Return To The Building Owner [EN]: Chapter 482

“So, that was the reason?”

“Yes, that’s right. I was also dumbfounded when I first saw the land deed. I thought a young person had learned to cut corners [engage in unethical or illegal behavior] early. But it wasn’t that, but rather…”

Kim Min-joong’s explanation continued at length.

He admitted he was initially taken aback. A young person suddenly presenting a land deed could easily raise suspicions.

But he clarified that it was a misunderstanding. In fact, he felt ashamed for even having such thoughts.

And after reading the letter, he understood the sincerity and effort behind attracting the hospital.

He emphasized that he was touched by the young man’s character.

Realizing this, he decided there was no reason to delay the decision any longer and approved it immediately.

Following Kim Min-joong’s explanation, Han Seok-ho bowed his head and spoke earnestly.

“I made a grave error again. Without understanding the full picture, I assumed the director’s decision was solely based on the land…”

“No, it’s alright.”

Kim Min-joong gently interrupted Han Seok-ho. Then he added,

“Why would you, as chief of staff, be at fault for thinking that way? It’s a natural assumption. So, that part…”

“That’s not true.”

This time, Han Seok-ho interrupted Kim Min-joong, his voice filled with remorse.

“It’s my mistake, no, my fault entirely. Even if others jumped to that conclusion, I shouldn’t have. It was an insult to the director’s integrity.”

“No, why are you being so harsh on yourself? An insult? And frankly, I’m not that noble either.”

“No, I have no excuse, no matter how I try to justify it. I sincerely apologize for doubting the director, even for a moment.”

Han Seok-ho bowed deeply.

To be honest, the sight of the land deed had initially sparked anger. He felt that he was being forced to defer to a young CEO because of a few pieces of land.

But upon realizing his impatience and misjudgment, he felt deeply ashamed.

Kim Min-joong continued,

“Anyway, our chief of staff’s personality… Yes, it’s admirable. If that’s what the chief of staff desires, then so be it. You’re asking for forgiveness, so I grant it. Are you satisfied now?”

“Thank you. I apologize again and thank you for your understanding.”

Han Seok-ho bowed once more before continuing.

“And I have another question. What’s the story about the house you mentioned earlier?”

“Ah, that? It literally involves building a house and gifting it to the chief of staff. That’s why I hadn’t shown you the documents until now. Do you recall me mentioning a future gift when I first visited Gangwon-do?”

“Yes, I remember. But that was it?”

It had been four months, but he remembered the conversation clearly.

Kim Min-joong had mentioned a gift during his initial trip to Gangwon-do, keeping the details a secret. He never imagined it would be a house.

“Yes, that’s right. I was planning a house as that gift. I wanted to surprise you after its completion, so I kept it under wraps.”

“That means…?”

“Yes, it’s nearing completion. It should be finished around the same time as the hospital building.”

“No, how can…”

Han Seok-ho trailed off, speechless.

What hospital director, especially of a private oriental medicine clinic, would gift a house to their chief of staff?

Was this even possible?

No matter how he considered it, this was absolutely….

Han Seok-ho paused, then looked at Kim Min-joong and asked,

“Director, does this even make sense?”

“Why? What’s so impossible about it? I’m simply expressing my gratitude. And it was the chief of staff, not anyone else, who inspired that feeling.”

“Yes? Me?”

“Yes, have you already forgotten? The scout offer from two years ago. You turned down that tempting offer and chose to stay with me, didn’t you? I’m simply fulfilling my human obligation for that.”

“……”

Han Seok-ho was speechless.

He admitted that he had briefly considered the offer. However, remembering the director’s generosity in providing a year’s salary upfront, his decision was immediate.

There was no room for hesitation. He declined the offer within a minute.

He never imagined it would lead to such a reward.

Regardless, he felt compelled to clarify the truth.

Han Seok-ho spoke again.

“There’s an old saying that even if your mouth is crooked, you should speak straight [always tell the truth]. I will gratefully accept the house, given the director’s thoughtfulness. But I want to make one thing clear.”

“Yes? What else is there?”

“The origin of this is the director.”

“Me?”

“Yes, I mentioned it four months ago, but the director trusted me from the start, providing a year’s salary before I even began working. That money enabled me to successfully pay for my mother’s surgery. That’s why I rejected the scout offer, to repay that kindness.”

Han Seok-ho paused to take a breath, then continued.

“I want to emphasize that the beginning wasn’t me, but the director. The director showed grace first.”

“Hmm…”

Kim Min-joong remained silent, seemingly lost in thought.

After a moment.

He slowly spoke again.

“Yes, that’s fine. Since the chief of staff insists, what can I say? What matters is our mutual respect and appreciation, isn’t it? The chief of staff values me as I value him. And that feeling will undoubtedly continue in the future. Isn’t that right?”

“Yes, definitely…”

“Then that settles it. Let’s consider this matter closed.”

“Um, but…”

Han Seok-ho cautiously broached the subject again.

“About that house.”

“What’s wrong with the house now?”

“To be honest, I still don’t understand it. How did you even consider gifting me a house? I apologize for repeating myself, but no matter how I think about it, I…”

“Chief of staff!”

Kim Min-joong called out to Han Seok-ho in a low voice. Then he continued.

“Do you remember the day before your 50th birthday, five years ago?”

“The day before my 50th birthday, five years ago?”

“Yes, that evening, we had a small birthday celebration at a Korean restaurant in Mapo.”

“Ah, I remember.”

It was five years ago. After the hospital treatments concluded for the day, Kim Min-joong had taken him to Mapo, claiming he had somewhere to go.

It turned out that Kim Min-joong had deliberately planned the event.

He had arranged the gathering in advance, suggesting they celebrate his birthday with his family.

The restaurant they arrived at was a Korean restaurant.

But it was unlike any Korean restaurant he had ever been to. He had visited many such establishments, but this one was exceptional. He could tell that Kim Min-joong had put considerable thought into the selection.

“Do you remember going for a second round after dinner that day?”

“Of course, I do.”

“At that time, you said something to me before we parted ways, but do you recall what it was?”

“I’m sorry. I was so happy that day that I had a bit too much to drink… Did I do something wrong?”

Kim Min-joong smirked. Then he looked at Han Seok-ho and continued.

“That day, you called me ‘hyung’ [older brother] and said something to me.”

“Yes? I called the director ‘hyung’?”

“Yes, but what’s interesting is what you said next.”

“What I said next?”

Han Seok-ho couldn’t help but feel nervous.

His memory of that evening was hazy. He was so intoxicated that he couldn’t even remember how he got home. Consequently, he had no recollection of his final words, making him anxious.

Kim Min-joong continued, a strange smile playing on his lips.

“You told me we should live together.”

“Yes? Me?”

“That’s right. And not in Seoul, but down in the countryside, building houses side by side.”

“Huh… Is that true?”

Han Seok-ho was dumbfounded.

He did consider Kim Min-joong a true brother in his heart. But even in his drunken state, he never imagined he would have said something like that.

“You know what they say about truth in wine, right?”

“That’s true, but the fact that I said that…”

“Why? Do you think I’m lying now?”

“Of course not, but I’m just embarrassed and bewildered. I have no idea why my memory is blank from that point on.”

Kim Min-joong smiled again and then spoke.

“Okay, then I’ll ask you again now that you’re sober. How do you feel now?”

“Yes? Now?”

“Yes, that’s right. I understand if you don’t remember because you were drunk, but you’re in your right mind now, aren’t you? I want to know how the chief of staff feels now.”

“Um… that’s…”

Han Seok-ho hesitated to answer.

Then Kim Min-joong asked directly.

“Why? Have you changed your mind?”

“No, it’s not that, but when you ask me directly like that, I feel a bit shy and it’s a little…”

“Haha, so you’re saying you’re too shy to say it now? Okay, then let’s get up.”

“Yes? Now?”

“Yes, anyway, the hospital treatment is over today and it’s time to leave work, so let’s go out and have a drink. I think I’ll need the help of soju [Korean distilled rice liquor] to hear what the chief of staff has to say.”

With those words, Kim Min-joong rose from his seat.

“Um, Director. Just a moment.”

Han Seok-ho, who was still seated, called out to Kim Min-joong, who was about to leave. Then he continued.

“I’ll tell you here.”

“Oh? You said you were shy a moment ago?”

“Of course, I am shy. But I don’t want to use alcohol as an excuse.”

“Okay? Then I’ll sit down again.”

As Kim Min-joong sat down, Han Seok-ho cleared his throat and began.

“Hmm hmm, I’m shy, but I think I should express myself properly. As the director knows, I don’t have any siblings. Perhaps that’s why I feel so strongly about the director…”

Han Seok-ho continued.

He confirmed that his drunken words were sincere. He had considered Kim Min-joong a true older brother for some time and had dreamed of retiring to the countryside to live near him.

He added that he was overjoyed that this dream was becoming a reality.

As Han Seok-ho finished speaking, a smile spread across Kim Min-joong’s face.

He called Han Seok-ho affectionately.

“Chief of staff!”

“Yes, Director!”

The tone of their voices was noticeably warmer than before.

“I want to start by saying thank you.”

“I should be the one saying that…”

“Actually, I’ve always considered the chief of staff to be special. Perhaps that’s why I chose you from among so many applicants.”

“Yes? Is that true?”

“Yes, it’s true. Of course, I can’t give you a specific reason. It was just a feeling. It felt right.”

It was true. There were more than ten applicants at the time. Skill was important, but he was particularly drawn to Han Seok-ho. There was no logical explanation. After only a brief conversation, he felt confident that they could work well together.

So he made his choice.

And he had never regretted it.

Conflicts are inevitable in any working relationship. But strangely, they had never experienced any disagreements, even after working together for 20 years.

Kim Min-joong spoke again.

“Chief of staff, it’s remarkable.”

“Yes? What is it?”

“We’ve been working together for 20 years, haven’t we? And yet, we’ve never had a single argument.”

“Isn’t that natural?”

“Natural?”

Kim Min-joong tilted his head.

Disagreements are common when people work together, especially over such a long period. But Han Seok-ho’s assertion that it was natural made him curious.

Han Seok-ho explained.

“Yes, but do you know why it’s natural?”

“Well, I don’t.”

“It’s because of the director.”

“Yes? Because of me?”

“Yes, that’s right. Director, do you know that?”

“Yes? What?”

Kim Min-joong tilted his head again and asked.

Han Seok-ho replied.

“The director has never given me direct orders. So, isn’t it natural that there’s no reason to clash?”

“Yes? I’ve never given orders? Oh? That’s strange. I’m sure I’ve given instructions every time?”

Han Seok-ho smiled slightly instead of answering. Then he added,

“The method was different.”

“Method? What method?”

“The director has never said ‘Do this’ or ‘Do that’ to me. Instead, he always asked, ‘How about this?’ Isn’t that right?”

“No, that’s the same thing…”

“No, I don’t know how the director sees it, but it makes a world of difference to me. That’s the reason.”

“Haha, is that so?”

Kim Min-joong chuckled.

There’s an old saying that it doesn’t cost money to talk [words are free]. Just as there is a saying that ‘어’ [eo] and ‘아’ [ah] are different [small differences can have big impacts], Kim Min-joong’s subtle approach was the key. That was the secret that had allowed them to work together for 20 years without a single conflict.

In any case, their relationship would continue in Gangwon-do.

485

Reincarnated as a Building Owner