Correction Chapter 71

The research institute was established. Opened faster than expected, the institute drew a lot of attention from the media and the public, gathering doctors and researchers from Germany, as well as the nation’s top authorities on traits.

“I would like to extend my thanks to everyone who has come here today.”

The first person to take the microphone and offer greetings was the hospital director, who was Jungmin’s sister-in-law. Next was the investor, the chairman of the Shinseong Group, and after that was the heir of Kall Front, Kim Joohwan, who had made a significant contribution to the establishment of the institute. As expected, the attention focused on him was beyond imagination.

The young heir was one of the few dominant alphas in the country and was also handsome; his every action overflowed with confidence and, at the same time, elegance.

Nevertheless, the decisiveness felt in moments and the sense of command in his words officially made people aware through this event that he was the new leader of the future.

“The reason we established this institute is that there is still much we do not know about individuals with traits. Research has been particularly lacking in the East. In fact, the differences between Eastern and Western individuals with traits have only recently been discovered, and until now, those in the East have had to take medicine made for Westerners. Thanks to that, the cure rate is much lower than in the West. For the sake of the future, I felt that research for Eastern individuals with traits was urgently needed. That is why we are here today.”

Kim Joohwan was right. Until now, Easterners who took trait-related medicines tailored to Westerners had a much higher incidence of side effects, not to mention the lower cure rate. If Kall Front had not researched and revealed that difference, people would probably still be unaware of the cause and would have blamed individuals.

“I’m looking forward to the future.”

“I agree.”

The doctors standing next to Jungmin clapped, seeing a glimpse of hope. As someone in the medical field, Jungmin also earnestly hoped for great results from their research. He was especially hopeful that there would be a way to cure Yoo Shinwoo’s illness as well.

“sunbae.”

After the event, Jungmin was watching Kim Joohwan surrounded by reporters and shaking his head, about to quickly leave the venue, when he heard Kim Joohwan’s voice from behind. He was going to ignore it and leave, but Jungmin also wanted to talk to Kim Joohwan, so he couldn’t and forced himself to say hello.

“Ah, it’s been a while.”

When Jungmin greeted him first, Kim Joohwan flinched for a moment.

“That’s unexpected.”

“What is?”

“For you to greet me first, sunbae.”

“What are you talking about? You’re the one who called me.”

Knowing what Kim Joohwan was talking about, Jungmin deliberately pretended not to, clicking his tongue and looking away.

“Yes, yes, let’s go with that.”

Kim Joohwan said with a laugh. Was it just his imagination, or did he seem to be in a good mood? No, right. It’s understandable to be in a good mood after such an accomplishment.

“Congratulations on the opening of the research institute.”

“Thank you.”

“I heard the Kall Front Seoul branch is also moving nearby?”

“Yes. We’re preparing for it now.”

He had only recently learned that the new building being constructed next to the hospital belonged to Kall Front. It seemed they were preparing more earnestly and seriously than he thought.

“Wow, sunbae, you’re really strange today.”

Kim Joohwan looked at Jungmin with a genuinely puzzled expression.

“What is?”

As he took a step closer, Jungmin, as always, took a step back.

“See. It’s strange, isn’t it?”

“So what’s so strange?”

“Usually, when I take one step closer, you take three steps back, sunbae, but now you’re only taking one. Plus, someone who usually doesn’t even make eye contact is staring at me today. Well, thanks to that, I’m happy to see your face up close, sunbae… but I have a feeling it’s not for free. Hmm… Do you have something to say to me?”

That perceptive bastard.

“Yeah, I do. Can you spare some time?”

“Hmm. This is getting scary. For you to be the one to suggest a meal, sunbae.”

“What do you want me to do about it?”

Jungmin replied, his voice full of annoyance. Do you think I want to sit face-to-face and eat with you because I like you? It’s because you’re the only one I can ask right now. In truth, he could have talked to someone from the institute through his sister-in-law, the hospital director, or other connections, but… his sister-in-law, to be precise, wasn’t a medical professional, so she likely only knew the superficial details. And going through other connections offered no guarantee that it wouldn’t reach Kim Joohwan’s ears.

Above all, he was afraid someone would find out about Yoo Shinwoo’s condition. He wanted to get information as secretly as possible, and he had concluded that Kim Joohwan was the best fit for that condition.

“Understood. The time is a bit awkward now, so how about in three hours? It’ll be right around dinnertime, so it should be fine.”

“Alright.”

“I’ll text you the location, so let’s meet there.”

“Okay. I have things to wrap up anyway. See you later.”

After setting the appointment, Jungmin returned to the hospital ward. He saw the patients who were waiting and attended a meeting before getting up from his seat. Fortunately, there were no emergency patients, so he could take off his white coat with a slightly more relaxed mind.

“Hmm?”

He was about to check the text from Kim Joohwan with the location when he saw a message from Yoo Shinwoo.

I started working out today, it’s tough.

Yoo Shinwoo had said that stamina was important to undergo the clinical drug trials and various other tasks. He said he used to work out often when he was abroad, but after coming to Korea, his mind was restless, and he had wandered aimlessly for a while. At Jungmin’s suggestion, he started exercising again. However, he couldn’t exercise at a gym, so he had set up gym equipment in one of the rooms of the house he was staying in now.

Hyung, you can do it!

Jungmin, want to work out with me?

For a moment, Jungmin was at a loss for words. What should he say?

Huh? At your place, hyung?

Was he inviting him to his house?

I’m sorry, but with my body like this, I can’t go to a gym…. Is this just me being greedy? I thought it would be nice to have someone to work out with.

Jungmin’s hand holding the phone tightened.

Okay! Of course, that would be great!!

Then how about today?

As soon as he sent the reply to Shinwoo, a message also came in from Kim Joohwan. Hah, what a useless guy in my life.

Ah… I have a dinner appointment. ㅠㅠ How about tomorrow?

You’re busy. A date?

No… just an appointment I don’t want to go to.

ㅠㅠ Okay, be careful, and let’s work out together tomorrow.

Okay!

Looking at the conversation, nothing had changed from when they were young. Even to his own eyes, the way Jungmin messaged Shinwoo was disgustingly cute. Wasn’t it too childish? He was worried, but he didn’t want to be formal with Shinwoo. It felt like he had to be that way.

✽✽✽

The meeting place was a Korean restaurant about 40 minutes away from the hospital, located with the observatory on the top floor of a department store. There was no main hall, only private rooms. Seeing it, Jungmin felt relieved. He had been worried it might be an open hall like last time, but in a place like this, he felt he could talk a little more comfortably.

“Welcome, sunbae.”

As soon as the door opened, Kim Joohwan greeted him as if he had been waiting. Jungmin took off his shoes, went up, and sat cross-legged. While drinking the tea a server brought him, Jungmin happened to look up at Kim Joohwan’s gaze. As expected, he was looking at him.

“Why?”

“The doctor’s gown suited you better than I thought earlier. Let’s have a meal with you wearing it next time?”

“What are you talking about? You’ve seen it before.”

“You’re right. To think I only noticed now, how many times have I missed such a great sight? I guess I’m getting old too. My eyes seem to focus on just one thing now.”

What on earth was he talking about? Jungmin barely suppressed the urge to leave and waited for the food. Fortunately, the appetizers were served before the silence grew too long.

“Help yourself.”

“Okay.”

He picked up a piece of shimmering salmon with his chopsticks and put it in his mouth; it melted gently. It tasted quite good, but unfortunately, Jungmin was just trying to figure out the right timing to start the conversation.

“So, what can I tell you?”

Kim Joohwan asked as he poured ginseng liquor into a glass.

“What?”

“There’s something you’re curious about, isn’t there? For instance… Yoo Shinwoo sunbae’s condition.”

Jungmin’s chopsticks stopped. At that, Joohwan smirked, drank the ginseng liquor in one go, and carefully placed the white cup down.

“He asked me to keep it a secret, but it seems he told you, sunbae.”

“…Hyung asked you to keep it a secret?”

“Yes. It’s only natural, isn’t it? Who would want to tell anyone that they’re a drug addict with an incurable disease, pouring their family fortune into it? The great Yoo Shinwoo.”

“You have a really shitty way of talking. Don’t talk about Shinwoo hyung like that.”

“My apologies. I haven’t had good feelings towards that sunbae, then or now.”

Kim Joohwan poured ginseng liquor into his own glass again.