Chapter 64

The natural conditions where the Han River and Jungnang Stream meet.

The relatively low rent compared to Gangnam.

Seoul City's development plan under the banner of a 'cultural industry cluster'.

All these factors created a synergy, and the surrounding area was quickly transformed.

Startups and social enterprises settled in Seongsu, and the offices of famous entertainment agencies also moved nearby.

Cafes and restaurants renovated from abandoned factories captivated the taste of the younger generation, and the performance venues and galleries that kept popping up enchanted their eyes and ears.

It was around this time that praise for Seongsu began to appear in popular song lyrics.

The role of the ultra-luxury high-rise residential complexes built near Seoul Forest and the Han River, known as the 'Seongsu Big Three,' was significant.

As tycoons, businessmen, politicians, legal professionals, and famous celebrities moved in one after another, Seongsu became a well-recognized affluent area in Seoul.

Naturally, construction companies didn't miss this opportunity, and after a tug-of-war with Seoul City, two more complexes were added.

Currently, there are a total of five complexes, the 'Seongsu Big Five.'

That was my destination.

"Sure enough, it's Seoul Forest."

I had somewhat expected it.

There were quite a few apartments along the Han River that could be priced around 40 billion won, such as Hannam, Cheongdam, Banpo, Jamwon, and Icun.

"Wow, there are so many rich people in the world."

In a situation where the school district didn't matter, I thought this place, Seoul Forest, would be the best value for money.

The only problem was...

"Could it be Trimarion?"

The 40-billion-won apartment that Go Ji-hyun had bought for her honeymoon was one of the Seongsu Big Five.

It wasn't a big issue, but I didn't want to run into her in the same complex, let alone the same building.

Coincidentally, the location that Han Gang-hee gave me through the navigation app was near there.

[ I said I'm number 2. Follow me closely. ]

Fortunately, the underground parking lot I entered with Han Gang-hee's car was a different luxury residential building.

"Yes, I understand."

Two thoughts crossed my mind as I entered the underground parking lot: one was relief, the other was pure bliss.

"Isn't this the best place?"

It was the most recently built among the Seongsu Big Five.

A skyscraper that embraced the Han River and Seoul Forest closest, blocking the view of the other 'Big Ones' behind it.

It was the first of the Seongsu Big Five, Saint Han River Forest.

I remembered that even Go Ji-hyun, who sang 'Saint, Saint,' couldn't get in.

"Is there really a 40-billion-won property here?"

I got out of the car with a pounding heart.

The musty air of the underground parking lot hit my nose, but only for a moment, as my eyes were drawn to the dazzling supercars parked on either side.

"Wow, all the supercars are here."

The parking lines were even drawn to accommodate them, wide enough to play 'Squid Game.'

Then, Han Gang-hee approached with a confident smile.

"Your expression tells me you already like it, doesn't it?"

"No, no."

I maintained a poker face, trying to gain a slight advantage in the price negotiation.

"······It's not just that I like it. I'm a bit overwhelmed, hahaha."

I just revealed my true feelings.

Who would believe a lie about not liking it?

"But, Mr. Kim, is this place really within the 40-billion-won range?"

"Customer."

"Yes?"

"I'm Han Gang-hee."

Oh my god...

Is this the influence of the Han River tycoon, Han Gang-hee?

"This place isn't unattainable because of the price, but because of the lack of available properties. But who has one in their hands right now?"

"Y-You, Mr. Kim."

"No, no, it's in your hands, hahaha. Let's go up."

"Yes!"

Han Gang-hee pressed the 'L' button in the underground parking elevator. It was the same button I had seen at Trimarion, but Han Gang-hee explained it kindly.

"Buildings like this only go from the underground parking to the lobby. Outsiders can't go directly to the apartments. Oh, and you can park up to three cars per household."

Three? That's possible!

I even have another 'Legal Reproduction' coupon! Should I get a Ferrari?

"It's 42 square meters and only three years old. The view... you might as well see it with your own eyes."

The lobby appeared.

"The resident elevator is over there, but I'll go to the desk first."

Han Gang-hee went to inform the manager of our visit, and I looked around the lobby.

The ceiling height and the luxurious interior rivaled a five-star hotel lobby. It looked even better than Trimarion, probably due to the age difference.

"Wow..."

It was hard to believe.

This could be my home...

It really felt like a dream.

"What are you looking at so intently? You'll see it every day, hahaha. Let's go."

In front of the resident elevator.

A broad-shouldered man was waiting for the elevator, and his profile was very familiar.

When I turned my head slightly,

"Wow... this person lives here?"

It was Lee Se-hyung, a national actor known as the persona of famous directors and with several 10 million movie credits.

"I'm seeing him in person for the second time."

He had hosted the wedding of Choi Jung-hyun and Park So-jeong. Of course, he wouldn't recognize me.

I was about to pretend not to know him, but a strange confidence welled up inside me.

I stood up straight and greeted him briefly.

"Hello, I'm a fan."

"Haha, thank you."

Lee Se-hyung smiled brightly, and his pitch-black eyebrows, like they were drawn with a 4B pencil, curved in front of my eyes.

"Wow, this is amazing..."

But if Lee Se-hyung had met a fan on the street or at a fan signing, the conversation would have ended there. This time, it was different.

Lee Se-hyung spoke first.

"Didn't we meet a few days ago at the gym?"

This is the power of Saint Han River Forest.

The privilege of an affluent area, where you can match eye levels with a national actor.

"No, you might be mistaking me for someone else."

Then, Lee Se-hyung tilted his head and stroked his chin. It was a bit flirtatious, but it felt like a scene from a movie.

"Really? I had a feeling I saw you somewhere... I'm sorry, haha."

His everyday conversation sounded like a script, as if he was afraid of not being an actor.

In the midst of this surreal experience, the elevator dinged.

"Let's go in."

"Yes, okay."

The three of us got into the elevator.

Lee Se-hyung pressed the 34th floor with one hand, and Han Gang-hee cautiously pressed the 37th floor.

"Ahem."

With Lee Se-hyung's fake cough, the elevator started to ascend.

"······You got a great deal. I wish my floor was just 2-3 levels higher, haha."

Lee Se-hyung said awkwardly, and I couldn't think of a response, so I just smiled silently.

Fortunately, the elevator dinged again.

Lee Se-hyung bowed and was about to step out when he turned to us.

"Hey, come to the fitness center sometime. Many people go out, but it's easier to exercise when it's close to home."

"Yes, I'll try it out."

I answered like a resident.

"Ha, that's great. Go on in."

"Yes, go in!"

I sighed in relief as the door closed.

"Phew..."

I must have been tense without realizing it.

Who would have thought I'd have a small talk with a national actor in the elevator?

Han Gang-hee covered her mouth and laughed.

"You're surprisingly good at this, hahaha. This is a non-entertainment building, so you can act like this in the future. If you move in."

Then, she added a note to the conversation.

"There's a community center on the basement and 26th floor. Fitness center, indoor golf range, screen golf, swimming pool, spa... and a club lounge, beauty care room, oh, there are many things."

There are so many amenities?

"And there's a guest house on the 27th floor of Building B. It's really clean and spacious. You can use it if you reserve in advance."

"Wow... a guest house?"

Ding─

The door opened again.

"Since there's a resident here now, please look around carefully but comfortably. If you have any questions, feel free to ask."

"Carefully, comfortably. I understand."

We arrived at 3701.

Han Gang-hee straightened her clothes and pressed the doorbell. The front door opened, and a woman in her mid-30s came out.

"Sister! You're here?"

"Oh, how have you been?"

"Can't be bad. Come in quickly."

They seemed quite close.

Well, that's why the property was available immediately, right?

The homeowner was also kind to me.

"This is the person who came to see the property. Come in and take a look around."

"Yes, thank you."

The entrance was clean and luxurious, as expected of a new building.

Han Gang-hee said while taking off her shoes.

"Three bedrooms, two bathrooms. The living room and kitchen are quite spacious for the size. You'll see why when you look inside. Let's start from here, the straight corridor."

When we opened the inner door, a short straight corridor appeared.

There were doors on both sides, and at the end, probably the living room.

"Shall we start with the living room?"

I was curious.

What would the living room, kitchen, and view be like?

What kind of amazing place did Han Gang-hee recommend so confidently?

As I took a step, then another,

"Wow... this is insane..."

I couldn't help but exclaim.

I could feel it with my whole body.

This place was on a different level, a different standard from the one I saw earlier.

The scale itself was different.

A vast living room with a majestic ceiling height.

Three of its sides were filled with large windows.

The Han River spread out in a panoramic view.

"······This is really on another level."

"Hahaha."

My mouth wouldn't close.

The apartment was 33 square meters.

From a distance, the Han River was only visible in the frame, and you had to walk close to the balcony to see the Han River and Yeouido.

But this place was different.

You could see the Han River from anywhere.

It felt like the apartment was buried in the sky and the Han River.

'Here is the Han River, there is the Han River, everywhere is the Han River!'

But the rectangular living room was also a plus.

It was much better for space utilization compared to a living room made round for a panoramic view.

Moreover, there was a unique feature.

On the right side of the three sides of the living room.

The windows were filled with the lush greenery of Seoul Forest. It felt like looking down at a vast forest with a helicopter camera.

'What a refreshing color...'

The view of the green forest was so beautiful.

"······This place also has a forest view."

"Right? That's the biggest difference from the other place. The Han River and Yeouido are the same all year round, no change. But here, you can feel the change in all four seasons because of the forest view."

The homeowner, who had been watching, chimed in.

"That's true. The Han River view is good, but sometimes it gets boring, and it can make you feel a bit depressed. But the forest makes your heart warm. It's peaceful."

A long wooden table, like in a cafe, was placed in front of that window.

"Customer, why don't you sit there?"

"Yes... it's really nice."

As I sat down, Han Gang-hee and the homeowner also sat beside me, looking down at Seoul Forest.

"This is a permanent view. It's the last residential area built in the Seoul Forest zone. The people living in the buildings behind this must be envious, right?"

Ah, a permanent view.

That's great.

"······Then, as long as there's no war, it should be fine."

As I sat at the table and looked down at Seoul Forest, I said absentmindedly, and the homeowner giggled.

"You're funny."

"······Haha, how can such a place exist?"

It was the apartment with the Han River view I had dreamed of, and even more.

"Customer, didn't I tell you? I said you might not even know what you want, hahaha."

"Yes, you did. Now I understand."

I want this place.

I want Saint Han River Forest.

'So sacred...'

I alternated my gaze between the Han River and Seoul Forest.

But then, the table suddenly shook. It was because of my phone vibrating.

Buzz, buzz─

Buzz, buzz─

I thought something was wrong when two phones vibrated, but they were both the homeowner's phones.

"Oh, sister, wait a moment."

The screen showed various real estate agencies and 'Mr. So-and-so.'

'Ah, calls from real estate agencies?'

I remembered Han Gang-hee's words that I was the first person to see the property.

'Please don't answer! Please!'

I silently pleaded, but I couldn't stop her.

However, Han Gang-hee quickly caught the homeowner's wrist as she was about to answer the calls.

"Hey."

"Huh?"

"You still have my customer here."

"Oh, sister..."

Then, she smiled and said,

"Kim Jin-hee, are you looking for a new place casually?"

It really is a place with a mountain and a river, isn't it?

Kim Jin-hee, who was caught by the wrist, froze in her awkward position.

Han Gang-hee spoke gently,

"When you said you were grateful to me for finding this place, were you just being polite?"

"No! Sister, absolutely not!"

Kim Jin-hee quickly sat down and placed both phones on the table, swiping the screen to end the calls.

"Sister, I've ended the calls."

"Haha, good?"

"I'm most grateful to you! I got this place because of you, and you always helped me when I was in trouble. How could I forget that?"

Kim Jin-hee, who had been listening quietly, grabbed Han Gang-hee's hand and said earnestly,

"If not, would I have contacted you first when I decided to put the place on the market?"

"Right? I misunderstood, didn't I? As expected, Jin-hee, you're born with a knack for real estate, hahaha."

"······Hehe, I just didn't know this person's intentions, so I wanted to have the contacts ready."

Kim Jin-hee glanced at me.

"I understand Jin-hee's feelings. But it's not polite to make reservations with other real estate agencies while showing the property to a customer, right?"

"You're right, I was wrong. The bedroom view is also great. Let me show you, sister."

"Okay."

Han Gang-hee stood up and guided me.

"Let's see the master bedroom, customer."

"Ah, yes."

I didn't know she was always so kind to me.

Han Gang-hee definitely knew how to handle people. It must be because of her confidence in her abilities.

'After all, if she sold 90 properties along the Han River in just two years, how many must she have sold in total?'

I could also imagine how she became a big player.

Finding the perfect home for Customer A, winning their favor, and then connecting them to Customer B when the property came up for sale.

The same with Customer C, Customer D...

The same with Apartment A, Apartment B...

If she consistently expanded her network like this,

She must have an enormous amount of customer and property data.

A network of trust, perhaps.

'······She's amazing.'

That's probably why Kim Jin-hee couldn't move. She must have believed that Han Gang-hee would find her the best property.

Han Gang-hee, the seasoned real estate expert.

It seemed there would be no downside to getting close to her.

No, it would definitely be a good thing.

After all, real estate would be an essential link in the process of opening Amuse 3 and 4, or starting other businesses.

"I didn't expect you to take such good care of me. Thank you."

I said to Han Gang-hee as I entered the master bedroom, and she smiled softly and shook her head.

"How much help have I received from you... I was determined to find you the best home, right? Why don't you take a look at the master bedroom?"

The first thing I saw was a king-size bed.

And beyond it, the vast greenery of Seoul Forest filled the large windows.

The entire living room was the Han River.

And the entire bedroom was Seoul Forest.

'Wow, how would it feel to wake up here?'

Just imagining it was wonderful.

The powder room, main bathroom, and dressing room attached to the bedroom were all large and luxurious.

From the door handles to the tiles, shower stall, sink, bathtub... the system cabinets, lighting, and mirrors were all perfect!

"And if you go out this way from the master bedroom."

As I followed Han Gang-hee, the entrance appeared again.

"You can get up, wash, change clothes, and go straight to the entrance without passing through the living room. It's a circular corridor."