Chapter 294

Karma (4)

***

A simple impression, a thank you for the support, determination and future plans, exercise methods…

He answered as kindly and in detail as possible to questions that could be answered as an athlete.

“Do you have a girlfriend?”

“What’s your ideal type?”

“Which female celebrity’s style do you like…?”

When such questions came, he gave Min Yong-rak a look.

But before Min Yong-rak could say anything, complaints erupted from among the other reporters. Although they couldn’t speak loudly due to the many eyes watching, those nearby could hear clearly.

“What kind of reporter asks that? If you like that kind of thing, go to the entertainment department.”

“Those kinds of questions just muddy the waters and make reporters look bad.”

“If you want to be a reporter, get some sense first.”

Even the welcoming crowd was no exception.

They didn’t hesitate to jeer at the reporter who asked personal questions.

Woo woo woo woo woo-.

Even though it would have been nice to answer for the sake of the embarrassed reporter, if he wavered even for a moment, he wouldn’t be able to steer his life in the desired direction.

He intended to make sure no one could pry into Jin Hyuk’s personal life. If that’s what it took to protect his daily life, so be it.

So he didn’t answer personal questions unrelated to sports.

They would just get twisted and distorted into gossip anyway.

Articles based on interest are enough with 6,000 keychains.

‘Since the chairman released the article as a good deed, I can’t blame anyone.’

Amidst the chaotic flash photography, he finished the photo shoot and the arrival press conference.

“Could you take care of these dolls and gifts for me? Please.”

“Don’t worry!”

As Min Yong-rak answered, Yang Gang-wook and a few SSS agents appeared, pushing a cart.

Rabbit dolls, bear dolls, tiger dolls, mysterious gifts in boxes, chocolates, flower bouquets, and various other gifts… They had to be handled carefully, thinking of the hearts of those who gave them. Even if Yoo Jin and Jeong Won would end up taking them.

Yoo Jin stroked a large bear doll, which resembled Ajji Bear, so she seemed to like it. Even though her room was full of dolls and toys, she only played with Ajji Bear.

‘Yoo Jin, it’s all yours anyway when we take it home.’

Hong Soo-jung whispered.

He was quite tired, but there was still work to do.

“Assistant Manager Min, the press conference is over. Can I sign autographs here?”

“Of course. Go ahead.”

He couldn’t ignore those who came to the airport to greet him, even if they had no connection. So he responded to each request for autographs and photos. Jin Seon-kyu also joined in, becoming a star at the autograph session.

This was also carried out in an orderly manner thanks to the near-perfect control of the SSS agents. The only problem was that it took a long time due to the large number of people.

‘The female students are unexpected.’

There were male students dreaming of Olympic medals while training, but the female fans overwhelmingly outnumbered them.

Aren’t male fans usually more common for athletes? He didn’t know because he wasn’t interested and no one told him.

“Ahaha-, my photo is on the bookmark.”

“Yes! I laminated it because I didn’t want to ruin it. If you sign it, I’ll laminate it again.”

His eyes were dry, and his arms were sore from the hard work, but his heart was happy.

This must be the uplifting feeling from pure interest and support.

‘Is it over now?’

Jin Hyuk rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand and looked around.

In the place where the crowd had orderly retreated under control, and the autograph line had disappeared, only Min Yong-rak remained.

“Uh, um-.”

Then a young woman with her head bowed deeply approached hesitantly, looking around.

“Jin Hyuk, I think we can wrap up after signing for this lady.”

Following Min Yong-rak’s guidance, the woman carefully held out a notebook.

“I’ll write here-.”

Jin Hyuk’s eyes narrowed slightly as he recognized the woman’s face.

Huh?

Where have I seen her before?

Hong Soo-jung, who was staying nearby with Yoo Jin, also tilted her head. Where have I seen her? Was she in a drama? Her face is hard to see because of the glasses.

“Ah! Hello!”

Jin Hyuk unconsciously stood up.

She was so famous that even Jin Hyuk, who doesn’t watch much TV, recognized her.

“You’re Reporter Kim Yoo-deok, right? You weren’t wearing glasses before, were you?”

He almost didn’t recognize her because of the horn-rimmed glasses barely hanging on her nose.

“Reporter, what are you talking about-, I borrowed glasses because I was a bit embarrassed to get an autograph.”

She said she had been lurking among the reporters and came to get an autograph after the line disappeared.

After signing, he gave Reporter Kim Yoo-deok a keychain.

“I’m not sure if you’ll like it. You’ve been through a lot because of me.”

“What hardship, it’s my job.”

It must be one of those famous 6,000 keychains. Kim Yoo-deok scratched her messy hair.

Jin Hyuk didn’t add that it was out of a sense of debt due to the Mokpo Airport incident.

If he did, this reporter noona might grab him by the collar. She might even hit him with a microphone. They say that hurts like hell.

Kim Yoo-deok had been practically trapped at Mokpo Airport for days, sending out breaking news. Her disheveled appearance at the time actually boosted her recognition, making her a nationwide reporter, ah- a reporter.

She had also come to the neighborhood during the dog thief incident.

“Please take care of me in the future, Reporter.”

After hours of welcoming events, he was finally free.

He greeted each member of the foundation staff, federation staff, and documentary team. There were many, but he greeted each one.

He bid a reluctant farewell to Yoo Se-ra, Hong Soo-jung, and Hong Soo-hyuk, promising to meet again.

“My wedding keeps getting postponed. Maybe I should find someone else this time.”

Min Yong-rak, who had been joking, followed Yoo Se-ra, saying he would stay in Seoul during the vacation season.

“Thank you.”

Kyaaa-!

Jin Hyuk waved to those who stayed until the end, cheering, and finally got into the car.

It was a modified imported van, said to be arranged by Hong Ki-jun so the whole family could ride.

‘Exercise is still the most comfortable. Oh, my body aches-.’

As he got into the car, he finally felt the reality of returning home.

As the car started and his body smoothly leaned back, Son Kwang-yeon looked at Jin Hyuk in the seat next to him.

“Son. How does it feel to have turned the world upside down?”

“Ahaha-. It’s just like that. Now I have to return to daily life.”

“Do you think that will be easy?”

“If it’s not, I’ll make it happen. Nothing is more important than daily life.”

Jin Hyuk’s chest swelled as he thought of the time he would spend with family and friends. He would rest for a day and then go to school for supplementary classes.

He’s become more dignified and mature. Son Kwang-yeon nodded.

Han Yu-young was busy embracing Yoo Jin, who was rubbing her face against her mother. The sight was as touching as Jang Gun-i licking a freshly picked persimmon.

“Our daughter has grown so tall? And her belly is sticking out?”

“Ehehe-. Ahem-.”

“Oh my-, how much did you scream for your throat to be this hoarse?”

“I screamed tens of thousands of times-. Ahem.”

Yoo Jin greeted her mother bravely without crying.

The situation was reversed from when they returned from Hawaii, and it was an opportunity for both the child and the adults to grow.

“I want to see Haengun-i and Ajji Bear quickly-.”

“Everyone is doing well…”

Han Yu-young didn’t mention that Ajji Bear’s arm was slightly torn. Jeong Won had been wrestling with it, grabbing its arm and spinning around, causing the injury.

She had sewn it up neatly, so they wouldn’t notice.

*

As they left Seoul, Yoo Jin and Jeong Won, who had been hugging and catching up in the third row, fell asleep, and it became quiet.

Jin Hyuk subtly brought up a topic.

“Dad, you’ll be very busy.”

Hmm-.

What is this kid suddenly talking about? Son Kwang-yeon, who had been quietly holding his chin, shook his head.

“Because of the shoes?”

“Yes.”

“That side only has material technology and should receive royalties. I tried commissioning the production, and I realized why shoe manufacturing companies are called specialized companies.”

If only Jin Seon-kyu didn’t have such big feet, they wouldn’t have torn.

“Did you patent it?”

“I did during the Olympics. I thought it would take months because they didn’t even give me an expedited fee, but it took less than a week with connections.”

“You should reduce your workload, Dad.”

“If it’s about the material, you don’t have to worry. The researchers develop and improve it.”

“You have a lot of other work.”

“That’s true.”

Son Kwang-yeon, who used to live as a farmer, would sing for his wife every night. He must have been much more physically tired then. But after starting the business, his singing at home stopped.

Jin Hyuk, who had lived as a salaryman all his life, realized again by watching his father how mentally exhausting work can wear a person down.

It had been a while since he stopped making sleds, tops, and kites for his son each season. Because of this, his younger siblings hadn’t been able to build memories with their father.

“I should help soon-.”

As he was about to say something, Son Kwang-yeon quietly reached out and grabbed Jin Hyuk’s shoulder.

“You go to Mr. Ki-jun. Learn about the bigger world. Seize the opportunities your father couldn’t grasp.”

He pointed to Yang Gang-wook in the passenger seat with his chin.

“There are people to share Dad’s work.”

Yang Gang-wook, who had been glancing in the rearview mirror, nodded slightly with a smile.

“Team Leader Yang will handle the research institute and materials.”

In addition to the existing business, which had already grown too large, the new business made it inevitable for General to spin off.

Son Kwang-yeon decided to oversee the business while entrusting the management of the agricultural enterprise to his lifelong partner.

“Have you already agreed?”

“Yes. I’ve also finished talking with Mr. Ki-jun. No matter how I think about it, no one is as suitable as Team Leader Yang. Now it’s President Yang.”

What an interesting world.

A person who considered the military his calling became a bodyguard, and with his sharp mind and decisiveness, he was hired as the head of several business divisions before turning forty.

If written as a novel, it would be criticized for lacking plausibility. A genius commander good at management? What kind of title would that be?

“President Yang, please take good care of my father.”

“President is just a title.”

Yang Gang-wook replied nonchalantly.

He always seems detached from worldly matters.

“Still, it’s not a position just anyone can get.”

“At Sein Group, there are over a hundred executives with the title of president but performing team leader duties.”

“Aren’t you going as the representative director of that division, Team Leader Yang?”

“That’s correct. But even if I become president, I plan to work like a team leader.”

Yang Gang-wook said this with a serious expression, without a hint of a smile.

He’s unnecessarily loyal and grateful.

…Just as he thought that, Yang Gang-wook attempted a joke.

“…I was promised stock options. I can make a big hit as much as I grow it.”

Cook-.

Yang Gang-wook sniffed, pleased with his own humor.

Son Kwang-yeon reluctantly laughed silently, and Jin Hyuk closed his eyes from fatigue.

Hew-, Yoo Tae-hwa in the driver’s seat sighed quietly. Like Jang Gun-i.

Yes, do a lot.

Even as history changes and the world transforms, it seems humor sense is something you can’t change.

Son Kwang-yeon added.

“Dad also has dignity and style, but you can’t keep discussing things with your son forever, right?”

“You say that, but the amount of work you bring has increased.”

Ahem-.

Cook-.

At his father’s fake cough, his mother’s snicker from the back seat was buried.

Son Kwang-yeon, who had been looking out the window for no reason, rubbed his hands like someone warming them.

“Son, you’re good at everything, but you should also say things that aren’t there. Make people feel good when they listen. Like Cheon Gil-ryong, when he talks in circles, it’s hard to understand, and when he’s direct, it hurts like hell.”

“I also lost a few ribs, President.”

“Did you do judo with Jin Hyuk in the US?”

“No-, that-.”

That’s not it.

Yang Gang-wook, who had been eager to joke, sensed failure and adjusted his seat.

“I’m afraid I won’t do well.”

“Team Leader Yang is also approaching fifty. You’ve seen and heard a lot by my side, so you’ll do well.”

“Appendix-.”

Yang Gang-wook, who was about to crack a joke, bit his lip.

Because he made eye contact with Jin Hyuk.

That kid wouldn’t laugh even at a well-thought-out joke and would just shake his head. Like Jang Gun-i.

Then Jin Hyuk spoke.

“Someone once said that fifty is like an appendix.”

“Because of the pronunciation?”

Son Kwang-yeon asked, but Jin Hyuk shook his head.

“Generally, at that age, you’re being pushed by smart and ambitious juniors, and there are many people above you holding their ground. So instead of pushing forward, you have to be cautious. It’s an awkward age to challenge something new or to burn with ambition to reach the top. Eventually, you just get pushed around and move with the flow like seaweed. You’re not living together, but rather living as an addition… So you have to live like an appendix to last long. Fill in the gaps for juniors and embellish the seniors…”

The two adults nodded without hesitation.

“That makes sense-.”

“There’s logic to it. I’d like to meet that person. They must be a life senior.”

They’re not senior to Team Leader Yang. That person, his girlfriend got upset because he kept postponing the wedding. He even took a vacation and stayed in Seoul.

Assistant Manager Min Yong-rak said to Team Leader Son Jin-hyeok.

Team Leader Son, you seized opportunities with your skills, but if you didn’t have the connections of the chairman’s daughter, you would have had to live as an appendix like others.

It wasn’t something to be taken lightly just because it was said by someone socially successful who had passed fifty.

Because he must have gone through that process too.

‘Yes, I was the appendix. Hong Soo-jung’s appendix, Hong Ki-jun’s appendix.’

Not anymore.

“It’s nice for the three of us to have such conversations.”

Yang Gang-wook smiled slightly, and Jin Hyuk nodded.

Having conversations with Yang Gang-wook is also a pleasant experience for Jin Hyuk.

Because they usually stay in different times and spaces, only exchanging light greetings.

Business talk that gives headaches, and not-so-special jokes mixed in, filled the time going home instead of road noise and wind sounds.

Yoo Tae-hwa, who was holding the steering wheel, also occasionally joined in, and Han Yu-young in the third row looked at her son with pride as she soothed the sleeping children.

The eldest son, having equal conversations among adults. He’s taller than adults and speaks well, how could she not be proud?

“I must have saved the country in my past life.”

When Sein Medical Center and the West Coast Expressway construction site could be seen in the distance, Yang Gang-wook suddenly savored the situation.

“Meeting such good people and living comfortably, I’ve become successful.”

Son Kwang-yeon meaningfully raised the corner of his mouth.

“Whether it’s success or a path of hardship remains to be seen. Whether you saved the country or sold it out will be known then.”

Hahahahahaha!

No one knew what was funny, but Yoo Tae-hwa, who is usually so quiet, burst out laughing while tapping the steering wheel.

Seeing that, Jin Hyuk finds it amazing.

Their upbringing, personality and manners, humor codes are all different, yet they blend well together.

“I would never have sold out the country.”

Yang Gang-wook muttered, glancing at Yoo Tae-hwa.

Sensing his gaze, Yoo Tae-hwa changed the subject.

“Ahem-. Now we’re in Taeyang County. A little further and we’re home.”

“Tae-hwa.”

“Ah, what? If the president tells a funny story, I’ll laugh. Isn’t that what a salaryman does?”

“That’s not it…, when did that change?”

Yang Gang-wook pointed ahead.

Curious, Jin Hyuk and Son Kwang-yeon leaned forward, heads together, looking ahead.

The eyes of the father and son widened simultaneously.

“What the-?”

A newly made sign crossing the four-lane road welcomed Jin Hyuk’s return.

“Welcome to Taeyang, the home of athletics”

Since when is it the home?

Did we lose ssireum?