Chapter 1
Chapter 1
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 1
Chapter Title: Moving In
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"Should I put it here?"
"Ah, yeah. Just leave it there."
I nodded toward the spot, and the moving company worker replied, "Got it~" as he set the box down.
With that, the move was almost done.
I looked around. A clean, spacious room. A large bed and a fancy desk. It reeked of freshly moved-in vibes.
Memories of my days crammed in a tiny studio flashed by like a montage.
Having overcome that rough past, I was now starting fresh in a clean, wide apartment. A wave of emotion hit me hard.
"But do you really need a place this big?"
The sudden voice drew my gaze. My friend, who'd come to help with the move, stood there.
Same department, same year. We'd been tight since right after enrollment—my one and only acquaintance.
I'd told him I didn't have much stuff and didn't need help, but he'd insisted on coming anyway. I was grateful.
"Not really. A moderate size is more convenient for living."
"I'd say the same. Why'd you buy something like this?"
I took a moment to gather my thoughts.
"It's an investment. I'd saved up some money and was looking to move, and prices here were low. Figured it'd pay off later."
"Yeah... That's pretty you."
My friend gave a wry smile.
Come to think of it, it was totally on-brand for me.
Over the past few years, I'd grown my wealth through all sorts of investments. Stocks, coins, funds, financial products—you name it, I'd touched it.
This place was the same. I bought it to live in, but it was also part of my portfolio.
"I get the investment angle, but how're you gonna clean a place this big? Four rooms, and you'll only use one anyway."
"True."
"And is this place even in good shape? The door handle in this room's already loose."
"A door handle's not make-or-break for living. I'll be here alone anyway."
"That's why you seem so impressive, man."
"Impressive? Thanks."
"Not a compliment."
Guess it was an insult then.
Size-wise, it wasn't that huge to warrant the shade.
But this guy knew my old studio well. Trash and clothes piled everywhere, with just enough space for my laptop and me—a classic male college student's dump.
Having seen that history, he couldn't help but worry.
But I had plans. No need for concern.
"So I'm thinking of getting a robot vacuum cleaner."
"Huh. That's impressive too."
I was serious, but he looked exasperated.
"Fine, you're rich, so vacuum's covered. What about laundry? Gonna stuff it all in the washer like old times? Meals on ramen and delivery?"
"...How'd you know?"
"'Cause you're obsessed with investing and nothing else. Pay attention to other stuff. Cleaning aside, at least eat properly. What's the point of making money if you drop dead?"
"I'm not dying at my age."
"Keep living like this, and you might."
Harsh words.
"And work on your people skills. Your personality's fine, but your mindset's weird. No one can approach you."
"Too much hassle. Better spend that time studying investments."
"Knew you'd say that."
Now he laughed, like he was relieved. My blunt honesty seemed to please him. Probably.
Then he crossed his arms and shot me a pitying look.
"If you had a girlfriend like mine to cook for you sometimes, it'd be great. But in your state..."
He trailed off, then suddenly widened his eyes like something hit him.
Mysterious behavior.
"What's up?"
"Hey, what about hiring a housekeeper?"
Out-of-nowhere suggestion.
"A housekeeper?"
"Yeah. Not sure of the details, but one could handle laundry, cleaning, cooking—all that."
"Oh, how much?"
"Beats me. You're the one with money; look it up."
"Hassle. Better invest that time."
"..."
My friend hung his head at my response.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Evening came. Friend gone, movers gone, just me in the big empty house.
I stared at the monitor on my desk, pondering.
Housekeeper, huh.
Not a bad idea. I had plenty of cash. Better to code during cleaning time than scrub myself.
How had I not thought of this sooner? It solved all my daily headaches. Hiring one would be a solid investment.
Time to look into it.
How do you hire a housekeeper? It's like a part-time gig, so post on a part-time job site? Assuming that, I opened one.
Clicked "Hire Part-timer," and the input form popped up. Title, description, pay, check options—easy.
Title: "Hiring Housekeeper."
Pay? How much?
If I day-traded the time it'd take for cooking, cleaning, laundry... Let's say 500k won a month generously. That should attract applicants.
Plenty of spare rooms to offer. Meals for two, split the cooking. Checked "room and board provided."
Good to go.
Hit submit: "We'll KakaoTalk you when applicants arrive." Just wait for messages.
...And my phone buzzed right then.
Screen showed a KakaoTalk notification.
Already?
Refreshed the site, hit "Check Applications."
One name: Yoo Si-eun.
Yoo Si-eun. Rang a bell, but I couldn't place it. Probably coincidence.
Clicked for details. Long spiel on why she wanted the job and big ambitions.
Not my concern. Scrolled to contact, grabbed my phone, typed a message.
[Hi. Posted the housekeeper ad. Interview tomorrow at 1 PM here at this address.]
I'd interview, but planned to hire whoever showed. No way they could be worse at housework than me.
Besides, I sucked at judging people. Stocks, sure. People? Nah.
Sent. Quick reply:
[Yes! I'll do my best!]
Best at what? Interview not even started.
I chuckled and tossed the phone on the bed.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Next day, I woke past noon.
New place, same me. Confirmed that timeless truth again.
Good thing I got up now. Told her 1 PM for interview; guest soon. Can't have the owner asleep.
Snapped to it, and my stomach growled.
Interview was formality. No plans to reject. Ideally, dinner tonight. Lunch too, if possible.
Quick wash, change—doorbell rang.
Only one friend, no other visitors. Had to be her.
Didn't check the peephole, flung the door open.
A woman stood there.
"Hello! I'm Yoo Si-eun, here for the interview!"
She bowed deeply, eyes down. Polite.
"Ah, hello..."
I returned the greeting, and she looked up.
And then.
"Ah."
"Huh?"
That's when yesterday's vague thought clicked.
Yoo Si-eun, seen somewhere before.
Couldn't recall then, but now—way too late.
"Wait, you're Yoo Si-eun from the Computer Science Department?"
"Then you're... Lee Hwi-min?"
Bingo.
Lustrous long black hair. Delicate ears peeking through. Perfect features, a dainty mole near her mouth.
No way it was just a lookalike.
My aspiring housekeeper was our school's top beauty.