Chapter 281: Han's Request
At Williamsburg Diner, owner Han rushed out from the back kitchen.
"Max, Caroline, something terrible has happened. I'm in serious trouble. You have to help me."
"Better than last time when you got stuck in that storage cabinet, right? If Ron hadn't shown us how you did it, I never would have believed an adult could fit in there." Max delivered the verbal blow with precision.
"I'm being serious here. I'm doomed. I just got an email. My mother says she's coming to visit me."
"You have a mother? I thought you were created when someone made a wish at Build-A-Bear Workshop."
Caroline continued the assault. Just then, Ron walked into the diner, gave Earl a casual nod, and headed straight for the counter.
"If I remember correctly, that movie was called Ted. We all watched it together. I just heard someone mention their mother visiting. That you, Max?"
"No, it's Han," Caroline explained, then turned back to him. "Han, your mother is flying all the way from Seoul to see you. Isn't that wonderful news?"
"Does this look like wonderful news to you?" Han's expression had crumpled beyond description. "My mother thinks I have a girlfriend!"
"I've studied enough about Korean culture to understand this. Throughout East Asia, parents are intensely focused on their children's romantic lives. It's completely normal cultural behavior. I assume you just need to bring your girlfriend to meet your mother and problem solved."
Ron said with the confidence of experience.
"Ron, weren't you listening? I said she thinks I have a girlfriend." Han spread his hands helplessly. "I even sent her a photo, claiming it was my girlfriend."
"My mom's only dream is for me to have a happy marriage like she and Dad had."
"My mom just hopes her parole officer stops calling," Max interjected.
Ron lifted Han like a child and placed him on a bar stool, speaking gently. "Is this about that girl you have a crush on? That's actually easier. I suggest you explain the situation and ask her to pretend to be your girlfriend.
Trust me, most women would find your puppy-dog charm endearing and agree to help. If you can turn the fake relationship into something real during the charade, even better."
"Americans have a saying: 'Fake it till you make it,' understand, kiddo?"
Ron advised him with paternal warmth. He couldn't help it—Han's appearance just triggered protective instincts. If Ron ever had a son, he'd probably give the same advice.
Besides, from every angle—looks, height, general demeanor—it was perfectly believable that Ron could be Han's father. Max and Caroline, both attractive women, couldn't help but be charmed by this touching father-son moment.
Han was completely speechless and could only pull up photos on his tablet. "Look, that's her."
"Korean American beauty, Crystal Kim, also known as Diamond!" Caroline's voice went up an octave. "Han, you picked an exotic dancer! Oh my God, when have you ever been to a place like that?"
Ron looked at the tablet, which displayed the homepage of a gentleman's club, with Han's chosen woman featured as one of their spotlight performers.
"She's not just a dancer, she's also a choreographer and has her own Instagram!" Han defended, his face reddening.
"I also know a guy whose business card says he's a 'personal wellness consultant.' Want me to call him for you?" Max made a crude gesture.
Han hung his head, not daring to meet Max's eyes.
"The club's address is right here. You could go directly and hire this woman to play your girlfriend," Caroline pointed at the tablet. "I can't believe I'm actually saying something this sketchy."
"I tried going there, but the bouncer made me wait outside like other kids waiting for their moms to get off work!" Han complained indignantly.
Ron burst into unsympathetic laughter that went on far too long before stopping. "Han, didn't you show them your driver's license? Prove you're a legal adult?"
"Of course I showed them, but they said I probably found it somewhere and told me to call my parents before they called the cops!"
Han replied miserably. His sullen expression, combined with his short stature, triggered another round of laughter from everyone.
"So I'm hoping you two could go for me," Han pleaded.
"Han, we wouldn't do something that sleazy for you!" Caroline flatly refused. "Going to a strip club and lying about it isn't my style."
"That was my original plan, but now I have a better option," Han snatched the tablet from Caroline and handed it to the amused Ron.
"Ron, my good buddy, could you go there for me? You look like the kind of guy who frequents those places."
"Excuse me? I frequent strip clubs?" Ron pointed at himself in surprise and said irritably. "Dude, do you really think someone who looks like me needs to visit those places to cure loneliness? I get phone numbers just walking down the street."
"Hey! Moron, Ron is my boyfriend, and you want him going to that kind of place!" Caroline was clearly jealous.
"Okay, I get it," Han raised his hands smugly. "Let me ask you something—didn't I agree to let you use this space rent-free for your cupcake business?"
"Jerk, that's pretty low, isn't it?" Max curled her lip in disgust.
"It's just rent money. So what if I pay it for them? I don't want to go to that kind of place anyway. It's not that I'm against having fun, but I question the hygiene standards at establishments like that."
"No, Ron, we can't take your money. We already owe you too much." Caroline maintained her stubborn pride. "Fine, I agree, but if anyone expects me to take my clothes off, I'm running faster than anyone else."
Ron sighed helplessly and ruffled Caroline's blonde hair. "Forget it, I'll handle this. You know I can't let you go to a place like that."
After saying this, he gave Han a withering stare that sent the smaller man scurrying away quickly.
(End of chapter)
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