Ring ring … ring ring …!
At that moment, the village chief’s home phone rang, and the grandfather dashed over to answer it in one breath.
“Yes. This is Chief Go speaking. Who did you say is calling? What? The Army Chief of Staff? Hey, Kim Cheolsu, come here. Someone’s looking for you—they want to speak with you on the phone.”
Kim Cheolsu felt tension surge through his entire body.
No matter how powerful the military’s influence was, this was a civilian’s home. Yet, to track his movements, gather information, and call here—military men really were rude creatures beyond doubt.
That made it all the more dangerous. Once the military sets its sights on someone, they’d do anything. They could harm not only Kim Cheolsu but everyone around him.
Even though the connection to the Chief of Staff hadn’t been made yet, Kim Cheolsu already felt a heavy burden just from the contact.
It was an implicit threat: they knew exactly where he was and who he was with, what he was doing. He truly didn’t want to deal with high-ranking military officers.
Such despicable, underhanded tactics—meant to make the opponent shrink back in fear.
“… The phone has been handed over.”
“I haven’t heard your voice before. This is Army Chief of Staff Heo Gwanghyuk.”
“Reporting, Major Kim Cheolsu.”
Though he couldn’t see the other party, a strict military discipline suddenly gripped Kim Cheolsu. The Army Chief of Staff was the highest commander of the army, a four-star general (Posta).
No matter who Kim Cheolsu was, within the military hierarchy, he was no one to be ignored.
“Sorry to bother you during mealtime. This is a very urgent matter. I just received a report that you refused to operate on the Military Police Chief?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Hmm. I don’t know your exact reasons for making that judgment, but could I ask a favor? After the surgery, there won’t be anything for you to worry about. You will be allowed to keep your current post. Like the Military Police Chief said, you won’t be reassigned to the Capital Hospital. That’s my promise.”
“……”
The Military Police Chief was a key position in the Army Headquarters, appointed by the Chief of Staff. The two were likely very close.
Kim Cheolsu sensed this time escaping was impossible. Besides… if he didn’t go through with the surgery, his nights would be restless anyway. He always valued the patient’s life as the highest priority.
He recalled the dream he had this morning.
Six days from now, on July 15, 2001, there might be a subway disaster.
In the dream, he remembered the victims from that day’s disaster being transported to the Capital Hospital.
So Kim Cheolsu put forward one condition to prepare for the worst.
“Understood. I will proceed with the surgery.”
“Oh! Really? That’s wonderful news. If you have any other requests, don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll grant almost anything you want.”
“I am currently serving at Hampyeong Hospital, but I believe that if an unexpected situation arises, I might have to perform the surgery at another military hospital. In that case, I would appreciate your help in resolving any disputes with the military doctors at that hospital.”
“I see. You always put saving lives first. Would someone like you refuse surgery on Major General Mo? Is this resistance to authority? Either way, I’ll grant your request. From now on, a cooperation notice in the name of the Army Chief of Staff will be sent to all regional military hospitals. It will say: [No military hospital shall interfere with Major Kim Cheolsu’s surgeries]. Would that be sufficient?”
“… Excuse me? Even so, sending something like that is…”
Kim Cheolsu was taken aback by the radical nature of the measure. Military hospitals belonged to the Ministry of National Defense Medical Command. In other words, even the Army Chief of Staff might be overstepping his authority.
“This isn’t overstepping. It’s not an order, but a cooperation notice. Still, no one will be able to obstruct your surgery for the time being. Ha ha ha! Isn’t the Army the top branch of the military? Who would dare challenge our elite graduates from the Military Academy?”
“……”
Though he disliked the arrogance, Kim Cheolsu had to admit the truth in his words. No military doctor or hospital director would dare oppose the Army. The Army Chief of Staff was the Army incarnate at this point.
Feeling reassured in preparation for the disaster on the 15th, Kim Cheolsu responded with a sigh of relief.
“Thank you for the prompt action. Then I will go up to the Capital Hospital tomorrow. The brain tumor surgery should be done quickly, right?”
“Hmm, no rush. You can’t just order busy people around. Aren’t you someone who wants to save the soldiers in Hampyeong by saving travel time? I’ve already arranged for the Military Police Chief to be transferred to Hampyeong.”
“… What did you say?”
Kim Cheolsu’s mouth dropped open so much that he forgot to speak in the polite Tanaka form. He couldn’t believe what he had just heard.
The Military Police Chief was being sent to Hampyeong? Does that mean the Chief of Staff had predicted he’d accept the proposal?
He realized the Chief of Staff wasn’t someone to become lightly. Truly a frightening man.
Kim Cheolsu asked again, startled.
“Are you saying the Military Police Chief is on his way here?”
“The transfer vehicle has almost reached Jeollabuk-do. He should arrive at Hampyeong Hospital in about an hour. Please take good care of the surgery. The Military Police Chief is my trusted subordinate, so make sure the surgery is a success. I’ll hang up now—”
Click
The Army Chief of Staff, General Heo Gwanghyuk, hung up after saying his piece.
Kim Cheolsu put down the phone with an incredulous expression. People in high positions really did as they pleased.
Tonight would be a long night, indeed. After ending the call, Kim Cheolsu resumed eating. He intentionally took his time.
A brain tumor surgery was not something to finish in an hour or two. It was a major operation that would take much longer than the previous Hong Jino surgery.
He planned to eat first before going. Honestly, he was quite hungry by now.
“Hmm, this is good.”
As he scooped the mapo tofu onto his spoon and took a bite, the sharp aroma of the dish chased away his stress.
It was truly delicious. The soft, savory texture of the tofu blended perfectly with the spicy flavors of the doubanjiang and gochujang.
Kim Cheolsu felt pleased, convinced today’s cooking was a great success. Next time, he thought he’d try frying crispy sweet and sour pork.
“I’m going to marry uncle someday! This is so delicious! I love you, uncle!”
At Cheonga’s words, the village chief and his wife, along with Kim Cheolsu, burst into laughter. This was the highest compliment children their age could give.
Smiling, Kim Cheolsu turned to the village chief.
“Chief, you’ve been to many Chinese restaurants, haven’t you? How is this? Does it suit your taste?”
“Well, yes—I’ve been to many. But this is quite unique. How should I put it… it’s more Korean than Chinese. Did you use some special seasoning?”
“I added gochujang to the doubanjiang. Most Chinese restaurants don’t use gochujang, so it tastes more Korean.”
“Oh? Doctor, you’re definitely a smart man. Smart people cook well too, you know. Honestly, I prefer your mapo tofu! It’s really delicious.”
The village chief’s smile, after a long day’s work in the fields, moved Kim Cheolsu’s heart gently.
The deeply tanned skin from the hot sun and the deep wrinkles carved by hard labor touched him painfully.
He thought of his late grandfather long ago, holding the village chief’s hand warmly.
“Chief, the weather’s hot, so don’t overexert yourself. You must live a long life. If you have too much work in the fields, just tell me anytime. I’ll leave work early and come help.”
“After getting a meal here, how could I ask for that? Don’t talk nonsense and just eat. I’m still fit and healthy. I don’t need a doctor’s help. You, who grew up pampered, shouldn’t say such things. I’ll handle the hard fieldwork. You rest in the shade.”
Kim Cheolsu’s eyes welled up at the grandfatherly kindness that didn’t want to trouble him.
He squeezed the rough hands tightly in his own and smiled brightly.
“Even if you say that, I’ll come to help. You know that, right? I’ll stick by you and help you live a long life.”
“Ha ha—thank you just for saying that. To have the village’s best doctor sticking right next to me like that. Maybe my late mother sent you here.”
Snap
Kim Cheolsu suddenly missed his own grandfather deeply. Was it loneliness?
Still holding the village chief’s hand with one hand, he continued eating the mapo tofu.
Since it was made for the village chief’s family, it was made with extra care and tasted all the better.
“This is really tasty. Grandma, more please!”
“Me too! More please!”
“Me too! Me too!!! Grandma, give me more!! Waaah—Cheongsan’s eating it all by herself! Cheongsan’s mean!”
Watching the family happily enjoying their meal made Kim Cheolsu feel good.
As time passed, the summer sun’s blaze softened, and a beautiful sunset spread over the fields.
Kim Cheolsu shared a bag of iced coffee with the village chief, both smiling peacefully.
“Ahh… this is refreshing. This must be heaven. What else could be heaven, huh, Cheolsu?”
For the first time, the village chief called him by his name without adding a title.
Kim Cheolsu smiled warmly, feeling his heart fill with warmth.
“Yes, Grandfather. It’s wonderful! The scenery is so beautiful, I want to live here forever. The people are good, the animals are good, and nature is just perfect! Ha ha! Look, here comes another animal running up, greeting me.”
Woof!! Woof!!!
A white dog, blackened from wherever it had been playing, came running and nestled into his arms.
Kim Cheolsu laughed brightly at the mischievous dog, unaware of the dirt on it. The last family member had arrived.
“Hey! You! It’s okay to rub your fur, but don’t spit on my face. Where on earth did you get that smell? Ew…! Let’s go brush your teeth! Brush first, then dinner. I’ll cook dinner!”
Wishing for this moment to last, Kim Cheolsu ran and played with the kids and the dog.
He went back to childhood, flying paper airplanes and playing together.
He truly wished this happy moment would never end.
May the time spent with all those beside him now last forever…
Woof!!! Woof!!!
“Hey! Don’t stand there, Baekgu!”
“Cheongsan, take me with you! And bring Cheonga too!”
Watching the kids playing with Baekgu, Kim Cheolsu felt a fullness of happiness.
Still, he thought the countryside didn’t have much to play with. He resolved to make swings or slides later on.
Patter, patter…!
Following the children, Kim Cheolsu began to run, slowly feeling as if he had turned back to being seven or eight years old, playing at his grandfather’s rural house.
Did he want to return to the days when he played happily without worries?
“Ha ha ha! Kids, let’s go together! Uncle will play too!”
He laughed innocently, tightened his stomach, and happily shouted toward the children running all the way to the sweet potato field.
*****
Beep beep…!
The transfer vehicle for the Capital Hospital arrived in front of the emergency room.
Kim Cheolsu glanced back at Shin Seokyung and Oh Hajin, who were visibly tense, then turned his gaze forward again.
Clank
The back door of the transfer vehicle opened, and a doctor stepped out. He gave a wry smile and extended his hand to Kim Cheolsu.
“I’m Captain Bae Jihan from Neurosurgery. Pleased to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you, Major Kim Cheolsu. It seems our neurosurgery department owes you a big debt this time. Please take good care of today’s surgery.”