Return of the Genius Photographer

I explained the situation to Chairman Han Gun-ho: my plan to purchase a building and the kind of assistance I would need to make it happen.

Throughout my explanation, Chairman Han listened silently.

When I finished, the first words he spoke were:

— Is that really all you need?

His tone carried a hint of incredulity.

— So, you’re saying you’ll handle the finances yourself and just need a bit of help with the contract?

“Yes.”

When I answered, he let out a dry chuckle.

— Haha, just like last time, your requests never fail to surprise me. I’m not sure whether to call them modest or bold…

Then he asked again.

— You’re planning to buy this building for your parents?

“Yes.”

— And you’re not planning to use this wish for yourself?

“Giving it to my parents is no different from fulfilling my own wish.”

Silence followed.

It seemed Chairman Han was mulling something over deeply.

I waited, holding my breath, for his response.

After a short pause…

— Alright, I’ll send my secretary to assist you. You can handle the details through them.

“Thank you so much. I’ll never forget this favor.”

With his wholehearted approval, the call ended.

‘Good. The next step is to talk to Mom.’

Thankfully, things seemed to be progressing smoothly.

The next day, I met Chairman Han’s secretary at a café on the first floor of the hospital.

My mother, sitting across from me and the secretary, looked back and forth between us with a bewildered expression.

“Woojin, who is this…?”

Before I could answer, the secretary handed her a business card.

“I’m Secretary Kim Han-gil. You can just call me Secretary Kim.”

Seeing the Hansung Group logo on the card, my mother’s eyes widened in surprise.

“A representative from Hansung Group…? What brings you here?”

Her shocked gaze darted between me and the secretary.

It was clear I needed to explain.

“Mom, Dad showed me his taxi driver’s license and said he’s quitting his job. But after thinking about it, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“I see. Your dad mentioned he was planning to tell you himself when you came home….”

She tilted her head, confused.

“But what do you mean, it’s not a good idea?”

I answered her serious question with equal sincerity.

“I want to see Dad finally take a proper rest.”

“Huh?”

She looked utterly lost, as though she couldn’t follow the conversation at all.

At that moment, Secretary Kim stepped in to explain.

“Your son—no, Photographer Nam Woojin—has reached out to us regarding a building purchase under both your and your husband’s names.”

“A building?!”

My mother gasped in disbelief, utterly stunned.

“What money does he have to buy a building…?”

The last time I saw her this shocked was when I showed her my straight-A report card.

“Currently, Photographer Nam Woojin holds about 700 million won in liquid assets.”

Despite my mother’s reaction, the secretary calmly continued.

“With this amount, it won’t be difficult to purchase a small commercial building on the outskirts of Seongdong District.”

“S-Seven hundred million?!”

She stared at me, as if seeking confirmation.

“Yes, I managed to save that much,” I said, scratching my head awkwardly.

“About that amount.”

The total included the 200,000 USD from my agency contract, the 300 million won I earned from the photo auction, and the income I’d accumulated before and after the Doshuko broadcast.

If I added the prize money I’d given to my parents, it would actually exceed 800 million won, but there was no need to mention that.

“For now, please take a look at the listings. If you have any specific preferences, let me know, and I’ll reflect them as much as possible,” Secretary Kim said, pulling out a stack of documents.

For some reason, the sight of him felt incredibly reassuring.

***

With Secretary Kim’s help, I managed to purchase a great property through a court auction at a price lower than its actual value.

“A five-story building will generate more than enough rental income for your parents to live comfortably,” Secretary Kim said.

All I had done was quietly stand by while he handled everything with impressive efficiency. At this point, I was genuinely curious if there was anything he couldn’t do.

“Here you go,” he said, handing me the finalized real estate documents.

“Thank you,” I replied, bowing in gratitude.

But Secretary Kim, looking slightly puzzled, hesitated before asking carefully, “The real estate market is in a bit of a slump lately. If this purchase was a stretch, as I mentioned before, it might have been better to consider other investments…”

It seemed he was concerned I might be overextending myself with this purchase. His worry was understandable, as the real estate market had dipped slightly during this period. For those unaware of future trends, this might seem like a risky time to invest.

“Oh, not at all. It’s fine. Actually, now is the perfect time,” I replied, shaking my head emphatically.

“Huh?” Secretary Kim blinked, taken aback by my confidence.

While even experts might be divided over whether real estate prices would rise or fall, I, with knowledge of the future, knew that now—when prices had dipped slightly—was the perfect chance to make a smart purchase.

This five-story building in Seongdong District, a location whose property values would soar over the next 5 to 10 years, was bound to at least triple in value. Even if this decision seemed risky now, I felt relieved and satisfied, knowing this investment would secure my parents’ retirement.

“I’m glad to hear that,” Secretary Kim said with a slight nod.

“Yes. I really can’t thank you enough for all your help.”

This process wouldn’t have been nearly as smooth without Chairman Han Gun-ho’s support. Just searching for a good property could’ve taken ages.

“I’m just following the chairman’s instructions. You don’t need to thank me,” Secretary Kim said modestly.

“No, really. Without you, this could’ve taken so much longer. Please also let the chairman know how grateful I am,” I replied sincerely.

Secretary Kim, who had been looking at me warmly, suddenly seemed to recall something. “Ah, the chairman also wanted me to tell you that this is his gift to you. He said you should feel free to reach out anytime.”

“Excuse me?”

“He also sends his congratulations for winning the grand prize at the Arles international competition.”

Secretary Kim smiled as I stared at him in surprise.

“He specifically asked me to share this only after everything was finalized.”

“I don’t know how I’ll ever repay this kindness…”

“You don’t need to think too much about it. The chairman is someone who spares no effort when it comes to people he likes.”

I was genuinely flustered—this was completely unexpected.

‘Was this what he was deliberating over during our call?’

I couldn’t quite understand why he was so willing to help me so generously. After all, I’d even turned down Hansung Group’s sponsorship.

Seeing my confusion, Secretary Kim relayed another message from Chairman Han.

“Oh, and the chairman said, if you’re truly thankful, he’d like to meet you sometime.”

“Meet me?”

“Yes. He mentioned that he’d love to see the photo you won with at Arles in person.”

Secretary Kim added, “I think he wants to hear the story behind the photograph directly from you.”

“Of course, that can be arranged anytime. Please let him know I’d be happy to meet him,” I replied with a smile. “And please also tell him how grateful I am for his gift.”

“I will. Don’t worry—I’ll make sure the message gets to him,” Secretary Kim assured me.

With all matters settled, Secretary Kim left as smoothly as he had arrived.

Now, everything was ready to surprise my father.

***

How much time had passed?

Before I knew it, the day of my father’s discharge had arrived.

According to the doctor, he still needed more time to fully recover, but…

My father, restless from staying in the hospital, kept insisting on being discharged.

“Ugh…”

As he tried to get out of the car, he let out a groan.

“Dad, let me help you.”

Knowing that he still had trouble moving around, I hurried to get out of the car to assist him.

“It’s fine, you rascal.”

Rejecting my help, he grabbed his crutches and got out of the car on his own.

“See? I can walk just fine by myself.”

If you think about it, my father really hated relying on others.

Perhaps because he spent his entire life working for the sake of his family.

Whatever the task, he always tried to handle it all on his own…

Even during tough times, he wouldn’t ask for help, not even from my mother.

Watching him struggle with his crutches, I felt both admiration and sadness.

“Is there anything you’d like to eat today?”

Instead of helping him, I took out the bags from the car and asked as I walked up to him.

“Well, I wouldn’t mind some grilled pork belly with a shot of soju…”

He mimicked taking a drink as he spoke.

For some reason, I figured he’d say that.

He’d even mentioned wanting pork belly while he was in the hospital…

But my mother’s reaction was less than enthusiastic.

“What are you talking about? Drinking will stop your bones from healing!”

Her tone was irritated, but I could tell it was filled with concern.

Stepping between the two, I chimed in cheerfully.

“Mom, just for today, wouldn’t it be okay?”

He’d been stuck in the hospital eating bland food for so long.

At least on the day of his discharge, I wanted him to have what he wanted.

“Ugh, like father, like son! Fine.”

She grumbled as if she couldn’t win against us.

But deep down, I knew she felt the same way as I did.

Besides, I already knew my mother had bought the pork belly beforehand.

Her reaction just made me chuckle.

Sizzle!

Before long, the dinner table was set, and as expected, pork belly was the main dish.

It sizzled and browned on the grill, filling the air with its aroma.

“Ahhh…”

My father looked utterly satisfied, just staring at the pork belly.

Or maybe it was the first sip of soju after his discharge that made him this happy.

Watching his beaming face, I cautiously brought up a question.

“Um, Dad.”

“Hmm?”

“How many construction sites do you think you’ve worked on so far?”

He tilted his head thoughtfully, then shrugged, replying casually.

“Well, let’s see… Usually, I’d move to a new site every two or three months, and I’ve been at it for 20 years, so no less than, I don’t know…”

He paused, gazing upward as he calculated.

“A few hundred, at least?”

“Wow… That’s really a lot when you think about it.”

Clicking his tongue, he let out a bitter laugh.

“Yeah, I’ve done a lot… But what’s the point? I’m quitting now.”

The thought of quitting seemed to cast a shadow over his previously cheerful face.

Sensing the mood shift, I quietly brought up the real topic.

“Ah, speaking of which, remember what you mentioned the other day…?”

“Hmm?”

“About the taxi license.”

He raised an eyebrow, nodding curiously.

“Yeah, what about it?”

“Can you show it to me for a second?”

With a puzzled look, he reached into his wallet and handed over his taxi driver’s license.

I took it, pretending to examine it closely, then swiftly slipped it into my pocket.

“Hey, why’s that going into your pocket?”

“I’m keeping it.”

Hearing my response, my father chuckled in disbelief, his expression amused.

“Haha, and what are you going to do with it? You can’t even trade that for candy, you rascal.”

Thinking I was just joking, he laughed.

I laughed along with him and replied.

“I’ll give you something better instead.”

“Something better?”

I handed my father a thick envelope I had prepared in advance.

“What’s this?”

My father, looking puzzled, set down his glass and pulled out the stack of papers inside the envelope.

Inside was the deed to a building I had purchased with the help of Chairman Han Gun-ho.

“What… is this?”

After briefly skimming through the documents, my father’s eyes grew wide in shock.

Finally, I began to explain.

“Dad, you said you’ve built hundreds of buildings throughout your life, right?”

“Yeah, that’s true…”

“But then, isn’t it unfair that there isn’t a single building in all of Seoul with your name on it?”

“What are you talking about…?”

My father still looked dazed, as if he couldn’t believe it.

“So, I used the money I’ve saved up to buy a five-story commercial building in Seongdong District under both you and Mom’s names.”

“…What?”

“And managing a building takes work, you know. You probably won’t have time to drive a taxi anymore.”

Only then did my father seem to grasp the situation.

He said nothing, his trembling eyes darting between me and the documents.

“Woojin…”

His voice wavered.

“Ah, why’s it always like this?”

Suddenly, my father hung his head low.

His two hands, resting on his knees, clenched his pants tightly.

His shoulders, once so broad in my childhood, the ones that seemed as unshakable as a mountain, now trembled gently.

From his barely parted lips, a sob escaped, carrying the weight of years of unspoken sorrow.

“Woojin-ah… I’m sorry…”

*

Every time he saw his son, who accomplished everything on his own without much support, he felt both proud and guilt-stricken.

“I’m really sorry…”

He had lived a life of struggle, scrambling and fighting to survive.

He had wanted to feed his son the best.

Dress him in the best.

Show him the best.

Let him experience the best.

Nam Yong-man.

Once upon a time, he too had been a young boy.

Though it was now a faint memory, he once held dreams of his own.

But not anymore.

His only dream now was his child’s happiness.

For his son to live doing what he wanted, to live happily.

“I’m sorry for being so useless…”

That’s why he was afraid.

Afraid that instead of helping, he might drag his son down.

Getting the taxi license, as if possessed, was also because of that fear.

He had spent his life worrying about having enough to eat, but he didn’t want his son to inherit that kind of life.

“I don’t even have the face to look at you…”

*

As my father, head bowed low like a sinner, kept apologizing, my mother’s eyes welled up with tears.

I…

I didn’t respond.

Instead, I reached out and held my father’s large, rough hands in mine.

Hands that bore the marks of a lifetime of hard work.

These hands…

Calloused and worn, they were proof of the sacrifices he had made.

Hands that had carried countless steel beams.

That had driven more nails than one could count.

That had supported our family, no matter the cost.

And yet…

Why did he look so guilty?

“Dad…”

The words I wanted to hear from him weren’t apologies.

Just a simple, “Thank you.”

That’s all I’d hoped for.

If he’d said it, I would have laughed it off, brushing the moment aside.

I would’ve told him it was nothing.

That compared to everything he had done for me…

And compared to everything I still wanted to do for him…

This truly was nothing.

But the words stuck in my throat.

Parents.

A word made of just two syllables.

And yet…

Why does it feel like the saddest word in the world?

And so, the three of us sat there, weeping silently.

No one broke the quiet.

We tried to hold back, but the tears wouldn’t stop.

* * * * *

T/N: Woojin got a second chance at life, but we don’t. So, cherish them while you can. Also, thanks for sticking around and still reading this story! I honestly thought you’d all be gone after my break, haha.