Chapter 33 - Research Meeting (3)
At the same time.
Hwaran, a Chinese restaurant near the hospital.
“The Chief gave us his card today—can we really eat as much as we want?”
Kwon Jin-eun, a second-year resident, asked while scanning the menu. It was the first page, lined with expensive course meals.
“The corporate card? No, it’s not. This is the Chief’s personal card.”
The name ‘Lee Gwang-seop’ was written in English on the card.
“He absolutely hates using the corporate card for drinks.”
“Ah, is that so?”
Kwon Jin-eun quickly turned the page and began looking for a la carte items.
“You can eat something delicious. The Chief is incredibly wealthy. He gives out his personal card like this whenever he’s in an especially good mood.”
Amidst the overall harmonious atmosphere, Kim Min-hong turned to Sihyeon.
“It seems Sihyeon pulled off another feat today. How did that happen? Did you study pharmacology separately?”
“The presentation materials today... it wasn't even on the schedule. Did you look into it beforehand?”
Kwon Won-ju, a third-year resident, also chimed in.
‘This is a bit tricky.’
He couldn't exactly say that he was simply talking about things that would happen during the clinical trials in the future. Certainly, Sihyeon’s remarks today had far exceeded the level of a first-year.
“That drug earlier... actually, it was developed by a company owned by a patient I treated recently.”
“A patient’s company?”
“Yes. They mentioned they were going to conduct research with our hospital’s research center, a company called IM Bio, so I looked it up separately.”
It wasn’t information one could find just by searching, but it was the best explanation for now.
“Is that what it was? I’ve been keeping an eye on that company too. Seeing patients diligently leads to side benefits like this, huh?”
Kim Min-hong nodded and offered him a glass.
“Right. Anyway, you did a great job today, so have a drink!”
Jingle.
While Sihyeon was receiving his glass, the door opened. A familiar face smiled and waved at Kim Min-hong. It was Choi Se-yeong.
“You’re here early?”
“What’s going on? You’re having an unscheduled dinner all of a sudden.”
It seemed they had originally planned to meet separately. Choi Se-yeong spoke as she sat in the seat next to Kim Min-hong.
“Do you know what happened today? Our first-year...”
As she listened to Kim Min-hong’s story, Choi Se-yeong’s expression gradually stiffened.
……
“I’ll pay for the drinks! You know I’m doing really well lately, right?”
A tipsy Kim Min-hong said to the residents.
‘His momentum has been good lately.’
Sihyeon knew the state of Kim Min-hong’s bank account better than anyone. After hitting the jackpot with Danaa Life Sciences, Kim Min-hong had been on a winning streak every day. His momentum was as if a fund manager had regressed.
“You know that company Sihyeon mentioned earlier? IM Bio! Let me tell you how good that company’s new drug pipeline is...”
For a long while, Kim Min-hong spoke passionately about the companies he had studied.
‘It’s worth outside interest.’
In the past, IM Bio was a company that was acquired through a hostile M&A after Lee In-im’s husband, Kwak Jeong-su, was kicked out of the company.
‘If I had left it as it was, it would have been the same this time too...’
If Sihyeon hadn't intervened, the couple would likely have met the same end. From the perspective of the forces trying to acquire a solid company at a bargain price, they had missed a great opportunity.
“Don’t overdo it now. We’ve almost saved up the entire jeonse deposit.”
Choi Se-yeong said with a worried face.
“Got it. I should manage the risks from now on.”
Whether he read her expression or not, Kim Min-hong naturally shifted the topic to the first-years.
“Lately, our first-years see patients well and do their work well. I really like them.”
Kim Min-hong threw his arms around Sihyeon’s and Hwang Jinho’s shoulders.
“You said the same thing last year and the year before.”
“That’s true, but this time it’s for real. These guys don’t seem like first-years. They don’t just handle psych patients well; they even saved a cardiac tamponade patient in the ward! They get along great and are doing an amazing job, I’m telling you.”
He talked about recent events for a long while.
“Anyway, study hard so that at least one of you stays as a professor.”
“Is that really something we can just decide? Hahaha.”
In the rare pleasant atmosphere, the drinks circulated for a few more rounds.
“Aren’t you drinking too much today?”
“It’s just because work’s been going so well this year and I’m in such a good mood. Oh, we’ll be right back.”
Kim Min-hong grinned and pulled Hwang Jinho with him.
“Are you actually quitting?”
“I’m almost there... but whenever I’m at a drinking party, I get like this. Hahaha.”
Kim Min-hong stood up as if escaping. Only Sihyeon and Choi Se-yeong remained at the table.
“Dr. Cheon Sihyeon, your performance seems incredible lately, doesn’t it?”
Choi Se-yeong was the first to speak in the awkward silence.
“I’m doing well, thanks to the Chief.”
“From where I’m standing, it looks like everyone else is comfortable because of you.”
Se-yeong smiled.
“Have you completely forgotten what I said? I clearly told you to be careful because someone might be watching...”
“I don’t understand what you’re talking about. Who would be watching me? And what is this ‘one who returned’?”
Sihyeon asked back.
“Well, if you say it’s not you, then it’s not. It’s not like I can prove it anyway.”
Se-yeong drained her glass.
“Why are regressors all like that? Why on earth do they court danger?”
Perhaps due to the alcohol, Se-yeong’s voice became agitated.
“What do you mean? Danger?”
“Then let’s just make an assumption. If there was a regressor in this world... you know, someone who lived in the future and ‘returned’ to the past, and you were in that position.”
“Just the thought of it makes me feel good. You could avoid dangerous situations and change choices you regret. You could even buy stocks that will go up a lot in advance.”
As he answered, he realized these were exactly the things Sihyeon had been doing since returning as a first-year.
“Right. At first glance, they would look like a genius... no, it would be something so amazing it couldn’t be explained by the word ‘genius.’”
“I appreciate you thinking so highly of me, but I’m neither a genius nor a ‘one who returned.’ I was just lucky. With the investments, and with finding out about the clinical trial by chance this time.”
“Is that so? I don’t think so. That look on your face when I first saw you...”
Choi Se-yeong wanted to say something, but seemed to struggle to find the right word.
“Before, when Min-hong oppa said it had been ‘a long time’ since he was this happy, your face was exactly like that.”
“What was my face like?”
“How should I put it... It was the expression someone who returned to the past has when looking at the old versions of people around them. I’ve seen that before.”
For a split second, a lonely smile crossed Choi Se-yeong’s face. It was a strange expression, a mix of longing and sorrow.
Suddenly, Sihyeon asked her before he could stop himself.
“You’ve... seen another regressor, haven’t you?”
At that question, Choi Se-yeong nodded silently.
— Honey... Se-yeong…
— Dad? Are you crying?
— Honey, is something wrong?
— Ah, no. I'm just... so glad to see you.
— We see each other every day, what’s there to be so glad about? Honestly, you’re something else.
— I just saw you last night. Dad, you’re really weird.
“It’s a memory from when I was quite young; I think it was back when my dad was an assistant professor.”
Tearing up just by looking at the family members he saw every day, huh? Se-yeong’s words piqued Sihyeon’s interest.
“It was the first time I’d ever seen Dad like that, and after that, it felt like he became a completely different person, so it still sticks in my memory.”
“How did he change?”
“Originally, Dad was someone who knew nothing but hospital work. But suddenly, he turned into an incredibly family-oriented man. We went to amusement parks as a family... and he even came to my school talent shows.”
“Maybe he had some sort of epiphany? About work-life balance or the preciousness of family.”
Just because a person suddenly changed didn't mean they had to be a regressor. Sihyeon’s thought was the more conventional one.
“I don’t think it was just at home, though. My dad, who was just an ordinary university hospital doctor, suddenly became a star professor.”
“A star professor...”
“Professor Choi Gi-tae. You might not actually know him.”
A star professor, yet he might not know him? A strange sense of cognitive dissonance hit him, but the name didn't feel entirely unfamiliar.
‘Choi Gi-tae... Choi Gi-tae...’
In the next moment, a lecture from a veteran Thoracic Surgery professor he’d heard during his undergraduate years flashed through his mind.
— If Professor Choi were still alive, the history of Thoracic Surgery in our country would have changed... It’s such a shame. You all could have listened to a much better lecture than mine today.
“Is he a... Thoracic Surgery professor?”
“Yes. How do you know? There shouldn’t be any point of contact for you.”
“I recall hearing the name briefly during a Thoracic Surgery lecture. I heard he was the one who established the foundation for the Doctor Helicopters and our hospital’s trauma center.”
Se-yeong looked surprised that Sihyeon knew about her father.
“But wouldn't simply being exceptionally capable be insufficient to conclude that your father was a regressor?”
“...Dad knew everything. From incidents that shook the world to the big and small things our family would experience. This is a secret known only to Dad and me.”
Choi Se-yeong offered Sihyeon a faint smile.
“You must have been deeply grieved.”
“However, it seems he didn't know about himself. To think he would go in such a hollow way... I guess the saying that geniuses die young exists for a reason.”
He couldn't tell the intention behind her sharing this, but it was certain she was speaking out of concern for him. Se-yeong’s expression looked infinitely lonely.
“Whether you’re a regressor or not, I hope you don’t try to change too many things. Because change is bound to bring about other changes.”
At her words, Sihyeon nodded his head.
……
“What are you two talking about so seriously?”
Kim Min-hong, having returned to the table, asked.
“I was just asking if Dr. Kim Min-hong is bullying him. Isn't this guy secretly 'malignant' if you really get to know him?”
Se-yeong said teasingly.
“What are you talking about? Do you know how well I treat them? You guys, explain it to her.”
“Chief, I love you! You give us teachings! And you even let us make money!”
Hwang Jinho linked arms with Kim Min-hong.
‘Jinho... you’ve drunk a lot.’
Unlike Sihyeon, who had sobered up instantly while talking to Se-yeong, Hwang Jinho’s face was flushed with excitement.
“Let’s head out now. We all have to go to work tomorrow!”
Choi Se-yeong led Kim Min-hong and Hwang Jinho out of the restaurant.
‘Every change brings about another change...’
Sihyeon also stood up from his seat, ruminating on the words Se-yeong had shared.
……
A few days later.
Vrrrrrr.
A call from an unknown number.
“This is first-year Psychiatry resident Cheon Sihyeon.”
—This is Kang Seo-hyeon from the Research Center. Do you happen to have some time today?
An unexpected figure was looking for Sihyeon.
“What is this regarding?”
—I’d like to consult with you regarding our research.
It was a clinical trial that, in the past, had only dumped a new workload onto the Psychiatry department and ultimately ended in failure. There seemed to be little benefit in getting involved with her.
“I’ve already shared all my opinions during the meeting. I don't see any reason for us to meet separately.”
—Even so, could you spare just a moment of your time? I’ve confirmed that you aren't on duty today. If we could talk while having a meal...
Her tone felt remarkably polite—even humble. The arrogant attitude from a few days ago was nowhere to be found.
“I’m not officially on duty, but I have a lot of work to process at the hospital. Perhaps next time...”
—I will send our staff to pick you up. That way, if an emergency arises at the hospital, you can return immediately.
‘Checking my duty schedule and even sending staff to fetch me?’
She seemed quite sincere about seeking his opinion.
‘What is she planning to talk about now?’
For some reason, the words he had heard from Choi Se-yeong a few days ago came to mind. He already felt like he was getting swept up in a real headache.