Chapter : 09
A room salon in Yeongdeungpo—the stronghold of the Eun Chil-sung Gang.
Eun Chil-sung sat arrogantly on a luxurious sofa. His subordinates stood in a row, bowing their heads toward him.
“How long has it been since our strike force failed?” Eun Chil-sung asked the gangster beside him.
“It’s been five months, sir,” Hyun-su answered cautiously.
“Five months, huh…” Eun Chil-sung muttered, sipping his whiskey.
“Yes, Boss.” Hyun-su bowed his head.
“Is Kim Dae-myung’s life just that long? Or am I just unlucky?” Eun Chil-sung glared at the man.
“That is…”
“Answer me,” Eun Chil-sung said coldly.
“It seems Kim Dae-myung’s life is simply long, sir,” Hyun-su replied carefully.
“Is that so?”
“Yes. We never imagined he would cancel his inauguration ceremony just because of a car accident,” Hyun-su said, sounding defensive.
“And because of that, our boys went on a fool’s errand.” Eun Chil-sung frowned.
“I am sorry, sir.” Hyun-su bowed deeply.
“What good is being sorry?” Eun Chil-sung said bitterly.
“Please give me another chance,” Hyun-su pleaded.
“A chance?” Eun Chil-sung snorted.
“Yes. This time, I will succeed without fail,” Hyun-su said firmly.
“He’s a man I just can’t figure out, that Kim Dae-myung.” Eun Chil-sung’s forehead creased deeply.
“Is he, sir?” Hyun-su asked tentatively.
“A wolf in sheep’s clothing! A snob made of hypocrisy! A devil wearing a mask to hide a past he’s buried deep! No words can explain him.” Eun Chil-sung shouted, his voice filled with agitation.
“Boss…” Hyun-su looked surprised.
“What?” Eun Chil-sung asked sharply.
“It’s nothing.” Hyun-su quickly lowered his head.
“If you have something to say, say it,” Eun Chil-sung said, taking another sip of whiskey.
“Did something happen between you and Kim Dae-myung in the past, Boss?” Hyun-su asked cautiously.
“Something?” Eun Chil-sung glanced at him.
“Yes.” Hyun-su nodded.
“Are you curious, Hyun-su?” Eun Chil-sung asked back.
“Is it something I shouldn’t ask?”
“There’s no reason you can’t.” Eun Chil-sung shook his head and slowly parted his lips.
“Then…” Hyun-su’s eyes showed anticipation.
“But I shouldn’t speak of it now.” Eun Chil-sung’s gaze turned fierce.
“I understand, sir.” Hyun-su bowed his head.
“I don’t have the power yet,” Eun Chil-sung said softly.
“Pardon?” Hyun-su asked, puzzled.
“And the world is on Kim Dae-myung’s side.” Eun Chil-sung gave a bitter smile.
“That is…” Hyun-su trailed off.
“But the truth always comes to light,” Eun Chil-sung said firmly.
“The truth, sir?” Hyun-su asked.
“Even without the one who hid it knowing, the moment they turn around, they’ll be stripped bare. The world will mock Kim Dae-myung and point fingers at him.” Eun Chil-sung spoke with desperation.
“Boss…”
“Why are you looking at me like that?” Eun Chil-sung stared at Hyun-su, noticing his shocked expression.
“It’s nothing, sir.” Hyun-su quickly lowered his head.
“Hyun-su!”
“Yes, Boss!” Hyun-su answered tensely as Eun Chil-sung suddenly called his name.
“I’m drunk and talking nonsense.” Eun Chil-sung chuckled.
My physical rehabilitation was progressing rapidly. As my body regained its normal movement, I began to worry about how I should live my life.
“Chairman Kim Dae-myung said he’d get me a job, but…” I trailed off. “If I just waltz into the company without knowing anything…”
I shook my head.
“I might just become a burden.” I let out a sigh. The other employees and bosses will see me as a thorn in their side.
Nepotism hires usually end up as outcasts. The more of a “parachute” you are, the more you have to prove yourself with skill—but I know nothing.
“I’ve spent my whole life doing nothing but swinging my fists,” I muttered bitterly. “This is why people need to learn something.”
I sighed once more. “I have to do something!”
I shouted, frowning. To be honest, I’m a high school dropout. My highest level of education is middle school.
“Part of it was being too poor to study, but…” I trailed off. “More than studying, I wanted to make a lot of money for my mom.”
I whispered to myself. “But the biggest reason was…”
I gave a bitter smile. “A high schooler who was good at fighting didn’t have much talent for studying.”
I admitted it honestly. “I’m not very bright.”
I shook my head. “That’s why I foolishly believed the false promises of the mob and did those crazy things.”
I held my breath.
“First, let’s at least become a high school graduate.”
In prison, I had passed the GED and graduated high school. I even got certifications for electric welding and technical drawing. Of course, since I got those in prison before I “came back,” I don’t have the licenses now; I’m just an unlicensed person who knows how to do the work. Having returned to the past, I was still just a middle school graduate.
“And that…” I winced. “That’s probably why I feel so small and intimidated whenever I stand in front of Park So-eun.”
I sighed. “She’s too big and wonderful for someone like me to hold.”
I whispered softly, “She probably doesn’t know I was a gangster or that I only finished middle school.”
I lowered my head. “I should tell her.”
I frowned. “Good feelings are starting to sprout between us.”
I brushed my chest. “But if she knew the real me…”
I trailed off. “She wouldn’t like me.”
I smiled bitterly. “Even so, I can’t hide it.”
I shook my head. “Let’s tell her. I have to.”
I resolved to reveal everything about myself to Park So-eun. Knock knock! Just then, someone knocked on my VIP hospital room door.
“It’s probably Park So-eun.” I whispered. “Come to think of it, it’s lunchtime.”
I glanced at the clock. “Come in.”
Since I was staying in a VIP room, everyone knocked before entering. The door opened gently.
“It’s Park So-eun, the physical therapist.” Park So-eun entered the room with a slight smile. “How is your body feeling?” she asked warmly.
“It’s much better,” I replied with a bright smile.
“That’s a relief.” Park So-eun nodded.
“It’s all thanks to you, So-eun.” I said with total sincerity.
“Oh, it was nothing.” Park So-eun waved it off.
“No, I’m truly grateful,” I said seriously.
“I’m happy to hear you say that.” Park So-eun smiled slightly.
“Is it already time for physical therapy?” I asked, glancing at the clock.
“It is,” she said with a nod. “I’ve been a physical therapist for five years, and I’ve never seen a patient recover as fast as you, Do-sik.”
Park So-eun spoke with admiration.
“Pardon?” I went blank at the fact that she had called me “Do-sik.”
“What is it?” Park So-eun tilted her head and looked at me.
I guess this is how a man becomes an idiot, stunned by a single word a woman tosses out. I thought to myself.
“It’s nothing.” I quickly shook my head.
“Is it strange that I called you Do-sik?” Park So-eun gave me a playful grin.
“No, it’s not strange at all.” I waved my hands frantically.
“Then why are you reacting like that?” she asked curiously.
“I just… I liked it.” I answered honestly.
“Oh?” Park So-eun’s eyes went wide.
“Ah, no, I mean…” I stammered, embarrassed.
“Hahaha, I see.” Park So-eun covered her mouth and laughed.
I should tell her at least a little bit today, I decided.
“Then, let’s start the therapy.” Park So-eun said, adjusting her posture.
“Yes, please.” I nodded.
The session ended quickly.
“Good job today.” Park So-eun wiped the sweat from her forehead and told me I did well.
“Not at all. You’re the one who worked hard, So-eun.” I laughed awkwardly and added, “I’m just the one receiving help.”
“That’s true. Hahaha!” Park So-eun laughed and agreed.
“I didn’t expect you to actually agree so easily,” I said, pretending to be shocked.
“It’s the truth, isn’t it?” Park So-eun smirked.
“I suppose it is.” I nodded.
“It’s stifling being stuck in the room alone, isn’t it?” she asked suddenly.
“Of course it is,” I replied.
“Should I bring you some books? What kind of books do you like?” she suggested.
“Books?” I asked. Actually, there are some things I need right now.
“Yes, you must be bored,” she said, nodding.
Actually, I haven’t had a moment to be bored. I thought. Until she arrives, I’m always practicing walking with my crutches and doing my own rehab.
“True. It is a bit boring.” I agreed with her anyway.
“What kind of books do you like? I’ll bring them for you.” Park So-eun asked kindly.
“So-eun!” I called her name.
“Yes, go ahead.”
“Could you find me some GED study guides for high school graduation?” I asked politely.
“High school GED study guides?” Park So-eun asked back with a puzzled look.
I thought so. I mused. She probably never imagined that someone staying in a VIP room like this hadn’t even finished high school.
“Yes. That’s exactly what I need right now.” I nodded.
“Ah! You must have lived abroad for a long time!” Park So-eun suddenly had an idea and smiled brightly. “That’s why you don’t have a certified high school diploma here.”
Park So-eun jumped to a conclusion.
“W-well, that’s…” I scratched my head, my voice trailing off.
A misunderstanding was taking root. I felt a sudden urge to just stay quiet and let her believe it.
But that’s cowardly.
I muttered to myself and shook my head. It’s embarrassing, but let’s be honest.
Having made up my mind, I looked at Park So-eun.
End Of Chapter : 09
