Chapter 759: After That Day

Since Gwanghwamun Choi Ik-Seon Rehabilitation Hospital was only a five-story building, it didn't have a separate VIP suite. Instead, there was just one small private room. And Choi Eun-Tae, the hospital's very first patient, was occupying it. To be more accurate, he wasn't just using the room—he had effectively rented out the entire hospital since its opening yesterday. So in truth, he had the whole place to himself.

Creak.

I opened the door and entered Choi Eun-Tae's hospital room. There he lay in the patient bed, hooked up to several IV drips, and looked at me weakly. Choi Eun-Tae's face was pale and bloodless, but there was a faint smile in his eyes.

"I wanted to see you first... There's something we need to talk about, just the two of us."

After saying that, Choi Eun-Tae glanced toward Choi Ik-Seon who was checking his surgical site.

Choi Ik-Seon covered Choi Eun-Tae with the blanket again and turned to me. "The surgery just ended, so please make sure he doesn't talk for too long."

"Understood, sir."

"Then I'll leave you two."

When I gave a short bow, Choi Ik-Seon returned the bow and quietly exited the room.

Choi Eun-Tae watched him go, then gave a dry chuckle. "I rented out that fellow's whole hospital and he doesn't even seem pleased about it."

The decision to rent the entire hospital had been a preemptive move from Attorney Kim Taek-Hoon, meant to prevent further attacks.

I said, "Mr. Kim told me he lives to treat patients. But with this situation, it's like his grand opening got delayed."

"

Ahem

. I'm paying him more than he'd make seeing patients. But people really are different, aren't they..."

"True. But... Why did you ask for me alone?"

Only then did Choi Eun-Tae seem to remember. "I figured I owe you a reward, Chief Jung."

"A reward? Not at all. How could I accept anything for saving a friend's father?"

"Would you say the same about that doctor just now? People are different, right? That's exactly why I must reward you."

'

So that's how he's going to use my words, huh?

'

"But I couldn't even stop you from getting stabbed, Mr. Chairman."

Choi Eun-Tae raised his arm with effort and took my hand. His warmth reached me.

"Don't say that. If it weren't for you, my son would've taken that knife. And if you hadn't shouted out in warning, I wouldn't have had the chance to shield him."

"Still..."

"And that's not all. You called the doctor in advance—that's what saved my life. And thanks to you, Eun-Gi finally called me Father. You've granted every wish I had left in this bitter life. How could I not give you something? Don't make this old man feel any more ashamed, Chief Jung."

I wanted to say it was fine, but looking at his face, I couldn't refuse anymore.

"Alright. But I won't accept anything too excessive."

Knowing the scale Choi Eun-Tae operated on, I made sure to set boundaries.

Choi Eun-Tae clicked his tongue. "You and your lines... Fine, then. I'll reclaim all the shares Man-Sik owns. I'll hand them over to you."

Excluding the stock reserved for our employees and the IPO, Choi Man-Sik's current holdings amounted to around 12%. On top of the 3% Choi Eun-Tae had already promised me, I would end up with 15% in total. That would make me one of the top three shareholders when Hoop Entertainment went public. It was enormous.

Choi Eun-Tae glanced at me, gauging my reaction. "Honestly, I wanted to give you more, but I figured you'd refuse."

"N-no, this is more than enough. And... thank you."

Choi Eun-Tae smiled warmly. "There's no need for thanks. I still feel like it's not enough.

Oh

, and there's one more reason I called you."

"Yes?"

"Well... what do I do now with Eun-Gi?"

Choi Eun-Tae asked seriously, seeking advice on how to rebuild his relationship with his son. Even with all the experience from my second life, this was something I couldn't answer. After all, Ju Yung-In and I never had a child back before my regression.

"

Um

, well... that, I'm not so sure about..."

***

When Choi Eun-Tae teased me for not knowing everything, I quickly called Kang Eun-Gi and Kim Taek-Hoon into the room.

Kang Eun-Gi hurried in and asked anxiously, "Are you alright?"

Choi Eun-Tae nodded. "I'm fine. Sorry to have worried you."

"No, just being alive is enough."

At that moment, I gave Kang Eun-Gi a little nudge on the shoulder. "Go on. Hold Mr. Chairman's hand."

I didn't know the proper way to start mending a father-son relationship, but I did know that physical contact was often the first step in rebuilding any connection.

Hesitating slightly, Kang Eun-Gi reached out and held Choi Eun-Tae's hand.

A smile formed on Choi Eun-Tae's face. "

Hahaha

... I never thought I'd live to hold my son's hand."

Tears welled up in the corners of Choi Eun-Tae's eyes. Unable to meet his gaze, Kang Eun-Gi mumbled, "I'll hold it plenty more times, so hurry up and get better."

"I will."

Then Kang Eun-Gi's eyes drifted to the site of Choi Eun-Tae's injury. At the same time, he quietly muttered almost like a vow, "I'll make sure you're avenged."

Just as I was about to stop him, Choi Eun-Tae tightened his grip on Kang Eun-Gi's hand and spoke first.

"No. Unlike me, who's lived in the shadows his whole life, you need to step into the light now. Eun-Gi, you're not a gangster anymore. You're a businessman—the president of an entertainment company and a franchise owner of chicken and pizza. You've become a role model for so many kids who grew up without parents. So leave the rest to me. I'll handle it. Thoroughly, and quietly."

"But Mr. Chairman... no, Father!"

"Please, listen to me. Let me finally be a father who can help you."

Choi Eun-Tae made it clear he would protect Kang Eun-Gi and I from having to dirty our hands, and that we should leave everything to him.

When Kang Eun-Gi hesitated, Choi Eun-Tae turned to me. "Chief Jung. Help guide Eun-Gi. The places I go... they're not where you guys belong."

"Sir. If this is your wish, of course I'll see it through. I'll make sure Eun-Gi lives his life in the light."

Even with all my experience from before the regression, I never wanted to get involved in Myeongdong loan sharks or political corruption. If Choi Eun-Tae was taking on the burden of dealing with Assemblyman Park Sang-Gon, I would be more than grateful. Now, I could finally focus solely on the entertainment industry.

Right away, I turned to Kang Eun-Gi. "Eun-Gi. You said you want to be a father your kids can be proud of, didn't you? And this is your father's first request. You have to accept it."

Kang Eun-Gi slowly unclenched his tightly held fists. "Alright. But if it ever gets too hard, promise me you'll let me know. I'll help however I can."

"Just hearing you call me Father... that's enough to keep me going."

Now that Choi Man-Sik's inheritance rights had been stripped and Kang Eun-Gi had been acknowledged as a son, there was nothing left in Choi Eun-Tae's way. Still, Choi Eun-Tae hesitated to bring up the process of formalizing it. It looked like I would need to stay close to both of them for a while longer.

"Mr. Chairman, when do you plan to initiate the process of legally recognizing Eun-Gi as your son?" I asked.

"

Ahem

..."

Choi Eun-Tae cleared his throat and looked at Kang Eun-Gi. Kang Eun-Gi didn't show any sign of refusal.

I nodded. "Then let's get it started today."

"D-do you think so?"

Kang Eun-Gi let out a small sigh and nodded. "Go ahead. Yoon-Soo and Eun-Soo should have a grandfather in their lives."

"

Hahaha

. You're right.

Oof

...

ow

..." Choi Eun-Tae laughed and clutched his abdomen.

"A-are you okay?"

Kang Eun-Gi looked on in worry, but Choi Eun-Tae smiled brighter. "Don't worry. I'm alright now. Anyway, I've got to talk to Attorney Kim, so you two should step out for a bit."

"Yes, sir."

"Oh, and Chief Jung. Attorney Kim will be assisting with the Hoop Entertainment IPO for now."

"Understood. Please take care of yourself."

Kang Eun-Gi and I gave a short bow and stepped outside the hospital room.

Click.

The door shut behind us. Then, Kang Eun-Gi let out a deep sigh and stared at me.

"What? You've got something to say?" I asked.

Kang Eun-Gi replied in a low voice. "Thanks, Yoon-Ho."

It was a short sentence, but it carried the full weight of Kang Eun-Gi's sincerity.

I gave a small laugh and replied, "What are you thanking me for? It was the obvious thing to do."

Kang Eun-Gi chuckled as well. "Nothing in this world is obvious. I'll never forget this debt."

"Debt? All I did was help my friend's father, so don't talk nonsense. Just make sure the IPO goes smoothly."

Kang Eun-Gi grinned. "That goes without saying."

"Then we're good. Between us, there's no need to fuss."

We bickered, but I knew Kang Eun-Gi would have done the same if things were reversed. And that was because we were brothers.

"Then I'll go let Yeon-Sil know father's surgery went well."

"Yeah. That crybaby's probably still bawling her eyes out. Go on. I need to stop by the company, then head straight to So-Yeon's fashion show."

"Huh? You're going straight back to work?"

"Yeah. I cleared one mess thanks to a stubborn bastard, so now I can get to my own to-do list."

I had saved Kang Eun-Gi and Choi Eun-Tae, and reconciled them. Old debts were settled and the enemies were on their way to ruin. Now, it was time to focus on my own work.

That meant taking Hoop Entertainment public—and turning it into a company no one could ever touch.

***

Click.

The moment Jung Yoon-Ho and Kang Eun-Gi stepped out and shut the door, Choi Eun-Tae's expression turned firm.

"Attorney Kim. Listen carefully from now on."

"Yes, sir."

"Reclaim all the shares listed under Man-Sik's name and transfer them to Chief Jung."

Kim Taek-Hoon nodded, since he had expected as much. "Understood, sir."

He then began jotting the order down on his Galactica Note, not missing a single instruction from Choi Eun-Tae.

"And collect the shares held by Lee Sang-Pil, Lee Gi-Cheol, and Park Hyung-Moon as well. They'll all go to Chief Jung."

Lee Sang-Pil, Lee Gi-Cheol, and Park Hyung-Moon were the remaining shareholders of Hoop Entertainment aside from Choi Eun-Tae and Choi Man-Sik.

"Once those shares are transferred, Chief Jung will become the second-largest shareholder," said Kim Taek-Hoon.

"That's not all. Gather all the shares I hold in Hoop Entertainment. Get them ready to transfer to Chief Jung."

At that, Kim Taek-Hoon looked stunned. "Did you just promise Chief Jung control of Hoop Entertainment?"

"No. Earlier, I only told him I'd give him Man-Sik's shares. I was worried he might reject even that."

"Then why this order now? Please don't tell me..."

"That's right. Keep the rest bundled. Once I die, they all go to Chief Jung. That way, he won't come back later saying I gave too much."

Kim Taek-Hoon let out a helpless laugh. "When he finds out, I'm the one he'll yell at."

"Exactly. So you can take the blame in my place. Think of it as earning your fat paycheck.

Pfft

...

ouch

..."

Choi Eun-Tae chuckled, but the movement made him wince and grab his stomach. Any time he talked with Jung Yoon-Ho, he was reminded of "that kid" whose whereabouts remained unknown. They were both stubborn and humble with no greed. They were alike in uncanny ways.

"Mr. Chairman! Your stitches—please don't laugh!"

"

Ahem.

Easier said than done.

Ugh

... But how can I not laugh? My son finally called me Father, and by his side is a friend I can trust. It's impossible to not laugh.

Hahaha... agh, ouch

..."

"S-Still, please be careful."

Choi Eun-Tae took a deep breath and finally calmed himself. "Even so... how much longer do I have? I'm not young anymore."

At those words, Kim Taek-Hoon's face darkened. "Don't talk like that. You've got decades left, sir. Who else could clean up Assemblyman Park Sang-Gon and the parasites clinging to him?"

The moment Park Sang-Gon's name came up, the softness in Choi Eun-Tae's face vanished. In an instant, the presence of the legendary Myeongdong loan shark roared back to life.

"

Hmph

. You're right. I can't sit here whining while the scum harassing my kids are still breathing."

Choi Eun-Tae had acted cautiously until now, worried that going to war with Choi Man-Sik would endanger Kang Eun-Gi. Yet now that Kang Eun-Gi had accepted him as his father, there was no more hesitation nor fear. And if anything went wrong, Jung Yoon-Ho would be by his son's side. Choi Eun-Tae no longer had to hold back.

"Then first, let's start by taking out Yung-Ho and Daheung Savings Bank kids. After that, cut off all the money flowing to Assemblyman Park Sang-Gon. If companies are sponsoring him, pull back all the loans we've given them."

"Yes, I'll follow your orders, Mr. Chairman. And I'll do the same for the ruling party's vice leader and the opposition party's leader."

"Good. And Man-Sik... you've made sure he stays in Japan for good?"

"Yes. He won't be able to leave Japan anytime soon. Attorney Oh will be watching over him full-time."

"I don't care how much money it takes. Show that bastard my wrath."

"I'll take care of it, sir."

Kim Taek-hoon began making calls to carry out Choi Eun-Tae's orders. After all, taking down enemies quietly and thoroughly required careful preparation.

***

Upon hearing that the attack on Choi Eun-Tae had failed, Park Sang-Gon hurriedly suspended his campaign for the by-election in Busan and rushed to his daughter Park Sang-Ah's home in Seoul. In the worst-case scenario, he planned to pin all the blame on Choi Man-Sik.

"Is there still no contact from Choi Man-Sik?" Park Sang-Gon asked.

Park Sang-Ah shook her head. "No, we haven't been able to reach him at all."

Even the would-be son-in-law, who used to boast unshakable power and talk on the phone from inside a Japanese detention center, had suddenly gone silent.

Frustrated, Park Sang-Gon called Seoul Central District's Prosecutor Seok Min-Ki.

-Yes, Mr. Assemblyman.

"President Choi Man-Sik is being extradited from Japan this weekend, right?"

-W-Well, actually... that might be difficult.

"What?"

-It seems President Choi has been confined to solitary in the Japanese detention center.

"What? That's ridiculous!"

-I'm sorry.

"You piece of shit. What are you even doing? Don't you want to become Prosecutor General?"

-N-No, sir, that's not it. But what can't be done, can't be done. He has to be out of solitary before we can bring him back to Korea.

"I don't care about that! Get him out immediately!"

Slam!

Park Sang-Gon slammed down the phone, breathing heavily, and spoke to his daughter. "Sang-Ah, brace yourself. We're going to say the Myeongdong incident was all Choi Man-Sik's doing. You and I had nothing to do with it. Got it?"

"Got it. But why hasn't Chairman Choi Eun-Tae struck back yet? Could something have gone wrong with his surgery?"

"I don't know. It'd be great if the old man had just died, but we can't get any updates on his condition..."

That's when a memory of Choi Eun-Tae from the past flashed through Park Sang-Gon's mind. Choi Eun-Tae was the kind of man who handled everything quietly and discreetly like a snake. This could only mean one thing: this was the calm before the storm.

'

Damn it. Even if I throw all the blame on Choi Man-Sik, that old bastard's going to come for me anyway. Ugh... What now? Oh, right

!'

Park Sang-Gon thought of someone he needed to meet in order to survive.

"Sang-Ah. I have somewhere I urgently need to go."

"Where?"

"I'll tell you when I get back."

"Dad, then what am I supposed to do? Man-Sik's accounts are frozen, so I can't get any more money for the campaign."

Putting on his shoes at the door, Park Sang-Gon replied, "Go see Chairman Hong and ask for help with the campaign funds. Tell him I'll never forget the favor."

"You think Chairman Hong is going to give us money? He was already complaining we were bleeding him dry."

"Isn't his biggest goal to take down Jung Yoon-ho, the guy who put his son in jail? Promise to help him with that, and get the money out of him!"

"

Ah

, alright. I'll try."

"Then I'm off."

With that, Park Sang-Gon rushed out the door.

Park Sang-Ah knew that if her father didn't win this election, they would both be doomed. That was the reason she decided to shift all the blame onto Choi Man-Sik and focus solely on saving herself.

'

Choi Man-Sik... I guess this is where our relationship ends

.'

Having drawn a cold line, Park Sang-Ah quickly called Hong Moon-Gyu with a sweet voice.

"Mr. Chairman~ it's Sang-Ah calling. Do you have a moment to meet?"

***

After stopping by the company, I discreetly informed Kang Gam-Chan about Choi Eun-Tae's current health condition. I also updated him on the company's stock listing plan and the measures taken against Choi Man-Sik. At that, Kang Gam-Chan let out a sigh of relief, clearly reassured.

Afterward, I took a shower in the company's facilities, changed into a backup suit, and headed to the Jinseong Hotel near Samsung Station. Today was the day of Jang So-Yeon's Louis' Batton accessory fashion show.

After parking my car and entering through the staff entrance, Acting President Jin Ah-Ram was already waiting for me.

"I heard from Assistant Manager Lee Mi-Ri that you might not make it, but you came."

"Of course I did."

Jang So-Yeon's younger siblings were waiting every day, hoping she would come get them. And to live up to their faith, Jang So-Yeon had been preparing for today's fashion show without fail. There was no way I could ignore that.

"Miss Yoo-Jin and Miss Yung-In are already in the audience. Would you like to join them there?"

𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

"No. I need to see So-Yeon first."

"Alright. But... you look really tired. Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I just didn't get much sleep last night."

That's when Jin Ah-Ram suddenly extended her long fingers toward my face and lightly touched under my eye. A cold sensation instantly woke me up.

"You really must be exhausted. I have a great eye cream. I'll give it to you later."

'

No eye cream can fix the dark circles caused by fatigue...

'

Just as I was about to say it was okay, Secretary Choi Hee-Seon suddenly appeared and asked in surprise, "M-Ms. Jin, what are you doing...?"

Jin Ah-Ram quickly pulled her hand away from under my eye, startled. "Oh, it's not what it looks like. Secretary Choi, I was just—"

"

Ahem

. T-There's no need to explain to me."

"I said it's not—"

"Sure. Let's say it isn't. But more importantly, there's a problem."

"What problem?"

Choi Hee-Seon looked at both of us. "It's about Ms. So-Yeon, who's set to walk the main runway today."

"What do you mean there's a problem with So-Yeon?" I asked.

"Ms. So-Yeon... she lost the butterfly accessory earrings she was supposed to wear on stage today."

'

What? She lost the earrings from the Butterfly accessory set worth a billion won?

'

A cold sweat started to run down my back.