"Let me get this straight: you're experiencing cramps all over your body and frequent headaches?"
"That's correct. But are you sure you can do something about it?"
"Absolutely, no doubt about it!" The man leaned back in his creaky chair, flashing a toothy grin. He reached for a steaming pot and poured a golden liquid into a chipped ceramic cup. "Here, a cup of desert chamomile tea. This miraculous blend is specially crafted to ease your pain while I prepare a more comprehensive remedy. (That'll be an additional 15,000 won, by the way.)"
"T-thank you..." The client hesitated, cradling the cup.
In the dimly lit and shabby office, the so-called healer leaned forward, a glint of mischief in his eyes. The peeling wallpaper and stacks of dubious herbs only added to the ambiance of a classic con.
"Don't worry, dear client. Everything will be just fine. Relax, I'm on it."
"If you say so… But, may I ask—what's actually happening to me?"
"Ah, well, my good man, your suffering is caused by none other than… malicious spirits! Fret not, though. You're in the hands of the best in the business."
"I see. In that case, I'll leave my fate in your capable hands."
The healer nodded sagely and began rifling through a dusty cabinet, pulling out an assortment of peculiar items.
"First, this enchanted copper spoon. Stir your tea with it to activate the healing properties. (That's 25,000 won.)"
"A… spoon?"
"Essential, my friend! Next, this blessed cactus. Place it by your bedside—it absorbs spiritual toxins. (30,000 won.)"
"A cactus?"
"Vital for a full recovery! And then there's the sacred bell. Ring it at dawn to cleanse the air. (20,000 won.) Oh, and this mystical pebble, charged under a full moon. Keep it on you at all times. (15,000 won.)"
The client hesitated but nodded, his face a mix of doubt and desperation.
"And finally, the Spirit Reversal Hat. This masterpiece neutralizes lingering negativity. (A modest 50,000 won!)" He held up a gaudy hat adorned with feathers and beads.
The client fumbled with his wallet, sweat beading on his forehead. "All right… all right. Here's the money."
The healer eagerly counted the stack of bills, his grin widening with every note. "Excellent choice, sir. You'll be good as new in no time!"
The client, now several hundred won poorer, gathered the odd items into his arms and left the office cautiously.
Once the door clicked shut, the healer leaned back in his chair, tossing the wad of cash onto his desk. "Easiest sale of the week," he muttered with an evil laugh, already preparing his next set of "miraculous" items.
———
The young man let out a weary sigh after the exhausting day he had just endured. He slumped into his chair and tilted his head back. With a sly glance, he eyed the cash-filled drawer beside his desk and exhaled in satisfaction.
Suddenly, the sharp ring of his phone echoed through the shabby office, making him jump. He frowned, grabbed the device, and answered gruffly.
"Who is this?"
"Kim Seongjin, you've committed countless misdeeds in your miserable life. It's time you paid the price."
"...?"
BEEP. BEEP. BEEP. Seongjin hanged up and the line went silent.
After a moment, he scoffed and tossed the phone onto his desk. "Yeah, right. Whatever. Anyway, what's for dinner tonight?"