Chapter 102: Why Is He Here?

Why was this man here?

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

“Who is it? Someone you know?” the Chairman asked, noticing my surprise and snatching the business card from my hand.

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

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

As I spoke, the situation became clearer.

Assistant Manager Kim had ignored my instructions, adhering to his duties with utmost diligence. He had stayed to ensure my safety until I was inside my house.

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

The Chairman seemed to grasp the situation instantly and addressed the hospital director, “Can this man be saved?”

“We are doing our best, sir.”

That was all a doctor could say. Shouldn’t a doctor avoid making promises when someone’s life hung in the balance?

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

“Yes, Chairman.”

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

“It’s too risky at the moment. We need to finish the surgery and assess his condition. Even the slightest shock could be dangerous. An ambulance, let alone a helicopter, would be too risky.”

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

“Yes, I will inform you after the surgery.”

As the director stepped away, the Chairman comforted me.

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

He was trying to comfort me, but it didn’t resonate.

Someone risking their life for me felt surreal.

“I’ve had men go to prison for me, but never someone who risked their life… You must be wondering how you’ll repay this debt.”

“I don’t think I’m the only one in debt here, sir.”

“You’re right. I owe this man a great deal as well. Haha.”

The Chairman looked down at the bloodstained business card again.

“Get some rest. Neither of us can do anything until the surgery is over.”

“Alright, let’s rest.”

The Chairman 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 unrepayable debt for the rest of my life.

A heavy weight settled in my heart.

* * *

Approaching Gongju City, Lee Hak-jae briefly stopped the car. He called the police escorting them to express his gratitude and offered appropriate compensation.

But there was somewhere he needed to go 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 police chief, after receiving Lee Hak-jae’s business card, adopted a respectful demeanor.

“I received a call from the Commissioner, sir. But I didn’t expect you to arrive so soon.”

“It was quite urgent. I drove rather quickly.”

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

“Thank you for your attention to this matter. Have you been able to assess the situation?”

“We still need to conduct a thorough on-site investigation, but the veteran officers in the traffic division believe this.”

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

“Based on the skid marks, the Chairman’s car was stopped at the traffic light. A truck approaching from the left of the intersection proceeded straight but then, for some reason, swerved and collided with the Chairman’s car.”

“In that case, the Chairman must have been seriously injured…”

“Indeed. However, there was another car behind the Chairman’s. A BMW… Before the truck collided with the Chairman’s car, it crashed into the truck. The tire marks on the asphalt clearly indicate the BMW accelerated rapidly. This caused the truck to change direction…”

Lee Hak-jae looked puzzled, and 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, directly hitting an eight-ton truck would have devastating consequences.”

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

“Yes. By the way, the Chairman’s aides are truly remarkable. To sacrifice oneself for their leader… I’m deeply impressed.”

“Have you identified this person?”

“Yes, we found his wallet. Just a moment. I wrote it down somewhere…”

The chief picked up a memo from his desk.

“Assistant Manager Kim Yoon-suk from the Strategy Planning Department. Does that name sound familiar?”

Of course, I didn’t know him personally. I only knew the role of the Strategy Planning Department. I could look into this later.

“What about the truck driver?”

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

The chief cautiously observed Lee Hak-jae, asking, “Is there something suspicious about this?”

“Oh, no. It’s early morning; the truck driver probably fell asleep at the wheel. These things happen, don’t they?”

“That’s our initial assessment as well, but we need to investigate further…”

“Chief.”

“Yes?”

Lee Hak-jae gestured to silence the chief.

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

The chief handed over the accident report.

“Here are the truck’s license plate number and the driver’s details. As I mentioned, we’ll be conducting further investigation…”

“The Commissioner will be contacting you again. Please make this disappear.”

“Pardon?”

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

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

“Of course, this involves Soonyang Group; it’s undoubtedly significant. We’ll handle it as you see fit.”

My task here was complete.

Now, all that remained was to go to the hospital and ensure silence and discretion.

* * *

Guided by the hospital director, Chief of staff Lee Hak-jae cautiously opened the door.

“Chief of staff Lee.”

He lowered his voice, concerned about waking the Chairman.

The Chief of staff glanced at the bed before approaching me.

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

“Yes, sir. The CT scan showed no major issues.”

“Good. And the Chairman is fine?”

“Yes.”

The Chief of staff’s gaze remained fixed on the Chairman’s bed.

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

“Yes, he’s my aide. From the Strategy Planning Department.”

“I see. But why was he following you?”

He seemed slightly suspicious.

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

“That man’s loyalty is extraordinary. It seems he saved both you and the Chairman’s lives.”

“Is that so? I had suspected as much.”

“Indeed. He rammed his car into the oncoming truck. That changed its trajectory, preventing a direct hit.”

“You’re here? Why didn’t you wake me?” The Chairman propped himself up.

“Chairman, please lie back down,” Chief of staff Lee quickly rushed over, and I adjusted the bed’s backrest.

“Do-jun, go to the next room. Your grandfather and I have something to discuss.”

“Yes, sir.”

I quietly left the room, closing the door gently behind me.

“So, have all the arrangements been made?”

“Yes. I instructed the police chief here to bury the accident. 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 had gathered from the police chief.

“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.

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

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

“We’ll confirm with the truck driver once he regains consciousness.”

Lee Hak-jae’s brief reply seemed to seek approval. Chairman Jin nodded silently.

“Handle it quietly, without causing any disturbances.”

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

“Let’s wait for now. The news will spread eventually. There are many people in this hospital. Just tell them something appropriate. Say I’m resting at a hot spring resort.”

“Understood.”

Lee Hak-jae cautiously gauged Chairman Jin’s expression.

“Chairman, were you planning to take Do-jun to Gunsan for that very reason?”

The Joseon Grain Warehouse in Gunsan.

The starting point of Soonyang Group.

And a place holding secrets.

A secret location known to fewer than ten people.

It had been transformed into a museum, but its basement was also a museum—Chairman Jin Yang-cheol’s private museum.

A place where he kept small items that triggered his memories, from his childhood to the present.

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

It was there that his eldest son, Jin Young-ki, and his second son, Jin Dong-ki, had each received their designation as Soonyang’s successor.

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

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

“Oh, no, sir. I am well aware of his exceptional talents, despite his youth.”

Lee Hak-jae knew Jin Do-jun’s secret. The boy who had turned billions into trillions. His talent was astounding, but his discretion in keeping it a secret was even more so.

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

He trailed off. He wanted to ask if the Chairman was bypassing his sons and turning to his grandson, but it was a sensitive topic.

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

“Yes, sir. I understand your intentions.”

Chairman Jin chuckled as Lee Hak-jae bowed his head.

“My sons were overjoyed when I told them they would lead Soonyang Group. I was curious to see Do-jun’s reaction, but I missed it.”

“Given his composed nature, he probably maintained a calm expression.”

“He might have even waved his hands in refusal.”

“Pardon? Surely not.”

Rejecting the succession of Soonyang Group? Either he had no desire for wealth, or he was afraid, but Jin Do-jun fit neither description.

“How cunning is that boy?”

Chairman Jin burst into laughter.

“A boy barely over twenty has already gained a loyal subordinate who would give his life for him. Hak-jae, would you die for me?”

“Not anymore, sir. 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! Haha.”

Chairman Jin’s eyes widened.

“You’ve gotten old, haven’t you? You’re afraid of dying now. Hahaha.”

“Aren’t you disappointed?”

“Disappointed in you, who served three years in prison for me? I may not say it, but know that I’m always grateful.”

“You’ve shown your appreciation with money instead of words, Chairman. I understand. Haha.”

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

His era was ending. Watching who would take the reins next seemed like it would be quite entertaining.

Just then, there was a knock on the door, and Director Yoo entered.

“Chief of staff, people are here looking for you.”

“Ah, I’ll be right out,” Chief of staff Lee said, getting up.

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

* * *

From the medical center’s main gate to the entrance of the intensive care unit and Chairman Jin’s hospital room, men in suits lined the corridors.

They would follow Chief of staff Lee Hak-jae’s orders without question. This meant that even family members couldn’t see Chairman Jin without the Chief of staff’s permission.

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

“Hey, surely one beer won’t hurt?”

“Grandfather, our benefactor is currently undergoing a life-or-death surgery. We should at least wait until the surgery is over and pray. What do you mean, alcohol?!”

I learned another thing.

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