Return To The Building Owner [EN]: Chapter 352

352

Vroom!

Hyun-sung enthusiastically stepped on the accelerator.

It would be a lie to say he had no concerns.

The reason he hadn’t applied to Korea University was that he already had a destination in mind.

Kang Sang University, located in Gangneung.

It was the university Hyun-sung attended in his past life. In this regressed life, he felt it was only right to go to Kang Sang University, as not retracing his steps would negate the purpose of his regression.

However, once he actually applied to Korea University and got accepted, he couldn’t help but feel conflicted, as is human nature.

That was because of the symbolism Korea University held. He was well aware of the prestige and value Korea University possessed, at least within South Korea.

Curiosity also played a part. The path he hadn’t taken before held anticipation and excitement.

But!

His *gomin* [worries/agonizing thoughts] didn’t last long.

There was a definite reason why he had to go to Kang Sang University. It wasn’t simply because it was the school he attended in his past life. If that were the only reason, he might have chosen Korea University instead.

But the *only* reason he could choose Kang Sang University was one person.

That person! The person he had to meet, no, the person he absolutely had to meet.

Oh Jung-soo, his friend from the class of ’88!

“Jung-soo, wait for me.”

Hyun-sung called out Oh Jung-soo’s name loudly.

Vroom!

The car was already descending the Daegwallyeong Pass.

Soon after.

He arrived in Gangneung city just past 12:30 PM. Either way, he already knew where to go in Gangneung.

Chodang Tofu Village. It was partly for lunch, but more importantly, there was something he needed to confirm first.

He drove straight from Gaeksamun Intersection. After a bit, he reached Okcheon Five-way Intersection. He headed towards Gangneung Station in the 10 o’clock direction. Although they were old memories, he remembered the geography of Gangneung quite well. Well, he had lived there for almost seven years, from enrollment to graduation, so it would be stranger if he didn’t remember.

After driving a bit further from Gangneung Station, he arrived at Ponam-dong, and from there, it took less than 10 minutes to reach Chodang Tofu Village.

Screech.

He parked the car in the parking lot and went straight into the tofu restaurant. Perhaps because the last car he drove in his past life was a 1-ton Porter, he felt no awkwardness while driving. It was probably natural that he got a perfect score on his driver’s test.

“Welcome.”

As Hyun-sung entered, the female owner, who looked to be in her early 60s, greeted him warmly at the entrance. It was the same owner he had seen last summer.

That meant his mother-in-law hadn’t come here yet. That was why he had rushed here as soon as he arrived in Gangneung. He needed confirmation.

Yoo Bok-soon, the mother of his wife, Yoon Ji-soo, hadn’t come here yet. Hyun-sung didn’t know when she would take over this restaurant. He first saw his mother-in-law here at the age of 33 in his past life, so that would be 13 years from now.

Hyun-sung couldn’t help but feel frustrated that he couldn’t find his wife in Incheon or meet his mother-in-law here.

But one thing was certain: he would definitely meet them someday.

This wasn’t wishful thinking, but the opposite. He would definitely meet them.

Perhaps that’s why Hyun-sung’s voice was full of energy when he ordered.

“I’ll have the Spicy *Jjae-bok* Tofu Soup!”

It was a bit more expensive than regular tofu soup, but the clams made it much tastier. It was the dish his mother-in-law always made for him when he came here in his past life.

‘*Jjae-bok*’ is the name of the clam. Its official name is *Mactra veneriformis*. It’s also called the elegant mactra. But in Gangneung, it’s commonly called *jjae-bok*.

*Mactra veneriformis* are about 4-5cm in shell length, live in the sand of shallow seas, and are edible clams mainly found on the east coast. The shell is thick, sturdy, and triangular in shape, with a flat surface and a grayish-white or light brown color. It is the most common clam on the east coast and has a chewy texture, making it a great ingredient to pair with tofu soup.

“Your food is here.”

After waiting for about 10 minutes, the tofu soup came out in an earthenware pot. The bubbling *moseup* [appearance/visual] made his mouth water involuntarily.

But the first place his spoon went wasn’t the tofu soup, but another dish.

It was the *biji-jjigae* (soybean pulp stew).

This is a characteristic of Chodang Tofu Village. When you order tofu soup, *biji-jjigae* comes out with it. But not all restaurants serve the same *biji-jjigae*. Some restaurants serve raw *biji-jjigae* that hasn’t been fermented.

Slurp!

He quickly brought a spoonful to his mouth.

He could still taste the same flavor he had in his past life.

Fortunately, the ‘Grandma Tofu’ restaurant that Hyun-sung found served properly fermented *biji-jjigae*.

Eating the *biji-jjigae* suddenly reminded him of Chairman Shin Chun-oh.

He remembered how *massitge* [deliciously] he had eaten the *biji-jjigae* last summer.

“I hope he’s doing well…….”

To be honest, Hyun-sung felt sorry for Chairman Shin Chun-oh. He had firmly believed that Hyun-sung would come to Korea University and had even signed a contract for an expensive studio in Sillim-dong, only to make it useless.

But what could he do?

There was a reason why he had to do so.

That didn’t mean he didn’t appreciate his kindness. Someday, he would definitely repay that kindness.

“Where should I start…….”

Hyun-sung finally began to eat the Spicy *Jjae-bok* Tofu Soup.

Slurp.

“Eum!”

Tofu soup eaten in Chodang, an exclamation naturally flowed from his mouth.

30 minutes later.

Hyun-sung left the tofu restaurant and headed to the public telephone booth next to the parking lot.

He decided that it was better to convey his apologetic feelings now, before it was too late.

Everything has its time.

Beep beep beep.

He inserted the public telephone card and immediately dialed the number.

After two rings, he heard the sound of the other party picking up the receiver.

-Hello.

“Chairman, it’s me.”

-Oh? Who is this! Kim, calling at this hour, what’s the matter? Is something wrong?

Chairman Shin Chun-oh’s voice conveyed both joy and concern. It could be said to be the biggest change since his regression. It was none other than the chairman of a group. A situation he couldn’t have dreamed of in his past life.

Hyun-sung said in a bright voice.

“Nothing’s wrong. I’m just calling to check in. Are you doing well, Chairman?”

-Yes, nothing’s wrong. But where are you now?

“I’m in Gangneung.”

-Gangneung? Why Gangneung all of a sudden?

Chairman Shin Chun-oh had no choice but to pretend he didn’t know anything. He was receiving reports on Hyun-sung’s every move, but that was all confidential.

No matter how good the intention, it was only his point of view. It was called protection, but it was more like surveillance.

Hyun-sung began to briefly explain what had happened.

“Chairman, actually, I…….”

While Hyun-sung explained, Chairman Shin Chun-oh listened quietly. It was almost the same as what he had been reported by Secretary Kim this morning. The only addition was that the purpose of going to Gangneung today was to find a room.

But he still couldn’t help but feel bitter. He had wanted him to come up to Seoul and be under the same sky.

But he knew that it was all his greed. He knew that Hyun-sung’s vessel itself was different from ordinary people, regardless of its size.

So, the conclusion he came to was to just watch. But when he heard the story from the person himself, he couldn’t help but feel bitter again, perhaps because of the old emotions.

But he couldn’t show it.

When Hyun-sung’s explanation ended, Chairman Shin Chun-oh smiled lightly as if nothing was wrong.

-Hehe, so you’re going to Kang Sang University instead of Korea University after all?

“Yes, I had a good reason to.”

He had been wondering why he had given up Korea University and gone to Kang Sang University. He couldn’t find a good reason no matter how hard he tried.

Perhaps that’s why Chairman Shin Chun-oh’s voice grew louder.

-A good reason? What is it?

“I’m sorry. I can’t tell you…….”

Hyun-sung stopped talking and lowered his head without realizing it. He couldn’t explain that he had chosen Kang Sang University instead of Korea University because of his past life memories.

Then he heard a laughing sound from the other side of the receiver.

-Hehe, Kim.

“Yes, Chairman.”

-Are you teasing me right now?

“Pardon? What do you mean? How could I dare to…….”

-Isn’t that what you’re doing now? You’ve told me everything, but now you say you can’t explain the most important reason. Isn’t that so?

“Pardon? No. I have a reason why I can’t tell you, but why would I…….”

Chuckles.

Chairman Shin Chun-oh covered the receiver with one hand, turned his head, and laughed.

He had given up his greed, but he wasn’t completely without disappointment. So, he felt better without realizing it when he saw Hyun-sung flustered.

Chairman Shin Chun-oh cleared his throat and picked up the receiver again.

-By the way, you said you were thinking of me while eating *biji-jjigae*?

“Ah, yes. I remembered how *massitge* [deliciously] you ate the *biji-jjigae* last summer, Chairman.”

-Hehe, is that so.

Chairman Shin Chun-oh’s laughter flowed out without him realizing it.

He knew too well what it meant for someone to think of someone while eating food.

Was that why?

Chairman Shin Chun-oh immediately called Hyun-sung in a gentle voice.

-Kim!

“Yes, Chairman.”

-Thank you!

“Pardon? No, it’s nothing like that…….”

Hyun-sung was momentarily taken aback. Although it was just a short word of ‘thank you,’ he felt the warmth from it all over his body.

Then Chairman Shin Chun-oh’s voice was heard again.

-No, it’s not something anyone can do to think of someone while eating food. Seeing that, it seems like our Kim likes me a lot, doesn’t he?

“Pardon?”

-Why are you so surprised again?

“No, it’s not that…….”

-Hehe, anyway, this friend is fun to watch at times like this. By the way, you’re going to find a room today?

“Yes, I’m going to go find a room right away.”

-You certainly don’t need my help?

“I’ll just take your *maeum* [kindness/consideration].”

-Anyway, you should know that that personality isn’t always a good thing. People, you know……Ah, no. This old man was about to say something unnecessary again. Anyway, have a good school life…….”

Chairman Shin Chun-oh’s words grew longer. It was as if he was sending his beloved grandson to study abroad and giving him advice.

Hyun-sung was just listening quietly. He could feel Chairman Shin Chun-oh’s warm *maeum* [heart/feelings] in every word he said.

And when he finished speaking, he called Chairman Shin Chun-oh in a low voice.

“Chairman!”

-Oh? Yes. Do you have anything to say? If there’s anything you want to ask for…….”

“I’m sorry!”

-Oh? What’s that all of a sudden…….”

“And thank you!”

-Are you sure nothing’s wrong?

“Actually, I called to say this. I’m sorry about the studio. And thank you for always caring about me.”

-Hehe, this friend, anyway…….”

“Then please take care of yourself. Goodbye…….”

-Yes, you take care too, and I’ll see you when I go down to Gangneung next time. Eat well.”

Click.

Chairman Shin Chun-oh hung up the phone, and a smile spread across his face without him realizing it. He didn’t know how he had come to be connected, but he thought that people’s connections were truly mysterious.

***

Hyun-sung, who had gotten into the truck, turned on the radio again.

-Before I knew it, the wind blew~ Even if I close my collar~ Still, my sad *maeum* [heart/feelings] is~~~

Choi Sung-soo’s ‘Reunion,’ which was a big hit in 1988, filled the car through the speakers. Come to think of it, he sang this song a lot back then.

Swish.

Hyun-sung turned up the volume. Then Choi Sung-soo’s sweet voice echoed throughout the car. Hyun-sung was already singing along without realizing it.

“With affectionate eyes~ Like before~ Let’s look at each other and love~~~”

How much time had passed?

As the song came to an end, one person’s face came to mind.

She was Han Soo-jin, the landlady of his boarding house, who had taken care of him like his own mother during his college days.

Like Choi Sung-soo’s song, it was a reunion after a really long time.

Reunion (邂逅) [Japanese: Kaikou – a chance meeting].