Return To The Building Owner [EN]: Chapter 444

A three-story house in Pyeongchang-dong. A quiet elegance emanated from the property, nestled amidst the affluent neighborhood.

“Kim said he’s holding a completion ceremony next week?”

Chairman Shin Chun-oh looked at Chief Secretary Choi Jin-young and asked again, as if to confirm the information.

“Yes, Chairman. He confirmed that the completion ceremony will be held next Sunday.”

“So, the two-year construction is finally coming to an end?”

“Yes, that’s right. He mentioned that the construction of both the restaurant building and the dormitory is finally finished. Actually, the restaurant building was completed as of yesterday. However, the completion ceremony was postponed by a week to coincide with the dormitory’s completion.”

A smile spread across Chairman Shin Chun-oh’s face as he listened to Chief Secretary Choi Jin-young’s report.

When Hyun-sung first announced his intention to begin construction on the restaurant and dormitory simultaneously two years ago, Chairman Shin had been concerned about whether the project could be completed properly.

The dormitory was particularly ambitious in scale.

Though called a dormitory, it was designed to house 500 studio apartments. The project was akin to constructing an entire apartment building, which naturally caused some apprehension.

However, after the foundation work was completed in three months, and he witnessed the building rising steadily and precisely, he realized his worries were unfounded.

Hyun-sung was, of course, the driving force behind the project.

Chairman Shin was consistently impressed by Hyun-sung’s dedication, observing him take leave from his military service approximately once every three months to personally oversee the construction.

What truly amazed him was Hyun-sung’s exceptional ability to manage the project.

Despite being only in his early 20s, his competence was remarkable. Chairman Shin found himself constantly astonished by Hyun-sung’s capabilities.

In the end, Hyun-sung completed both buildings exactly on the date he had initially predicted two years prior.

“Chief Secretary Choi.”

“Yes, Chairman.”

“Aren’t you surprised? When we started construction on the two buildings simultaneously two years ago, I wondered if it would even be possible.”

“I know, right? Kim must be some kind of prodigy.”

“A prodigy?”

“Yes, how else could a 24-year-old accomplish something like this? Two large buildings, no less. And if you include the agricultural wholesale market, he’s completed three buildings. It’s unbelievable.”

Chief Secretary Choi Jin-young shook his head in disbelief. He simply couldn’t comprehend it.

While acknowledging that people possess varying levels of ability, he felt that the disparity was far too great compared to others.

To be honest, he had been skeptical when Hyun-sung announced his intention to build the restaurant and dormitory simultaneously two years ago. However, witnessing the completion of the buildings within the promised timeframe, he couldn’t help but be amazed by Hyun-sung’s capabilities.

Perhaps he truly was a prodigy.

Chairman Shin Chun-oh continued, “Like you said, Choi, Kim seems to be a prodigy. Otherwise, how could he… By the way, when was the last time we saw Kim?”

“It’s been five months since May, when the canola flowers were in full bloom.”

“Already five months… Speaking of canola flowers, they were truly spectacular then.”

“That’s right. I’ve never seen so many canola flowers bloom in my life. As you said, ‘spectacular’ is the perfect word.”

“Indeed…”

Chairman Shin Chun-oh closed his eyes, as if trying to recall the scene from May.

Having lived for over 60 years, it was the first time he had found canola flowers so captivating. The yellow waves danced across nearly 250,000 pyeong [approximately 206 acres], making him feel as though he were in paradise.

Chairman Shin Chun-oh nodded and continued, “I thoroughly enjoyed the canola flowers, but I’m disappointed that I missed the cherry blossoms and cosmos.”

“I know, right? I had prior engagements at the time, but I still regret it. I especially regret missing the cherry blossoms. If the canola flowers were that impressive, the cherry blossoms must have been beyond imagination.”

“I know… Let’s make sure we go next year, no matter what.”

“Yes, I understand. I’ll definitely prioritize it next year. Cherry blossoms, canola flowers, and cosmos.”

Chief Secretary Choi Jin-young spoke again, as if a thought had just occurred to him.

“Ah, and… it’s a bit early to report this, but Kim is planning to purchase more land.”

“Land?”

“Yes, he visited the real estate agency yesterday and mentioned it. I’ve instructed them to gather more information.”

“He already owns a little over 250,000 pyeong [approximately 206 acres] of land, and he’s buying more?”

Chairman Shin Chun-oh tilted his head, puzzled.

Considering the land Hyun-sung already possessed, it was certainly not a small area. The fact that he was seeking to acquire even more was perplexing.

Chairman Shin Chun-oh inquired further, “Do you know what his purpose is?”

“I haven’t received a report on that yet, but in my opinion…”

“Yes, what do you think, Chief Secretary Choi?” Chairman Shin Chun-oh interjected, his curiosity piqued.

Chief Secretary Choi Jin-young responded immediately, “I believe he’s confident.”

“Confident? What do you mean?”

“As you know, the number of visitors to that area this year was enormous, wasn’t it? I don’t have the exact figures, but I know it exceeded ten million. That’s roughly 50,000 people visiting every day.”

“Yes, I heard about that. But what’s your point?”

While the number of ten million visitors was impressive, Chairman Shin Chun-oh couldn’t understand how it related to Hyun-sung’s land acquisition.

Chief Secretary Choi Jin-young continued his explanation, “I think he felt the area was too small.”

“Too small? 250,000 pyeong [approximately 206 acres] is too small?”

“Yes, that’s right. As you witnessed during your visit in May, there were more people there than during the peak cherry blossom season on Yunjung-ro in Yeouido [a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Seoul], right?”

“That’s true. So?”

“So, I believe he felt the area was insufficient.”

“So, you’re suggesting that he’s expanding the space because the current area is too small?”

That was a plausible explanation. Chairman Shin had visited Yunjung-ro several times in the past, and it was true that Hyun-sung’s attraction drew larger crowds. It was conceivable that Hyun-sung felt the need for more space.

“Yes, that’s correct. If that many people visit in the first year, the numbers will only increase in the years to come, right?”

“Of course, that’s true. Ah, so you’re saying he’s expanding the space in anticipation of future growth?”

“Yes, that’s what I believe. He’s preparing for the future in advance.”

“That sounds like Kim. He’s a person who thinks even 30 years ahead. By the way, how much more land is he planning to buy?”

“250,000 pyeong [approximately 206 acres].”

“250,000 pyeong [approximately 206 acres]? Does that mean that, combined with the existing land, he’ll have 500,000 pyeong [approximately 413 acres]?”

“In essence, yes. Isn’t it incredible? 500,000 pyeong [approximately 413 acres] filled with flowers…”

Chief Secretary Choi Jin-young paused, spreading his hands wide as if trying to encompass the vastness of 500,000 pyeong [approximately 413 acres].

Chairman Shin Chun-oh, observing the gesture, smiled and added, “It’s dazzling just to imagine.”

“Exactly! Imagine 500,000 pyeong [approximately 413 acres] of flowers surging like waves. It would be a sea of flowers.”

“Heh heh… A sea of flowers?”

“Yes, wouldn’t it be a sea of flowers, considering the sheer volume of blooms?”

“That’s an interesting expression. If it comes to fruition, as you said, people from all over the country will be constantly visiting from April to October. Of course, Kim planned all of this with that in mind.”

“That’s what I’m saying. Kim’s mind is exceptionally sharp. And not only his mind, but his ambition is also unusually large. I could never…”

Chief Secretary Choi Jin-young trailed off, shaking his head. He couldn’t fathom managing that much land, even if it was just 500,000 pyeong [approximately 413 acres].

Chairman Shin Chun-oh continued, “Anyway, no matter how I think about it, he’s a truly remarkable individual. By the way, what’s the status of the people who were going to work on the farm, the ones we discussed last time?”

“That’s also in the final stages.”

“Final stages? Does that mean you’ve already hired all 500 people?”

“Not quite 100%, but over 90% have already been confirmed.”

“Confirmed…?”

Chairman Shin Chun-oh tilted his head at Chief Secretary Choi Jin-young’s response. He recalled clearly stating that they would visit the university directly after the university entrance exam to provide job explanations to the students.

Curious, Chairman Shin Chun-oh asked, “Isn’t there a discrepancy? Last spring, you clearly stated that after the scholastic ability test…”

“Of course, that was the plan, but there was a change in circumstances.”

“A change?”

“Yes, do you remember a student named Shin Yu-bin?”

“Shin Yu-bin… Ah, that female student?”

“You remember her?”

“She was quite an impressive student at the time…”

She had been particularly memorable because she expressed a strong interest in farming, despite being a female student.

At her age, and especially given her gender, he couldn’t help but be intrigued by her desire to pursue agriculture.

But that wasn’t the only reason.

Her filial piety was another factor that piqued his interest.

Hearing about her concerns for her ailing mother further solidified his memory of her name.

Chairman Shin Chun-oh asked directly, “But why her?”

“She has been actively recruiting friends since then.”

“Recruiting? Are you referring to friends to work on the farm?”

“Yes, Kim clearly stated that he would later visit the school and hold a job fair, but she took the initiative herself.”

“She’s quite proactive. Did she have a specific reason for doing so?”

“Of course. But the reason is… Hehe.”

Chief Secretary Choi Jin-young suddenly chuckled.

Chairman Shin Chun-oh promptly inquired, “What’s the reason? Stop that and tell me why you’re laughing.”

“I apologize. I did it unintentionally… I’ll be more careful.”

“It’s alright. Why are you apologizing for something like that? It’s fine, so hurry up and explain the reason.”

“Yes, I understand. The reason was surprisingly simple. What happened was…”

Chief Secretary Choi Jin-young began to recount the events. As he spoke, Chairman Shin Chun-oh’s smile grew wider.

Finally, when the explanation concluded, he spoke immediately, “So, she contacted not only her friends but also alumni?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“And the alumni responded positively?”

“Of course. The primary reason was the salary. As I mentioned last spring, Kim promised a starting salary of one million won [approximately $750 USD], correct?”

“I remember that. So, the alumni were motivated to return because of the salary?”

“Precisely. They concluded that it was better to return to their hometown and farm than to struggle elsewhere for the same pay.”

In a way, it was a logical decision.

Even if the compensation were equal, working in their hometown would be preferable to being away. But the pay was actually higher, so few would choose to endure hardship elsewhere.

“That’s understandable. Their hometown would be much more appealing than other places.”

“Yes, that’s right. As a result, young people who had left are returning. And the number of people interested in working not only on the farms but also in the restaurants and cafes is increasing, which is automatically resolving the staffing issues.”

“Shin Yu-bin has done a remarkable job.”

“That’s what I’m saying. From Kim’s perspective, it’s like killing two birds with one stone.”

“Hmm… Things are progressing smoothly.”

Chairman Shin Chun-oh nodded.

Hyun-sung’s primary goal was to revitalize his hometown. In this instance, he had successfully laid the foundation from the outset.

He had not only prevented further emigration but also encouraged those who had left to return.

However, one question remained.

Chief Secretary Choi Jin-young had mentioned 90% confirmation earlier. Did the remaining 10% have a specific reason for not being confirmed?

Chairman Shin Chun-oh asked directly, “Then what about the remaining 10%?”

“Ah, those are the experts.”

“Experts?”

“Yes, because even with farming, you need specialized knowledge. The same applies to the restaurants and cafes.”

“So, Kim intends to personally recruit the experts?”

That was a logical approach. They would need individuals with formal training in agriculture, professional chefs for the restaurant, and skilled baristas for the cafe.

Chairman Shin Chun-oh nodded and continued, “Are you going to post a recruitment notice?”

“Not a formal notice, but he plans to seek them out at his alma mater, Gangsang University. He prefers to hire graduates or prospective graduates from his own school. He has already contacted the president and will be interviewing candidates.”

“Hmm, well, it’s natural to have a stronger connection to the school you attended. In any case, one person is providing for many people.”

“That’s what I’m saying. It’s not just one or two people, but as many as a thousand. And that’s not all; consider the village income generated through the agricultural wholesale market. Kim must be a person sent from heaven.”

“A person sent from heaven…”

Chairman Shin Chun-oh smiled.

Perhaps Chief Secretary Choi Jin-young’s words were not an exaggeration.

It involved as many as a thousand people. But it wasn’t just those thousand individuals.

Even if you assume an average of four people per family, it impacts at least 4,000 people. Furthermore, the profits from the agricultural wholesale market benefit the entire village.

All of this was the result of one person’s vision. So, perhaps Hyun-sung truly was a person sent from heaven, as Chief Secretary Choi Jin-young suggested.

Reflecting on this, a smile blossomed on Chairman Shin Chun-oh’s face.

He called for Chief Secretary Choi Jin-young.

“Chief Secretary Choi.”

“Yes, Chairman.”

“Send 100 wreaths to Kim under my name at the completion ceremony.”

“Yes? 100?”

“Yes, this isn’t just anyone; it’s the beginning for Kim, who was sent from heaven, so I must offer my congratulations accordingly. Make sure to send 5-tier wreaths instead of 3-tier wreaths.”

“Yes, I understand, Chairman!”

As Chief Secretary Choi Jin-young responded enthusiastically, Chairman Shin Chun-oh smiled brightly, clearly in high spirits.