The Genius Decided To Live An Ordinary Life [EN]: Chapter 320

After just one day of rest, I had to leave for Seoul.

I went to see my master, Cheon Gilyong, with party food and drinks.

‘Jinhyuk-ah.’

‘Yes, Grandpa.’

‘Nothing is faster than time.’

That was a teaching Cheon Gilyong had repeatedly emphasized.

So, I tried not to waste it, striving to use every minute and second like gold.

‘Everyone in the world except me is a fool. Yes, they’re all fools.’

Cheon Gilyong licked the whipped cream from the corner of his mouth.

I didn’t bother to ask again.

This old man was teaching me how to avoid arguments.

And Son Jinhyuk was no longer a novice.

‘Do you understand?’

‘······.’

Jinhyuk just stared at Cheon Gilyong without answering.

‘You say everyone except you is a fool?’ Jinhyuk’s curved eyes seemed to say.

‘Kehehe-. You understand. That sly rascal. I’ve become a fool-.’

Pour, pour-.

Jinhyuk smiled and poured wine into Cheon Gilyong’s bowl.

‘What did Chairman Yoo say?’

‘He didn’t say much. Except that he wanted to see me often.’

‘That old fox. Saying he wants to see you often means he has something to say. A businessman is a businessman-. He’s making a profit by taking a granddaughter.’

Kuh-. It’s bitter. Cheon Gilyong wiped his beard after drinking half a bowl of wine.

‘What more can I nag Jinhyuk about? He’s already become a great man. Where he walks is the path, and what he says is the truth-. But even if you live like that, you’ll still have regrets. This old man does too. I hope…’

Keheum-.

Cheon Gilyong seemed hesitant to speak, glancing at Jinhyuk.

‘He’s probably going to tell me to avoid doing bad things.’

We both knew that some of the things I would do in the future wouldn’t be ordinary.

Flower Sermon [a Buddhist term referring to a teaching delivered without words, often through a symbolic action].

As a disciple who understood his master’s intentions, it was only right to reveal my intentions first.

‘I will do many good and righteous things-.’

‘Embrace many women, no, I mean, meet them-.’

The audio overlapped.

I’ve met many, but I’m still regretful. Keep it a secret from Chairman Yoo. Hehe-. Cheon Gilyong, who had downed the wine in one shot, grinned.

These old geezers, really.

As expected, Mencius was right. There are too many fools, no, masters, in the world.

The problem is that they try to give different teachings.

***

After a day of rest, it was finally my first day at work.

Han Yooyoung, while tying Jinhyuk’s tie, exclaimed in admiration.

‘Our son looks so good in a suit.’

‘Hahaha-. Is it any wonder I get offers to be a clothing model?’

Son Kwangyeon, sitting across from me with a spoon in his hand, chimed in.

Han Yooyoung, fastening a tie pin she had personally chosen, urged me.

‘Take lots of commercials. People say there’s a time for studying, but I think the shining moments are short. If there are places offering you to be a commercial model, do it while you can. There will come a day when you want to do it but can’t.’

‘Yes, I will.’

‘Are you going to donate all the income from the commercials too?’

‘Yes. Please handle it that way.’

‘Now Jinhyuk, you do it yourself.’

‘Why? You like managing my bank account, Mom.’

‘I didn’t do it because I liked it. I did it because you’re my son. Since my son is becoming independent, you do it yourself now. It’s good to manage your own money. If you trust your family and leave everything to them, you might get betrayed later. Even if you pass it on to your wife later, try doing it yourself for a while.’

‘Yes.’

Son Kwangyeon, who had been listening to the mother-son conversation, asked while munching on his rice.

‘By the way, Jinhyuk-ah. Can’t you commute every day in that quadron or kudron?’

‘I don’t know how to operate it yet. Getting a license is difficult and takes a long time.’

‘You can hire a pilot. There are plenty of places to use as pilot accommodations.’

Son Kwangyeon glanced at the pilot, as if trying to gauge his intentions.

‘There are no related regulations, so it hasn’t been commercialized yet. And for the time being, I’m going to focus on work and training. I also have to prepare for the Asian Games, and there’s my father’s kindness in finding me a house.’

‘Hmm, that’s right.’

Son Kwangyeon nodded with a spoon in his mouth.

Well, if that’s what he says, what more can I add?

He rummaged through his pocket and took out a folded bill.

‘This is a job gift.’

It was the 1,000 dollar bill that Jinhyuk had swiped and returned during the Atlanta Olympics.

‘It’s okay. You already bought me a bag as a job gift. It’s a good thing I didn’t use that, it’s Dad’s collectible.’

‘Even though it’s worth fifty percent more than when Dad got it? Ah-, it’s Dad’s gift, you should take it…’

Even as he said that, Son Kwangyeon quickly put the bill back in his pocket.

With a look of relief.

*

I sat in the passenger seat of the quadron and put on my headset.

The noise of the aircraft wasn’t too loud, but it was necessary equipment for smooth communication with the pilot.

‘Captain, the chairman said he wanted to see you first.’

‘Yes. We’ll go to the group’s headquarters building.’

‘Will the traffic be bad when going from headquarters to Yeouido?’

‘During rush hour, public transportation is hell. I recommend flying. I’ll be waiting at the rooftop landing pad.’

‘Yes. Thank you.’

During the short journey through the darkness and fog, there was much to discuss with the pilot, who was involved in one of the future businesses.

‘The last time I reviewed the report was a month ago… how much progress has been made on the skyway project?’

‘The three-dimensional grid work has been completed under the chairman’s instructions, but there’s still the issue of government approval. The government-led preliminary feasibility study hasn’t even started yet.’

‘Miniaturizing the aircraft will also be a challenge.’

‘That’s right. To do that, we need a small engine, but the simulation report showed that miniaturizing the existing engine wouldn’t create as much lift as the current quadron.’

‘We have a long way to go.’

‘I heard that the chairman presented an engine concept, but the researchers are facing a wall in making it a reality.’

Dragon’s blood, when translated into Korean or English, it’s something that human technology, still in its infancy, can’t accept.

It was a task that Jinhyuk would have to solve in the future.

‘My brother-in-law works as a taxi driver.’

Jinhyuk turned his head as the pilot brought up a different topic.

‘If the skyway opens, won’t his income decrease? So, I’m personally worried.’

It was a premature concern.

It would take at least 20 years, maybe 30 years, to make it a reality.

Still, I didn’t think it was polite to ignore the pilot’s concerns in this situation.

‘If the skyway opens, related industries will emerge, and jobs will be created.’

‘It’s true that they can find other jobs, but wouldn’t humans, as animals, have an inertia to continue doing what they’ve been doing? Older people, especially those over middle age, are bound to be slow to adapt to change.’

‘Ground roads will still be used. For short-distance passengers and cargo, it’s more efficient and safer to travel by land. The amount of traffic will decrease, reducing congestion and accidents, and the taxes spent on maintenance will also decrease. That capital and manpower can be used elsewhere. Skyway maintenance is enough to modify the virtual grid, so there’s almost no maintenance cost.’

The pilot glanced at Jinhyuk, who was explaining things knowledgeably, and raised the corners of his mouth. He was convinced that Jinhyuk wasn’t a special hire just because he was a famous athlete or had a close relationship with the chairman.

‘The world is changing so fast that it’s bewildering, but when I see young people, I’m amazed. It’s as if young people are already prepared and adapting. Even I’m still stuck with the knowledge I learned at the Air Force Academy. That’s why they say humans are animals of adaptation. It’s also why they call young people the future.’

While having an easy and informative conversation, the group’s headquarters building came into view.

‘Captain, I look forward to working with you.’

The pilot who would be taking Jinhyuk around every weekend.

It seemed there would be much to learn from him as well.

*

I visited the chairman’s office, guided by the secretary.

‘Did you learn a lot at the training center?’

‘Yes. I think it’s time to grasp the atmosphere and the people.’

I had been studying the corporate culture of Se-in anyway.

It was a company I couldn’t help but be interested in.

‘That’s unusual. I never thought I’d hear those words from you.’

‘I know.’ Jinhyuk smiled silently, his eyes disappearing.

He was someone who used to focus only on his own work, saying he just needed to do well, but now he was saying things that ordinary office workers would say.

‘Shall we hear about the plan of human Son Jinhyuk?’

‘The company said they would accommodate my needs as an athlete, but I plan to exercise in the early morning and evening.’

‘Yes, you have to exercise.’ Hong Gijun took a sip of coffee and pursed his lips.

‘If I do well at the Asian Games, I’m thinking of visiting the Blue House [the presidential residence in South Korea]. There’s something I want to talk about.’

‘Do you need my help?’

‘I’ll ask if I need it.’

‘Okay.’

‘That’s my plan for this year.’

‘Let me ask one last thing. Do you have any regrets? About stepping out into the world?’

‘I’ve lived to my heart’s content, happily, and diligently. I’ve experienced times and events where my fists went out before my words, and I’ve gone through times when I felt like I was going to go wild because of hormones. Now, I don’t struggle or feel confused. Family, neighbors, friends. I’ve made so many happy memories that I would feel sad and heartbroken if even one of them was missing. I guess that’s why I came back. I’m ready now.’

‘Okay. As long as you’re satisfied and happy.’

With the chairman’s pleased smile, a moment of silence passed.

When the sound of Hong Gijun tapping the armrest of his chair replaced the silence, Jinhyuk brought up the words he had been saving.

‘I was a fool. The biggest gain I’ve made is realizing that.’

Hong Gijun raised his chin as if asking what he meant.

‘It means I was too stupid in the past. I could have lived happily enough in the given environment back then, but I think I could have overcome it if I had reached out and opened my heart.’

Hong Gijun just nodded.

That was the point he had been most disappointed about when he looked at Jinhyuk in the past.

It was a relief that he had become someone who had realized it, even now.

It was late, but not too late.

‘I hope you like the rooftop room gift for the young man who’s starting out. Go after a brief greeting today. I’ve told the security team leader, so he’ll guide you.’

‘Yes. Thank you.’

‘Ah, take this. It’s Sujeong’s first day at work gift.’

It was a carefully wrapped item, about the size of a ring case.

The gold and red wrapping paper shone under the light.

Judging by the weight and hardness, it didn’t seem to be a ring case.

I weighed it in my hand and asked.

‘What is this?’

‘I asked, but she wouldn’t tell me. She told me to open it secretly when you’re alone. It seems like she put a letter in it.’

‘Yes. I’ll contact Sujeong separately.’

‘This is my gift. I look forward to working with you.’

The item Hong Gijun handed over was a long, heavy box.

I put Hong Sujeong’s gift in my bag and tucked the chairman’s gift under my arm.

‘I’ll do my best.’

I shook hands with Hong Gijun and moved to the rooftop.

*

‘Since it’s your first day, I was instructed to drop you off at the main gate of the Yeouido Research Institute.’

‘Yes, that would be good.’

It would be a show of power even if I didn’t intend it, but it wouldn’t be bad to follow Hong Gijun’s wishes for the time being.

– ‘Won’t there be a lot of backlash from the world?’

– ‘Who would dare to oppose Hong Gijun? I haven’t thought about that? I’ve been working on this for a long time, so that’s unlikely. Even if there is, you’ll have to quell their complaints with your skills.’

The Yeouido Research Institute housed not only the research institute but also the Future Strategy Headquarters and its affiliated development and design departments.

At the Yeouido Research Institute, senior mentors held a small welcoming event for new employees in the lobby, where new employees would meet their mentors and move to their assigned departments.

I thought it was an old-fashioned but humanistic event.

At least the probationary employees wouldn’t have to wander around on their first day.

‘Is this the first time I’m seeing him since the wedding last year?’

I was also curious about Min Yongrak’s appearance.

I heard he was active as a powerful figure in the Future Strategy Headquarters, flaunting Hong Gijun’s favoritism and his friendship with Son Jinhyuk.

Whoo-oong-.

The quadron carrying Jinhyuk trembled slightly for a moment, then rose up, pressing down on the air currents.

‘I’ll fly slowly so you can enjoy the cityscape. We expect to arrive in five minutes.’

Even going slowly, it’s five minutes… the skyway is really fast.

Jinhyuk nodded expressionlessly.

***

The Future Strategy Headquarters, directly under the group chairman’s office in Yeouido, was bustling with activity in the morning.

A large headquarters with a deformed structure, with 12 departments under it.

Within the group, it was already being treated as a separate corporation. Like a special task force.

It had suddenly appeared about a year ago under the chairman’s instructions, but it was a large headquarters with no real work.

People who were just spending money and enjoying themselves in the new building of the Yeouido Research Institute.

That was how the employees of other affiliates felt.

Min Yongrak scratched his sideburns as he checked the monitor.

‘Why isn’t it there?’

‘Manager Min, what’s wrong?’

Kim Yido, the head of the Strategic Planning Department, put his arm around his shoulder in a friendly manner.

‘Take a look at this.’

Kim Yido squinted and looked at Min Yongrak’s monitor.

There was a personnel information announcement on the group’s portal site.

「Regarding the Personnel Appointment of Probationary Employees for the Group’s Future Strategy Headquarters」

「000000 Shim Dongmi / Design Department / Department Name — / Assigned Task — 」

「000000 Gong Jicheol / Design Department / Department Name — / Assigned Task — 」

···

「000000 Go Younghee / Development Support Department / Department Name — / Assigned Task — 」

「000000 Kang Hajin / Development Support Department / Department Name — / Assigned Task — 」

···

「000000 Park Bongsu / Marketing Policy Department / Department Name — / Assigned Task — 」

「000000 Jang Hyuncheol / Marketing Policy Department / Department Name — / Assigned Task — 」

···

「000000 Kim Jiwon / Headquarters Public Relations Department / Department Name — / Assigned Task — 」

「000000 Seo Monica / Headquarters Public Relations Department / Department Name — / Assigned Task — 」

「Above, Shim Dongmi and 78 Others」

There were so many.

Even though it was a simple table with employee numbers, names, and affiliations, the list of 79 new employees assigned to a total of 12 departments under the headquarters couldn’t fit on one screen.

Hmm-. Kim Yido showed a reaction that he didn’t understand at all, so Min Yongrak tapped the monitor with his index finger as if frustrated.

‘It’s not there. It’s not there. I definitely checked it yesterday? He said he’d come here to work right after seeing the chairman.’

There were dozens of personnel information, but Son Jinhyuk’s name was nowhere to be found.

‘Isn’t he going to the research institute? Check the research institute’s appointment list.’

Kim Yido pointed to the monitor.

Min Yongrak shook his head while clicking on the relevant announcement.

‘I already checked-. He’s not there. And I checked with the personnel department, and they said he’s coming to our headquarters.’

‘Was he omitted?’

‘That would be a big problem-. Not just anyone, but the most famous one-. Aigoo-! The personnel department is always a mess when it comes to handling things-.’

Min Yongrak puffed up his chest and picked up the phone.

As a powerful figure in the headquarters, this was the time to show off.

‘Yes! This is Manager Min Yongrak. No, about the personnel appointment- Yes?’

Min Yongrak put down the phone with a blank look.

Kim Yido patted Min Yongrak’s shoulder.

‘What did they say?’

‘They said he hasn’t come down yet?’

‘What? The order?’

‘Yes. The auxiliary office said the order hasn’t come yet? The chairman hasn’t given it yet.’

‘Hehe-. Is he openly advertising him as a parachute hire?’

Kim Yido, realizing that his voice was too loud, shrank back and looked around. The chairman was someone who shouldn’t be easily mentioned, even as a joke. If you were to criticize him, even slightly, you would have to endure the sharp gazes of the employees. Hong Gijun, who had taken over the position from his father-in-law, had carried out a large-scale reshuffle to take control of Se-in, and had made the group the best in the world, was in such a position.

‘I’ll go and greet him. He’s someone I know, after all…’

‘Oh, okay. Go ahead. No! Let’s go together.’

Kim Yido quickly grabbed his jacket.

Apart from the fact that he was a celebrity, something felt strange.

***

Buzz, buzz-.

In the lobby on the first floor, employees were gathered in groups of twos and threes, welcoming new employees and exchanging greetings.

The probationary employees, wearing the employee ID cards that their mentors had given them, smiled broadly, as if showing off their teeth.

Above their heads, on the monitor hanging on the wall, a welcome message was displayed, along with the photos and departments of the new employees in order.

There were monitors facing each other like mirrors on the wall above the main gate and on the central pillar of the lobby, and there were also people taking pictures in front of the monitors.

‘Ahaha-. I raised him, you know? If you need anything from him, just talk to me.’

‘Wahaha-! He’s my classmate. I’m going to buy him lunch today.’

Not wanting to miss this opportunity, Min Yongrak and Shim Dongmi flaunted their friendship with Son Jinhyuk to the employees they were meeting for the first time.

Kiyoo-oong-.

Min Yongrak rubbed his palms together when he saw the quadron landing on the sidewalk in front of the lobby.

‘You rascal! You’ve finally arrived!’

Finally, the passenger got out.

‘Hya-. He doesn’t even look like a new employee.’

A tall figure, and a guy with steel muscles hidden under that suit.

Min Yongrak, recalling the silhouette he had been watching every day for several years, felt emotional.

The reporters who had been waiting on the sidewalk to cover Son Jinhyuk’s first day at work could only press their shutters, unable to cross the barricade set up by SSS [a fictional security agency].

Ooooh-.

Did he come? Did he come in that?

The attention of the employees wandering around the lobby was focused on the revolving door.

However, Jinhyuk headed for the sliding glass door next to the revolving door.

It was because the SSS agent who was waiting lowered his head as he opened the door.

Jinhyuk, with a long box tucked under his arm, scratched his forehead awkwardly and smiled.

The SSS agent who tried to hold Hong Gijun’s gift was also politely stopped with a gesture.

Click. I smacked my lips.

‘Even if everything else changes, his hobbies and tastes don’t seem to change.’

I was talking about Hong Gijun.

A surprise show, what a terrible hobby.

Well, Jinhyuk’s tastes hadn’t changed much either.

[Dirariring-.]

As the introduction screen on the lobby monitor changed with a dreamy melody, everyone who had been watching Jinhyuk raised their eyes.

「Regarding the Appointment of a Probationary Executive」

···

···

「Title: Head of Future Strategy Headquarters / Head of the 1st Research Institute / Concurrent Head of the 2nd Research Institute」

「Rank: President」

「Profile:

Founder and Standing Advisor of the 1st Research Institute (6 years of experience)

Owner of RB Investment (2nd largest shareholder of Se-in Group)」

That a twenty-year-old novice was the owner of RB, even those who had been secretly dissatisfied with Hong Gijun’s parachute appointment were left speechless by his profile.

To Jinhyuk, who had entered the lobby, it looked like a mass hypnosis.

The employees, including Min Yongrak, were staring at the monitor with blank expressions, their mouths agape as if they were about to drool at any moment.

It was a sight that made me sigh.

‘You should be looking at me, you guys.’

Haah-.

I sighed on my first day at work.

I could picture Hong Gijun banging on his desk and laughing heartily.

He’s probably like this…

Ehehehehe!

I said probationary, not employee, you guys!