The evening had wound down to a quiet stillness. The restaurant, which had just been filled with the hum of laughter and clinking glasses, now lay in a serene hush, bathed in the soft glow of the remaining lights. The air was thick with the scent of lingering dishes and the faint notes of wine, but more than that, it was filled with a comforting warmth, the aftermath of a successful night.
Jiyeon stood in the center of the empty space, her eyes roaming over the tables now cleared of their clutter. A sense of contentment washed over her, mingling with the fatigue that settled into her bones. This restaurant was more than just a business to her; it was a dream realized, a tangible result of years of hard work and determination. She exhaled slowly, the tension of the night finally easing as she allowed herself a moment to reflect.