Fifth Vital [EN]: Chapter 422

423. Emergency

“Sunbae [term of endearment for a senior colleague or mentor], you can park your car close to the wall over there.”

“Okay.”

“Mom said parking in the garage might be inconvenient for you when you leave, so she told me to have you park there.”

Having arrived at Euijin’s house, Taekyung finished parking and got out of the car.

Tak-

“This is the house?”

“Yes, this is my parents’ house.”

Walking quite a distance from the car to the gate, Taekyung looked around, surprised by the sheer scale of the place.

The surrounding houses were all large, with high walls, like the homes of chairmen in K-dramas [Korean television dramas].

It suddenly hit Taekyung that Euijin’s parents were the heads of Jeong & Jang Law Firm.

Taekyung wasn’t a lawyer but a doctor, so he didn’t know much about the legal world, but he still knew of Jeong & Jang Law Firm.

Of course, he had never met them or knew what they looked like. They were so famous that it was impossible not to know *of* them.

Their fame was so extraordinary that even ordinary people knew them.

Jeong & Jang was also the first to introduce the concept of a modern law firm to Korea, and even conglomerates with their own legal teams would consult them first when they had problems with individuals or companies.

It was such a prominent firm that it was often used as inspiration for dramas and movies.

What made them even more respected was that they had been upholding the principle that everyone is equal before the law – an obvious but difficult principle to maintain – from the beginning.

They didn’t prioritize connections, money, or power above the law, and they took the lead in providing free legal assistance to people who were poor or unfairly treated.

In other words, they were a law firm that was beyond reproach, a truly ethical law firm.

Jeong & Jang’s reputation, which perfectly embodied the term *noblesse oblige* [the responsibility of privileged people to act with generosity and nobility], was remarkable.

That’s why it had been the most desirable law firm for students from prestigious law schools for several years.

‘Wow! It’s so high.’

Taekyung tilted his head back slightly in front of the gate, and it seemed like he couldn’t see the top of the high wall.

He felt overwhelmed by the prestige of Jeong & Jang and the imposing size of the mansion.

“Hoo!”

He hadn’t been nervous at all while talking happily with Euijin on the way, but suddenly a wave of tension washed over him.

“Do I look okay?”

“You look great. Why? Are you nervous?”

“Yeah. I was fine until just now, but I suddenly got really nervous when I stood in front of the gate.”

“Really?”

Euijin turned her head to the side to check Taekyung’s expression and could see that he was telling the truth.

“Where did all the charisma from the operating room go?”

“I think I left it in the operating room.”

“The great Director Kim Taekyung is nervous. Don’t be nervous.”

“…….”

Taekyung was so nervous that he couldn’t even hear what Euijin was saying right next to him.

“Hello? Mr. Kim Taekyung? Can you hear me?”

“Yes, I can hear you now.”

“That’s a relief.”

“Do you know how I feel right now?”

“How do you feel?”

“I feel like I’ve come to meet a general who sweeps through enemy lines.”

“What does that mean? My dad is a good person.”

“Of course. It’s not that, but I feel overwhelmed by the atmosphere. I don’t even know what I’m saying.”

“I think this is the first time I’ve seen you so nervous, Sunbae.”

“I didn’t know I would be this nervous either.”

In a way, Taekyung’s reaction was understandable. It was his first time meeting his future in-laws, so he couldn’t help but be nervous.

“Shall we take a deep breath? Hoo!”

“Hoo!”

“One more time. Do you feel a little better?”

“A little?”

“Then let’s go in.”

Ding-dong-

-Is that Euijin?

As soon as Euijin pressed the doorbell, a voice answered right away.

“Mom. We’re here.”

-Okay, I opened the door. Come in carefully… Oh my, you? Euijin?

Euijin’s mother, Madam Jang, who had been speaking calmly through the intercom, suddenly sounded urgent.

“Yes?”

-Something happened.

“Why, Mom? What’s wrong?”

-Coco got excited when she heard your voice and ran out. What should we do? Coco, come in. Be careful.

“Okay. I’ll keep an eye on her.”

“Who’s Coco?”

“That’s…”

Just as Euijin was about to answer as she opened the gate,

Woof- Woof-

A golden retriever with golden fur fluttering and a small toy in its mouth ran towards them.

“Coco?”

Woof woof-

Coco was the dog that Euijin’s parents were raising.

“Were you doing well, Coco?”

Woof- Woof woof-

“Coco, sit.”

“Is this friend Coco?”

“Yes. She’s the youngest of our family. Oh, right! Sunbae, are you afraid of dogs?”

“Of course not. I love animals. We raised a puppy when we were young too. You’re very handsome.”

As if Coco recognized Euijin’s partner, she fawned over Taekyung and stuck to him.

“Isn’t she cute?”

“This is the first time I’ve seen such a big dog up close, but she’s really cute.”

“My dad brought her from an abandoned dog shelter, and we’ve been living together for 10 years already.”

“Really? Your father must be very interested in animals.”

“Yes, he consistently volunteers and tries to help poor children if there are any. Coco! No! House!”

As Coco kept sticking to Taekyung and blocking the way, Euijin shouted ‘House!’ and sent her into the house.

“Sunbae, this way.”

As they went up the marble stairs, a beautiful pine tree and a wide yard caught their eyes, and soon Euijin’s mother appeared.

“Euijin, is that you?”

Madam Jang, with her neat bobbed hair and wearing slacks and a blouse, exuded elegance with her graceful tone.

“Mom? We’re here.”

“Welcome. Was the traffic bad?”

“No. It was okay.”

“Nice to meet you, Dr. Kim. Thank you for coming all the way here.”

Madam Jang looked at Taekyung with a warm smile and sincerely welcomed him.

“Hello, Mother. I’m Kim Taekyung. It’s nice to meet you. Thank you for inviting me today.”

“I wanted to meet you, but I’m only meeting you now. We’re more grateful that you took the time to come when you must be busy.”

Madam Jang had sent the housekeeper home early so that Taekyung wouldn’t feel uncomfortable. She also told Euijin’s older sister and brother to come another time.

“Come on in.”

“Yes.”

Madam Jang headed to the kitchen and came out again with tea.

“It’s quince tea. It smells good and is good for the body. Here you go.”

“Thank you. And this…”

“Oh my! What is all this?”

Taekyung, who had taken a sip of tea, handed Madam Jang the baby’s breath flowers and rice cakes he had prepared.

“Sunbae bought them for Mom.”

“Oh my, my! I love baby’s breath the most. Thank you.”

“He said this rice cake was custom-made at the rice cake shop.”

“I see. It’s still warm. There are so many toppings, and it looks delicious just by looking at it. Dad will like it. You didn’t have to buy such precious things when you could have come empty-handed. Thank you so much.”

“It’s nothing, Mother. And please, speak comfortably.”

“I can’t do that as soon as we meet. I’ll speak comfortably little by little.”

“Mom, where’s Dad?”

“Dad had a sudden meeting and is on his way now. He’s probably almost here. Dr. Kim, are you hungry? There wasn’t supposed to be a meeting today. I’m sorry.”

“No. It’s okay.”

“I saw Dr. Kim on TV before I heard the story that you two were dating from my daughter.”

“That’s right. I remember Mom praising Sunbae after seeing the interview.”

“That’s right. I thought, ‘My daughter is working with such a wonderful colleague,’ but I was so surprised when I heard about it later.”

“Really? Were you happy?”

“Of course. That’s why Mom didn’t tell you to go on blind dates anymore.”

“That’s true too.”

“But seeing you today, you’re even more handsome in person. You have a good appearance and a good personality. Your mother must be pleased.”

“It’s nothing. You’re beautiful too, Mother.”

“Oh my, really? Hohoho! You speak so beautifully.”

Contrary to what he had worried about, Taekyung was gradually relaxing in the comfortable atmosphere.

As the three of them were having a friendly conversation about everyday things, the doorbell rang.

-Ding-dong

“Dad’s here.”

At the word ‘Dad,’ Taekyung, who had been sitting down, jumped up and straightened his clothes, following Euijin and Madam Jang naturally towards the front door.

“Dad, are you here?”

“Our daughter’s here? Let’s see. Is it because you’re dating? Your face looks very good.”

With a hearty laugh, Jung Moosuk, who came into the house, greeted Euijin, whom he hadn’t seen in a while, with loving eyes.

“You look good too, Dad.”

“I do. Am I a little late?”

“You made Dr. Kim wait for you without even having dinner yet.”

“I didn’t know there would be a meeting today either. I’m sorry.”

“Say hello to Dr. Kim and change your clothes before coming out. Euijin, let’s set the table with Mom.”

“Yes.”

“Dr. Kim, I’m sorry for making you wait.”

“It’s nothing.”

As Madam Jang and Euijin went into the kitchen and Jung Moosuk moved further into the house, Taekyung, who had been standing in the back, came forward and bowed politely.

“I’m Euijin’s father, Jung Moosuk.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Kim Taekyung.”

“I’ve only heard stories about you, so I was curious, but it’s nice to meet you like this.”

“It’s nice to meet you too.”

Jung Moosuk, who was in his early 60s, with graying hair and wearing a neat suit, wasn’t very tall, but he had a strong presence.

Perhaps because he was a leading figure in the Korean legal profession, he definitely had the air of authority unique to lawyers.

It felt like he had to answer all of Jung Moosuk’s questions with sincerity and honesty, without a hint of falsehood.

“Please, make yourself comfortable, Dr. Kim.”

“I will. By the way, is this our first time meeting?”

“Yes, it’s our first time meeting.”

“Really? That’s strange. I’m quite familiar with you, Dr. Kim.”

“I’ve been on TV before because of an interview.”

“You’re talking about that child abuse case, right?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“I saw that interview too, but that’s not what I meant. You’re speaking as if you’ve never seen *me* before.”

“Pardon?”

As soon as Jung Moosuk finished speaking, Taekyung’s mind went into emergency mode.

He moved his eyes from side to side, wondering if he had ever seen him anywhere.

‘He definitely thinks he’s seen me before.’

‘Where? At a conference? No. I couldn’t have seen him at a conference.’

He was the type to remember people well, so if he had met him, he would have remembered. But no matter how much he thought about it, it seemed like he had never run into him.

“You don’t seem to remember, judging by your expression.”

“Have we met before, Father?”

“Of course. I thought we were close because we even held hands, but I guess you don’t think so.”

‘Held hands?’

Taekyung’s tension, which had been somewhat stable, began to rise again at the words of Jung Moosuk, his girlfriend’s father and future father-in-law.

‘Where did I see him?’

‘Could it be the hospital? No. Then Euijin or I would know.’

He hadn’t done anything wrong, but he felt like sweat was running down his spine for some reason, and as he continued to rack his brain, he heard a hearty laugh.

“Hahaha!”

Jung Moosuk laughed loudly and happily at whatever he found so amusing.

“I’m sorry.”

“Sorry for what? It’s natural that you don’t recognize me.”

“You said you met me, but did I perhaps make a mistake with you at that time…?”

“A mistake? Are you the type of person to make a mistake? You didn’t make a mistake, you made quite an impression.”

An impression. Hearing those words made Taekyung even more confused about what was going on.

“You wouldn’t be able to recognize me in this form.”

“…?”

“Can I go change my clothes for a moment?”

“Of course.”

As Taekyung sat on the sofa and continued to think deeply, Jung Moosuk, who had gone into his room, came out into the living room.