The Genius Decided To Live An Ordinary Life [EN]: Chapter 1

The Genius Decided to Live Normally – 1 (1/338)

# 1

It was a successful life.

That was the general assessment. Starting his career as a contract employee, he steadily climbed the corporate ladder, moving through key affiliates after being promoted to a permanent position. And now, he held the position of team leader in a core department of the group.

Some dismissed it as insignificant or absurd, reacting with hysterical outbursts. To those many somewhere out there, his longtime friend said plainly,

“Those are just idiots who’ve never actually worked in the real world.”

“······.”

Above all, Son Jinhyuk was unmarried. His few friends envied him most for that. After all, wasn’t a life envied by friends the most successful life?

Whew-.

Having finished his run of about 20km, he stepped off the treadmill and caught his breath.

After showering, he checked his smartphone in the locker room and narrowed his eyes.

「25 Missed Calls」

He preferred to use private facilities rather than the company gym because he liked being alone, and he didn’t carry his devices because he hated the hassle. There was only one person who would call so desperately without leaving a text or message. Just as he was about to return the call, his smartphone vibrated.

It was the 26th call.

“Yes, Director Hong.”

– Erulululuebebe-.

A woman with slurred speech on the other end of the line was babbling.

“Understood.”

Having reached the point of understanding her gibberish, his mind was as clear as still water, even when his superior called during his free time.

***

Stepping into the bar, Son Jinhyuk quickly scanned the room for Director Hong Sujeong. There she was, on a high chair in front of the bartender, always sitting alone. The woman who owned a hotel, why was she drinking alone in another place? She must have sent her secretary and bodyguards away.

Her bangs and bobbed hair found Jinhyuk and her bleary eyes focused.

“Team Leader is here, huh-?”

Her disheveled hair made her look like a woman who had just been in a hair-pulling fight. If only she wouldn’t squint her eyes like that. Why were all drunk people so similar?

“Iguba, iguba-. You said you’d come-.”

“Haha! That’s right. I lost again, guest.”

Jinhyuk ignored Hong Sujeong, who was pointing at the bartender, and exchanged a nod with the bartender, whom he had unintentionally become acquainted with.

Hong Sujeong tapped the empty chair, looking at Jinhyuk.

“Did that woman drink-?”

If only she could pronounce things properly.

Jinhyuk perched on the chair and answered as if muttering.

“Not yet. I just finished exercising.”

“Aigoo, our Team Leader must be hungry. Mister, do you have ramen here?”

She was really something. Jinhyuk raised his palm towards the bartender, who was smiling awkwardly, and said, his teeth clenched.

“It’s okay. Let’s just finish this and go.”

“Yeees, sure-.”

Even in her drunken state, Hong Sujeong answered as if she was annoyed.

There was one bottle of whiskey on the counter. Had she drunk three glasses? There was still a lot left.

Jinhyuk held up two fingers to the bartender and raised his eyebrows. The bartender smiled sheepishly and held up one finger.

‘I’ll end up drinking it all again today.’

The remaining alcohol could be kept, but Hong Sujeong was adamant about finishing it once it was opened. Even though she couldn’t handle her liquor.

The only daughter of the chairman of the Sein Group. Hong Sujeong, then twenty-nine, joined the Sein Heavy Industries field office as an employee, and that’s how their relationship began. Jinhyuk was a contract assistant manager, and Hong Sujeong’s mentor. It was the chairman’s order that she learn from someone who could properly teach her in a rough environment.

Everyone was cautious and watched Hong Sujeong’s every move, but Jinhyuk was different. He severely scolded his junior for minor mistakes and took the lead in resolving major issues.

Jinhyuk’s message was simple.

– “If you’re going to work, do it properly.”

Ignoring the bonus and special hiring conditions offered by the chairman, Jinhyuk silently focused on his work.

In Hong Sujeong’s eyes, everyone in the organization relied on Jinhyuk.

Perhaps that was why. Hong Sujeong also began to rely on Jinhyuk. Every time she was promoted and moved to another affiliate, she would entice Jinhyuk with honey… no, with honey to be her assistant.

It was too big and sweet of a honey to refuse.

“I was able to climb this high so quickly thanks to you, Team Leader.”

Even after a few drinks, Hong Sujeong spoke quite clearly for some reason. Though she was still leaning forward with a flushed face.

“That’s not true. It’s all thanks to you, Director.”

“Aish-, what did I even do-.”

Unlike the upright Jinhyuk, Hong Sujeong was swaying as if she would fall off the chair at any moment.

“It’s because you brought me here, Director.”

Hong Sujeong blinked her cat-like eyes, pondering what this meant.

It can be said that it is your merit for recognizing me. Jinhyuk’s lips curved into a slight smile, liking his own humor and finding Hong Sujeong’s reaction cute.

“Oh! Ooh-! You smiled! You smiled!”

It was understandable that she was surprised, as he was a man whose smile was rarely seen. Hong Sujeong, who had been desperately pointing, finally collapsed. It was a wonder how a woman whose face turned red after just one drink had lasted this long. Between them, a 700ml bottle of whiskey was now empty.

*

“Can I call you oppa [an honorific term used by younger females to address older males]?”

No.

“Oppa, do you know why my nickname is the Great Magician?”

I do.

“Oppa, are you into ggumi [a Korean term for ‘dream’]?”

Hong Sujeong, dangling her legs while being carried on Jinhyuk’s back, kept chattering.

Dream.

‘Did I ever have a dream?’

Was it called a dream to have something you wanted to do, something you wanted to become? Jinhyuk was multi-talented, but he was someone who couldn’t dream of anything. It seemed he had only read, memorized, and done well on tests. That was all he could do.

‘Though I dropped out of college.’

He wanted to live normally.

It was okay if he wasn’t successful, he just wanted to live at least similarly to his other friends.

There was a time when Jinhyuk lived as a playful child, loved by his parents.

Mom, Dad······.

“Oppa, do you like running that much?”

I do. Running was the only thing that made him feel alive. He had to run until he was out of breath to feel his heart pounding.

Ignoring Hong Sujeong, who was chattering and dangling her legs like an excited person, he walked silently.

“Oppa, are you impotent?”

I indulged her, and now she’s crossing the line.

Should I do a backward fall while carrying her? Jinhyuk muttered.

“Oppa.”

Someone with a social position shouldn’t be calling a subordinate ‘oppa’. Human relationships were a field difficult for Jinhyuk, who spent a lot of time alone, to understand.

“Ah, oppaaaa-.”

When there was no answer, Hong Sujeong shook her legs violently.

“Yes.”

“Do you want to eat ramen?”

This wasn’t the first time. It was like she had a grudge against ramen, always talking about it whenever she drank. She claimed she was addicted to ramen because of her long study abroad, but there was no reliable evidence other than her own claim. Is that why she’s a director?

“We’re at the hotel. Let’s eat ramen next time.”

The hotel staff, who recognized Hong Sujeong, rushed out. After putting her down and putting on her heels, the little girl suddenly grew taller. After confirming she was in her room, he asked the manager to keep it quiet.

“Please make sure this doesn’t get out.”

“Yes, of course.”

It wasn’t the first or second time, so the staff would take care of it.

He sat on a chair in the hotel lobby to cool off. It was the season when the cold wind started to blow, and it would be a problem if he caught a cold after going out with his body still heated up.

He took out a photo from his wallet.

He pointed at the people in the photo one by one.

‘Mom, Dad, me, Janggun [a common Korean name for dogs].’

He had never called them mother and father.

They had left too early, leaving behind their young son.

His mother, who was more beautiful and kind than anyone in the world.

His father, who was more handsome and gentle than a movie star.

‘I’ll go see you tomorrow.’

The wind blew into his eyes, blurring the photo.

He put it back in his wallet and left the hotel. The cold wind that wrapped around his body like a cloak was not unpleasant. He shook his broad shoulders once, carelessly shaking it off.

***

Jinhyuk went to work early again today.

His day began by checking the progress of the projects of the team members who were PMs [Project Managers] for major group projects. As he was meticulously checking each one, the head of the department’s secretary brought him coffee. He had told them it wasn’t necessary, but they did it every day, saying it was an order from the head of the department.

The scent of coffee calmed his mind.

He electronically signed the team leader confirmation section of the reports submitted by the team members.

It was still earlier than regular working hours, so he took some time to check his personal assets. He was thinking of selling his officetel [a studio apartment used as both an office and a residence], and his assets, including stocks and savings, totaled 4 billion won.

The small piece of land that his father had built, which he barely managed to keep, he would leave as it was since he would have to go down to live there······.

‘If I exercise the stock options and combine them, it would be about 6 billion won.’

It was enough assets to live quietly alone.

It seemed like it was time to buy a car.

That would be good if he was going to live in the countryside.

“Good morning!”

“Good morning.”

There were still 40 minutes left. Team members began to arrive one by one. Masters, PhDs, and even team members who had been heads of overseas corporations. They were all talented individuals with skills and experience. There were even two team members who had higher positions than the team leader.

There were team members who had been lost and wandering, but after Jinhyuk’s training and management, they had grown into planners who could hold their own anywhere. He felt relieved thinking that they would help Hong Sujeong well even after he left.

It wasn’t a world where anyone could succeed just because they had a brilliant mind. Jinhyuk did not deny that Hong Sujeong was behind his success. He was also aware that Hong Sujeong relied on him. Therefore, it was not easy to declare his early retirement.

But it was something he had decided. To leave the secular world and live reminiscing about his childhood, when he was loved by his mom and dad. That was Jinhyuk’s remaining plan. If someone asked for a reason, he planned to say it was the choice of a man with no motivation and depleted passion.

“Team Leader, Director has arrived.”

“Ah, okay. Thank you.”

It was the head of the department’s secretary, who came all the way to tell him even though there was a messenger.

He put on his jacket and followed the secretary.

When he entered the head of the department’s office, Hong Sujeong was sitting upright and smiling awkwardly.

“Ahem! Team Leader, about yesterday-.”

“The report on the diversification of the electronic overseas corporation business, led by Manager Min Yongrak, should have been approved.”

“Ah, yes.”

Nothing had happened yesterday, it was just another day like any other.

Jinhyuk, whose emotions had been suppressed and senses dulled, had no intention of making an issue of it.

It wasn’t something that happened once or twice.

“Um-, there’s a regular C-level meeting today······.”

“It’s already that time. Understood.”

There was no need for long explanations.

For some reason, Hong Sujeong was reluctant to meet her father, Chairman Hong Gijun. It was as if she was rebelling. So, Son Jinhyuk attended the high-level executive meetings instead, and Chairman Hong Gijun didn’t make an issue of it.

“I’m sorry, every time.”

“It’s okay. Then-.”

He bowed lightly and left the head of the department’s office.

It seemed like he should go to his parents’ graves tomorrow on the first bus. He could buy sikhye [a traditional Korean sweet rice drink] in his hometown, and he wondered if there were any dried mudskippers in the freezer. His parents, who didn’t drink alcohol, liked sikhye.

“Manager Min, I’m going to the hotel, so let the team members leave work early.”

“Yes! Have a good weekend, Team Leader!”

Manager Min Yongrak answered playfully and with a salute. He was someone who had been the head of an overseas corporation and the head of the legal team. He had been in danger of being dismissed after losing a consumer compensation lawsuit, but Jinhyuk had brought him onto his team. He was over fifty and had a higher position than Jinhyuk, but he never ignored him just because he was a younger team leader with a lower rank.

Above all, he showed enthusiasm for his work, saying he would burn his last flame.

Jinhyuk handed over a shopping bag that was under his desk.

“Please tell your wife happy birthday. I’m counting on you, Manager.”

“Aigoo! Every time, what should I do-. Hehehe, thank you.”

Jinhyuk was the most rigid person in the world, but he took care of his people for sure.

***

There were a few executives who were younger than Jinhyuk.

However, the eyes of the executive board were focused on Jinhyuk. He exuded an aura like a movie star, standing out among the presidents and executives without revealing his presence.

The CEO of Sein Networks, who was known for being reckless, nudged Jinhyuk’s arm.

“How’s it going with Director Hong?”

“What······.”

“Aheyy-, don’t be so coy.”

It must be because of the rumors that they were going in and out of the hotel together.

Finally, the car carrying the chairman arrived, and the executives straightened their clothes.

Everyone bowed deeply, but Jinhyuk only bowed politely but lightly.

Since he was tall, he stood out even from afar.

“Hehe-, our group’s real power is here.”

Chairman Hong Gijun approached Jinhyuk, patted him on the back, and pulled his arm.

As the two of them entered, chatting amicably, the people left behind whispered.

“See, he’s been chosen as the son-in-law.”

“How much would he miss his daughter who divorced in less than a month? It’s already been over 10 years.”

“It wasn’t a divorce, Director Hong broke it off!”

“Anyway, he’s seventy, so it seems like he’s preparing to hand over the management rights to his daughter.”

“Isn’t he trying to hand it over to his son-in-law? Chairman Hong also inherited his father-in-law’s business.”

“Now that I hear it, that’s true. It might even become a group tradition.”

Who said that when men get old, their yang energy goes to their mouths?

That was indeed a true statement.

***

After the meeting, cold rain was pouring down from the dark sky.

The executives lined up in front of the hotel to see the chairman off.

Chairman Hong Gijun’s car stopped in front of Jinhyuk, and the window of the VIP seat went down.

“Team Leader Son doesn’t have a car, right? It’s raining, so let’s go together in my car.”

Even though they were going in different directions, the fact that he was insisting on riding together meant that he had something important to say.

Even Jinhyuk, who was indifferent to others, had that much sense.

“Yes, then.”

Manager Kim, who was the driver, quickly got out and opened the rear door of the driver’s seat.

He bowed to Manager Kim and got into the car.

As the car carrying Jinhyuk began to roll, the executives’ backs bent in unison.

Although it wasn’t a greeting for him, he felt strange receiving the executives’ send-off.

“Manager Kim, it’s raining and it’s nice, let’s take a longer route.”

“Yes, Chairman.”

What was he trying to say? There was an expected topic, but he didn’t bother to predict it. Because he had his own plans.

They talked about many things.

Then, Chairman Hong Gijun asked a sudden question.

“Did you have a dream?”

The chairman’s gaze was fixed on the car window where the raindrops were falling.

‘I wanted to live normally.’

Jinhyuk silently placed his hand on the thin wallet in his pocket.

There was only one photo in the wallet.

Then, Chairman Hong Gijun took Jinhyuk’s right hand with both of his hands. It was a soft and warm hand. Before he could even count how long it had been since he had felt such warmth, Chairman Hong Gijun opened his mouth.

“You might······.”

Here it comes.

He didn’t have the courage to refuse in front of the old man. Should he ask for time to think? This felt like his remaining life was going to be twisted.

“I’ve already talked to my daughter’s mother······.”

Even the mother was involved.

Just as Chairman Hong Gijun was cautiously getting to the point.

“Our daughter-.”

CRASH-!

SCREEEEECH-!

With a loud noise, the car shook and his body was thrown violently.

Jinhyuk instinctively reached out his arm to prevent the old chairman from being impacted.

***

It felt like he had been lying down for a very long time.

Why was his cheek wet? Jinhyuk muttered to himself.