Devil Returns to School Days - Chapter 179: Half a Year Later (4)

Moments earlier.

A man seated in the press section reflected on the soon-to-arrive Go Chang-beom.

‘This extensive show must mean Myungjin Construction is under serious pressure.’

Recently.

Myungjin Construction’s situation had not been favorable.

While previous projects had concluded successfully, continued loan pressure and negative public opinion led to bleak forecasts about its future. A construction company cannot resolve all its issues solely through internal resources. It relies heavily on external capital for massive construction costs and sources equipment, labor, and other necessities from outside. If the current atmosphere persisted, the company would inevitably face a downturn.

And if.

Even the slightest blemish marred its perfect sales record, Myungjin Construction would collapse more swiftly than anticipated.

‘That must be why they hurriedly organized this presentation. If they complete the 5,000-unit project successfully, Myungjin Construction will continue its path of success. But if they slip, even with full support from Daesan City, negative public sentiment will solidify into certainty.’

The man’s identity.

Seo Jae-gyu, a reporter from *25-Hour News*.

This internet news outlet, known for its substantial size, was essentially a mouthpiece for Taeyang Group. They published hit pieces according to the conglomerate’s agenda. Seo Jae-gyu had received orders from above to disrupt the presentation and was there to fulfill this task.

‘Sorry, but there’s no way you’re succeeding today.’

This project.

It was Myungjin Construction’s last hope.

A project on their home turf, backed by Daesan. But if it faltered under negative sentiment, what would happen? The fleeting fame would fade from people’s memories. It wasn’t a major corporation in Seoul; no one would keep trusting a small company like Myungjin.

He glanced around.

Familiar faces appeared.

The room wasn’t just filled with him; other journalists under Taeyang Group’s influence were there as well.

Even though Myungjin Construction needed friendly press.

This space was full of enemies.

Seo Jae-gyu smirked.

‘This is the end for you, Myungjin.’

Just then.

“Executive Director Go Chang-beom of Myungjin Construction is now entering.”

The star of the presentation appeared.

* * *

Clap, clap, clap!

Clap, clap, clap!

Applause erupted from all directions.

Since this project was being announced in Daesan, the audience of Daesan citizens showed their support for Go Chang-beom.

On stage.

He paused.

Looking down from the podium, he could see countless faces staring up at him.

Strangely, his emotions cooled.

Go Chang-beom grabbed the microphone with a calm expression.

“Good afternoon. I’m Go Chang-beom, the executive director of Myungjin Construction.”

Clap, clap, clap!

Clap, clap, clap!

The crowd cheered.

Amidst them, the reporters were visible.

Go Chang-beom knew the truth.

Even the slightest misstep during this presentation, and those reporters would drag him down.

The initial plan had been to begin the 5,000-unit project earlier in the year. However, Go Chang-beom delayed it to prepare thoroughly. He worked tirelessly to refine the plan and practiced countless dry runs for this day.

Gone was the reckless Go Chang-beom.

He moved confidently, raising his voice.

“As we prepared for this project, the most important focus for Myungjin was the ‘reality of the residents.’ Skyrocketing housing prices, the shortage of available homes, the harsh reality of those forced to live in rental properties, and the young people delaying marriage. The recent housing market boom is not wholly positive. Prices so high they’re out of reach for most exacerbate social inequality. The status quo is unsustainable. Even if 5,000 units are built, the opportunity will be limited if we follow current trends.”

A screen lit up.

It displayed the site for the 5,000-unit project, along with detailed information.

“Daesan. Just two to three hours by car from Seoul. The main buyers of this complex should naturally be Daesan citizens, so we selected plots that wouldn’t disrupt their lifestyles. The second most important factor was accessibility to roads leading to Seoul. Whether for commuting or other reasons, the proximity to Seoul can’t be ignored. We considered walking distances to stations and commuting ranges in all aspects of the project. This isn’t just about building homes; it’s about supporting real living conditions. Now, if you look at the blueprints…”

The presentation continued.

The layout on the screen.

It depicted living conditions tailored to the people.

The design ensured vehicle-free zones above ground to prevent accidents, relegating parking primarily underground except for certain areas. It featured playgrounds for children, gyms, swimming pools, study rooms, and other community facilities. As Go Chang-beom spoke, the audience’s eyes began to gleam.

It was desirable.

A complex like that, built by the reputed Myungjin Construction.

They felt it was worth living in.

This was expected.

It was predictable.

Securing prime land, building desirable facilities.

Even the expression on reporters like Seo Jae-gyu showed they were not far off from expectations.

‘The true value of this project lies in its success.’

Not in major profits.

But in proving profitability and public satisfaction.

Go Chang-beom knew what mattered.

The outcome of intensive collaboration with Myungjin’s operational team was conveyed by Go Chang-beom as the representative.

“Even in today’s market, it’s not hard to secure a home in a prime location if you have money. But if this project only follows the current trend, we can’t call it a project for effective housing supply. I’ll say it firmly here today. Myungjin Construction’s new apartment brand, ‘Daesan Forest.’ While apartment prices in Seoul have surpassed 1 billion won for basic floor plans, we’ve decided to price Daesan Forest at just 400 million won. That’s less than half.”

At that moment.

“Wow.”

“400 million won?”

“400 million for these conditions?”

“As expected of Myungjin Construction!”

Clap, clap, clap.

Clap, clap, clap.

The crowd burst into enthusiastic applause.

* * *

Myungjin’s decision was bold.

In a time where apartment prices were skyrocketing, pricing a complex like Daesan Forest at 400 million won was unheard of. In Seoul, apartment prices often exceeded 1 billion won, and even in the provinces, units sold for around 1 billion. Even more shockingly, there had been a recent uproar when a unit in Jeju sold for 1.2 billion.

Yet in this climate.

In these times.

400 million won.

Of course, selling at 400 million didn’t mean taking a loss.

Myungjin minimized expenses with city support and planned to profit through the high-volume sale of 5,000 units. The launch of Daesan Forest also doubled as a promotional strategy for their new brand.

However, the reactions to the presentation were mixed.

The onsite response was overwhelmingly positive, but negative articles led by *25-Hour News* flooded out.

[Myungjin Construction Defies the Times.]

[How Can They Afford That Price?]

[A significant controversy has emerged from Myungjin Construction’s recent presentation. Despite the unprecedented boom in the real estate market and provincial apartments typically priced above 500 million won, Myungjin has announced an extraordinary price of 400 million won. Good location, good facilities. On the surface, it seems attractive, but industry experts are baffled by this unrealistic figure. The real estate boom signifies rising land and material costs, making such a low price almost impossible. To maintain a minimum quality standard, prices should follow market trends. Yet Myungjin appears to promise miracles with their 400 million price tag. Is this feasible? Or is it a reckless act influenced by negative public sentiment? Housing is a lifetime investment, and Myungjin’s move has sparked concerns rather than assurance.]

*25-Hour News*, Seo Jae-gyu.

His name was stamped boldly on the piece.

It was deliberate.

An article stirring up doubt led to public apprehension.

– 400 million is pretty impressive.

– An apartment in an even more rural area is going for 600 million. Is 400 million even realistic?

– This is why we need a post-construction sales system. You should be able to see the quality before buying, but pre-construction sales like these lead to empty promises. What if it’s not as good as they say? That’s 400 million thrown away.

– Agreed. There’s been a lot of talk about Myungjin Construction lately.

The agitation worked.

Go Chang-beom’s efforts seemed futile as Myungjin Construction’s reputation teetered under negative sentiment.

– I work in the field, and if nothing else, Myungjin is trustworthy.

The voices of field workers.

They came forward just in time.

* * *

It started with one post on an online community.

[Title: Speaking Out as a Field Worker on the Current Situation.]

[Honestly, I was shocked by the public response. Why are people questioning and criticizing the fair price of 400 million when it’s actually a good deal? Sure, land and material prices have risen, but it’s ridiculous for apartment prices to exceed 1 billion. Setting prices like that is just corporate greed. Not that I want to blame them—if people are buying at high prices, it’s just capitalism. But what Myungjin did is extraordinary. Even with city support, they priced the units low to align with housing supply objectives. With that kind of location, those facilities, and even low-interest mortgages offered in partnership with banks, this is truly a project for the people.]

A casually posted message.

It sparked a fire.

Other field workers began chiming in with comments.

– Agreed. This is a bold move by Myungjin.

– This is what happens when clueless idiots write articles. Those in the field know. Myungjin’s honest practices in building, safety, and break times are unmatched. Lately, more people prefer working for Myungjin over major corporations.

– Let’s not bash Myungjin. It’s the hope of the construction industry.

The fervor quickly spread to the general public.

To those who had bought homes from Myungjin Construction.

– Doubting Myungjin’s quality is a joke. I bought a villa from them 10 years ago and haven’t had any major issues. Plus, they’re thorough with maintenance.

– People questioning Myungjin’s quality must be idiots, honestly.

– Just ask anyone who bought from Myungjin. They’ve never had issues with finishing or construction. Myungjin didn’t dominate the Daesan construction scene for no reason. The 400 million price tag means they’re thinking of the people, not like other scammy builders.

People wondered.

Is honesty even necessary?

Why stand out?

Myungjin Construction earned its reputation layer by layer.

This was the part Golden Circle underestimated and what kept Go Chang-beom steadfast amid adversity.

And so.

The tide of negative opinion against Myungjin Construction began to turn.