Chapter 130: VIP (4)

“Damn, isn’t this too much? What kind of doctor can act so well?” Baruda couldn’t believe it and inspected Suhyuk’s expression once again. He compared it to Suhyuk’s previous tone, but he was increasingly impressed.

“Crazy! He deserves an Academy Award.”

If Baruda felt this way, how would others react?

Kim Da-hyun, dressed in a hospital gown, was actually the executive director of Taehwa Electronics, and she was deeply moved by Suhyuk’s performance.

‘I doubted him initially, but did he really not know?’

Suhyuk’s acting was exceptional, even escaping her notice despite her extensive experience navigating various situations. Kim Da-hyun found herself feeling doubly grateful towards him.

He treated her not because she was a VIP but simply as a patient. Indeed, he truly was an excellent doctor.

“Oh… Dr. Lee Suhyuk, you’re really amazing.” Kim Dahyun’s admiration for him grew even more profound, and she gave a small bow to show her respect. She would have bowed deeper if it weren’t for the recent surgery on her neck limiting her movement.

“No, no. I just did what needed to be done,” replied Suhyuk, continuing his act of feigned ignorance.

His exceptional acting skills, combined with their ongoing conversation, completely convinced Kim Dahyun of his sincerity.

“You truly are a remarkable doctor, sir. By the way… please accept my belated introduction.”

Kim Da-hyun’s attitude changed as she handed her business card to Suhyuk. The title on the card indicated that she was an executive director of Taehwa Electronics.

Suhyuk debated whether he should be surprised or bewildered.

[Bewildered! Go with bewildered! It sounds more natural right now!]

Fortunately, Baruda provided guidance. However, it was challenging to fully trust his analysis. Nonetheless, Suhyuk seemed to have improved somewhat beyond medical matters based on Baruda’s insights.

“Oh…this is…”

“Hello, I am Executive Director Kim Da-hyun from Taehwa Electronics. Long time no see, Department Head Shin.”

Kim Da-hyun confidently extended her hand towards the bewildered Suhyuk, maintaining a composed demeanor despite observing Shin Hyun-tae awkwardly standing behind him.

As she glanced at the awkwardly standing Shin Hyun-tae behind her, he finally recognized her.

“Ah, yes. Vice President Kim.”

“Oh…”

“If there is anything I can help you with, Dr. Lee Suhyuk, I will do my best.”

[Now! Now, pretend to be surprised and recognize her!]

“Ah, yes. Yes! Ah, it’s Vice President Kim… Group… Oh, right.”

Suhyuk displayed genuine surprise at the perfect moment, acting flustered. Anyone watching would think he was just an innocent young doctor. Those who knew the full story might find this absurd, but unfortunately, no one present understood the truth.

Everyone would simply smile warmly at him.

“Suhyuk, your father is truly remarkable. How is he doing?”

“Oh, yes. He’s still active.”

“That’s right. He is extraordinary.”

Kim Da-hyun’s father, Vice President Kim Beom-jun, continued to work tirelessly despite being close to seventy years old. Moreover, his title indicated that he was not just any vice president but also a board member with shares in Taehwa Electronics, one of the largest conglomerates. Although he couldn’t compare to the Taehwa family, he could be considered a prominent figure within the business world. His influence over the entire group was significant, making it advantageous for anyone to maintain connections with him.

Choi Nokphil felt conflicted as he realized he had missed out on such valuable networking opportunities.

‘Should I… consider this fortunate?’

If Choi Nokphil had been present, it might not have been possible to make the correct diagnosis. If that happened, what would have been the outcome? It was too terrible to imagine.

‘Still, it’s unfortunate…’

Suhyuk tried to ignore Choi Nokphil’s complicated gaze as he spoke up.

“Ah, yes. That’s right.”

He missed saying something due to acting. Everyone paid attention and promptly responded.

“Yes, sir.”

“Huh, Suhyuk, why?”

Both Shin Hyun-tae, who could be considered Lee Suhyuk’s rival, and Kim Da-hyun, who recently joined their ranks, reacted similarly.

“It is good. Very good.”

Baruda smiled continuously as if pleased with their responses.

“You mentioned earlier that you have a twin sister?”

“Ah, yes.”

“As I stated before, the patient’s condition is genetic. Your twin sister likely suffers from the same illness.”

“Oh, oh!”

Kim Da-hyun had maintained her composure since receiving Dr. Baruda’s business card, but she couldn’t hold it together any longer when her sister was brought up. Suhyuk noticed her noticeable distress and continued speaking to reassure her.

“I recommend having your sister examined promptly and starting treatment immediately. With proper treatment, she can avoid future fractures.”

“Ah, thank you so much. Truly grateful.”

“Then I will prescribe it starting today. We cannot do anything about existing fractures, but if you start taking this medicine, we can prevent future ones.”

“Yes, yes.” Da-hyun expressed her gratitude several more times and reiterated that she would help him whenever possible. Unlike before, she also mentioned her father:

“[Kim Beomjoon is quite famous.]”

After sending Da-hyun back to her hospital room, Baruda continued muttering with excitement.

It was understandable as Kim Beomjoon held significant influence within the Taehwa Group. Having his assistance could be immensely beneficial.

“Suhyuk, once again, well done.”

Manager Shin Hyun-tae also remained silent until Patient Kim Da-hyun returned to her hospital room. He finally opened his mouth.

Suhyuk feigned embarrassment and lowered his head.

“No, it was just coincidence.”

“What do you mean coincidence? How many people in our country can diagnose this quickly? You’re truly remarkable.”

“Thank you.”

“Well, it’s good news. Apart from Taehwa Group, she belongs to one of the most influential families. Your appointment as professor was almost certain anyway… but now it is guaranteed.” As he spoke, Shin Hyun-tae glanced at Seo Hyoseok for no apparent reason. It might have been because he had a habit of stirring up trouble with promising new teachers.

A mature person would either envy or try to learn from someone possessing something they lack. However, this man was just jealous and wanted to belittle others.

“Y-Yes. It is 100%. Congratulations, Dr. Lee Suhyuk.”

Of course, apart from his character flaws, Seo Hyoseok possessed considerable perceptiveness. Being the son of the director alone made Lee Suhyuk formidable, but now with such a recommendation, it became even more challenging to deal with him. If he acted hostile here, it could only lead to further complications for himself. In this situation, it was better to maintain cordial relations.

“Thank you.”

Suhyuk didn’t particularly want to be friendly with Seo Hyoseok, but given their current positions, he graciously accepted the congratulations.

“Oh right, what was the name of that disease again?”

Meanwhile, Choi Nokphil still appeared disappointed.

He knew that bringing Seo Hyoseok could lead to accidents rather than any diagnosis, yet he still agreed.

“Ah… Yes, Autosomal Dominant Hypophosphatemic Rickets.”

“Yes, autosomal… Hmm. Well, yes. Hmm.”

Originally, Choi Nokphil came here intending to express his anger. Now, he looked truly perplexed as his reason for outrage had vanished.

‘I didn’t bring him because I was aware of this condition… but now.’

Could it have been an act earlier? If it was indeed acting, then Suhyuk should be on stage at Chungmuro instead of being a doctor.

It meant he had been completely deceived, which made it harder for him to be angry.

‘I brought her because she seemed like a challenging patient. Look at me now.’

This situation warranted praise instead of anger.

‘Sigh.’

Moreover, Lee Suhyuk was not only the director’s son but also someone with powerful connections, unlike Seo Hyoseok. Choi Nokphil desired to climb higher despite lacking influential backers, so he needed some form of networking. Whether Suhyuk could serve as that connection was uncertain, but regardless, it would be wise to stay on his good side. Thus, Choi Nokphil decided to set aside his irritation for now.

“Thank you, Dr. Lee Suhyuk. She is quite a difficult patient…but you diagnosed her well.”

“Oh, thank you, Manager.”

Of course, Lee Suhyuk didn’t place much importance on Choi Nokphil’s expression of gratitude. He had always been intelligent, and thanks to Baruda digitizing and storing information, he couldn’t forget what Choi Nokphil had said about him. Despite his competence, Suhyuk had no intention of forcing Choi Nokphil out like Seo Hyoseok. However, it also didn’t mean he wanted to treat Choi Nokphil particularly well.

“Well, I have another patient waiting.”

Choi Nokphil waved one last time before returning to his hospital room.

“Uh… Me too… Uh… Research! Yes, research to attend to.” Even though it was his assigned ward, Seo Hyoseok swiftly slipped away without completing his rounds.

While observing Seo Hyoseok’s departure, Shin Hyun-tae inadvertently muttered, “Ah, I need to cut ties with that bastard.”

However, he quickly changed the topic upon realizing Suhyuk was beside him.

“Anyway, have you thought about your research topic?”

Fortunately, as they often met, there were many topics to discuss between Shin Hyun-tae and Suhyuk. Suhyuk responded with relief, glad that the conversation wasn’t awkward:

“Oh, yes. I’ve tried brainstorming, but nothing specific has come to mind yet…”

“Same here. I’ve been thinking about it too, but can’t seem to find the right idea.”

“That’s exactly my issue.”

“Hmm.” Shin Hyun-tae rubbed his chin, indicating he would give it more thought while they were together.

However, if ideas popped out easily, there wouldn’t be people struggling to write research papers. Shin Hyun-tae remained silent for a moment before looking down at his wristwatch. When he arrived here, it was around midday, but now it was dinner time.

“Aren’t you hungry? If you aren’t busy, do you want to eat together? I have a promise with hyung Lee Hyunjong.”

“Ah… Sure.”

“Yes, then take off your gown. Let’s go downstairs.”

“Gown? Are we going outside?”

“Yeah. Hyunjong-oppa’s hobby is eating seasonal foods. He said recently that there is a really delicious place.”

“Oh…I understand.”

Lee Hyunjong had quite picky tastes. If he said something was tasty, it meant it was definitely good.

[Hurry up, quickly!]

Baruda had become quite vocal about this delicious restaurant, and thus Suhyuk hurried with Shin Hyun-tae to the first floor. Along the way, Shin Hyun-tae received a phone call informing him that Lee Hyunjong was already at the restaurant. Consequently, they quickly took a taxi to join him.

The restaurant boasted an impressive traditional tiled roof, and surprisingly, it had a large courtyard despite being located near Gangnam’s bustling city center.

“I heard even chairmen of conglomerates dine here. It is incredibly expensive, and getting a reservation is difficult. Originally, Professor Lee Hahyun was supposed to attend, but she couldn’t make it, leaving us with an open spot.”

“Ah… Yes, thank you very much.”

After explaining further to the surprised Suhyuk, Shin Hyun-tae led him to their reserved table.

“Oh, you’re here?”

Lee Hyunjong was already seated, looking rather serious. Upon closer inspection, he was on a phone call discussing what seemed to be a patient’s condition.

“No, seriously. You’re not even from our department, yet you expect me to know everything? Do people think I’m some kind of AI?”