Soo-Ah received a scrutinizing stare for a couple of moments from the one and only, Sung-Ho's mother. Rising from her seat and paying the proper respects, she saluted the old mistress, who appeared pleasantly surprised at her graceful conduct. Unwilling to admit it, Soo-Ah had a sense of pride to see the old woman finally approve of something she did.
Around the table, an awkward silence filled the room even after the many platters of food had been brought. Soo-Ah served the old mistress, as it was a custom for someone younger and less reverent when they were just the two. She did not even raise her gaze to meet that of the old woman's, let alone struggle to utter any words. She preferred the silence overhearing what Sung-Ho's mother brewed in her cold calculated mind.
