Return To The Building Owner [EN]: Chapter 623

Two hours later.

After finalizing all the contracts, the video store owner departed, leaving Park Cheol-ho with a key in his hand.

The key, of course, was to the video store.

The key symbolized his ownership of the store.

Perhaps that was why.

Park Cheol-ho’s eyes welled up as he held the key.

Hyun-sung inquired, “How does it feel?”

“Honestly, it feels surreal. The fact that I’m actually the owner of this store… It’s all thanks to you, sir.”

“I didn’t do anything…”

“No, if I hadn’t met you last year, I’d still be delivering for the Chinese restaurant. I wouldn’t have even dreamed of owning this store. So, this is 100% thanks to you. Please allow me to bow in gratitude.”

With those words, Park Cheol-ho began a deep bow.

A moment later.

Park Cheol-ho looked at Hyun-sung and asked, “Sir, what should I do now?”

“The first thing is to change the sign. Or, you could just repair the existing one and use it.”

“No, I’m going to change it. I’ve already been thinking about the name.”

“What is it?”

“I need your permission first.”

Permission?

Hyun-sung was puzzled.

It was Park Cheol-ho’s decision to make regarding his store’s sign. Why would he need his permission?

Hyun-sung asked directly, “What are you talking about? Why do you need my permission? It’s your store.”

“It’s because of the sign’s name.”

“What’s the sign’s name?”

“Cinema Paradise. It’s the same name as yours, sir. That’s why I said I needed your permission.”

Hyun-sung chuckled. “That name isn’t mine anyway. I didn’t trademark it. So, you can use it as much as you want.”

“No, I’m not just saying I’m going to use the name ‘Cinema Paradise’.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

Hyun-sung was still confused. If he wasn’t just using the name, did it have a special meaning?

Park Cheol-ho answered immediately, “I’m talking about opening a branch.”

“A branch?”

“Yes, a branch of Cinema Paradise that you run, sir. Of course, I could just use the same name, but I don’t want to do that.”

“May I ask why?”

Hyun-sung couldn’t help but be curious. Why would he want to open a branch of his store?

“The reason is simple: I respect you, sir.”

“Respect? I don’t think so…”

“No, it’s true. It’s the feeling I had when I first started learning from you. To be honest, I used to look down on videos too. But working with you, I realized that was prejudice born from my ignorance. And besides that…”

As if he had made up his mind, Park Cheol-ho began to express his feelings.

His words were lengthy, but the core message was singular.

He wanted to emulate Hyun-sung not only in his professional life but also in his character. That was why he wanted to open a branch.

“…”

After Park Cheol-ho finished speaking, Hyun-sung remained silent for a moment, deep in thought.

Finally, he spoke, “Thank you.”

“No, if we’re talking about gratitude, I’m incredibly grateful. Meeting you was the luckiest thing in my life.”

“So, you’re ultimately saying you’re going to open a branch?”

“Yes, that’s right. As I said before, I want to emulate you both professionally and personally. That’s why I’m going to use that name.”

To want to emulate someone signifies profound respect.

And that someone was Hyun-sung.

That’s why Hyun-sung couldn’t answer immediately.

After a moment of contemplation, Hyun-sung slowly said, “I don’t know if I really deserve that.”

“Why do you say that? From what I’ve seen, you haven’t been lacking in any way, either professionally or personally. Especially the way you treat your employees and the free sharing store you run for the less fortunate – it was so impressive and deeply moving.”

Park Cheol-ho continued, “Of course, I haven’t lived a long life, but you’re the first person I’ve met like you. Honestly, I’m not sure if I can act like you in the future just because I put up the same sign. But I’ll try my best. So, please allow me to open a branch.”

“Hmm…”

Hyun-sung paused, then said, “Okay, fine. I don’t know if I deserve it, but since you’re saying so much, I’ll allow it. But there are conditions.”

“Yes, just tell me anything.”

“There are two things. First, under no circumstances should you ever argue with customers. We’re in the service industry, after all.”

“Don’t worry about that. I already know how to treat customers from working with you.”

Park Cheol-ho nodded, looking at Hyun-sung as if making a solemn promise. Hyun-sung nodded in response and continued, “The other one is about you.”

“About me?”

“Yes, don’t be too greedy. As you know, there’s no end to greed.”

“I think that’s very true. Even though you give me ten million won as a salary, I later wanted you to give me more.”

“That’s why I’m saying this. If you’re too greedy, you’re bound to get into trouble. So, you should always cultivate a habit of restraint. Actually, I wanted to tell you this regardless of the sign.”

After Hyun-sung finished, Park Cheol-ho was silent, pondering his words. After a moment, he spoke, “Of course, it won’t be easy, but I’ll try. In that sense, I’d like to make a promise to you in advance.”

“A promise?”

“Yes, it’s about donations. I was planning to donate a fixed amount every month when I started running my own store.”

“It won’t be easy, though?”

“That’s why it’s more valuable, isn’t it? I’ve learned a lot from watching you. So now I’m going to put what I’ve learned into practice. I think that’s one way for me to curb my greed.”

Hyun-sung smiled involuntarily.

Park Cheol-ho was twenty-five years old.

Age isn’t everything in life, but it’s still a factor.

Twenty-five is still young.

And he was talking about donating now, even as he was starting a business.

It was a decision that not just anyone could make. That’s why Hyun-sung smiled.

Hyun-sung called Park Cheol-ho’s name, “Cheol-ho!”

“Yes, sir.”

“Honestly, it’s a bit unexpected. I didn’t know you were thinking that way.”

“It’s all because I’ve seen and learned from you. The way you treat Young-seok, the youngest employee, and the way you treat the bungeoppang [Korean fish-shaped pastry] vendor in front of the store. And the fact that you’re spending a week with me to look after the store. Honestly, who else would help this much?”

Park Cheol-ho’s expression shifted slightly. He continued, “I’ll say it again: meeting you is the greatest luck and happiness in my life.”

“Anyway, I’m grateful that you think so.”

“Then, do you allow me to open a branch now?”

“Okay, fine. I don’t know if the word ‘allow’ is the right expression, but if it’s necessary, do it.”

“Yes, thank you. Then I’ll decide on the name: Cinema Paradise Bupyeong Branch. I won’t disappoint you, so please watch me.”

It was the moment the first Cinema Paradise chain store was born.

***

The sign construction started the next day. Simultaneously, the store repairs began.

Tinting the glass door, adding display cases, removing the floor mats and replacing them with deco tiles [decorative tiles].

Replacing the computer at the counter gave the store a fresh feel.

All of this was completed in three days.

The two sat facing each other after finishing all the construction.

Park Cheol-ho bowed his head towards Hyun-sung and said, “Thanks to you, sir, all the repairs were completed in three days.”

“It’s not thanks to me. It’s because Dong-ho hyung [older brother/friend], who is a facility repairman, paid special attention to it, so we were able to finish it quickly.”

“That’s not true. He finished it this quickly because you asked him to, sir. It was a construction that would have taken at least a week. Why wouldn’t I know that?”

“Anyway, how are you going to do the opening ceremony?”

“I’ve been thinking about it, and I’m thinking of doing it with rice cakes like you, sir. It’s just expensive to hire helper girls, and it doesn’t seem practical.”

Park Cheol-ho continued, “And I ordered a thousand video cleaners that you mentioned, sir. It seems like there’s nothing better to give to customers.”

“Good job. It’s not just about the cost; it’s also the best thing to protect video tapes.”

“I think that’s true. I looked for other souvenirs, but there wasn’t anything suitable. It was just expensive and not practical, so I decided to go with the video cleaner.”

“Then the opening preparations are all done.”

“Yes, that’s right. But the previous owner didn’t clean it first. There’s so much dust on each video…”

“Stop!”

Hyun-sung interrupted Park Cheol-ho. Then he immediately continued, “Don’t talk about people who are gone. And from now on, it’s your store, so you can manage it cleanly.”

“Yes, I understand. I just said it without realizing it…”

“If you keep talking about others, it becomes a habit, so don’t do it if you can. Do you know what I mean?”

“Yes, I understand. I’ll be careful in the future.”

Park Cheol-ho bowed his head. Hyun-sung patted his shoulder lightly and continued, “I don’t have anything else to give you as an opening gift, so I’ll give you about 2,000 videos that aren’t here. Keep that in mind.”

“What? 2,000?”

“Roughly. If you fill it up that much, you’ll have most of the colors [variety]. I’ll bring them after closing today, so be prepared.”

“Are you really going to give me 2,000 for free?”

Park Cheol-ho was surprised.

2,000 videos was a lot.

Even if you calculate it at 1,000 won [Korean currency] per piece, it’s two million won. But the problem is that those videos aren’t worth 1,000 won.

At least 5,000 won, and many are worth more than 10,000 won.

Because, even if they’re used, they’re valuable for their variety.

Park Cheol-ho continued, “Sir, that’s not possible.”

“Why?”

“2,000 pieces is at least 10 million won if you value them at only 5,000 won each. How can I just receive that? I can’t do that. Even a flea has a face [idiom for having some pride], how much help have I received from you so far…”

“Just take it and work hard.”

“No, I can’t do that. The amount is too much.”

Park Cheol-ho shook his hands. Hyun-sung smiled and continued, “Why are you saying that with such a serious face?”

“You’re saying something that doesn’t make sense, so that’s why. Let’s pretend that didn’t happen…”

“Cheol-ho!”

Hyun-sung called his name and interrupted him. Then he immediately continued, “Do you remember?”

“Yes? What are you talking about?”

“What I said to you when I first interviewed you.”

“Well, what did you say to me at that time… Ah, wait a minute.”

Park Cheol-ho seemed to have remembered something and was thinking. Then he said, “Are you talking about family? At that time, you clearly said that if we work together, we will become a family…”

“Yes, that’s right, that’s it. That’s how I think of you now. That’s why I’m just giving you the videos.”

“Even so, isn’t this too much?”

Park Cheol-ho still looked hesitant. Hyun-sung continued, “No, it’s not too much. And you deserve to receive it. I don’t know what you think, but you’ve given me enough trust as a family member. So, don’t refuse anymore and take it.”

“Even so…”

“That’s it, let’s stop talking about it. I’ll bring them after closing later, so you just have to receive the videos and do well. That’s how you repay me, got it?”

“… Yes, I understand. Since you’re saying so much, I’ll follow your words. And I’ll never forget this grace.”

As soon as Park Cheol-ho finished speaking, he bowed his head. Hyun-sung continued, “Shall we go out and look at the sign together?”

“Yes, good. Let’s go out.”

The two went outside and looked at the sign.

Was it just a feeling?

The sign looked particularly bright.

[Cinema Paradise (Bupyeong Branch)]

It was the moment when the first Cinema Paradise store was truly born.

Hyun-sung reached out his hand to Park Cheol-ho.

“Cheol-ho, congratulations! I hope you hit the jackpot!”

“Yes, thank you, sir!”

Park Cheol-ho grabbed Hyun-sung’s outstretched hand with both hands and shook it vigorously.

One month later.

Park Cheol-ho’s video store was a success. The sales on the newly opened day exceeded one million won, and the response was explosive.

The atmosphere was completely different from when the previous owner barely made 100,000 won in sales.

The first thing he addressed was the limited video selection.

The previous owner invested so little in new releases that there were few videos worth watching. Solving that problem first proved effective in attracting customers.

Ten million won [approximately $7,500 USD, depending on the exchange rate at the time].

That’s the amount invested in purchasing videos for the first month. It’s almost ten times more than what the previous owner spent.

The effect was immediate.

Once customers came in, there were plenty of things to watch. Naturally, sales were bound to increase.

Moreover, the 2,000 adult videos that Hyun-sung provided as a “variety selection” played a significant role. With 2,000 videos suddenly added, customers were spoiled for choice.

*Tring!*

My phone rang. It was probably Park Cheol-ho. He always called to report around this time after finishing up for the day.

“Hello.”

-It’s me, boss!

As expected, the caller was Park Cheol-ho. His voice was full of energy. It seemed like business had been good again today.

“Oh, hey, Cheol-ho. How was it today?”

-Another success. Just checked a little while ago, and we’re over 800,000 won [approximately $600 USD].

“That’s a success for a weekday.”

-Yes, I think so too. It’s all thanks to you, boss.

“Alright, mister. I don’t really like empty praise.”

Hyun-sung said with a light laugh. Then, Park Cheol-ho’s voice grew louder from the phone.

-No, it’s not empty praise, it’s genuine. Today, besides the new releases, we rented out over 200 of the videos you provided as a variety selection. That alone is over 300,000 won [approximately $225 USD] in revenue.

“That’s a relief, then.”

-Those videos are real money makers. Especially the rare dramas you gave us; the female customers love them. So now, we’ve got quite a few regulars.

“Of course, as you well know, you can’t rush things with dramas. You have to invest in those kinds of programs for a long time to see the effects. So, don’t skip out on dramas; buy them no matter what.”

-Yes, I understand. I’m already doing that.

“Is there anything else you wanted to say specifically?”

-No, today it’s mostly a report, but I also called because I have something else to tell you.

“What is it?”

-My father wants to meet you.

At the word ‘father,’ Hyun-sung tilted his head.

“Your father? Why?”

-He wants to thank you. He came by the store today and was pleased to see how well business is doing.

“Tell him there’s no need to bother, especially if he’s busy.”

-I already told him that you don’t really like that kind of thing, but he insisted that he must see you. I’m sorry, but could you spare some time for lunch during the day?

“Hmm…”

After a moment of consideration, Hyun-sung continued.

“Alright, I understand. If your father insists, then I’ll have to. Tell him to meet this Sunday. Let me know when the place is set.”

-Yes, I understand. I’ll proceed with that. Then, please rest well.

“Yeah, you too. Don’t overwork yourself.”

*Click.*

A smile spread across Hyun-sung’s face as he hung up the phone.

He felt good because it seemed like things were settling down quickly. At this rate, it would be completely stable in about three months.

*Tring!*

The phone rang again.

‘Who is it?’

It was already past midnight. The only person who usually called at this hour was Park Cheol-ho, whom he had just finished talking to. It couldn’t be Park Cheol-ho calling again.

Curious, Hyun-sung immediately answered the phone.

“Hello.”

-Hyung [older brother or a term of endearment for a close male friend]… *sniffle*.

He knew who it was as soon as he heard the voice.

The voice on the other end of the phone was undoubtedly his youngest brother, Yoo Young-seok. But the problem was that his voice didn’t sound good.

“Young-seok, what’s wrong? Are you crying right now?”

-*Sniffle*…

“Hey, what’s wrong? Where are you right now?”

-Hyung!

“Yeah, tell me.”

“…”

Yoo Young-seok didn’t say anything.

It was frustrating for Hyun-sung. Something had clearly happened, but he wasn’t saying anything. Hyun-sung had no choice but to ask again.

“Young-seok, what’s wrong? Don’t just… No, you’re at the side dish shop right now, right? I’ll be right there, so wait for me.”

*Click.*

Hyun-sung hung up the phone and immediately left the house.

It was a 20-minute walk from his house to Yoo Young-seok’s side dish shop. Hyun-sung, who had come outside, started running.

A short while later.

Hyun-sung arrived at Yoo Young-seok’s side dish shop and immediately went inside.

“Hyung!”

Yoo Young-seok lowered his head as soon as he saw Hyun-sung. Seeing this, Hyun-sung immediately approached him.

“What’s wrong? Did you drink?”

There was a soju [Korean distilled spirit] bottle in the room.

“Yes, I drank a little. Today was so hard that I couldn’t help it…”

“Yeah, drinking is fine, but what’s this? You should at least have some snacks to go with it.”

Besides the soju bottle, there were no other snacks in sight.

“Hey, don’t do this here; let’s go out. Let’s go out and have a proper drink.”

“It’s okay.”

“What do you mean, it’s okay? Let’s go out.”

“I can’t go out right now!”

Yoo Young-seok suddenly shouted.

“You little…”

Hyun-sung was dumbfounded. This was the first time Yoo Young-seok had ever raised his voice in front of him.

Then, Yoo Young-seok continued.

“Hyung, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to raise my voice.”

“Oh, okay…”

Hyun-sung was still dumbfounded. So, he couldn’t say anything else.

Yoo Young-seok continued.

“I must have been crazy for a moment. I even raised my voice at you. I’m really sorry.”

Yoo Young-seok bowed his head to Hyun-sung. Hyun-sung just stared at him without saying a word. Then, he tilted his head. The reason was that Yoo Young-seok’s sitting posture looked different and uncomfortable today.

Hyun-sung immediately asked.

“Hey, why are you sitting like that?”

“It’s nothing, I’m fine.”

“What do you mean, you’re fine? It’s so different from usual. What’s going on?”

Hyun-sung grabbed Yoo Young-seok’s hand. Then, Yoo Young-seok jumped up and said.

“I need to go to the bathroom…”

With those words, Yoo Young-seok went outside.

Hyun-sung’s gaze naturally turned to Yoo Young-seok’s walking figure from behind.

‘What?’

Hyun-sung couldn’t help but be surprised. It was because Yoo Young-seok’s walking figure from behind was so different from usual.

Of course, there was always some degree of swaying because he was wearing a prosthetic leg. But today, it wasn’t just that level; he was barely able to walk.

Hyun-sung’s mind was getting complicated.

A short while later.

Yoo Young-seok came back into the store.

Seeing this, Hyun-sung immediately asked.

“Hey, why are you walking like that?”

“It’s nothing.”

“What do you mean, it’s nothing? You can’t even walk properly right now. How long has it been like this?”

“It’s nothing, I’m fine.”

Yoo Young-seok awkwardly went back into the room. Seeing this, Hyun-sung asked Yoo Young-seok again.

“Hey, Yoo Young-seok! Are you not going to tell your brother what’s going on? You’re walking so differently from how you usually walk today. What’s wrong?”

“…”

“Are you not going to tell me?”

“… It hurts a little.”

Yoo Young-seok barely opened his mouth. Then, Hyun-sung immediately responded.

“This isn’t just a little pain; you can’t even walk properly…”

Hyun-sung carefully opened his mouth again.

“Young-seok, if it’s okay, can you take off your prosthetic leg?”

“It’s nothing, I’m fine.”

“No, no matter how I look at it, it’s not okay. Don’t just…”

Hyun-sung said pleadingly. That’s how serious he felt about Yoo Young-seok’s situation right now.

Was it because it had an effect?

Yoo Young-seok’s eyes wavered.

Seeing this, Hyun-sung continued.

“Young-seok, what can’t we show each other? Right? It’s okay, so hurry…”

As soon as Hyun-sung finished speaking, Yoo Young-seok slowly began to take off his prosthetic leg.

A short while later.

Yoo Young-seok’s appearance after taking off his prosthetic leg was too painful to look at. The groin area where the prosthetic leg touched was chafed, and there was already blood everywhere, and the raw flesh that could be seen between the gaps was also blackened. It seemed that the skin had died due to repeated friction.

“How long has it been like this?”

“It’s been a few days. I’ve been busy lately, so I don’t notice it when I’m working, but it hurts a bit after I’m done.”

“It’s not a little; you must have a hard time walking at this point…”

“Honestly, it hurts a lot. That’s why I was drinking alone earlier, and I called you without realizing it. I’ve been holding up well until now, but it hurt so much today…”

“You did well. What’s the point of having a brother? It’s to be there for you at times like this.”

*Tap tap.*

Hyun-sung lightly tapped Yoo Young-seok’s shoulder.

He didn’t know it would be this bad. Of course, he expected it to be somewhat difficult, but he really didn’t know it would be this bloody.

After a moment of consideration, Hyun-sung jumped up from his seat.

“I’ll be right back.”

With those words, Hyun-sung immediately went out of the store.

Some time later.

Hyun-sung returned to the store with soju [Korean distilled spirit] and jokbal [pig’s trotters] in his hands. For now, this was the only thing he could do for Yoo Young-seok, so Hyun-sung chose this method of comfort.

“Young-seok, let’s eat jokbal [pig’s trotters]. You like jokbal [pig’s trotters], right?”

“Hyung, I’m sorry. I usually try not to show you my weak side…”

“Yoo Young-seok!”

Hyun-sung called Yoo Young-seok’s name and interrupted him in the middle of his sentence. Then, he immediately continued.

“Have you already forgotten what I said when I said I would be your brother?”

“Of course, I remember. You clearly said that we would be brothers from now on, so we would do everything together.”

“But?”

“Still…”

“What do you mean, still? You clearly promised me then that no matter what happened, you wouldn’t hide anything from me and would talk to me about everything.”

Yoo Young-seok lowered his head. Then, Hyun-sung’s words continued.

“You should have contacted me before it got this bad today. Of course, I can’t do anything about your pain. This is something that takes time anyway. But I can share that pain with you by your side. Like drinking soju [Korean distilled spirit] together like this.”

“…”

“Come on, drink. And I’m saying it again, contact me first if something like this happens in the future. Don’t drink strong soju [Korean distilled spirit] alone while crying like this.”

Before they knew it, their glasses were filled with soju [Korean distilled spirit].

Yoo Young-seok seemed to think for a moment, then picked up the glass in front of him. Then, he said to Hyun-sung.

“Hyung, thank you.”

“You idiot, what are you thanking me for? It’s only natural. And we’re making a promise again today. In the future, if something like this happens, don’t cry alone and contact me right away.”

“Yes, I understand. I’ll try to do that.”

“It’s not trying; you’re doing it. Got it?”

“Yes, hyung.”

“Come on, let’s drink.”

Hyun-sung stretched out his glass forward. Then, Yoo Young-seok also stretched out his glass and clinked it against Hyun-sung’s glass.

A short while later.

There were three empty soju [Korean distilled spirit] bottles next to the two of them.

Then, Hyun-sung said to Yoo Young-seok.

“Young-seok, can I sing a song for you?”

“Sure!”

“Instead, you have to bravely overcome this after listening to this song.”

“Yes, hyung.”