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Chapter 12
The contract proceeded smoothly.
“Let’s sign the contract today.”
The real estate agent immediately contacted the landlord.
Soon, the landlord, an elderly man with white hair, arrived at the agency. He wore thick magnifying glasses that made his eyes appear blurry, but his demeanor seemed kind.
“Really? When does the tenant plan to move in? I want to rent the house to someone moving in immediately.”
Yeonsu’s heart raced at his words. She had to vacate her current residence within a month, so moving quickly was ideal.
“How about moving in this weekend? If so, I’ll give you a 500,000 won discount.”
It was Thursday—only two days until the weekend. Normally, scheduling a move so soon would be impossible. But a 500,000 won discount was too sweet an opportunity for Yeonsu to pass up.
“Could you wait a moment? I’ll call my current landlord.”
She quickly called her current landlord, who had been eagerly waiting for her to move. He gladly agreed to provide the deposit by the weekend.
“I’ll pay the remaining balance this weekend. Let’s finalize the contract.”
With the landlord’s confirmation, both the elderly man and the agent smiled in satisfaction, and Yeonsu’s heart swelled at having secured a moving date.
During the signing, a small problem arose. Due to recent rental frauds, the landlord was required to provide tax certificates and proof of the registered date. However, the elderly man had brought none of these.
“I can’t do that.”
Yeonsu smiled awkwardly at his blunt refusal.
“Could you print it online and show me? The agent could help, and it would be quick.”
“No. If that’s the case, I’ll cancel the contract.”
The grandfather’s attitude suddenly hardened, perhaps feeling lectured. His once-cheerful expression turned stern.
“Let’s just verify the property registry and ID and sign the contract. It worked fine in the past. The government is just making the paperwork complicated, huh?”
The agent encouraged the contract. When Yeonsu hesitated, he sighed and added:
“That’s why it’s cheap. Three rooms and a yard for 45 million won deposit. Where else will you find that? Let’s just add this one document—the rental deposit guarantee. That’s enough.”
The rental deposit guarantee was not previously required. With her ID and the property registry verified, Yeonsu decided it was safe and stamped the contract.
After finishing, she left the agency.
Her stomach rumbled loudly.
It was already past mealtime. She bought a packet of ramen from a nearby store and began walking home, imagining the spicy broth and chewy noodles.
Ahead, a group of people approached. Yeonsu assumed they were members of her investment study group and hurried on.
However, she recognized someone among them and stopped.
“Ha Yeonsu, what are you doing here?”
A man stood in front of her, his tone casual and calm, yet his gaze was piercing. It was Jinhyuk.
“The house is nearby.”
He glanced at her, then whispered to the others before they moved on. Yeonsu bowed her head to avoid lingering interaction.
“I’m leaving now…”
Before she could finish, Jinhyuk interrupted.
“What’s that?”
His eyes landed on the black plastic bag she carried.
“Oh, this? It’s ramen.”
“Ramen again after lunch?”
Her voice sharpened.
“Lunch wasn’t ramen, it was ramen—I like it, okay?”
Jinhyuk smiled slightly.
“I like ramen too.”
Yeonsu’s expression turned awkward. Was he expecting to eat at her place?
“Is your house in this direction?”
“Yes, roughly.”
“Then let’s go together.”
Her heart raced at his words. Unaware of her feelings, Jinhyuk walked ahead, jacket off over his arm, tie loosened—yet even casual, he looked like a magazine spread.
“So, you mean you’re coming to my house to eat ramen?”
Her voice trembled slightly.
“Ha Yeonsu, is that an invitation?”
Jinhyuk raised an eyebrow.
“No, of course not.”
She waved her hands in surprise.
“If you want, I can pretend I didn’t notice.”
Jinhyuk smiled and continued walking, adding:
“Since we’re going the same way, let’s walk together. My car is parked over there.”
Yeonsu wished for a hole to hide in. The short distance suddenly felt endless.
Walking alongside Jinhyuk, her steps slowed, stomach growling loudly.
“Are you looking for a house?”
“Yes, I was lucky to sign the contract today.”
“Where?”
“At the top of this neighborhood.”
She pointed to the house she just rented. Jinhyuk nodded after looking.
“Haenam Construction will likely be selected as the primary developer for Yongadong redevelopment.”
Yeonsu’s eyes widened. Rumors about the developer had circulated for two years, but she hadn’t paid attention.
“The landlord didn’t rent before because of redevelopment, but now that fell through, so they’re renting it. It’s brand new on the market.”
Relieved that her contract wouldn’t be canceled, she considered the long road ahead. Even if progress were fast, relocation would take 2–3 years.
“So, are you here for inspection today?”
“I have a meeting with city officials for construction approval, and I also met with the association representatives to hear their conditions.”
Yeonsu nodded silently, lost in thought.
“When’s the move?”
“This weekend.”
After a few exchanges, they arrived in front of her new home.
“I’ll head in now.”
“Okay. See you at the office.”
Jinhyuk strode off, leaving his striking figure under the streetlight etched in her memory.
“Oh my, a celebrity! How handsome. Yeonsu, who is that?”
One of the older residents of her three-story building, Madam Naju, remarked loudly.
“He’s the executive at my company.”
She explained honestly to prevent rumors from reaching her mother.
“Are you dating the executive?”
“No, he’s here for work. I just ran into him.”
Madam Naju’s eyes narrowed slightly, her mouth twitching in curiosity.
