Return To The Building Owner [EN]: Chapter 624

The next day.

Hyun-sung had just finished his morning exercise, showered, and stepped into the living room when his phone rang.

*Tring!*

“Hello?”

-Hyungnim, it’s me!

A vibrant voice echoed from the phone.

The caller was Yoo Young-seok, with whom he had been drinking late into the night.

“Oh, hey, Young-seok. You sound good.”

-I’ve regained my strength. It’s all thanks to you comforting me with a song last night, hyungnim. Hehe…

“Are you feeling better now?”

-Yes, much better. Actually, I think being sick for a few days caused everything to burst out last night. I was sorry to you yesterday, hyungnim. I even raised my voice without realizing it.

“I’m fine. Anyway, I’m glad you’ve regained your strength. As I said repeatedly last night, getting used to the prosthetic leg will involve a lot of pain. You need to be prepared for that.”

It was an unavoidable situation. After all, getting used to the prosthetic leg meant enduring dozens of skin abrasions until calluses formed.

-Yes, I know that. But even knowing that, I was strangely angry yesterday. So, I had a drink, and then I ended up calling you, hyungnim. But anyway, after venting like that, I feel much better today. Of course, you must have had a hard time because of me, hyungnim.

“What’s so hard about it? Don’t worry about it. And thanks to you, I had a drink for the first time in a while yesterday, and I feel pretty good. Maybe I needed some alcohol.”

-Hyungnim, are you saying that on purpose for me? In case I feel sorry to you, hyungnim.

“It’s nothing like that. So, if anything like that happens again, feel free to contact me anytime. Don’t drink alone; I’ll be your drinking buddy anytime.”

Hyun-sung tried to sound nonchalant. But Yoo Young-seok wasn’t a child; how could he not know Hyun-sung’s feelings?

Yoo Young-seok suddenly called Hyun-sung seriously.

-Hyungnim!

“Yeah?”

-Thank you!

“Jeez, why are you suddenly getting sentimental in the morning?”

-I know you’re saying that on purpose, hyungnim. I’m always grateful, I’m telling you again.

“Okay, now get ready to open your shop.”

-Hehe… Yes, I understand. And I’m telling you again, thank you so much for yesterday. Then, I’ll contact you again.

*Click.*

As the call ended, a smile spread across Hyun-sung’s face.

Just then.

*Knock, knock.*

Someone knocked on the door. When he opened it, it was Yoo Min-sang, who ran the fish-shaped bread stall in front of the video store on the first floor.

“Oh? Mister, what brings you here?”

“Please try these.”

Yoo Min-sang held out a bag of fish-shaped bread [a popular Korean street food, often filled with sweet red bean paste] to Hyun-sung. Of course, there were several pieces of bread inside the bag. Instantly, something came to Hyun-sung’s mind.

“Is this cheese fish-shaped bread?”

A few days ago, Yoo Min-sang had asked for help. He wanted to put something other than red bean paste inside the bread. So, Hyun-sung had suggested cheese.

These days, cheese-filled bread was common, but back then, it didn’t exist, so he had recommended cheese.

“Yes, that’s right. I tried putting cheese in it as you said, sir. But it doesn’t seem to suit my taste.”

“Just a moment.”

*Munch, munch.*

Hyun-sung immediately began to taste the cheese bread.

As expected, it was definitely a different taste from the one with red bean paste. He could feel the same taste he had experienced in his past life.

Perhaps Yoo Min-sang wasn’t used to the taste of cheese, so he didn’t know the flavor.

“I think it’s good.”

“Is that so? I guess I’m too old, so I don’t like the taste of cheese.”

“That’s probably because you haven’t tried cheese before. You can just make the cheese bread as it is. And start selling it right away from today. In my opinion, this cheese bread will become incredibly popular in less than a week. Especially students will love it.”

“Well, do you really think so?”

Yoo Min-sang tilted his head as if he couldn’t believe it. Then he opened his mouth again.

“But there’s a problem.”

“A problem? What problem?”

“If I make fish-shaped bread with cheese, the cheese will be expensive, so I won’t be able to sell three for a thousand won [Korean currency].”

“What’s the problem with that? You can sell two for a thousand won, can’t you?”

“Of course, but I’m worried if it will sell. The red bean paste bread is three for a thousand won.”

Perhaps it was a natural concern from Yoo Min-sang’s perspective. Selling two for a thousand won was definitely different from selling three for a thousand won.

On the other hand, Hyun-sung was different. He already knew the answer.

“It will definitely sell. Don’t worry about it and confidently sell two for a thousand won.”

“No, how can you be so sure?”

“Have I ever been wrong?”

“Of course, that’s not true, but…”

“Then trust me one more time. You will never regret it.”

Hyun-sung said confidently. But that was only from Hyun-sung’s perspective, who knew the future. From Yoo Min-sang’s perspective, who knew nothing, he looked uneasy.

“Can I really trust you, sir?”

“Yes, of course. And if you’re still worried, I’ll make a promise.”

“A promise?”

“Yes, if the cheese bread doesn’t sell, I will take full responsibility for the loss.”

“What? That doesn’t make sense. Why would you…”

“No, I mean it. Since I was the one who suggested the cheese bread, it’s natural for me to take responsibility until the end. So, don’t worry about anything, and just make and sell it. I’ll take care of the rest.”

Unlike Hyun-sung’s confident appearance, Yoo Min-sang’s expression was still uneasy. Then he opened his mouth again to Hyun-sung.

“Since you’re doing this for me anyway, I can’t act like a child. Once I start, I’ll do my best.”

“I’m telling you I’ll take care of everything.”

“That’s not true. Even though I don’t have much education, I know that much about human decency. You’re doing this for me, so it doesn’t make sense to put the responsibility on you. Whether it turns out good or bad, I’ll take care of this cheese bread myself.”

*Smile.*

Hyun-sung was just grateful to Yoo Min-sang for saying that.

Whatever the reason, this situation was all for him. After all, he was the one who had asked for it first.

In that situation, even if Hyun-sung said he would take responsibility, if he had acted as if he had been waiting for it, Hyun-sung wouldn’t have felt good either.

Hyun-sung was also an emotional being.

Hyun-sung continued.

“Yes, I understand. I’m even more grateful that you said that.”

“I’m the one who’s grateful. All of this is because you said that for me. And of course, I know that it’s not just empty words but your sincerity. I feel confident thanks to you, sir. Your words have never been wrong.”

The uneasy expression on Yoo Min-sang’s face from a moment ago was nowhere to be found. Watching him, Hyun-sung spoke again.

“Give away the cheese bread for free this morning.”

“For free?”

“Yes, let the students taste it. It’s almost time for them to go to school.”

“You mean show them the taste first?”

“Yes, let’s advertise it. The effect will probably appear right away on their way home from school.”

Yoo Min-sang nodded as if he understood and immediately continued.

“Yes, I understand. Since they have to taste it to buy it, I’ll do that. Then, I’ll go down to make the bread.”

“I’ll go down soon too.”

“Why, sir?”

“Today is the first day of selling cheese bread, so I’ll go and help.”

“You don’t have to…”

“No, since I said I’d take responsibility, I think I’ll feel better if I help like this. Go down first; I’ll change my clothes and go down right away.”

Yoo Min-sang went down first, and five minutes later, Hyun-sung also went down to the first floor.

Yoo Min-sang diligently began to bake the bread.

Thirty minutes later.

As it was time for school, students began to pass by the video store. Seeing this, Hyun-sung immediately said loudly.

“Come here, everyone. It’s free, so try one each.”

“Oh? What’s this bread?”

“It’s cheese bread. Try it.”

“Cheese bread? Is there such a thing?”

“Yeah, it’s a new bread made from today. The taste is amazing.”

Hyun-sung diligently began to hand out the cheese bread.

After a while.

The students who were eating the cheese bread began to say one word at a time.

“Wow! It’s really delicious.”

“It’s much more savory than the one with red bean paste.”

“The cheese is chewy and so delicious.”

“This is really awesome.”

Yoo Min-sang looked at the students who were walking away with the bread in their mouths and said.

“I think your judgment is right, sir. The students really like it.”

“It may not suit the taste of adults, but it will suit the taste of children. I guarantee that students will flock to eat cheese bread on their way home from school. Just watch.”

“I have a good feeling too.”

The anxiety on Yoo Min-sang’s face was gone, and a smile was full of it.

***

That afternoon.

It was just after 3 p.m.

Suddenly, about 30 elementary school students began to gather in front of the video store.

Yoo Min-sang, who was watching the scene, tilted his head.

“Surely not.”

Yoo Min-sang didn’t think that they would be students coming to eat bread.

But only for a moment.

“Mister, give me cheese bread.”

“Me too.”

“Give me too.”

“Give me four.”

Yoo Min-sang was overwhelmed by the flocking students. Hyun-sung, who was watching the scene from inside the video store, had a smile on his face.

About 30 minutes passed.

As the elementary school students disappeared like a tide, Yoo Min-sang unknowingly sighed, ‘Hoo.’

Then Hyun-sung, who had come out sometime, asked.

“Is business good?”

“Don’t even mention it; I was out of my mind for 30 minutes.”

“The rumors are fast, aren’t they?”

“Yes, I think so. But the kids who just passed by are in the first and second grades.”

“What do you mean?”

“It means it’s just the beginning. Now, the third and fourth graders will flock.”

Yoo Min-sang started baking bread non-stop while talking. Certainly, he was no longer the same as when he first baked bread.

About 30 minutes passed.

Before he knew it, a pile of golden-brown bread was piled up in front of him.

Just then.

Buzzing.

Students began to flock again from afar.

“Is it the third and fourth graders this time?”

“Probably. Don’t they look 10 centimeters taller than before?”

“There seem to be more than before?”

“Yeah, roughly over 50 people. Hoo!”

Yoo Min-sang looked at Hyun-sung with a nervous expression and smiled. But that expression was also interesting.

Hyun-sung immediately asked.

“What’s that expression?”

“I’m enjoying it.”

“Enjoying it?”

“Yes, this tension is subtly enjoyable. This thrilling feeling of customers flocking.”

With those words, Yoo Min-sang began to flip the bread machine.

*Tak, tak, tak…*

As his hand moved a few times, the golden-brown bread began to pile up again.

“You’re already a pro?”

“Hehe, I’m getting better at it. By the way, I think I’ll set a new record today.”

“Oh, really? What was the record so far?”

“250,000 won.”

“Then you’ll exceed 300,000 won today?”

“Well, I’ll have to wait and see. Hehe…”

Yoo Min-sang’s laughter was somehow sinister.

Just then.

The students who were flocking from afar were already lined up in front of the bread machine. It was at least 30 or 40 meters long.

“Mister, give me cheese bread.”

“Here you go. Thank you~~~!”

Yoo Min-sang’s voice was brighter than ever.

***

That evening.

Yoo Min-sang’s face was full of smiles after closing. Seeing this, Hyun-sung asked slyly.

“You look great today.”

“I finally set a new record.”

“How much is it?”

*Gulp!*

Hyun-sung unknowingly swallowed hard.

“How much is it that you’re being so hesitant?”

“It’s over four bills [slang for 100,000 won notes].”

“Over four bills… 400,000 won?”

“Yes, exactly 423,000 won. Among them, cheese bread exceeded 300,000 won. It’s all thanks to you, sir.”

Yoo Min-sang looked at Hyun-sung with an expression as if he was about to cry. Then he opened his mouth again.

“I still remember.”

“Remember what?”

“The day I first met you, sir, and ate jjambong [a spicy Korean noodle soup with seafood]. That day, even though you were our customer, I didn’t have money, so I couldn’t pay for the jjambong, and you paid for it, sir.”

“You still remember that?”

“I can’t forget it. I made a promise that day. I promised to get back on my feet no matter what. So, I’ll definitely buy you jjambong, sir.”

Yoo Min-sang’s words continued.

“Do you have time?”

“Are we going to eat jjambong?”

“Yes, today I want to treat you to jjambong and some kaoliang liquor [a strong distilled spirit].”

Jjambong and kaoliang liquor.

In some ways, it may not be a big deal, but from Yoo Min-sang’s perspective, it would be like a symbol of recovery.

“Okay, I feel like I want to eat the jjambong you’re buying today.”

“Let’s go!”

Yoo Min-sang confidently began to walk ahead to the Chinese restaurant. A smile spread across Hyun-sung’s face as he followed behind.