Return To The Building Owner [EN]: Chapter 592

Lee Sang-cheol answered the phone with deliberate care.

“Hello?”

– Hello?

“Is this Yoo Young-seok?”

– Yes, this is Yoo Young-seok. Are you Lee Sang-cheol?

“Yes, hello. I’m Lee Sang-cheol. I heard about you from Hyung-nim [older brother or close male friend] Hyun-sung a little while ago.”

– Ah, yes… I didn’t expect to talk on the phone so soon.

“I feel the same way. I’d like to meet up and talk in detail later, but I wanted to call because there’s something I wanted to say first.”

– Ah, yes…

For Yoo Young-seok, even talking on the phone felt strange. The mere fact that he was speaking to someone he’d never even met before was unsettling.

Lee Sang-cheol was also in an unfamiliar situation.

But despite that, he decided to call because he felt he understood Yoo Young-seok’s feelings better than most right now.

He believed Young-seok needed comfort.

“First of all, I don’t know what comforting words to offer. You must be going through a lot.”

– To be honest, I feel hopeless right now. But fortunately, I gained a lot of courage after seeing you on TV yesterday.

“I’m really glad to hear that. Today, I just want to say one thing: don’t only think about what you’ve lost, but start by being grateful for what you still have.”

– What? Grateful?

Yoo Young-seok frowned, tilting his head. He didn’t immediately grasp what Lee Sang-cheol meant.

Lee Sang-cheol continued, “I guess you don’t understand what I mean when I put it like that, right?”

– To be honest, no…

“Then let me be blunt. Isn’t one of your legs still intact?”

– What?

Yoo Young-seok was taken aback.

Of course, it was true. He had lost one leg, but the other remained. Even so, how could he phrase it so directly?

“Do you think I’m being harsh?”

– To be honest, a little…

“Yes, I understand completely. I didn’t understand it at first either. But as time went on, I realized those words were the most comforting. As you said, one leg *is* intact.”

– Well, I still…

It was true that he’d lost a leg, but the other was still there. Even so, it was hard to feel grateful for the intact leg in his current situation.

“Yes, okay. Don’t rush. You can’t force it. But just remember this one thing: the sooner Young-seok’s mind changes, the sooner Young-seok’s life will change.”

– Is that based on your experience?

“Yes, of course. I wouldn’t dare say this if I hadn’t experienced it myself. I know Young-seok’s heart better than anyone else right now.”

– So, you’re saying that instead of resentment, I should be grateful?

“Yes, that’s right. If the gratitude for having one leg intact outweighs the resentment for losing the other, then Young-seok’s life will definitely be different in the future. That’s what I want to tell Young-seok right now. I’m living with that mindset, so I’m grateful for my current life and working hard.”

– Hmm…

Yoo Young-seok couldn’t answer immediately.

He seemed to understand the message, but his heart wasn’t ready to accept it.

“Young-seok.”

– Yes.

“Do you know you’re rich?”

– What? Me?

“Yes, I think you’re incredibly rich.”

– What do you mean…?

Yoo Young-seok tilted his head, unable to immediately understand Lee Sang-cheol’s point.

“Both of your parents are still alive, right?”

– Yes, that’s right.

“You also have a hyung-nim, right?”

– Hyung-nim? I’m an only child…

“Why are you saying that? I found out you have a wonderful hyung-nim.”

– A wonderful hyung-nim?

“Yes, that’s right. The person in front of me right now. I’m talking about Hyun-sung hyung-nim.”

– Of course, there’s no need to say more. To be honest, the reason I’m able to endure so well in the hospital is all thanks to him.”

“So, you’re rich.”

– If you’re talking about that, then I’m definitely rich.

“Do you know why I’m saying this?”

– Well…?

Yoo Young-seok tilted his head. Lee Sang-cheol continued, “I have nothing.”

– What?

“But I’m going to live strong. I don’t have parents or a hyung-nim, but I’m going to live strong.”

– …

Yoo Young-seok was speechless.

He hadn’t known any of this. Yesterday’s TV show hadn’t mentioned his parents or other circumstances. He had no idea Sang-cheol had such a story…

“So, live with gratitude.”

– …

“If you find more things to be grateful for than to resent, your future will be much better. This is the last thing I’m going to say today. I don’t know if we’ll see each other again, but if we do, I hope we can see each other with a smile. Then…”

Click.

Lee Sang-cheol hung up and remained silent, lost in thought.

Hyun-sung was also quiet.

The two men sat in silence, as if having a conversation without words.

How much time had passed?

Hyun-sung spoke first. “Sang-cheol-ah.”

“Yes, Hyung-nim.”

“Have a drink. Let’s finish all the alcohol we have here tonight.”

“Yes, Hyung-nim. I think I need to drink some alcohol today.”

Pour.

Hyun-sung began filling Lee Sang-cheol’s glass.

But Hyun-sung was unaware of Lee Sang-cheol’s unique drinking habit.

***

A few days later.

Hyun-sung headed to the hospital to visit Yoo Young-seok.

“Hyung-nim, you’re here!” Yoo Young-seok greeted Hyun-sung as he entered the room.

“How is it since you moved to the six-person room?”

“It was a bit strange at first, but I’ve gotten used to it after a few days, so it’s okay.”

“I’m glad to hear that. Here, take this.” Hyun-sung handed a booklet to Yoo Young-seok, who accepted it with delight.

“Is this a driver’s license test booklet?”

“Yes, it’s the booklet you asked for a few days ago. You can pass the written test just by studying this. But why a driver’s license all of a sudden?”

“I’m trying to prepare in advance. I’m going to take the test as soon as I’m discharged from the hospital. Anyway, there’s nothing else to do at the hospital.”

“Well, it’s good to prepare when you have the time.”

“And over there…” Yoo Young-seok hesitated, unable to continue. Hyun-sung immediately asked, “What is it? What are you hesitating about?”

“I was wondering what happened with what I asked for last time.”

“You mean the store? The store where you’re going to run a side dish shop after you’re discharged.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve already talked to the real estate agent. Something between 700 and 1000 square feet [20 and 30 pyeong; pyeong is a Korean unit of area].”

“That’s amazing.”

Yoo Young-seok’s expression revealed how much he was looking forward to it.

Seeing his excitement, Hyun-sung asked, “Are you that happy?”

“Yes, to be honest, I’m very nervous. I can’t sleep well at night these days because I’m actually getting a store.”

“Is it that big of a deal?”

“Hehe, yes.” Yoo Young-seok scratched his head shyly. Hyun-sung gently stroked his head.

“Our Young-seok will probably do well.”

“Yes, I’m going to work really hard!” Yoo Young-seok shook his fist as if making a promise.

Just then…

Ting-a-ling!

Hyun-sung’s cell phone rang.

“Hello.”

– Hyung-nim, this is Sang-cheol.

“Oh, Sang-cheol-ah. Where are you now?”

– I’m almost at Gil Hospital now. I was going to visit Young-seok today. But where are you, Hyung-nim?

“I’m in Young-seok’s hospital room right now.”

– Really? That’s great. I’ll be right up.

Hyun-sung hung up and asked Yoo Young-seok, “Did Sang-cheol say he was coming today?”

“Huh? He didn’t mention anything about that today.”

“He said he’s almost at the hospital now. Didn’t you two talk today?”

“No, not yet today.”

“Anyway, have you two become close?”

Yoo Young-seok smiled instead of answering. Hyun-sung immediately asked, “What? What does that smile mean?”

“We talk on the phone almost every day. Thanks to Hyung-nim, I’ve made another good friend.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

“By the way, how late did you drink with Sang-cheol that night?”

“That night… you mean the day I first met Sang-cheol?”

“Yes, at the barbecue plaza that day.”

“Hoo!” Hyun-sung sighed before answering. Yoo Young-seok immediately asked, “Why are you sighing?”

“Ask Sang-cheol about that later after he comes.”

“Why? What happened?”

“Ask Sang-cheol.”

Hyun-sung shook his head. Yoo Young-seok opened his mouth again. “Something must have happened?”

“Haha…” Hyun-sung just laughed.

Just then…

Creak!

Lee Sang-cheol entered as the hospital room door opened.

“Hyung-nim!”

“Yes, come on in. Is this the first time you two have met?” Hyun-sung looked at Yoo Young-seok and Lee Sang-cheol, prompting them to greet each other.

Yoo Young-seok spoke first. “Welcome, Sang-cheol-ah.”

“Oh, yeah. Nice to meet you. You’re Yoo Young-seok?”

The two exchanged greetings.

After a moment, Lee Sang-cheol asked Yoo Young-seok, “How’s your leg?”

“As you can see.” Yoo Young-seok slightly lifted and lowered his amputated leg as if it was nothing. Lee Sang-cheol nodded and continued, “You’re still strong.”

“You made me that way, right?”

“Me?”

“Yes, you told me to find things to be grateful for rather than dwell on the sense of loss.”

“That’s true, but it’s not easy…”

“Hehe…” Yoo Young-seok suddenly started laughing. Lee Sang-cheol asked, “What? What’s that laugh?”

“What can I do when you come on so strong?”

“Me?”

“Yes, don’t you remember?”

“Well…” Lee Sang-cheol tilted his head as if he didn’t know what he was talking about. Yoo Young-seok continued, “You said you didn’t have parents or a hyung, what could be stronger than that? After hearing that, I realized I had so much to be grateful for.”

“Was that it?”

“I had nothing to say after hearing that.”

“I did it on purpose.”

“On purpose?”

“Yes, it’s already happened to me anyway, but in your case, I told you to get over it as soon as possible, even if it meant doing that.”

“Hmm…” Yoo Young-seok was silent, thinking.

After a moment, he spoke again. “Thank you. You must have had a hard time too…”

“It’s already in the past for me.”

“Even if it’s in the past, it doesn’t mean the wound disappears, does it?”

“That’s…”

“Did it hurt a lot?”

“Jeez, I don’t know who’s comforting who.”

Lee Sang-cheol smiled at Yoo Young-seok, who smiled back and held out his hand. They shook hands.

After a while, Yoo Young-seok looked at Lee Sang-cheol and asked, “What happened with Hyung-nim that day?”

“Nothing happened…”

“Really? But why does Hyung-nim sigh whenever he talks about that day?”

“I don’t know.”

Lee Sang-cheol looked back and forth between Yoo Young-seok and Hyun-sung as if he didn’t know what was going on. His expression seemed genuine.

Then Hyun-sung looked at Lee Sang-cheol and asked, “You really don’t remember anything?”

“Not at all.”

“Huh…” Hyun-sung was dumbfounded. It wasn’t just an hour or two, but he had been tormented (?) for five hours. In the end, it was all because of his drinking habit.

Just then, Lee Sang-cheol tilted his head and asked Hyun-sung, “Did I happen to sit next to Hyung-nim? I clearly remember sitting across from Hyung-nim…”

“You really don’t remember?”

“I sat next to Hyung-nim? If so, I think I know now. Haha…” Lee Sang-cheol started laughing. He has a drinking habit: groping people. Only when he’s drunk.

In the end, Hyun-sung became the target of Lee Sang-cheol’s groping.