Chapter 38
The plane landed successfully and safely at Incheon international airport Seoul and we were making our way out of the jet. My car was already waiting at the airport with my driver.
Feeling so tired and stressed I am so glad to see my driver even though I love to drive my rides a lot but today is just different. Korea is one of my favorite countries to be in because of their diverse culture and their food is just amazing.
But right now, I don't feel excited. Catherine isn't talking to me and I don't know what to do. She is just following me without saying a word.
Thinking of what to do, I decided to take her into one of the airport's best restaurants so Catherine can get to taste their delicacy which might bring a smile to her face and get out of her bad mood.
And forgive me of course
"Are you hungry?" I asked trying to hold her hand as I moved close to her
"No, I'm not." She snapped "But if you're hungry you can go to the restaurant while I wait for you in the car" she said, removing her hand from mine and increasing her pace.
"Okay" I started, giving it another shot. "Yours would be delivered to you.." I stopped when my phone beeped. It is grandma calling.
"Hello Grandma, you called right on time. I just arrived at the airport" I said covering my mouth partially to prevent Catherine from hearing my conversation
"Okay, Adam. I really can't hold my excitement to see how pretty she is. You should start coming home immediately I've prepared some sweet Korean dishes that I've learnt since the last time you left'
"Ehm grandma we would not be coming home right away because I'll like to show Catherine around the beautiful city of Seoul"
"What a beautiful name she has "Catherine". She said, mastering her name in her lips before continuing "That's a good idea but do not fill your tummy so you can try out the dishes that are already waiting for you here."
"Sure thing grandma, you've done a great job. Love you and see you and mother soon"
"I love you too boy, come soon" she said before ending the call.
Before heading to Catherine, I walked towards my car where my driver and my staff stood instead of them to get things out of the jet.
"What are you guys waiting for, a miracle or what? Quickly get our things you fools"
While they went to do as told, I watched Catherine from a distance how she is happily adjusting to the custom and greetings of the Korean trying to greet the passersby.
Seeing how happy she is makes me happy. I want it to remain like this forever without her ever frowning. Just when her head was turning towards my direction, I looked away pretending not to look at her.
From the corner of my eyes, I see her staring at me watching my every move like a hawk. Ignoring her prying gaze, I stopped the pretense and went to her.
"Hello Miss Catherine" I added the miss sarcastically just to get a reaction. She just looked away pretending not to hear.
"Can you not hear me?" I ask, standing upright now with one eye slightly closed.
"Oh, you're here. Are you off to go eat now?" Still pretending, she folds her hands looking straight to the ground after giving me a short glance
"Yes, I'm here and you're coming with me" without waiting for her response I grabbed her hand but missed my step in the process. But Catherine was there to catch me like a cute superwoman
"Please, be careful." She said, catching me swiftly, "Watch your step next time." She gave me a knowing look. At first I didn't quite get it but later it clicked.
She did it on purpose.
"You did it on purpose" I exclaimed in disbelief.
"Yes, I moved away because I don't want you to hold me. And you were talking about me accompanying you. Can I go with the driver to the hotel while you come after you're done eating please"
"What are you talking about, who is the boss here? It is obvious you've clearly forgotten. Get my credit card from my suitcase in the car now" I ordered while looking at my wristwatch
"I wish the ground could just open at this moment" Catherine murmurs as she grudgingly goes towards my car to retrieve my credit card which I already have. "Yes, that serves her right" I smirked, chuckling a little.
Upon returning I can see sweat forming a crease on her forehead. My heart reached out to her for punishing her this way.
"I couldn't find it, and I'm not sure if it was there in the first place because your suitcase wasn't there either" she said while rubbing off the little sweat on her forehead with the back of her palm.
"Uh, I forgot to mention it earlier but my credit card is with me right here." Trying to suppress the laugh threatening to surface upon seeing her expression I dipped my hand in my pocket to bring it out just to clear whatever doubt she has.
"I'd like to know if you're with your suitcase or if we're here for a business trip at all" she folds her hand again, looking at me with a raised brow.
Ignoring her I walk towards the restaurant leaving the choice to follow or not. So happy when she tagged along, good at least we are progressing.
While walking to the restaurant inside the airport I can see men staring at Catherine which somewhat makes my inside boil. I know it's good to admire when you see something good but not when it's mine.
Shooting daggers at them, I give them a look that says; "I'll kill you if you stare at her again." That seemed to do the trick as they all looked away.
Drawing a seat out for Catherine, I took mine as she grudgingly muttered a thank you afterwards.
An average height waitress approached us with a menu in her hand.
"Annyeonghaseyo" she greeted in Korean
"English please" I ordered, don't have time to be cracking my head trying to understand her.
"Okay sir" she nods slightly before continuing "Welcome. Here is our menu of special Korean dishes that you might love to try and then there are international dishes on this other menu list which I am holding. I'll come back in the next three to five minutes to take your orders" she rushed through, then bowed slightly afterwards before excusing herself.
Looking at Catherine I saw her going through the menu eagerly, I smirked.
Strange woman, I thought she wasn't hungry.
"I know what you'll love to try" I said, collecting the menu list that she is holding without waiting to hear a response from her.
At exactly five minutes the waitress returned.
" Okay so we'll have numbers 3 and 5 on the Korean menu and maybe just a dessert from the international menu list since we've had a lot of what is there already" I said, giving the two menu lists to the waiter dismissing her wondering why I felt the urge to explain myself? I'm starting to lose myself.
"This is bad" I said to myself with a slight frown on my face.
But the down didn't last long as the ambience is quite highly competent, respectful, mature, and with accountable employees.
Just in time, the food was brought to us. But I decided to use the medium done Korean table manners that Catherine might like to learn
"Jal-mukkes-seub-nida" I said as I looked at Catherine and the waiter
"Enjoy your meal" the waiter replies with a smile and bows to exit
"I must say you're quite familiar with the Korean language so tell me what the waiter said when he first came to us and what you just said to the both of us" Catherine said as she carries her bowl of rice from the table and tries to taste it first "And how did you know this was what I would order?"
"Well ma'am, I think you should have a taste of the soup first so you can prepare your taste buds for the savory adventure and your rice bowl should never leave the table besides elders need to take their food first and the elder between the two of us is obviously me" I said hiding my wicked smile, I'm having so much fun teasing her.
"Okay, thank you. Since you're the elder please don't keep me waiting I can't resist my urge to know how it taste"
"I thought you said you weren't hungry" I asked, smirking at her.
" I thought I was supposed to follow your command since you're my boss?" She teased in return.
"Nice, using my words against me right?" I furrowed my brow at her, making her chuckle. "Let's eat" I added quickly in an attempt to change the topic. Sensed it was leading to an argument which I want to avoid at all cost
"Yes but you still haven't told me the meaning of ehm 'jal-muk-muks' what was it again?"
"Jal-mukkes-seub-nida" I said chuckling
"Yeah yeah, laugh all you want." She said, nodding her head. "I'm going to learn it too and I'll be good at it very soon. So watch and see"
"Oh, is that a challenge?"
"Take it how you want"
"Okay, okay I will tell you. So what the waiter told us when she arrived was only a greeting which means "Hello"
"Yes I already know that, I watch a lot of K-pop movies so I understood that but the other one you said is what I'll like to understand"
"Don't blame me, you were the one who asked for the meaning of both remember" I used my brow at her teasingly.
"Sorry about that then"
"Whatever. The meaning of what I said was like an appreciation for the food which is courtesy over here. When you're done eating you can say 'jal-muhguhs-seub-nida' to the waiter to show how much you enjoyed yourself. And it means 'I ate well' that would bring a smile to their face and you would also feel good inside"
"Oh wow, 'jal-muhguhs-seub-nida' right? Thank you, I'll do just that" she said giving out a big smile
I watch as Catherine eats her food with so much elegance and style like she was used to it and I feel so fulfilled and happy. Grandma would definitely love her but too bad it is only just a lie. I don't know how I'm feeling right now.
"Am I feeling sad that Catherine isn't my fiancé for real?" I wonder.
