Bamboo Forest Manager

Lineage

“……”

After having a conversation with Mr. Jeong Min-cheol and unfortunately by the time the food had gone cold,

Mr. Jeong got up from his seat saying he had enjoyed his meal and left us behind,

My mother didn’t even think of picking up her utensils but just stared down at her steak and murmured softly,

“I never imagined something like this.”

Of course not.

Who would have?

I seized the moment to speak directly to my mother,

“Mother, having a boyfriend could indeed be harmful for Ye-rin in many ways.”

Being an actress means receiving love from countless people which comes with its responsibilities after all.

“But that’s generally speaking,”

“……”

“I am different, Mother. Whether it’s acting or anything else she dreams of pursuing—I am confident that I can always be wings for Ye-rin.”

Assertively holding Seo Ye-rin’s hand as I spoke made her look at me with moist eyes touched by emotion.

Swallowing, I gauged my mother’s reaction.

This was a meeting that even summoned the CEO of YS Entertainment.

I had shown the utmost I could as a student still, and if this wasn’t enough to satisfy her, then there was nothing more I could do.

It was almost a foregone conclusion.

“How did you two meet?”

My mother sighed deeply and managed a faint smile.

It must have been clear to her how sincere I was being.

The atmosphere lightened considerably.

“We were in the same department but met through the university community.”

Seeing Seo Yerin urgently pinch my thigh under the table, it seemed she wanted me to avoid discussing certain topics.

Understandable.

“My daughter has quite made a name for herself as an infamous figure in our online university forums, Mother. Would you like to see some of the messes she’s posted over the past six months? There are things I’ve struggled hard to clean up.”

“At first we just knew each other anonymously, but later by chance we discovered who we were. It seems there has been mutual interest since then.”

“That’s unique. Maybe it’s a youth thing.”

But her expression relaxed.

She must be under the impression that it wasn’t Seo Yerin’s appearance that attracted me but rather her character which I felt through her writings.

“They are still young. Let’s not delve into heavy discussions. But please don’t overly favor Yerin either; if she lacks effort or talent, it is only natural for her to fall behind.”

“I can give her an opportunity on stage but won’t force applause,”

Knowing what my mother worried about, I didn’t hesitate with my response.

If because of me YS paid close attention to Seo Yerin and our relationship soured later on, everything would dissipate like bubbles.

Mother seemed hopeful that Seo Yerin would establish herself based on her own abilities.

“…That sounds good.”

Surprised at how quickly I grasped what she meant; Mother let slip a slight smile.

The mood wasn’t too bad after all.

We continued with our meal.

I thought about asking for the food to be reheated since it had cooled down somewhat but Mother said it was fine as is.

Seo Yerin gave me thumbs up and praised me for doing well.

On our way home after dinner,

Mother seemed in high spirits from both the crisp air and wine she enjoyed during dinner; cautioning us lightly with buoyant steps.

“Please try not to allow sleepovers if possible.”

“…If possible?”

When I cautiously added that, Mother glanced at Ye-rin and said,

“Yes, if possible. Once or twice should be fine.”

“Oh, really?!”

Ye-rin laughed in surprise and linked her arm with mine, not expecting the permission for sleepovers to come so easily.

“But you must clearly maintain boundaries. You know that, right?”

“Yes, I’m aware. Even if I fail to do so, there’s no need for you to worry.”

“…”

“I’ll take full responsibility.”

At my firm response, Mother stared blankly for a moment before chuckling softly.

“That’s right; I’ve thought this before but Woo-jin is really—”

She hesitated slightly then nodded slightly as she continued,

“A good man.”

“Thank you!”

I had earned her approval.

Being called a good man was high praise indeed.

Unknowingly, my shoulders rose and the corners of my mouth lifted at Mother’s compliment.

Seeing this made her laugh again saying it was cute.

On the way home,

I walked Mother and Ye-rin out and reached the front of their house.

Although she said it wasn’t necessary to go that far, I followed them anyway.

“Take care on your way in Mr. Woo-jin.”

“Woo-jina thank you for today!”

The two of them smiled broadly as they entered inside.

I took a deep breath and said to Mother,

“Mother may I say one more thing?”

“Yes? Please feel free to speak.”

Then I better say it quickly,

“The truth is there are two more women besides Ye-rin whom I am responsible for.”

“…Huh?”

* * *

The sports festival at Gahyeon University was fast approaching. It was that ambiguous line between spring and summer.

Scheduled to start in mid-April, the festival was already exhausting everyone.

Today, Choi Yi-seo had gathered the second-year English majors to finalize the list of participants for each event.

Those who didn’t show up were warned they’d be randomly assigned to any event—no complaints allowed.

As I lazily settled into my seat, Yoo Arin and Seo Yerin entered the classroom with their friends.

“…Why does your face look like that?”

Startled by my appearance, Yoo Arin asked me this question while Seo Yerin quickly sat next to me and smacked my head.

“This idiot said something weird to our mom and got slapped hard.”

“Slapped? By your mother?”

As Yoo Arin sat down bewildered, Seo Yerin briefly explained what had happened last night.

“Wow, you really stirred up trouble.”

Yoo Arin sighed in disbelief as she looked at me.

“You’re crazy for saying that stuff to us, but you actually told their mom? That you wanted a leg in with all three?”

“But… it’s better she knows now rather than finding out later.”

I muttered grumpily only for Seo Yerin to hit my head again in annoyance.

“Do you know how much of a fit Mom threw yesterday? Asking how could I like someone like that. Told me to break up immediately. She completely lost it.”

“That makes sense. Think about it logically. Which one of us three are you planning on registering family relations with?”

“…Can’t we just go live on a deserted island together or something?”

“How do I even like someone like this? But look at him acting all grand because he’s from a wealthy family.”

Yoo Arin grumbled incredulously before pulling out ointment and a bandage from her bag.

“Bring your cheek here. Walking around like that will only make people talk more.”

“What are you doing impersonating Choi Yi-seo?”

“You want to die? I’ve been carrying these around because of basketball lately.”

After applying ointment and sticking on the bandage on my cheek, then giving it a sharp slap—Yoo Arin seemed relieved despite causing more pain where it already hurt.

“Anyway, because of Woo-jin now I have absolute obedience towards Mom’s words for some time now; even curfew got cut back by an hour.”

“

As she spoke, Seo Yerin began to punch her side in frustration.

“Not yet! Seo Arin and I haven’t even made our choices yet! And we could’ve just kept this between us!”

“But aren’t you being a bit mean? You’re already making quick progress with Seo Yerin?”

Eventually, as both sides were exploding with anger, Choi Iseo entered and they both shut their mouths.

Crunch!

No, Seo Yerin was still not over it and pinched her thigh hard under the desk.

“Ah, pfft.”

Despite her groans of pain, no one took pity on Seo Yerin.

In the end, she had to accept the resentful pinch from Seo Yerin in silence.

* * *

“Why do you look like that?”

“Just… the price of responsibility.”

Another day at work.

The boss didn’t quite understand my response but wished me well before leaving for the day.

Today I agreed to work until later than usual since he offered a substantial overtime bonus.

Since it wasn’t busy anyway, I could just kill time on my phone.

– Choi Iseo: So you got slapped because of that?

I was also texting separately with Choi Iseo so there wasn’t much trouble.

For your information, I’ve been blocked by Seo Yerin.

Probably her mother’s doing.

– Kim Woojin: Yeah…

– Choi Iseo: Should this be praised as honesty or scorned as stupidity?

– Kim Woojin: Arin and Yerin would call it stupid.

– Choi Iseo: Right. Guess it’s good that they stopped at just a slap then.

Sigh.

Can’t help it really.

– Kim Woojin: Think trying harder might get permission?

– Choi Iseo: How can her mom give permission when even I haven’t given any?

That’s true too.

– Kim Woojin: Boredom kills me here.

– Choi Yiseo: Looks like you have nothing to say, seeing how you’re dodging the topic.

– Kim Woojin: …….

– Choi Yiseo: You’re at work, aren’t you? Just focus on your work.

– Choi Yiseo: (Photo)

Saying this, Choi Yiseo sent a selfie of herself wearing blue pajamas.

I immediately took a photo and sent it back.

– Kim Woojin: (Photo)

– Choi Yiseo: What’s this? Why did you send this?

Ah, shit.

I accidentally sent a risqué photo.

– Kim Woojin: (Photo).

– Kim Woojin: Was trying to send a selfie. Sent the wrong one by mistake.

– Choi Yiseo: 🖕

Since there was no further reply from Choi Yiseo after that, I decided to do something else instead.

Though I usually finish work at 9 PM, today I stayed two extra hours until 11 PM.

It was already past 10 PM and nearing an ambitious 11 PM when several customers came in buying expensive items as they prepared for a heated night ahead.

Then the door opened again with a gust of cold air as another customer entered.

“Welcome.”

Such is life.

Isn’t there something called lineage?

Inherited from my father are selfishness and greediness; yet sometimes slightly odd due to my mother’s blood too.

Just like that,

I suddenly wondered if Seo Yerin might be similar in that regard.

What I mean is,

“…Mom?”

Calling out to my mother who had come into the adult store.

Upon making eye contact with me, she staggered back in shock.

‘Ah.’

It seems Seo Yerin’s tendencies are indeed inherited through blood.