Chapter 319

Intan (Intern) (7)

***

People who fail personality tests are fools.

Jin-hyeok was one of those who thought that way.

‘It’s not a test to show what kind of person I am. It’s about pretending to be someone who blends in with the company and society, someone who isn’t sharp but smooth and round.’

Just choose answers that sound acceptable to most people. Answers that don’t give the impression of being disruptive or having a quirky personality. Even someone like me, who thought I had personality issues, passed it in the past.

Aptitude tests are like paving a path with stones.

Do I have the qualities of a manager? Am I excellent as a salesman? Or do I have strengths in customer management? The key is to reveal what you want to show based on the desired traits.

In that sense, there were questions that pricked my conscience.

Choosing answers that others would find satisfactory, even if I didn’t truly believe in them. But who can blame anyone? After all, isn’t the world just a game of deceiving and being deceived with plausible words?

I entered my personal information and clicked the mouse.

I could have checked via ARS, but with high-speed internet and a PC, checking on the webpage was enough.

The monitor, filled with a white background, was now filled with dark blue letters.

「Passed」

The liar Son Jin-hyeok passed the personality test like that.

‘Phew. My personality is safe.’

*

I took the recruitment exam at a borrowed university classroom in Seoul.

The written exam consisted of two common topics and one specialized topic based on aptitude.

When I received the exam paper, my lips jutted out on their own.

‘This is a past exam.’

On the brink of the 21st century, what’s with this long answer sheet that could be plastered on a wall?

The questions were more challenging than past exams.

Others’ reactions weren’t different from Jin-hyeok’s.

Sigh.

Groan.

The sighs erupting from various corners of the classroom proved it.

It felt like facing an insurmountable abyss, like a life being dragged into the depths of the ocean, gasping for its last breath.

「1. [Common] Refer to the passage below and freely describe the following.」

A passage that could be from a university textbook stretched about two hand spans below, followed by the question.

「Define the market and explain its mechanism, then describe macroscopic survival strategies as an entity belonging to the market.」

The first topic seemed to test both the basic knowledge of someone who had gone through formal education and the personal insights of someone who had directly or indirectly engaged in economic activities within the social system.

‘Understanding the social system.’

It was asking the examinee.

How much do you know about the world?

「Beyond the definition of an abstract realm where goods and services are traded based on the principle of supply and demand, the current market faces a flood of supply ignoring demand. High-value-added products and stocks are evidence of this. Even for items that aren’t necessarily needed, consumers respond to suppliers for the sake of ‘fashion’ or ‘prestige,’ or under the pretext of ‘investment’······ Ultimately, what sustains and moves the investment market is the expectation that the acquired asset value will rise significantly······ However, the stability of dependent markets is more influenced by the regime than domestic investors. When security concerns are resolved and diplomatic prowess shines, foreign capital flows in, expanding the pie, and the market responds to expectations······ Ultimately, to profit from intangible assets, establishing a trustworthy regime abroad is the best investment possible within the democratic system.」

Hong Ki-jun wouldn’t like this answer. He prefers power concentrated in the hands of a virtuous few. But even if there are virtuous few, it’s not easy for them to use their power virtuously and appropriately. If time is wasted persuading the opposing majority and energy is depleted, the few either let go of their power or seek help from another majority.

‘That’s how it was in the history I lived.’

Following the flow of consciousness, I wrote quickly, resulting in some awkward sentences.

But in a timed written exam, it’s hard to craft perfect sentences. Since there’s no right answer and it’s about expressing thoughts, I concluded appropriately and moved on.

「2. [Management Support] Choose any social conflict case presented in the passage below, explain the causes, and propose solutions.」

The second question resonated with what I learned from Grandpa Cheon Gil-ryong, to the point of my ears burning.

He said all problems in the human world arise because everyone wants to teach others. Instead of looking in the mirror to clean their own hearts, they point fingers and judge others, making the world a mess.

‘Mencius. Right. I’ll use his teachings as the backbone.’

Classics that transcend eras are the true classics, aren’t they?

I learned topics I hadn’t considered due to my lack of interest in the human world through Cheon Gil-ryong, making him a true teacher.

Scratch, scratch, scratch.

Looking at the clock at the front of the classroom, there was plenty of time.

「3. [Common] Propose at least one sustainable development and freely describe the reasons for thinking so and the direction for future development. (Excluding environment and human rights)」

The moment I saw the third topic, I was sure.

‘The chairman wrote this question.’

「What future can we choose?」

Hong Ki-jun said this was the last lecture and exam.

He firmly stated that now that we’re stepping into society to live our own lives, no one should try to control us, and that humans walk their own paths no matter what others say, and there would be no more lectures.

Before writing the answer, I put down the pen and closed my eyes. I needed time to organize my thoughts.

‘Uncle Hong Ki-jun said we don’t exist in the future he spoke of. The future is our descendants. Will we be ancestors who defecate and run away, or will we lay the foundation for a world that descendants can continue to build like stacking blocks?’

Of course, it should be the latter. Even a fool driven by greed would outwardly agree that the latter is right.

When thinking about the sustainability of the human world, and as someone who influences the world, it was a necessary concern. Rulers must look at the current livelihood of the people, and managers must ponder how to build a future that’s at least a little less dark, as Hong Ki-jun said.

‘Are we talking about a nation or humanity?’

If we take a nation as an example, we must build a country that isn’t swayed by external forces, backed by military and economic power. We must also have a system that even the most foolish ruler can’t ruin. This system is ultimately people. How do we nurture people? We must intervene in education. It’s problematic for those in power to directly influence the educational environment. The only way is to change the education market, which is biased towards entrance exams, by changing the companies and institutions that will be their future. That history has already been made by Hong Ki-jun.

We must also fight countless invisible wars.

We must restrain foreign political organizations that sow discord, spreading money to distort, fabricate, and incite. Groups that thrive like multi-level marketing or pseudo-religious organizations, disguised as academic societies, research groups, pseudo-media, and various organizations under the guise of corporations.

Well, ordinary people already know this.

If we consider the future of humanity as a whole, the answer is still environment and human rights. Many examinees would choose the food problem in preparation for population explosion. But the food problem also boils down to environment and human rights, making it a common topic and hard to score high on.

And with the population cliff looming in less than 20 years, Hong Ki-jun wouldn’t want obvious answers like food or famine issues.

I also thought about writing on ‘safety.’ But since safety is already included in human rights, writing about it would mean failing to grasp the question’s intent, potentially wasting an entire answer.

‘The ocean or space would be good.’

Approaching the unknown to obtain the key to human survival.

It was an abstract and challenging topic.

‘But there’s still a lot to write about.’

Sigh.

As I regulated my breathing, sentences lined up in my mind.

If past exams had survived to the present, they would have created such a scene.

Scratch, scratch.

I diligently wiped the pen’s tip and filled the answer sheet.

Even as people tapped shoulders here and there, or examinees went to the restroom with supervisors, or put down their pens to rest, Jin-hyeok steadfastly sat and wrote.

Few things are as well done as sitting down and studying diligently. And physically, I was superior to most.

‘I’ve changed a lot.’

Pouring thoughts and emotions into writing had become familiar and enjoyable.

Perhaps expressing something is more important than solving exam questions.

That’s why many of those sighing people pass.

‘Think, think, and think endlessly. Writing is done by the hand, not the head.’

Following the flow of consciousness, Jin-hyeok chuckled inwardly.

Somehow, it felt like I had become a pseudo-philosopher.

***

Hehehe.

Jang Gun-i has been guarding Cheon-ma’s grave for two months. Not crouching pitifully. He climbs the mound to watch the fish in the stream, remembering Cheon-ma while watching the fish.

He pressed down the grass on the mound to help it take root. When humans built a new house, they pressed down like this.

He also sprinkled fertilizer on the flower seeds planted by Son Ang-ang to help them grow. Tap.

“Jang Gun-i, you mustn’t dig up Cheon-ma’s grave.”

He received suspicious looks from the apron-wearing human Jang Jang-jang, as if he were planning to dig up the grave.

No, you ignorant human pig, who do you think I am, a grave robber······.

Growl.

Jang Gun-i is guarding the grave because he misses Cheon-ma.

And to establish authority so that moles, roe deer, and wild boars don’t approach.

Grr.

Gwang-ma, who seems to be next, is still lively.

Sigh.

But who knows when he’ll follow Cheon-ma.

Cheon-ma was full of energy until last year.

Thanks to Son Ang-ang.

Thanks to Son Ang-ang touching him every day, he lived healthily without illness until his death.

Jang Gun-i is a smart dog and knows that.

Whine.

I want to eat fish.

When I want to eat fish, I miss Cheon-ma even more.

Dr. Yoo Jang-jang said Cheon-ma lived longer because of the material. While diving, he became healthier, but harmful gases were expelled from his body?

In the end, Cheon-ma’s longevity was thanks to Jang Gun-i.

Because Jang Gun-i made him hunt fish.

Cheon-ma, let’s see······.

One year, two years, three years, four years······.

With only four legs, it’s hard to count, but he lived over four years.

If Jang Gun-i had a chili pepper between his legs, he could have counted one more.

Hehehe.

Growl.

The patrol guys gathered.

Even without Cheon-ma, we have to do our job.

That’s the mission of Jang Gun-i and the dogs guarding this land.

Woof! Growl!

Let’s go, dogs!

Arf!

Geon-ma asked where we’re going today.

This pup still has a long way to go to be a real dog.

Grr.

There’s no such thing, you brat!

We go wherever our feet take us!

Let’s head to the training center today.

There’s a delicious smell there.

And there’s a handsome young Seoul dog, Ppo-mi.

Hehe.

Arf arf!

Gwang-ma said Son Wang-wang is there.

Grr.

So what?

We’re not going because Son Wang-wang is there.

Really.

***

After the announcement of the successful candidates, a three-day training for new employees to learn the organizational culture ended, and it’s vaguely early summer.

A light party was held in the training center’s yard.

With the group hiring so many people annually and so many people undergoing training together, forming close friendships is almost impossible.

Still, I exchanged greetings with some familiar faces.

“Good job.”

“Good job. Hahaha! It’s so great to be in the same batch as a famous person.”

“Congratulations on joining as the top recruit.”

Jin-hyeok smiled awkwardly.

He thought there might have been some influence from Hong Ki-jun after receiving the highest score in a blind review with university professors and corporate executives as judges. It was probably a necessary measure to expand Jin-hyeok’s influence within the organization.

“Hahaha! Jin-hyeok, are you heading straight to Seoul? Did you find a place to live? Of course, you got a nice apartment, right?”

A college graduate assigned to the design department asked.

She majored in industrial design at a prestigious women’s university, with a loud voice and a unique laugh. Her long black hair didn’t match her outgoing personality at all.

“I’ll check the accommodation the day after tomorrow. I’ll commute from home on the first day.”

During the training period, I didn’t leave the training center.

That’s the rule. If I went out just because my home was close, who would look kindly on that?

But I could commute from home on the first day.

Because my mom wanted to tie my son’s tie for his first day of work.

Hong Ki-jun promised to send a quadcopter when I asked. He said to commute by air on the first day.

“Haha, too bad. But we’re in the same building, so let’s get along well. I’ll treat you to meals.”

The design department is in the same building as the Yeouido research institute. The design department is under the command of the Future Strategy Headquarters, and the research institute is a separate organization but inseparable from the Future Strategy Headquarters. Thus, the core department heads of the research institute and Future Strategy Headquarters are filled with Hong Ki-jun’s confidants.

“We’ll see each other often.”

Employees related to development will inevitably see Jin-hyeok often due to his responsibilities.

Woof!

“Hahaha, they’re here again?”

“They always know when there’s food, like ghosts.”

“They’re the local celebrities. Thanks to them, even though it’s a wealthy neighborhood, thieves don’t dare come.”

The appearance of Jang Gun-i and the neighborhood dogs made the training center employees laugh heartily.

Some crouched and beckoned, but Jang Gun-i and his friends ignored their empty hands.

Capitalist dogs indeed.

‘Jang Gun-i shouldn’t miss the feast.’

Since the training center opened in the neighborhood, Jang Gun-i’s fur has been glossy.

That pup would probably float in water because of all the oil.

“Jang Gun-i. I’m here.”

Jang Gun-i glanced at Jin-hyeok once, then ignored him and sniffed around the table with lots of food.

“Jang Gun-i? I’m here, you know?”

Hehe?

Finally, Jang Gun-i looked back at Jin-hyeok.

“Good. Come here.”

···And then he bared his teeth.

Grr.

What? You brat with nothing in your hands.

***

Before heading home, I said goodbye to Yoo Myung-sun.

“Hahaha. You’ve become quite the man. This old man is so envious, I could die.”

“Don’t say you’ll die.”

Jin-hyeok laughed and accepted Yoo Myung-sun’s teasing.

“Hahaha. Alright, alright.”

Knowing what Yoo Myung-sun’s game was, there was no reason to feel uncomfortable being friendly. Even if he’s open-minded, he’s still an old man. Without saying it outright, he probably wants to trap Son Jin-hyeok in his net.

“Chairman Hong didn’t say a word. What are you going to do?”

New hires only know their general department assignment; specific departments are decided after the first day’s personnel announcement. Even family members were kept in the dark, so it seems Hong Ki-jun didn’t give Yoo Myung-sun any hints either.

“I don’t know either. We’re all just trainees.”

“Tsk, those rascals. Hahaha.”

Yoo Myung-sun frowned as he watched Jin-hyeok laugh like a mischievous kid.

The old man sensed the two men were playing games.

“Don’t ignore your youthful vigor just because you’re doing big things. A man shouldn’t just work; he should enjoy his youth. Meet friends, meet women······.”

Friends are one thing, but women? This old man is really testing people.

In such cases, be straightforward!

“Yes. I’ll meet many people.”

Ahem! Sigh.

Yoo Myung-sun tapped his chest as if frustrated and sighed.

Guess my answer was wrong?

Start

*