.

Who are you to say that?

You don't even know how I feel.

Don't tell me what to do!

Why are you yelling at me when I'm offering you help?

I'm not ready to receive your help,

so whatever you say cannot comfort me right now!

Yeo Jin, where are you going?

Seriously.

Hey.

(Sseu Im Publishing House)

You're really not going in with me?

Why would I be going in there?

Call me when you're done.

You're afraid that I might leave the company to you, aren't you?

This is barley tea.

Drink it when you feel hungry.

You're so stubborn.

Thanks.

The first edition of Writer Lim Hye Young's work is out.

I was going to send her a copy too,

but all the parcel services are closed because it's the last day of the year.

("Old Calendar" Lim Hye Young)

The new book always smells good.

When will it be released in bookstores?

So many new books are released at the beginning of the year,

so if we also release it then,

it can be forgotten without getting in the top ten.

Why?

Are you that unsure about this book?

No, it's not like that.

If you don't love your own child, others won't love it either.

It's not like I don't love it.

I just want to give it a better opportunity.

Then, you should decide when to release it. I'll leave it to you.

Okay.

Thank you...

Did Hye Young tell you about it?

She has such a big mouth.

Sit down, Min Young.

How long have we been working together?

You made me work on the cover design of Writer Kang ten years ago, so...

Right. I remember that cover.

I liked it a lot.

That one wrong step made you come this far.

I've come this far because I liked it.

It's really hard to find people who like to make books.

So...

I want you to take over my publishing house.

- Ma'am. - Just hear me out, please.

Who the leader is is not important.

When we first established the company,

we wanted to create a publishing community...

where everyone, from the CEO and employees to writers, becomes the owner.

And that was why we started it in the form of a cooperative.

But I'm not ready yet.

And I need more experience.

I know.

But there aren't many things in the world wait for us to get ready.

We just have to confront them.

I'll help you as much as I can.

We have Writer Kang. I'm really not for the position.

He ran away once. That means he can run away again.

I won't ask you to answer it now, so think about it.

But don't take it too long.

If I get better,

I might take back my words.

I hope that happens.

We're making them wait too long.

They don't know about it yet, do they?

Time flew so fast that now we have only one day left for this year.

The publishing market has been getting smaller and smaller,

so at around this time last year, we were very worried...

that our tiny house could even survive.

But anyhow, we came this far.

We focused on enjoying what we liked instead of worrying about survival,

and that's why it was possible.

Have a bowl of hot rice cake soup tomorrow...

and start doing what we like next year.

- Okay. - Yes, ma'am.

And sorry, but I have a plan,

so I can't join the year-end party.

Don't get me wrong.

It's not because I don't want to pay for the party.

Enjoy good food with Editor Choi.

And happy New Year.

- Happy New Year! - Happy New Year!

I'll give it to the writer myself.

- Take care. - Goodbye.

Have you been well?

Yes, sir.

Have you been well?

Yes, I have.

Don't think about money and let them have what they want.

- What you said earlier... - Just think about it.

We still have time.

What's that box?

Hye Young's new book is out, but the parcel service is closed now.

Let's stop by her house.

Where's her house?

Namyangju.

Isn't this where we came for a drive when we bought our first car?

It's been a very long time.

I might take longer with Hye Young than you think,

so have lunch by yourself. You don't need to skip it because of me.

I'll stay at a cafe or something...

and grab a sandwich if it sells one.

You should eat a proper meal, not a sandwich.

There's a good tonkatsu restaurant near her place.

Right.

Do you remember the seasoned kalguksu place?

We were taking a drive,

and we were so hungry that we went into the first place we found,

and it was so delicious.

An old lady ran the place on her own.

I'll eat, so don't worry.

Can you please eat kalguksu for me?

Fine. I'll have it.

But I'm not sure if it's still there.

(Mugunghwa Cemetery Park, Natural Burial)

Heon, Jun Woo.

Mom's friend is here. Play in your room.

Go in.

Good boys.

Editor Choi seemed to know it already.

She said she noticed it by reading Writer Kang's blog.

Blog?

She knew that I was sick by reading his blog?

Oh, gosh.

I didn't want to get in between you two.

Don't worry.

He also knows how big-mouthed you are.

Here. Your new book.

I knew you'd write such great work. Why did you give us such a hard time?

Does somebody tell writers must delay manuscript deadlines?

Stop getting on my nerves.

I sent it even though I didn't like it.

It's a good book, so don't worry.

You should keep working with someone suffering from cancer.

Come on.

When are you getting surgery?

There are so many people suffering from cancer.

The waiting list is quite long.

And I doubt if I should get surgery.

Does Writer Kang feed you well?

You know,

all he's been doing was studying at the desk,

so he's even learning how to cook by studying.

People really don't change.

So the divorce is long gone now.

Nothing in the world goes my way.

Hey, you should do this.

If it hadn't been for you,

I would not have been able to finish it.

It's just the beginning.

Are you telling me to do this again?

I might not be there for you next time.

Come on.

You should stay strong.

Hye Young.

You have great potential,

so do not stop writing.

(Old Hand-made Seasoned Kalguksu, Open)

Hurry up.

I'm so hungry.

Excuse me.

Hello, ma'am. What kalguksu can we have here?

We don't have seafood kalguksu. We have seasoned kalguksu only.

Can we have two bowls, then?

We're hungry, so can we have them quickly?

It looks so good.

Let me try it.

Why are you looking at me? You should try it too.

When fasting,

it's harder when you start eating after fasting than during actual fasting.

It's because although your body cannot digest the food well yet,

your brain craves it, remembering the taste of it.

- Enjoy. - Thank you.

When you have a mild disease,

you can fast for one week or two.

And if you control your diet well when you start eating again,

you can recover completely.

But if you're diagnosed with cancer,

your body has to fight against longing...

for one or more years.

Is it spicy?

It is.

But it's still tasty.

How did you bring it all the way here?

My husband carried it up here.

You came here with Writer Kang? You should've come in with him.

That's why he left right after leaving the box here.

I feel kind of guilty.

I'm sorry for the trouble.

I could just use the parcel service...

instead of making you two come all the way here.

Don't worry.

I came here because I wanted to.

I wanted to enjoy our date longer since it's been a long time.

Was she happy?

Of course.

How was kalguksu?

It was not bad.

Was that old lady still there?

Yes. And she was still unfriendly.

I wish I could eat it too.

- Should we go home now? - Yes.

- Let's go. - Okay.

It's a dead-end.

Why did you follow me all the way here?

It's the last sun of this year.

Other people go to Jeongdongjin to watch the sunrise of the New Year,

but we're doing the opposite.

There must be someone who watches the last sun going down too.

Gosh.

Why are you crying? I'm the one who should be sobbing.

My mom is...

really sick.

Your mom?

It's cancer.

Let's go grocery shopping before we go home.

Grocery shopping? What do you want to buy?

It's New Year's Day tomorrow. We should make rice cake soup.

Rice cake soup?

Let me think. The ingredients are...

Let's just...

drop by the supermarket.

Okay.

Are you feeling all right?

I can do this much.

This is...

It's got a lot more expensive.

Green onions...

These look good.

Brisket.

Ma'am!

Long time no see!

- Hello! - How are you?

How come I haven't seen you for a long time?

Gosh!

Are you... Are you married?

Do you have shrimp meat?

Of course. How much do you want?

About 200g.

I'll be right back.

He's still friendly and hardworking.

He is.

What else should we buy?

Wait. I'll look it up.

No, not on the internet.

- How about your family's rice cake soup? - My family's?

You had two bowls of it every New Year holiday.

My family's rice cake soup?

- Then, we should buy oysters. - You put oysters?

Here's shrimp meat!

Do you have raw oysters?

Of course. Wait a minute!

He's busy.

So he didn't know that we were married.

Maybe not.

You never came together, so I didn't know that.

That's because he'd been away from the country.

Really? Where had he been?

Switzerland.

He was in such a great country.

Then, were you working for an international organization?

He's a travel writer.

That is why!

He left his wife and child behind...

and traveled around the globe. How wonderful is that?

Anyway, you can make money while traveling, right?

I'm so jealous!

It's 37 dollars and 70 cents.

- Here. - Okay.

You're paying with a credit card.

Right.

I heard you were ill.

Are you better now?

Did he tell you?

I was sick briefly,

and he made a big fuss.

I'm all right.

You know, he was so meticulous...

that he took extra care when choosing ingredients.

When housewives are sick,

they get better soon if they eat what others cooked.

Right.

I'm jealous, anyway.

- Happy New Year, and stay healthy. - Thank you.

And please visit us more often.

- Okay. - Let's go.

- Happy New Year. - Happy New Year.

Goodbye.

- Are you okay? - What?

What do you mean?

I'm sorry.

It's not like I told him on purpose.

It just happened...

It's okay. It's not like you lied to him.

By the way, Writer Kang.

I think you'll be really good at writing travel essays.

What do you think?

What kind of nonsense is that?

Wait. Isn't he Jae Ho?

Should we stop and make him hop in?

No, let's just go.

It seems like he's on a date. Let's not disturb him.

Gosh. I miss the dates we had.

Anyhow, we decided to have...

the rice cake soup we missed on New Year's Day.

But in my family's style where we make broth with oysters.

I soaked rice cakes in the water...

early in the morning, and they got pretty soft.

Dad.

- You're up early today. - Yes.

Is there anything I can help you with?

No, it's okay.

Go help Mom instead.

Okay.

Can you make it the way your mother made it?

Sure.

I just...

need to add oysters and shrimp and boil them down a bit more.

And I need to make an egg garnish to top the soup with.

Making rice cake soup...

reminds me of your mother.

Same here.

If you're done with green onions,

can you bring them here?

Can you wait a little bit?

Shred brisket...

and marinate it with various seasonings to make a garnish.

Add a very small amount of oil to a frying pan...

and spread the white and yolk separately very thinly.

Then, if you wait a bit on low heat,

you can see the egg coming off the pan as it cooks.

If you can flip it around in the air using your wrist, that'll be the best.

But if you can't do it, you can just use chopsticks.

Now, I slice ingredients faster...

than my wife does.

Is it because I improved?

Or...

is it because she's slowing up?

I need to take a break.

Sure.

Make rice cake soup quickly.

I worked in the kitchen for the first time in a while,

so I'm hungry.

Okay. It shouldn't be salty,

so I'll make a bowl with less salt just for you.

I want to eat the same soup as you.

As much as hunger,

longing makes people desperate.

Okay.

You should have what we have today.

Who can overcome the pain caused by longing?

The fear that you might not be able to see...

what you've desperately longed for again.

It makes you feel helpless.

People can die of longing.

Still, we were...

diligently making memories...

that we would be longing for every day.

I put oysters to make the broth flavorful...

and seasoned the rice cake soup with the garnishes I'd made all morning.

We woke our son up...

and enjoyed the meal, the three of us.

At this moment, at least,

we forgot about all the worries...

and just enjoyed rice cake soup on New Year's Day.

(Rice Cake Soup on New Year's Day We Long For)

(Subtitles are provided by KOCOWA.)