Devil Returns to School Days - Final Chapter: Epilogue, A New Life (2)

*Two years ago.*

When Kim Pan-ho became president, many predicted that Myungjin Construction would prosper immensely.

Although Myungjin wasn’t a publicly traded company, it had all the hallmarks of being a “Kim Pan-ho theme stock.” The company was a central figure in the *Golden Gate* resolution, and the connection to *Kim Hyunsung* only solidified expectations of its success.

But.

Events took an unexpected turn.

While the new government was still navigating its growing pains, *Chairman Go Myung-jin* held a press conference.

> “Watching the Golden Gate scandal unfold, I was overcome with shame. Corruption among the powerful has become as natural as breathing, and while it’s easy to point fingers at monstrous groups like the Golden Circle, I cannot claim to be clean myself. This administration has pledged to eradicate corruption, and I fully support that mission. Myungjin will voluntarily disclose its past wrongdoings and strive to transform into a transparent, honorable company. I offer my sincerest apologies. Though we’re aware of the support and love the public has shown us recently, the corruption we’re about to reveal is deserving of criticism.”

It was a shocking move.

Industry insiders questioned it.

Why would Myungjin dig its own grave by exposing its corruption?

Even though the government was likely to be lenient, Myungjin disclosed its internal documents. They revealed illegal funding flows used to secure contracts and malpractice widely accepted as “industry norms.” Chaos ensued. Critics worried that Myungjin was turning the entire construction industry against itself, especially as it exposed controversial practices like allocating coveted housing units to insiders.

Public opinion plummeted.

It was a clear self-inflicted wound, and people began losing faith in Myungjin.

As a result:

> “I hereby announce my resignation as chairman, effective immediately.”

Go Myung-jin stepped down, taking responsibility.

The position passed to *Go Chang-beom*.

However, with Go Chang-beom’s own past scrutinized, many doubted his ability to steady the faltering Myungjin. The company’s identity had been rooted in Go Myung-jin’s craftsmanship, and as it faced a new chapter, Myungjin entered its most tumultuous period yet.

* * *

Why did Myungjin dig its own grave?

The answer was known only to insiders.

*Kim Hyunsung* had resolved to move beyond revenge and focus on building a new life. After much thought, he decided he wanted to work instead of attending university. Despite his perfect CSAT score and the strength that had dismantled the Golden Circle, Hyunsung showed little interest in capitalizing on either.

What he desired now was a stable, ordinary life.

With his grandmother retiring and his brother Hyunjin attending university, someone had to shoulder the burden of supporting the family.

Some might call this path unconventional for a student.

But Hyunsung vividly remembered the tears of his family during his years as a vegetative patient. Living for their sake was what truly mattered to him.

For Go Chang-beom, Hyunsung was a golden opportunity.

Practically begging for his help, Chang-beom approached Hyunsung daily, proposing an enticing offer: a multi-million-won salary, company shares, and an executive-level position.

Hyunsung agreed—on one condition.

> “If I join Myungjin, you’ll need to follow my plan completely. Can you do that?”

The shift in Myungjin’s trajectory was Hyunsung’s doing.

Chang-beom, eager to secure Hyunsung’s help, nodded without hesitation. Later, in meetings with executives and former chairman Go Myung-jin, he explained:

> “The Golden Gate scandal won’t be a one-off. Under President Kim Pan-ho’s administration, whistleblowing will become routine. Corruption connected to the Golden Gate and beyond will be thoroughly exposed, and those involved will face consequences. It’s better for us to act first. The difference between being caught and confessing is massive. While we’ll face tough times in the short term, Myungjin won’t collapse. What consumers care about isn’t corporate corruption but the quality of the homes we build. If we were cutting corners on materials, that’d be fatal. But the issues we’ll disclose are unrelated to buyer confidence. Over time, Myungjin’s reputation will recover.”

The argument convinced them.

Everyone understood that Hyunsung wasn’t an ordinary high school graduate. The social atmosphere under Kim Pan-ho’s administration was intense, and Prosecutor Kang Dongchul’s relentless pursuit of justice spared no one. Not even someone like Kim Hyunsung or a major company like Myungjin could avoid scrutiny.

Thus, Hyunsung relinquished his apartment allotment.

Initially, he had planned to leave something behind for his family in case he didn’t survive his revenge. But looking ahead, he no longer felt the need to cling to such safeguards. The future he envisioned was far brighter.

Go Myung-jin’s voluntary resignation was his own decision. Though he initially planned to remain in his position, he ultimately decided to trust Go Chang-beom to lead Myungjin forward, emboldened by Hyunsung’s presence.

* * *

The first year was grueling.

Despite heavy financial penalties, Myungjin never compromised on quality. The company continued to invest in its projects and ensured thorough after-sales service for all its properties.

As two years passed, their efforts bore fruit.

It began with widespread structural defects across the construction industry.

> “As real estate prices soared, so did raw material costs. To maximize profits, many construction companies skimped on materials, resulting in a surge of defects nationwide. Residents are now voicing concerns over safety.”

Cracked walls.

Exposed rebar.

Collapsed parking structures.

As dissatisfaction grew, attention naturally turned to Myungjin, whose defect rate was significantly lower.

That was the turning point.

Myungjin began its ascent.

Even with its past scandals, the government remained favorable toward Myungjin, and public demand for their properties skyrocketed. The company swiftly recouped its losses, heralding the dawn of the “Myungjin Era.” Bolstered by trust in its quality, Myungjin achieved dominance, with its workload and revenue reaching levels befitting a major corporation.

Myungjin had risen from its mistakes.

People praised Go Chang-beom as the ideal successor to former chairman Go Myung-jin.

* * *

Recently, Go Chang-beom enjoyed a strong public image.

Though he was chairman of Myungjin Construction, his charisma during media appearances earned widespread admiration.

However.

Few knew the truth.

Behind closed doors, Go Chang-beom’s reality was very different.

“…I’m sorry.”

His voice was barely audible as he glanced nervously at Kim Hyunsung, only to avert his gaze when their eyes met.

Hyunsung spoke calmly.

> “Chairman—no, *hyung*. I’ve told you before: you’re not a small-town heir anymore. You’re the chairman of a major construction company recognized nationwide. If you make empty promises during interviews, it may not cause immediate issues, but you’ll eventually lose consumer trust.”

“…I understand.”

“You’re quick to apologize, at least.”

Moments earlier, there had been an official interview.

Fielding questions from the public, Chang-beom had recklessly promised to fulfill numerous demands on the spot—an absolute nightmare for his operations team. On the car ride back, Hyunsung had thoroughly scolded him.

> “And remember to maintain distance from the government. President Kim Pan-ho may enjoy public adoration now, but a lame-duck period will come. Prosecutor Kang Dongchul won’t turn a blind eye to the president’s past misdeeds. We’ve avoided leveraging political connections for a reason: to establish our independence.”

“…Understood.”

“But apart from that, the interview went well. I’ve got to admit, you’ve always been good at public relations.”

“Really? Maybe I’m just naturally suited to being chairman.”

Chang-beom grinned.

While he projected an air of authority publicly, he was as docile as a lamb around Hyunsung.

He knew.

The reason he became chairman, and the reason Myungjin continued to thrive, was entirely thanks to Hyunsung.

For that, he had no qualms about granting Hyunsung a massive salary and significant company shares. Without him, none of this would have been possible.

It was this trust that led Hyunsung to choose Myungjin.

Here, he believed he could build an ideal future alongside like-minded people.

Suddenly, Chang-beom recalled something.

> “Oh, right, Hyunsung. How about a matchmaking introduction? I recently attended a corporate networking event, and one of the chairmen there subtly mentioned wanting to introduce his granddaughter to you. Apparently, she’s smart and stunning.”

“…Does he know I’m a high school graduate with no family wealth?”

“Of course. But who cares? In this industry, everyone knows you’re the backbone of Myungjin. If you agree, I’m sure he’d welcome you with open arms.”

Just as Chang-beom said.

While the general public might be unaware, within the industry, *Kim Hyunsung’s value* was unparalleled.

Kim Hyunsung: the brain behind Myungjin Construction.

The core figure responsible for shaping Myungjin’s current success.

Offers poured in from all directions.

Even the fact that he had exposed the *Golden Gate* scandal became an achievement that set him apart as extraordinary. Whatever the endeavor, Kim Hyunsung was a man who delivered results.

Smiling faintly, Hyunsung replied, “No thanks. I’m not interested right now.”

As he turned to leave the chairman’s office, a text message caught his eye, prompting him to pause. He looked back at Go Chang-beom.

“Hyung, want to have dinner at my place tonight?”

* * *

It was a luxury apartment in the Noblesse complex in Daesan—a high-end residence built by Myungjin Construction. Though Hyunsung had once been allocated a unit through Myungjin’s lottery system, he had given up the privilege and purchased it through proper channels. With two years of salary and a mortgage, it was entirely within reach.

Thanks to this, Hyunsung’s family finally escaped their basement dwelling. Inside, the elegant marble interior was captivating.

“Grandma, I’m home.”

“Oh, Chang-beom’s here too!”

Carrying a stack of tissues, Go Chang-beom entered with his usual affable demeanor, greeted warmly by Hyunsung’s grandmother. His visits were a frequent occurrence, and she often joked about how he had once loitered outside their home daily, begging Hyunsung to join Myungjin.

“What’s all this? The table’s about to collapse!”

In the living room, a feast was spread out.

This dinner was a special occasion for *Kim Hyunjin*, Hyunsung’s younger brother. Two years ago, he had proudly enrolled at Korea University, but his enthusiasm for campus life had led him to squander his first year. By the time he decided to enlist in the military after watching a UDT documentary, he was already far behind his peers. Now, while his friends were finishing their service and preparing to return to school, Hyunjin had just shaved his head and was home for his first leave.

“Hyunjin, look at those muscles. You’ve really become a tough cookie.”

“Hyung, do you know what UDT stands for? Check out these muscles! This is the UDT standard.”

Hyunjin flexed, showing off his physique, while Chang-beom played along enthusiastically. Meanwhile, Kim Siwoo, who had arrived earlier, was busy helping Hyunsung’s grandmother prepare the meal, unaffected by their banter.

Hyunsung chuckled.

Some might call Hyunjin immature for wasting two years despite attending a prestigious university.

But Hyunsung didn’t mind.

He had told him:

> “It’s okay. Do what you want, even if it means wasting a little time. You have me, so live without regrets.”

He wanted him to have a life where he didn’t have to struggle, where he could enjoy his days without constant worry. Watching his loved ones laugh and work together to prepare dinner filled Hyunsung with quiet joy.

He turned away, leaving the lively scene behind as he stepped into his room.

* * *

In the dark room.

Hyunsung sat on his bed without turning on the light.

*Thud.*

Perhaps the overwhelming happiness had triggered it, but memories of his life as a vegetative patient surfaced, feeling almost unreal.

Those grim days, consumed by vengeance, clenching his teeth and steeling himself for revenge—he hated remembering them. The dissonance between his past and present felt jarring.

He pulled out his phone.

In the faint glow of the screen, Hyunsung scrolled through his contacts, stopping at one name.

*[Baek Seong-ho]*

For a moment, he considered calling.

He had once made Yoon Hyeon-min’s downfall his life’s mission, and he wanted to ask Seong-ho how Yoon was doing. Knowing that Yoon was still suffering might have given him satisfaction.

But.

“…No.”

Hyunsung put the phone away.

True justice for his tormentors wasn’t just their downfall—it was his own happiness.

The past was the past.

He resolved to let go of those memories and forget Yoon Hyeon-min entirely, choosing instead to focus on his new life.

Like anyone else, *Kim Hyunsung deserved happiness.*

It was his right, and he would embrace it fully.

Rising from the bed, Hyunsung opened the door wide.

“Grandma, do you need help with anything?”

The warm light from the living room poured in, wrapping Kim Hyunsung in its comforting glow.