The Genius Decided To Live An Ordinary Life [EN]: Chapter 163

*

Despite the summer camp being plagued by undercooked pork in the heat, the athletes recovered in less than three days. It was truly a miracle.

Though not a complete transformation, the children were full of energy.

“That punk’s acne has completely disappeared.”

“Really? Does it go away when you’re sick?”

“…Instead, his eyes have sunk in.”

Although it was a short time, they deliberately skipped the mountain running training, concerned about the joint injuries of their friends who had been ill.

Instead, they focused on training to strengthen their quadriceps, such as squats and lunges.

In the final week, they only repeated track training, focusing on baton passes for the relay and drills to improve instantaneous speed.

Run, record, rest.

Run again, record again.

As Kim Young-tae had taught them, the training focused on synchronizing their breathing rather than shortening their times.

“It feels like my body is just about to warm up, but not quite…”

“Ah, I’m out of breath.”

It was the most difficult training because they had to do repeated sprints, it wasn’t fun because they couldn’t run to their heart’s content, and they were on edge about dropping the baton.

There was a reason why it was included as the final process.

Finally, the long training camp was over.

“You’ve all worked hard. There’s less than a week left of vacation. Now go home and rest a bit. Take care of yourselves.”

They had also completed the exam papers given as vacation homework, so the friends could truly rest.

“When you sleep, lie straight; when you sit, keep your back and shoulders straight; when you walk, stick out your chest, and don’t lower your head too much.”

If someone else had said those words in a different situation, they would have been just annoying nagging. But the children didn’t let a single word go in one ear and out the other. Because it was the last nagging they would hear.

“I have to go. I have to see my grandma too…”

“I have to go, but…”

“…They were building a grass soccer field at the Sein Training Center over there.”

When would they ever be able to do such difficult yet enjoyable training again?

Where else could they eat delicious food to their heart’s content and laugh together?

Who else would create such a comfortable space for teenagers going through puberty without nagging?

“I was jealous of that Boy Scout thing back in elementary school, but now I’m not jealous at all.”

“Jin-hyuk, I hope we can have a campfire in the yard next summer vacation too.”

“…Thank you, president.”

That wasn’t what he had expected to hear.

Even the friends who were initially horrified eventually showed that they were enjoying it, and that was enough for Jin-hyuk. But in the end, their regretful expressions gave him a greater sense of accomplishment than any past project.

“Thank you for doing so well until the end. All of you.”

Even Jin-hyuk, who believed in numbers, became completely overwhelmed in this moment and was immersed in unfamiliar emotions.

The children, carrying long basketball bags, moved their feet with heavy steps.

Their legs were full of energy, but their steps were strangely heavy.

Moon Seok-il offered to give them a ride, but the children chose the bus.

‘Maybe they have a lot to talk about on the way.’

Wouldn’t this become a heroic tale for them?

Without a doubt, it would be a memory they would never forget for the rest of their lives.

After seeing his friends off, Jin-hyuk trudged back home.

Observing the unquenchable regret aiming at his heart.

“Oppa-, Jung-won is talking!”

Yu-jin, who was holding the baby from behind, raised her voice, worried that Jung-won might fall off the porch.

“Eung-ah-.”

“Wahaha-, did our baby call you ‘hyung’ [older brother]?”

Jin-hyuk quickly ran over and picked up Jung-won.

The cicadas, which had been crying as if the sky was falling, stopped their chorus at Jin-hyuk’s loud laughter, which had no trace of regret.

“Do it again, do it again.”

“Ae-boo-.”

“No, that’s not it.”

“Ae-boo-.”

“That’s not it- hahahahaha!”

Jung-won, who was high in the air, only flailed his arms and legs, not saying the words his brother wanted to hear.

But what did it matter?

“Jung-won, you can grow up slowly.”

“That’s right. Jung-won, grow up slowly. Let’s play with your sister.”

“Ae-boo-.”

The terribly hot summer was coming to an end.

But that didn’t mean it was really over.

***

Jang-gun took his place under the oak tree again today.

The shade of the tree blocked the sunlight, and the moist soil cooled his belly.

Fleas would gather, but Son Wang-wang would catch them, so there was nothing to worry about.

Son Wang-wang liked catching fleas, and a dog had to endure fleas to be loved.

Jang-gun was a smart dog, so he was capable of such strategic thinking.

Squeak-, cough-!

It was terribly bitter.

Jang-gun, who had gone hunting with Hong-si, came back with a mouthful of useless, bitter-tasting grass.

It was a long story, but it was because of Chun-ma and Gwang-ma.

Grrr-.

It was also because of that damn old man Chun Ong-ong.

Anyway, Chun-ma and Gwang-ma, after getting a sip of the grass juice from Son Wang-wang, suddenly changed.

Woof-.

They had become mad dogs.

The reason why Jang-gun hid under the oak tree was none other than this.

Those guys didn’t even look at this tree, and when he called them, they tucked their tails and ran away. Stupid guys. Anyway, for Jang-gun, who had been subjected to insubordination, it was a suitable hiding place.

Jang-gun turned his head and looked at the house wistfully.

Gwang-ma on the first floor, Chun-ma on the second floor.

It was a place that Jang-gun had ruled until a few days ago.

Hong-si was also kicked out with her mother.

Squeak-.

My daughter is having a hard time.

Hong-si was bitten on the butt and lost a clump of fur while protecting Jang-gun from the two’s joint attack.

Squeak- squeak-.

Hong-si was crying, perhaps because of the sorrow of losing her home.

Huff huff-. Crunch crunch-.

Even if it was bitter and tasteless, he had to eat it.

It was inevitable if he wanted to fight those guys, reclaim his home, and restore Jang-gun’s spirit.

Cough cough cough-.

Following the bitter smell carried by the wind, Jang-gun finally found motherwort at Jo Kkaeng-kkaeng’s house and stole it to eat with Hong-si.

If Son Wang-wang had been there, he would have helped Jang-gun.

The child, who had been staying at home for a while, had put on his bag again and didn’t come home yesterday.

Woof-.

Son Wang-wang wasn’t the type to abandon his home, and Jang-gun was worried that he might not come back.

No matter what, he was his best friend.

– “Hyung [older brother] is going to a competition, so take good care of the house.”

Even if he didn’t understand other words, he understood the words to guard the house.

Even without the child’s request, Jang-gun would protect this place.

Because it was the world that Jang-gun ruled.

That’s why he wanted to go find the child, but he was holding back. Just like he did a few years ago.

When Jang-gun and the child were small, he still drooled when he remembered the days they slept in the yard, hugging each other affectionately. That’s why he was waiting, not because of loyalty or anything.

Anyway, he couldn’t just wait for the child to come.

Because Jang-gun was an independent dog who didn’t rely on humans or offer loyalty.

He had to overcome this difficulty on his own.

To do that, he had to chew and swallow this bitter and tasteless grass.

Chun-ma and Gwang-ma had also become fearless dogs after swallowing the juice from this grass.

Grrr-.

It was terribly bitter.

If he were alone, he might consider living as a subordinate, but he couldn’t do that because of Hong-si. How much would Hong-si suffer if Jang-gun died later and she was left alone?

Looking at Son Meong-meong [a generic name for a dog], even stupid and insignificant humans lived hard for their descendants, so Jang-gun, a high-class dog, couldn’t live worse than a human.

It seemed like he had eaten enough.

He had eaten all the stolen motherwort.

Oh, next time, he should eat it when the child gives it to him.

The saying that it’s better to drink green juice first wasn’t for nothing.

Woof!

Let’s go, daughter!

With Jang-gun’s cry, two dogs, one big and one small, charged.

To end the unexpected festival and regain the old glory of the high-class dog.

Woof woof woof-!

Come on, you bastards!

*

Bark bark-!

Grrr-!

It was time to bare their teeth and bark fiercely.

Chun-ma and Gwang-ma rolled their eyes and dripped saliva.

Green juice, like green blood, dripped from Jang-gun and Hong-si’s mouths.

The battle would be decided by which bastard bit the other bastard’s neck or head first.

While Hong-si kept the two in check, Jang-gun loitered around, looking for an opportunity.

This way, that way. Here and there.

He wasn’t trying to be cocky.

It was the movement of a fierce beast keenly targeting the enemy’s weak point.

That’s when it happened.

Thud-.

“Oh my goodness! You kids, what’s wrong!”

Mrs. Han Aeng-aeng from the house next door ran over with wide eyes.

Usually, when dogs fight, humans are too scared to approach, but the fact that she ran over like that meant she wasn’t afraid.

Jang-gun was a smart dog, so he knew that too.

This was an opportunity!

A smart dog should know how to take advantage of an opportunity.

Whimper-! Whimper-!

Jang-gun did his best to act pitiful.

He whimpered as loudly as possible towards the sky while glancing sideways.

Once at Han Aeng-aeng, once at Chun-ma, once at Han Aeng-aeng, once at Gwang-ma.

Good, the lady’s face turned scary.

Even Son Meong-meong couldn’t do anything when she made that face.

“Which one of you was bullying our Jang-gun!”

Wow! What a great line.

The lady picked up a broom and ran at Gwang-ma.

He had heard humans say that Gwang-ma looked the scariest.

He was the gentlest of them all, so were humans really that stupid?

“You guys! You bad guys!”

Whimper-! Squeak-!

Chun-ma and Gwang-ma were swept away like fallen leaves by the broom the lady swung.

Those guys were also acting pretty pitiful.

The broom hit the ground, so why were they making such dying noises?

Squeak-!

Oh, Hong-si! Hong-si, who was mindlessly guarding her spot, got hit on the butt.

Hong-si is on my side!

With the help of the timely intervention of reinforcements, they achieved a one-sided victory.

Jang-gun quickly went up to the second floor and declared to Chun-ma and Gwang-ma, who had run far away.

Woof woof woof-!

This is my house, you bastards!

Woof woof-!

Did Chun Ong-ong tell you to do this!

Woof woof woof-!

Come in. Come in! Come on in! You country bumpkins!

An unexpected variable had appeared, but that was also something Jang-gun had anticipated.

Really.

Jang-gun was a smart dog, so he was capable of that level of strategic prediction.

***

“Oh my, my shoulder hurts from swinging the broom.”

Han Yu-young smiled awkwardly at Yu Tae-hwa, who had been standing by in case of an unforeseen accident. She was rotating her shoulder.

Yu Tae-hwa just encouraged the hero with a smile.

“I’m scared of dogs, but madam, you’re amazing.”

Jang Jin-nam, who had been peeking out from behind the front door, clicked his tongue.

“Even if I’m scared, what can I do? It’s my house, so I have to keep order. Those bad guys must have been bullying Jang-gun because he’s small.”

Before going into the house, she glanced back and saw Chun-ma and Gwang-ma lying flat behind a tree, watching her. Hong-si had gone into the house and was quietly grooming her fur, and Jang-gun was barking like crazy, but the sound and rhythm were reminiscent of celebratory fireworks. It was a joyful sound.

‘Well, it’ll be okay. Even good kids suddenly bark and fight.’

Han Yu-young spent her day like any other ordinary housewife.

Seeing her husband off to work, sending her daughter to kindergarten, feeding her baby son baby food. And breaking up dog fights with a broom….

She thought about spraying water, but she didn’t have time, and she was worried that it would splash on Jang-gun, who hated water. All dogs were cute and admirable, but Jang-gun was special.

She also shared news with her sister, with whom she had been talking on the phone every day since their reunion.

After realizing there was no hope of recovery, Hwang Young-mo, who had refused hospital treatment, was taken to the hospital by the people Han Yu-young had sent, and the doctor had been tight-lipped.

Han Yu-young thought it was a relief that Kim Eung-nyeo’s voice wasn’t too subdued, even though she often sighed.

“Shouldn’t you go see him?”

Jang Jin-nam, who was having tea with her, asked carefully.

As someone who had seen Hwang Young-mo in person, he knew that his life was short. Of course, he didn’t know the details of what had happened.

“It’s better not to go. My sister wants that too.”

Kim Eung-nyeo had also politely dissuaded Han Yu-young from visiting, saying that the escort of the family members was enough for the path of a sinful scoundrel. Along with the words that this insignificant human should not consider Han Yu-young’s visit as forgiveness and die in peace.

“They say Jin-hyuk is doing well.”

When Yu Tae-hwa, who had noticed Han Yu-young’s dark eyes, changed the subject, Han Yu-young’s face brightened as if nothing had happened. Yu Tae-hwa was the person who had been with her the longest after her family for several years, and he knew that Han Yu-young always smiled when talking about her son, so it wasn’t difficult for Yu Tae-hwa to observe Han Yu-young’s feelings and induce change.

Her son Jin-hyuk, who had participated in the provincial track and field competition, had been reported to have passed the preliminaries in the 100m, 200m, and relay. According to a phone call with Min Yong-rak, who had accompanied him, he had no rivals, especially in the 100m and 200m.

“He’s very disappointed.”

“Is it because the relay record didn’t come out as he wanted?”

Han Yu-young shook her head with a smile.

The relay was not a solo event, and if he was dissatisfied with the relay results, it would mean he was blaming others, but Jin-hyuk was not that kind of son.

“It’s just Jin-hyuk’s words. He says he feels like he could run faster, but he can’t put in the power.”

“Ah- I heard that too. He said it’s like his nose is tickling, but he can’t sneeze, and it’s bothering him.”

Yu Tae-hwa nodded as he listened to their conversation.

He had started exercising with gymnastics, but his foundation was track and field, so he had experience with that.

“I also grew taller when I was Jin-hyuk’s age.”

“Tae-hwa is still growing.”

“Ah, no, that’s not it. I was trying to say that there were times when my body didn’t gain strength compared to the speed at which I was growing.”

Han Yu-young thought that was probably the case, and Jang Jin-nam pouted. He wondered how much more strength that monster needed to be complete.

“But will you help with the training camp next time? Weren’t you tired this time?”

“No. I wasn’t tired at all.”

Han Yu-young chuckled and replied with a pleasant smile.

“This family eats so much that my hands have gotten bigger. And I don’t think there will be a next time.”

“Is track and field that bad?”

“No. They say that when he goes to high school, he has to do it alone. Because there are no athletes…”

Han Yu-young remembered her son’s lonely back as he saw his friends off.

It was like the back of a stray dog that had come to pair up with Jang-gun, but was left behind, waiting for its owner who had left first.

‘He looked sad.’

It was difficult to find a more appropriate metaphor than that, Han Yu-young’s son looked lonely.

If she couldn’t guess what it meant for a child who only spent his free time with his family to spend time laughing and chatting with his friends, she wouldn’t be a mother.

‘Maybe….’

The day she had to let her son leave her arms might come sooner than she thought.