Return To The Building Owner [EN]: Chapter 448

With the groundbreaking ceremony concluded, interior construction for the restaurant began the very next day.

From the first to fourth floors, work commenced on the restaurant, while the fifth floor and rooftop saw the start of the café construction.

Simultaneously, construction also began on the mountain behind the restaurant. This was for the creation of a perimeter trail.

Back then, the term ‘perimeter trail’ was so unfamiliar that it garnered little attention.

However, with the inevitable rise in popularity of such trails over time, the decision was made to construct one from the outset.

While indoor interior work could proceed even in cold weather, outdoor work was a different story.

Moreover, given the region, once the snow started falling, construction would become difficult. To finish before November, a large number of workers had to be deployed.

And since the task involved creating a path on a mountain, the need for heavy equipment was more critical than ever. Among them, an excavator was essential.

Fortunately, the right person appeared.

Han Myung-soo.

He was the guy who led the ‘Grass Clan’ back in middle school.

Fortunately, following Hyun-sung’s advice, he obtained certifications from a heavy equipment academy immediately after graduating high school and gained experience in the field, allowing him to join the perimeter trail construction.

Today marked the tenth day since the perimeter trail construction began.

Hyun-sung brought bread and milk to Han Myung-soo, who was working.

“Hey, Han Myung-soo. Take a break.”

“Yes, hyung-nim [term of endearment for an older brother or respected male figure]. I mean, Mr. CEO. I’ll finish digging out this rock and come down soon.”

Han Myung-soo resumed operating the excavator with a roar.

About ten minutes passed.

Han Myung-soo stopped working, got out of the excavator, and approached Hyun-sung.

Hyun-sung immediately offered the bread and milk.

“Here, eat this and keep going.”

“Why did you bring this yourself, Mr. CEO? What’s the foreman doing?”

“I came to see your face. Anyway, is the work manageable?”

“Oh, is that so? And the work is very enjoyable.”

Hyun-sung chuckled lightly. Who finds work enjoyable? But he was grateful to Han Myung-soo for saying so, even if it was just empty words.

“I appreciate you saying that, even if it’s just empty words.”

“No, Mr. CEO. How can you say such a disappointing thing? I’m not saying empty words at all. I really enjoy this work.”

“Really?”

“Yes, of course. To be honest, when you said that if I got a heavy equipment license, you would provide for me for life, I was half-doubtful. But now that I’ve started working, I realize it’s true. So how could I not enjoy this work?”

Han Myung-soo’s eyes sparkled.

It wasn’t empty words; his eyes showed that he was sincere.

“Yeah, seeing your eyes, it doesn’t seem like empty words. Anyway, thanks for keeping your promise.”

“I’m the one who’s really grateful. If it weren’t for you, my school life and my entire life would have been a mess. Thanks to you, my life has changed 180 degrees.”

“You rascal, I’m even more grateful that you think so.”

“Now that I think about it, what would have happened if I hadn’t met you? I still shudder when I think about it.”

“I’m glad. I’m glad you think that way. If you ever have any problems in the future, tell me right away, okay?”

“Yes, Mr. CEO.”

Han Myung-soo bowed deeply to Hyun-sung.

Seeing that, Hyun-sung nodded and asked again.

“What happened to the rest of the Grass Clan kids?”

“Except for the ones who went to the military, most of the others will be coming to your interview next month.”

“Is that true?”

“Yes, I called them all individually. They all said they would come no matter what. They might not trust anyone else, but they said they trust you 100% and will come.”

“Why would they go that far…”

“No, it’s true. The kids have experienced how scary and ruthless the world is while living in society. That’s why they all want to come here. Moreover, they won’t have to pay for housing if they return to their hometown, so they’re all very excited.”

Hyun-sung nodded.

In his past life, many of his friends who graduated from high school and entered society didn’t have proper jobs. It wasn’t easy to get a job after graduating from high school.

On top of that, the reality would have been even tougher, with low salaries and separate housing costs.

In that situation, everyone would be happy to have a job in their hometown.

“By the way, what happened to Tae-jin?”

“He finished his first year last year and went to the military this spring, so he still has a long way to go before he’s discharged. But he’s the most successful among our friends.”

“He went to Yonsei University, right?”

“Yes, that’s right. But you know that’s all thanks to you, right? If you hadn’t forced him to study back then, he would have been similar to the other friends. Anyway, thanks to you recognizing his abilities back then, he was able to go to Yonsei University.”

“But why is that thanks to me? It’s all thanks to him working hard…”

“No.”

Han Myung-soo shook his head before Hyun-sung could finish speaking and continued.

“As you know, he didn’t know which direction to go back then. But you knew his IQ and immediately set a goal for him, didn’t you? Even now, Tae-jin only talks about you whenever he meets me.”

“Anyway, I’m glad. I’m glad he went there properly. I think he majored in law, right?”

“Yes, that’s right. He said he’s going to start studying for the bar exam in earnest after he’s discharged from the military.”

“Is that true?”

“Yes, Tae-jin’s dream is to become a prosecutor. Thanks to you, one of my friends will become a prosecutor. And he said he’s coming here to greet you next month when he’s on leave.”

“Really? Then let’s have a drink together then.”

“Yes, I understand. Then I’ll get back to work now. I’ve rested too much.”

“Yeah, okay. Then take care and tell me anytime if you have any difficulties.”

“Yes, Mr. CEO.”

Han Myung-soo bowed to Hyun-sung once again.

Hyun-sung nodded at Han Myung-soo’s gesture, using a light pat on the shoulder to convey his feelings.

“Hyung-nim!”

After saying goodbye and taking a few steps, Han Myung-soo suddenly called out to Hyun-sung again.

“Huh? Why? Do you have something to say?”

“No, I just wanted to call you hyung-nim instead of Mr. CEO.”

“You rascal, you’re so corny…”

“Thank you!”

“…”

Hyun-sung simply smiled in response before turning around.

He was someone he had no contact with in his past life. The same goes for Kim Tae-jin. Anyway, those guys have now started their relationship again, one as a heavy equipment operator and the other as a future prosecutor.

A smile filled Hyun-sung’s face as he descended the mountain.

***

Some time later.

The perimeter trail construction was completed safely in one month as planned. Fortunately, the construction was completed without any major accidents.

Thump, thump.

While walking along the perimeter trail, Hyun-sung stomped his foot on the ground at a certain point. Then, as if satisfied, he nodded and said immediately.

“Hmm, it’s been finished sturdily. Thank you for your hard work, Manager Yoo.”

“No, I just did as you told me, Mr. CEO. But, well…”

Manager Yoo Min-chul suddenly trailed off and began to gauge Hyun-sung’s reaction.

Hyun-sung immediately asked.

“What is it? Why are you looking at me instead of talking?”

“I’m sorry.”

For some reason, Manager Yoo Min-chul suddenly bowed to Hyun-sung.

“Huh? Why are you suddenly doing this? What are you sorry for?”

“Actually, no matter how much I think about it, I can’t understand it with my head. I’m sorry to ask this question in this situation.”

“What question?”

“This perimeter trail. Of course, I finished the construction because you instructed me to, but no matter how much I think about it, I can’t understand why people would walk this path.”

“Ah, is that why you were worried?”

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

He wondered if something was wrong. That’s because Manager Yoo Min-chul suddenly looked serious and said he was sorry.

But fortunately, after hearing his words, he realized it wasn’t a big deal, so a smile spread across his face.

Hyun-sung’s answer followed.

“Were you that worried about it?”

“Of course, how much money went into this perimeter trail construction? But will people really walk this path?”

“Well…”

“No, Mr. CEO, how can you say that? What am I supposed to do if you say ‘well’ now?”

Manager Yoo Min-chul looked at Hyun-sung as if he was dumbfounded.

Then Hyun-sung smiled and continued.

“You wouldn’t believe anything I said anyway, would you? So what can I say? Isn’t that right?”

That wasn’t wrong. He had already explained the perimeter trail sufficiently to Yoo Min-chul before the construction began. But the person who nodded as if he understood back then was now asking again with suspicious eyes after the construction was finished, so Hyun-sung had nothing to say.

Manager Yoo Min-chul’s mouth opened again.

“To be honest, I was worried from the beginning. But I couldn’t say anything about what you were doing, so I had no choice but to do as I was told.”

“And?”

“But now that the construction is finished, I want to check one more time. To be honest, I just have to get paid, but my conscience won’t let me do that…”

“Conscience?”

Hyun-sung tilted his head and looked at Manager Yoo Min-chul. At first glance, he didn’t understand what he was talking about.

Manager Yoo Min-chul’s answer followed immediately.

“I just don’t want to live as a simple salaryman. I don’t know what you think, Mr. CEO, but…”

“Huh? What does that…”

“It’s as it sounds. Not just getting paid, but proactively… well, I can’t remember the word right now…”

“Wait a minute.”

Hyun-sung raised his hand to stop Manager Yoo Min-chul’s words and remained silent as if thinking for a moment.

After a moment of silence.

Hyun-sung asked immediately.

“Are you perhaps talking about ownership?”

“Ah, that’s right. I suddenly couldn’t remember the word… Anyway, that’s how I feel. That’s why I was worried and asked. Of course, I could just get paid without thinking, but I don’t want to do that. Anyway, I’ve been involved from the beginning, so I couldn’t help but think that way.”

“Ah, now I understand what you’re saying.”

A smile filled Hyun-sung’s face.

Until a little while ago, he was a little puzzled because he couldn’t understand what Manager Yoo Min-chul was saying.

But after hearing his explanation a little while ago, he now knew what he meant. That’s why he couldn’t help but smile.

Hyun-sung bowed first.

“I’m sorry, I guess I was a little short-sighted. I didn’t know you were thinking that way, Manager Yoo.”

“No, I was just being nosy…”

“How can you say that? And that’s exactly what I want from you, Manager Yoo.”

“I’m just grateful that you understand.”

“No, I’m the one who’s grateful.”

Sense of ownership.

That’s what Manager Yoo Min-chul wanted to say. The idea that a job isn’t just about getting paid, but about thinking proactively, taking responsibility, and leading the way.

That’s why he said a little while ago that he didn’t want to just get paid.

Hyun-sung’s words continued.

“Manager Yoo, listen carefully to what I’m about to say. From now on, people will simply…”

Hyun-sung began to explain in detail why he had spent so much money to create the perimeter trail. He had watched countless examples of how perimeter trails were operated in his past life.

That’s why his explanation was concrete and realistic.

Was that why?

The more Hyun-sung explained, the more Manager Yoo Min-chul’s expression changed. The suspicious expression at the beginning began to sparkle as if nothing had happened after some time.

And finally, when Hyun-sung’s explanation ended, Manager Yoo Min-chul opened his mouth as if he had been waiting.

“You mean that perimeter trails will be popular nationwide in the future?”

“Yes, definitely. Especially people who live in Seoul or the metropolitan area will go crazy for this place if they come here even once, to put it bluntly.”

“Is it that good?”

“Of course, the people who come here have the time and money to spare. So what do those people want? Nature. They will be comforted by nature and return. That’s why we created the path while preserving the forest as much as possible.”

“So, those people will be the main consumers here?”

“That’s right. People who live nearby may come once or twice at first, but it won’t be easy for them to come continuously. But that’s not the case for people in the metropolitan area. If they like the environment, they will try to come every week.”

“Ah, yes…”

Manager Yoo Min-chul began to nod as if he understood now.

“I’m sorry. I should have explained it to you in detail from the beginning, but my explanation was lacking.”

“No, I’m just grateful that you explained it to me now. You are definitely different from other people, Mr. CEO. You think 20 or 30 years ahead, not just 1 or 2 years. You’re really amazing.”

Hyun-sung had nothing special to say. It’s not because he’s good, but because he knows it from living it in advance. Anyway, the important thing is that all that information will be of great help in running the restaurant in the future.

“Okay, Manager. Let’s go down now.”

“Yes, Mr. CEO.”

“By the way, is the team leaders’ meeting next week going well?”

“Yes, of course. Is it finally starting?”

“You can say that. After discussing it with the team leaders, we’ll have to plant seeds in the farm from next month. That way, we’ll have a smooth supply of vegetables when we open in March.”

“I’m really looking forward to it.”

“Me too.”

Hyun-sung’s face began to sparkle with anticipation.

Why wouldn’t it?

Finally, the three years of preparation were over, and they were starting by planting seeds in the farm.