Return To The Building Owner [EN]: Chapter 392

392

“Strange words?”

“Yes, but I have no idea what those words mean.”

“No, if he’s going, he’s going, and if not, he’s not. What strange words could come out of that?”

Chairman Shin Chun-oh couldn’t easily understand what Director Kim Young-woo was talking about. Surely, he would have asked what to do about the military service, and then there would only be two answers: go or not go.

But now, Director Kim Young-woo was saying that he said something else, and Chairman Shin Chun-oh couldn’t understand that statement itself.

Director Kim Young-woo carefully continued.

“What he said was… he’s going to go again.”

“What?”

Chairman Shin Chun-oh couldn’t help but doubt his ears.

What on earth does this mean?

Going to go again?

Chairman Shin Chun-oh immediately asked, his curiosity piqued.

“What did you just say?”

“Well, that’s… he said he’s going to go again.”

“Going to go again? If that’s the case, it means he’s already been once, doesn’t it?”

“That’s what I’m saying. I don’t know what this is all about.”

“So?”

“Yes?”

“No, you wouldn’t have just stood there after hearing that, would you? You would have asked again, and Kim would have explained again, right? So, I’m curious about the next answer.”

Chairman Shin Chun-oh asked again, though he was also dumbfounded. This situation seemed impossible. But he was also curious about the next answer, because he didn’t think Hyun-sung would say such a thing without thinking.

“He doesn’t say.”

“He doesn’t say? What does that mean?”

“He just says there’s something like that. He says it can’t be explained in words.”

“Oh my, this is something…”

Chairman Shin Chun-oh could only let out a hollow laugh. He knew it didn’t make sense, but he was curious about what it meant. But now, he says the reason can’t be explained in words. What on earth is this…

Then, strange words came out of Director Kim Young-woo’s mouth again.

“October 5th, he says.”

“October 5th? What’s that?”

“He says it’s the enlistment date.”

“Enlistment date? No, he hasn’t even submitted a leave of absence yet, but he knows the enlistment date? Is that possible?”

“Of course, it’s impossible. That’s why it’s absurd. But for now, we can’t confirm it, so it’s just absurd. Anyway, what’s certain is that he’s going to submit a leave of absence after finishing this semester.”

“Why does he insist on going…”

Chairman Shin Chun-oh could only feel regret. Whether he goes once or twice, it doesn’t matter, because that statement doesn’t make sense anyway. But why does he insist on going? Other people are doing everything they can to avoid it. He could just say he’s not going, and they would take care of everything.

Tsk.

Chairman Shin Chun-oh could only express his regret by clicking his tongue. At the same time, he also felt proud. Others are trying to avoid going at all costs, but he looks reliable, insisting on going even though they say they’ll get him out of it.

Then, Director Kim Young-woo continued.

“And even if he takes a leave of absence, he said he’s going to stay in Gangneung.”

“Is it because of the Certified Public Accountant [CPA] exam?”

“Yes, that’s right. There’s the first exam in February and the second exam in June, so there’s no better place to study than the Gosi Class [a study center for civil service exams].”

“So, he’s going to take a leave of absence and focus on the exam.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“But you know… since we’re talking about the exam, what do you think, Director Kim? Do you really think Kim will pass the exam?”

“That’s a bit…”

Director Kim Young-woo couldn’t finish his sentence. Honestly, it doesn’t make sense to take the exam after only finishing the first year without even learning the major. But he’s not just taking the exam for the sake of it; he’s saying he’s going to pass, so Director Kim Young-woo couldn’t quite believe it.

“You’re saying it’s going to be difficult?”

“I’m sorry, but in my opinion, no matter how I think about it…”

“No, why should Director Kim be sorry? Honestly, who would believe that someone who hasn’t even learned the major would pass the exam by studying alone after only finishing the first year? If there is, that person is a fool.”

Chairman Shin Chun-oh paused and then continued.

“But you know, I think I’m a fool.”

“Yes? What do you mean by that…”

“Yeah, strangely, I feel like Kim, more than anyone else, will definitely accomplish that impossible task. Am I strange?”

“Yes? Ah, no. Actually, I said that a little while ago, but honestly, I feel like Hyun-sung will pass the exam this time too. With the abilities Hyun-sung has shown so far, he’s more than capable of passing. I’m sure of it.”

Director Kim Young-woo completely reversed what he had said a little while ago.

He knows that there are times when people need to tell a white lie in life.

He thought that now was the time.

Anyway, Chairman Shin Chun-oh’s belief in Hyun-sung is almost absolute now.

In that situation, he realized that there was no need to reveal that he had a different opinion.

“And I will pay special attention to ensure that Hyun-sung has no difficulties in studying this winter. Also, I will take care of everything from accommodation to ensure that Hyun-sung can focus solely on the exam when he takes the first exam.”

Director Kim Young-woo preempted Chairman Shin Chun-oh’s instructions, saying that it would be better if possible since it was something he had to do anyway.

Was that why?

A smile spread across Chairman Shin Chun-oh’s face.

“Will you do that?”

“Yes, Chairman. So, don’t worry about that part.”

“Thank you, then I’ll trust Director Kim. Oh, and by the way, do you know when Kim’s semester ends?”

“Yes, I know. He said that the final exam will end next Friday and the semester will end immediately. At the same time as the end of the semester, he said that he will stay and study in the Gosi Class, just like during the summer vacation, to prepare for the first exam.”

“I see. As I always say, don’t spare any support for Kim. You know what I mean, right?”

“Yes, Chairman.”

“And as I said before, don’t forget to take care of the food truck drivers. They did a great job this time. Hire them as full-time employees for sure. You have to know how to use people preciously for the company to succeed. Always remember that people are the future of the company.”

“Yes, Chairman.”

Director Kim Young-woo immediately bowed his head.

Sometimes, he is surprised by the chairman’s appearance, which has changed so much from the past.

The same was true a little while ago.

His appearance of taking care of the food truck drivers was definitely different from the past.

All of this is his appearance that has changed while knowing Hyun-sung.

Indeed, people seem to change depending on who is by their side.

Director Kim Young-woo smiled and left the chairman’s office.

***

Tap, tap!

“Everyone, pay attention for a moment. You all know that there’s an end-of-semester party tonight after the exam, right? The location is Pungnyeon Restaurant, just like in the first semester, and the time is 7 o’clock, so don’t be late. It’s the last day of the first year, so everyone has to attend without exception. Then, everyone, do well on the exam and see you later.”

Hyun-sung glanced at Kim Myung-woo, the class representative, who was speaking from the podium.

A smile naturally spread across Hyun-sung’s face.

Kim Myung-woo, who was ignored and struggled by professors and colleagues throughout the year because he ruined the opening party in the first semester in his past life.

In the end, he was the one who knelt and bowed his head in front of his friends at the end-of-year party in the first grade.

But now, his appearance showed no shadows anywhere.

He worked hard for the department for a year.

Thanks to that, he was recognized by professors and colleagues.

That’s why his appearance seemed even more vibrant today.

Hyun-sung glanced at Oh Jung-soo, who was sitting next to him this time.

The very person who made him have no choice but to come to Kang Sang University instead of Korea University. Hyun-sung’s eyes suddenly turned cold as he looked at him.

It’s today.

The accident that Oh Jung-soo had to live with, becoming disabled for the rest of his life, he gets into an accident while returning home after the end-of-semester party. The cause is drunk driving on a motorcycle.

Oh Jung-soo, who lost one leg due to that accident.

That’s why Hyun-sung himself came to Kang Sang University to prevent that accident.

“Why?”

Oh Jung-soo asked Hyun-sung, who was looking at him.

Then Hyun-sung smiled and immediately continued.

“I told you to do well on the exam.”

“Huh? Oh, you’re boring…”

Oh Jung-soo grinned.

Then Hyun-sung immediately asked.

“Where are you going after the exam today?”

“I heard that briquettes for this winter are coming in at 3 o’clock, so I have to go home. After organizing the briquettes in the warehouse, I’ll go to the end-of-semester party. See you there.”

“Shall we go together?”

“No, there’s no need for that. And I saw earlier that your supervising professor told you to come after the exam, right?”

“Ah, that’s right.”

Hyun-sung remembered what his supervising professor had said. He had forgotten about it because he was so focused on trying to move with Oh Jung-soo today.

Hyun-sung’s words immediately followed.

“Take the bus when you come out of the house.”

“Huh?”

“Don’t you know what I mean? I’m telling you to take the bus instead of riding a motorcycle when you come to the end-of-semester party later. You’re going to drink alcohol at the end-of-semester party anyway, right? You’re not going to ride a motorcycle after drinking, are you?”

“Huh? Oh, okay…”

Oh Jung-soo’s voice was weak.

Hyun-sung wanted to get a promise again, but he thought that wasn’t the case. Perhaps even nagging this much would be a funny sight to other friends.

It was then.

Creak.

The professor came in through the front door.

***

The place Hyun-sung headed to after the exam was the office of his supervising professor, Son Min-ho.

“Welcome.”

Son Min-ho greeted him happily as Hyun-sung opened the door and entered.

“Come, sit over here. I prepared coffee instead of ginger tea today, is that okay? I’m addicted to this bean these days.”

Hyun-sung almost burst out laughing without realizing it. It was because of Son Min-ho’s appearance of making coffee.

The appearance he showed in his past life was solemn itself.

He hardly ever mixed with students, let alone made coffee. Such a person was now making coffee for Hyun-sung.

“Here, have a taste.”

“The aroma is so good.”

“A friend of mine gets beans from Ethiopia…”

The two began to share various stories while drinking coffee. Professor Son Min-ho was the one who mainly spoke, and Hyun-sung was the one who nodded and listened to his stories.

After some time had passed, Son Min-ho looked at Hyun-sung and asked.

“How far have you gotten?”

Perhaps, as expected, the reason Son Min-ho called him was this: curiosity about preparing for the Certified Public Accountant exam.

Hyun-sung’s answer immediately followed.

“I’ve finished accounting, which is the first exam. And from now on…”

Hyun-sung’s additional explanation followed.

Son Min-ho was the one who believed in him at the beginning of the semester and perfectly prepared the exam textbooks. It was only natural to explain the preparation process to such a person. Hyun-sung began to explain all the contents he would be curious about without missing a single one.

Finally, when Hyun-sung’s explanation ended, Son Min-ho immediately asked.

“So, you’re saying that you’re going to solve problems with a focus on practice for the next two months?”

“Yes, that’s right. I’m going to solve 10 years of past questions in the same way as the actual exam.”

“Hmm… I have nothing to nag about. Yes, what’s the exam date?”

“It’s February 23rd. The announcement of successful candidates is April 3rd.”

“I see…”

Son Min-ho just nodded.

In fact, when he first bought the Certified Public Accountant textbook, he didn’t know that he would finish preparing in such a short time. He just bought the textbook with a heart of support because he was so impressed with his willingness to do it.

“Thank you. When I see you, I can’t help but feel strength in both shoulders.”

“I’m really grateful. I will never forget the heart that believed in me and supported me.”

“Perhaps you don’t know the exam location yet?”

“Yes, it depends on the applicant number, but it will be one of Chung-Ang University and Hanyang University [both universities in Seoul].”

“I see. I’ll probably be in Seoul around that time. Contact me when you come to Seoul. I’ll take care of the accommodation.”

Son Min-ho’s expression felt endlessly affectionate.

Hyun-sung smiled at him and continued.

“What should I do? I’ve already been contacted by someone else who will take care of the accommodation.”

As if he knew, he received a call from Chairman Shin Chun-oh a few days ago. He said that he had already made a reservation at a hotel in preparation for the exam.

Son Min-ho’s words followed.

“Oh, already? Who on earth?”

“I have an acquaintance in Seoul.”

“An acquaintance? Perhaps that person is Nong… Ah, no. I see. I’m one step late. Heh…”

Son Min-ho was about to ask if it was the chairman of Nongshim [a large food company], but he stopped. He had been receiving calls from Nongshim periodically anyway. It was about asking about the overall contents of Hyun-sung’s school life.

While doing so, he learned about the relationship between the chairman of Nongshim and Hyun-sung. He wasn’t sure, but it was certain that the two had a special relationship.

Son Min-ho continued.

“I see, anyway, contact me when you come to Seoul. I have to see your face.”

“Yes, I understand. And by the way, aren’t you coming to the end-of-semester party today? I think the class representative said something like that earlier.”

“Is there any reason for me to go and spoil the atmosphere? The opening party is unavoidable, but not the end of the semester.”

That’s right. There were hardly any cases where the supervising professor attended the end-of-semester party. But the important thing is that there is no law that says you shouldn’t attend.

Hyun-sung’s words continued again.

“No. Everyone is hoping that the professor will attend. Everyone is eagerly waiting to hear the professor’s favorite song. So please…”

“Heh, really?”

Son Min-ho’s expression brightened. Son Min-ho had become so close to the students that he couldn’t even be compared to his past life. In the end, after sharing a few more words, Son Min-ho’s answer came out that he would attend.

As such, one semester was coming to an end, and Oh Jung-soo’s dark shadow was gradually approaching.

Hyun-sung arrived at Pungnyeon Restaurant to attend the end-of-semester party.

‘Surely not…’

Hyun-sung hesitated as he was about to enter the restaurant.

It was because of Oh Jung-soo. He had said so much during the day that he didn’t think he would have ridden a motorcycle.

But still, he couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

“Why? Aren’t you going in?”

Jo Young-min, who was following behind, asked as Hyun-sung hesitated at the entrance.

Then Hyun-sung seemed to think for a moment and immediately said.

“Young-min, go in first. I’ll go check something for a moment.”