Chapter 261

I Am a Son Yoo-jin (5)

*


Special Edition.


Usually, it’s defined as a flight for special air transport…


Usually.


“Why did they make an announcement when it’s just us boarding?”


“Probably the manual, right?”


After a brief press conference, Jin-hyeok boarded the plane, followed by Min Yong-rak, whose mouth was wide open and wouldn’t close.


“Jin-hyeok, I must be special. The chairman even arranged a private jet just for me.”


While Min Yong-rak was lost in his delusions, Jin-hyeok was busy looking around.


Even though the press conference was just a formality, it took longer than expected, and he was struggling to hold his bladder.


‘Gotta go, gotta go. Bathroom. Where’s the bathroom?!’


Chairman Hong Ki-jun’s private jet was incomparably larger than the model they used when going to Thailand. Could it even be described as just big? It was more fitting to call it grand.


“Whoa. Jin-hyeok, look at this. It’s huge on the outside, but the inside is even bigger.”


It was a remodeled large passenger plane, so of course it would be spacious. The seats had been removed, and the space was now occupied by first-class seats and a conference table.


“Jin-hyeok, they say this is better than the president’s private jet. Thanks to my efforts, you get to ride this kind of plane. Got it?”


“……”


Professional flight attendants greeted Min Yong-rak with bright smiles.


“Welcome, sir. Please take a seat wherever you’re comfortable.”


“If you have any items that need special storage, please let the crew know.”


The remodeled private jet had a separate cargo hold, so bulky items could be brought on board as long as they weren’t too heavy. For example, security equipment or protective gear in a carrier.


And there were also items that had to be brought on board no matter how heavy they were.


“These two are for Mr. Son’s food. You were informed in advance, right?”


“Yes, all the refrigeration and heating facilities are ready. We’ve also prepared the space.”


The manager gestured to another crew member, and each of them took a carrier and headed toward the cockpit, pulling back the curtains.


Seeing the crew members dragging the carriers toward the cabin, Min Yong-rak stuck out his tongue.


“Wow. They’re slim, but they’re really strong.”


Even though the carriers had wheels, they weren’t light, and Min Yong-rak had struggled with them.


Looking around the cabin, Min Yong-rak realized once again the generosity of the person he was connected to. Living in the countryside like a carefree bumpkin, coming to a bustling place like this made him feel the reality.


Thump-thump.


How much would it cost to rent and remodel an entire large passenger plane like a private car? He roughly knew the daily maintenance cost of the private jet exceeded his monthly salary, but for a small-town guy like Min Yong-rak, it was an unimaginable amount.


‘Wow, damn. Did I save the country in my past life?’


Otherwise, how could he have such an experience?


‘People from another world.’


Even Son Jin-hyeok, who was standing next to him and then suddenly disappeared, was a rare breed.


If traveling through the universe of Hong Ki-jun in a national-level spaceship named Son Jin-hyeok was a dreamlike feeling, was it an exaggeration?


“Uncle, are you okay?”


While lost in thought, Yoo-jin’s voice came from beside him. At the same time, someone tapped Min Yong-rak’s frog-like belly. Yoo-jin’s hand was big for her age?


It was Yoo Se-ra.


Yoo Se-ra, accompanied by bodyguards, had a briefcase slung over her shoulder and was effortlessly holding Hong Soo-hyuk like a Hollywood mom.


“Our Yong-rak is here~?”


“Oh! Good day, Madam Chairwoman!”


Yong-rak, jam-jam~.


Following her mother’s lead, Hong Soo-jung and Hong Soo-hyuk also bowed their heads to Min Yong-rak.


“Hello.”


“Hiya~.”


They were definitely people from another world.


“Madam Chairwoman, let me take your bag.”


“No, it’s fine. You’ve worked hard coming here, so take a rest.”


Yet, they treated Min Yong-rak like just another person.


The adults, the children.


That’s why it felt even more unfamiliar, and he had to be careful with his behavior.


It was the unease that came with comfort. A feeling that coexisted while opposing, like a double-edged sword.


Chairman Hong Ki-jun and Yoo Se-ra’s bodyguards were always empty-handed.


Their primary duty was clear, and they weren’t to be treated like baggage handlers, reflecting the employer’s attitude.


‘That’s why it’s even scarier. They know how to capture people’s hearts.’


*


“Is Madam here?”


As soon as he boarded the plane and returned from the bathroom, Jin-hyeok looked for Yoo Se-ra first.


“Welcome, my athlete. How’s your condition?”


“Oppa, hello.”


“Yes, I’m feeling light. It’s been a while since I’ve seen Soo-jung’s face.”


Though she blushed shyly, Soo-jung still had the habit of leaning her head in when petted, like a cat.


“Hiya~.”


“Hahaha, Soo-hyuk has grown so much.”


After pinching Soo-hyuk’s cheek, Jin-hyeok finished his busy greetings.


There were many people gathered because of him, so he couldn’t leisurely chat with the kids.


He looked around the cabin.


Yoo Se-ra had brought Soo-jung and Soo-hyuk as planned, and the mansion staff, Yoo Se-ra’s aides, and bodyguards were seated in other areas.


It would be normal for them to assist Yoo Se-ra, but she had probably sent them away for a more comfortable trip.


Three staff members from the federation, who had come to support Olympic administration, were looking around the cabin like kids watching stars, their mouths agape. Min Yong-rak could have handled the administrative procedures, but considering the relationship with the federation, they decided to accompany them. Anyway, there were plenty of seats.


“I’m so burdened, I can’t even sit…”


“Manager Jung, you’re already sitting.”


After making eye contact with them, Jin-hyeok gave a light nod.


Bon voyage.


He also nodded to the SSS bodyguards who exchanged glances with him, then looked for Jin Seon-kyu.


It wasn’t hard to find someone looking around like Haengun-i guarding its nest.


Jin Seon-kyu, who had tried to sit with the federation staff but was exiled to the VIP section by Yoo Se-ra.


“Senior, hello.”


“Huh? Oh. Nice to meet you.”


Even though he was looking at Jin-hyeok, he pretended to be surprised when spoken to.


‘Cute, isn’t he?’


Jin-hyeok greeted Jin Seon-kyu, who was sitting alone, looking dazed, with genuine warmth.


Even though he had noticed him from afar, he couldn’t acknowledge him because of the departure press conference.


He thought it was understandable since their levels of interest were different, but he still felt a bit sorry.


“If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.”


“Hahaha, sure. I never dreamed I’d be going in such style and comfort. At my team, we’re so careful about expenses that we can’t even buy a drink outside of the provided supplies.”


As Jin-hyeok sat next to him, they naturally started talking about training and competitions.


Local training would be possible for about three weeks.


Two weeks at the track arranged by SI Sports, one week at the facility provided by the Olympic organizing committee.


“Aren’t your parents coming with you? It would be nice for them to see you compete in two events.”


“They said they wouldn’t come on purpose.”


“Why? Are they worried about burdening you? At the competition, you seemed to have extraordinary courage. Wow, I’m always late at the start because I’m afraid of fouling.”


“They said, ‘Why should we follow you around like kids?’ and that the broadcasting station would come to the house…”


“Hahaha. Right. The first medal contender in short-distance track and field, they’ll probably come to film the family cheering.”


How easy it is to break down barriers with someone who shares common interests. Talking about training schedules naturally made the atmosphere more comfortable.


“But how old were you when you started track and field?”


“I started track and field at thirteen. I’ve been running every day since I was nine.”


“Were you good at running back then? Were you tall?”


“I think I grew taller after starting sports. I don’t know if I was good, but I didn’t feel tired, so I kept going.”


Thanks to that energy that devoured his ego, he didn’t get tired and could continuously build his body and muscles until he reached a high level. In the end, it was thanks to that strange force that wanted to devour Jin-hyeok that he could train so easily.


“You’re a natural.”


Jin Seon-kyu nodded.


It wasn’t exactly like that, but it wasn’t wrong either, so Jin-hyeok also nodded.


He had always liked running and was good at it.


“In our country, you still have to be born with it to succeed. That’s why we have talent discovery programs. Trying various things and then focusing on one event where talent is shown. Many kids suddenly discover their aptitude while enjoying a balanced level of activity, but we lose those good talents and turn them into labor. I know it’s inevitable given the circumstances, but as a citizen, it’s disappointing.”


“You sound like an educator.”


Jin-hyeok smiled.


Jin Seon-kyu, whose dream was to be a teacher, already had the mindset of an educator lamenting reality.


“That’s why I don’t want to be a coach in just one event. I want to teach sports that kids can enjoy broadly. Feeling joy comes first. There are so many sports you can do on a school playground, like volleyball, soccer, badminton, and more.”


As he spoke, Jin Seon-kyu looked at Soo-jung and Yoo-jin, who were giggling.


He also glanced at Soo-hyuk, who was sleeping in a seat next to his mom. It was the gaze of someone who genuinely loved kids.


‘Well, I guess I don’t need to help this guy.’


I just hope he does well.


An international gold medalist and former Korean record holder. He majored in education at a physical education university. Plus, he’s been active as a national track and field representative for a long time. He’s someone who’s qualified in every way. You could say he’s someone with a modest dream compared to his capabilities.


“You’ll do well.”


“Really? Do you think I can?”


Twenty-seven. A young age.


Jin Seon-kyu smiled like a child at Jin-hyeok’s encouragement.


“Yes. I’m sure of it. I have a good sense for these things.”


Or not.


It’s not like lip service costs money, so there’s no need to break the mood by saying, “You won’t make it, learn some skills before it’s too late.”


While they were catching up, a crew member approached with a cart.


“Would you like to choose a welcome drink? Wine, whiskey, vodka…”


Ah, so welcome drinks aren’t just for hotels or resorts.


The two men made the same blank expression.


Is this lady some kind of assassin sent by an enemy country?


Offering alcohol first to a group of athletes that includes minors?


While Jin-hyeok and Jin Seon-kyu were bewildered, a roar erupted from right beside them.


“Sisterrrr! I want colaaaaa!”


They didn’t need to look to know who it was.


*


Slurp-slurp. Burp.


Maybe because it was drunk on a plane, the burp felt even more refreshing.


“Hehehe, I feel good.”


Son Yoo-jin, already on her third cola, sat close to Soo-jung, whom she hadn’t seen in a while.


Is she drunk? Soo-jung made a disgusted face and laughed.


“Yoo-jin, when we go to America, let’s travel everywhere with your sister.”


“Yes. Let’s do that.”


Anyway, her brother said he’d be training and would refrain from other activities to manage his condition. Well, he said something about needing focus and choice or tanning, but he’ll figure it out. The Son family’s skin tans easily but turns white again quickly, so maybe they need to tan a bit.


“Yoo-jin, this place is…”


Soo-jung unfolded a map with red circles drawn all over it. As Yoo-jin leaned in, Soo-jung pointed with her finger.


“We’ll go to Disneyland, and here’s a middle school where they said we’ll do an interview.”


“Wow~.”


I have no idea what that means.


Soo-jung is amazing. She can read everything even though it’s in English.


“Hmm, I know what that interview is. It’s with a reporter and a microphone. My brother does it often~.”


“Not that. It’s like an interview to see if I have the skills to get into that school. If not, I have to improve at a language school and then do the interview again…”


“Language school? What’s that?”


“Hmm…”


Soo-jung thought for a moment.


How should she explain it?


“A place you go to get better at English? Something like that.”


“I know English. I am a Son Yoo-jin!”


“Hahaha, that English is a bit weird, though?”


Soo-jung, who found it cute, gently pointed it out while petting Yoo-jin.


“Why?”


“Usually, when introducing your name, you don’t use the indefinite article ‘a.’ You just say, ‘I am Son Yoo-jin.’”


Oh, really?


It just stuck in my mouth, so I kept saying it that way.


Oops. Yoo-jin felt embarrassed and stopped talking.


“Mom, right?”


Soo-jung turned to Yoo Se-ra.


Yoo Se-ra, who had been reading a magazine with her mouth wide open, quickly closed her eyes and pretended to sleep.


“Mom?”


Soo-jung shook her, but Yoo Se-ra didn’t budge.


She’s always been a great sleeper. Truly impressive sleeping skills.


“Why didn’t Oppa tell me?”


She asked Jin-hyeok, who was sitting across the table, stretching his legs and talking with Jin Seon-kyu.


Sensing Yoo-jin’s disappointment, Soo-jung stepped in.


“Maybe Oppa didn’t want to make you feel pressured?”


Jin-hyeok, who had been secretly surprised by how much Soo-jung had grown, finally made comfortable eye contact. This kid, she knows how to defend her brother.


“Yoo-jin’s way is also correct.”


“Huh? There’s English like that?”


Soo-jung was puzzled.


She hadn’t heard that at the academy or from her tutor. Maybe she had heard it but forgot because it wasn’t important. As far as Soo-jung knew, Jin-hyeok wasn’t the type to make things up.


Seeing Soo-jung’s wavering pupils, Jin-hyeok smiled contentedly.


“‘I am Son Yoo-jin’ means, I am Son Yoo-jin. ‘I am a Son Yoo-jin’ means, I am a person named Son Yoo-jin. Think of it like Cheon Gil-ryong introducing himself, and it’ll be easier.”


Yoo Se-ra, who had been asleep, suddenly opened her eyes.


“Really?”