Brother, Am I Cute? [EN]: Chapter 194

Hyung, am I cute? Episode 194

After lecturing for about an hour, I spent the remaining 30 minutes on presentations.

As they presented their reports, the students displayed beautiful PPTs (PowerPoint presentations).

They added 멋진 [wonderful/stylish] backgrounds to their poems, explaining how they came up with them.

What hidden meanings they held.

What kind of structure they used.

The professor looked at the attendance book and opened his mouth.

“Then, let’s have Si-hyuk do the last one.”

“Yes!”

I stood up from my seat and turned on the PPT on the computer.

The first thing that appeared was Siha’s drawing.

The students tilted their heads, wondering what this painting was with its feast of diverse colors.

I looked at them and said.

“Red, orange, yellow, green. Like this painting without lines, we may be dyed by ‘something’ as we live. Just like black and white mix to become gray humans.”

I pointed to the upper part painted with sky blue and white.

“Within that, only the pure sky and clouds are watching without mixing. This is a sijo [a traditional Korean poetic form] written from a certain place. I chose a syllable count of 43.”

I clicked the remote, and letters appeared on the PPT.

[The sun and moon harmonize, embroidering the forest,

Looking at the sky, the clouds look down,

Riding the passing wind, echoes play.

-Autumn Mountain-]

Everyone looked at the poem and nodded.

The presentation continued.

“In this poem, I didn’t mention the summit of the mountain, but everyone can tell it’s a view from the top.”

The students nodded, saying, ‘Now that you mention it, it is.’

I reminded them of what I said earlier.

“The sun and moon. People in the forest who see day and night. As I became a cloud in the sky and looked down, that’s how it was. How much the language of words influences people within it.”

I declared that the ‘something’ was words.

The teachings of adults. Debates that enhance intellect from mouth to mouth. Rumors that spread between people.

I expressed it playfully, saying that they run around like echoes.

The students’ eyes sparkled, saying, ‘Ooh~.’

That’s how interestingly the poem was expressed.

In reality, there was no such meaning, and it was just a poem written about what I experienced at the summit of Autumn Mountain.

The professor nodded as if it were plausible.

“By writing a 43-syllable poem containing 함축 [implication], 은유 [metaphor], and 운율 [rhythm], I was able to feel the 풍류 [aesthetic appreciation/romanticism] of that era a little. When I actually climbed the mountain, I thought it might be possible to think that way. Thank you.”

Clap, clap, clap.

Ah. Receiving applause like this makes me feel embarrassed for no reason.

Put it away. Put it away. Actually, I just wrote it as it came to mind when I saw the scenery.

Siha did everything. I gave it meaning later.

Of course, since this presentation is part of the evaluation, I didn’t say those words out loud.

As I sat down, Seo Soo-hyun said with shining eyes.

“Oppa [term for older brother used by females], that’s amazing. You wrote it so well. The combination of the painting and the poem makes for a perfect explanation. The colors 물들어가는 [dyeing/seeping in], the sky not 물들이지 않는 [not dyeing/not seeping in]. Wow. It also helps with the interpretation of the poem.”

“Ah, really?”

“Yes. Everyone else used pretty backgrounds or things related to the poem, but you chose to have the hidden meaning of the painting explain it. I never thought you could direct it that way.”

“Haha.”

This is just Siha’s painting…….

Of course, Siha might have intended for the colors to 물들여가는 [dye/seep in].

The sky was painted later, so of course, it wouldn’t have been 물들여지지는 [dyed/seeped]. Hmm. I don’t know.

Anyway, I just attached some meaning to it, and it all 착착 맞아떨어져서 [fell perfectly into place], which was also convenient.

That 숨은 의미 [hidden meaning]!

There are so many.

“But Oppa, I found a 숨은 사람 [hidden person], not a 숨은 의미 [hidden meaning].”

“Huh? What are you talking about?”

“Over there.”

I looked at where Seo Soo-hyun was pointing.

The glass attached to the front door.

There was the chemistry professor.

‘There really is a 숨은 사람 [hidden person]… not a 숨은 의미 [hidden meaning]?’

***

-Lounge.

I got a coffee from the vending machine.

I handed the warm milk coffee to the professor.

Chemistry Professor Jung Yong-soo.

I didn’t think he would come looking for me. He’s a fast mover.

He seems like the type to push through once he decides on something.

I’ve only seen him once, but I can roughly guess his personality from the curiosity on his face.

“I didn’t expect you to come all the way here.”

“Actually, I contacted the department office, but I was curious about the answer, so I came. I wanted to know if what I found was correct.”

“Oh! Did you find the answer?”

“Yes. It’s 웰빙 [well-being], right?”

“Hahaha. Yes. That’s right.”

“But why 웰빙 [well-being]? Isn’t the boom over?”

“That’s not the case in Vietnam. I judged that it’s time for the cycle to slowly start.”

“Really?”

I nodded.

Looking at the current cultural direction and way of life in Vietnam, it resembles the old Korea.

And as 너튜브 [YouTube] gradually takes over, cultural barriers have been further broken down.

Young people 접하며 [encounter] and change very quickly.

Then how quickly will Vietnam change?

Not only is it insufficient to see the sun and moon under the same sky, but it is also quickly 물들어간다 [being dyed/seeping in].

The medium that makes that possible has already been created.

“I once did a survey on American clothing.”

“Hmm?”

“Having an interest in fashion means you’ll inevitably look for hairstyling. It’s not unrelated.”

“That’s true.”

“Among them, British and American companies are competing for the top two spots in Vietnamese hair products. Shampoo, in particular, is ranked number one.”

“We’re talking about spray, aren’t we?”

“Yes. That’s right. Just listen for now. Somehow, I ended up receiving data from that side, and hair product sales are increasing every year. 500 million dollars in 2014, 540 million dollars in 2015.”

He was listening very intently, as if my words were interesting.

Well, since I’m giving accurate figures, he can roughly guess.

“Import amounts are also steadily increasing. But shampoo won’t work. It’s too late to get involved. But spray is different. It has great potential. Koreans are looking for good-smelling shampoos and hair products, and now they’re looking for unscented sprays. Right?”

“That’s right.”

“If you keep painting scent on your hair, it’ll be a mess. People who have used it know. That’s why the professor made it an unscented product. And a natural product at that.”

“That’s because I was trying to make it so that even people with sensitive scalps could use it. My scalp is seborrheic.”

“I see. Anyway, that’s what 웰빙 [well-being] is about. There’s a high possibility that Vietnam will flow along with us. People’s thoughts are all the same.”

People who are interested in appearance will definitely be interested and 고민하게 [worry] about their skin condition.

“Well, that’s all I have. Is that the answer now?”

“The evidence is 확실하구만 [certain]. Look at the culture. In the end, it can’t help but 섞일 수밖에 [mix]. Is that what you’re saying?”

“These days, it 섞이죠 [mixes] a little faster.”

“That’s right. That’s why it’s so hard to keep up with kids these days. Haha.”

I was thirsty, so I took a sip of coffee.

It was already cold, so my tongue wasn’t burned.

I was holding it like a hand warmer, but I forgot to drink it while talking.

Still, drinking it all at once has a 풍미 [flavor/charm].

After all, vending machine coffee is better than cafe coffee.

Jung Yong-soo opened his mouth.

“But, you know.”

“Ah, yes.”

“Are you interested in our business? I need a translator.”

“A translator? Why?”

“Why else? I’m trying to 거래를 [make a deal] with a distributor in Vietnam.”

“Yes?”

“So, I was wondering if you could participate in the business and help me out. It’s much more concrete than the previous offer, right?”

“Haha. It still seems 주먹구구식 [haphazard/makeshift], doesn’t it?”

“Haha. Don’t underestimate my 짬밥 [experience/seniority].”

Sigh. He seems like a natural researcher…….

Well, he must be hearing things here and there.

But strangely, the 다 식은 [cold] paper cup seems to be getting 뜨거워지는 [hotter].

“Okay. Let’s do it.”

***

-Daycare.

Siha was telling his friends about going hiking.

He climbs a mountain in the air.

“Like this, like this. Climb mountain. Use cane.”

He pretended to tap the cane on the ground.

Seeing that, Seung-joon 벌떡 일어서더니 [suddenly stood up] and bent over.

He imitates using a cane.

“Old, 할아버지다 [grandpa].”

“Huh?”

“No! 할머니야 [grandma]! 할머니다 [grandma]!”

The twins were excitedly expressing 할머니 [grandma] and 할아버지 [grandpa].

As expected, they must be reminded of it when they see a cane.

The hiking story has already flown far away into the sky.

Still, Siha continued his story.

“Mountain 머시써 [cool/awesome]. Red also 이써 [there is]. 백동 거지 말해써 [Baekdong didn’t lie]. 도라지 머거써 [ate bellflower roots].”

“Siha, did you eat 도라지 [bellflower roots]?”

“Ah, ah. 마시써 [delicious].”

“Wow! I don’t like that. It’s 웩이야 [yucky]. I like sausage.”

“Siha also. Siha also. Sausage 조아 [like].”

In the end, they gave the sausage the thumbs up over the 도라지 [bellflower roots].

The teacher who heard that nodded.

Even she, an adult, would choose sausage over 도라지 [bellflower roots] if she had to pick.

That’s not it!

“Siha, there’s something I’m curious about.”

“Huh?”

“Siha said you went hiking. Did you go to the 산꼭대기 [mountaintop]? The very top of the mountain.”

“Ah, ah! Siha 정상 가써 [went to the summit].”

“Oh! You even know the word 정상 [summit]. But did you go by yourself?”

Siha was happy that the teacher was listening to his story with interest.

He explained to the best of his ability.

“Huh? No. 도라지 잡고 [holding bellflower roots].”

The teacher smiled wryly.

We’re starting from there again.

Three-year-old Lee Siha. He was an 아이 [child] who 친절하게 [kindly] and 차근차근 [step by step] explains from the beginning.

“Hyung 등 [back]. 합체해써 [combined]. 산 정상 가써 [went to the mountain summit].”

I finally heard the story I wanted to hear.

The teacher quickly 끼어들었다 [intervened], afraid he would say more after that.

“Okay. Siha couldn’t go alone? Right?”

“No. Siha 할 수 이써 [can do]. Hyung 합체하고 시퍼 해써 [wanted to combine].”

“Ah, I see. Hyung did that.”

The situation was 그려졌다 [pictured].

Si-hyuk 업고 [carrying on his back] going because he was worried Siha would overdo it.

But even so, it’s true that Siha couldn’t climb to the 정상 스스로 [summit by himself].

I’m not blaming that. The important thing is.

“Then Siha, next time, aim for something higher.”

“Huh? 위 [up]?”

“Yes. 위 [up]. Go one step further than where Siha went this time. Then Siha will be even more amazing, right?”

“Ah, ah!”

“You’ll be able to do more next time? Right? Siha said you could do it earlier.”

“Siha 할 수 이써 [can do]!”

The teacher smiled 만족스러운 [satisfactorily] at Siha’s answer.

It’s important for people to set 인생의 목표 [life goals] as they live.

Because that destination will 만들어줄 의욕 [create motivation].

“Okay, then! Would you like to hear the story of a teacher who tries to achieve her goals?”

“Huh?”

“Hehehe.”

The teacher held up a sketchbook.

The children tilted their heads as they looked at it.

When did she prepare that?

Now they 익숙하게 [familiarly] take their places in front of the teacher without being told.

Seung-joon says.

“What kind of story is it today?”

“It’s the Tortoise and the Hare!”

“Ah. I know that!”

The other children nodded as if agreeing with Seung-joon’s words.

But Jong-soo next to him 피식 웃었다 [smirked].

“There’s no way the teacher would just tell the Tortoise and the Hare.”

The teacher’s 입만 뻐끔거렸다 [mouth only gaped] as if she had been 뺏겼는지 [robbed of] her lines.

I felt like the children knew me well now.

“Hmm hmm. That’s right. The Tortoise and the Hare that you know are having a running race on the road, right?”

“Yes!”

“But! What if the Tortoise and the Hare had a swimming competition in the water?!”

“!!!”

The children have expressions that they never thought of that.

“The Hare and the Tortoise competing in the water. I wonder what kind of story there is?”

“Yes!”

“Then let’s start the story.”

The teacher 펼쳤다 [opened] the sketchbook.

There was a tortoise that 닮은 [resembled] Jong-soo 어딘가 모르게 [somehow] and a hare that 닮은 [resembled] Siha 그려져 있었다 [drawn].

The beginning is always a 익숙한 서사 [familiar narrative].

“Once upon a time, there lived a Hare and a Tortoise. The Tortoise lost to the Hare in a race, so this time he proposed to compete in the water.”

“Then the Hare said.”

“Hmph! Do you think you can beat me even if we compete in the water? You’re still a 느림보 [slowpoke] Tortoise anyway.”

“The Tortoise 코웃음을 치며 도발했습니다 [scoffed and provoked] the Hare.”

“Why? Are you 괜히 안 받아주는 [not accepting] because you think you’re going to lose to me?”

“Ha, 참나 [unbelievable]! Hey! Go to Gwangalli Beach!”

Next page.

In the end, the Tortoise won against the Hare.

The Hare could not be 당해낼 수 [cope with] 수영으로는 [swimming].

The Hare 구겼다 [creased] his face as if he was 분하다 [resentful].

The Tortoise said.

“I won?”

“Yes. You won.”

“Then it’s 정해졌네 [decided]. You go. Hawaii.”

“It’s still 1 to 1! It’s still 멀었어 [far] to decide who will 떠날지 [leave] this 구역에서 [area]. It’s the last 승부 [match].”

“Okay. Let’s have another swimming competition in the sea.”

“No. Let’s have another running race on the road.”

“Then let’s decide with 가위바위보 [rock-paper-scissors].”

So the Hare and the Tortoise played 가위바위보 [rock-paper-scissors].

The Tortoise’s 승 [win].

Seeing that, the Hare said.

“Give me some time.”

“How much?”

“Three months. I’ll beat you in three months.”

“Three months is a bit much. One month.”

“Okay. One month.”

The Hare thought to himself.

One month is enough.

“Shall we stop here for today?”

“Ah~ Teacher~!!”

“Hmm hmm. So what happened was.”

The teacher 넘겼다 [turned] the next page.