Chapter 324
⌜And now for our next story. The core inflation rate, which reflects the underlying trend in prices, has increased by 2.1 percent compared to last year, while the cost-of-living index, a measure of consumer sentiment, has risen by 0.8 percent. As a result, consumers are experiencing a substantial financial burden. In response, the government has...⌟
There was an old saying, “Prices keep rising, but salaries stay the same.” It was one that all office workers have heard at least once during their careers. Salaries were often frozen, and even in the rare cases where they were increased, they barely kept up with inflation. Coincidentally, the news was covering this very topic.
Listening to the report, Do-Jun decided it was time to slightly raise the kids’ allowance.
***
Byeol had finished getting ready for daycare.
Just two weeks ago, the sun was scorching hot, but it didn’t take long for autumn to arrive. It was the perfect season for long-sleeved, lightweight uniforms. She wore her yellow tracksuit, with “Changshin Daycare” printed across the chest alongside an adorable duck emblem.
She started packing her daycare bag with a sketchbook, crayons, and, for some unknown reason, a garden shovel. Her bag was full, but she suddenly had the nagging feeling that she was forgetting something.
“Oh yeah!” she exclaimed, then opened a drawer and took out her notebook and wallet.
Over the past three days, she had done many good deeds and earned plenty of stamps. That meant today was a very special day—allowance day. Holding her notebook and wallet, Byeol toddled over to Do-Jun. Watching her approach with her tiny hands clutching her belongings, he couldn’t help but chuckle.
“It’s allowance day, huh?” he asked.
“Yup! Today is awowance day!”
Smiling, Do-Jun took out 3,000 won and handed it to her. However, instead of taking it immediately, Byeol blinked at the money in confusion. Then, she started counting with her fingers, folding them down one by one as she checked the number of bills. The moment her tiny fingers folded down three times, she looked up.