Chapter 16: End-of-Year Discussion (3)

“Hey, great job today.”

Like many academic conferences, there was a banquet after the Taehwa Internal Medicine Case Presentation Conference. It wasn’t just a small gathering but a large banquet attended by professors, resident doctors, and fellows from all participating hospitals.

Due to its size, they opted for a spacious pub located in an alley behind the hospital instead of a fancy restaurant.

“Thank you, Professor. I managed well without shaking because of your support,” Suhyuk expressed his gratitude at the central table amidst the bustling banquet hall.

Although not precisely in the exact middle spatially, considering the influential individuals seated around him, it felt like the center of attention indeed.

[Taehwa Medical Center’s Professor Shin Hyun-tae and Lee Hyunjong, Seven Star Hospital’s Dr. Park Guk-jin, Asun Hospital’s Woo Changyun. They are all department heads.]

Simultaneously, they were professors from the top three hospitals in South Korea. Moreover, each of them was also the president of their respective medical associations. Although Professor Lee Hyunjong could be considered separately as he held too high a position to be involved with such matters anymore.

In any case, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that these four professors currently lead the field of Internal Medicine in South Korea.

I know who they are. So why am I not trembling?

[So far, you have been fine, but it becomes unpredictable if alcohol consumption continues. Your current blood alcohol concentration is at 0.08%. It is advised against further intake.]

As Baruda suggested, stopping now would allow Suhyuk to enjoy his drink responsibly without ending up hospitalized.

However, human affairs rarely go as planned.

‘I need to drink now.’

There is a saying that one should be ready for anything when awake. Lee Suhyuk tried to calm his mind with this proverb, which didn’t quite fit the current situation.

“So how about it? Our first-year resident.”

Meanwhile, Director Lee Hyunjong, flushed red, pointed at Suhyuk.

Then, Dr. Park Kook-jin from Seven Star Hospital laughed heartily and spoke up:

“I saw you completely outwit Professor An earlier. Impressive, isn’t it?”

It seemed An Guk-tae wasn’t universally disliked across hospitals, as Dr. Park held him in high regard. Additionally, Dr. Park showed great interest in the first-year resident, Lee Suhyuk.

“Seriously though… Are you pulling my leg?”

Lee Hyunjong couldn’t help but make a cold joke, “Are you serious? What do you think of Taehwa’s Internal Medicine Case Conference?”

Naturally, this upset Lee Hyunjong, allowing Dr. Park to smoothly continue his argument.

“Because he is too good… That’s why I did it. Wouldn’t it be great to teach such a disciple?”

“Huh, look at this guy. You’re trying to recruit him as your fellow because he seems useful, right?”

“What? No…I’m not trying to take anyone away. It’s just that I envy having someone like him, and I feel I can teach him well if he comes here. Why would you say such things?”

As Dr. Park spoke, he continually made eye contact with Suhyuk.

[Is this considered temptation?]

Recently, I had become addicted to collecting data through my five senses. Analyzing Dr. Park’s expression, Baruda provided an answer. The amazing thing was that it seemed roughly accurate.

‘Roughly?’

[It is intriguing.]

‘What is intriguing?’

[A renowned professor like him is fighting over Suhyuk.]

‘[A renowned professor]? Did you just call him ‘renowned’?]

[Could you have presented today without me? Without me, An Guk-tae would have crushed you, and you would be sulking right now.] Baruda responded sharply to the angry Suhyuk.

Suhyuk wanted to counter, but he couldn’t find any words, so he closed his mouth. In fact, following the conversation taking place at the table was already keeping him busy. It involved discussions among high-ranking individuals, with the topic being none other than Suhyuk himself.

“Hey, Hyuntae. Be careful. The scoundrels from Seven Star Hospital…”

“What do you mean, senior?”

“Don’t you remember? I poured my heart and soul to raise… Yes, Lim Jinhyuk. They took him away.”

“Oh, that…”

“‘Oh, that?’ Well, now it is mentioned. How much did they pay for him? It was only one week after he grandly declared his loyalty to Taehwa Medical Center.”

“That…”

“What, 1 billion won? These damn bastards.”

“Eh-hei. Don’t speak too loudly.”

Meanwhile, the argument between Director Lee Hyunjong and Dr. Park continued unabated.

Shin Hyun-tae and Woo Changyun merely observed them without thinking of stopping their argument. This was because these two individuals often expressed their camaraderie through such bickering.

On the other hand, Suhyuk struggled to process the shocking amount mentioned earlier.

‘I never knew something like this could happen…’

[What case are you referring to?]

‘Professors with exceptional skills can receive separate salaries or signing bonuses from hospitals, but one billion won…?’

One billion won - it was an enormous sum that felt incredibly foreign to Suhyuk, who had lived as an orphan all his life. With that kind of money, he could afford any car he desired, clothes he always wanted, and virtually anything else within reach.

[You remain consistently materialistic, Suhyuk.]

‘Well, what’s wrong with that?’

[Nothing at all. I support your ambition. Once you become the best internal medicine doctor in the world, you’ll earn even more money.]

‘Yeah…’

Fortunately, today marked his successful first step towards achieving this goal. As a result, Suhyuk couldn’t stop smiling.

Professor Woo Changyun observed him continuously and found Suhyuk’s smile quite charming.

‘Smart… Innocent… Hmm.’

Of course, it might be premature to make such judgments based on just one presentation. However, was it truly coincidental that he had been selected for this event? While Shin Hyun-tae could have been chosen randomly, Lee Hyunjong wouldn’t have made such a decision lightly.

Lee Hyunjong was the first doctor from South Korea to be close to winning a Nobel Prize.

His selection wasn’t arbitrary. He truly wanted to show off.

And his intention had been successful. Dr. Park Guk-jin, despite being quite proud himself, couldn’t help but mention Lee Suhyuk’s fellowship starting three years later.

Moreover, Woo Changyun, who had been deep in thought, was now strategizing how to recruit Suhyuk.

“Ah, by the way, Mr. Lee Suhyuk. Can I speak casually with you? Since we’re alone, it should be fine.”

Professor Woo Changyun chose this moment to open up after witnessing Drs. Lee and Park leave for a smoke break following their heated debate.

‘Ah, I forgot he was here.’

It seemed like Lee Suhyuk would speak up when they were alone. Professor Shin Hyun-tae appeared quite nervous as he alternated glances between Woo Changyun and Suhyuk.

“Of course, Professor.” Despite having consumed considerable amounts of alcohol, Suhyuk’s speech remained clear and articulate. Seeing this, Woo Changyun’s smile widened, indicating his approval of Suhyuk’s mental fortitude.

“Great. By any chance, do you…have someone special in your life?”

“Pardon me?”

“I’m asking if you have a girlfriend.”

“Oh, no, I don’t.”

The mention of a girlfriend caught Shin Hyun-tae’s attention, narrowing his eyes.

‘Does this guy have a death wish?’

As far as he knew, Woo Changyun had a daughter who was currently in her fourth year at Taehwa University’s medical school.

Originally, this topic was used to tease Shin Hyun-tae as evidence of Taehwa University’s superiority over Ahseon University. However, now it felt like a significant threat.

“Really? Is that so?”

“Yes. Wait a moment, Professor Woo. Who were you planning to introduce him to?”

“Huh? No, I know how busy first-year residents are. Why would I risk getting blamed for introducing someone?”

“Then…why did you ask me about his girlfriend?”

“Why are you being defensive? Do you have something to hide with Lee Suhyuk’s father?”

“N-no… Not exactly.”

“Then it’s none of your concern. Anyway, Mr. Lee Suhyuk.” Woo Changyun seemed pleased by Shin Hyun-tae’s reaction and chuckled before turning back to Suhyuk again.

His leg seems slightly uncomfortable though…

It might even be beneficial for him since he would likely receive exemption from military service. As a doctor at a university hospital, his career path seemed secure.

“Yes, Professor.”

“Don’t feel too pressured when you join us.”

“Understood.”

“B-By the way, there is Woo Hahyun, a fourth-year medical student at Taehwa University School of Medicine. Do you happen to know her?”

“Oh…”

I had heard this name before. She was known as a beautiful Royal who excelled academically.

“She happens to be my daughter.”

“Ah, really? I didn’t know that.”

In truth, I did know. Both Woo Hahyun and her father, Professor Woo Changyun, were quite famous. One of my close friends runs an unprecedented medical YouTube channel called ‘Doctor Friends’, and thanks to it, their faces have appeared on the channel multiple times.

“It’s not like a blind date… She also wants to specialize in Internal Medicine, but she refuses to come here no matter what. It seems her father working here puts too much pressure on her.”

“I see.”

“When you have free time this weekend, why don’t you meet with her? As an upperclassman, discuss Internal Medicine with her and maybe catch a movie together for a change.”

“Ah…”

Suhyuk hesitated to respond immediately and glanced at Department Head Shin. He wondered if it was appropriate for him, as a first-year resident, to leave work early.

“Woo Changyun, what do you think? Suhyuk is diligent, smart, and well-versed in hospital protocols.”

Woo Changyun’s quick intervention left Department Head Shin without a chance to object.

“Well… yes, that’s true…”

“It’s not a blind date, mind you. Come on, I wouldn’t dare introduce my daughter to just any first-year resident out of fear.”

Although Department Head Shin felt like punching Woo Changyun’s grinning face, he managed to hide his irritation.

“Oh, by the way. What is Suhyuk’s schedule for next month?” He decided to pass the buck onto another professor instead.

I think it’s Hemato-Oncology, right?

Among internal medicine departments, Hemato-Oncology was known for being particularly strict. Assigning a first-year resident as a primary physician in April already annoyed them, and now scheduling weekend commitments? Given Jung Taejin’s personality, there was no way he would accept this request.

“It’s Hemato-Oncology.”

“Oh, under Taejin, isn’t it?”

However, Department Head Shin overlooked one crucial fact: Professor Jung Taejin was a junior colleague of Woo Changyun, not just at Ahseon University but also from Mokpo High School.

“Hey, Taejin!”

“Yes, hyung. What can I do for you?”

Jung Taejin quickly approached Woo Changyun.

“I heard this fellow will be working under you next month. Is that correct?”

“Ah… Yes, I was informed.”

“Yes. Free up one day during the weekend for me, okay? You know, Ha-yoon. He wants to specialize in Internal Medicine, so wouldn’t it be great if he hears about Taehwa Medical Center’s Internal Medicine department from someone who just completed their first year?”

“Oh, of course. I’ll free up a day. However…”

“However?” Jung Taejin now turned his gaze towards Suhyuk instead of Woo Changyun.

“If you perform as well as you did in Infectious Diseases, almost legendary by the way, and make a mess here, it would truly disappoint me.”

Suhyuk confidently nodded at these words.

“I will do my best, Professor.”

His response exuded confidence. In fact, Suhyuk believed he could only improve upon his performance in Infectious Diseases, not worsen.

Part 6