Return To The Building Owner [EN]: Chapter 193

193

“This is hangover ramen.”
“Yes? Hangover ramen?”

“Yes, that’s right. While selling Ssin Ramen [a fictional brand of spicy instant noodles], I realized that the older guys think of it as a hangover cure. So, I thought, why not just make Ssin Ramen into a hangover soup?”

In his past life, Hyun-sung had sometimes used Ssin Ramen to cure his hangovers after drinking.

Of course, he would add kimchi [fermented Korean cabbage] to the Ssin Ramen, or sometimes bean sprouts, and boil it.

After eating it like that, he felt as refreshed as if he had eaten any other hangover soup.

Shin Myung-soon seemed to think there was some merit in Hyun-sung’s words, and she showed a positive reaction.

“Listening to you, boss, I think you’re right. Most of the older guys say, ‘There’s no need for a separate hangover soup’ when they eat Ssin Ramen.”

“That’s what I’m saying. So, I’m saying we should cook Ssin Ramen like a hangover soup.”

“Does that mean adding something else to the Ssin Ramen?”

“That’s right. What do you think we should add?”

“Hmm… since it’s a hangover soup…”

Shin Myung-soon was thinking about something.

“Maybe bean sprouts…”

Kim Ji-sook, who was next to her, spoke first.

Hyun-sung immediately picked up on Kim Ji-sook’s words.

“Yes, that’s right. Usually, when you think of hangover soup, the first thing that comes to mind is bean sprout soup. And everyone knows that bean sprouts are rich in asparagine, which detoxifies the liver. Plus, bean sprouts have cooling properties. So, they have the effect of lowering and calming the heat in the liver that has been heated up by a hangover. There probably isn’t a better ingredient for hangover soup than this.”

“And the most important thing is that it’s cheap, right?”

“Of course. When it comes to cost-effectiveness, bean sprouts are probably the best. We can sell it without raising the price of the ramen.”

The cost of bean sprouts in a bowl of ramen would be less than 10 won [Korean currency, very small amount] anyway. That means you don’t have to raise the price of the ramen. If the ingredients are expensive, you have no choice but to raise the price of the ramen. But because it’s bean sprouts, there’s no need to worry about that.

And there’s another advantage to using bean sprouts. That’s the simple cooking process. You just put the bean sprouts in while you’re cooking the ramen.

If the cooking process is complicated, it would be unsuitable for a new menu. But because it’s bean sprouts, there’s no need to worry about that.

Hyun-sung looked at Shin Myung-soon and asked.

“What do you think? Is this good enough for a new menu?”

“Since the cheapest thing is bean sprouts anyway, and the cooking process is simple, it seems perfect for choosing as a new menu.”

“Okay, I understand. Then only the last problem remains.”

“The last problem?”

Shin Myung-soon tilted her head. She was curious about the last problem Hyun-sung mentioned. So were Kim Ji-sook and Kim Il-soo next to her.

Kim Ji-sook couldn’t stand it and looked at Hyun-sung and asked.

“Is there anything else to think about?”

“The taste.”

“The taste?”

“Yes, the taste. We need to verify whether Ssin Ramen with bean sprouts is good enough as a hangover soup.”

Of course, Hyun-sung knows the taste because he’s had it in his past life. But that was just his own evaluation.

People’s tastes are bound to be different. Hyun-sung thought that the evaluation of several people would be better than that of one person.

He wanted to get verified one more time, so to speak.

“Ah, verification…”

Kim Ji-sook nodded as if she now understood what Hyun-sung was saying.

It was then.

Kim Il-soo, who had been quiet, suddenly stood up from his seat.

Hyun-sung smiled at the sight. He thought he knew why Kim Il-soo had gotten up.

As Hyun-sung watched, Kim Il-soo said.

“I can go buy the bean sprouts, right? Boss?”

“You’re as sharp as ever…”

Kim Il-soo was indeed a sharp-witted bear.

Some time later.

The four of them sat around, each with a tin pot in front of them.

Their expressions were all serious. That meant their expectations for the new menu were high.

“Shall we all taste it together?”

“Shall we? But I’m kind of nervous.”

Shin Myung-soon said.

“I feel the same way. Anyway, please try it and give us a cold [honest/unbiased] evaluation.”

The four of them started tasting the soup with a spoon, as if they had made a promise.

And a moment later.

“Oh my?”

Kim Ji-sook was the first to react.

Looking at Kim Ji-sook, Hyun-sung asked.

“How is it?”

“The soup is definitely different because it has bean sprouts in it. What do you think, boss?”

“Yes, I felt that way too. How should I put it, I think I can feel the unique refreshing taste of bean sprouts.”

“Oh! I think this feels good. I think not only adults but also general students will like this.”

Hyun-sung felt the same way.

It was clear that the taste of the soup had changed when bean sprouts were added. And the combination with the spicy taste seemed to go well together.

Then Shin Myung-soon said.

“The texture of chewing the bean sprouts is also quite good, not just the soup. It’s a different feeling from just eating noodles.”

“That’s right. The chewing taste is definitely different from when you just eat noodles. I feel like this is going to be a hit.”

Kim Il-soo, who was next to him, chimed in.

Hyun-sung nodded.

His expectations were not wrong. He couldn’t guarantee the students, but he thought he could appeal to the tastes of the older guys.

Hyun-sung looked at the three of them and asked.

“So, is everyone okay with hangover ramen as a new menu?”

“Yes, I’m in favor.”

“Me too.”

“I’m also in favor.”

Shin Myung-soon, Kim Ji-sook, and Kim Il-soo all cast their votes in favor in order.

Then Hyun-sung smiled and continued.

“Then, starting tomorrow, we will set this hangover ramen as a new menu.”

“Boss, are we finally going to hit 100,000 won [approximately $75 USD]?”

Shin Myung-soon said with a smile.

Then Hyun-sung also smiled pleasantly and continued.

“Haha, we’ll have to see. And as I said from the beginning, it’s not just me who benefits from good business. I’m telling you clearly, your bonuses will increase as sales increase. In that sense, take this.”

Hyun-sung handed out pre-prepared envelopes to Shin Myung-soon, Kim Ji-sook, and Kim Il-soo.

“What is this?”

Shin Myung-soon asked.

“It’s a special bonus. Thanks to you, we’ve come this far safely, and yesterday we set a record of over 300 bowls. And today, we’ve decided on a new menu like this. So, it’s a gift from me.”

“No, we’re happy to receive it, but… I don’t know if you should give it to us like this when it hasn’t even been a month.”

“Of course, I’m young, but I’m also a businessman. I don’t do things that lose money. So, please accept it comfortably.”

“Still, this is a bit…”

Shin Myung-soon was still hesitating.

Then Kim Ji-sook, who was next to her, stepped in.

“Sister, take it. Is our boss an ordinary boss? He may be young, but he’s a deep thinker. He must have given it to us because he knows what he’s doing, so take it and work harder from tomorrow.”

“Yes, ma’am, you’re right. You deserve to receive it, so please accept it with a good heart.”

Hyun-sung also chimed in again.

Then Shin Myung-soon said again.

“…Okay, then I’ll take what you give me with a happy heart.”

Shin Myung-soon picked up the envelope with difficulty.

Then Kim Ji-sook looked at Hyun-sung and said.

“Hehe, our boss is really the best. I’ve worked for over 10 years, but this is the first time I’ve received a bonus in half a month.”

“I’m even happier that you like it.”

“Our boss speaks so beautifully. Studying, business, and now even speaking well, you’re amazing. I’m learning a lot from you, even though you’re young.”

“Ma’am, you’re too much…”

Hyun-sung just smiled.

Then Kim Il-soo looked at Hyun-sung and bowed his head. It was a sign of gratitude.

He’s the kind of guy who’s more trustworthy because he doesn’t talk much.

Hyun-sung smiled as he looked at Kim Il-soo.

No matter what business it is, it’s not something that can be done by one person’s efforts alone.

Basically, the people you work with have to be on the same page, and those people have to be happy. Then that business is bound to succeed.

To do that, you need motivation. Of course, there are many ways to motivate people, but Hyun-sung knew that there was nothing better than cash.

That’s why Hyun-sung prepared a special bonus today.

***

Hyun-sung was left alone after everyone had left work.

“Hoo.”

Hyun-sung took a short, deep breath.

Now the new menu has been decided. Fortunately, the tasting results were satisfactory to everyone. If all goes according to plan, he will reach his target of 100,000 won within a week. Of course, there are things to do in advance to do that.

That’s advertising.

Advertising is essential for selling products. There is no faster advertising than word of mouth in a small neighborhood. To spread word of mouth, the first priority is to let people taste it.

Hyun-sung called Seo Min-gyu, the head of the senior citizens association.

“Hello, Mr. Chairman, this is Kim Hyun-sung from the ramen shop.”

– Oh, what’s going on, Mr. Kim, at this hour?

“It’s not that, but a new menu has come out, and I’d like to have a tasting session for the seniors. Would you be available tomorrow?”

– A new menu?

“Yes, it’s hangover ramen. With bean sprouts…”

Hyun-sung began to briefly explain the new menu. As soon as Hyun-sung’s explanation was over, Seo Min-gyu’s voice grew louder. That meant it was a favorable reaction.

– Just listening to the explanation makes my mouth water. So, what can I do?

“Would you be able to come to the store by 10 a.m. tomorrow?”

– Of course. Everyone will be at the senior center at that time, so I’ll take everyone with me without exception.

“Okay, I understand. Then I’ll see you at that time tomorrow. By the way, I have to go to school, so I won’t be there at that time. But our ladies will take good care of you, so don’t worry.”

– Anyway, thank you. Thank you for taking care of me every time.

“You’re welcome. I’m the one who’s grateful. Then goodbye…”

A smile spread across Hyun-sung’s face as he hung up the phone.

With this, the basic work for the new menu is over. Now that the tasting session for the seniors is over, the reaction to the new menu will be decided within a few days.

***

Kim Ji-sook returned home.

In his hand was a white envelope. It was the bonus he had received from Hyun-sung a little while ago.

“How…”

No matter how much I think about it, I can’t understand.

A bonus in less than a month…

What is it?

Is it because he’s young?

‘Hmm…’

That’s not it.

Although it’s only been half a month, I don’t think he’s young at all.

It’s the opposite.

His actions are so mature that they don’t make sense.

His actions were extraordinary from the beginning when he was preparing to open. He expanded the kitchen and reduced the hall, and instead remodeled the inner building.

Its utilization is now shining. That means his choice was right.

It was a method that no one had ever thought of.

Then how can we explain his actions now?

If he’s not young…

There is only one answer, which means it is a management policy.

Although it is a small store, it is strictly a business. The business made 90,000 won in daily sales in half a month.

And now, instead of being satisfied with that, he has created a new menu to reach an even bigger goal.

That means he’s not settling for reality, but taking another step forward.

And what’s even more surprising is his actions today.

It’s his way of giving bonuses.

It wasn’t just cash, he had already prepared the envelopes.

That means he prepared in advance. That means it wasn’t an act of temporary impulse.

That means he already knows how to handle people with money.

There is no business in front of money.

That means you can’t tell the means and methods for money.

That means you can become a slave to money.

But what could be better than receiving that money, not feeling humiliated or upset, but feeling happy and grateful?

That’s what today was like. That was the feeling when I received the envelope from the young boss.

I was so happy and grateful that my head bowed automatically. Even at that moment, I felt more respect than thinking he was young.

I’ve been deceiving such a person until now.

I sold such a person for a few bucks. I passed on information every day and even stole and sold the seasoning.

No matter how short of money I am… this is not it.

It was crazy.

‘Ah! What have I been doing all this time?’

Kim Ji-sook closed her eyes.

A moment later.

Kim Ji-sook opened her eyes.

He jumped up from his seat.

“It’s not too late now. Let’s pay for my sins.”

Kim Ji-sook left the house and headed to Hyun-sung’s store.