“Haha! Don’t worry about that! Soundproofing is simple—I’ll take care of it quickly. And meals? She can eat at the restaurant! Don’t stress about it. Just let me know if you need anything,” Sang-woong said warmly.
Hae-jin felt even more apologetic at his brother’s generosity. “Hyung, thank you so much. I’ll make it big and repay this kindness someday,” he said shyly, but with sincerity.
“Forget it, it’s nothing. Starting a business means you’ll need funds, right? For an office, equipment… all that adds up,” Sang-woong replied, already thinking about his brother’s practical challenges.
“Uh… yeah. Are you saying you’d lend me money?” Hae-jin couldn’t hide his surprise at the sudden offer. He’d heard Sang-woong had taken out loans to build the restaurant.
“Not a loan—an investment,” Sang-woong said with a playful tone and a meaningful smile.
“An investment? In me? From you?” Hae-jin’s voice rose in disbelief.
“What’s so surprising? My little brother’s starting his first business—how can I just stand by?” Sang-woong said casually, as if it were obvious.
“Hyung! Did you eat something weird? You took out loans for the building!” Hae-jin was beyond flustered, almost dumbfounded by his brother’s change.
“Hahaha! Nothing weird here! Retiring as a hunter and living in a place with clean air must’ve brought me some luck. Plus, I recently got back a big sum I’d lent out. My wallet’s feeling pretty heavy now,” Sang-woong said smoothly.
Thanks to the massive income from his medicinal mushroom detox potions, he was confident he could keep making money.
“So… you’re really investing in me?” Hae-jin asked again, still incredulous.
“Yes, I said so! When have I ever lied to you?” Sang-woong laughed heartily.
“How much… how much can you invest?” Hae-jin asked cautiously, his voice trembling.
“How much? You’ll see when it hits your account! Text me your account number!” Sang-woong replied coolly, as if it were no big deal.
“Hyung… thank you so much,” Hae-jin said, his voice thick with emotion and gratitude.
“Alright, I’ve got a meeting to get to. Talk later!” Sang-woong ended the call quickly.
As he put down the phone, a subtle satisfaction and lightness crossed his face, as if he’d shed a small burden. It felt like he’d repaid a fraction of the debt he owed his brother from his past life.
About thirty minutes later, Hae-jin nearly dropped his phone when he saw the bank notification. His eyes widened in shock as he checked the number again and again.
“Three… three hundred million won? Did I read that wrong?” He’d expected a few million, maybe ten or twenty at most. But three hundred million was in his account.
He frantically called Sang-woong, but his brother didn’t pick up. Then a text arrived:
“Congratulations on your new start, Hae-jin. Your big brother’s always got your back, so don’t let any hardship hold you down. Chase your dreams. If you’re struggling or need anything, just tell me. Love you.”
Reading the heartfelt message, Hae-jin’s chest tightened. Warmth spread through his body, and his eyes grew misty. He clutched the phone to his chest.
The massive transfer was shocking, but more than that, his brother’s genuine belief and support warmed his heart. The final “Love you” felt like a firm pat on the shoulder, filling him with courage and strength to face any challenge.
“Thank you, hyung. I…” Too shy to finish “I love you,” Hae-jin sent an emoji instead.
When he’d confronted Kang Joo-ho, it had been impulsive, and the looming practical difficulties had darkened his outlook. But now, with his brother’s unwavering support, boundless confidence surged through him. It felt like the world was at his feet, like he could achieve anything.
Hae-jin took a bold first step toward his bright future.
Three days later, the soundproofing materials arrived, and Sang-woong began work on the unit for Hye-won as promised. He meticulously applied soundproofing to the walls, ceiling, and even door gaps.
“Well, this should do it,” he said, testing a speaker. Music played, and he stepped outside, closing the door. A faint sound leaked through the gap.
He maxed out the speaker’s volume to check the soundproofing. “This should be fine for music work without disturbing others.”
In the hallway, the music was barely audible—quiet enough not to bother neighbors.
“Ready for guests,” Sang-woong said, turning off the speaker and leaving.
As he descended the stairs, a loud noise hit his ears.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The sound of aggressive knocking was followed by a harsh male voice. “You think you can hide by moving here?! Open the door now, or I’ll break it down!”
The man pounded relentlessly, shouting. “Last chance! I’m counting to three! One! Two!”
The unlocked door creaked open, revealing a terrified Gu Eun-woo.
“You little—! I told you to open the door quick! Wanna die?!” The man raised his hand toward Eun-woo.
“Stop that hand!” Sang-woong’s commanding voice boomed from the stairs.
The man froze mid-motion, turning irritably toward the voice. Sang-woong glared down, his face stern.
“Who the hell are you?” the man snapped.
Without hesitation, Sang-woong strode down and stood between Eun-woo and the man. The frightened Eun-woo hid behind his broad back.
“Who do you think you are, causing a scene here?” Sang-woong said coldly.
“None of your business. Stay out of it, or you’ll regret it,” the man retorted, glaring and threatening openly.
“None of my business?” Sang-woong’s voice was icy. “I’m the landlord. I can’t ignore someone harassing my tenant.”
“Tenant? Hilarious! Gu Yoo-joon, that guy, borrowed our money and ran! Until he pays, I can do whatever I want!” The man clenched his fist, threatening Sang-woong.
“He borrowed money and ran?” Sang-woong tilted his head. He didn’t believe Yoo-joon was that kind of person.
He considered asking Eun-woo but decided to hear it from Yoo-joon directly. “I don’t know the details, but causing a ruckus like this is unacceptable.”
The man stepped toward Sang-woong but stopped. Most people would back off in fear, but this man showed no sign of intimidation—only a chilling aura.
Trusting his instincts, the man decided he’d done enough to scare Eun-woo. No need to escalate further today.
He turned to leave, but Sang-woong’s voice stopped him. “Hold on. Identify yourself so I can tell Yoo-joon who came by.”
The man almost snapped that Yoo-joon would know but, tired of arguing, tossed a business card at Sang-woong and left.
Sang-woong picked it up and looked at Eun-woo with concern. “You okay? Nothing’s going to happen now.”
Eun-woo, still trembling, clung to Sang-woong’s sleeve. “Don’t worry, he’s gone,” Sang-woong said, gently patting his shoulder. “If anything happens, call me right away.”
“Thank you, ajussi…” Eun-woo managed, his voice shaky.
“Alright, lock the door and rest.” Sang-woong guided him inside.
After ensuring Eun-woo was safe, he stepped outside. The man was gone. He looked at the card: Taebum Financial.
A cold glint flashed in Sang-woong’s eyes.
The next day, as soon as the restaurant opened, Gu Yoo-joon arrived. “Boss, thank you so much for protecting Eun-woo yesterday and saving him from danger.” He bowed deeply.
“No need. It’s my duty as a landlord to look after my tenants. Have a seat,” Sang-woong said, bringing an iced Americano. “Made it cold on purpose. Perfect for when you’re feeling heavy.”
“Thank you,” Yoo-joon said, drinking half the cup in one go.
Sang-woong had a hunch but didn’t pry, believing it was rude to force someone’s story. Instead, he created a comfortable atmosphere, waiting for Yoo-joon to open up.
Yoo-joon let out a long sigh and finally spoke. “I… got scammed on equipment.”
“Oh…” Sang-woong understood the situation from that single sentence, his face showing sympathy.