Return To The Building Owner [EN]: Chapter 664

Following the *jokbal* [braised pig’s trotters], *sashimi* [thinly sliced raw fish], and *gamjatang* [spicy pork bone stew], Hyun-sung’s hands were now full of chicken. Yet, a smile remained on his face.

*Clunk!*

As Hyun-sung reached the entrance, the front door opened automatically.

Of course, it was his wife, Yoon Ji-soo, who had been waiting to open the door.

“Hyun-sung!”

Yoon Ji-soo greeted him happily as soon as she saw him.

“I’m sorry. I suddenly kept thinking about what I wanted to eat.”

“Don’t say that. What are you sorry about? You can order as much as you want. I can go out again right now if you like.”

Hyun-sung immediately went into the kitchen and began arranging the food on the table. Seeing this, Yoon Ji-soo smiled and said, “Hyun-sung, it’s amazing.”

“What is?”

“It’s only been two weeks, but you’re already craving things to eat. Isn’t that something that usually happens after a few months?”

“Well, doesn’t it vary from person to person?”

“I guess so, but it seems too fast…”

Yoon Ji-soo tilted her head, finding it strange. Hyun-sung, watching her, quickly changed the subject. “Who cares? Come on, come over here and sit down.”

Hyun-sung pulled out a chair for Yoon Ji-soo. Then, something unexpected happened.

Instead of sitting, Yoon Ji-soo turned and hugged him.

She spoke softly, “Hyun-sung, thank you.”

“If we’re talking about being thankful, I’m more thankful.”

“No, you must have been very tired today, but even though I asked you to buy this and that, you didn’t get annoyed at all…”

Yoon Ji-soo stopped and leaned her face against his back. Then, she continued, her voice muffled, “This isn’t a dream, is it?”

“No, Ji-soo. It’s not a dream. It’s definitely reality.”

“I keep thinking it might be a dream. That’s why I’m scared.”

“Why do you think that…?”

Hyun-sung turned around and hugged her tightly.

He didn’t say anything, believing that a hug would offer the greatest comfort.

In his past life, she had sometimes been like this, expressing anxiety even when she was happiest. She’d said that the memories of being scared as a child, when she was alone for days, kept coming back to her.

A moment later, Yoon Ji-soo pulled back from the embrace.

“I’m okay now.”

“Ji-soo, just remember one thing: I will be by your side no matter what happens. So, from now on, never think that you are alone. Got it?”

“Yes, okay, I understand.”

Yoon Ji-soo nodded and sat down. Then, she immediately started eating.

How much time had passed?

Yoon Ji-soo pushed her chair back and said, “Hyun-sung, I can’t eat anymore.”

“Did you eat a lot?”

“Yes, I ate almost all of that food. People are really scary. How does all that food fit in…?”

Indeed, Yoon Ji-soo’s appetite was astonishing, far beyond her usual capacity.

She glanced at Hyun-sung again.

“Um, Hyun-sung…”

“Yes? What is it? Do you want to eat something else?”

“I’m sorry, but I want ice cream…”

*Thump.*

Hyun-sung jumped up before she could finish. He grabbed his jacket and said, “Is there anything else you want besides ice cream?”

“That’s all for now, but what should I do? I feel so bad.”

“Don’t say that. I told you before, if Ji-soo wants it, I can go out all night. I’ll be right back, so wait a moment.”

Hyun-sung ran out of the house towards the convenience store, a smile still plastered on his face.

After that, Hyun-sung had to run errands two more times before he could finally go to bed.

***

One month later.

“Honey, are you not ready yet?” Hyun-sung asked from the entrance.

The word ‘honey’ came out of his mouth naturally. Perhaps it was because he had called her that for over 15 years in his past life.

But for Yoon Ji-soo, it still felt awkward.

“How does the word ‘honey’ come out so naturally for you? I still can’t say it well. It feels too cheesy.”

“Don’t force yourself. It will become natural over time. Actually, I’m still a little awkward too.”

Of course, it was a lie, but he had to say it for now.

“How is this dress? Would your mother or father think it’s okay?”

Yoon Ji-soo came out wearing a dress and turned around, asking. She seemed nervous about meeting her in-laws.

“It’s pretty,” Hyun-sung replied immediately.

“Don’t just say it’s pretty, look closely. See if the elders would approve.”

“It’s really pretty. Ji-soo, you have the face, so you look pretty no matter what you wear.”

“Don’t just… let’s stop. Your answer will be the same anyway. I’m a fool for asking.”

“It’s really pretty.”

“Tch! Stop it.”

Yoon Ji-soo pouted slightly and began packing her shopping bag.

A moment later, they got into the Jeep.

Hyun-sung looked at Yoon Ji-soo and asked, “Did you forget anything?”

“Just a moment…”

Yoon Ji-soo seemed to be thinking and then said, “Yes, I packed everything. We can leave now.”

“How’s your condition today?”

“I’m a little nervous about seeing your mother and father, but I feel good. The hospital said everything looked fine yesterday.”

“Okay, then let’s go.”

Just then, Lee Eun-ji, a cafe employee, ran down from the second floor.

*Swish.*

As he lowered the passenger seat window, Lee Eun-ji handed out two tumblers.

“Boss, take this with you.”

“Huh? What is this?”

“I prepared it for you to drink on the way. Don’t worry about the cafe and have a good trip.”

“Yeah, thanks. I don’t know how lucky we are to have you, Eun-ji. Take care…”

The Jeep departed with Lee Eun-ji’s send-off.

About five minutes passed.

Yoon Ji-soo looked at Hyun-sung and asked, “Hyun-sung, how long will it take?”

“Um, about three and a half hours. You can take a nap if you’re tired.”

“No, I slept a lot last night. I’m fine, but I’m worried that Hyun-sung will be tired.”

“I’m okay. I’m confident in my stamina.”

Hyun-sung deliberately raised his arm and flexed. Seeing this, Yoon Ji-soo chuckled.

“Okay, tell me if you get sleepy. I’ll drive instead.”

“Yes, I understand. Okay, then I’ll increase the speed a bit.”

*Vroom!*

The Jeep sped ahead.

How much time had passed?

A signpost reading ‘Seomyeong-myeon’ came into view. Hyun-sung turned his head and looked at the passenger seat.

Yoon Ji-soo was sleeping. A smile spread across his face as he watched her.

“Ugh…”

After driving for another 20 minutes, Yoon Ji-soo woke up and stretched.

“Oh my! Did I just fall asleep?”

“You slept for about an hour and a half. You must have been tired.”

“I’ve been feeling sleepy a lot lately. I always take a nap at home too…”

“That’s probably normal. The hospital said it’s a natural phenomenon, so there’s nothing to worry about. Okay, we’ll arrive in about 10 more minutes.”

They had just reached the entrance of the village when a breathtaking sight greeted them: cherry blossoms. The whole world was awash in pink and white, as if it had snowed.

“Wow! What is all this?”

“It’s cherry blossoms. Amazing, right?”

“The whole village is covered in cherry blossoms! How big is this area?”

“It’s 200,000 *pyeong* [approximately 160 acres].”

“No way, who planted all these cherry trees?”

“Whoever it was, they’re amazing, haha…”

Hyun-sung laughed, a panorama of memories flashing through his mind of the time he had planted the cherry trees a few years ago.

“Wow! Whoever it is, they’re really amazing. How did they come up with this idea?”

“Maybe this neighborhood will thrive because of these cherry blossoms. Look at those people over there.”

Many people were strolling among the trees.

Then Yoon Ji-soo pointed to the top of the hill and asked, “What’s that place?”

“It’s a restaurant.”

“Is the restaurant that big?”

“It’s probably the biggest in Korea. The first to fourth floors are all restaurants, and the fifth floor is a cafe. And the rooftop is also an outdoor cafe.”

Hyun-sung continued to explain. When he finished, Yoon Ji-soo asked, “How do you know so much about this place, Hyun-sung?”

“There’s a reason for that.”

“Is someone you know the owner here?”

“Well, I’ll tell you later. Let’s go up there for a while after greeting your parents.”

Hyun-sung pointed to the very top of the building. Yoon Ji-soo immediately said, “You said the top is an outdoor cafe, right?”

“Yes, if you look down from there, it’s really like the sea—a sea of cherry blossoms.”

“Really? It must be so cool.”

Yoon Ji-soo looked delighted, imagining the view.

The Jeep passed through the cherry blossom village, heading towards Hyun-sung’s parents’ house.

About five minutes passed.

A two-story Western-style house, rare in the countryside, came into view. It was the house where Hyun-sung’s parents lived.

“Welcome!”

As soon as they got out of the car, his father approached. Yoon Ji-soo quickly greeted him.

“Father, have you been well?”

“Oh, yes, our new daughter, welcome! Aren’t you tired from the long trip?”

“No, I’m okay. But where’s mother?”

“She’s busy in the kitchen making food.”

Yoon Ji-soo went inside. Then, Hyun-sung grabbed his father’s hand and said, “Are you feeling okay?”

“I’m fine. You had a hard time coming down. Let’s go in.”

His father lightly patted Hyun-sung’s shoulder, his expression full of satisfaction.

In his past life, his father had never even seen Yoon Ji-soo. He had met her after his father passed away.

His father’s last wish had been to see his daughter-in-law, but he couldn’t fulfill that wish.

Was that why?

A sense of longing filled Hyun-sung’s eyes as he looked at his father.

“Father, let’s go in.”

Hyun-sung took his father’s hand and went into the house.

“Our son, welcome!” his mother greeted him happily. Hyun-sung hugged her tightly. In his past life, he had hardly ever hugged his mother. What was so difficult about it? People always regret it after it’s over.

Two hours later, Hyun-sung and Yoon Ji-soo left the house after lunch and headed to the cherry blossom village.

The Jeep had just arrived at the parking lot when Han Min-goo, the general manager, ran up and greeted him.

Hyun-sung held out his hand. “It’s been a while, Manager.”

“Yes, Mr. President. But who is this person…?”

Han Min-goo pointed to Yoon Ji-soo. Hyun-sung looked at her and said, “Ji-soo, say hello. This is the general manager of this restaurant. She’s the person I’m going to marry.”

“Ah, hello.”

Yoon Ji-soo greeted him absentmindedly, not understanding the situation.

Why was the manager calling Hyun-sung ‘President’?

Han Min-goo bowed to Yoon Ji-soo.

“Madam, nice to meet you.”

‘Madam?’

Yoon Ji-soo looked at Hyun-sung.

Then, something even more absurd happened.

Suddenly, more than twenty employees came up and bowed to Hyun-sung all at once.

“President, you’ve arrived!”

Since they were greeting him as a group, the sound was deafening.

‘Who *is* this person?’