Chief of the Army Headquarters Military Police Office. A high-ranking position commanding all military police units within the Army.
Though technically a one-star general, the position wields central power comparable to that of a two-star major general. Simply put, it’s like being the Police Commissioner within the Army. Kim Cheolsu glared at Hong Sewoong, who had appeared from such a formidable place.
“Are you from the Army Headquarters Military Police Office?”
He fundamentally disliked power and detested those who flaunted it. But this was a predictable situation. The general who was hospitalized a few days ago in the neurosurgery department of the Capital Hospital… In the end, someone from that side had come looking for Kim Cheolsu.
Kim Cheolsu spoke in a cold tone.
“What brings you here from the Military Police Office? I have no idea. I’ve never committed a crime.”
“Of course, we’re not here to trouble a busy military doctor. But it seems no one likes the Military Police Office. Perhaps it’s our external image. If you could spare a moment to talk alone, I will explain the situation.”
Those who hold strong power tend to be arrogant. Yet Hong Sewoong showed some sincerity. With a nervous expression, he asked Kim Cheolsu for his time. After a moment’s hesitation, Kim Cheolsu replied.
“Alright. Let’s go to the general surgery outpatient room. There shouldn’t be any patients by now.”
“Yes.”
A short while later, the two men faced each other inside the examination room. Nearby, Shin Seyeong glanced nervously and asked,
“What’s going on with the Military Police? It’s nothing bad, right, Major?”
Whispering, Shin Seyeong worried it might have something to do with Hong Jino’s surgery. Kim Cheolsu answered with a calm expression.
“I don’t think so. It’s probably nothing serious. Please wait outside.”
“Understood, Major.”
After Shin Seyeong closed the door and left, Hong Sewoong began speaking slowly.
“Have you heard the rumors? About the general hospitalized in the Capital Hospital’s neurosurgery department? Actually, that general is none other than Yong Daegil, Chief of the Army Headquarters Military Police Office.”
Though he had suspected it, it was surprising to hear confirmation. Kim Cheolsu nodded.
“Of course. I thought there would be no other reason you’d come find me.”
“As you know, the neurosurgery department at the Capital Hospital boasts top-tier medical technology in the country. Led by a chief who graduated from Y University, they have excellent clinicians. Yet even they have given up, saying they cannot perform the surgery. What choice do we have? We had to seek out the famous genius doctor everyone’s talking about lately.”
“Famous? What do you mean…”
Kim Cheolsu asked, puzzled. Joo Kyungsik had mentioned that he was gaining fame in the orthopedic department at Hampyeong, but what the Army Headquarters Military Police Office said carried a different weight. His name was already a nationwide rumor.
Hong Sewoong elaborated to the surprised Kim Cheolsu.
“The news about Major Kim Cheolsu has spread across hospitals and intelligence agencies nationwide. Especially the successful surgery on Private First Class Hong Jino’s hilar cholangiocarcinoma was an incredible achievement.”
Hong Sewoong pressed subtly with a faintly bitter smile.
Kim Cheolsu’s expression twisted. This was exactly why he hated those in power. It was surprising enough that they knew about the surgery, but coming to request it while pressuring him arrogantly was infuriating.
The problem was… no matter how much he got angry, the fact he secretly performed Hong Jino’s surgery wouldn’t disappear.
If a formal investigation started, he would be caught on multiple legal violations. He’d face inquiries for breaching medical laws and military regulations. Biting his lip, Kim Cheolsu tensed.
“Is this how the Military Police threatens military doctors? It’s unpleasant.”
“Threats? That was never our intention. We only wanted to tell you how the rumors started. We earnestly ask the military doctor to operate on the general. If you can perform surgeries in orthopedics, general surgery, and trauma surgery, surely you can do this. We have judged that you, military doctor, can operate on the general’s meningioma.”
Though he spoke of it as a request with some friendly chatter, Kim Cheolsu noticed the serpent-like cunning gleaming in his eyes.
After all, he was the aide to the general at the very top of the Army Military Police—not an easy soldier to deal with like the others before.
Kim Cheolsu swallowed his annoyance and thought deeply.
No matter how much he wanted to avoid getting entangled with powerful people, the situation was serious.
Since he was already compromised by the Hong Jino surgery, confronting the Military Police was risky.
He had hardly achieved anything since arriving at Hampyeong, and he could face dishonorable discharge or even end up in the Army prison.
-Basil…
Cold sweat dripped down Kim Cheolsu’s forehead. He recalled his days as a powerless private, bullied by some petty captain.
Lost in thought for a moment, Kim Cheolsu made a decision and opened his eyes wide.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t do it.”
“Huh? Th-That can’t be… The Military Police will cover for Hong Jino’s surgery. We’ll also support anything you do going forward. Yet you say the compensation isn’t enough?”
“The Army Headquarters Military Police will back me? That might tempt an ordinary soldier, but not me. If there’s an accusation against me, investigate it through proper channels. I don’t know how big a crime it is to secretly operate on a dying cancer patient, but if I were to bow to pressure from above, I wouldn’t have come back to the Army in the first place.”
Firmly, Kim Cheolsu stood and opened the previously closed examination room door.
“Let’s end it here. Consider today’s discussion as never having happened.”
“… I beg you. The general’s life is hanging by a thread. If you leave now, he’ll never get the surgery and will die.”
“I think you’re mistaken. I’m not a genius doctor nor a neurosurgeon specialized in brain surgery. I have nothing more to say. I’ll be leaving now.”
Hong Sewoong, who had been full of confidence, glanced nervously at Kim Cheolsu and left the room. He spoke once more.
“There’s still a brain tumor inside the general’s head. I hope Major Kim Cheolsu will operate.”
“… I’m sorry. I lack the capability.”
-Bang!
Kim Cheolsu slammed the examination room door with a cold expression. Left alone, Hong Sewoong sighed and muttered.
“He’s really a tough one. Just like the rumors say. What do we do now…”
Like many from intelligence and investigative agencies, Hong Sewoong had no intention of backing down. He went to see the newly appointed medical director at Hampyeong.
“Who are you? The medical director’s office isn’t a place for just anyone.”
Colonel (medical) Park Junghyun, who had been acting high-handed, faltered at Hong Sewoong’s words.
“I’m from the Army Headquarters Military Police Office. I have an urgent matter to discuss. May I have a moment?”
“Oh my—what business does the Military Police have in such a rural place? Well, I’ll make time. Please sit.”
The colonel (medical) was intimidated in front of the major. After all, the Army Headquarters Military Police Office is effectively an investigative agency directly under the Chief of Staff.
A lowly military doctor could be easily disposed of with the right excuse. Though a major, Hong Sewoong was effectively the right hand of the Military Police chief.
Park Junghyun painfully understood this and carefully served tea and cookies while watching Hong Sewoong’s demeanor.
“So, what’s this about? Could it be that Chief Yong Daegil sent you?”
“Yes. That’s correct. He’s carrying out an important mission.”
“Oh! Really? What could it be here in the countryside? Ah! Could it be a VIP’s child wants to be admitted to Hampyeong Hospital? If so, I’ll fully cooperate! Ha ha, that’s no problem at all.”
Park Junghyun assumed Hong Sewoong had come to arrange admission. That kind of thing was common. But Hong Sewoong frowned and shook his head.
“Not at all. The Military Police doesn’t exert pressure on trivial matters. I’m a bit annoyed. What have you thought of the Military Police until now, Director?”
Feigning anger, Park Junghyun wagged his tail like a dog. He realized the other was deliberately provoking him to establish dominance.
The director planned to use this opportunity to build ties with the Military Police, which would help his promotion to colonel.
“Ha ha, how could that be? If you were offended, I apologize. I only meant that we’re willing to assist whatever the Military Police desires.”
“… That’s a relief.”
Hong Sewoong exhaled in relief, thinking this man was easier to negotiate with than Kim Cheolsu. He then got to the point.
“Actually, our general is gravely ill. We’re looking for a surgeon at the Capital Hospital, and we judged Major Kim Cheolsu to be the right person. That’s why we came all this way, but the major refused. Could you persuade him?”
“… What kind of surgery requires Major Kim Cheolsu?”
Hong Sewoong evaded the question.
“That’s classified. But the Military Police has determined that only Major Kim Cheolsu can perform it. If Director Hampyeong assists, we won’t forget it.”
“Ugh… Of course, I understand you can’t say more. Then let’s go down to general surgery together. Why bother persuading? If I say do it, then he has to do it. Ha ha! I’m the medical director who holds some influence here. Don’t worry.”
“… Major Kim Cheolsu isn’t an easy person. You might need to promise a proper reward. That’s something for the hospital to handle more than the Military Police.”
Hong Sewoong hinted, but Park Junghyun was stubborn.
Believing in absolute obedience, the colonel (medical) went down with Hong Sewoong to the general surgery outpatient room where Kim Cheolsu was.
He burst through the door and immediately spoke bluntly.
“Hey! I’m the new medical director Colonel (medical) Park Junghyun who was assigned to Hampyeong Hospital. Are you the General Surgery Major Kim?”
“Yes, but what’s the matter?”
Kim Cheolsu replied coldly, ignoring Park Junghyun’s failure to recognize him. He showed no interest, regardless of his title. Park Junghyun, who had always been proud of his position, snapped and shouted.
“What do you mean ‘what’s the matter’? How dare you talk like that to your godlike medical director? Insolent brat… Hey, are you crazy? What kind of tone is that to a superior? You rude bastard.”
“Stop picking a fight and say what you need to. I’m very busy with waiting patients.”
“In an empty examination room, what nonsense is that? Are you ignoring me?!”
Trying to kick him out from the completely empty general surgery room, Park Junghyun was furious. It was clear he wanted to make trouble. He felt even more humiliated with Hong Sewoong watching from behind.
“Hey! When they tell you to do something, you just do it! Do as you’re told, you bastard! Go to Seoul right now and operate on the general. That’s an order!”
Colonel (medical) Park Junghyun had never experienced insubordination from subordinates in the army.
His terrible temper was usually indulged by compliant underlings.
So his temper worsened over time, making him an untouchable stubborn tyrant now.
He naturally expected this to be an easy problem to solve, just as before. How could a lowly major defy a colonel (medical)? Absurd. But that was a huge miscalculation. Kim Cheolsu narrowed his eyes colder than ice and said, “This is the second time you’re saying this. I refuse. Find another doctor.”
-Bang!!
He slammed the examination room door irritably. Park Junghyun stood in the hallway, dumbfounded and furious enough to turn red-faced.
“Is this guy really crazy? Wow, this is unbelievable!”
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