The Genius Decided To Live An Ordinary Life [EN]: Chapter 290

The Vessel (2)

Are Jin-hyuk and Yu-jin, the ‘jailbird oppa’ [a playful nickname for Jin-hyuk, implying he’s a bit of a rebel], people with no concept of money?

Is it because they live in the countryside?

If they’re going to be like this, wouldn’t it be easier to just give gifts to everyone on Earth?

I think Dad used to scold Mom whenever she did this.

If I were a kid, I would have just done whatever ‘jailbird oppa’ wanted, but having grown up and received thorough consumer education, Hong Su-jeong couldn’t understand his actions. Although, there was a slight error in that the educator was Yu Se-ra.

Mom Yu Se-ra isn’t the type to save money, but she doesn’t spend it recklessly either. Ah, this doesn’t make any sense.

Reckless but saves money? That’s not it either.

She spends recklessly in a planned way. Yes, that’s it.

“Ta-da! Mom Su-jeong said she’d buy it, so we can buy it with this.”

“Ooh-ah! Aunt Se-ra is amazing!”

As Jin-hyuk waved the blank check, Yu-jin clapped her hands.

She looks like a kid cheering in front of a magician.

I think I should check with Mom?

Hong Su-jeong rummaged through her bag to find her phone.

She was in a hurry, but she couldn’t find her phone. It seems that being small isn’t always a good thing.

“Su-jeong.”

“Yes, yep!”

Then, when she met Jin-hyuk’s eyes, she opened her eyes wide like a startled cat.

It’s the first time she’s been caught rummaging through her bag and been so shocked.

“Su-jeong, don’t you need to buy souvenirs for your school friends?”

“Ah, ah, ah, I…”

The school is big, there are many friends, and the kindergarten is big too. Blah blah blah.

“Let’s buy them together with this.”

Jin-hyuk smiled brightly and waved the blank check. Flapping it like he was hypnotizing her.

Heh-.

Hong Su-jeong’s eyes became hazy from the powerful blank check magic that ‘jailbird oppa’ showed.

“Ehehe-, yes-”

Oh well, whatever.

I’m Yu Se-ra’s daughter, so I can’t miss out on spending money.

And there’s also the saying ‘like mother, like daughter’.

“Oppa, then I’ll just do two thousand five hundred.”

***

Yu Se-ra skipped dinner.

Even though her favorite spicy braised chicken was the main dish, she said she had no appetite and went to bed with only Hong Su-hyeok, who had finished dinner early.

Haah-.

It was because the receipt Jin-hyuk gave her when he returned to the mansion had ruined her appetite.

She checked the amount written on it several times, but the amount didn’t disappear or change.

「$25,000.00」

The amount was the sum of 6,000 keychains and a thousand dollars spent on some special items.

At first, she almost fainted, thinking it was 2.5 million dollars.

Looking again, it was 25,000 dollars. Whew, that’s a relief.

25,000 dollars is a small amount but also a large amount for Yu Se-ra.

No, what am I even saying?

‘Well, it’s not that much anyway-.’

Only 25,000 dollars.

The vessel that came with a large delegation doesn’t go anywhere.

However….

The team’s activity expenses are used from the budget set by the foundation after review, and this blank check will be billed to Yu Se-ra personally, which made her feel suffocated.

‘That’s the problem. It’s not just the amount, but I’m going to get scolded by Hong Gi-jun again.’

Hong Gi-jun hates impulsive spending.

He acts like an old man, saying that money should be used in a planned way where it’s needed for its value to shine, regardless of the amount.

So, Yu Se-ra always overspent in a planned way.

I’m going to buy that later, I’m going to buy that tomorrow. Let’s buy that next month….

It means she spent money after giving prior notice.

Well, Hong Gi-jun still rubbed his forehead every time, but it was planned spending, wasn’t it?

Ugh-.

In all my life…., I never thought I’d get involved with a guy who buys 6,000 keychains.

‘If it were 6,000 bottles of wine, Hong Gi-jun would have understood.’

She was also dumbfounded by her daughter, who bought some for herself, and Yang Kang-wook and Min Yong-rak, who only guarded the outside of the store to protect the children, didn’t seem like normal adults either. They’re still kids, so adults should take care of them.

She couldn’t even scold Jin-hyuk, who was smiling more happily than when he won the gold medal.

– “Hehe-. The others were more expensive and bulky, so I went with the small ones. They were originally five dollars each, but I got a discount. The phone charms were prettier, but there are still a lot more people without cell phones.”

– “That’s right. Keychains can be used by anyone, so it’s a good choice. You even got a discount, you have a good sense.”

Is that even a thing?

The big guy is being so cheerful for no reason.

She even agreed with him, saying he did a good job, when he was so proud of himself for buying a 5-dollar item for 4 dollars.

– “They said they’d deliver it to the airport because of the large quantity. The service is good.”

It better be good, you punk.

Haah-.

I miss Dad.

It felt like Yoo Myung-sun, who was very healthy and alive, was looking down from the sky and laughing.

– “Hehehe-. You did a great job. Our daughter has always had a bigger vessel than her older brothers since she was little! You did a great job!”

What do you mean I did a great job!

Eeeek-!

Yu Se-ra punched the air wildly while lying on the bed.

Gal-!

She also added some flailing kicks.

Come to think of it, it’s all Dad’s fault.

He spoiled me because I was his precious daughter, so I have no manners and I’m a big spender. I’m trying to raise Hong Su-jeong properly, but all I’ve learned is how to waste money, so I have no talent for teaching her how to shop frugally. It’s a relief that Hong Gi-jun is keeping me grounded.

‘Wow-. The more I think about it, the worse Dad was!’

It’s because he built that gym for that guy that we’ve come this far.

That’s why he bought 6,000 keychains.

Yu Se-ra, who had analyzed the butterfly effect quite cleverly, buried her face in the pillow. Thud-.

‘But I shouldn’t hate Dad.’

Because I know that he spoiled me because he missed his wife who passed away after giving birth to Yu Se-ra, and because he felt sorry for his daughter who grew up without a mother.

She turned over and rummaged through her pocket.

The keychain Jin-hyuk gave her came out.

– “This is a limited edition phoenix with gold plating on the edges. I saved it separately to give to your mother. So that she stays healthy for a long, long time….”

Well….

It feels like I’m starting to feel better.

My nose is tingling for no reason, and my cheekbones are twitching.

Tsk-.

Phoenix…. It’s just a bird, no matter if it’s plated or limited edition.

When it comes to birds, chicken is the best.

The spicy braised chicken smelled good, should I go eat?

Sniff sniff-.

The smell seems to have penetrated into the room.

A savory smell is wafting in.

“Ummaah-.”

Hong Su-hyeok, who was playing with an ugly alien doll, scratched the back of his head and waddled over.

“Oigu- our son. Shall we go eat more?”

“Tu-hyeok pooped-.”

Oh, that was the smell? No wonder the smell was golden.

Su-hyeok’s stomach is very strong even in America!

“Ummaah-. Tu-hyeok-”

“Okay, you.”

“Umma said bad word-.”

“Uhh-. Mommy’s sorry-. I misspoke.”

You try having 20 million won [approximately $15,000 USD] wiped out in one go, you punk.

Good words won’t come out.

Ugh-, what is Hong Gi-jun going to say?

***

South Korea, with 9 gold medals, 15 silver medals, and 6 bronze medals, finished the Olympics in 7th place overall, following Italy.

[- It was a great competition, and the most moving Olympics ever -.]

The nuance of IOC President Samaranch’s comments at the closing ceremony was strange.

‘The best Olympics ever.’

The praise that had been a cliché at every Olympic closing speech, even if only formally, had disappeared. It was an indirect criticism of the extreme commercialism that had made many people frown.

On the other hand, he called it the most moving.

The event that the track and field athletes had shown was constantly talked about, and a video of about a minute was shown on the big screen as a separate pre-ceremony event to revive the emotion.

Everyone knew that the chairman had pointed out those two things at the same time.

A bombshell statement that was clearly not planned also appeared.

[We will never forget the heroes who reminded us of the value of the Olympics. Just the attempt is enough to be inducted into the Olympic Hall of Fame. I will strongly request a review.]

Wowwwww-.

“You’ll be the flag bearer at the next Olympics.”

After all the events were over, Kim Hyung-tak patted Jin-hyuk on the shoulder.

Seo Pil-gu and Jin Seon-gyu also nodded.

Even though there was a double gold medalist in archery, Jin-hyuk won two gold medals in the track and field short distance, where it was difficult to even participate, let alone win a medal. Who else could symbolize South Korean sports other than Son Jin-hyuk?

Moreover, the IOC president publicly mentioned his induction into the Hall of Fame. In the closing speech watched by the whole world.

“Now it’s time to put the emotion aside and return to reality. It’s not good for excitement to last long. Accidents happen when your mind is excited and your tension is released.”

Kim Hyung-tak made a solemn expression.

“Don’t worry. Jin-hyuk is not the type to let his guard down.”

“You punk, you! How many times have young people gotten into accidents after drinking?”

Jin-hyuk was inwardly surprised as he watched Kim Hyung-tak scold Jin Seon-gyu.

‘As expected, a coach is a coach.’

He’s quite sharp.

Jin Seon-gyu lowered his head deeply.

“We’re going straight back to the accommodation today too. I’ve never gone out at night.”

Um. He didn’t go out.

Jin-hyuk nodded slightly and muttered.

Jin Seon-gyu was relieving his disappointment by having a simple beer with Min Yong-rak in the garden every night.

And it’s more accurate to say he couldn’t go out rather than he didn’t go out.

Jin Seon-gyu tried to escape every night, but it was a hopeless attempt.

– “I hereby name it the Great Escape of Georgia!”

The great escape, which even had a grand name, ended in a comedy of him being grabbed by the scruff of his neck by Yang Kang-wook and struggling. No matter where he tried to go, the window, the back door, the basement, the garage, the fence, a bear was waiting.

That’s how Yang Kang-wook and the SSS agents, who were more terrifying than a gun-toting gang, guarded the mansion with their eyes blazing.

This is because the security duties include not only protecting the residence from intruders but also controlling the movements of the VIP.

***

Yu Se-ra, who had recovered from the shock of 25,000 dollars, quickly returned to her usual self.

Jin-hyuk, who said he would pay her back when he received the prize money, and Yu Se-ra, who said she would never accept it, were in a tense standoff, but Jin-hyuk, who was more stubborn, won.

Yu Se-ra finally gave in, pretending she couldn’t win, and told him to do as he pleased.

“If that’s the case, how about earning money through other means instead of the prize money? You’ll be signing a sponsorship deal soon, and it would look better to donate the prize money without touching it.”

“I will. Thank you.”

Yu Se-ra was happy that she had saved face as an adult and wouldn’t get scolded by Hong Gi-jun. On the one hand, it seemed like it would be fun. Isn’t watching your children earn money one of the joys of being a parent?

Jin-hyuk, who had wasted money, was also relieved that it had been resolved well.

The reason why he insisted on paying her back even though Yu Se-ra strongly refused was that it was a gift for the village and the school, and Yu Se-ra had no connection with them. If that was the case, he thought the meaning of the gift would be diminished.

Jin Seon-gyu, who was sad about the last day, had a beer with Min Yong-rak until late.

Yu Se-ra comforted Jin Seon-gyu, who woke up late and was flustered.

“There’s no need to rush. We decide the departure time and route.”

There’s no end to the advantages and privileges of a private jet or a chartered plane, but the ability to arbitrarily set the flight schedule and route is the best. Of course, without violating the airspace of enemy countries.

“Yu-jin? Where did your oppa go?”

Jin Seon-gyu, who had taken a breather, gestured to Yu-jin, who was drinking milk with Hong Su-jeong in the reception room. The siblings were always together except during training time, so it was strange that the guardian was not visible.

“My oppa is saying goodbye to the lawn.”

“Saying goodbye? To the lawn?”

Is he going to pee on it?

Jin Seon-gyu scratched his butt and headed to the back of the mansion where the pool was.

“Is Jin-hyuk ready?”

“Yes.”

Jin-hyuk had woken up four hours ago, showered, and even finished packing.

“What are you doing?”

Jin-hyuk, with the morning sun on his head, was pressing down on the lawn with his bare feet.

Yang Kang-wook was also silently helping with his shoes on.

“I’ve been taken care of a lot, so I’d feel bad if it got damaged.”

Nothing was really damaged, but why is he doing that when it doesn’t matter if the grass is a little damaged?

Jin Seon-gyu shook his head.

Still, since even Yang Kang-wook was helping, he felt awkward being the only one not doing anything.

Jin Seon-gyu also took off his shoes and stepped on the grass that was sticking up or dented here and there.

“The caretakers will do it….”

“I’m just sad to leave. I’ve been staying here comfortably for a month, and there’s nothing else I can do. It’s also a substitute for today’s workout.”

He’s quite crazy about working out. That’s what Jin Seon-gyu thought.

Even now, Jin-hyuk is pressing down with his toes, putting a little bit of strength into his calves.

But is stepping on the grass when leaving a rural custom?

It doesn’t seem like anyone would appreciate it even if he did this.

“My heart doesn’t feel like it’s leaving easily. Is it just me?”

“Me too.”

Yang Kang-wook spoke.

“I miss home, but I’m sad to go back. That’s what travel is.”

In America, Yang Kang-wook had traveled to more places than Jin-hyuk.

It was under the pretext of guarding Son Yu-jin, but it was clearly tourism. If he had only done security work, he would have had a more boring time than in Korea. There were no threats.

In Korea, Yang Kang-wook is working more like the head of the General Family Management Support Division than the head of the security team.

Because of the incident where he met a strange being and dealt with a bomb, Yang Kang-wook’s memories of Atlanta seemed like they would last a lifetime.

When Jin-hyuk nodded in agreement with Yang Kang-wook’s words, Yu Se-ra called out.

“Hey, big haaaands-?”

“Yes!”

Jin-hyuk’s face lit up when he saw the paper box the size of a Chinese food delivery bag in Yu Se-ra’s arms.

“Did the sample come?”

“Yeah, I just got it. Let’s open it together.”

Yang Kang-wook and Jin Seon-gyu also approached, their eyes fixed on the box.

Jin-hyuk took out a transparent, thick rectangular object from the box and was impressed.

“Wow-. It’s cool.”

It was a plaque of appreciation.

The general content was, In commemoration of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, we thank you for the best service provided for a month. – 1996 Korea Athletics Team –

“This is a sample. The actual one is made of marble and is bigger and heavier, so you can’t lift it.”

“Why did you make a heavy plaque of appreciation?”

Jin Seon-gyu, who didn’t understand, scratched the back of his head.

“It’s for the juniors. You can also say it’s for other Koreans.”

Jin-hyuk explained simply on behalf of Yu Se-ra.

“It will be installed like a cornerstone in front of this mansion. The hotel operations team was actually grateful. Even though it’s private, there’s no better way to increase awareness and promote service quality than the fact that a celebrity stayed safely for a long time.”

Ah, if there was such a thing, they should have told me in advance. Jin Seon-gyu couldn’t hide his disappointment.

“Chairman, I’d like to contribute to the cost.”

“Jin-hyuk decided to pay for it. He said it’s right for the person who gained the most to pay.”

Ah-, Jin Seon-gyu, who made another sound of disappointment, turned to Jin-hyuk.

“That, that work? Task? Whatever it was, did you do it all?”

“Well-. Just roughly. I contacted them through the staff here.”

Jin Seon-gyu puffed out his cheeks.

‘What is this guy?’

The more he knows him, the more he feels like he’s from another world.

A person who has both the rural simplicity of stepping on the garden lawn as a farewell and the sophisticated sense of a city businessman. I don’t know if it’s a talent that can be easily explained by the term business sense, but it’s a sense that he hasn’t found in his friends who are employed at companies. No, honestly, would anyone even think of that?

Moreover, it’s not for leaving his name separately, but for the image of the juniors and other Koreans who may or may not come here in the future. And he’s paying for it out of his own pocket.

‘His skills are actually hidden by his vessel.’

He had vaguely felt it as he was dragged around for training and participated in the competition together, so he had participated without complaint, but the reason why he was realizing it now was because it was naturally permeating like a fragrance.

Clap-!

Yu Se-ra clapped her hands to get their attention.

“Okay! It’s a shame we can’t see the installed version, but now that we’ve confirmed the final task, let’s go home!”

The words everyone had been waiting for came out.

“Min, keep in touch.”

“Yes. I’ve already done it at the airport.”

Yu Se-ra smiled mischievously and wiggled her index finger from side to side.

“No, I mean let them know in Korea. That our champions are returning in triumph.”

“Yes! I’ll take care of it right away.”

Min Yong-rak bowed with a happy face.

It had been a month since they left Korea, and it was only when they were about to return that he was given a real task.

“Contact the captain and tell him to fill up the flares-, ah, no. I should do that myself.”