The Genius Decided To Live An Ordinary Life [EN]: Chapter 261

* * *

Special Episode.

Usually, it’s defined as a flight for special air transport… Usually.

“Why did they make an announcement when it’s just us on board?”

“Isn’t that the manual?”

Following Jin-hyeok, who had finished the brief press conference, Min Yong-rak boarded the plane, his mouth agape and unable to close it.

“Jin-hyeok, I guess I’m pretty special. The chairman even gave me a private jet for this.”

While Min Yong-rak was lost in his delusions, Jin-hyeok busily turned his head.

Even though it was a formal conference, it took longer than expected, and he was struggling to hold his bladder.

‘I’m gonna pee. Bathroom. Where’s the bathroom!’

Chairman Hong Ki-jun’s private jet was incomparably larger than the model he had used when going to Thailand. Could it be described simply as large? Rather, the scale was more suited to the expression ‘grand’.

“Whoa-. Jin-hyeok, look over there. It looks big on the outside, but the inside is even wider.”

It was a model that had been converted from a large passenger plane, so it was only natural, right? The seats had been completely removed, and the space was occupied by first-class seats and tables for meetings.

“Jin-hyeok, they say this is better than the president’s private jet. You’re getting to ride on a plane like this thanks to your brother’s hard work, you know?”

“……”

Professional airline flight attendants greeted Min Yong-rak with bright smiles.

“Welcome, sir. Please take a seat wherever you’re comfortable.”

“Please inform the flight attendants if you have any items that require special storage.”

The converted private jet had a separate cargo hold, so even if the items were bulky, they could be brought on board as long as they weren’t too heavy. For example, a suitcase containing security equipment and protective gear.

And there were also items that had to be brought on board, no matter how heavy they were.

“These two are for Son’s athlete’s food, you received them in advance, right?”

“Yes, all the refrigeration and heating equipment is ready. We’ve also prepared the space.”

The manager soon gestured to another flight attendant, and each of them took a suitcase and went through the curtain towards the cockpit.

Seeing the flight attendants pulling the suitcases towards the cabin, Tadpole [Min Yong-rak’s nickname] clicked his tongue.

“Wow-. They’re slim but incredibly strong.”

Even though they were wheeled suitcases, the weight was not insignificant, and Min Yong-rak had struggled with them.

Looking around the cabin, Min Yong-rak once again realized the magnanimity of the people he was connected with. He had been living like a carefree Tadpole in the countryside, but coming to a bustling place had awakened his sense of reality.

Thump-thump-.

How much would it cost to rent an entire large passenger plane like a private car and even have it remodeled? He roughly knew the daily maintenance cost of the private jet, which exceeded his monthly salary, but it was an unrealistic amount for a commoner like Min Yong-rak.

‘Wow-, damn. Did I save a country in my past life?’

How else could he have such an experience?

‘People from another world.’

The guy named Son Jin-hyeok, who had been standing next to him and had disappeared at some point, was also an oddball.

Was it an exaggeration to say that he felt like he was traveling through the universe of Hong Ki-jun on the national-level spaceship called Son Jin-hyeok?

“Uncle, are you okay?”

While he was lost in thought, Yu-jin’s voice came from beside him. At the same time, someone tapped Min Yong-rak’s tadpole belly. It was too big to be Yu-jin’s hand?

It was Yoo Se-ra.

Yoo Se-ra, accompanied by bodyguards, had a briefcase slung over her shoulder and was effortlessly holding Hong Su-hyeok in one arm, like a Hollywood mom.

“Our Yong-rak is here?”

“Oh! Chairman, how have you been!”

Yong-rak, jam jam-.

Following their mother’s hand greeting, Hong Su-jeong and Hong Su-hyeok also bowed their heads to Min Yong-rak.

“Hello.”

“Anya-tteo.”

They were definitely people from another world.

“Chairman, I’ll take your bag-”

“No, it’s okay. You must be tired from coming, take a rest.”

Even so, they treated Min Yong-rak as just another person.

Adults and children alike.

That’s why it felt more unfamiliar, and he became more careful with his behavior.

It was because of the unease that comfort brought. Emotions that were both conflicting and coexisting, like a double-edged sword.

Hong Ki-jun and Yoo Se-ra’s bodyguards were always empty-handed.

It reflected the employer’s attitude that they should not be treated like porters when they had their own duties.

‘That’s why it’s even scarier. They know how to capture people’s hearts.’

* * *

“Mother, are you here?”

Jin-hyeok, who had gone to the bathroom as soon as he boarded the plane, looked for Yoo Se-ra first.

“Welcome, my athlete. How’s your condition?”

“Oppa, hello.”

“Yes, I’m feeling great. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Su-jeong’s face.”

Hong Su-jeong’s habit of blushing shyly but then nuzzling her head like a cat when petted was still the same.

“Anya-tteo.”

“Ahaha-, Su-hyeok has grown a lot, hasn’t he?”

He pinched Hong Su-hyeok’s cheek and finished the busy greetings.

There were many people gathered because of him, but he couldn’t leisurely play with the children.

He looked around the cabin.

Yoo Se-ra had brought Hong Su-jeong and Hong Su-hyeok as planned, and the mansion staff who would take care of the children, Yoo Se-ra’s aide, and the bodyguards were also seated in other areas.

It would be normal for them to assist Yoo Se-ra, but she must have chased them to other areas for their comfortable travel.

Three employees from the federation who came to support the Olympic administration were also gaping at the interior of the plane like children looking at the stars. Min Yong-rak could have handled the administrative procedures, but he decided to bring them along considering the relationship with the federation. Besides, there were plenty of seats.

“Can I even sit down with this pressure…”

“Manager Jeong, you’re already sitting down.”

He made brief eye contact with them and gave a light nod.

Bon voyage.

He nodded to the SSS bodyguards who were sending him eye greetings and then looked for Jin Seon-gyu.

It wasn’t hard to find the person who was looking around like a lucky charm guarding its nest, with his back straight.

It was Jin Seon-gyu, who had been exiled to the VIP area by Yoo Se-ra after trying to sit next to the federation employees.

“Senior, hello.”

“Oh? Oh. Please take care of me.”

He was looking at Jin-hyeok, but he pretended to be surprised when he was spoken to.

‘What a cute fellow?’

Jin-hyeok greeted Jin Seon-gyu, who was sitting alone with a blank expression, with exaggerated friendliness.

He had noticed him sending glances from afar, but he couldn’t acknowledge him because he was busy with the departure press conference.

He thought it was understandable since their levels of interest were different, but he still felt sorry for some reason.

“If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to tell me anytime.”

“Ahaha, okay. I never dreamed I’d be going so stylishly and comfortably. At my team, we’re careful about even buying a drink, except for the support items, because of the expenses.”

As Jin-hyeok sat next to him, they naturally started talking about training and competitions.

Local training was possible for about three weeks.

Two weeks at a track arranged by SI Sports, and one week at a place provided by the Olympic Organizing Committee.

“Aren’t your parents coming with you? They’d be happy to see you compete in two events.”

“They said they’re not coming on purpose.”

“Why? Because they’re worried about putting pressure on you? When I saw you at the competition, your courage was extraordinary? Wow-, I’m always late at the start because I’m afraid of a foul.”

“They said, ‘Why would we follow you around when you’re not a kid?’ and that broadcasting stations would be coming to our house…”

“Ahaha-. That’s right. It’s the first time a medal contender has emerged in short-distance track and field, so they’ll be going to film your family cheering you on.”

How easy it was to break down barriers with someone who shared a common interest. As they talked about the training schedule, the atmosphere naturally became comfortable.

“By the way, how old were you when you started track and field?”

“I started track and field at thirteen. I’ve been running every day since I was nine.”

“Were you good at running from then? And did you grow tall?”

“I think I grew taller after I started exercising. I don’t know if I was good at running, but I didn’t feel tired, so I kept doing it.”

Thanks to that energy that devoured his ego, he didn’t get tired, and he was able to grow his body and train his muscles tirelessly until he reached a certain level. In the end, it was thanks to the strange power that tried to raise Jin-hyeok and then devour him that he was able to train so easily.

“So you were born with it too.”

Jin Seon-gyu nodded.

It wasn’t exactly like that, but it wasn’t wrong either, so Jin-hyeok also nodded along.

He had always liked running and was good at it.

“In our country, you still have to be born with it to do anything. That’s why they’re doing the promising athlete discovery project. They try out various things and then focus on one sport where they show talent. There are many kids who suddenly discover their aptitude while doing various things at a level they can enjoy, but we’re missing out on all those good talents and turning them into bookworms. I know it’s inevitable given the circumstances, but as a citizen, I can’t help but feel disappointed.”

“You’re talking like an educator.”

Jin-hyeok smiled gently.

He said he dreamed of being a teacher, and Jin Seon-gyu’s mindset was already no different from that of an educator who was lamenting reality.

“That’s why I don’t want to be a coach in one sport. I want to teach physical education where children can enjoy themselves. Feeling joy is the priority, isn’t it? There are so many sports that can be done in the schoolyard, like volleyball, soccer, badminton, and more, right?”

As he said that, Jin Seon-gyu looked at Hong Su-jeong and Yu-jin, who were giggling.

He also glanced at Hong Su-hyeok, who had fallen asleep in a seat next to his mother, and it was the look of someone who truly loved children.

‘Well, there’s nothing I can do to help this person.’

He could only hope that he would do well.

A gold medalist in international competitions and a former record holder in Korea. He had majored in education at the university of physical education. Moreover, he had been active as a national track and field athlete for a long time. Wasn’t he someone who had all the qualifications himself? He was a person whose dreams were modest compared to his potential.

“I think you’ll do well.”

“Really? Can I do well?”

Twenty-seven. A young age.

At Jin-hyeok’s encouragement, Jin Seon-gyu asked back with a childlike smile.

“Yes. I’m sure of it. I have a good feeling.”

If not, so be it.

It didn’t cost anything to give lip service, so there was no need to ruin his mood by saying, ‘You won’t make it, you should learn a skill before it’s too late.’

While they were catching up, a flight attendant approached, pushing a cart.

“Would you like to choose a welcome drink? Wine, whiskey, vodka-”

Ah, it seemed that welcome drinks weren’t just given at hotels or resorts.

The two men simultaneously made blank expressions.

By the way, wasn’t this flight attendant like a killer sent from an enemy country?

To offer alcohol to underage athletes first.

While Jin-hyeok and Jin Seon-gyu were bewildered, a lion’s roar erupted from right next to them.

Kkyaaa-!

“Unniee-! I want a colaaaaa!”

He didn’t even have to turn around to know who it was.

* * *

Slurp-slurp-. Burp-.

Maybe it was because he drank it on the plane, but the burp felt more refreshing.

“Hehehe-, I feel good.”

Son Yu-jin, who was already drinking her third cola, sat close to Hong Su-jeong, whom she had met after a long time.

Hey, isn’t she drunk? Hong Su-jeong smiled with a disgusted expression.

“Yu-jin, when we go to America, let’s travel around together.”

“Yes. Let’s do that.”

Anyway, her oppa said he would be training and would refrain from other activities to manage his condition. Well, he needed to focus and choose, or maybe it was a tan, but her oppa would take care of it. Son Yu-jin’s family had skin that turned white quickly even after being tanned, so maybe they needed to get some sun.

“Yu-jin, this is where-”

On the map that Hong Su-jeong had spread out, there were circles drawn here and there with a red marker. When Son Yu-jin peeked, Hong Su-jeong pointed at them one by one.

“We’re going to Disneyland, and this is a middle school where we’re going to do something called an interview.”

“Owaaa-.”

I don’t understand a single word.

Hong Su-jeong unnie [older sister] is amazing. She’s reading it all even though it’s written in English.

“Um-, I know that interview thing. It’s with a reporter, um- and a microphone-. Our oppa does it often.”

“Not that one. It’s like an interview in our language. They’ll see if I’m qualified to enter that school, and if not, I have to build up my skills at a language school and then do the interview again…”

“Language school? What is that?”

“Um…”

Hong Su-jeong pondered for a moment.

How should she explain it?

“A place you go to to get better at English? It’s a place like that.”

“I know English. I am a Son Yu-jin!”

“Ahaha-, that English is a little strange, isn’t it?”

Hong Su-jeong gently pointed out, stroking Son Yu-jin as if she were cute.

“Why is that?”

“Usually, when you introduce your name, you don’t use the indefinite article ‘a’. You just say ‘I am Son Yu-jin’.”

Ah, is that so?

It had stuck with her, so she had been saying it like that all the time.

Sigh-. Son Yu-jin, who had become embarrassed for no reason, smacked her lips.

“Mom, is that right?”

Hong Su-jeong turned her head to look at Yoo Se-ra.

Yoo Se-ra, who had been looking at a magazine with her mouth open, quickly closed her eyes and fell asleep.

“Mom?”

Hong Su-jeong shook her, but Yoo Se-ra didn’t budge.

She was a mom who always slept well, no matter when. What an amazing ability to sleep deeply.

“Why didn’t oppa tell me?”

She asked Jin-hyeok, who was stretching his legs out across the table and talking to Jin Seon-gyu.

Hong Su-jeong, who had read Son Yu-jin’s eyes as if she was feeling sorry, stepped in.

“Maybe oppa didn’t want Yu-jin to feel intimidated?”

Jin-hyeok, who was secretly surprised at how much Hong Su-jeong had grown but didn’t show it, finally made comfortable eye contact. The little rascal, she knew how to defend her oppa.

“Yu-jin’s way is also right.”

“Yes? Is there such English?”

Hong Su-jeong was puzzled.

It was something she hadn’t heard at the academy or from her tutor. Maybe she had heard it but had forgotten it because it wasn’t important. As far as Hong Su-jeong knew, her oppa, who was in prison, wasn’t someone who would say something that wasn’t true.

Seeing Hong Su-jeong’s shaking pupils, Jin-hyeok smiled contentedly.

“‘I am Son Yu-jin’ means, I am Son Yu-jin. ‘I am a Son Yu-jin’ means, I am a person named Son Yu-jin. It’s easy to think of it like how Grandpa Cheon Gil-ryong introduces himself.”

Yoo Se-ra, who had been asleep, suddenly opened her eyes.

“Really?”