How Long I've Kissed (아내의 자격)

~ Episode Two ~

Try to get consulting from a certain Oh Youngsook.

She's a tad expensive, but it's worth it.

She takes everything from MBTI scores to extracurricular activities and draws you a plan.

She's practically a legend in her field, you can't go wrong.

You have any TOSEL, TOEFL or other math and science-related test scores?

No.

So all he's taken is the admission exam at Jisun Academy?

Yes... But please don't let that mislead you.

- The questions were much too demanding. - Adapting to them is part of one's skill set.

The way I see it, you should go in another direction with him.

- Like... what, for instance? - I'd go for an art background if I were you.

I mean... He loves sports and art, of course.

And he's got some talent, but not enough to major in it, for sure.

But he needs to go to college, doesn't he?

So music or sports, might as well go for it and have him take lessons.

Majoring in those subjects is no laughing matter.

You seem to paint such a negative picture, honestly I'm a bit perplexed.

I was hoping that a look at these could help you advise me on our best course of action.

And after a look at these, I advised you to go for art.

If academics don't seem to work out, you're much better off finding an alternative quickly.

You can wire the consulting fee to this account.

All right.

And should you need any more help, don't hesitate to call.

Thank you for your time.

- How are you? - Ohh! How have you been?

I was wondering if we could get supplementary essay lessons.

Ahh... We were just about to set up a class.

- Ohh... Hi. - Hi.

- You must have a meeting. - Yes, with those whose kids passed the test.

Ahh... Yes. My congratulations for Jaehoon's admission.

I appreciate, and I'm sorry for Gyeol.

Why would you?! He just wasn't good enough.

But I actually think this could be a blessing in disguise for him.

What?

Being accepted into that hakwon does have its pros and cons.

Especially when you consider he just started a journey of endless competition...

You do have a point.

And sometimes I wonder whether I'm forcing this on him against his wishes.

Whereas you can raise Gyeol in a simple, good-natured way,

allowing him to grow at his own pace without any competition.

Keep giving your best. You're winning your own battle, after all.

Everyone out here is going crazy over their kids' education.

- Thank you for trying to console me. - No, they're words of encouragement.

- They're probably waiting for you. - Yes, I'll see you around.

Yes, Mother. I'm on my way.

I'm even scared of asking Myeongjin's father-in-law out for golf.

Afraid he might mention our grandkids' education.

But didn't it go well with your granddaughter?

- It's the first time this happens to us. - Ahh... You can say that again!

We never had to worry about our kids' education.

So I guess now it's time to suffer because of our grandchildren.

They might say a kid's grades rate their parents as well,

but in our circle that also extends to grandparents.

Think about it.

You do just fine with your kids, could you accept otherwise for grandchildren?

Would you let that happen?

Ehh... You're taking this so seriously. Just let them deal with it.

Did you get that consulting, the one I recommended?

- Yes... A little earlier. - What did she say?

- That... he... - Ahh... So what did she say?

- I don't think she was of much help. - And what could she possibly have said?!

We have our plans, and since Gyeol said he would try to adapt,

No need to waste time, just hire a tutor and get it over with.

What?

We've both looked into it, not to mention Myeongjin.

It's the only answer.

That... tutor who prepared Yunjae for the exam.

Get in touch and have Gyeol work with her.

Right... Hong Seonsaeng.

By Hong Seonsaeng...

You mean that "Witch Hong"? I mean, that...

Yunjae got private tutoring from her?

Ahh... Yes... Because grades didn't improve right away.

So we had to act fast.

- Then... - But I can't guarantee you'll be able to meet her.

There's a line of people asking for her.

From here on in, it all depends on you.

You must get some help whatever it takes.

Get the kid to finally start studying and rising up the ranks.

I came to see Director Hong Ji-Seon.

- I'm Han Gyeol's mother. - Do you have an appointment?

- No. - I'll put you on the waiting list, then.

When would we be able to meet...

The schedule is filled all the way to April.

- I'll call you then. - No, wait... Han Myeongjin...

No, Jo Yunjae's mother. She said she'd put in a good word for me.

She'll only meet people on appointment, because of all the requests.

Myeongjin... Did you call Hong Seonsaeng?

I did... And I was going to tell you right away,

but I was afraid it'd disappoint you, so I hesitated.

Because of his grades, she basically turned him down right off the bat,

saying she needn't even bother meeting him.

She rarely declines meetings like that...

Yes...

I'm sorry, Eonni. I wasn't of much help.

No... Can't be helped, I guess.

Yes.

Yes.

Ehh Ehh... Really. It's not like she'd work for free.

She'd be paid for it... And she turns that down?!

How hopeless could a kid be...

Can you blame her?

And besides, if you're introduced by her, most people would accept.

She just decided there's no potential in him.

I just embarrassed myself, that's what.

Ohh... Eonni.

Why don't you answer the phone?

I've called you twenty times.

I was out for groceries, so I guess I didn't hear.

Why did you call? Are you curious about Mom?

What?! Remember I was going to meet her today?

Eonni, sure you don't have a few screws loose?

Gyeol is all you've been thinking about since you moved.

Why, am I wrong? Let's give our mother a little attention too, shall we?

There's nothing wrong with her?! Go meet her and see for yourself.

They said her teeth hurt so much, she's acting up all day long.

Implants. Yeah, right...

Even the doctors there can't even lay a hand on her.

All right, fine...

When I'm done with this issue, I'll drop by.

And you, just calm down.

Listen... Wanted to ask you something.

You're close with the ajumma in the neighborhood, right?

Think I might find something out if you ask them?

That's a piece of cake. Who would that be?

Have you heard about a certain Hong Seonsaeng?

Right, her. Witch Hong.

Can you look into her for me?

Not what everyone else knows.

I'm coming there.

Hi.

- What are you doing here at this hour? - Yes... I was in the area.

- I had the morning off. - I see...

- You must be busy. - Yes... A little.

See you.

Right...

Those implant things... Do they really hurt?

If it's an elder, will it be all right?

Ohh... I'd first have to see in what state the teeth...

Then maybe we can talk about it one of these days.

Sure.

An Americano, please.

Eonni, it's you?

- Did you find out? - Yeah, I asked around.

Seems she's quite the character?

- Tell me everything. - All right.

Looks like she got popular overnight.

Considering her methods, I'm not surprised.

It's not that she forces things on kids,

she sneaks around the issue like a fox?!

You know, only being strict when it makes a mark.

So that's why mothers go completely crazy for her.

- I see... - And she makes a ton of money.

Not only is the hakwon building hers, even her husband's dental clinic.

So what she said to her husband is,

don't worry about money and try to become a caring and capable doctor.

So you know, all those emigrant workers and the like?

He goes around treating people like them for free.

- Are you close with their maid, too? - Not personally.

- We're on a friend of friends basis. - Anyhow, let's send them something.

Ehh... Like that's gonna work. She doesn't accept anything from mothers.

There was this mother who tried to sneak in an envelope inside a book,

and she humiliated her publicly.

- She's flawless, all right. - Especially when it comes to her principles.

Look at how she takes care of herself.

What really shocks me is that she works out every single morning,

and that's not just fitness, golf or yoga.

Turns out it's judo?!

Every weekday for an hour, starting at eight.

That's it.

Could I have some shampoo?

Hong Seonsaengnim!

I'm Han Gyeol's mother. You know, the one who ended dead last.

- Yes... - It's really nice to meet you here.

Like ordinary folks, you know.

Yes, well...

I know we should at least discuss this over tea,

but you have such a busy schedule, I wouldn't want to take your time away.

But I'm really grateful for this chance to talk.

I was hoping you could judge my son based on other standards.

Because I've been teaching him all these years without approaching private education.

And not because of some magic formula I had, but he's always been so sick...

that I ended up spending most of my time with him.

And after moving here I might have become a laughingstock,

but that doesn't mean I regret my choices.

We both grew together by seriously questioning ourselves and what we were studying.

My son has a good head on his shoulders, and know what life's important values really are.

Just because of some low score all those strengths are suddenly ignored,

and I feel it's unfair....

I'm sorry.

I might be against today's idea of private education,

but I'd like to see my choices be legitimized by someone like you.

No, let me be really honest with you.

If you decide to tutor him, it'd be the proof he's not an inferior student,

and it also will vindicate me before all those who looked down on me.

Although you might think I'm being childish.

It's for six months of tutoring.

And of course it can't compare with people who offer you cars.

But this is all I have.