HLM – Chapter 222 The First Barbecue Restaurant

After the party ended, the school began relocating to the small town. Due to the educational nature of the institution, it was unsuitable for the school to be near the highway — the noise could agitate children with psychological disorders.

Wang Bo chose a location south of the highway for the school, right beside the under-construction American Road, about two kilometers from Highway 8. The area was surrounded by natural grasslands, making it quite beautiful in spring, summer, and autumn.

After visiting the site, teachers Eva and Katherine were both very pleased and agreed to set up the school there, with Wang Bo becoming its principal.

Most charitable institutions in New Zealand are affiliated with the government. Being non-profit in nature, they rely heavily on government funding and public donations to operate.

Back in Auckland, the principal of the school was the mayor, Huta, but Eva and Katherine mentioned they had never seen this “principal” at the school. So Wang Bo didn’t need to worry about any job pressure—his title was mostly symbolic, making it easier to secure funds for the school.

With the site selected, construction began. Wang Bo decided to use modular prefab houses again—this was the result of discussions with Eva and Katherine. Prefab houses had a short construction time and came in various designs.

As for the short lifespan of these buildings, it actually became an advantage for a special education school: they could periodically dismantle old ones and replace them with new ones, keeping the environment fresh and stimulating for students.

In mid-August, while inspecting the progress of the prefab school campus, a Korean man suddenly approached Wang Bo.

Though all were East Asians, Chinese and Koreans were easy to distinguish. Looking at this middle-aged man with a broad face, high cheekbones, narrow eyes, and prominent eye sockets, Wang Bo instantly thought of the “long-legged oppas” from TV dramas.

“Mayor Wang, um, hello. I’m Kim Jung-tae. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” The middle-aged man bowed deeply as he extended both hands.

Wang Bo was momentarily stunned. Was this a wedding ceremony or something? The bow was so deep, it made him feel embarrassed.

To be polite, he quickly bowed in return and extended his right hand.

Kim Jung-tae clasped Wang Bo’s hand with both of his and said, “I just moved to this town. Like you, I’m from East Asia. I look forward to your guidance!”

Wang Bo nodded. “Of course, of course. Mr. Kim, may I ask—?”

Judging from his appearance, he figured the man was Korean, but his manners seemed more like those of a Japanese person. Based on Wang Bo’s experience watching TV, it was usually Japanese people who loved saying “please take care of me.”

Of course, going by appearance, he could also be North Korean—but Wang Bo didn’t believe anyone from North Korea could immigrate to New Zealand, given how authoritarian that country was.

Kim Jung-tae misunderstood his question, thinking Wang Bo was asking about his profession. He happily explained, “I’m a chef. I came to New Zealand six years ago and have been running a Korean BBQ restaurant. After discovering the beauty of Sunset Town, I’ve decided to settle here.”

That confirmed it—he was indeed Korean. Wang Bo was also delighted. “Welcome, very welcome! Our little town doesn’t have a BBQ restaurant yet.”

Kim asked, “Mayor, do you like barbecue?”

Wang Bo nodded. “Yes, very much. I really enjoy Korean barbecue and kimchi.”

Kim Jung-tae firmly shook his hand. “Ah, that’s wonderful! The reason I came here today is to invite you and your colleagues to be my guests. My BBQ restaurant will begin renovations tomorrow and will start operating once they’re complete. Please come and have a taste.”

Now Wang Bo understood his purpose. He smiled and replied, “No problem. Thank you for the invitation. We’ll definitely be there tonight.”

Kim repeatedly nodded and said he’d go prepare ingredients and alcohol, and asked them to be sure to attend in the evening.

No need to be reminded. Wang Bo called Charlie, Bowen, and the others. They immediately rushed to town, even bringing along Kobe, all rubbing their hands in anticipation of a free feast.

Wang Bo also went to invite Hani, the auditor, who uprightly refused and waved his hand. “No, I’m not going. Mayor, you shouldn’t either. I think the further you stay away from financial disputes, the fewer problems you’ll have.”

“Stop the damn nonsense. It’s just dinner, not an all-in-one gambling and brothel tour.” Wang Bo forcibly dragged Hani into the car.

The auditor had his principles. He gripped the car door and refused. “F*ck! Are you the mayor or a fascist?! I’m not going! I’m not going! I’m not—oh sh*t!”

Wang Bo’s strength was no match for Hani’s. Like a kidnapping, he stuffed him into the car in a few swift moves.

Once in the car, Hani calmed down. He noticed his son was also there, watching him coldly. So he forced a smile and sat next to him.

Atulu, in contrast, had been eagerly waiting at the police station entrance upon hearing there was a dinner invitation.

Kim Jung-tae’s BBQ restaurant was on the south side of Highway 8. Next to it were a motel and a coffee shop under renovation—it looked like the area would become a popular spot in the future.

Upon hearing that Wang Bo and company had arrived, Kim and two young men in white chef uniforms were waiting outside. Upon seeing them, they bowed and shouted something in Korean.

Wang Bo didn’t understand, but he caught the signature “-seumnida.” They then switched to English and clarified they were saying, “Welcome! Please take care of us.”

As they entered, Kim Jung-tae apologized, “My restaurant hasn’t been renovated yet. I hope you can forgive the mess.”

Indeed, the place was cluttered with paint, wood planks, latex, assembly tables and chairs, etc. Several framed calligraphy works leaned against the wall. Wang Bo looked at one that read: “All things have spirit.”

There was also a table filled with small sculptures—rocks, mountains, rivers, pine trees, deer, cranes… It looked chaotic, but all the pieces shared a consistent artistic style, clearly part of a decorative set.

Charlie, curious, asked about the statues. Kim explained with a smile, “These are ‘Ten Symbols of Longevity.’ I brought them from my hometown. At home, they symbolize a long life. In a store, they represent prosperity and lasting success.”

While chatting, the group followed Kim up to the third floor. Though it wasn’t renovated yet, it had been tidied up. Two barbecue grills were already set up.

Kim said the third floor would later become a private dining area for high-end customers.

The group gathered around the grill. A young chef brought out beef, lamb, and pork, along with soju, lettuce, cold noodles, and rice noodles—it looked like a proper feast.

Before they began eating, the young chef also served small bowls of chicken soup. Kim introduced it: “Please try this—our hometown’s ginseng chicken soup. It’s good for nourishing the body.”

Each small bowl contained a piece of chicken and a plump, rehydrated ginseng root. Wang Bo curiously asked, “Is this the famous Korean ginseng from your country?”