The Genius Decided To Live An Ordinary Life [EN]: Chapter 148

< Child Adult (5) >

The sweltering July, hotter than usual, had quickly passed, and it was now the latter part of the month.

Knock, knock.

The sound of knocking on the vice-chairman’s office door made Hong Ki-joon, who was reviewing documents related to the defense industry, take off his glasses and look up.

“Come in.”

“Vice-Chairman, Deputy Minister Jung Dong-joon is here.”

“Show him in.”

Hong Ki-joon, having organized the documents, checked the time.

There were still 20 minutes left until the appointment.

‘Power is indeed a good thing. A high-ranking official arriving 20 minutes early?’

At Jin-hyuk’s request, he had asked for a comprehensive diagnosis of the Seonggu Bridge.

He had been pressuring them from all sides, saying that time was short and they needed to hurry, but he hadn’t expected the results to come out this quickly.

Deputy Minister Jung Dong-joon, after shaking hands, cautiously opened his mouth.

“It seems the person above is feeling rather uncomfortable.”

It was a remark made with the intention of putting pressure and taking credit, but contrary to Jung Dong-joon’s expectations, Hong Ki-joon’s lips curved into a relaxed smile.

‘Oh my, this guy… He doesn’t even know he’s getting less flak thanks to Jin-hyuk.’

Perhaps Hong Ki-joon’s smile looked like a sneer, Jung Dong-joon pretended not to notice and turned his head, loosening his tie knot.

“Ahem-. The matter that Vice-Chairman Hong requested could be seen as an attempt to kill a competitor-”

“Look here, Deputy Minister Jung.”

Hong Ki-joon’s face became almost expressionless.

It was a look he never showed when dealing with family or friends, a poker face that had given the Hong Ki-joon of his past life the image of a ruthless negotiator.

At Hong Ki-joon’s cold tone, Jung Dong-joon quickly shut his mouth and straightened his back. Although Hong Ki-joon was younger than him, he was the vice-chairman of a group that held sway over South Korea and exerted influence beyond Asia, reaching the world. He was a powerful figure who could not be easily belittled or ignored.

‘I must be patient.’

Hong Ki-joon was now revealing himself as the stronger party.

Logically, no matter how wealthy a conglomerate might be, who would dare to manipulate a government minister? It was possible because this was South Korea, and because it was the Sein Group.

“Where is it that you say is our competitor?”

“I misspoke.”

Deputy Minister Jung lowered his head, reminding himself of who was sitting in the seat of honor.

‘Sein has no competitors.’

In Jung Dong-joon’s eyes, Hong Ki-joon was someone who had suddenly appeared a few years ago and caused a stir in the South Korean business world. Now, he was the de facto owner of the Sein Group, overseeing major businesses ranging from the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of daily necessities to semiconductors, automobiles, construction, telecommunications, and shipbuilding.

‘And he’s also involved in the defense industry.’

Not only that.

A young entrepreneur who had launched a self-developed rocket, drawing the world’s attention. According to unofficial reports, that rocket could carry objects other than satellites. What was even more frightening was that it was possible to control the object launched high into the sky and drop it wherever desired.

‘He’s a monster raising an army within the confines of the law. I don’t know what he did, but he made the US voluntarily lift sanctions and cooperate.’

Of course, because even political power could not access it, they could not uncover the secrets. It wasn’t as if he had committed any illegal acts, and they couldn’t raid and investigate a company that had enhanced the nation’s prestige. Even the VIP had told them to be especially careful of the Sein Group. Not to cooperate, not to investigate, but to ‘be careful’.

In fact, if weaponization was being considered, it was something the country would welcome. What government would dislike it if a domestic company’s technology within its own territory could be of assistance to military power at any time? Even North Korea, which had been engaging in daily local provocations and making outrageous statements, was now lying low like a beaten dog, so the government seemed to be struggling to maintain their composure while trying to suppress their laughter.

“Alright. Let’s talk comfortably. What were the results?”

“The conclusion is that it’s difficult to determine any deficiencies in the construction process. It’s been over 10 years since the completion, and diagnosing the past based on current standards-”

Hong Ki-joon nodded slightly.

It wasn’t because he agreed with the Deputy Minister’s words, but because he understood that he had no choice but to come up with the excuses he had anticipated.

Still, was it reasonable to accept that a bridge meant to last 100 or 200 years would collapse in less than 20 years?

“How is the condition?”

“That is…”

Deputy Minister Jung looked around the large office, where there was no one else, and leaned forward.

In the past, Hong Ki-joon would have leaned in as well, but he remained relaxed on the sofa.

That was the kind of ease that social status and power brought. After all, they were being recorded, and even if they spoke quietly, there was a device that could pick up the sound perfectly.

“…Numerous cracks have been found.”

“And yet, you’re saying it’s not shoddy construction or poor supervision?”

“It’s not that, but that we can’t make an accurate diagnosis now. The passage of overloaded vehicles is also a significant factor. There’s no excuse to offer, especially since we haven’t been able to enforce regulations…”

Deputy Minister Jung took out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his neck. He wondered why it was so hot, even with the air conditioning on.

To Hong Ki-joon, it sounded like an excuse and a realistic reason at the same time.

Whether it was due to a lack of ability or intentional avoidance.

Who could be punished now for a matter where the cause could not be determined? Would the person being punished even be the person in charge at the time?

‘It sounds like they’re saying to cover up the punishment.’

If there was someone who absolutely had to be punished, it was something that could be investigated separately. Hong Ki-joon already had the power and the means to do so.

People must move forward. The same goes for people’s agendas. If they remain in place, both people and philosophies will be abandoned by time and become mere trash.

Hong Ki-joon decided to focus on the fact that no accident had occurred yet. That was why Jin-hyuk had asked him to prevent it in the first place.

“In any case, if cracks have been found, doesn’t that mean there’s a problem with safety?”

“That’s right. It’s our opinion that reconstruction is urgent. However…”

“Feel free to speak your mind.”

Hong Ki-joon, with a more relaxed expression than before, encouraged Deputy Minister Jung, who was hesitating.

“It seems they think there’s a lack of justification. If we go through the various systems and legal procedures, it will take over a year, and if we start reconstruction right away, there will be inconvenience for the citizens…”

Heh-. Hong Ki-joon snorted at the absurd statement.

“What justification is greater than the safety of the citizens? Even if I, Hong Ki-joon, requested the inspection for impure purposes, shouldn’t repairs or reconstruction be carried out if a risk has been identified?”

“The Minister, and also His Excellency…”

Ugh, damn it.

Hong Ki-joon, who had briefly gritted his teeth, forced a smile.

Now, there was only one gentlemanly method left.

“If that’s the case, I’ll make a call.”

“I would be grateful if you would.”

Jung Dong-joon bowed his head. He looked no different from a child being scolded in front of an adult.

Ignoring Jung Dong-joon’s greeting, Hong Ki-joon’s brow furrowed as he tensed his jaw.

‘If even this doesn’t work, then the only option is to destroy it.’

He had asked Moon Seok-il, an expert, about the last resort.

He had said that the most certain and safe method was to block both lanes of traffic in the early morning and blow it up.

Still, he wanted to avoid terrorism disguised as a noble cause. This was a country where the system worked. There were norms that members had to abide by, and Hong Ki-joon had the conscience to follow them.

‘Jin-hyuk must have thought of that because he had no other way. That’s why he came to me.’

He fully understood Jin-hyuk’s feelings.

It was an empathy that the heart of someone who knew the dark future would not be at ease.

As Deputy Minister Jung was leaving the vice-chairman’s office, the secretary handed him a shopping bag containing health supplements.

Jung Dong-joon bowed to the secretary as well and accepted the shopping bag.

Hong Ki-joon, Jung Dong-joon, and the secretary all knew what was inside.

‘Those cheapskates.’

Hong Ki-joon, who had been watching with a displeased expression, was newly impressed.

In his past life, he had merely repeated compromises and conflicts through words, and he had stood on the battlefield with the intention of overwhelming his opponents with the weapon of logic. But after returning, he was finally realizing the power of money and conglomerates. In the face of money, logic was unnecessary.

‘If I had done this sooner in the past.’

Soo-jung wouldn’t have had to go through all that hardship.

It was just a hypothetical. What was the point of regretting the lost time, not the past time? But back then, he didn’t have this much money and power, so even if he had known, nothing would have changed.

‘Soo-jung will live comfortably this time.’

It was also refreshing that Son Jin-hyuk, who had been so mature and adult-like at first, seemed to be getting younger and younger. Come to think of it, Hong Ki-joon himself was also gaining a younger sensibility as time went on.

‘It’s like I’ve rejuvenated. Into a child-adult.’

Or an adult-child? Well, as long as we understand each other.

Jin-hyuk, who was with Hong Soo-jung, looked completely normal and looked like he was the same age, having become a bright, fresh, and respectable teenager.

‘If I just hold on a little longer, I can just maintain the status quo and provide support.’

Besides the fact that his mind, which had been on the verge of breaking, had found stability after talking openly with Jin-hyuk, Hong Ki-joon was also finding his ease. As he had gained an overwhelming advantage in the economic ecosystem, to the point where the world praised his moves as being close to prescience, he no longer needed to engage in complex calculations of gains and losses like before. The hardship of untangling the complex web of threads had disappeared, and all that was left was to keep moving forward.

Having seized power and carried out his will, and having outstripped his competitors, he was finally able to enjoy the privileges of a regressor with information.

He also began to think that it was time to step down from the central stage.

‘I can endure it well enough now, but I’ll be able to rest comfortably soon.’

Time flies.

The children would grow up quickly, and the world would change even faster thanks to Hong Ki-joon’s efforts. Now, he intended to invest in people and wait for the day to pass the baton to the next runner.

The thought of the not-too-distant future made his heart lighter.

Hong Ki-joon leaned back on the sofa and picked up the still-warm coffee cup.

‘By the way, Soo-jung is more of a fox than Se-ra.’

He had told her that since her mother had to take care of the baby and her father was busy, Hong Soo-jung could go visit her jailbird brother during the vacation, even if she had to go alone. But Hong Soo-jung shook her head with her eyes closed, like a meditating hermit.

She said she shouldn’t be too easy? Even though her mother was a quirky and greedy person, she had never refused Hong Ki-joon’s requests or provoked emotional fights. That’s why they say the student surpasses the master.

Yet, Hong Soo-jung didn’t always maintain a cold demeanor.

She was showing what push and pull was all about, and her courage had grown as much as her height.

‘Son Jin-hyuk, you’re going to have a hard time.’

Hehehe.

Hong Ki-joon smiled like a demon, recalling the fresh scene the two had created at his son’s first birthday party.

***

The day before the start of vacation, Jin-hyuk opened the window and reviewed the training camp plan.

“For physical training and improving cardiopulmonary endurance, we’ll do mountain climbing, and should I add Chicken Johnson Jr. Oh Se-do to the start training? That doesn’t seem right. Chicken Johnson is no match for a middle schooler. Recovery training will start in the second week. I need to make them feel the pain to make training worthwhile…”

Mutter, mutter.

He had developed a new habit.

He would mutter to himself as if he were having a conversation, even when no one was listening. Recently, when his concentration was waning and his head was getting complicated, he would do so without realizing it.

“I can’t get organized.”

Thump-. Jin-hyuk, who had been tapping on the keyboard, threw the window wide open.

Woof woof woof woof woof-!

The sound of the neighborhood dogs barking, spreading through the night sky, sounded like music.

‘It’s still strangely pounding.’

That was probably due to the influence of the two Hong Soo-jungs, from his past life and his current life.

He gently placed his hand over his heart.

After Hong Soo-hyuk’s first birthday party, before going down to the countryside, Jin-hyuk had mustered his courage.

He had decided to practice the truth that one must lower oneself to find fruit and reap a harvest. If he lowered himself, he would now be shorter than Hong Soo-jung, but that wasn’t important.

While living in the present, Jin-hyuk had lived longing for the Hong Soo-jung of his past life.

But now, he knew that she was from a lost time, a person who did not exist.

‘She’s someone I can’t even meet, so wasn’t my obsession just my own…’

He decided to focus on his current life.

Now, the time he had spent with the grown-up Hong Soo-jung, who had been a little kid, flashed before his eyes.

From the time she had cried, saying she wouldn’t be separated from her jailbird brother, to the time she had fallen into the stream and struggled, desperately looking for her brother.

He had no intention of harboring any lewd thoughts, nor was he interested in them.

He just wanted to find the mischievous Hong Soo-jung who had stuck to him like glue and filled a corner of his empty heart. Because she was a person who existed in reality, not in his memories, and filled a piece of Jin-hyuk’s life.

‘Take responsibility for the era you’ve stepped into.’

He recalled the teachings that Yoo Myung-sun had given to Son Gwang-yeon.

He knelt on one knee and spread his arms wide.

It was a farewell gesture to the drunk Hong Soo-jung and a gesture of reconciliation from jailbird brother Son to the little Hong Soo-jung.

‘I mustn’t close my eyes. I mustn’t be ashamed.’

It was a heart that wouldn’t be bothered by anyone pointing fingers.

He was a shameless person who didn’t care about the opinions of others, but strangely, his face was burning.

By simply sending a desperate gaze, Jin-hyuk showed that he was sincere.

“Soo-jung… If I go, we won’t see each other for a long time.”

“…”

Hong Soo-jung, who had been about to rush in without thinking, stopped, her eyes wide. It was a self-control that seemed impossible in this world.

Hong Soo-jung clenched her fists tightly and briefly looked around.

There were many eyes watching.

Her mother had said that if she just looked at her jailbird brother and acted like a crazy woman, her jailbird brother would get tired of her. She had also said that a woman should be proud and aloof, and that she should be able to make men so lovesick that they would die.

‘If they’re sick, they should go to the hospital.’

She looked at her jailbird brother again.

The giant’s moist, shining eyes were smiling only at her.

They were warm and kind eyes that were too precious to send to the hospital.

Hong Soo-jung’s mouth opened without her realizing it.

‘Oh well, whatever.’

But she would still act carefully and primly.

Even when Yoo Se-ra’s mom was eating a pig’s leg bone in front of her dad, she didn’t seem very aloof.

Heo-o-o-.

Jin-hyuk let out a long sigh and gently placed his hand on the shoulder where the Seoul kid had rested her chin. He also reached out and carefully touched the back that Hong Soo-jung had patted. He felt as if he could feel the elasticity of the drunk Hong Soo-jung through his fingertips.

– “Oppa, don’t be sick.”

It was a random thing to say, but the voice that whispered only to him made his neck tingle.

The past he had directly experienced was gradually fading, but there were some beings he could never forget. Because the voice of the drunk Hong Soo-jung had overlapped, Jin-hyuk’s lips curled up on their own.

He even stomped his feet for no reason. In the future, they would call it a blanket kick, but the underlying meaning was different. Anyway, it was a natural action that came out because his side was tingling as if he was being electrocuted if he didn’t do something like this.

Hehehe-.

Suddenly, he burst out laughing like a fool.

He was someone who always thought about what to do next and made plans, but now that vacation was starting and he had to start training camp right away, he couldn’t concentrate at all.

He was even confused about who he was thinking about right now.

“Oh my, why am I like this?”

Hehehehehe-.

He hugged the Azzi Bear that Yoo-jin had left behind and put a triangle choke on the doll’s waist. The Azzi Bear’s belly, unable to withstand Jin-hyuk’s leg strength, bulged out like a 50-year-old manager’s beer belly.

***

That night.

It had been a long time since he had had such a vivid dream.

A dream of carrying the drunk Hong Soo-jung, who was excitedly stomping her feet, and walking through the cool night streets.

He had been longing for her so much, so he was grateful that she had appeared even in his dreams.

The empty streets were filled with fog instead of people or cars.

‘Oppa, what’s your dream?’

‘Oppa, are you impotent?’

He had been so lenient, and now she was crossing the line even in his dreams.

He tried to answer, but his lips wouldn’t move no matter how hard he tried, and Jin-hyuk’s shoulders trembled with regret.

‘Is now better?’

‘Don’t you want to see me, Oppa?’

Now, he could speak up with courage.

He had become someone who knew that he shouldn’t hesitate.

‘Now is good, but I want to see you. There hasn’t been a day that I’ve forgotten you.’

He had been feeling sorry for her all along, as if he was the only one living happily.

As he managed to pull out his strength and answer in his heart, a groan came from his sleeping body.

At that moment, his shoulder became lighter, and the drunk Hong Soo-jung disappeared like smoke.

In the thick fog that wrapped around him like a blanket, he was once again alone, as always, and looked around the night streets in confusion.

There was nothing more familiar than standing alone, but it was a strange thing. The coldness of the city center, which had surged in like a tidal wave and constricted his heart, was unfamiliar and yet unfamiliar.

The Son Jin-hyuk of his past life had never properly lived a life as a child and had ended up remaining a child. He had only accumulated the numerical value of age according to the instructions of the clock and calendar.

Then, was this soul that had returned a child or an adult?

A voice was heard from somewhere.

‘Oppa, don’t be sick.’

In the place where the sound was heard, the little Hong Soo-jung was looking up at Jin-hyuk.

Not to be outdone, Director Hong Soo-jung asked from behind him.

‘How long are you going to remain a child?’

It was what Director Hong Soo-jung had said to Jin-hyuk when he was secretly taking out black and white photos.

He stopped his body, which was instinctively trying to turn around on its own.

It was because he knew that it was time to move forward.

He already knew that he shouldn’t remain a child of the past.

‘Just until today…’

The closed eyelids fluttered.