Chapter 102: Why This Guy?

Why him?

Why was someone who should be relaxing at home after work lying on an operating table?

“Who is it? Do you know him?”

Surprised, I watched as my grandfather snatched the business card from my hand.

“What is this? Was he one of our employees?”

“Yes, he’s my personal aide. He dropped me off early this morning. I told him to go home, but…”

As I spoke, the situation became clear.

Assistant Manager Kim had ignored my instructions, determined to fulfill his duties to the fullest extent. His job was to stay with me until I entered my house, and he had followed through.

But to risk his own well-being, even his life?

My grandfather seemed to grasp the situation instantly, turning to the hospital director.

“Can this man be saved?”

“We’re doing our best right now.”

That’s all a doctor can say. Shouldn’t a doctor avoid making guarantees when someone’s life is at stake?

“Make sure you save him. It seems he’s our benefactor…”

“Yes, Chairman.”

“Please don’t misunderstand if my words offend you. Would it be better to transfer him to Soonyang Medical Center if needed?”

“It’s too risky at the moment. We need to finish the surgery and assess his condition. Even minor shocks could induce further complications. Ambulances, and even helicopters, are too dangerous right now.”

“Alright. I’ll leave that decision to the director. But don’t hesitate to ask for anything you need, whether it’s medical staff or equipment.”

“Yes. I’ll let you know after the surgery.”

As the director stepped away, my grandfather comforted me.

“You’re lucky to have such loyal people around you.”

His words were meant to comfort, but they didn’t resonate.

Someone risking their life for me felt unreal.

“I’ve had men go to prison for me, but no one’s ever put their life on the line… You must be wondering how you’ll repay this debt.”

“I don’t think I’m the only one who owes him, am I?”

“You’re right. I’m deeply indebted to this man as well. Haha.”

My grandfather looked down at the blood-stained business card again.

“Get some rest. At least until the surgery is over, there’s nothing either of us can do.”

“Yes, let’s rest.”

My grandfather closed his eyes, but I couldn’t relax.

If Assistant Manager Kim didn’t make it out of the operating room alive, I would carry an unpayable debt for the rest of my life.

A heavy weight settled in my chest.

* * *

Lee Hak-jae, having entered Gongju City, pulled the car over briefly. He called the police officers who had escorted them, thanking them for their help and offering appropriate compensation.

There was a place he needed to visit before the hospital.

“Let’s go to the Gongju Police Station.”

Upon arriving at the police station, Lee Hak-jae strode confidently into the chief’s office.

The chief, receiving Lee Hak-jae’s business card, adopted a respectful demeanor.

“I received the call, Chief of Staff. But I didn’t expect you to arrive so soon.”

“It was quite urgent. I may have sped a little.”

“The officers who were dispatched to the scene have been instructed to keep quiet. You can rest assured about that.”

“Thank you for your consideration. But have you assessed the situation?”

“The on-site investigation is still ongoing, but the senior officers in the traffic division have formed an initial opinion.”

The police chief began drawing on a sheet of A4 paper.

“Speed markings indicate the Chairman’s car was stopped at the traffic light. A truck traveling straight through the intersection from the left seems to have veered, though we don’t know why, and crashed into the Chairman’s car.”

“Then the Chairman must have been severely injured…”

“Indeed. However, there was another car behind the Chairman’s. A BMW… Before the truck collided with the Chairman’s car, the BMW rammed directly into the truck. The skid marks on the asphalt clearly show the BMW accelerated suddenly. This action caused the truck to change direction…”

Seeing Lee Hak-jae’s confused expression, the chief tilted his head.

“We assumed it was the Chairman’s escort vehicle. Is that not the case?”

“What about the driver of the BMW?”

“Critically injured. Even in a safe German car, colliding head-on with an 8-ton truck would be devastating.”

“So, the Chairman’s car suffered a secondary impact.”

“Yes. By the way, the Soonyang Chairman’s personal assistants are truly remarkable. To throw away their lives for their leader… It’s inspiring.”

“Have you identified him?”

“Yes. We found his wallet. Just a moment. Where did I write it down…”

The chief picked up a memo from his desk.

“Kim Yoon-suk, from the Strategy Office. Do you know him?”

Of course, I didn’t. I only knew the function of the Strategy Office. This was something I could look into later.

“What about the truck driver?”

“He’s also severely injured and receiving treatment. Don’t worry. I’ve assigned a detective to watch him. He won’t be going anywhere.”

The chief carefully observed Lee Hak-jae’s expression before asking, “Is there anything suspicious about this?”

“Oh, no. It’s early morning, the truck driver probably fell asleep after driving all night. It happens often, doesn’t it?”

“We’re leaning towards that, but the investigation is ongoing…”

“Chief.”

“Yes?”

Lee Hak-jae gestured, stopping the chief mid-sentence.

“Could you provide me with the truck and driver’s information first?”

The chief handed over the accident report.

“The truck’s license plate and the driver’s details. As I mentioned, the investigation is still…”

“The Chief Commissioner will be in touch. Just drop it.”

“Pardon?”

“As you know, an accident involving the Chairman will have negative repercussions across various sectors. The victim is our employee, so there shouldn’t be any issues.”

It was an order from the Chief Commissioner and a request from Soonyang Group. No need for further deliberation. One less troublesome matter to deal with.

“Of course, if it’s something Soonyang Group is involved in, it must be significant. Please, proceed as you see fit.”

His work here was done.

Now, he just needed to go to the hospital and ensure things were under control there.

* * *

Guided by the hospital director, Chief of Staff Lee Hak-jae carefully opened the door and entered the room.

“Chief of Staff Lee.”

He lowered his voice, worried about waking the Chairman.

Lee looked at the bed briefly before approaching me.

“How are you feeling? Are you alright? Have you had all the tests done?”

“Yes. The CT scan showed nothing serious.”

“That’s a relief. Is the Chairman alright too?”

“Yes.”

Lee still couldn’t take his eyes off the Chairman’s bed.

“By the way, do you know Kim Yoon-suk?”

“Yes, he’s my aide from the Strategy Office.”

“I thought so. But why was he following you?”

His expression held a hint of suspicion.

As I recounted Assistant Manager Kim’s likely reasoning, he nodded.

“That man’s loyalty is extraordinary. It seems he saved your life, and the Chairman’s too.”

“Do you think so? I was just guessing.”

“It’s true. He rammed the oncoming truck. That changed its trajectory, keeping you both safe.”

“You’re here? Why didn’t you wake me?”

My grandfather propped himself up.

“Chairman, please lie down.”

Lee quickly rushed over to support him, and I adjusted the bed’s backrest.

“Do-jun, go to the next room for a bit. Your grandfather and I have some things to discuss.”

“Yes.”

I quietly left the hospital room and closed the door behind me.

“So, have all the arrangements been made?”

“Yes. I instructed the local police chief to drop the accident investigation. I also spoke with the hospital director to ensure the details of the accident don’t leak.”

“What about the details of the accident? What have you heard?”

Lee Hak-jae relayed the information he received from the police chief in its entirety.

“I’ve already ordered a background check on the truck driver. Something will likely turn up.”

“Why? Do you suspect something?”

Chairman Jin asked, his eyes gleaming, causing Lee Hak-jae to appear slightly flustered.

“We need to consider all possibilities. Isn’t that why you haven’t contacted the family yet, because you also have doubts?”

“No one knew I was going to Gunsan. It might just be a case of drowsy driving.”

“We’ll find out when the truck driver wakes up.”

Lee Hak-jae’s brief response seemed to seek confirmation. Chairman Jin nodded silently.

“Handle it quietly, without causing any disturbances.”

“Yes. But when should we inform the family?”

“Let’s wait for now. The news will spread anyway. This is a hospital, after all. Tell them whatever is convenient. Even that I’m resting at a hot spring resort.”

“Understood.”

Lee Hak-jae carefully gauged Chairman Jin’s reaction before asking,

“Chairman, was the reason you were taking Do-jun to Gunsan that particular… purpose?”

The Joseon Grain Warehouse in Gunsan.

The starting point of Soonyang Group.

And a place that held secrets.

A secret location known to fewer than ten people.

Though now a museum, its basement was also a museum. Chairman Jin Yang-cheol’s private museum.

A place where items from his childhood to the present day, objects that stirred his memories, were stored.

A museum of memories where he could calmly reflect on his life’s journey.

It was there that his eldest son, Jin Young-gi, and his second son, Jin Dong-gi, had each received their designation as successors of Soonyang.

Today, Jin Do-jun was about to receive his third designation.

“Yes. Why? Does Do-jun seem inadequate?”

“No, sir. I am well aware of his exceptional abilities, despite his youth.”

Lee Hak-jae knew Jin Do-jun’s secret. A man who had turned billions into trillions? His talent was astounding, but the meticulousness with which he kept it hidden was even more impressive.

“Your two sons have already been there, and Do-jun is the third? Or…”

He trailed off, reluctant to voice the question. Had he dismissed his sons and turned his attention to his grandson?

“Let’s just say it’s the third time. For now…”

“Yes, Chairman. I understand your intentions.”

As Lee Hak-jae bowed his head, Chairman Jin chuckled.

“My sons were overjoyed at the prospect of leading Soonyang Group. I was curious what kind of expression Do-jun would make, it’s a shame I didn’t see it.”

“Given his composed nature, wouldn’t he have had a calm expression?”

“He might have even waved his hand and refused.”

“Pardon? Surely not?”

Rejecting the position of successor to Soonyang Group? He was either devoid of ambition or terrified, but Jin Do-jun fit neither description.

“How cunning is that fellow?”

Chairman Jin burst into laughter.

“A mere twenty-year-old has already inspired a subordinate to risk his life for him. Hak-jae, would you die for me?”

“Not anymore. I have a wife and three children waiting for me to die. They’re eager to spend my money. I’d be too resentful to die! Heh heh.”

Chairman Jin’s eyes widened.

“You’ve gotten old too. You’re afraid of dying. Hahaha.”

“Aren’t you disappointed?”

“You spent three years in prison for me? I may not say it, but know that I’m always grateful.”

“You’ve always shown your appreciation with money, Chairman. I understand your feelings well. Haha.”

Seeing Lee Hak-jae speak so freely in front of him, he once again felt the passage of time.

His era was coming to an end. Watching whose hands the next era would fall into seemed like it would be quite interesting.

Just then, a knock on the door was followed by Director Yoo entering the room.

“Chief of Staff. People have come looking for you.”

“Ah, I’ll go out right away.”

Lee said, getting to his feet.

“I’ve called for some security personnel just in case. I’ll go handle things. Please rest.”

* * *

Men in suits lined the path from the medical center’s main gate to the entrance of the intensive care unit, and even to Chairman Jin’s hospital room.

They would only follow Lee Hak-jae’s orders. Meaning, even family members couldn’t see Chairman Jin without Lee’s permission.

Within the security personnel’s tight cordon, I could finally relax for the first time in a while, but even that wasn’t easy.

“Hey, surely one beer wouldn’t hurt?”

“Grandfather. Our benefactor is currently undergoing a life-or-death surgery. We should at least wait until it’s over, praying. What do you mean, alcohol!”

I learned another thing.

When a healthy old man is confined to a hospital bed, he starts craving many things.