Chapter 101
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 101
Chapter Title: Placing the Bid
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"Is it really that surprising? I looked it up, and tenants buy out the building pretty often themselves."
What's so impossible about that?
I tilted my head just like Seo In-ae had earlier.
"Of course it's surprising!"
Seo In-ae burst out.
"I don't know the first thing about building auctions. What I studied was villas. And even then, I've never actually won a bid! I only dipped into it briefly because if I kept earning like this, I figured I could snag an apartment. Then I quit."
Ah, I see.
So she hasn't won a bid before...
That's a shame.
"Ah... that's too bad. No, actually, I support you getting your own apartment."
"It's not about my house! How can you even think of buying a building when you know nothing about it?"
Wow, this is the first time she's gotten this worked up since that incident with Gong Nari's mom.
Seo In-ae clutched the back of her neck, groaning in distress.
She won't pass out, right? Her qi doesn't seem to be rising adversely, so it's probably just dramatic flair.
"Honestly, clueless folks like me jump into villa deals all the time. But buildings? You absolutely can't wing it. It's only for people who can crunch the numbers exactly: how many billions to build it, how much more to make it worthwhile—precise calculations only!"
Seo In-ae tried desperately to talk me out of jumping in recklessly.
But the more she did, the more it fueled my competitive spirit.
Nobody starts out as an expert. That's why you learn as you go, right?
"I think bidding's a bad idea too. I'm no expert, but... 1 billion seems way off."
Hwang Sanghun chimed in, urging me against it.
"Because of that profitability issue you mentioned last time?"
"Yeah. The original owner, that grandpa, built it decades ago for a fraction of the cost, so even with this rent, he profited big. But buying at 1 billion and taking over the leases? You'd barely clear 4 million a year. At that return, you're better off in the bank. It'll probably pass without bids, so let's just watch."
Unlike Seo In-ae, he wasn't saying never do it—but definitely not at 1 billion.
"It'd be great if I could ask my aunt... Sorry. It's awkward reaching out to family like that."
"No, no, don't apologize for something like this!"
"Maybe ask Seo-young at least."
Hwang Sanghun felt terrible for not being able to help.
No, asking him to contact estranged family over this would be too much.
I'm already grateful he works six days a week.
"It was just a passing thought for now. I'll keep an eye on the auction and scout other spots to move to."
Of course, I hadn't completely given up on buying, but this was my stance for the moment.
Oh, just in case, I texted Hwang Seo-young.
- Aunt? No clue on her number~ Didn't I mention? She's the black sheep among Dad's siblings.
She knew nothing.
Fine. I wasn't counting on it anyway.
I'm not dropping billions on hearsay from distant acquaintances.
No matter how much debt hung over the building, patients kept coming.
I casually asked real estate-savvy patients for advice and scouted potential new storefronts.
I even watched a few online lectures... but they weren't much help.
"Since things have come to this, why not come to Seoul?"
Kim Chunsik made the suggestion.
But how could I abandon the patients here who trust only me?
Even if we moved, I didn't want to stray beyond one subway stop away.
"No way~! I need the energy from that mountain behind here."
"Haha, well then."
"Exactly! Director Han has to protect Busan! I left everything to you when I moved!"
Hmm. Come to think of it, wasn't Chu Mi-young's dad a building owner too?
"Director, could you ask your dad what a fair price for this place might be?"
"Eh, my dad probably bought his for a premium too?"
Chu Mi-young said that but still checked with her family.
"Not sure, but definitely not 1 billion."
...Everyone's talking me out of it.
I agonized right up to the day but skipped the auction site.
A while later, the first auction bidding took place.
The result was as everyone predicted.
No bids.
"Whoa, dodged a bullet there."
I'd schemed so hard to buy it, but relief washed over me when it failed.
Yeah, you can't dive in blind.
I thanked Hwang Sanghun and Seo In-ae profusely for steering me away, then waited for the re-auction.
It didn't take long for the second notice.
No one bit at just over 1 billion, so they slashed the floor price by 20%.
Now, bid above 800 million—fair territory—and the highest bidder wins.
"800 million... full loan, interiors done... skip the decoction room..."
"Director! Stop it!"
"No!"
The second auction day arrived quickly.
"I'm not going, okay?"
I'd done my homework.
And reached a conclusion.
Watch again.
"..."
But the staff didn't trust me, peeking into the exam room repeatedly.
"You think I'd ditch patients mid-treatment to run off there?!"
You have to bid in person, so even leaving now would be too late. Why treat me like a kid by the water?
But that leisure was short-lived.
Patients flooded in, burying us in work. No one checked the results.
"N-No way..."
I learned the second auction outcome when the second-floor restaurant owner clutched his gut and climbed up.
"Failed again?"
The frantically nodding owner was in full panic.
"You know what? Auction fees come out first before bank loans. Tax liens are top priority... and penalties keep piling on..."
800 million would've been a happy ending. Now, even if it sells next time, we might not get full deposits back.
Trembling with worry, he staggered into the clinic.
"Wh-Wh-What do I do? This restaurant is all my savings."
Five million deposit, nearly ten for fixtures.
A heartbreaking story.
"How's your stomach?"
"Like I'm gonna puke. Urk. Blech!"
I suggested acupuncture if the stress got too much, but he rarely showed.
Restaurant's busy, I get it. The worse it gets, the harder you work.
But the second failure broke him.
"We'll do Heart-Calming Pattern and digestive treatment. Close your eyes, rest deep."
At this stress level, I can only mildly sedate the qi.
Empty reassurances feel irresponsible, so I treated him fully and drew the curtain.
The third notice listed 640 million as floor.
After that, the same thought haunted me post-work.
That 'idea' wouldn't leave my head.
"Isn't this worth a shot? Even in the outskirts, a four-story in a metro city?"
At 1 billion, it was just idle musing.
I had uses for the space, so maybe a premium was fine.
Though it'd have spiraled beyond 'a bit.'
Now it wasn't even premium.
Down to this, viability shone clear.
"...Got the funds loose?"
Hwang Sanghun asked.
I nodded gravely.
Bank balance: 500 million. Leftover after last year's comprehensive income tax in May.
Seongsu Clinic Busan branch alone pulls over 100 million monthly.
Plus network fees from Daegu and Seoul branches.
Sure, after herbs, payroll, next year's taxes—net's barely a fraction.
But buildings get 70% loans?
My finances weren't exactly tight.
"Seems doable? But... no! I know nothing! Can't take responsibility!"
Seo In-ae rolled her eyes wildly then waved her hands no.
No opinions from her, period.
"...I think it's fine."
Hwang Sanghun offered cautious approval.
By now, my mind was heavily tilted.
"Alright, bid 640 million. If someone tops it, oh well."
Neighbor's bigger, higher rent—but sold for 1.1 billion.
This one's first appraisal: 1 billion.
All considered, 640 million was no loss.
I resolved.
Day before third bidding.
"What? Director's buying this building?"
Grandma Heo Sun-nam shot up mid-treatment upon hearing.
"Should've asked me sooner!"
"Pardon?"
"Wait 30 minutes. Treat others first. Got somethin' to check!"
She begged off treatment for half an hour.
No big deal.
Grandma Heo dashed to the waiting room, furiously searching her phone.
"Can I use the printer?"
"Uh, sure, Director."
"Go ahead."
What was she up to?
Seemed helpful, so I allowed it.
Regulars like her can borrow anytime.
'Title deed?'
Expert closer than I thought?
I wanted to watch, but...
"Director, bed 7 needs acupuncture!"
Too busy.
While she searched and called, I treated.
Full round back, she grabbed me in the hall.
"Since you're bidding, go a tad higher! Competition's brewing."
"Higher than 640? By how much...?"
Two fails—I worried I'd buy post-third fail.
Competition?
"Property share group chat's buzzing a bit. Buyin'? Nudge higher."
Group chat?
She's in that?
Right, she runs a Seoul gallery.
Art auction pro. Building ties too?
"I'd go just over 680. Secure? Up to 700! Still a steal!"
Grandma Heo boomed.
Up to 700? Suddenly?
Emotions churned oddly.
Heart tugged at 1 billion, now fretting 60 million premium.
"Thanks for the advice."
I thanked her deeply first.
All had deterred; raising over 640 barely crossed mind.
Vital chance for needed space cheap—yet leaving to luck.
I mulled overnight, emotions aside.
No one decides for me—not Hwang Sanghun, Seo In-ae, nor Grandma Heo.
My money, my responsibility.
Pay premium (still way under market) for dream setup?
Or miss out, hunt anew?
Fork in the road.
I attended the auction next day.
Wrote the bid.
680,150,000 won.
Not far from Grandma Heo's nudge.