Return To The Building Owner [EN]: Chapter 74

Pfft.

If a student calls, I have to go. Especially if it’s the principal, of all people.

Hyun-sung headed to the principal’s office.

Knock, knock.

“Yes, come in.”

The deep voice was clearly audible even from outside the door.

Principal Park Sang-hyun’s voice always had a certain gravitas.

As Hyun-sung opened the door and entered, Principal Park Sang-hyun rose from his chair and greeted Hyun-sung warmly.

“Welcome, Hyun-sung!”

“Hello, Principal.”

“Sit here.”

“Ah… yes.”

Rather than being stern, Principal Park Sang-hyun was known for his kindness, which earned him the students’ affection. He meticulously took care of even the smallest details, something Hyun-sung appreciated.

As if prepared in advance, Principal Park Sang-hyun offered Hyun-sung tea.

“This is Woojeon tea [a type of premium green tea harvested early in the season] that an acquaintance sent directly from Boseong [a region in South Korea famous for its green tea] this spring. I hope it suits your taste.”

“Oh, this is quite a treat… Thank you.”

“Haha, do you know about Woojeon tea?”

“I know it’s considered the finest among green teas. I’ve heard it’s made from the first young leaves harvested before the Grain Rain [a solar term in the traditional East Asian calendars, usually around April 20th].”

Hyun-sung had once been interested in green tea, which is how he knew about it. He’d learned that green tea is divided into four types—Woojeon, Sejak, Jungjak, and Daejak—depending on the harvesting season.

Woojeon tea, made from the first sprouts in early spring, is considered the best, boasting the mildest flavor and finest aroma. This is likely due to it being the first harvest, which inevitably makes it the most expensive.

Principal Park Sang-hyun, hearing Hyun-sung’s answer, spoke again with a pleased expression.

“That’s a relief.”

“Yes?”

“It’s good to see you recognize its value.”

That was true.

There’s nothing more disappointing than giving someone something precious and having them not appreciate it. It’s like watching natives play with diamonds as if they were marbles.

However, what Hyun-sung appreciated was Principal Park Sang-hyun’s thoughtfulness even more than the Woojeon tea itself.

Principal Park Sang-hyun probably assumed that Hyun-sung would know little to nothing about Woojeon tea.

Nevertheless, Principal Park Sang-hyun had prepared the tea water and brewed the tea to coincide with Hyun-sung’s arrival, offering the best tea he had.

A cup of tea revealed Principal Park Sang-hyun’s character.

Hyun-sung lowered his head and spoke again.

“Then, I will savor this precious tea.”

Hyun-sung lifted the teacup to his lips. First, he inhaled the aroma before drinking.

“As expected of the first leaves, the fragrance is subtle and truly wonderful.”

“Haha, really…”

Perhaps Hyun-sung’s actions seemed a bit odd, as Principal Park Sang-hyun chuckled softly.

Well, it probably wasn’t every day you saw a young kid sitting and waxing poetic about the aroma of tea.

This time, Hyun-sung took a sip of the tea.

He savored it.

He didn’t swallow it right away but rolled it around in his mouth, relishing the flavor.

It had been a while since he’d tasted proper tea.

It was also a moment where Principal Park Sang-hyun’s meticulousness was even more apparent. Green tea shouldn’t be drunk too hot. The ideal temperature is between 60 and 70 degrees Celsius [140-158 degrees Fahrenheit].

If it’s too hot, the heat will destroy the various nutrients in the tea leaves and release more caffeine.

Hyun-sung looked at Park Sang-hyun and said,

“You even paid attention to the temperature.”

“Have you perhaps done research on green tea?”

“Haha, of course not. I just imitated what I saw on TV.”

“Anyway, I’m glad you properly appreciate this precious tea. Oh, and about Su-hyuk’s situation today…”

Principal Park Sang-hyun launched into his story.

Although the story was long, the gist of it was this: How could you have known in advance and handled it so effectively?

Hyun-sung replied casually, “I was lucky.”

He chalked it up to luck.

He knew very well that there was no point in fabricating elaborate stories, as it would only exhaust him in the end.

“Did you say luck just now?”

“Yes, Su-hyuk was sweating and clutching his right side, saying it hurt a lot.”

“You thought it was appendicitis simply because his right side hurt?”

“Yes, that’s all I knew. That’s why I said I was lucky. And even if it wasn’t appendicitis, I thought it was important to get him to the hospital.”

Principal Park Sang-hyun was dumbfounded as he listened to Hyun-sung’s words.

However, he couldn’t really argue because Hyun-sung’s explanation made a certain amount of sense.

As Hyun-sung said, even if it wasn’t appendicitis, it was important to go to the hospital with that level of pain.

Park Sang-hyun continued, “Well… it sounds plausible when I hear it, but it’s still amazing. I can’t understand how a young man could make such a quick decision in that situation.”

“How many things in the world can be explained?”

“Haha, this young man is getting more and more…”

Principal Park Sang-hyun studied Hyun-sung’s face.

No matter how he looked at it, it wasn’t something a typical high school student would say. But he hesitated to press him for an explanation.

In any case, the important thing was that he was the one who benefited today.

If the transfer had been delayed and something had happened to the student, the ultimate responsibility would have fallen on him, the principal.

With his retirement approaching, he had almost left a significant blemish on his record. But this young man had prevented it.

Principal Park Sang-hyun extended his hand to Hyun-sung.

“Whatever the reason, I owe you a great debt today. Thank you so much.”

Hyun-sung jumped up and grasped Principal Park Sang-hyun’s hand with both of his.

“I’m the one who’s grateful. And thanks to my friend, I also had the opportunity to drink good tea with the principal. When Su-hyuk is discharged, I should be the one thanking him.”

“Haha, I’m even more grateful that you say that. From now on, come find me whenever you want tea. I think we’ll be good friends.”

“Is that okay?”

Of course, that probably wouldn’t happen.

However, Principal Park Sang-hyun’s expression suggested otherwise. The smile on his face said it all.

In his past life, there was never any reason to interact with Principal Park Sang-hyun.

But he didn’t have any particularly bad memories either. Principal Park Sang-hyun was someone who would greet him happily if he was greeted in passing.

‘Oh?’

Come to think of it, Principal Park Sang-hyun’s retirement wasn’t far off either. Park Sang-hyun had retired the year Hyun-sung graduated.

At that time, Principal Park Sang-hyun had asked Hyun-sung, “Do you have about an hour to spare?”

“An hour?”

Hyun-sung quickly checked his watch.

There were only about 20 minutes left until he was supposed to meet his father at the real estate agency.

Hyun-sung immediately replied, “I’m sorry. I have an appointment with my father today.”

“Oh, is that so? Actually, Su-hyuk’s father is on his way here now. He said he really wanted to see you.”

“Oh, I see. And if it’s about Su-hyuk’s matter, you don’t have to…”

“That’s what you think, but wouldn’t it be different from a parent’s perspective?”

Come to think of it, Principal Park Sang-hyun was probably right. After all, Lee Su-hyuk’s surgery had gone well because of Hyun-sung.

Hyun-sung nodded and continued, “I was being short-sighted. Then I’ll meet him briefly when I have the chance later.”

“I’ll do that. I’ll tell Su-hyuk’s father when he arrives.”

The two talked a little longer.

Hyun-sung slowly rose from his seat.

It seemed like their business was concluded, and there wasn’t much time left until his appointment.

“Then I’ll be going now. Thank you for the precious tea today.”

“I also had a good time thanks to you. And again, thank you so much for today.”

Hyun-sung bowed lightly and was about to turn around when Principal Park Sang-hyun said, “There’s something I wanted to say…”

“Yes? Is there something you wanted to say?”

“That’s…”

Principal Park Sang-hyun still hesitated to speak and only moved his lips.

Hyun-sung sat back down in his chair.

He thought that remaining standing while the principal seemed to have something to say would make him uncomfortable.

Then Principal Park Sang-hyun opened his mouth with difficulty. “Could you perhaps help me with something?”

“Yes? Me?”

“Actually, there’s something I’ve been hesitating about all this time.”

As Hyun-sung nodded slightly, Principal Park Sang-hyun continued, “Now that I’ve received such a great favor from you, I don’t think I should postpone it any longer.”

“I just did what I had to do.”

“You may think so, but that’s not the case from my point of view. If something had happened to Su-hyuk, who would have been ultimately responsible? It’s me.”

That was true.

In his past life, the Office of Education had investigated the matter, turning the school upside down. Of course, Lee Su-hyuk’s mother’s influence had also played a role.

Hyun-sung looked at Principal Park Sang-hyun and asked, “What can I do to help you?”

“I’d like to ask you to conduct a survey of the students.”

“A survey?”

“I’ve been thinking about what I can do for the students before I retire, and I thought it would be best to ask them directly.”

Hyun-sung immediately understood what he meant.

But he knew that sometimes you have to pretend you don’t know, even if you do, and confirm it.

“Are you transferring to another school?”

“Haha, it’s not that… it’s time for me to step down.”

“Perhaps it’s retirement…”

Principal Park Sang-hyun slowly nodded.

Then he immediately continued, “I have no choice but to retire now, so, can you help me?”

“Of course, I’ll help you. But can’t you extend your retirement?”

“Haha, young man… what are you talking about?”

“Shouldn’t the retirement be extended for such a great principal?”

Of course, it was a nonsensical argument, but it was also a sincere sentiment. He thought there was no better principal for the students.

Then it was perhaps only natural that a smile bloomed on Principal Park Sang-hyun’s face.

“Thank you for the kind words.”

“It’s not just kind words. The students like the principal so much.”

“Haha, really… why are you saying this? It’s embarrassing. By the way, didn’t you say you had an appointment?”

“Ah, right!”

Hyun-sung checked the time.

There were about 5 minutes left.

Hyun-sung hurriedly continued, “Principal, then I have a request too.”

“A request? Tell me anything.”

“I’d like you to conduct the survey with me.”

“With you?”

Hyun-sung nodded.

Then Principal Park Sang-hyun made a dumbfounded expression.

That’s because he had asked Hyun-sung because it was difficult for him to do it himself for various reasons.

But Hyun-sung was asking him to do the survey together, so Principal Park Sang-hyun was taken aback.

On the other hand, Hyun-sung’s thoughts were different.

The survey itself wasn’t difficult.

However, in this case, he felt that the process was more important than the result.

He didn’t know for sure, but Hyun-sung thought that it would remain a precious memory for the rest of his life.

Hyun-sung looked at Principal Park Sang-hyun and said, “I don’t think there will be another opportunity like this. I think it will remain a precious memory for a long time.”

“A precious memory…”

Principal Park Sang-hyun seemed to be contemplating for a moment.

Only for a moment.

Hyun-sung quickly glanced at his watch.

The appointment time had already passed.

Then Principal Park Sang-hyun quickly said, “Look at me, holding someone with an appointment like this because of my own desires. Go quickly. I’ll think about this and give you an answer later.”

“Yes, I understand. Please let me know if you need anything.”

“Thank you. Go quickly. Because of me…”

“I’ll say it again, it will definitely be a precious memory. Then I’ll be going now.”

Bow.

Hyun-sung bowed politely and left the principal’s office.