Chapter 3: The Real Patient
“Do-jun!”
The relief in my father’s voice was palpable as he rushed into the hospital room, his eyes brimming with tears. He must have been worried sick, thinking his perfectly healthy son was gravely injured.
He hesitated to hug me, perhaps fearing he might hurt me, and instead, he grasped my hand tightly. It was an awkward moment.
Should I have been the one to initiate the hug? The thought made me shy, so I didn’t.
“Father, I’m fine. Just a few scrapes and bruises. As you can see, I’m perfectly okay.”
“Really? You’re not seriously hurt anywhere?”
“No, they checked me from head to toe. There’s nothing wrong. So please, stop worrying.”
Hearing that I was unharmed, my father finally pulled me into a hug. It was a bit embarrassing, but I patted his back gently in return.
“What on earth happened?”
I carefully explained the events, omitting any suspicious details. I told him it was a simple car accident and that Kim Yoon-seok, who was with me, happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
My father despises the kind of loyalty tales where someone risks their life for their master, like something out of the Joseon Dynasty. He’s tired of people who use money to lord over others, even family.
“And what about Kim Yoon-seok? Is he okay?”
“Yes, his surgery went well, and he’s recovering quickly. You don’t need to worry about him.”
Just as I managed to calm one person, another burst in.
“Do-jun!”
When Oh Se-hyun barged in, I realized I’d have to repeat the whole “I’m fine” routine again. It was exhausting.
After the tiresome repetition, Oh Se-hyun glanced between my father and me before speaking hesitantly.
“I heard something… Yoon-gi, you should know too.”
“What is it?”
“Why did the princess come, Do-jun?”
“Hey, speak clearly,” my father interjected, giving Oh Se-hyun a stern look.
“We were on our way to Gunsan. I was going to the Joseon Rice Warehouse…”
As I explained the significance of the warehouse and why we were on the road so early, Oh Se-hyun slapped his knee in realization.
“Ah, so that ridiculous ceremony was at the Joseon Rice Warehouse.”
“What nonsense are you spouting?”
“Father, you might not get it, but listen. The chairman is considering your son, Do-jun, as a successor to the Sunyang Group. He’s not the only candidate, but still.”
“What?”
My father was still confused, but I had already pieced it all together. It wasn’t just a museum visit or a casual outing. I was the third in line, right after my two uncles.
Seeing my lack of surprise, Oh Se-hyun smirked.
“Look at this sly guy. He doesn’t seem like someone hearing this for the first time. Maybe he already expected it. Ha ha ha.”
Oh Se-hyun’s laughter did nothing to calm my father, who seemed to need more time to process our conversation.
“But uncle, how did you know?”
“Your aunt wanted to meet. I was going to discuss the DMC project with her, but when she heard the accident happened in Gongju, she seemed to know what was going on.”
Oh Se-hyun glanced at my father and chuckled.
“Your father still seems clueless. Heh heh.”
“I know. But don’t get your hopes up.”
“What?”
“Huh?”
It was a reversal.
My father frowned slightly as he spoke, leaving us both surprised.
“Your uncle Young-gi and uncle Dong-gi were both appointed successors there. It’s a childish ceremony, really. The chairman shows them the history of Sunyang and says, ‘Continue this legacy.’ Ha ha.”
“How do you know? Don’t tell me you…?”
When Oh Se-hyun stammered, my father gave a bitter smile.
“No. My eldest brother came back and proudly announced it. He was so happy, saying he became the successor today. I still vividly remember that.”
“Then why say not to expect much? It means Do-jun is also a successor. He might even get a third of Sunyang…”
Oh Se-hyun’s uncertain words were met with a shake of my father’s head.
“Look at Sunyang’s shares now. Both your uncles received less than 10% each. It’s been almost 20 years since they were named successors. Don’t you see?”
My father’s question was directed at me.
“Do-jun, your grandfather has immense greed. It’s a greed beyond what ordinary people can imagine. He hates giving away what he has, even to his children.”
While there might be some truth to that, it’s not entirely accurate.
The grandfather my father sees and the one I see are different.
He may have chosen successors, but he might not trust them to continue Sunyang’s legacy. He’s anxious about whether they can carry on the history.
My grandfather’s greed is indeed immense, as my father says.
But there’s a greater desire than that greed: the prosperity of Sunyang.
Why have my two uncles remained with less than 10% for nearly 20 years?
Because that’s all the expectation they have for Sunyang’s prosperity. At least, that’s what I believe.
“Father, when you have no expectations, you tend to be grateful for anything.”
“What do you mean?”
“It seems I’m not destined to be Sunyang’s successor. Look, it’s like the heavens rejected me with this accident. So even if my inheritance is tiny, I’ll be thankful.”
Seeing me smile as I spoke, the two of them had completely different reactions.
Oh Se-hyun, who knows my true ambitions for Sunyang, clicked his tongue at my feigned humility, while my father, seeing me without greed, nodded approvingly.
The VIP room at Myungin University Hospital was as luxurious as a hotel suite.
Though a private university, its medical school was renowned, attracting wealthy patients who spared no expense for special treatment.
The VIP room matched its reputation, charging more than a hotel suite.
Chairman Jin was secretly admitted to this room, greeted personally by the hospital director.
“I’m Director Woo Yong-gil. It’s an honor to have you here, Chairman.”
“Honor, you say… You’re the one who’s going to look inside my head, so be kind.”
“Actually, it won’t be me but Professor Jang who will examine your brain thoroughly. We won’t see any corporate secrets, but we’ll ensure the tumor is completely removed. Ha ha.”
Professor Jang Jun-hyuk, standing beside Director Woo, bowed.
“I’ve reviewed the CT scans from Gongju Medical Center. It was a difficult find, but they have someone remarkable there. You were lucky.”
“I’m always lucky. But let me ask you one thing.”
“Please, go ahead, Chairman.”
“When do you think that wretched tumor started growing in my head?”
“Before a biopsy, it’s hard to say. It varies for each person, so guessing based on size alone is…”
“Just your guess or thoughts, Professor Jang. I’m not asking to hold you accountable.”
Though he hesitated, Professor Jang cautiously replied. It was a simple question, after all.
“It’s been over a month but less than two.”
”…”
Chairman Jin showed no reaction, prompting Chief Lee Hak-jae to speak up.
“Will there be no recurrence after the surgery?”
“I’ll ensure it’s removed cleanly, with minimal post-surgery effects, so the Chairman can return to his office quickly.”
“Thank you. If you don’t mind Sunyang Medical Center, let me know discreetly when the director isn’t around. I’ll bring you on as the head of surgery. Ha ha.”
The sudden recruitment attempt by Chairman Jin left both the director and Professor Jang speechless.
“I hear Professor Jang is renowned as the best surgeon. As you know, I’m a believer in being number one. The best surgeon shouldn’t be at a university hospital. I’ll offer you the best treatment in the country. Of course, I’ll also donate to Myungin Medical School. I’m not one to poach talent without giving back.”
Good or bad news is hard to hide, and Professor Jang struggled to suppress a smile at the mention of being head of surgery with top treatment, while Director Woo bit his lip, imagining the loss of VIP clients if the star surgeon left.
Chairman Jin’s donation might cover the financial loss, but it couldn’t restore a damaged reputation.
“Take your time to think it over.”
With a smile, Chairman Jin watched them bow and leave the room.
Once alone, Chief Lee spoke.
“Chairman.”
“Yes.”
“The executives are getting restless.”
“Has the news spread already?”
“No, the car accident hasn’t been made public…”
“The kids must be stirring things up.”
“Yes, they’re frantically assessing the stock holdings of other subsidiaries.”
“This is a good chance to see which CEOs are siding with my two sons.”
It seemed a storm was brewing once Chairman Jin’s surgery was over. He wanted CEOs who were loyal only to him, believing that such loyalty would transfer to the successor he eventually named.
“Has anyone reached out to external investors?”
“Not yet. They’re cautious about letting anything slip outside.”
Chief Lee hesitated, gauging Chairman Jin’s reaction before speaking carefully.
“It seems your two sons aren’t involved in this accident.”
“Why do you say that?”
“I overheard their conversation.”
“What did they say? Were they hoping I’d die soon?”
“No, they both understood that if you returned in this condition, the succession plan would be disrupted.”
“The fact that you know the group’s power structure is on thin ice means you’re not completely clueless. That’s a relief. Heh.”
“While the situation is suspicious, it’s likely just a coincidence.”
“We’ll look into that further. But more importantly, Director Lee.”
“Yes.”
“Dig into this Professor Jang Jun-hyuk.”
Lee Hak-jae quickly grasped Chairman Jin’s intentions.
The offer to recruit Professor Jang Jun-hyuk wasn’t a joke.
“Investigate and find his weak spot. If he’s too principled to be swayed by money, then find a vulnerability and bring him to Sunyang Medical Center.”
“Judging by his expression, he seems like the type who’d jump at the chance for money and position.”
“That’s how it seems. But a guy like that would fly off even faster if someone else offered more money and a higher position. To keep him, we need to have a knife ready to stop him from leaving.”
“Understood. I’ll dig up some dirt.”
A slight smirk appeared on Director Lee Hak-jae’s lips.
“And bring the director of Sunyang Medical Center over this evening.”
“The director?”
“Yes. There’s something I need to verify.”
“Is it about the tumor?”
“Exactly. If Sunyang Medical Center failed to detect a tumor that even a local hospital found, heads will roll.”
“Yes, Chairman. I’ll bring him quietly.”
Chairman Jin’s stern expression suggested there was more on his mind, but Director Lee nodded without further comment.