Episode 43
Episode 43: A Birthday Gift on Another Level
As he entered the real estate office, a middle-aged woman who appeared to be an agent was drinking coffee.
After greeting him, she looked closely at his face and said,
"It’s you, right?"
Though her question left much unsaid, Baek Seung-chan understood immediately.
"Yes, that’s right."
He replied with a smile.
"I watched You Quiz. You’re so young, yet so kind."
"Thank you."
"I wish my son were even half like you. And you look even better in person than on TV."
The agent beamed as she praised him.
"So, what brings you here?"
"I’m looking for a house."
With the money he earned from his recent advertisements, Baek Seung-chan had more than expected.
After paying off all the debts, he even had some savings left, so he decided to move.
"Really? Lease or purchase?"
"Purchase."
"Oh my, did you pay off all your debt?"
Though it might have been a slightly intrusive question, there was no ill intent, so he didn’t mind.
"Yes, I settled everything recently."
"Oh, that’s wonderful. Really wonderful."
She seemed genuinely happy for him.
There was a reason he was called part of the “nation’s siblings.”
"Do you have any specific requirements?"
"Nothing special. An apartment with three rooms is enough."
The location he had in mind was Songdo.
His parents liked the area—it had good infrastructure, nice parks, and wasn’t too crowded.
"As it happens, a great property came up a few days ago. Would you like to see it?"
"Yes."
He followed the agent.
The apartment wasn’t far.
"It’s a newly built apartment, so it’s very clean."
As she said, it looked far cleaner than nearby buildings.
"It’s usually hard to find a place like this, but the owner had to move abroad urgently."
She continued praising the property as they entered.
"Take your time looking around."
The moment he stepped inside, Baek Seung-chan let out a quiet admiration.
"How is it? Clean and well-designed, right?"
"Yes."
The interior had a gray and wood concept—modern, calm, and luxurious.
"The owner was an architectural designer, so they put a lot of effort into it."
Walking through the house, he understood why the owner felt reluctant to leave.
"There are other options too. Want to see more?"
"No, I’ll take this one."
He decided immediately.
Even if he looked at others, it would be hard to find something better.
"Good choice. You would’ve picked this anyway."
He completed the contract on the spot.
"When will you move in?"
"December 30."
December 27 was his mother’s birthday.
The furniture in their current home was old, and since it was a new house, he wanted to fill it with new furniture as well.
But Baek Seung-hui stepped forward.
"I’ll buy the furniture!"
She had heard about the house and insisted.
"You don’t have to push yourself."
"No! I want to do something too!"
In the end, he agreed.
She was earning well from her music anyway.
Soon, the house was fully furnished.
Then came December 27.
Just like his mother always did for him, Baek Seung-chan prepared a birthday meal.
After breakfast, they went to Songdo Hyundai Outlet.
"We’ll buy you anything you want today!"
Baek Seung-hui exaggerated to hide the real gift.
"Mom, Dad, is that really all you want?"
After walking around, they only chose gloves.
Even discounted ones.
"This is enough."
They smiled happily.
Seeing that, Baek Seung-chan felt glad he kept the house a secret.
If they knew, they would’ve refused.
"Let’s eat pasta for lunch."
"Sounds good! Let’s have steak too!"
"Then let’s go buy ingredients."
"Ingredients?"
"I’ll cook."
Because of their fame, eating outside had become inconvenient.
So they decided to eat at a “lodging” he had prepared.
They arrived—
"Wow, this place is amazing."
"It feels like a hotel."
The house was now warm and luxurious with furniture.
"Rest. I’ll cook."
His father watched TV, his mother looked around, and Baek Seung-hui fell asleep briefly.
"I’ll show my skills."
He prepared ricotta salad, shrimp basil pasta, truffle mushroom cream pasta, and steak.
Everything his mother liked.
Soon—
"Wow, this is delicious."
"It melts in my mouth."
They were amazed.
"It’s better than that famous restaurant."
Everyone enjoyed the meal.
Watching them, he smiled.
"I understand now… how watching others eat can make you full."
After the meal—
"Mom, what do you think of this house?"
"It’s beautiful."
"Then you can live here from today."
"What kind of joke is that?"
"It’s not a joke."
"What?"
"This is our house now. It’s your birthday gift."
"…"
Only then did they realize—
It wasn’t a joke.
Their eyes widened in shock.