Chapter 78
Chapter 78
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 78
Chapter Title: Things Don't Go as Planned
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Following the branch manager of the securities firm through the employee parking lot, we arrived at our destination.
There, as if anticipating that I was on my way to view a house, a sleek black sedan sat idling gracefully, waiting for me.
'Totally a chairman's car.'
Maybe I should get one like this later?
Hmm. Then I'd have to hire a driver, too.
'Tabled for now.'
They say finding good people is the hardest thing in the world.
So no adding unnecessary headaches.
Finding a house comes first.
"Please make yourself comfortable."
At the branch manager's words, one of the staff opened the sedan door for me.
I gave a slight nod of thanks and carefully climbed in.
'Definitely feels different.'
This was my first time riding in the back seat like this.
And in such a luxurious car, no less.
'Feels kinda weird.'
I settled in awkwardly, and the branch manager carefully took the seat next to me.
Sitting like this, it almost felt like I'd stolen his spot.
As I chuckled to myself and slowly took in the interior, the real estate agent who would show us the building today slid into the front passenger seat.
A specialist in high-end homes and buildings that ordinary people rarely buy or sell.
Even within the same brokerage, not everyone does the same work, it seems.
Park O-nam suddenly came to mind.
A guy like that would probably get fired for sexual harassment no matter where he worked.
'Even if not here, something's bound to happen soon.'
When the news reports a scandal with a certified broker from my neighborhood, I'll know it's him.
Speaking of which, if I move to a house, what do I do with my current apartment?
I hear you get hit with massive taxes if you sell before living there a full year.
Last time, I thought about renting out the 8th floor monthly or as a jeonse deposit, so maybe do the same with the 10th?
'Yeah... better than having no income.'
Even if deposit interest alone could sustain me forever, you always prepare for the what-ifs.
That's why I invested in funds in the first place.
'Well, funds serve multiple purposes, so it's a bit different.'
Anyway, I haven't set a firm move date, and no rush to sell the apartment, so no need to force it.
As I sorted my thoughts, the agent in the front seat began to speak slowly.
"The place we're heading to has the widest and neatest yard among the houses matching your criteria."
A house with a big yard.
That got me excited.
"It's a yard rather than a formal garden, so it can be used in various ways. You can see it right from the living room, perfect for watching kids play or letting pets run around."
I don't have kids or dogs.
Still, the reason I wanted a big yard.
Its uses are endless.
Grow a vegetable garden with whatever crops you like.
Host barbecues with close friends.
Even sunbathe in the summer.
'A little dream of mine.'
Listening to the agent's explanations, my anticipation swelled as we finally arrived at the house.
But the first impression was completely different from what I'd imagined.
It didn't match the agent's description at all.
'This... isn't a house, it's a fortress.'
I'd pictured a house with a big yard visible through large windows.
Instead, this felt like a bunker that could withstand a zombie apocalypse.
High walls, few windows.
Even in a war, you'd feel safe inside.
Still, the premium exterior finishes screamed luxury home, so this must be the place.
'Hmm...'
As I stared at the exterior in mixed feelings, the agent began explaining the house from beside me.
"The previous owner valued privacy highly, so it's designed to prevent any view from outside. Windows are minimal as a result."
His explanation only complicated my thoughts further.
Is this really the house with all my desired features?
'Miscommunication?'
But he did mention a wide yard, so probably not.
After a moment's hesitation, I decided to ask directly.
"Sorry, but where's the yard...?"
"Ah, you'll see it right after entering the main gate. Let me show you."
He flashed a confident smile at my question and led the way.
I tilted my head but followed.
With that much confidence, he was probably right, and I was misunderstanding.
'Never doubt the expert.'
I nodded to myself, convinced.
We soon reached the main gate after a short walk.
True to a fortress, a massive black iron gate loomed imposingly.
"This is the main gate. There's a back gate for staff, which I'll show you later."
Staff meaning housekeepers and such. A place this big couldn't be cleaned alone.
'I'll need more people besides Na Da-yeon.'
Leaving a house this size to her alone wouldn't make sense.
Hire a few more and have her manage them?
'Money's gonna flow out.'
Well, as long as it's not 100 billion a day, I won't run out.
As I snickered inwardly, the agent walked to the gate and pointed to the security pad.
He pulled a card key from his pocket and tapped it.
Beep. "Access granted," it announced, and the gate slowly opened.
"The main gate opens only with a card key—no PIN entry, so security is top-notch."
Card key only, huh.
What if you lose it? Locked out?
"So without the card key...?"
"Ah, install the dedicated app on your phone for remote unlocking."
Fair enough. I won't lose my phone.
'Security seems solid.'
I'd expected ironclad security in a luxury home, but it felt a bit easy to open, which worried me slightly.
I'll ask about it later.
"This way, please?"
Carrying those concerns, we passed through the gate.
Suddenly, a vast yard stretched before my eyes, erasing my doubts.
"The yard... it's huge."
"Right?"
He shrugged proudly at my words.
He had every reason for that confidence.
'Like a fairy tale scene.'
Big enough for an RV.
Plenty of space to park a camping trailer and set up a mini campground.
In one corner, a swing chair.
A hammock between two trees beside it.
Around a drained pond, pretty rocks created a charming vignette.
Honestly, this alone was a pass.
But one drawback.
'No view at all.'
The house encircled the yard completely—no open scenery.
Like a prison yard walled in high.
And those walls were part of the house, per the agent.
'The house wraps around... creating a central yard.'
Everything else perfect, but this felt off.
A tall fence might've been better.
I asked the agent about it.
"Any reason for this layout? A high wall seems simpler..."
"Walls around houses have height limits. Can't go beyond a certain point, so the previous owner designed the building itself to enclose the yard."
News to me.
Makes sense I'd never heard.
"Plus, it's trendy now—building walls with the structure. New luxury enclaves in the capital region all do this."
"Lots of considerations, huh."
"High-net-worth folks prioritize privacy. If this style doesn't appeal, let me know so I can note it."
I just nodded.
Maybe a hidden yard beats one exposed to all.
Shifting perspective, it felt cozy rather than cramped.
It's all in the mindset.
"I'll continue the tour. Note that while the yard is visible from the main gate, you can't access it directly—you must go through the entrance hall to reach the yard or interior."
"Entrance hall?"
"Yes. Think of the main gate as an apartment lobby entrance. Pass through here, then the hall for access. It's for security—see..."
He explained security features in detail.
After the gate, a glass corridor visible from the yard and living room.
So you can see who's entering from inside.
But the living room isn't visible from the corridor.
Special glass tech, apparently—security's tight.
Houses are more vulnerable than apartments, so they designed meticulously.
Optional security firm, extra CCTVs beyond the basics.
'Definitely a fortress.'
One concern popped up amid the security talk.
To exit via the main gate, you pass the living room and hall...
'Receiving deliveries or food would be a hassle.'
Sounded annoying to fetch packages.
"So... deliveries and food all at the main gate?"
He chuckled softly and shook his head, opening a large warehouse door beside the gate.
"Packages go in the delivery box here by the gate, then accessible from inside. Receive from here or indoors."
"And food?"
"Kitchen has a refrigerated locker. Food placed there is retrievable directly in the kitchen. Want to see?"
Should've come sooner.
'Way better than the apartment.'
####
We spent a few enjoyable hours touring the house.
It was so vast, it took hours, with plenty to see.
Blinds and sunroofs that auto-adjust to sunlight.
Balconies with opening skylights.
Bathroom mirrors displaying temperature and weather like smartphone screens.
Control all electronics via phone. (My current apartment has that too.)
Even a small elevator from basement to rooftop.
After the tour, my apartment felt shabby.
I'd liked my pricey brand apartment, but this was another level.
'A bit much for one person... but when else will I live like this?'
Plus, lots of empty space to customize.
No reason to refuse.
"That's the base package. Add-ons from here..."
The agent wrapped up.
I reviewed the documents he handed over, mentally recapping the features.
'Reference for other houses.'
One more place, right?
Now I had a benchmark.
"...The previous owner wants a quick sale, so negotiation's possible."
Now, the price.
How much?
'My apartment was about 9 billion... prime brand apartments top out around 20 billion...'
Max 30 or 40 billion?
'Not cheap... but doable.'
"Roughly how much?"
"Appraised at 73 billion by the owner's evaluator."
Double what I thought.
'...Pricey.'
Maybe the location.
Close to the city center for a luxury home.
Still, gave me pause.
Was it the karaoke room that tipped me toward moving?
Spending 73 billion for a karaoke booth.
'I'm insane.'
I let out a hollow laugh inside.
But it wasn't just the karaoke. I'd always wanted a house someday.
This luxury setup allows karaoke, home theater, garden, BBQs—things impossible in an apartment.
Not just for singing.
'Hmm...'
Or is it?
"It might feel pricier than capital region Remit apartments, but it has clear advantages, like what you saw..."
Sensing my hesitation, the agent pitched hard.
Remit apartments in the capital.
Truth be told, I'd considered upgrading apartments instead.
Less maintenance, better facilities, security, amenities.
But one dealbreaker overrides it all.
Bumping into real rich folks constantly.
'Hard pass.'
If I wanted networking, business, chaebol life, sure.
But for me, who can't even name a job properly, it's a burden.
I hate squeezing among those types.
This fortress house, though.
Invite only who I want, no needless chit-chat.
Empty spaces for my facilities and furniture.
In simple terms.
'My world.'
Choi Yeon-bi's world.
Done.
See the other house—if it's meh, move here.
One thing left.
Find someone to go with.
"Unnie. What do you think?"
"Hmm... Yeon-bi, it's incredibly generous, but can I think it over a bit before deciding?"
"Uh... sure."
But having money doesn't make everything go as planned.
Especially human relationships.