Golden Print [EN]: Chapter 207

Just like before, Woojin’s work had changed things again. It was like a small seed planted a year ago, now suddenly growing because of what Woojin had done.

*’Working with universities overseas already? This is happening so fast,’* Woojin thought, surprised.

Was this like a butterfly effect? Maybe. People say a butterfly flapping its wings can cause a storm far away. But Woojin’s actions at EAC were much bigger than a butterfly.

His actions were like the wings of a large bird, not a small butterfly. They were strong enough to change the whole architecture world.

Woojin felt a rush of pride. He had done this. But at the same time, he felt a bit confused. *What does this all mean for the future?*

He started listening more closely to their conversation.

“Bruno, if you don’t mind me asking, which universities are we talking about?”

“The association will send an official letter soon, but it’s better to tell you in advance.”

“Thank you.”

“There are a total of three universities that have expressed a definite interest in an agreement with K University.”

“Three places?”

“Yes. I was surprised too.”

“Oh…!”

“It’s especially encouraging that the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), one of the two major architecture schools in Spain, has shown interest.”

UPM is a national university in Madrid, Spain, and a well-known engineering university. Together with other universities, it forms a network of four prestigious national engineering universities. It is a renowned school, especially in architecture.

The fact that UPM was interested in an agreement with K University was, as Bruno said, truly encouraging.

“Ooh. Madrid Polytechnic University…!”

Bruno smiled at Yoon Chi-hyung, who looked quite surprised, and continued.

“The head of the Architecture Department at Madrid Polytechnic University is also a member of the Spanish Association of Architects and a junior of Mateo and me.”

“Ah, that’s why…!”

“That’s not to say we put any pressure on them. Haha. That friend was the first to come to me right after EAC ended.”

As Bruno continued to speak, Woojin became more and more surprised.

When the story first came out, he thought they were simply going to discuss agreements with a few smaller universities.

But even major universities like UPM were already showing interest.

Moreover, judging from the documents Bruno brought, they seemed serious about these intentions. He thought that practical exchanges could begin as early as the second half of the year.

And it didn’t end there.

“And Professor Yoon.”

“Yes, Bruno.”

“Perhaps next month, I may visit you with a British architect.”

As Bruno began, Yoon Chi-hyung asked back with an expectant expression.

“A British architect…?”

Woojin also listened carefully to Bruno’s story.

The name that came out of his mouth was somehow familiar.

“You may or may not know him, but there is a prominent architect named Ethan Clark, who even received a noble title from the British Royal Family for his architecture….”

Woojin thought about the familiar name, which he seemed to have heard somewhere, and he soon remembered where he had heard it.

‘Ah, that old geezer…!’

The memory of meeting him in Hyde Park, apart from being unpleasant, was quite an impressive experience.

Woojin’s expression hardened slightly.

Woojin, who had not spoken to him since EAC, still remembered his stubborn side.

“Ah, I’ve heard of him.”

“Is that so?”

But when Bruno’s next words fell, Woojin was shocked.

“Isn’t he the chairman of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)?”

“Oh, that’s right, Professor.”

First of all, he didn’t even know that the old man had such a great background as an architect….

“Ethan is also the chairman of RIBA, but before that, he is a professor at the AA School.”

“Then could it be…!”

If Bruno’s story was flowing like this, it seemed that he was interested in K University.

‘He shouldn’t have a good impression of me, so why…?’

Yoon Chi-hyung’s mouth dropped open, and Woojin’s expression was no different.

Bruno then continued the shocking story with a pleasant smile.

“The possibility that Professor Yoon is thinking of is correct.”

“…!”

“The AA School also seems to be interested in working with K University.”

Of course, the Spanish architecture universities, including UPM, which Bruno first mentioned, are definitely schools with good reputations and excellent facilities.

However, even so, if limited to ‘architectural design’, it was hard to put those universities on the same level as the AA School.

The AA School was always one of the top schools not only in the UK but also in Europe.

While Woojin and Yoon Chi-hyung were surprised, Bruno continued.

“Of course, the AA School has not shown as much intention to cooperate as UPM. However, Ethan mentioned it to me, and he wants to meet Professor Yoon.”

“I, I see.”

Bruno smiled at Yoon Chi-hyung, who had a surprised expression.

“I think there will be good results if we talk together next month.”

If any agreement was made with the AA School, the status of K University’s Department of Spatial Design would be greatly improved.

It could even surpass the reputation of S University’s Department of Architecture, which was a rival, in one move.

Of course, even if an agreement was made, direct exchanges such as exchange students would be nearly impossible.

The AA School was a university that was completely different from the general undergraduate course.

For this reason, even if a graduate graduated from an architecture undergraduate course in Korea, they had to enter the AA School as a freshman or sophomore.

But that doesn’t matter to Woojin.

If he could bring the AA School’s outstanding students to WJ Studio for industry-academia cooperation, this would be the best outcome.

So, at the same time as he felt good, he also felt impatient.

‘WJ Studio still needs to be more prepared….’

Even if industry-academia cooperation with the AA School was concluded, WJ Studio did not yet have enough recognition to attract the students there.

‘I’ve already succeeded in making my name known overseas, so when Parafield’s pavilion is completed this time, I’ll have to actively promote it to overseas magazines. When the company building is completed at the end of the year, it will also be a great portfolio.’

Woojin’s head began to feel more and more complicated because he heard unexpected stories at an unexpected time.

Kwak Hong-shik, the president of the Cheongdam Seonyeong Apartment Association, had been enjoying very leisurely days until the end of last year.

All development schedules were going smoothly, and even general sales were very smooth.

Of course, the sale price in the mid-30 million won range per *pyeong* (a Korean unit of area) led to articles about high sale prices for a while. To give you an idea, that’s about mid-30 million Korean won per 3.3 square meters.

Despite those articles, they sold out quickly.

General sales were perfectly resolved, and they received compensation from the emergency committee.

Now, all that was left was to wait for completion.

In fact, it was also the association’s job to monitor whether the construction company was doing anything wrong, but that part was also quite easy.

Park Kyung-wan, who was in charge of the Seonyeong Apartment project from the beginning, sent Hong-shik a document detailing the construction progress every time, even without Hong-shik’s request.

Unlike the frantically busy early years, sitting in the association office and sipping coffee became his daily routine.

‘I get paid regularly…. This is heaven, heaven.’

But his leisurely and happy days ended when the new year dawned.

Woojin, who suddenly appeared after a long time, shattered his peace of mind.

[Are you thinking of being the association president again this time?]

[If the risk of District 1 is resolved when the integrated reorganization plan comes out…. Can’t you picture what will happen, Mr. President?]

[You were almost alone in Cheongdam, but this time I’m here and Executive Director Park is here.]

[If you, Mr. President, lead the association well, I will make things easy for you.]

[I will take care of everything.]

A person’s heart is fickle, so once you enjoy something good, it’s not easy to forget.

Kwak Hong-shik had already seen how well the Seonyeong Apartment Association was doing thanks to Woojin.

Thanks to that, he was able to make a profit of 1 billion won quickly.

Woojin’s words were tempting.

‘Damn it. I thought I would never do this again….’

So, Hong-shik eventually got involved with Woojin again and put the profits of tens of billions of won he had earned into Seongsu-dong.

He fell for Woojin’s words that he wouldn’t be very busy until the association was established.

But Woojin’s words were just a trick.

Once Hong-shik’s own money went in by more than 1 billion won, he voluntarily took the lead even though Woojin didn’t order him to do anything.

Woojin didn’t lie, but Hong-shik was now rolling.

“Ah, elder! Haha, believe me.”

“Is it really true that our neighborhood can become like that wealthy area in Seoul, Cheongdam-dong…?”

“That’s right. Did you see the Cheongdam Clio Summit that was recently in the news?”

“Th, that’s right.”

“Seongsu-dong is just across the river from Cheongdam. What can’t we do?”

“Ahem.”

“Did you see the fancy building built next to Seoul Forest this time?”

“I saw it.”

“The market price hasn’t risen much yet, but the members have earned a lot. It was sold out at that price.”

“Is it possible for us…?”

“Of course. Of course.”

In the old and run-down houses of Seongsu-dong, there were many elders who were much older than Hong-shik, who was in his 60s.

And most of the people who didn’t vote in favor of the establishment of the association were older people who didn’t like change.

Hong-shik was visiting the elders and raising the approval rate for the establishment of the association on his own, even though Woojin didn’t say anything.

Just like when the Cheongdam Seonyeong Apartment Association was first established.

‘Oh, my fate….’

At first, he tried to wait quietly until Woojin moved, but he couldn’t because he was getting anxious.

The announcement of the development plan for Seoul by Woojin had not yet been released even though spring had come.

‘I’m not sure if I’ve been tricked by CEO Seo….’

He was starting to feel a little resentful of Woojin, who didn’t even show his face at the temporary association office, saying he was busy.

Of course, Woojin knew everything about Hong-shik’s every move.

Anyway, for this reason, Hong-shik was going to Seongsu-dong today instead of the Cheongdam Seonyeong Association office.

He arrived at the temporary office in Seongsu District 1, which was old and run-down. He plopped down on the sofa and started stirring instant coffee in a paper cup.

But right then.

His phone, which had been placed on the table, began to vibrate loudly.