The Scent of Life (1)
CHAPTER 18 NEW OWNER OF PM CAFE

That morning the PM cafe looked busy. The employees, both morning and night shifts came to prepare for their new director's welcome event. All done suddenly. While working on preparing the food, there was a group of employees who were gossiping about who and how the new director was Doctor Hyun's replacement. They do not know exactly what it is like, Hye Bin is no exception. The gossiping show broke up after Doctor Hyun called all the employees to line up to welcome their new director.

Hyeo Jin's car just stopped in front of the cafe. He came out in his cool suit. The employees wait with a stubborn heart, who is their new director.

Hyeo Jin's shoes sounded like a countdown to the employees. Then opened the door of the cafe as the clattering sound of wind chime hung in front of the door.

Hyeo Jin walked in confidently being greeted by Doctor Hyun. All employees gawked, Hye Bin was no exception. Seeing the figure that came made Hye Bin stunned. Turns out their new director was the man who last night was throwing a tantrum at the cafe. Hye Bin was downcast and her heart was pounding with worry if only Hyeo Jin would fire her because of her attitude last night.

Hyeo Jin smiled kindly to all of them and his eyes looked sharply at Hye Bin. Hye Bin immediately lowered his gaze. After the introduction was over, Hyeo Jin approached Hye Bin and extended his hand in front of Hye Bin.

"My name is Kang Hyeo Jin, as I said, we will meet again," Hyeo Jin said kindly but made Hye Bin's feelings mixed up for fear that Hyeo Jin would fire her.

Fearfully Hye Bin accepted Hyeo Jin's hand.

"Jung Hye Bin," said Hye Bin still with his head down, not daring to look at Hyeo Jin.

Hyeo Jin smiled, then leaned towards Hye Bin.

"As I said, I'll repay you" whispered the real Hyeo Jin just to play Hye Bin.

Hye Bin was worried, her eyes were round and her face was tense. Hyeo Jin passed by while smiling meaningfully. While Hye Bin was glued and silent on the spot. Upon awakening, only then did he cover his face and flail his head realizing his folly while walking towards the locker room.

"Yes my. You see our new director. Are we gonna end up after this considering last night you were so rude to him?" said Hae Won who followed Hye Bin to the locker room.

Hye Bin did not answer Hae Won's question. He just said, "Die me ... Die me" many times while putting her clothes in the bag and passing from the locker room. Hye Bin was still worried that she would be fired, and made her spirit that day saggy. Hae Won just gawk ignored by Hye Bin.

Hye Bin is out of the cafe, she has to go to an elderly guesthouse to take care of Grandma Kang. He stood for a moment looking towards the cafe. He saw the figure of Shahib who was looking towards the city from the roof top barrier of the cafe. Hye Bin set his gaze with his palm in order to see the figure of Shahib clearly. Seeing Hye Bin below, Shahib waved his hand. Hye Bin smiled and walked up to the stairs next to the building, then went up to where Shahib was standing. Hye Bin stands next to Shahib.

"How are you doing this morning? Are you okay?" ask Hye Bin to Shahib in English.

"Yes, I'm fine. Here the air is different from in Indonesia which makes the skin a bit dry and uncomfortable to sleep because of the cold,"

Hye Bin took something out of her bag. He held out a lotion for Shahib.

"This is for you. Good for the skin. Moreover, the winter here is quite extreme" explained Hye Bin.

"Yes, kamsahamnida" said Shahib.

"Your Korean accent is good."

"Thank you. In these months I will take a Korean language course until I get a place in the campus dormitory. Can I ask you please tell me the location of the course? I'll get you the brochure for a second." Shahib went inside and came out with a brochure for a Korean course. Hye Bin reads for a while and explains that the place is not far from the cafe. About four blocks and can be reached by foot or by bus.

"How about you take a walk around Seoul with me. Think of it as an expression of regret and apology?" tawar Hye Bin's.

Shahib's face turned bright and immediately agreed with Hye Bin's idea. They promised a weekend meet for a walk.

***

Doctor Hyun introduced Shahib to Hyeo Jin. The three of them enjoyed tea while chatting in the PM Cafe.

"You are Indonesian Mr. Shahzib? I went to Indonesia a few years ago. A country that has tremendous natural resource potential, but unfortunately Indonesia does not get anything from all that because it is taken by many foreigners," hyeo Jin expressed interest in Shahib's home country.

"Yes, Mr. Kang. But don't we welcome strangers kindly?" shahib.

"It's very friendly, even Chinese people are allowed to enter freely into your country," Doctor Hyun said a little cynically in his eyes. "That's dangerous to your country's sovereignty. Learn from the history of Singapore. Shahib," added Doctor Hyun.

Shahib just smiled and looked down. He realized that Indonesia was struggling with domestic problems that were increasingly controlled by foreigners. Is not Korea also gripping his hegemony through foreign investments and companies, as well as the Hallyu wave that is being loved by the state's children.

Even Muslims do not follow this trend. The nation's children become lackeys in their own country. Even people who are talented and have qualified knowledge are not valued at all in their own country. Shazib's mind was glistened, but it was not conveyed to the two Koreans in front of him, in order to keep their feelings.

"Mmm .. I would like to add a varied tea menu in this cafe. This week I'm going to Hadong to meet Samchon to be a tea supplier. What do you think, Doctor?" hyeo Jin asked to shift the topic so that her guests would feel comfortable again.

"Whatever, but I hope the concept of Halal Food that I have been using for a long time in this cafe do not change," asked Dr. Hyun.

Hyeo Jin laughed

"Alright, Uncle," Hyeo Jin said.

Doctor Hyun said goodbye because he had to go to the hospital, he took Shahib with him.

"Hallyu Wave soon will die. Moslem life style will rise," muttered Doctor Hyun singing quite clearly in Shahib's ears as they were in the car.

Shahib just smiled. Islam is still considered strange in Korea, which is mostly atheist. They believe in the power of nature and spirit. It is rare for a figure like Doctor Hyun even though sometimes his comments are a little spicy to criticize people, inner Shahib. Their car drove through the hustle and bustle of Seoul traffic