Chapter 2

After looking into short-term part-time jobs, I concluded that it would be far from enough to cover my living expenses right away.

So, I made up my mind to restart the acting career I was most confident about in my previous life.

Thus, while choosing a short-term job, I also applied for a cameo audition.

Honestly, I was somewhat anxious.

Because my body has changed.

I wondered if my acting skills accumulated from my previous life had declined.

However, when I secretly tried acting in the bathroom, my worries vanished. But even so, the reason for my current grim expression is very simple.

The thought of going back to being a rookie was daunting.

‘Me, a rookie….’

Memories of the difficult times came to my mind.

Older colleagues trying to keep me in check because I was a child.

I was just 10 years old.

If I made a mistake, it was like I embarrassed myself in front of everyone.

Now, I won’t be swayed by such seniors anymore…

‘No, but… is this the right place?’

Arriving at a store selling various cosmetics, I looked around inside.

“Appa! Why did we come here?”

“Hmm? Why do you think?”

“Don’t know!”

Just by spending the whole day being kind to her, Yuna and I became closer.

Now, without hesitation, she pulled on my sleeve and bombarded me with questions.

“Appa, why did we come here?”

“Of course, to make money.”

“Here?”

“Yeah, just stay quiet once we’re inside.”

*Nod Nod*

Feeling relieved by Yuna’s enthusiastic nod, I entered the wide-open store.

*Swish Swish*

The upbeat music and the captivating array of cosmetics caught my attention.

And there was a subtle floral scent.

“Wow! Appa! I can smell flowers even though there aren’t any!”

“Shh! I told you to be quiet.”

“Wow! Look, there are balloons over there!”

Though she stood quietly by my side, her small mouth and rolling eyes showed no signs of quietness at all.

‘Is she the same quiet kid from before?’

Thanks to Yuna, who quickly caught the attention of the customers in the store, I felt embarrassed.

As I was fanning my heated face to cool down,

“Excuse me, sir, are you looking for something…?”

“Yes?”

The approaching female employee trailed off her words, scanning me up and down with a puzzled look.

Then, with an awkward smile, she opened her mouth.

“Sir, I’m sorry, but…”

It seemed like she was trying to chase me away because of my appearance. Judging by the way my clothes had turned yellow, they would think I was penniless.

But I hadn’t come to buy anything.

I quickly spoke up,

“I’m the part-time worker, Lee Jun-seo, you contacted in advance. I’ll do my best if you assign me any tasks.”

“Yuna will also work hard!”

She turned her gaze downwards.

Yuna clenched her small fist and looked at us with passionate eyes.

Finally, the employee widened her eyes and, as if remembering something, clapped her hands.

“Oh! You’re the one who with a daughter, right?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“I’m sorry. Please come this way.”

Fortunately, the female employee didn’t chase us away despite our shabby appearance.

“Yes, thank you.”

“Ah! Yuna will also do her best!”

“Hehe, your daughter is so cute.”

“Ahaha, yes….”

I felt embarrassed, my face was flushed even though I hadn’t received any praise.

I need to get used to this….

Following her guidance, we entered a cluttered warehouse full of items.

*Rustle, rustle*

“Ah, it was here…. Found it.”

She rummaged through a box on the floor and pulled out colorful uniforms and straw hats.

“Since the sun is strong today, give your daughter the hat…. And take out one leaflet at a time from this bag and hand them out to people around here.”

I received the bag of leaflets from her, surprised by its weight.

“Are all these inside….”

“We’re not picky. Just distribute them until the designated time.”

It was quite a lot, but if I distributed them quickly, it seemed like it would end soon.

“Where should I distribute these? Is there a designated spot?”

“It would be best to walk around the city, but since your daughter is with you, it’s safer to stay in front of the store.”

“Oh, thank you for considering.”

“It’s good to help each other when it’s tough, isn’t it? If your daughter feels tired, let her rest here.”

She encouraged me and turned to a customer with raised hands.

‘She’s really kind….’

How many places would accept someone who brings their daughter to work part-time?

I glanced at Yuna, wearing the straw hat, and asked, “Do you want to rest here comfortably? Or do you want to stay with Appa?”

‘The word ‘Appa’ feels a bit awkward….’

Feeling embarrassed, I turned my head, and Yuna confidently replied,

“Yes! I want to stay with Appa!”

She quickly curved her mouth into a grin.

Seeing cute Yuna, I suddenly felt a surge of strength. I believed that this was all the reason to have a daughter.

If I want to earn money for both of us, I need to be strong.

I quickly tossed my clothes into a corner and changed into the flashy uniform.

I checked my appearance in the mirror on the wall and nodded slightly.

Alright, perfect.

Although my face still feels awkward, if I keep living like this, I’ll eventually get used to it.

I fixed my mindset and lifted the heavy bag.

“Ahem, shall we go out now?”

“Yes!”

As soon as Yuna and I stepped out of the store, she immediately took out leaflets from the bag.

Then, she approached a young couple walking towards us with a bright smile.@@novelbin@@

These are leaflets for cosmetics.

Something women would be interested in.

With a smile, I handed a leaflet to the young woman.

“We’re having a discount event at Olive. How about it? Take a look.”

The woman, who hesitated for a moment, blushed and replied,

“Oh, yes! Thank you.”

“Honey, are you embarassed?”

“Oh, no, not really!”

“What do you mean, not really? Your face is all red.”

“I said no!”

From their conversation, it seemed like they were not just a couple but a married couple.

‘Is this because of me that they’re fighting?’

To prevent their argument from escalating, I smoothly added,

“Your husband here is also tall and handsome. How about going together? There’s a promotion for men’s cosmetics too.”

At that moment, Yuna handed a leaflet to the young man who was taken aback by my compliment.

“I’ll give you this, so please don’t fight.”

He received the leaflet from Yuna with a bewildered expression. They stopped arguing and smiled contentedly.

“She’s really cute. I hope we have a daughter as adorable as her someday. Right?”

“Yeah….”

They entered the cosmetics store with affectionate gestures as if they had never fought.

This marks our first successful sale.

After that, I continued to pitch to numerous women, and gradually, people started gathering around.

‘Is it the effect of a handsome face?’

Thanks to that, the bag full of leaflets that was heavy before is seemingly light now.

This part-time job is hourly.

Even after distributing all the leaflets, I couldn’t go home immediately.

As I pondered what to do, a female employee came out of the store.

She handed me a small microphone and instructed me to gather customers into the store.

So, my task is…

As a father, I feel sorry, but….

I left everything to Yuna.

“Wow! So cute!”

“Absolutely. I want to squeeze her tightly.”

“Oh, my! She’s dancing so well!”

Look at Yuna now.

She’s singing and dancing to the music coming from the nearby store.

“La la la la la- la la la la-!”

Thanks to Yuna, the atmosphere here turned into a festival.

And the busy employees inside the store, staring at us absent-mindedly.

They probably never imagined we’d be this good at sales.

‘It was a mistake to give me the microphone.’

***

After finishing the part-time job, I hugged Yuna tightly as she slept, sitting on a bench, and let out a sigh.

“Ugh… Hmm.”

“Are you awake? Oh…. No, you’re not.”

Held in my arms, Yuna stirred and wriggled uncomfortably. It seemed like being hugged wasn’t comfortable for her.

I should’ve hugged someone before….

Among the passersby, I carefully observed those who were carrying children.

“Holding her like this….”

“Um… Hehe.”

Not long after, Yuna stopped squirming. Her expression relaxed as if she had found a comfortable position.

After spending an hour looking at the decent payment we received for our hard work, I turned my gaze to Yuna.

Her worn-out pants and the white shirt stained with spots.

Comparing her appearance with other children around us made me feel embarrassed.

“Sigh.”

How indifferent could one have been to dress their only daughter in such clothes?

After looking at the money we earned today and Yuna alternately, I made up my mind.

“…Alright. Let’s buy you some clothes this time.”

Even if our living expenses aren’t comfortable yet.

Money can be earned again.

I wandered around looking for a store that sells Yuna’s clothes.

40,000 won… 70,000 won…

With the money I have now, I can only afford to buy one decent outfit.

What can I get with 60,000 won?

‘Should I buy it at the market?’

I immediately nodded my head.

“Oh, right.”

Suddenly, I remembered that there’s a large market near my house.

Yeah, I can buy a lot for cheap there.

Although times are tough now and I have to save every bit, if I use the talent I had in my past life, becoming wealthy is only a matter of time.

With that thought in mind, I walked across the city and found myself entering the market.

It wasn’t much different from what I remembered as a child.

‘Indeed, it’s cheaper than the city.’

Five thousand won for one outfit.

This price was just right for quickly buying clothes. I rummaged through the mountain of clothes, picking out one by one.

‘This one’s not good… but that one looks okay.’

At that moment, a gentle-looking lady approached with a smile.

“What can I help you with… hehe.”

Suddenly bursting into laughter, the lady composed herself and spoke.

“You’re Yuna’s Appa, right? It’s my first time meeting you.”

“…You know Yuna?”

The lady covered her mouth and nodded quietly, speaking softly enough for only me to hear.

“She’s our market’s mascot.”

I glanced around and understood. Everyone was discreetly glancing at me.

“Um… Appa?”

“Hmm? You can sleep more.”

“Yeah…”

She wriggled and buried her face in my chest, going back to sleep.

“Since you can’t comfortably choose clothes in that state, would you like me to pick out clothes for you?”

“Oh, yes. Thank you.”

“Hehe. You’re welcome.”

The lady graciously selected clothes for Yuna, and every time she picked one I liked, I nodded in approval.

“Hmm, that’s a total of five outfits?”

“Yes, for now, please calculate only these.”

Little did I know at that time.

The lady included my clothes as a complimentary service.

***

During the month of short-term part-time work, my situation improved slightly.

Now, I could cook simple meals at home instead of eating lunch boxes or gimbap.

Of course, I still hadn’t earned enough money to send Yuna to kindergarten.

I wonder why it costs so much.

“Appa! Where are we going today?”

With her hair neatly styled and wearing pretty clothes, Yuna looked even more radiant.

You could believe she was a child actress.

Although the worn-out sneakers didn’t quite match the yellow dress.

I forgot to buy shoes.

I’ll have to buy shoes next time.

After thinking like that, I kindly answered Yuna’s question.

“We’re going to an audition.”

Today, I was taking a break from work to attend an audition.

The audition I was going to see was for a sitcom called “Protect the Food Cart!”

Sitcoms are different from typical dramas everyone knows.

Because of excessive ad-libbing, they often take unexpected turns.

What I mean is…

No matter the situation, it’s about how well you can showcase your acting skills.

It’s an audition to see that kind of thing.

“Hmph. Hm. Hmph.”

“When watching auditions, you have to be quiet, okay?”

“Yes! Yuna will be quiet.”

“…Uh, okay.”

Somehow, Yuna’s confident reply made me feel uneasy.

‘Will she really be quiet…’

From what I’ve seen of Yuna’s behavior so far,

She was never a quiet child.

When she got excited, she would bounce around and dance energetically, making it hard for me to work, as I had to constantly stop her.

‘If Yuna does something unexpected… I’ll just have to deal with it.’

Finally arriving at our destination, I received a number and a single paper from the staff and waited in the waiting room to be called.

Number 7 on the ticket.

Maybe it’s because I got a lucky number, but it really gave me a good feeling.