<Child Adult (5)>
***
The unusually hot July had already passed, and it was now late in the month.
Knock knock.
The sound of knocking on the vice president’s office door made Hong Ki-jun, who had been reviewing documents related to the defense industry, take off his glasses and look up.
“Come in.”
“Vice President, Deputy Minister Jung Dong-joon is here.”
“Show him in.”
After organizing the documents, Hong Ki-jun checked his watch.
There were still 20 minutes left until the scheduled meeting time.
‘Power really is something. A high-ranking official arriving 20 minutes early?’
At Jin Hyuk’s request, he had asked for a comprehensive diagnosis of the Seonggu Bridge.
He had pressured various parties to hurry since time was short, but he hadn’t expected the results to come back this quickly.
After shaking hands, Deputy Minister Jung Dong-joon cautiously opened his mouth.
“It seems the higher-ups are feeling uneasy.”
It was a statement meant to apply pressure and show off, but contrary to Jung Dong-joon’s expectations, Hong Ki-jun’s lips curled into a relaxed smile.
‘Oh, this guy… Doesn’t even realize he’s getting less flak thanks to Jin Hyuk.’
Perhaps Hong Ki-jun’s smile came off as mocking, as Jung Dong-joon awkwardly turned his head and loosened his tie knot.
“Ahem. Vice President Hong, the matter you requested could be seen as trying to crush the competition.”
“Listen here, Deputy Minister Jung.”
Hong Ki-jun’s face became almost expressionless.
It was a poker face that had earned him the image of a ruthless negotiator in his past life, a side of him never seen when dealing with family or friends.
At Hong Ki-jun’s cold tone, Jung Dong-joon quickly closed his mouth and straightened his back. Despite being younger than him, Hong Ki-jun was the vice president of a group that wielded influence not just in Korea but across Asia and the world. He was a figure of power who couldn’t be easily dismissed or disrespected.
‘I have to endure this.’
Hong Ki-jun was asserting his dominance.
Common sense dictated that no chaebol, no matter how powerful, could dare to boss around a deputy minister. But this was Korea, and this was the Saein Group.
“Where exactly is this competition you’re talking about?”
“My apologies, I misspoke.”
Deputy Minister Jung bowed his head, reminding himself of who he was dealing with.
‘Saein has no competitors.’
In Jung Dong-joon’s eyes, Hong Ki-jun was someone who had suddenly appeared a few years ago and shaken up Korea’s business world. Now, he was the de facto owner of the Saein Group, overseeing major businesses ranging from household goods manufacturing and distribution to semiconductors, automobiles, construction, telecommunications, and shipbuilding.
‘He’s even dabbling in the defense industry.’
And that wasn’t all.
He was a young entrepreneur who had launched a self-developed rocket, capturing the world’s attention. Unofficial reports suggested that the rocket could carry something other than a satellite. Even more terrifying was the fact that it was possible to control and drop that object wherever desired.
‘He’s a monster raising an army within the bounds of the law. Somehow, he even got the U.S. to voluntarily lift sanctions and cooperate.’
Of course, even political power couldn’t penetrate the secrecy surrounding him. It wasn’t as if he had done anything illegal, so there was no way to raid or investigate a company that had elevated the nation’s status. Even VIPs had been warned to be cautious around the Saein Group. Not to cooperate, not to investigate, but to ‘be cautious.’
In fact, from a national perspective, it was a welcome development. If a domestic company’s technology could bolster military strength at any time, what government wouldn’t welcome that? Even North Korea, which had been provoking and making reckless statements daily, was now lying low like a wet dog. The regime seemed to be holding back laughter, managing their expressions.
“That’s enough. Let’s hear the results.”
“The conclusion is that it’s difficult to determine any negligence in the construction process. The bridge was completed over 10 years ago, and judging the past by today’s standards—”
Hong Ki-jun slightly twitched.
Not because he agreed with Deputy Minister Jung’s words, but because he understood the position Jung was in, having to bring up the expected excuses.
Still, is it common sense for a bridge, built to last 100 or 200 years, to collapse in less than 20?
“How’s the condition?”
“Well…”
Deputy Minister Jung looked around the spacious office, empty except for the two of them, and leaned forward.
In the past, Hong Ki-jun might have leaned in as well, but now he remained comfortably sunk into the sofa.
Such was the ease that social status and power brought. After all, the conversation was being recorded, and no matter how softly they spoke, the state-of-the-art recording devices would capture every word.
“…Multiple cracks have been discovered.”
“And yet you’re saying it’s not due to poor construction or inadequate supervision?”
“No, it’s just that it’s impossible to make an accurate diagnosis now. The passage of overloaded vehicles is also a factor that can’t be ignored. Without proper enforcement, there’s no other explanation to offer…”
Deputy Minister Jung took out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat dripping down his neck. He wondered why it was so hot even with the air conditioning on.
To Hong Ki-jun, it sounded like both an excuse and a realistic reason.
Whether due to incompetence or intentional evasion.
At this point, who could be punished for failing to identify the cause? Would the person responsible even be the same as the one in charge back then?
‘Sounds like he’s saying to let the punishment slide.’
If there were people who needed to be punished, they could be investigated separately. Hong Ki-jun already had the power and means to do so.
People must move forward. So must their agendas. Staying in place only turns people and philosophies into trash discarded by time.
Hong Ki-jun decided to focus on the fact that no accidents had occurred yet. After all, that was why Jin Hyuk had asked him to intervene in the first place.
“Anyway, if cracks have been discovered, doesn’t that mean there’s a safety issue?”
“Yes. The opinion is that reconstruction is urgent. However…”
“Speak freely.”
With a more relaxed expression, Hong Ki-jun encouraged the hesitant Deputy Minister Jung.
“It seems you think there’s a lack of justification. Going through various systems and legal procedures would take over a year, and immediate reconstruction would cause inconvenience to citizens…”
Pfft. At the absurd statement, Hong Ki-jun couldn’t help but snort.
“What greater justification is there than citizen safety? Even if I requested the inspection with ulterior motives, once the danger is confirmed, shouldn’t repairs or reconstruction proceed?”
“The minister, and even the president…”
Ugh, damn it.
Those political bureaucrats. Hong Ki-jun clenched his teeth for a moment before forcing his expression to relax.
Now, there was only one gentlemanly method left.
“If that’s the case, I’ll make a call.”
“That would be greatly appreciated.”
Deputy Minister Jung bowed his head. He looked no different from a child being scolded in front of an adult.
Ignoring Jung Dong-joon’s greeting, Hong Ki-jun furrowed his brow as he clenched his jaw.
‘If even this doesn’t work, then the only option is to destroy it.’
He had already asked Moon Seok-il, an expert, about the final solution.
Blocking both lanes at dawn and detonating it would be the most certain and safe method.
Still, he wanted to avoid terrorism disguised as a greater cause. This was a country with a functioning system. There were norms to follow as a member of society, and Hong Ki-jun had the conscience to adhere to them.
‘Jin Hyuk must have thought of that because he had no other options. That’s why he came to me.’
He deeply understood Jin Hyuk’s feelings.
It was empathy for the unease of someone who knew the dark future.
As Deputy Minister Jung left the vice president’s office, a secretary handed him a shopping bag containing health supplements.
Jung Dong-joon bowed to the secretary as he accepted the shopping bag.
Both Hong Ki-jun and Jung Dong-joon, as well as the secretary, knew what was inside.
‘Cheapskates.’
Hong Ki-jun watched with a bitter expression, feeling a renewed sense of awe.
In his past life, he had relied solely on words to negotiate and fight, stepping onto the battlefield with the will to crush opponents with logic. Only after returning did he truly understand the power of money and chaebols. In the face of money, logic was unnecessary.
‘If only I had done this earlier.’
Soo-jung wouldn’t have suffered so much.
But it was just a hypothetical.
Regretting lost time was meaningless, and even if he had known back then, without this level of money and power, nothing would have changed.
‘Soo-jung will live comfortably this time.’
It was also refreshing to see Jin Hyuk, who had once been mature and adult-like, gradually becoming more childlike. Come to think of it, Hong Ki-jun himself was rediscovering a youthful sensibility as time went on.
‘It’s rejuvenation. A child adult.’
Or an adult child? Well, as long as the meaning gets across.
Jin Hyuk, who was now a bright and lively teenager, looked perfectly natural next to Soo-jung, appearing to be the same age.
‘Just a little longer, and I can maintain the status quo while providing support.’
His mind, which had felt on the verge of breaking, found stability after an open conversation with Jin Hyuk. Hong Ki-jun was also regaining his composure. With the Saein Group now holding an overwhelming advantage in the economic ecosystem, praised for its almost prescient moves, there was no longer a need to engage in financial battles and calculate profits and losses. The tangled mess of the past had unraveled, leaving only the task of moving forward.
Holding power and doing as he pleased, leaving competitors behind, he could finally enjoy the perks of being a regressor with knowledge.
It felt like it was time to step down from the center stage.
‘Even now, it’s bearable, but soon I’ll be able to rest comfortably.’
Time flies.
The children will grow up quickly, and the world will change even faster thanks to Hong Ki-jun’s efforts. Now, he would invest in people and wait for the day to pass the baton to the next runner.
Thinking of the not-so-distant future lightened his heart.
Hong Ki-jun leaned back on the sofa and picked up his still-warm coffee cup.
‘By the way, Soo-jung is more of a fox than Se-ra.’
Mom has to take care of the baby, and Dad is busy, so during the vacation, I told Soo-jung to go visit her brother Jin Hyuk on her own. But Soo-jung shook her head like a meditating hermit.
She said she shouldn’t be careless? Even though her mom was eccentric and greedy, she never rejected Hong Ki-jun’s requests or provoked emotional fights. I guess that’s why they say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Yet, Soo-jung didn’t always maintain a cold demeanor.
She knew how to play hard to get, showing a boldness that matched her tall stature.
‘Jin Hyuk, you brat. Suffer a bit.’
Hehehe.
Hong Ki-jun laughed like a villain, recalling the innocent scene the two had played out at his son’s first birthday party.
***
As the vacation approached, Jin Hyuk opened the window and reviewed his training plan for the retreat.
“Physical training and cardio endurance improvement through hiking, and should I include Duck Johnson Jr. in the start training? Nah, that’s not it. Duck Johnson isn’t a match for a middle schooler. Recovery training starts this week. Gotta make them lay some eggs to make the training worthwhile…”
Muttering to himself.
It was a new habit.
Talking to himself as if having a conversation, even though no one was listening. Lately, when his concentration waned and his mind felt cluttered, he found himself doing it unconsciously.
“Can’t get it together.”
Tap. Jin Hyuk, who had been tapping on the keyboard, flung the window wide open.
Woof woof woof woof!
The sound of neighborhood dogs barking under the night sky sounded like music.
‘My heart still beats strangely.’
It was probably due to the influence of both past and present Soo-jung.
He gently placed his hand over his heart.
*
After finishing Hong Soo-hyuk’s first birthday party and before heading to the countryside, Jin Hyuk mustered his courage.
He decided to practice the truth that one must lower themselves to find fruit and reap the harvest. Lowering himself would now make him shorter than Soo-jung, but that wasn’t important.
While rooted in the present, Jin Hyuk had lived longing for the Soo-jung of his past life.
But now he knew she was a person from a time that no longer existed, someone he could never meet.
‘Was it just my obsession with someone I can never meet…’
He decided to focus on this life.
The time spent with Soo-jung, who had grown so much from the little kid she once was, flashed before his eyes like a montage.
From her crying and clinging to him, refusing to be separated, to her flailing in the stream, desperately calling for him.
He had no impure thoughts or interest.
He just wanted to find the mischievous Soo-jung who stuck to him like gum, filling a void in his heart. She was someone who existed in reality, not just memory, filling a piece of his life.
‘Take responsibility for the era you’ve stepped into.’
He recalled the lesson Yoo Myung-sun had passed on to Son Kwang-yeon.
He knelt on one knee and spread his arms wide.
It was a farewell to the drunk Soo-jung and a gesture of reconciliation from her brother Jin Hyuk to the little Soo-jung.
‘Don’t close your eyes. Don’t be embarrassed.’
He had a heart that wouldn’t care even if the world pointed fingers.
He was shameless, not caring about others’ opinions, but strangely, his face felt hot.
With just a sincere gaze, Jin Hyuk conveyed his true feelings.
“Soo-jung… If I go, we won’t see each other for a while.”
“……”
Soo-jung, who had been about to rush forward without thinking, stopped in her tracks. It was an unthinkable display of self-control.
Soo-jung clenched her fists and glanced around cautiously.
There were many eyes watching.
Her mom had said so.
If she acted like a lovesick fool, only looking at her brother Jin Hyuk, he would get tired of her. A woman should hold her head high and act aloof, right? She had also said that men should be made to suffer so much that they’d be sick with love.
‘If they’re sick, they should go to the hospital.’
She looked at Jin Hyuk again.
The giant’s eyes, glistening with warmth, were smiling at her.
It was a warm, affectionate gaze, too precious to send to the hospital.
Soo-jung’s mouth involuntarily fell open.
‘Whatever.’
But her actions were still cautious and coy.
Even Mom Yoo Se-ra didn’t seem so aloof when she was tearing into pig leg bones in front of Dad.
*
Sigh.
Jin Hyuk let out a long sigh and gently placed his hand on the shoulder where the little Seoul kid had rested her chin. He reached out to Soo-jung’s back, carefully stroking it. Through his fingertips, he could almost feel the resilience of the drunk Soo-jung.
– “Oppa, don’t get hurt.”
It was a random statement, but the whispered voice, meant only for him, made the back of his neck tingle.
Even as the past he had directly experienced slowly faded, there were some existences he could never forget. Perhaps because the voice of the drunk Soo-jung overlapped, Jin Hyuk’s lips curled up on their own.
His feet tapped involuntarily. In the future, they might call it a blanket kick, but the underlying meaning was different. Anyway, if he didn’t do this, his side would tingle as if electrocuted, so it was a natural reaction.
Hehehe. Suddenly, a silly laugh escaped him.
He was someone who always thought ahead and made plans, but with the vacation starting, he needed to focus on the upcoming training retreat. Yet, he couldn’t concentrate at all.
He was even confused about who he was thinking of now.
“Ah, why am I like this?”
Hehehehe.
He grabbed the Aji Bear Yoo Jin had left behind and applied a triangle choke to the doll’s waist. Unable to withstand Jin Hyuk’s strength, Aji Bear’s belly bulged out like a middle-aged manager’s beer belly.
***
That night.
It had been a while since he had such a vivid dream.
A dream of walking through the cool night streets, carrying a drunk Soo-jung who was happily kicking her legs.
He had longed for her so much, and now she appeared in his dream, for which he was grateful.
The empty streets were filled with fog instead of people or cars.
‘Is this a dream about Oppa?’
‘Is Oppa impotent?’
After pampering her, she crosses the line even in dreams.
He wanted to respond, but no matter how hard he tried, his lips wouldn’t part, making his shoulders tremble with frustration.
‘Do you like now better?’
‘Do you not want to see me?’
Now, he could muster the courage to speak.
He knew he couldn’t hesitate anymore.
‘I like now, but I miss you. Not a day has passed without me thinking of you.’
He had always felt guilty for living happily without her.
As he mustered the strength to answer in his heart, a groan escaped from his sleeping body.
At that moment, his shoulders lightened, and the drunk Soo-jung disappeared like smoke.
In the thick fog that enveloped him like a blanket, he was left alone, bewildered, looking around the night streets.
There was nothing more familiar than standing alone, yet it felt strange. The cold air of the city center, squeezing his heart like a tidal wave, felt unfamiliar and alien.
In his past life, Son Jin Hyuk had never truly lived a child’s life, remaining a child until the end. He had only accumulated numbers on clocks and calendars.
So, was this returned soul a child or an adult?
A voice came from somewhere.
‘Oppa, don’t get hurt.’
From where the voice came, the little Soo-jung was looking up at Jin Hyuk.
From behind, Executive Director Hong Soo-jung asked.
‘How long will you remain a child?’
It was what Executive Director Hong Soo-jung used to say to Jin Hyuk when he secretly looked at old photos.
He instinctively tried to turn around, but he stopped himself.
He knew it was time to move forward.
He already knew he couldn’t stay a child of the past.
‘Just for today…’
His closed eyelids trembled.
Dew formed on his long eyelashes, and his chest heav