Chapter 105

<The Foundation (2)>

***

Jin Hyuk visited the construction site of a single-story house with his mother. He carried a bunch of cold sikhye (sweet rice drink) to treat the workers.

The building had a unique shape—two units to the north and two to the south. After leveling the ground and laying the foundation, the walls and roof went up quickly. Unlike typical rural single-story houses with ‘ㄱ’ or ‘ㄷ’ structures, this one wasn’t built with just bricks and cement. It had a structure close to ‘ㅁ,’ designed so that the interior couldn’t be seen from the outside.

“You’re here.”

A man holding a file bowed to Han Yu-young.

He didn’t look like a laborer—probably a supervisor.

Since Jin Hyuk was often at school, his mother seemed comfortable chatting with the people she frequently saw.

“Once the roof is finished, we’ll lay gravel, sand, and soil in that order, then cover it with grass and plant trees. That way, unless you look closely, you won’t even know there’s a house here.”

Hong Ki-jun had instructed that the house should blend naturally with the terrain.

Jin Hyuk nodded as he looked at the bird’s-eye view the man showed him.

From the south, where the entrance was, it would look like a hobbit house, but from the north, it would just appear as a small hill.

“The American designer specially invited by Vice Chairman Hong Ki-jun oversaw everything from the architecture to the landscaping—”

Han Yu-young tilted her head as she checked the security building layout. Seeing the site in person for the first time, she found the arrangement peculiar.

“It’s built like it’s surrounding our house?”

“It’s a security building,” Jin Hyuk answered for the man.

“Ah—” Han Yu-young opened her mouth slightly in admiration.

“I see. That’s impressive. When will I get to see the young uncles’ faces? Oh-ho—”

Her expectations seemed a bit off, but well, that’s just how she is.

The security guards were probably around her age or younger.

Curious about the completed interior, they decided to move inside and look around.

The rooms had various shapes, but they all shared one common feature: long, narrow glass windows running across the walls.

‘It’s more for surveillance than lighting. Once it’s finished, it’ll really look like a bunker.’

A hobbit house-shaped bunker.

The structure allowed surveillance from every room—bedrooms, kitchen, living room, and even the bathroom. There were four such security buildings.

Each had four small rooms that looked like bedrooms, so that would make sixteen security guards.

“Su-jeong’s dad said one building is for the uncles who came over for dinner last time.”

Probably referring to Moon Seok-il and his group.

Even though they lived nearby, this level of security seemed stricter than presidential protection. No matter how rich you are, this might feel a bit excessive.

But his mother only admired it and didn’t question it. Her easygoing nature meant she often let things slide.

“Sein Group is launching a new business, so they’ve deployed a lot of personnel. It’s for training purposes.”

Nodding at his mother’s words, Jin Hyuk recalled a report he’d skimmed in Yoo Myung-sun’s study.

〈SSS Establishment Plan〉

Sein Security Service.

The acronym had a strangely futuristic vibe.

SSS-grade hunters—no, security guards—sounded impressive with all those S’s.

In the past, Sein Group didn’t have a security company. This time, it seemed Hong Ki-jun had established it because of Son Kwang-yeon, but Jin Hyuk knew it also served as a safeguard for himself. Even with his vague dream memories, he understood that Hong Ki-jun wanted to ensure a comfortable life without worries.

‘The first-mover advantage will be huge. If they cover banks, corporate offices, and warehouses…’

Other security service companies existed, but with Hong Ki-jun’s involvement and Sein’s brand, they could almost monopolize the market.

Since history had changed after that day when he was nine, it wouldn’t be strange if Hong Ki-jun became president. Yet, seeing him keep his distance from politics, Jin Hyuk could guess his intentions.

‘He’s probably avoiding getting too involved. He just wants to use politics when necessary.’

He’d thought about it before—an individual employee could only change history to a limited extent. But as the head of a group, he could bring about seismic shifts. The world was already watching Sein.

“Aigoo! Yoo Jin! Jang Gun! Ahahahaha!”

Jin Hyuk’s thoughts were interrupted by his mother’s scream-like laughter.

He hurried outside.

“Hehe, isn’t it fun?”

Ah, Yoo Jin.

Squish squish—Yoo Jin was using cement paste to draw on her cheeks and build a poop-shaped tower.

Touching that with bare hands would feel weird. Jin Hyuk frowned.

Hehehe.

Jang Gun left gray paw prints everywhere, clearly enjoying himself.

***

The busiest person at home was probably Son Kwang-yeon, but Jin Hyuk couldn’t just laze around either.

He had to take care of the whole family.

After washing Yoo Jin, he found his father setting up a Janggi (Korean chess) board, giving his son a bright-eyed look.

Outside, stars began to appear one by one, while inside, the Janggi pieces on the board dwindled one by one.

“So, does Sein cover the security guards’ salaries too?”

“Of course. Those people are really expensive.”

Perhaps in a good mood from the rare Janggi game, Son Kwang-yeon casually replied with a smile.

“We lend them land, provide personnel. Even if Dad gets paid, it’s not enough.”

“Personnel…”

“Yeah. It means important people.”

Son Kwang-yeon shrugged as if it were no big deal.

Well, Jin Hyuk knew that much, but hearing his father call them “important people” made him think his dad was quite something.

Still, he hadn’t heard that security company employees were that expensive.

“They’re not just doing regular security services but also VIP protection. That’s probably what the people at our house are doing. Seok-il is handling the additional hires.”

Son Kwang-yeon seemed particularly careful with his pronunciation of “V,” as if showing off his education.

“Did Uncle Moon Seok-il join Sein too?”

“I guess Mr. Ki-jun told him to. He’d need a proper position.”

A position. With Sein’s rapid rise, everyone would be wary, but the most cautious would be Da-jeong, the top company. Once the car company acquisition was finalized, Sein would rise right under Da-jeong’s nose. Naturally, they’d be seen as rivals, and being part of such a company would naturally provide protection for Moon Seok-il and his group.

‘I hadn’t thought that far, but it worked out even better.’

His dad must have advised them.

As far as Jin Hyuk knew, Son Kwang-yeon was the only one skilled enough in such strategic moves. He’d probably keep them under his wing, giving them managerial roles.

His reasoning was correct, but there was something Jin Hyuk hadn’t considered.

“Our money’s safe.”

Son Kwang-yeon smiled like a fool. It was a good-natured, silly expression he hadn’t seen in a while.

Jin Hyuk smiled foolishly along with his dad.

He used to think his dad was immature, but lately, he’d been so serious and dignified that he missed his childish side.

“Aha! Checkmate!”

Even now.

Hearing his dad shout “checkmate” so confidently made Jin Hyuk feel like his old dad was back. How refreshing.

Well, not that he was winning.

“It’s a dog’s checkmate.”

“Ah…”

His dad scratched the back of his head.

Just then, a faint fog formed on the living room window.

Hehehe.

Jang Gun, who had magically recognized his name, came running, puffing out his nose.

“Aigoo, that guy should rest at home when he’s full.”

When Jang Gun’s belly swelled, the whole family worried, but thankfully, he was still healthy.

Unlike Jin Hyuk, who felt a bit complicated, Son Kwang-yeon happily raised the corners of his mouth.

That pup, he looks gentle but has some tricks.

He also remembered how he’d coaxed Han Yu-young.

‘Good times.’

***

The next day, Son Kwang-yeon and Jin Hyuk left to do their respective tasks.

Something happened in the neighborhood, and Cheon Gil-ryong and Jo Il-hun couldn’t stay out of it.

The two bachelors, who roamed the site scolding workers, climbed onto Son Kwang-yeon’s rooftop to survey the scene like conquerors.

“The land’s energy is rising.”

“What’s that supposed to mean? The ground sank after digging.”

At Jo Il-hun’s question, Cheon Gil-ryong gestured around with his pipe.

“Backed by mountains, facing water, with the Azure Dragon to the left and the White Tiger to the right.”

“Eh, what’s that supposed to mean?”

Tsk!

Cheon Gil-ryong just glared at Jo Il-hun without answering. Once he started talking, he wouldn’t stop, and whether it made sense or not, he was so entertaining that you’d feel like buying something.

“When the rich spend wisely, the land changes.”

“Well, yeah. They’re not just wasting money but using it properly.”

Jo Il-hun, with a cigarette dangling from his mouth, stuck his hands in his pockets and shook one leg.

Cheon Gil-ryong sighed softly and continued as if he hadn’t heard.

“The energy flowing along that river will harmonize with the yin energy from the sea.”

“That’s not a river—”

Cheon Gil-ryong glared at Jo Il-hun again.

He wished Jo Il-hun would just get the gist, but he always had to nitpick. Still, he hung out with the old man to keep him from getting bored, so he couldn’t just brush him off.

Cheon Gil-ryong muttered as he fiddled with his pipe.

“What’s all this mysterious strategy? Flipping the land and making a big move is the way of a true man. Building the land raises energy, attracting swallows that bring wealth. It’s like someone prepared this land for today.”

He’d only considered Jin Hyuk, thinking he’d survive with some tricks, but that wasn’t it.

“To protect its cub, a tiger leaves its den, but a man builds a fortress. Exactly.”

Jo Il-hun, who had been frowning while eavesdropping, blinked.

Ignoring his reaction, Cheon Gil-ryong continued his muttering like a chant.

His eyes sparkled like a child’s as he nodded.

“That’s right, that’s right. Expanding your body and delivering a single, crushing blow feels great.”

Cheon Gil-ryong’s expressions had become more modern as he interacted with the younger generation. The term “heaven and earth in one strike” suddenly came to mind.

“Old man, what are you muttering about?”

Tsk! Cheon Gil-ryong clicked his tongue in annoyance.

Jo Il-hun had some smarts but lacked the ability to grasp deeper truths. It felt like a waste to explain things to him, but he couldn’t just dismiss him either. When he got this clingy, a kind word worked best.

“Soon, Jo Daegam will rise.”

“Huh? Really?”

Cheon Gil-ryong smiled at Jo Il-hun’s startled reaction.

“Don’t forget the kindness of this house’s owner. They changed the neighborhood’s energy.”

“When? When will it happen?”

“How should I know?”

“Then why bring it up—”

Jo Il-hun, about to argue, loosened his fist after seeing Cheon Gil-ryong’s expression.

He didn’t want to fight an old man, but…

‘Am I really like that?’

As Jo Il-hun acted clueless, Cheon Gil-ryong’s expression softened.

“You won’t gain insight by staying still. You have to climb the tree.”

Thinking he’d visit Gwak Hyang-rim at the district office tomorrow, Jo Il-hun slowly nodded, his eyes mischievously narrowing.

“But old man, if the land’s energy rises, is it ‘gibal’ or ‘balgi’?”

“…”

Cheon Gil-ryong pouted his lips, still holding his pipe.

It might be ‘gibal’ in terms of mystical energy, but since it’s raised by people, ‘balgi’ might be more accurate. Or maybe it’s ‘sulbo.’ Lately, with no kids coming to learn Chinese characters, it’s all a bit hazy. Cheon Gil-ryong’s eyes grew dim as he pondered.

“Itcha, itcha.”

The two men turned at the sound from behind.

“Itcha, itcha.”

Thud thud.

They could hear the voice and footsteps but couldn’t see the owner. Though they knew who it was without looking.

Hehehe.

Jang Gun climbed up first and looked back.

As if checking if Son Yoo-jin was following.

“Yahoo!”

Finally reaching the rooftop, Son Yoo-jin stood on tiptoe, raising her arms in a victory pose.

She looked just like Jin Hyuk when he celebrated his sibling’s birth.

With one hand on her hip, Son Yoo-jin pointed at the neighborhood’s old bachelors.

“What are you doing at our house?”

Her usual polite demeanor was gone, replaced by a slightly uncomfortable tone.

Cheon Gil-ryong meekly clasped his hands.

After all, he always said the world belonged to the young and children. Plus, this little one had a sharpness about her. Rumors said she’d taken over the neighborhood by age five.

“Ahaha, no, we were just about to leave—”

“Yeah, we’re leaving now—”

Whatever. All that talk about strategy and land energy meant nothing in front of the house’s owner.

The two men fidgeted until Han Yu-young’s voice from below saved them.

“Yoo Jin, come down for lunch.”

Son Yoo-jin placed both hands on her hips.

“You heard that, right?”