Magpie Tower: 1-2 Peculiar Customers

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While shopping for ingredients at the market, Ha-yeon encounters a woman with a speech disorder. Is it a coincidence or fate?

Info

Style: Recommended: Table Set Rewards: 3,000 , 600 , 3 , 1 , 1 , Blueprint: Clear Alps

Clear Alps

Dialogue Choices

Note: For the mini-game, aim for the red wedge.

Note: Changing choices when replaying will cost 5

Lee Ha-jun: We're not open again until 5 p.m. tomorrow, right, Ha-yeon?

• That's right, please come back tomorrow
  • Obtain Ending: Abrupt Farewell
• Wait, we still have ramen
  • Story continues

Transcript

Expand for script.

• Vegetable Seller: Come buy my spinach! Juicy fresh spinach for sale!

• Vegetable Seller: Great with soybean paste or stir-fried eggs! Fresh and healthy spinach to make you strong!

• As soon as I enter the market, I can hear the vendors' enthusiastic shouts.

• You: (In the increasingly modern city, the market is one of my favorite places.)

• You: (Vegetables come in such colorful hues, while fresh seafood brings the scent of the ocean.)

• You: (The vegetable sellers and the vegetable buyers alike are so busy...)

• You: (Three meals a day... That's what unconsciously shapes our daily lives.)

• Butcher: Ha-yeon!

• The butcher waves warmly at me as I approach.

• You: You're looking great today!

• Butcher: Oh, it's just that last night my friends and I were playing Go-stop, and I kept winning!

• You: Congratulations! Since you're in such a good mood, you'll help me pick the freshest chicken, won't you?

• Butcher: Of course! The usual?

• You: Plus an extra helping of chicken wings. Our new extremely spicy wings have been very popular.

• Butcher: Coming right up.

• I put the bagged chicken into my extra large shopping bag and easily carry it as I make my way around the market.
• I buy other ingredients, such as garlic, potatoes, soybean paste, sweet and spicy peppers, and honey.
• Just as I'm about to leave the market, I hear a harsh mocking voice from behind.

• Fishmonger: Hurry up! What kind of fish do you want to buy?

• Stuttering lady: B-B-Barramundi...

• Stuttering lady: I-I-Is it fresh?

• Fishmonger: I-I-It was...

• Fishmonger: B-B-But you took so long to finish talking that it probably stinks by now!

• The fishmonger stands with his hands on his hips, grinning widely. His teeth are stained yellow from smoking.

• You: (This is outrageous!)

• Stuttering lady: I... I...

• Fishmonger: You what? You want stinky fish, is that what you're trying to say?

• I let go of my shopping bag, letting it fall to the ground with a heavy thud.

• You: (This is really outrageous!)

• As fury bubbles up within me, I clench my fists tightly for a moment to restrain my anger and hold back my strength. Then I walk briskly up to the fishmonger.

• You: I'd like to buy some fish!

• You: Pacific saury, squid, belt fish, mackerel, blue fish, and yellow croaker. Five of each!

• Fishmonger: Of course. I'll just wrap these up for you.

• The fishmonger busily works up a sweat, convinced he's made a big sale.

• Fishmonger: Here you go, everything's all wrapped up for you. That'll be—

• You: Sorry, I don't want it anymore.

• Fishmonger: Is this a joke?! You've gone too far!

• You: Aren't you the one who's gone too far?

• I gesture toward the woman standing next to me.

• You: Why were you mocking this woman's way of speaking? Hmm? Did you think that was a funny joke?

• You: Don't you have anything better to do than make mean jokes about your own customers?

• Fishmonger: How dare you?

• Butcher: Hey, newcomer, Ha-yeon's right. You went too far!

• Butcher: If you want to keep doing business here, apologize to that woman right now!

• The vendors in the market start expressing their dissatisfaction one after another. The fishmonger's face turns red with shame.

• Fishmonger: I'm sorry! I shouldn't have said what I said.

• Fishmonger: As an apology, please accept these extra mackarels!

• The woman gently smiles at the fishmonger.

• Stuttering lady: I-I-It's okay. D-D-Don't worry about it...

• She turns to look at me. Her serene eyes are like a clear lake in early spring.

• Stuttering lady: Th-Th-Thank you...

• You: You're welcome.

• She nods at me in gratitude and leaves.

• I return to Yummy Fried Chicken and put away the ingredients I purchased.
• Soon, I forget the little episode in the market.

• You: We'll be opening soon. I'd better get changed before Ha-jun gets here.

• After changing, I read a comic while waiting for Ha-jun.
• Before long, I hear three rhythmic knocks on the door.

• Lee Ha-jun: It's Ha-jun.

• You: Come in! The door isn't locked.

• The door opens. I turn and see Ha-jun in the doorway, a beam of slanting sunlight softly illuminating his features.

• You: (He really seems to have walked right out of a comic! Even the lighting seems to have been pre-arranged!)

• Lee Ha-jun: Good morning, Ha-yeon. I'm here for my first day of work.

• You: Good morning, Ha-jun! You're right on time!

• Lee Ha-jun: Where do I start?

• You: Working at a fried chicken restaurant isn't too complicated.

• You: All you have to do is help prepare the ingredients, serve the customers, and clean up after closing.

• Ha-jun catches a glimpse of the stainless steel plates stacked in the cabinet, and his hands involuntarily clench into fists.

• Lee Ha-jun: Do I need to hand the dishes to the customers too?

• You: That's right.

• You: Don't worry, from today onwards, all the stainless steel dishes will be replaced with ceramic ones. I ordered some already. They're in the storage room.

• Lee Ha-jun: Ha-yeon... You've had to go to so much trouble for me.

• You: Yummy Fried Chicken was started by my parents. We're not the busiest fried chicken joint in town, but we do get many repeat customers.

• You: We're one of the oldest stores in the neighborhood, and we're proud of that.

• You: Here, this is the employee code of conduct handwritten by my mother.

• Lee Ha-jun: Thanks, I'll read it right now.

• Ha-jun carefully reads the employee handbook. Meanwhile, I can't help myself from providing commentary.

• You: The three most important rules at Yummy Fried Chicken are...

• You: One: strive to make the most delicious fried chicken in the city.

• You: Two: treat every customer with care.

• You: And three: the first rule and the second rule are equally important at all times.

• Ha-jun closes the handbook and looks up at me.

• Lee Ha-jun: Done.

• You: You've read all of it?

• Lee Ha-jun: I've memorized all of it.

• You: Wait, really?

• You: What's the 18th rule?

• Lee Ha-jun: We open from Monday to Thursday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and the ingredients need to be prepared before 4:00 p.m.

• Lee Ha-jun: So we'd better get started, right?

• I suppress my surprise. I don't want to look like the main character in a comic who's completely astounded by the new guy's amazing abilities.

• You: That's right... I'll go prepare the ingredients, while you wash the new ceramic crockery.

• Lee Ha-jun: We can't both use the sink at the same time. How about I wash the vegetables first, so you can cut them while I wash the crockery?

• You: That's a great idea, actually!

• Lee Ha-jun: Could I make one more small suggestion?

• You: Of course.

• Lee Ha-jun: The stainless steel dishes took up two cabinets. But the new ceramic crockery is smaller.

• Lee Ha-jun: If you can move the stainless steel dishes to the storage room, I think I could organize the new crockery so it only takes up one cabinet. That will free up some extra space.

• You: Sounds good. I'll go put away the old stainless steel dishes right now.

• Ha-jun nods and walks into the kitchen.

• Ha-jun works quietly and efficiently without speaking much.
• With his help, I finish the prep work a whole hour earlier than usual.
• As the sun sets, the glowing interior of Yummy Fried Chicken becomes warm and inviting.
• After a busy day, who doesn't want a plate of crispy, tender fried chicken? Especially if it's served with a glass of ice-cold beer!

• The chimes hanging on the door jingle as our first customer, Officer Park, walks in.

• Officer Park: Ha-yeon! Huh?

• Lee Ha-jun: Welcome to Yummy Fried Chicken!

• You: Hey, Officer Park!

• Officer Park: Who's the new guy, Ha-yeon? He's pretty handsome. Reminds me of me when I was young!

• Officer Park chuckles. Ha-jun looks awkward. I purse my lips, but can't help smiling.

• You: One whole fried chicken as usual?

• Officer Park: Yes, and a bottle of beer, as cold as an iceberg in Antarctica!

• Officer Park pulls out a chair and sits down. Ha-jun promptly sets the table for him.

• Na-na: One order of garlic soy sauce wings, and an order of french fries.

• Another regular customer, Na-na, has also arrived. She's a graduate student preparing for the civil service exam.

• Lee Ha-jun: Have a seat, and I'll bring your food to you as soon as it's ready.

• Na-na: Thanks, Ha-yeon!

• Na-na sits down, pulls out a heavy reference book, and starts studying.

• Officer Park: Hey, Na-na. Check out the new employee. He's very handsome, wouldn't you agree?

• Na-na: Sorry, Officer Park, but I'm busy right now. Please do not disturb me.

• You: (The customers at Yummy Fried Chicken have such different personalities.)

• You: (There's a police officer who laughs more raucously than a comedian. There's a serious graduate student who's completely indifferent toward matters of the heart.)

• You: (And then there's—)

• Song Ga-eun: Officer Park, why did you park your motorcycle diagonally in front of the store again?

• Song Ga-eun: I had to park my convertible on the next street!

• You: Ga-eun! You're here early today.

• Song Ga-eun: The electrical wiring in the office is being inspected today. I let everyone leave early, but we're going to have to work late tomorrow night.

• Ga-eun walks over to a table in the corner. Taking a bottle of hand sanitizer and a pack of wet wipes from her bag, she carefully wipes down the table and chairs.
• After wiping everything down three times, she finally sits down, looking satisfied.

• Song Ga-eun: One order of extremely spicy wings, one order of honey fried chicken nuggets, and a bottle of soju.

• Song Ga-eun: Oh, and Ha-yeon, I'd like to place an order of fried chicken for 20 people, to be delivered to my office tomorrow night at 8.

• You: Got it. I'll include all our dipping sauces.

• You: Ha-jun, cleanliness is very important to Ga-eun, so this table in the corner is specifically reserved for her.

• You: That mini sterilizer on the table is her exclusive tableware sterilizer, where she stores her exclusive tableware.

• Lee Ha-jun: Got it.

• You: Thanks for keeping an eye on things out here. I'll be in the kitchen if you need me.

• The store is full of customers by the time another regular customer, ballet dancer Kim Seon-woo, walks in.

• Kim Seon-woo: Wow, business is really good today.

• Kim Seon-woo: Do you have a table for one?

• Lee Ha-jun: Sorry, there are no available tables right now.

• Lee Ha-jun: Would you like to order something to go?

• Upon hearing the conversation between Seon-woo and Ha-jun, I quickly walk out of the kitchen.

• You: Good evening! If it isn't our favorite ballet star!

• Kim Seon-woo: Well, I'm not the principal dancer of our company yet. But maybe someday...

• You: I'm so sorry we're full right now. Would you like to wait for a table, or get your order to go?

• Kim Seon-woo: I'll wait for a table. Fried chicken is the best when it's fresh...

• Just as he finishes speaking, Seon-woo's stomach growls loudly.

• Kim Seon-woo: I was so focused on rehearsing that I forgot to have lunch today.

• You: You must be starving!

• I furrow my brows and looked around the restaurant. The only empty seat left is the one across from Ga-eun.

• You: Hey, Ga-eun—

• Song Ga-eun: Oh no, I can tell from your voice that you want something from me.

• You: Seon-woo hasn't eaten all day. How about you make an exception today and let him share your table?

• Song Ga-eun: No, you know I can't sit so close to someone else. What if he gets crumbs on the table while he's eating?

• You: How is that possible? Seon-woo is the cleanest person I've ever met.

• You: Oh, Ga-eun...

• You: You and Seon-woo were the first customers I met when I took over the Yummy Fried Chicken. You've seen each other more than a hundred times!

• You: What if he faints from hunger, injures himself, and has to misses his next performances...?

• Ga-eun glances at Seon-woo, who's making a pleading gesture, and then glares at me.

• Song Ga-eun: Yoon Ha-yeon, that's enough.

• Song Ga-eun: Let Seon-woo sit across from me, before I change my mind.

• You: Thank you, Ga-eun. You're the most kind-hearted customer who's ever graced our restaurant!

• Hurrying in and out of the kitchen, I bring out Seon-woo's order: a one-third portion of our olive oil fried chicken and a cup of unsweetened ice lemon tea.

• Kim Seon-woo: I'm sorry I always only order only a one-third portion...

• Kim Seon-woo: If I don't manage my weight, I'll be reprimanded by the company.

• You: Don't mention it. Everyone here is welcome to order whatever they like. Enjoy!

• Seon-woo reaches over to help take the tray of food from me.
• Suddenly, his face contorts in pain. He drops the tray, and frantically clutches his chest.
• The ceramic plate of chicken falls to the ground and shatters.
• What's worse, the cup of ice lemon tea lands on the table, spilling everywhere—including all over Ga-eun's clothes.

• Kim Seon-woo: I'm so sorry, Ga-eun!

• Still clutching his chest, Seon-woo apologizes profusely.
• Ga-eun's eyes go wide as she stares at the dark brown stain on her clothes in disbelief.

• Song Ga-eun: Wh-What...

• Song Ga-eun: This can't be happening...

• Ga-eun covers her mouth with her hand before pushing her chair back hard and rushing to the restroom.
• The sound of Ga-eun vomiting and her angry shouting can be heard from the restroom.

• Song Ga-eun: Kim Seon-woo! It's not over between you and me!

• And so, the day ends with Ga-eun's fury and Seon-woo's repeated apologies.
• After Ha-jun and I finish cleaning up, we step out into the street and lock the door behind us.

• You: Thanks, Ha-jun. You were such a big help today!

• Lee Ha-jun: Just doing my job.

• ???: E-E-Excuse me...

• Ha-jun and I both turn at the same time.

• Stuttering lady: Huh? I-I-It's you again...

• You: You were the woman at the fishmonger's!

• Stuttering lady: Th-That's right... A-A-Are you still open?

• Lee Ha-jun: Sorry, we just closed for the day.

• Stuttering lady: I-I-I see... I messed up what I was cooking today... I ruined it...

• Stuttering lady: A-A-All the other restaurants I passed were closed...

• Lee Ha-jun: I'm sorry, but we're out of ingredients.

• Lee Ha-jun: We're not open again until 5 p.m. tomorrow, right, Ha-yeon?

That's right, please come back tomorrow

• You: I'm so sorry, but we're closed for the night.

• You: But there's a 24-hour fried chicken chain store about half a mile from here.

• Stuttering lady: I-I-It's okay... Thank you...

• The woman leaves, and Ha-jun and I go our separate ways.

• The next day, I arrive at the restaurant and discover a letter has been stuffed through the crack in the door.
• It's Ha-jun's letter of resignation.
• Why did Ha-jun leave without saying anything after working for only one day? The question haunts me for a long time...

Think carefully, is there any other food you can prepare?
You don't have to wait until tomorrow to help others.
Ending [Abrupt Farewell]

Wait, we still have ramen

• You: We should have some ramen in the restaurant.

• You: I could cook you a bowl of hot ramen noodles with kimchi.

• Lee Ha-jun: But it's already past closing time.

• You: It's okay to make an exception to the rules now and then for a customer.

• Ha-jun furrows his brows slightly, nods, and unlocks the door.

• Lee Ha-jun: Please come in.

• Stuttering lady: I-I-If it's not too much trouble for you...

• You: Not at all. Come on, let's get you out of the cold.

• Dad often says fate brings together chefs and the people who walk into their restaurant.
• If that's true... I wonder how all our fates will be entwined?