Chapter 45: Hidden Truth

I took a short nap at the hotel and woke up.

Taking out my pocket watch to check the time, it was 3:30 PM.

I quietly realized I was hungry.

Come to think of it, I hadn’t eaten properly since staying overnight at the hospital.

“Can I say this pocket watch helped prevent the disaster? I’m not sure… but it’s an amazing item. Why on earth would something that can see the future come into my possession? Still, it’s a fascinating and grateful tool. Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to save so many people.”

Originally, in history, the subway disaster had caused hundreds of casualties. But this time, with Kim Cheolsu’s intervention, the number of victims was reduced.

Feeling relieved that it was stopped, I put on a white dress shirt.

For now, I planned to handle my schedule in Seoul.

I needed to visit Y University to decide whether or not to perform surgery on the chairman of Hyundo Group.

And… I also wanted to express my gratitude in person to those who helped prevent yesterday’s disaster.

It only seemed right to buy them a drink or a meal. A small gift would be nice too.

After some thought, I began to get dressed again.

I put on pants and all my clothes to go outside, but suddenly, my phone on the table rang.

Tring..!

Click!

Wondering who Kim Cheolsu might be, I answered the call.

“This is Major Hong Sewoong, military doctor. Did you sleep well? You must have been very tired. I tried calling several times, but you only just picked up.”

“Yeah. I took a nap. But how did you know I woke up? That’s really amazing.”

“Haha! I didn’t exactly put anyone on you. Actually, this morning’s newspaper featured your face in a huge photo. They called you the ‘righteous doctor who operated on the subway disaster victims.’ Everyone’s praising you to no end. Reporters must be lined up right outside your hotel. I only found out because of the news. That you’re resting here in the hotel.”

“Hm, I did meet some reporters at the hospital entrance, but I didn’t expect them to write an article. Why are reporters so interested in me? I don’t understand.”

Kim Cheolsu let out an awkward sigh.

Honestly, he never thought the incident would blow up like this.

He just assumed some bored reporters came around, but after I woke up, it turned into quite a big deal.

Deciding not to worry too much, he said,

“I’m going back to Hampyeong soon anyway. Things should calm down once I’m in the countryside. Seoul’s broadcasting stations are always chasing the latest interest, right?”

“That’s not quite true, Major. The world is genuinely starting to take interest in the genius doctor. That current won’t change. I’m speaking as someone who has tracked several celebrities for the Military Police.”

Though Hong Sewoong thought this, he didn’t push Kim Cheolsu on it.

He didn’t want to get on the bad side of the newly famous star doctor.

Besides… he didn’t want to tire someone who had been operating all night and was now on duty.

Thinking the situation would become clearer in time, he changed the subject.

“But really, how did you know? That the subway would flood? Honestly, our Military Police did go to the scene, but we never imagined that would happen. I was so shocked I almost wet myself. Do you see the future, Major?”

Hong Sewoong’s sharp question came out suddenly, but I answered calmly.

“There’s no use hiding it. Yes, sometimes I see the future. I see it in my dreams.”

“Hahaha! Major, you do have a sense of humor. Amazing. Anyway, we were really amazed too. From now on, when you say something, we’ll jump right in. Who knows, maybe your prophecies will come true again.”

“That’s kind of you to say. Anyway, Major Hong, you really did well this time. Without the Military Police, we couldn’t have controlled all those subway exits.”

“I’ve already reported to the Chief of Military Police and got retroactive approval. The Chief was a little surprised but said it was an excellent civil support operation. Thanks to that, there won’t be any issues with this dispatch. Procedurally, everything’s been cleared. No one will be able to cause trouble later. Haha! It’s really fortunate.”

“That’s a great relief. I’m truly grateful for your help. If the Chief said so, then no problems will arise.”

Kim Cheolsu spoke with joy, and Hong Sewoong smiled in response.

He was equally happy about the current situation.

“Yes, indeed. By the way, when you go back to Hampyeong, please take good care of our Chief—”

Hong Sewoong made a final request, and I nodded.

After all, managing the postoperative care of surgical patients was also my responsibility.

“Of course. Don’t worry. I’ll make sure the hospital stay isn’t uncomfortable.”

“Thank you, Major. If you ever need help from the Military Police, just contact us. I’ll hang up now.”

“Take care.”

Click

After hanging up, I drifted into thought.

A truly massive disaster could have happened, but somehow, it was stopped.

A wave of relief swept through me, and I felt my strength drain.

“… Looks like I’m hungry. Maybe I should go out.”

I opened the door and stepped outside, seeing the corridor of the Shilla Hotel covered with luxurious carpet.

I took the elevator down to the first-floor lobby.

The lobby, decorated with a beautiful crystal chandelier, welcomed me.

Even now, it was quite a magnificent sight, and I quickened my pace.

I decided to go to the café and get something to eat.

At that moment, someone called out to me.

“Oh?! Military doctor! Where are you going? If you’re headed to the café, come with me. I’ll treat you.”

Today too, it was Ha Saebyeok, beautiful as always.

She seemed innocent and straightforward in style.

Though things could get a little awkward due to the Hyundo Construction chairman’s matter, the top star approached me first with a smile.

“There’s no need to keep treating me. I can pay for myself.”

I declined with a twinge of guilt because she had already bought me an expensive buffet dinner last night.

She shook her head and said,

“I owe you a lot in Hampyeong. So while you’re in Seoul, I want to cover all your living expenses. Please, Doctor. Okay? Pretty please…”

With her clear, sparkling eyes blinking, I couldn’t resist.

No Korean man could refuse her.

Because Ha Saebyeok’s appearance was just too cute.

A beauty with long straight hair acting adorable made my heart skip a beat.

In the end, I nodded and agreed.

“Alright, I guess I have no choice. Then I’ll accept your kindness.”

“What kind of coffee do you want?”

“Something sweet, just a little…”

“You surprisingly like sweet things. Me too. Okay! I’ll order right away. You just go sit comfortably by the window.”

“Yes.”

I watched her walk off to place the order, then turned and sat on the sofa by the window.

Spending peaceful time in such a nice hotel felt like a dream.

Just yesterday, I had been fighting desperately in the operating room to save lives…

Feeling a bit healed, I looked up at the clear sky beyond the window.

It was as if the heavy rain from yesterday had never happened.

The blazing sun made my eyes sting.

Suddenly, I wanted to return to Hampyeong quickly.

Though spending time in this luxurious hotel was pleasant, I missed the blue sky and mountains of Hampyeong.

I longed to hear the chirping of skylarks by my ear.

“Here I am. Please eat—”

“… You want me to eat all this?”

“You haven’t eaten yet. I thought you might be hungry, so I brought you a bit of everything.”

She seemed like a generous person.

I moved my fork among the dishes she had bought, thinking.

There can’t be many women this pretty and kind.

She’s a famous top star who makes a lot of money, right? I could understand if she were a bit arrogant… but she’s really kind.

As I ate the bread before the meal, Ha Saebyeok twirled some pasta neatly with a clean fork and offered it to me.

“Ah— please.”

“… Huh?”

“Hurry and say ‘ah—’ Please. My arm hurts, Doctor.”

“Alright.”

Caught up in the moment, I opened my mouth and accepted the food.

Feeling like a child, my face flushed, but the pasta was delicious.

It was a savory taste far beyond common carbonara…!

It felt like real Italian cheese was used, the richness delicately filling my mouth.

Also, the perfectly cooked noodles had a wonderful texture.

I thought the hotel chefs’ skills were indeed remarkable and said,

“It’s really delicious. This is truly the Shilla Hotel.”

“I’m glad you like it. I was thinking a lot about what kind of food you’d enjoy when ordering!”

Her bright smile was incredibly beautiful.

It might sound cliché, but it was true.

Beautiful, pretty, cute.

Ha Saebyeok was so stunning that every good word in the world could be used to describe her at this moment.

She was already pretty, but today, her face was glowing.

They say women in love become more beautiful… Could it be that she has feelings for Kim Cheolsu?

But no matter how I thought about it, it didn’t make sense.

A top star and the best idol of S.E.A liking an ordinary doctor? That was impossible.

I pulled myself together and hardened my expression.

Having finished the meal, it was time to ask what I was curious about.

With a serious look, I asked.

“Saebyeok, I’m sorry, but I have something to ask. It might be a difficult question, but could you answer me?”

“Ask me anything. I’ll answer everything.”

She spoke with a nervous face, thinking the moment to ask had finally come.

Seeing that, I slowly said,

“I had a busy schedule, so I buried this question for a while, but now I want to know. What exactly is your relationship with Hyundo Group chairman Jeong Monghoon? No matter how I look, it doesn’t seem like you’re just acquaintances. Could you tell me?”

“… That is…”

Ha Saebyeok fell silent for a moment, looking flustered.

Finally, she made up her mind.

She wanted to earn my trust with an honest answer.

She wanted to get closer to me.

Her full lips, usually tightly closed, parted slightly. After a brief hesitation, she sighed and spoke frankly.

“Phew… I’m Chairman Jeong Monghoon’s illegitimate child. Some people say bastard… I’m his biological daughter. So, to be exact, Chairman Jeong Monghoon is my father.”