Return To The Building Owner [EN]: Chapter 541

A few days later.

“Director Park, how much did you say it was?”

Chairman Min Hong-sik couldn’t believe his ears. He was stunned by the unbelievable news he’d just received from Director Park Sun-woo.

Hyeonseong’s rental store’s first-month sales had exceeded 200 million won [approximately $150,000 USD].

Having been in the video industry for over 20 years, he had never heard of any rental store in the country achieving such a feat.

200 million won is a staggering amount. To reach that revenue, the store would have to make an average of 7 million won [about $5,200 USD] a day.

Even with deliveries, 7 million won a day…

It seemed impossible.

Chairman Min Hong-sik, still in disbelief, asked Director Park Sun-woo again.

“Are you sure it’s 200 million won?”

“Yes, Chairman, that’s correct. To be precise, it’s 200.5 million won. I’m rounding down from the hundred-thousand unit.”

“Good heavens, this is something…”

Chairman Min Hong-sik was speechless.

When he first saw that kid doing business on opening day, he expected him to be somewhat exceptional, but never to this extent.

When he initially heard the 200 million won figure, he doubted it. After double-checking, it turned out to be true.

How could this be possible?

Then, Director Park Sun-woo added, “What’s even more surprising is that’s not all.”

“What else is there?”

“Well, that kid gave each of his five employees 10 million won [around $7,500 USD] in salary.”

“What? Are you serious?”

Chairman Min Hong-sik couldn’t help but question what he was hearing. Who in their right mind would pay their employees 10 million won in salary, regardless of the revenue?

It defied all logic.

Chairman Min Hong-sik, thinking it absurd, asked again to confirm.

“Director Park, is that true?”

“Yes, it’s true. I heard it directly from an employee there through a mutual acquaintance.”

“I can’t believe it. The sales and the employees’ salaries, it’s just…”

Chairman Min Hong-sik couldn’t comprehend it with his common sense and shook his head in disbelief.

Director Park Sun-woo mirrored his reaction.

“It doesn’t make any sense. How can a video store make 200 million won in sales? And what’s even more incomprehensible is how they can give their employees 10 million won in salary?”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying…”

“…”

The two men fell silent, staring out the window as if unable to grasp the situation. The incident had clearly shocked them.

A little later.

Chairman Min Hong-sik, as if needing to clear his head, drank cold water from the water purifier and spoke again.

“That guy is definitely a weirdo.”

“That’s what I’m saying. It’s an action that defies common sense. Sales are one thing, but the employees’ salaries are even harder to understand. People are generally driven by greed…”

Director Park Sun-woo repeated his earlier sentiment. Hyeonseong’s actions were simply beyond his comprehension.

Tsk.

When Director Park Sun-woo finished, Chairman Min Hong-sik clicked his tongue, indicating his continued bewilderment. He still couldn’t understand it.

Then, Director Park Sun-woo continued, “Chairman, but that’s not the end of it.”

“What? What else is there?”

“Yes, he went to the community center right after settling the accounts.”

“The community center? Who? Are you talking about that kid?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Director Park Sun-woo nodded and immediately continued, “But do you know why?”

“Well… why would that kid suddenly go to the community center?”

“He made a donation. As much as 50 million won [approximately $37,500 USD], to be used for underprivileged neighbors.”

“What? He made a donation? Huh…”

Chairman Min Hong-sik let out a hollow laugh, dumbfounded. His expression was one of utter shock. It seemed he was genuinely taken aback.

Seeing this, Director Park Sun-woo nodded slightly in agreement and continued, “I don’t know where a young kid gets such ideas. At that age, he should be obsessed with money, but I don’t know how he can think like that. Anyway, he’s definitely a weirdo, just like you said, Chairman. I just can’t…”

Director Park Sun-woo shook his head, unable to understand Hyeonseong’s actions.

Then, Chairman Min Hong-sik spoke again, “Now that I think about it, that guy was never someone we could understand from the beginning. Think about it, how can a guy who’s starting a video store receive 300 videos without any hesitation?”

“That’s right, that guy was never someone we should have underestimated. At the time, I just thought he was throwing money around without knowing anything, but it seems like he had a plan from the start.”

Director Park Sun-woo rolled up his sleeves, getting animated, and continued, “According to what I found out, the used videos he sold were worth over 30 million won [about $22,500 USD].”

“Was it that much?”

“Yes, but what’s scary about this guy is that he made a contract with a used goods dealer to do that from the beginning.”

“So, that’s why he confidently bought 300 new videos from the start?”

“That’s right, because he could simply sell them as used goods. Moreover, he boldly demanded 100 ‘push volumes’ [popular or highly recommended titles] from the sales office as a condition for buying 300 copies.”

“So, in the end, he reduced the purchase cost by selling the videos as used goods, but he still used a large quantity of videos?”

“Yes, that’s right. So, of course, his sales rose to 200 million won. Huh…”

Director Park Sun-woo unknowingly chuckled at the end of his sentence, impressed by Hyeonseong’s management skills.

Chairman Min Hong-sik seemed to feel the same way.

“I can’t help but laugh in disbelief.”

“That’s what I’m saying. How can a guy who’s running a video store for the first time…”

“Wait a minute!”

Chairman Min Hong-sik suddenly raised his hand, interrupting Director Park Sun-woo, as if he had a realization. He immediately asked, “Who is that used goods dealer?”

“Huh? Used goods dealer?”

“Yes, the used goods dealer who contracted to take the videos from that kid’s store?”

“Ah, yes, it’s Choi Yun-soo.”

“What? Choi Yun-soo?”

Chairman Min Hong-sik’s voice grew louder. He knew Choi Yun-soo, the used goods dealer, very well.

Chairman Min Hong-sik asked again, “Was Choi Yun-soo also the used goods dealer who initially supplied the videos to that kid’s store?”

“Yes, that’s right. But why?”

“So, it was him.”

Chairman Min Hong-sik nodded several times, as if he now understood.

Seeing this, Director Park Sun-woo asked, curious, “Huh? What do you mean?”

“Director Park, do you know who Choi Yun-soo is?”

“Yes, of course. I know that no one can match him among video used goods dealers.”

“That’s right, he’s that good.”

“But what about it?”

“Don’t you understand yet?”

“Huh? What are you talking about?”

Director Park Sun-woo couldn’t understand what Chairman Min Hong-sik was implying and stared at him, eager for an explanation.

Smirk.

Chairman Min Hong-sik simply smiled lightly instead of answering.

Director Park Sun-woo, unable to contain his curiosity, asked, “Chairman, don’t just smile, what are you talking about…”

“The kid’s backer.”

“Huh? Backer?”

“Yes, Choi Yun-soo, he was behind that kid. He could have helped that kid as much as he wanted. I can vouch for his character and skills.”

“Ah, so the reason why that kid, even though he’s a novice, was able to make over 200 million won in sales was because of the help of that used goods dealer named Choi Yun-soo?”

Director Park Sun-woo’s eyes widened. One of the things he couldn’t understand was Hyeonseong’s business acumen.

How could a novice with no experience run a store so boldly and eventually make over 200 million won in sales?

But if someone was helping him behind the scenes, it made sense.

For Director Park Sun-woo, it was the moment when a lingering question was finally answered.

“Yes, that’s it. Now the kid’s secret is revealed.”

“So, there was a reason?”

“That’s what I’m saying. In the end, Choi Yun-soo was behind that kid from the beginning. I thought it was strange, but as expected…”

Chairman Min Hong-sik had a satisfied expression, as if he now understood. Director Park Sun-woo felt the same way.

The two, unaware that Hyeonseong had regressed [referring to a time-travel or reincarnation scenario], were drawing their own conclusions.

But the important thing is that’s not the case.

Regardless of the reason, Hyeonseong had become financially more secure than he had ever been with Movie Heart.

Chairman Min Hong-sik, fully aware of this fact, immediately spoke, “So, in the end, how much profit did that kid make in the first month?”

“50 million. That’s the calculation after deducting all expenses.”

“So, he divided the remaining profit of 150 million [approximately $112,500 USD], after deducting all expenses, into 50 million for the employees, 50 million for himself, and 50 million for the community center?”

“Yes, that’s right. If it were someone else, they could have taken at least 130 million [around $97,500 USD] for themselves, but that kid only took 50 million.”

“Director Park.”

Chairman Min Hong-sik suddenly called Director Park Sun-woo.

“Yes, Chairman.”

“What do you think is important at this point?”

“Well, that’s…”

“Doesn’t anyone come to mind?”

“Huh? Someone who comes to mind?”

Director Park Sun-woo shook his head, unsure of what he meant.

Then, Chairman Min Hong-sik continued, “I’m talking about CEO Yoo in Bupyeong. Now that we’re on the topic, how are the sales there these days?”

“I checked yesterday, and it barely exceeded 30 million [about $22,500 USD].”

“30 million…”

Chairman Min Hong-sik pondered for a moment and asked, “You’re saying that’s all it’s making even though the head office has invested in it?”

“Yes, that’s right. In the end, the rental fee is 500 won [very low price, about $0.38 USD], so there’s no solution. And as you know, Chairman, that kid’s store buys so many new releases that it can’t compete.”

“Hmm… then the conclusion has been reached.”

“Huh? Are you saying…?”

“It’s game over.”

Chairman Min Hong-sik’s expression showed no regret.

Director Park Sun-woo’s expression was similar, indicating he had anticipated this outcome.

Then, Chairman Min Hong-sik spoke again, “One side is making 50 million, no, if you don’t have to pay the donation, you’re actually making 100 million [approximately $75,000 USD]. But one side is 100% in the red, so anyone can see that there’s no hope, right?”

“Moreover, that kid has a helper named Choi Yun-soo behind him.”

“That’s what I’m saying, if only that guy wasn’t there…”

Tsk.

Chairman Min Hong-sik clicked his tongue in disappointment and immediately continued, “If this is the case, there’s no choice.”

“Are you saying?”

“Change Bupyeong to Plan B.”

“You’re saying we’re not giving up yet and we’re going to try to hold on as much as possible?”

“Yes, reduce the purchase cost a little more and instead buy more used goods with that money. Since you have to increase the number of items no matter what in a place where the rental fee is 500 won.”

“Yes, I understand. I will procure the used goods myself. That way, we can…”

Director Park Sun-woo was already trying to profit from the situation.

Then, he continued, “And I’m thinking of calling the ‘helpers’ [likely referring to promotional staff or attractive individuals used to draw in customers] again next month.”

“Helpers? Why?”

“The male customers respond best to them. And when they come, we get a share. In this situation, that’s the only place we can squeeze something out of.”

“Be careful so that CEO Yoo doesn’t notice.”

“CEO Yoo is already under our control, so you don’t have to worry.”

Director Park Sun-woo had a strange smile on his face, as if he was preying on someone.

Then, Chairman Min Hong-sik asked, “By the way, have you found out about the kid’s source of funds that we talked about last time?”

“I haven’t heard back yet. I will report it as soon as I hear back.”

“Okay, I understand. And keep the kid’s sales a secret from CEO Yoo for now. He might give up quickly if he finds out about it, so be careful.”

“Of course. We can’t let him give up no matter what, so I’ll keep it a secret.”

It was then.

Beep!

Director Park Sun-woo’s phone rang.

“I guess he can’t be patient. It’s probably CEO Yoo.”

Director Park Sun-woo said with a smile.

Then, Chairman Min Hong-sik also smiled and nodded, indicating he should answer the phone appropriately.

“Hello.”

-Director, this is Bupyeong.

“Ah, yes, CEO Yoo! I was just about to…”

Director Park Sun-woo returned to his seat while talking on the phone.

***

Click.

Yoo Seung-il’s lips curled into a slight smile after hanging up the phone, pleased by what Director Park Sun-woo from the head office had just told him.

The kid’s monthly settlement resulted in a loss.

He was most curious about the kid’s settlement result. Fortunately, he was told that he had a loss, so he couldn’t help but smile.

“You little punk, you’re nothing…”

Yoo Seung-il, unaware that Director Park Sun-woo was lying, continued to look down on Hyeonseong.