Chapter 144

<Child and Adult>

Anyone can just throw out ideas.

In the past, Hong Ki-jun disliked executives who only talked big without even presenting a minimal execution plan. Such employees had to endure scornful glances.

‘Anyone can just flap their lips.’

Even if you’re brainless, as long as you have a mouth, you can complain, right?

Hong Ki-jun often said from an early age, “Those who have a job and receive a salary can only be called adults when they go beyond that stage.”

Jin-hyeok couldn’t have been unaware of Hong Ki-jun’s tendencies.

“Companies could host something like a science olympiad. Award scholarships to winning students and give them opportunities to continue developing their talents. Even if they don’t win, support unique ideas.”

Hong Ki-jun would surely recognize ideas that could be useful in the future. Jin-hyeok, being a student, couldn’t presumptuously act as a judge.

“Our country is weak in science and technology.”

“It’s not weak. We’ve won world olympiads.”

The problem is that talents aren’t utilized due to the perception that they don’t make money. The perception of being eccentric and the pointing fingers also played a part. Even if talents were nurtured, there was no path other than going abroad.

“Alright. My job isn’t to criticize but to organize and find ways to implement. What else?”

“After-school class instructors. Sports, music, arts, etc.”

Min Yong-rak tilted his head.

After-school classes? Why suddenly?

While puzzled, Min Yong-rak’s fingers were busily typing the words Jin-hyeok mentioned.

Jin-hyeok briefly explained about after-school classes for rural school students.

The plan was to have people capable of guiding children’s talents, even without formal teaching qualifications, to lead talent development programs in all schools in the area, not just Eodong Elementary School.

“We’ll need to talk to the Ministry of Education about this?”

“To some extent.”

Min Yong-rak’s quick thinking was evident. He had grown more adept since his first visit to the molehill. He was considering the procedures without needing detailed explanations. As Jin-hyeok grew and the Sein Group made unexpected moves, Min Yong-rak was becoming a specialist.

***

It was a day before Jeong-won’s first birthday party.

An early monsoon rain moistened the night air.

Jin-hyeok, watching the night rain, lost himself in thought, using the sound of the rain as music, massaging his itchy elbows and knees.

‘Is it okay to just give orders from behind like this?’

In a past life, Executive Hong Soo-jung advised Jin-hyeok to utilize people, and in this life, Uncle Hong Ki-jun told him to enjoy life. Still, Jin-hyeok, who used to handle everything himself, felt uneasy. Maybe that’s why his joints ached.

Isn’t that so?

The workaholic who meticulously checked everything from draft reports to execution plans is now just sitting back with arms crossed.

Especially sorry to Hong Ki-jun.

Hasn’t the position changed?

The group owner who used to give orders is now being guided by a middle schooler. Of course, the famous Hong Ki-jun isn’t just doing what the country bumpkin Son Jin-hyeok suggests.

Cool night air, unseasonably so, seeped through the slightly open window. Taking a deep breath, Jin-hyeok turned on the computer.

It was a desktop PC with a CPU developed by Sein, said to be so superior that it made Intel abandon the development of the Pentium Pro.

‘I didn’t use computers at this age before, so I don’t know if it’s good or bad.’

Despite the high price, it dominated the market, suggesting it outperformed competitors. Well, it was quite usable.

‘I should start keeping records now.’

Tap tap tap. His fingers danced on the keyboard, starting to type.

He needed records of past events, not current ones.

As time passed, his memories of the past became fuzzier.

His once stubborn personality was gradually softening.

He had no hobbies to speak of, but he started developing interests in various fields. Though always calm, desires and impulses occasionally stirred within.

At thirteen, he thought it was just hormonal delusions, but maybe it’s rejuvenation. The soul in a young body gradually becoming younger to harmonize with it. It’s a pity that indirectly experienced memories are fading, but the narrowing gap between body and soul is welcome.

This was also a life he hadn’t lived before.

Having family and friends around was a different feeling.

Even as people changed and seasons passed, he felt like a lone cog spinning out of sync, but now he finally felt like a part of the world.

He was typing diligently as thoughts came to him.

Buzz buzz buzz.

The secure phone on the desk vibrated. It was a new phone with receiving capabilities, a regular mobile phone developed by Sein and modified by Moon Seok-il into a secure phone.

‘Who is it?’

He had occasionally called, but except for test calls with Moon Seok-il, he had never received a call.

Carefully, he picked up the phone.

“…Yes.”

– Nalsae.

Wow, that startled me.

Jin-hyeok unconsciously jumped up from the floor.

***

Hong Ki-jun knew what Moon Seok-il’s recent secret report meant. Only a fool wouldn’t.

– We need to destroy the Seonggu Bridge.

Hearing Moon Seok-il’s report, Hong Ki-jun laughed heartily. His chest hurt from coughing, and tears welled up from the pain, but he couldn’t stop laughing.

His instincts were telling him it was no longer time to act cautiously and reservedly.

It seems certain, but should we test it?

“Nalsae.”

– Yes, Chairman. How have you been?

Hong Ki-jun’s hand holding the secure phone trembled, but his face was flushed. Tears were about to flow.

“Don’t worry about the bridge. I’ll handle it.”

– Understood.

“Do you know about me too?”

– I know enough to be careful with my words around you.

“This will be easy. Seems I sent Min the assistant for nothing.”

– You must be busy, but you still have time for me. I think it was an excellent choice.

Recognizing the difference in Jin-hyeok’s tone, Hong Ki-jun smiled bitterly.

“I wish you’d treat me as usual. I’m treating you as Jin-hyeok, not Team Leader Son.”

For a moment, it seemed like Jin-hyeok was pondering on the other end.

Hong Ki-jun recalled Team Leader Son Jin-hyeok’s eyes, wavering on the last day of his past life, unsure whether to get into the chairman’s car.

If he hadn’t taken him in the car then, Hong Ki-jun wouldn’t have had a second chance either.

– I will.

“Thank you. And I’ve always wanted to say thank you.”

– I don’t understand why. Ah, there must be a reason you can’t tell me now. Please tell me someday.

He’s quick to grasp the situation.

Hong Ki-jun’s furrowed brow relaxed pleasantly.

“I promise. Don’t go anywhere.”

– Yes.

As Hong Ki-jun licked his lips with a relieved heart, Jin-hyeok, after a pause, spoke in a hushed voice.

– Please take care of Shinpoong Department Store too. There’s still time. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll have to step in.

“Ah, that place.”

– You don’t know everything, do you?

“It’d be strange if I did. Even if you asked me to list last year’s events, I couldn’t. People forget more as they age.”

Hong Ki-jun couldn’t bring himself to mention the 300 years.

– I agree. I’ll email you what I’ve recorded.

Still, how joyful it is to have someone who empathizes like this.

Hong Ki-jun sank deeply into his comfortable study chair.

He even crossed his legs and sat in a lotus position on the chair.

‘This is good!’

He was terribly pleased.

Though they met again as child and adult, so what? It was more thrilling than when he randomly met a senior who bullied him in the army and had a fistfight.

Though it’s regrettable that he can’t speak openly, as long as he’s careful, it shouldn’t be a big problem.

“Just keep doing what you’re doing. You know what a chairman does, right? People think group chairmen just laze around. They think we just show our faces in front of cameras, shake hands with politicians, wave hands at factories, and give lectures at universities, acting all high and mighty. Many do that, so it’s not a wrong perception, but there are also those who make important history that isn’t recorded. Our Chairman Son is doing that now, right? Just keep doing what you’re doing. Like a child, like an adult.”

Hong Ki-jun turned his head to look at the wall mirror. He thought his current appearance might resemble Hong Soo-jung, who, after kindergarten, chattered to her mom. He was so excited that even if someone pointed it out, he wouldn’t mind.

***

Jin-hyeok imagined Hong Ki-jun on the other end of the phone.

Probably sitting cross-legged in a chair, stroking his knees. It was Chairman Hong Ki-jun’s habit to relax and enjoy conversations. Maybe he had his pants rolled up, massaging his calves.

“I have something to ask.”

– Anything but what’s off-limits.

“Did you know whose son I was originally?”

He wanted to know.

Why he had been so good to him in a past life.

– It’s accurate to say I didn’t know. There’s more than one person with the same name. I could guess from documents, but specific evidence is needed to confirm, right? I only speculated.

It felt sincere.

So he was even more grateful.

But he didn’t miss the hidden implication in Hong Ki-jun’s answer that he had found out later.

“Did you come looking for me, or for my dad?”

– Both.

It was clear.

“Did you know before we died?”

– Hmm…

A heavy sigh.

Jin-hyeok silently waited for Hong Ki-jun’s answer.

– The question is wrong. But if I correct it, I might be in danger. Anyway, the answer is ‘no.’

So, something happened after the accident.

I don’t remember that. Jin-hyeok vaguely understood the meaning of the sealed memories hinted at by the shadow or the fool.

‘Since I didn’t die, the past memories remained. That’s why I became an old soul in a young body.’

He suddenly remembered the day Cheon Gil-ryong scolded him, saying the soul is one and not to wander. Cheon Gil-ryong said the soul ends once you die.

“Do you know about Dae-jeong…?”

– I knew before you. I can’t yield to you. I started working on it first. Hahaha!

Jin-hyeok awkwardly laughed, covering his mouth with his fist.

Didn’t Hong Ki-jun step forward first for the Son family? Gratitude and guilt crossed his mind.

– There might be nothing for you to do. Is that okay?

“Well… actually, I was wondering what to do. I need time to plan since rushing in with just enthusiasm could cause trouble.”

It was a natural concern for Jin-hyeok, who hadn’t received group management training.

Jin-hyeok was specialized in tasks, not management. Having never been close to the core of power, he hadn’t accumulated enough experience to understand the highly political and strategic physiology of the group.

– I’ve thought about how empty a life focused solely on revenge would be. What can someone do after achieving that goal, with nothing left to do?

“That’s true…”

Jin-hyeok naturally agreed, thinking the words were directed at him.

In many ways, Hong Ki-jun was a much greater person than him. He considered political calculations and others’ positions.

– Seeing that you’re not rushing to kill anyone, I guess I don’t need to worry. But leave revenge to the adults. A child should live happily.

Jin-hyeok’s head drooped, unable to hold back.

So that’s why he always told me to live happily? Was he worried I’d go on a rampage for revenge?

“Did you know? About me.”

– I had my suspicions, but I didn’t know. Team Leader Moon’s bomb talk made me realize.

So it wasn’t that.

It was just a kind remark.

– This time, I’ll ask.

“Yes.”

– Are you interested in politics?

“If you’re asking if I want to be a politician, not at all.”

– Good. Leave that alone.

“You’d do well, though.”

– Politics is the few using fancy words to manipulate the many for their own benefit. Regardless of form. You know I’m not a negotiator or a demagogue.

“There’s also the concept of collective intelligence opposing that.”

– Nonsense. Collective intelligence becomes madness the moment a few start to distort it. Remember, the many are always exploited by the few.

It was a difficult concept for Jin-hyeok, who wasn’t interested in worldly affairs. He understood it intellectually but didn’t feel it. Yet, he didn’t want to contradict Hong Ki-jun’s thoughts.

Rather, he was grateful for the continued interest.

In the past, Chairman Hong Ki-jun often shared worldly stories with Jin-hyeok, who grew up without adults, just like Yoo Myung-sun did with Son Kwang-yeon.

– Be thoroughly part of the few. No, be the only one. That’s what I can tell you and help you with.

Is this what it feels like to communicate with someone beyond the universe?

The message itself was warm, but the voice echoing in his mind sounded like a last will.