Return To The Building Owner [EN]: Chapter 278

278

The Next Day.

Hyeonseong visited the principal’s office.

“You called for me?”

“Ah… yes, please have a seat over here.”

Hyeonseong tilted his head, sensing that Principal Park Sanghyun seemed different from his usual self.

As soon as Hyeonseong sat down, he cautiously asked, “Is something the matter? You don’t look well.”

“Well… sigh!”

Instead of answering, Principal Park Sanghyun let out a long sigh.

Seeing this, Hyeonseong was taken aback, as he had never seen him like this before.

‘What could be the matter?’

The principal showing such a demeanor clearly indicated that something had happened.

Hyeonseong glanced at Principal Park Sanghyun. From his hardened expression, he could sense that the situation was serious, though he didn’t know what it was.

“…”

Hyeonseong was curious and wanted to ask immediately, but he held back, believing that waiting for the other person to speak first was the right thing to do.

After a moment, Principal Park Sanghyun began, “I received a call.”

“A call? From where?”

“This morning, I received a call from the Office of Education.”

At the mention of the Office of Education, Hyeonseong had a hunch. It was about the lecture scheduled for the fifth period tomorrow. The plan to invite Han Ji-eun, who works at the township office, to give a lecture to the seniors was for tomorrow.

Judging from Principal Park Sanghyun’s expression, he could guess that something had gone wrong with that plan.

Hyeonseong asked immediately, “Is it about tomorrow’s lecture?”

“You suspected something?”

“Yes, I was a bit uneasy, to be honest. Since it’s not part of the regular curriculum, I thought there might be a problem if someone raised an objection.”

From the moment Principal Park Sanghyun decided to allow the lecture during the fifth period, which was a regular class time, using his discretion, Hyeonseong had felt uneasy.

No matter how good the intention, it wasn’t part of the regular curriculum.

Principal Park Sanghyun said, “It was my mistake. I just wanted as many students as possible to hear the lecture…”

“Of course, I understand your intentions, Principal. But how did the Office of Education find out?”

“Isn’t it obvious?”

“Are you saying someone called the Office of Education?”

“They didn’t tell me that specifically, but it seems likely. With so many people, opinions differ. I don’t blame anyone for it. I’m just frustrated, but it’s all my fault for being inadequate.”

“Why do you say that? You’re always doing things for us…”

Hyeonseong couldn’t finish his sentence because Principal Park Sanghyun interrupted him.

“No, I was short-sighted.”

“Which jerk…?”

Hyeonseong’s fist clenched without him realizing it.

Then, Principal Park Sanghyun looked at Hyeonseong and continued, “There’s no need to get angry. It’s my fault for being too enthusiastic and making a mistake. The problem is, what should we do about tomorrow’s lecture?”

“At this point, it seems difficult to hold the lecture tomorrow.”

“It seems so, doesn’t it?”

“Yes, I think we should inform Han Ji-eun about this first and reschedule.”

“I feel so sorry for Han Ji-eun. What should I do?”

Principal Park Sanghyun’s expression clearly showed his embarrassment.

Then, Hyeonseong immediately continued, “I’ll talk to her and explain the situation. But the problem is when to reschedule.”

“Hmm… when would be good?”

After thinking for a moment, Hyeonseong spoke again, “I was thinking, how about Sunday? What do you think, Principal?”

“Sunday, you say?”

“Yes, I think it would be good to gauge the students’ willingness. The most important thing is the students’ own desire to attend.”

“So, you’re suggesting we deliberately schedule it for Sunday?”

“Yes, that’s right. That way, only the students who are genuinely interested will come, and those who aren’t won’t.”

At Hyeonseong’s words, Principal Park Sanghyun tilted his head and continued, “Well… what if not many students come? I’d feel bad for the person we asked to give the lecture.”

“Of course, that could happen, but I don’t want to be hung up on numbers.”

“You mean…”

“Yes, even if only one person comes, I think we need someone who has genuine interest, passion, and willingness to learn.”

In response to Hyeonseong’s answer, Principal Park Sanghyun slowly nodded and continued, “Hmm… there’s some truth to that. After all, the important thing isn’t the number.”

“Yes, that’s right. This time, I want to focus on quality over quantity.”

“Haha, quality over quantity…”

Principal Park Sanghyun smiled and looked at Hyeonseong.

Then, Hyeonseong spoke again, “And if we hold the lecture this time, one more person will be added [as a speaker].”

“One more person will be added? What are you talking about?”

“Among the alumni directory you gave me last time, wasn’t there a senior who runs a bakery in Hongcheon?”

“There was. I even talked to him. Are you saying that person…”

Principal Park Sanghyun looked at Hyeonseong with expectant eyes.

Then, Hyeonseong smiled and continued, “Yes, that senior visited me last night.”

“Visited? What do you mean? Please explain in detail.”

“Well, that is…”

Hyeonseong began to explain about Kim Myeongshik. As Hyeonseong’s explanation continued, Principal Park Sanghyun nodded and showed active interest. And finally, when Hyeonseong’s explanation ended, Principal Park Sanghyun immediately asked, “So, you’re saying you visited him last Saturday?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“And he had unavoidable circumstances?”

“Yes.”

Hyeonseong nodded in response.

Then, Principal Park Sanghyun asked again, “So, he made up an excuse that he was busy?”

“Yes, according to him, he had no choice. So, he said he felt very uncomfortable about it.”

“Hmm, so that’s what happened.”

Principal Park Sanghyun nodded. Then he immediately asked again, “So, what were those unavoidable circumstances?”

“That’s…”

Hyeonseong couldn’t continue immediately.

Then, Principal Park Sanghyun asked immediately, “Why? Is it difficult to talk about?”

“It’s not that, but it’s a personal matter…”

It was a bit uncomfortable for Hyeonseong to talk about it, because he thought it was Kim Myeongshik’s privacy.

Even if his mother’s illness was unavoidable, talking about his debt wasn’t appropriate to Kim Myeongshik.

When Hyeonseong couldn’t speak properly, Principal Park Sanghyun spoke again, “I understand. If you’re so reluctant, I don’t want to ask any further. After all, it’s his personal life.”

“…Yes.”

“So, did he resolve those unavoidable circumstances?”

“Yes, he did.”

“And you’re the one who solved the problem.”

“It just happened that way…”

“Haha, really… you’re a problem solver.”

Principal Park Sanghyun smiled at Hyeonseong, looking satisfied.

Shortly after.

Principal Park Sanghyun looked at Hyeonseong and said, “Then, shall we hold the lecture this Sunday?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“And I’m sorry to ask, but please contact the two lecturers separately.”

“Yes, I will. I’ll take care of that.”

At Hyeonseong’s words, Principal Park Sanghyun nodded as if he understood.

Then, Hyeonseong got up from his seat and greeted Principal Park Sanghyun.

“Then, knowing that, I’ll be on my way…”

“Anyway, thank you for your hard work. And again, thank you so much.”

“Yes, thank you too. I will do my best to ensure good results.”

Hyeonseong greeted and left the principal’s office.

That afternoon.

After finishing classes, Hyeonseong headed to the counseling room. The reason for going to the counseling room was to ask the class presidents of each class for their input regarding the upcoming lecture.

When Hyeonseong entered, the class presidents of each class were already waiting for him. There were four people, representing classes 1 to 4.

Hyeonseong spoke first, “Sorry, am I a little late?”

“No, we just got here. By the way, you said you had something to tell us?”

“Yes, that is…”

Hyeonseong began to explain the reason for gathering in the counseling room. As Hyeonseong’s explanation continued, the four class presidents nodded as if they understood. And finally, when Hyeonseong’s explanation ended, the class president of class 1 immediately asked, “So, we can’t do the lecture tomorrow?”

“Yes, that’s what happened. It seems like someone filed a complaint with the Office of Education.”

“No, who did that?”

A curse word immediately came out of the mouth of the class president of class 1.

Then, Hyeonseong tapped the shoulder of the class president of class 1 and said, “I cursed as soon as I heard that. Anyway, who is that jerk…”

“Does that make sense? It’s not like it’s anything else, but we’re trying to help our friends get jobs after graduation, and they’re reporting it to the Office of Education? And what’s even more ridiculous is that the Office of Education is stopping it as if it’s a big mistake?”

“They’re not stopping it, they’re just saying it can’t be done during regular class time.”

“Anyway, I don’t understand. Instead of helping at the school level, what is this?”

The class president of class 1 was angry as if he couldn’t understand.

Seeing that, Hyeonseong smiled.

Then, the class president of class 1 said, “Are you laughing now?”

“I’m grateful, you idiot.”

“Grateful for what?”

“I’m grateful that you guys understand and feel the same way.”

“Idiot, that’s obvious. Honestly, what do you lack? It’s not like you’re bad at studying or your business is failing. You’re just doing it for your friends, and if we don’t know that, we’re not human.”

As the class president of class 1 finished speaking, this time the class president of class 4 said, “That’s right. And what we’re grateful for is that you don’t unilaterally handle everything, but you discuss it with us in advance. If you hadn’t, we wouldn’t have unconditionally followed your opinion.”

This was the part that Hyeonseong had been 신경 쓰다 [caring about/paying attention to] from the beginning.

Before deciding anything, he would first talk to the class presidents of each class and listen to their opinions.

He knew very well that even things that could be done wouldn’t be done if he acted alone.

The class president of class 1 opened his mouth again, “So, what are you going to do?”

“I was hoping to do it this Sunday, what do you guys think?”

“Do it on Sunday?”

“Yes, there’s no time on weekdays, so I’d rather do it on Sunday with plenty of time.”

“…”

The class president of class 1 was silent. The other class presidents were also silent.

Everyone seemed to be 고민 [pondering/worrying].

After a moment of silence, this time the quiet class president of class 3 opened his mouth.

“How many kids will attend?”

The class president of class 3 was also worried about the same thing as Principal Park Sanghyun.

Hyeonseong immediately continued, “I think the attendance of friends who are genuinely interested is more important than a simple number.”

“Quality over quantity, you mean?”

“Yes, that’s right. If it were something else, I wouldn’t care, but since it’s about deciding our future, I want friends who have genuine interest and passion, not just a simple number.”

“Hmm… listening to you, that makes sense. What do you guys think?”

When the class president of class 3 asked, the class president of class 1 immediately responded, “Yes, listening to Hyeonseong, it seems like he’s right.”

“That’s right, anyway, friends who are interested will come even if it’s Sunday.”

“Going with a small elite group rather than a lot of people might be one way.”

Following the class president of class 1, the class presidents of classes 2 and 3 gave the same answer.

Then, Hyeonseong immediately said, “Good! Then let’s decide to do that and go back to your classes and tell your friends. And the important thing is that this is just the beginning. If we succeed, it will be good for our juniors in the future, so let’s all do our best this time.”

As Hyeonseong finished speaking, the four class presidents looked at each other and nodded as if making a resolution.

No one knew how many people would come on Sunday.