PTC Chapter 15. Part-Time Daughter-in-Law

Soonja usually had a gentle personality and was lenient towards her daughters-in-law. However, she was strict when it came to taboos. Especially those warned against by the shaman, Cheon Bosal¹, regarding Seojun’s well-being; if anyone violated these, she would immediately unleash her fury.

That was the situation now for Soonja.

“The shaman said she’s a blessing and we should treat her well, so why are you objecting?”

“Mother….”

To Junghee, who stammered, unable to find the right words, Soonja said, “Your attitude is what’s upsetting me. I told you she’s a blessing, to treat whoever he brings well, and you’re asking ‘why her?’ Why are you objecting? What are you dissatisfied with? She seems perfectly fine to me.”

Seojun felt pleased with Soonja’s words. She approved of everything about Da-in.

Of course. What’s not to like about Park Da-in?

In Seojun’s mind, Da-in was more than enough for a 100-day marriage. This was nothing short of a windfall, a result of his spite aligning with Da-in’s misfortune.

“Right, Grandma? She’s great.”

“Yes. Cheon Bosal said she’s a blessing. So what’s your problem?”

As Soonja pressed her, Junghee stammered, “It’s just…. Seojun said he knew her from before, so I was wondering if this is appropriate between acquaintances….”

“Seojun will handle that. Don’t even think about giving her a hard time. She’s a precious guest for 100 days. Instead of thinking about how to treat her well while she’s here….”

Junghee frowned at the mention of giving her a hard time.

“Giving her a hard time? She’d have to be a daughter-in-law to give her a hard time. She’s nothing.”

Then Soonja’s sharp voice rang out.

“Even for 100 days, a daughter-in-law is a daughter-in-law. They’ll properly register and live together before separating, so why isn’t she a daughter-in-law?”

After visiting Cheon Bosal, Soonja had become completely on Da-in’s side even before meeting her.

“Mother, you’re only listening to the shaman….”

“Of course, I listen to Cheon Bosal! They’re ensuring Seojun’s well-being. Whose words should I listen to then? I won’t say this again. If you say anything negative about Da-in one more time, you’ll really get it from me. What if Da-in runs away before the 100 days are up? Then everything falls apart.” 

Seojun’s eyes widened at Soonja’s words. The turn of the conversation was unbelievable. How much longer did he have to play along? Seojun asked with a laugh, “Is that so, Grandma? If Da-in leaves before the 100 days, everything really falls apart? Will I die?”

“Yes.”

Junghee, standing next to them, gaped. It was a horrifying thing to hear.

“Why are you saying such terrifying things about dying….”

“Anyway, that’s how it is. So treat the blessing well.”

Seojun laughed at Soonja’s words to Junghee.

“I really have to treat her well. My lifeline is in Park Da-in’s hands.”

As Seojun went upstairs laughing, Junghee clutched her chest.

She never knew what life would bring, but she truly never expected something like this to happen.

***

Da-in felt good on her first day at work on Monday. The design team consisted of eight people. Below the team leader was a senior designer, and besides her, there were two other designers. Then there was an assistant designer, a 3D modeler, and a supporter who gathered materials.

All the team members seemed nice. In particular, the 3D modeler, Han Seungmin, was especially friendly from the start, saying to Da-in, “Da-in, I really liked your design portfolio. You’ve experienced the process of designs becoming 3D models at your previous company, right?”

“Yes, I’m familiar with it. I look forward to working with you.”

“I should be the one saying that.”

Next to Seungmin, who smiled pleasantly while running his hand through his curly hair, the supporter, Yoojin, greeted her.

“I’m Choi Yoojin. If you need any materials or anything else, just let me know, and I’ll help you.”

“Thank you.” Da-in replied.

She liked the seating arrangement, and the first meeting went smoothly. It was nice to see everyone looking out for each other despite being busy launching a new brand. She felt like she would be able to freely design what she wanted in this kind of environment.

For the next three days, Da-in was busy establishing the concept for the new brand.
Seojun called Da-in every evening for a brief check-in and ended the call with a “good night.” They had agreed to go to the district office to register their marriage on Friday, which was now just a day away.

She received a call just as she was getting up after finishing a meeting about the new brand concept. It was an unknown number.

“Hello?”

—It’s me. Seojun’s mother.
Her heart sank. But it wouldn’t be like before. Time had passed, and she wasn’t the naive and timid Park Da-in of the past. Da-in answered confidently.

 “Yes?”

—I’m near your office. Can you come out for a moment?

“Yes. I’ll be right there.”

After answering, Da-in immediately called Seojun. Seojun answered cheerfully.

—What’s up? Park Da-in is calling me.

“Your mother asked me to meet her at a nearby cafe, and I don’t want to go alone.”

—Mom didn’t even tell me? Just you?

Displeasure colored his voice. Da-in didn’t want to be caught between mother and son, so she asked again.

“Should I go alone?”

—No. Let’s go together. You did well to call me. Let’s hear what she has to say together. After we register our marriage tomorrow, we’re practically one even if it’s just for 100 days.

Da-in didn’t want a repeat of the past, where she went alone, unable to speak properly, and ended up just being shocked and helpless. The day she met Junghee alone, she miscarried. It was also the day she found out she was pregnant. Would things have been different if she’d been more careful? Would there have been a 10-year-old child between her and Seojun?

Da-in spoke calmly to Seojun.

 “Then come to the cafe. I’ll go ahead.”

—I’ll go first. Let’s aim to arrive around the same time.

Da-in hung up. She asked her team leader.

“Would it be alright if I stepped out for a moment?”

“Of course. It’ll be lunchtime soon, so have lunch while you’re out.”

Han Seungmin spoke up beside her, and the team leader also smiled and nodded.

“Yes, thank you. See you later.”

Da-in took out her mirror from her handbag and checked her appearance one more time. She didn’t want to appear vulnerable. When she opened the door and entered the cafe, Seojun wasn’t there yet. Da-in went straight to Junghee and greeted her.

“Hello.”

Just then, Seojun arrived right behind her.

“I’m here too, Mom.”

Junghee was startled and flustered.

“Why are you here?”

“We made a promise. If there’s a meeting with Grandma or you, we meet together. Even if it’s for 100 days, marriage is marriage. There’s no need to meet separately and make things complicated, right? Please, say what you want to say.”

Seojun sat down next to Da-in.

“I’ll order coffee.”

As Da-in started to get up, Seojun interrupted.

“I’ll do it.”

While Seojun briefly went to order coffee, Junghee looked at Da-in. 

“You’re different from before.”

“Yes. I can’t be the same as before.”

Da-in agreed with Junghee. Junghee hesitated to speak due to Da-in’s polite yet firm demeanor.

“Why did you want to meet me?”

Meanwhile, Seojun returned after ordering.

“I ordered. We can pick it up when it’s ready.”

Junghee frowned at Seojun, who had returned quickly.

“Couldn’t even wait a moment. Did you come because you were afraid I’d say something to her?”

“That’s right. Mom, this marriage was a difficult decision for me too. So please don’t say anything harsh to my wife.”

“Wife?”

The word “wife” made Da-in look at Seojun once more. 

Wife. 

It seemed like an unsuitable word for a 100-day marriage. Seojun, looking at Da-in.

“You’re my wife. After we register our marriage tomorrow, you’ll be my wife.”

Junghee was speechless at Seojun’s words. It seemed she really couldn’t say anything now.

As Junghee sipped her coffee in silence, Da-in emphasized, “Yes, we’re a married couple. But please remember that we’re a part-time married couple. Mother, this isn’t time for me to be Seojun’s wife. I would appreciate it if you didn’t seek me out during the day.”

Junghee’s eyes widened, and she put down her cup.

“What did you say?”

Then Seojun stepped in.

“That’s right, Mom. We have to respect the time. Right now isn’t a couple time, it’s Park Da-in’s personal time. So please only say what you want to say when Da-in is in her role as your daughter-in-law. 

Junghee glared at Seojun. Her son was taking the side of his 100-day wife even before the marriage.

“So you’re saying she’s a part-time daughter-in-law? And I have to respect that time?”

“Of course. You agreed too. From 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. So she’s only my wife during that time. Please respect the time. And refrain from unnecessary meetings. We can’t have our blessing be uncomfortable. Right? You said I could die.”

At Seojun’s relaxed words, Junghee was dumbfounded. It was a moment where she felt completely outmaneuvered.