Chapter 320

After just one day of rest, I have to leave for Seoul.

I went to see Cheon Gil-ryong to get party food and drinks to meet my teacher.

“Jin-hyeok.”

“Yes, Grandpa.”

“There’s nothing faster than time.”

It’s a lesson Cheon Gil-ryong has repeatedly emphasized.

So, to avoid wasting time, I tried to make every second count like gold.

“Everyone in the world except me is a fool. Yes, fools.”

*Slurp slurp-.*

Cheon Gil-ryong licked the cream off the corner of his mouth with his tongue.

I didn’t bother to ask further.

This grandpa was teaching me how to avoid arguments.

And Son Jin-hyeok is no longer a rookie.

“Got it?”

“……”

Jin-hyeok just stared at Cheon Gil-ryong without answering.

Everyone except me is a fool, huh? Jin-hyeok’s curved eyes seemed to say that.

“Kehehe-. I see. You’ve grown up, kid. I’ve become the fool-.”

*Drip drip-.*

Jin-hyeok smiled and poured wine into Cheon Gil-ryong’s bowl.

“What did Chairman Yu say?”

“Nothing much. Just that we should meet often.”

“That sly old fox. Saying we should meet often is his way of saying something else. A businessman through and through-. Taking my granddaughter as his own, what a profitable deal.”

*Sigh-.* Bitter. Cheon Gil-ryong wiped his beard after drinking half a bowl of wine.

“What more can I nag you about, Jin-hyeok? You’ve grown up now. Where you walk is the path, and what you say is the truth-. But even then, regrets will come. Even this old man has them. Please, I hope…”

*Cough-.*

Cheon Gil-ryong hesitated, glancing at Jin-hyeok’s reaction.

‘He’s probably trying to tell me to avoid doing bad things.’

We both know that some of the things I’ll do in the future won’t be ordinary.

A faint smile.

As a disciple who understands his teacher’s intentions, it’s only right to express my thoughts first.

“I’ll do a lot of good and right things-.”

“Have a lot of women, no, wait, what’s that- meet a lot-.”

The audio overlapped.

I’ve met a lot, but I still feel unsatisfied-. I’ll keep it a secret from Chairman Yu. Hehe-. Cheon Gil-ryong, who downed the wine in one shot, chuckled.

These old geezers, seriously.

As Mencius said, there are too many fools, no, teachers in the world.

The problem is that they all try to impose different teachings.

***

After a day of rest, it’s finally my first day at work.

Han Yu-young marveled as she tied Jin-hyeok’s tie.

“Our son looks so good in a suit.”

“Hahaha-. No wonder I get modeling offers.”

Son Kwang-yeon, sitting across from the pilot, chimed in with a spoon in hand.

As she adjusted the tie pin she had chosen, Han Yu-young advised.

“Shoot a lot of ads. People say there’s a time for studying, but I think the shining years are short. Do modeling when you can, while you can. There will come a day when you want to but can’t.”

“Yes, I will.”

“Will you donate all your modeling income?”

“Yes. Please handle it that way.”

“Now Jin-hyeok will do it himself.”

“Why? You like managing the account.”

“I didn’t do it because I liked it. I did it because you’re my son. Now that you’re independent, do it yourself. It’s good to manage your own money. Even if you trust your family, you might get betrayed later. Even if you hand it over when you get married, do it yourself for now.”

“Okay.”

Listening to the mother-son conversation, Son Kwang-yeon chewed his food and asked.

“But Jin-hyeok, can’t you commute daily by quadrone or whatever it’s called?”

“I don’t know how to fly it yet. The licensing process is difficult and takes a long time.”

“You can hire a pilot. There are plenty of places to use as a pilot’s quarters.”

Son Kwang-yeon glanced at the pilot as if testing his reaction.

“There are no regulations yet, so it’s not commercialized. And for now, I want to focus on work and training. I have to prepare for the Asian Games, and there’s also the house you got me.”

Hmm, right.

Son Kwang-yeon nodded with the spoon in his mouth.

Well, if he says so, what more can I add?

He rummaged through his pocket and pulled out a folded bill.

“A gift for getting a job.”

It was the $1,000 bill Jin-hyeok had once swiped during the Atlanta Olympics and returned.

“It’s okay. You already gave me a bag as a job gift. I’m glad you didn’t use it since it’s your collection.”

“It’s worth 50% more than when I got it. Ah-, it’s my gift, but you won’t take it······.”

Even as he said that, Son Kwang-yeon quickly put the bill back.

With a relieved expression.

*

I sat in the quadrone’s co-pilot seat and put on the headset.

The noise from the aircraft isn’t too loud, but the headset is necessary for smooth communication with the pilot.

“Captain, the Chairman wants to see you first.”

“Okay. Let’s head to the group headquarters.”

“Will the traffic be bad from the headquarters to Yeouido?”

“During rush hour, public transport is hell. I recommend flying. We’ll wait on the rooftop landing pad.”

“Okay. Please take care of it.”

During the short travel time through darkness and fog, I had a lot to discuss with the pilot, who was also involved in one of the future projects.

“The last time I reviewed the report was a month ago······, how’s the skyway project progressing?”

“The 3D grid work is complete under the Chairman’s orders, but we still need government approval. The government-led preliminary feasibility study hasn’t even started yet.”

“Miniaturizing the aircraft is also a challenge.”

“Yes. We need a smaller engine, but simulations show that miniaturizing the current engine won’t produce enough lift for the quadrone.”

“It’s a long road ahead.”

“I heard the Chairman proposed an engine concept, but the researchers hit a wall in making it a reality.”

Dragon skin, translating it into Korean or English, human technology at its infancy can’t grasp it yet.

It’s a challenge Jin-hyeok will have to solve.

“My brother-in-law runs a taxi business.”

The pilot changed the subject, so Jin-hyeok turned his head.

“If the skyway opens, won’t his income drop? That’s why I’m personally worried.”

It’s a premature concern.

It might take at least 20, maybe 30 years to become a reality.

Still, it’s not polite to dismiss the pilot’s concerns here.

“If the skyway opens, related industries will rise, and jobs will be created.”

“People can find other jobs, but humans have this inertia to keep doing what they’re used to, right? Especially the older generation, they’re bound to be slow to change.”

“Ground roads will still be used. Short-distance passengers and cargo will have to travel by land for efficiency and safety. Traffic and accidents will decrease, and taxes for maintenance will drop. That capital and manpower can be used elsewhere. Skyway maintenance only requires modifying the virtual grid, so maintenance costs are almost zero.”

The pilot glanced at Jin-hyeok, who explained so eloquently, and raised the corner of his mouth. He was convinced that Jin-hyeok wasn’t hired just because he was a famous athlete or had a connection with the Chairman.

“The world changes so fast, it’s bewildering, but seeing young people adapt is amazing. They adapt as if they were already prepared. I’m still stuck with what I learned at the Air Force Academy. That’s why they say humans are adaptable. That’s why they call young people the future.”

While having an easy and informative conversation, the group headquarters building came into view.

“Captain, I look forward to working with you.”

The pilot who will fly Jin-hyeok every weekend.

It seems there’s a lot to learn from him too.

*

Following the secretary’s guidance, I visited the Chairman’s office.

“Did you learn a lot at the training center?”

“Yes. Now it’s time to get a feel for the atmosphere and the people.”

I’ve been keeping up with the company culture anyway.

It’s a company I can’t help but be interested in.

“Something’s different. Words I never thought I’d hear from you are coming out.”

Right. Jin-hyeok’s eyes disappeared as he smiled silently.

He used to focus only on his own tasks, saying he just needed to do well, but now he’s saying things an ordinary employee would say.

“Shall I hear Human Son Jin-hyeok’s plan?”

“As an athlete, the company has been accommodating, but I plan to train early in the morning and evening.”

Right, you should train. Hong Ki-jun sipped his coffee and pursed his lips.

“If I perform well at the Asian Games, I plan to visit the Blue House. I have something to discuss.”

“Do you need my help?”

“I’ll ask if I’m lacking.”

“Okay.”

“That’s the plan for this year.”

“One last question. Any regrets? About stepping out into the world.”

“I’ve lived fully, happily, and worked hard. I’ve experienced times and events where my fists moved before my words, and times when hormones made me feel like I’d go wild. Now I don’t struggle or get confused. Family, neighbors, friends. I’ve built happy memories that would make me miss anyone if they were gone. That’s why I came back. I’m ready now.”

“Good. As long as you’re satisfied and happy.”

With the Chairman’s pleased smile, a brief silence followed.

As Hong Ki-jun tapped the armrest of his chair, Jin-hyeok brought out a reserved thought.

“I was foolish. The biggest harvest I gained was realizing that.”

Hong Ki-jun raised his chin as if asking what he meant.

“It means I was too stupid in the past. I could have been happy with what I had, but if I had reached out and opened my heart, I could have overcome it.”

Hong Ki-jun just nodded.

It’s what he regretted most about Jin-hyeok in the past.

It’s a relief that he’s realized it now.

Better late than never.

“I hope you like the rooftop room gift for a starting young man. Say your greetings briefly today and go. I’ve told the security team leader to guide you.”

“Thank you.”

“Ah, take this. It’s Soo-jung’s first day gift.”

It was a carefully wrapped item the size of a ring box.

The gold and red wrapping paper sparkled under the light.

Judging by the weight and hardness, it didn’t seem to be a ring box.

Weighing it in his hand, he asked.

“What is this?”

“I asked, but she wouldn’t tell me. She said to open it secretly when I’m alone. Maybe there’s a letter inside.”

“Okay. I’ll contact Soo-jung separately.”

“This is my gift. I look forward to working with you.”

Hong Ki-jun handed over a long, heavy box.

He put Hong Soo-jung’s gift in his bag and tucked the Chairman’s gift under his arm.

“I’ll work hard.”

After shaking hands with Hong Ki-jun, he headed to the rooftop.

*

“Since it’s your first day, there’s an order to drop you off at the Yeouido Research Institute’s main entrance.”

“Yes, that sounds good.”

Even if it unintentionally shows off, it’s not bad to follow Hong Ki-jun’s wishes for now.

– “Won’t there be a lot of backlash?”

– “Who would dare oppose me? I haven’t thought about it. I’ve been preparing for a long time, so it shouldn’t happen. If it does, you’ll have to suppress it with your skills.”

The Yeouido Research Institute houses not only the research institute but also the Future Strategy Headquarters, development offices, and design offices.

At the Yeouido Research Institute, senior employees hold a modest welcoming event for new employees in the lobby, where new employees meet their mentors and move to their assigned departments.

It’s an old-fashioned but humane event.

At least new employees won’t get lost on their first day.

‘Is this the first time we’ve met since last year’s wedding?’

I was also curious about Min Yong-rak.

He’s been showing off his favoritism from Hong Ki-jun and his friendship with Son Jin-hyeok, acting as a powerhouse in the Future Strategy Headquarters.

*Vroom vroom-.*

The quadrone carrying Jin-hyeok trembled slightly before rising steadily against the air current.

“We’ll fly slowly so you can enjoy the cityscape. Estimated arrival in five minutes.”

Even going slowly, it’s five minutes······. The skyway is really fast.

Jin-hyeok nodded expressionlessly.

***

The Future Strategy Headquarters, directly under the group Chairman’s office in Yeouido, was bustling with morning activity.

A large headquarters with 12 offices under it, a somewhat畸形 structure.

Within the group, it was already treated as a separate entity. Like a special unit.

It was suddenly created a year ago under the Chairman’s orders, a large but seemingly inactive headquarters.

People who just spend money and suck honey in the new Yeouido Research Institute building.

This was the sentiment of employees from other affiliates.

Min Yong-rak, checking the monitor, scratched his sideburns.

“Why isn’t it there?”

“Min Manager, what’s wrong?”

Strategy Planning Director Kim I-do put a friendly hand on his shoulder.

“Look at this.”

Kim I-do squinted and peered at Min Yong-rak’s monitor.

A personnel information notice was posted on the group portal site.

「Group Future Strategy Headquarters Open Recruitment Probationary Employee Personnel Announcement」

「000000 Shim Dong-mi / Design Office / Department Name — / Responsibilities — 」

「000000 Gong Ji-chul / Design Office / Department Name — / Responsibilities — 」

···

「000000 Go Young-hee / Development Support Office / Department Name — / Responsibilities — 」

「000000 Kang Ha-jin / Development Support Office / Department Name — / Responsibilities — 」

···

「000000 Park Bong-su / Marketing Policy Office / Department Name — / Responsibilities — 」

「000000 Jang Hyun-chul / Marketing Policy Office / Department Name — / Responsibilities — 」

···

「000000 Kim Ji-won / Headquarters Public Relations Office / Department Name — / Responsibilities — 」

「000000 Seo Monica / Headquarters Public Relations Office / Department Name — / Responsibilities — 」

「Above Shim Dong-mi and 78 others」

That’s a lot.

Even though it was a simple list of employee numbers, names, and affiliations, the list of 79 new employees assigned to the 12 offices under the headquarters couldn’t fit on one screen.

Hmm-. Seeing Kim I-do’s clueless reaction, Min Yong-rak tapped the monitor with his index finger, looking frustrated.

“It’s not there. It’s not. I definitely checked yesterday. He said he’d come here right after meeting the Chairman.”

Dozens of personnel information were listed, but Son Jin-hyeok’s name was nowhere to be found.

“Isn’t he going to the research institute? Check the research institute’s announcement list.”

Kim I-do pointed at the monitor.

Clicking on the notice, Min Yong-rak shook his head.

“I already checked-. It’s not there. And I confirmed with the personnel office that he’s coming to our headquarters.”

“Maybe it was omitted?”

“That would be a big deal-. Of all people, the most famous one-. Oh no-! The personnel office is such a mess, I tell you-.”

Min Yong-rak picked up the phone with an air of importance.

As the headquarters’ powerhouse, he had to step up at times like this.

“Yes! This is Manager Min Yong-rak. No, the personnel announcement- Yes?”

Min Yong-rak hung up the phone with a dazed expression.

Kim I-do tapped Min Yong-rak’s shoulder.

“What did they say?”

“They said the order hasn’t come down yet.”

“What hasn’t? The order?”

“Yes. The subsidiary office said the Chairman hasn’t given the order yet.”

“Hoho-. He’s openly advertising his parachute appointment, huh?”

Saying that, Kim I-do shrunk his neck, realizing his voice was too loud. The Chairman wasn’t someone to be mentioned lightly, even in jest. A careless remark could earn him the sharp glares of the employees. Hong Ki-jun, who took over from his father-in-law, conducted a massive reshuffle, and firmly established the group as one of the world’s best, commanded such respect.

“I’ll go greet him. He’s still someone I know······.”

“Ah, right. Go ahead. No! Let’s go together.”

Kim I-do hurriedly grabbed his jacket.

Aside from being a celebrity, something felt off.

***

*Buzz buzz-.*

On the first-floor lobby, employees were gathered in small groups, welcoming new hires and exchanging greetings.

Probationary employees, with their employee badges hung around their necks by their mentors, smiled broadly, showing off their teeth.

Above their heads, monitors on the walls displayed welcoming messages along with the new hires’ photos and departments.

Mirror-like monitors faced each other on the wall above the main entrance and the central lobby pillar, with some people happily taking photos against the monitor backdrop.

“Ahaha-. I carried him on my back, you know? If you need anything from him, just tell me.”

“Wahaha-! He’s my batchmate. I promised to treat him to lunch today.”

Not wanting to miss the moment, Min Yong-rak and Shim Dong-mi showed off their friendship with Son Jin-hyeok to the new employees.

*Screech-.*

Seeing the quadrone land on the sidewalk in front of the lobby, Min Yong-rak rubbed his hands together.

“Kid! You’re finally here!”

Finally, the passenger stepped out.

‘Hah-. He doesn’t look like a newbie at all.’

Tall and well-built, with steel muscles hidden under that suit.

Recalling the silhouette he’d watched every day for years, Min Yong-rak felt moved.

Reporters waiting on the sidewalk to cover Son Jin-hyeok’s first day at work couldn’t get past the SSS barricade and