Chapter 167: Let's Create It (3)

“Really? You only need cardiothoracic surgery data?”

“Yes, Professor. No other department has such varied patient symptoms as cardiothoracic surgery.”

“That’s right, that’s right.”

The professor of cardiothoracic surgery quickly became excited.

‘Yes, Lee Hyunjong may not acknowledge us even if we die, but…’

His son was truly exceptional. The professor felt like he had received an apology through his son.

“It shouldn’t be difficult to provide you with the data.”

Additionally, based on what he heard from the nurses earlier, this resident showed great promise. They even mentioned that if it weren’t for his leg injury, he would likely have pursued cardiothoracic surgery. This indicated that Suhyuk’s efforts from yesterday were already bearing fruit.

Residents were usually busy and exhausted, so no one else bothered to prescribe such strong medication. Perhaps that’s why it had such a profound effect on Suhyuk.

They said this department was jovial.

Even though he mentioned it casually, but with clear intent, Suhyuk revealed everything.

Jovial…

Yes, jovial. It wasn’t a term commonly used within the department, but upon reflection, ‘jovial’ seemed the most fitting adjective for cardiothoracic surgery. If someone from outside described them as such, shouldn’t they embody those qualities? Honestly, sharing data wouldn’t be difficult at all. And if they could provide additional support, wouldn’t that be ideal?

However, there was one thing Paul needed to clarify first.

“By any chance, who is leading this research?”

“I…wrote the proposal.”

“Huh? A resident?”

“Yes.”

“Oh.”

He had heard that Suhyuk was intelligent. However, he ignored it because Suhyuk was Lee Hyunjong’s son. He didn’t expect him to come up with such an amazing research plan.

“T-Then who is the responsible professor?”

“It is Manager Shin Hyun-tae. I thought it would be appropriate to conduct this type of research under his guidance.”

“Ah… By any chance, does Professor Lee Hyunjong have any involvement?”

How could there not be a connection when Lee Hyunjong was the director from Internal Medicine?

Asking about cardiothoracic surgery felt somewhat embarrassing.

[It seems they really hate each other.]

Despite feeling embarrassed, Baruda asked the question Suhyuk anticipated.

‘Of course. If I were them, I’d feel the same way.’

Lee Hyunjong was their arch-nemesis. It wasn’t just about personal animosity; as cardiovascular interventions became widespread, the standing of cardiothoracic surgery significantly diminished.

Lee Hyunjong was truly his arch-nemesis. It wasn’t just about souring Suhyuk’s mood; with the widespread adoption of cardiovascular interventional procedures, the field of cardiothoracic surgery had significantly diminished.

“Ah… Professor Lee Hyunjong? Well… truthfully, he doesn’t contribute much data, and lately, he hasn’t been actively involved in research. His name is mostly there for appearances.”

Suhyuk internally felt sorry but gave a rather dismissive evaluation of Lee Hyunjong. If Lee Hyunjong heard these words, he would undoubtedly explode in anger or perhaps be deeply hurt and weep. However, fortunately, this was enemy territory. There was no chance of Lee Hyunjong finding out what was being said here, as they were unlikely to ever cross paths again.

“Really? Just my name on it?”

“Yes. However, if you provide cardiothoracic surgery data, this could be quite critical. I think I can negotiate for your position as second author.”

“Just providing the data?”

“Of course. This is invaluable material.”

“Oh…really? Alright then. You can receive it through the chief nurse. I will let her know about it under my name.”

“Thank you very much!”

Due to the satisfied cardiothoracic surgery professor’s generous acceptance, Suhyuk was able to obtain the cardiothoracic surgery data. This meant he could accelerate the development process significantly.

In fact, when creating a simple artificial intelligence program, machine learning was crucial, and raw data was essential for machine learning. With this issue resolved swiftly, there was no need for further concern.

‘Well… Considering they are talents from Taehwa Electronics, it shouldn’t be impossible for them to develop.’

[These are the people who created Baruda. Developing an auxiliary AI is straightforward for them.]

‘That’s…’

Suhyuk was about to mention that Baruda seemed like a failed project but stopped himself. Regardless of its past status, the version now inside his mind was exceptional. It felt significantly enhanced since entering him, although he wondered if this improvement would hold true outside this environment. If so, it would truly revolutionize the world.

[Why did you suddenly stop talking?]

‘No, no. Nothing important.’

[Hmm…]

‘Anyway, have you made some progress? Is there anything else I need to do?’

[Not until you provide more data and receive feedback.]

In other words, Baruda meant to wait calmly. As was often the case, Baruda’s words made sense. Sometimes, waiting is the most important task. If Suhyuk became impatient and rushed things, there was a possibility he might fail even when success was within reach.

Moreover, research wasn’t his only priority at present.

“It’s almost time for the third-year residents to focus on their studies.”

Time relentlessly flowed by. It now marked the midpoint of Suhyuk’s second year as a resident. While it signified that half of his residency remained, the dynamics between first- and second-year residents were significantly different from those in the third year. This was because the third-year residents gradually withdrew from hospital duties to prepare for their specialist exams halfway through their tenure.

As a result, despite not being in their final year yet, second-year residents like Suhyuk had to take on tasks typically reserved for third-year residents.

Among these tasks was managing outpatient clinics. It could be absurd to suddenly open an outpatient clinic amidst a shortage of staff, so they usually opened them beforehand. This allowed residents to consult with their seniors if unfamiliar patients arrived.

‘Ah… Is it my turn for the outpatient clinic?’

[Yes. Starting from tomorrow.]

‘Hmm…’

[Are you nervous?]

[It is my first time at the outpatient clinic.]

[Hmmm.]

Feeling nervous during one’s first time was entirely normal. However, Baruda appeared dissatisfied as if he didn’t understand such emotions. Despite being just a holographic-like figure, his level of detail now was impressive enough to make Suhyuk flinch even when aware of it. Honestly, Suhyuk sometimes forgot that Baruda was a machine.

‘Why, why man.’

[Felling anxious means you lack confidence.]

‘That…that can be seen as true.’

[This is all my fault.]

He started feeling uneasy gradually. Suhyuk usually felt distressed whenever Baruda blamed itself, and this time was no different.

[If you worked hard enough, there would be no lack of confidence…]

‘W-What kind of nonsense are you spouting? I’ve been working incredibly hard.’

[No, not at all. You’re still alive, aren’t you?]

‘Of course, I should be alive!’

[Anyway, let’s study until tomorrow. Until your uneasiness disappears.]

Study until the uneasiness disappears? What horrifying words!

Recently, he had gotten used to studying from 10 PM to midnight after finishing work, then going to bed. Asking him to study more essentially meant reducing his sleep, which was already minimal.

I was already sleeping very little.

It’s gone. I’m not anxious at all.

[Nope. Based on my calculations, your heart rate is currently 105 bpm. You are nervous.]

Damn it, that’s because of you and your nonsense!

[Ah, it’s increasing more. It keeps rising.]

T-this…

[If this continues, you might faint. Let’s exercise a bit. My host… no, my sole input-output channel must not die.]

Afterwards, Suhyuk protested several times, but ultimately, it was futile.

Firstly, Baruda never tired during these types of debates. Unlike his holographic form with expressive human-like emotions, he reverted to being purely mechanical in such situations.

Moreover,

Whiiiiiine.

Now Baruda possessed a body that could perfectly mimic Suhyuk’s most hated sounds. According to Baruda, this was done so he could better understand Suhyuk. He even claimed it should make Suhyuk happy, but from Suhyuk’s perspective, it just pissed him off more.

“Uuaah, uuaah.”

[Don’t make those noises with your mouth. Things have finally quieted down lately. You don’t want rumors about the director’s son being crazy again.]

‘Shut…up! Then stop making me sound insane.’

[What can I do if you refuse to study? It’s better to be perceived as intelligent yet slightly mad than becoming uneducated.]

‘This…’

Suhyuk felt enraged, yet he couldn’t easily counter Baruda’s argument. His success as a resident thus far had solely been due to his intelligence, and there was no denying that Baruda played a significant role in shaping it.

It was undeniable that Baruda had made Suhyuk smarter.

[Alright then, let’s become smarter.]

‘Hah…’

[I hear you sighing again. Are you really that unhappy about studying? The smarter a doctor becomes, the more lives they can save. Would it be fair to interpret your reluctance as not wanting to save people?]

‘Don’t say it like that…’

[Then keep quiet and let’s go.]

‘Sigh…’

Suhyuk trudged towards the hospital as if being dragged along.

“Hello, h-hello!”

“Hi! Hello, upperclassman!”

As soon as he entered, first-year residents greeted him with nervous yet respectful salutations. It wasn’t because Suhyuk mistreated them; rather, he treated everyone fairly. Their apprehension stemmed from his overwhelming skills and the fact that he was the director’s son.

Suhyuk wasn’t someone who mistreated others; rather, he treated everyone well. However, his overwhelming skills and being the director’s son made the first years uneasy around him.

“Uh, yeah. I’ll be studying here, so don’t worry about me.”

“Oh, okay.”

On the other hand, the upperclassmen had a different situation. They also found Suhyuk awkward but couldn’t outright grovel like the first years, despite their superior rank or experience. Although they didn’t surpass him in skill or any other aspect, their seniority gave them some leverage. Consequently, they chose to avoid confronting him altogether.

As soon as Suhyuk entered, they scurried away like cockroaches seeking shadows, just as before.

Today was not much different from before.

‘Why is he acting like this?’

[If someone with more talent than Soohyuk joins, you will understand.]

‘How did you come up with that idea?’

[I got the inspiration from the story of Mozart and Salieri, which Suhyuk found intriguing. For some reason, it seemed as though Suhyuk empathized more with Salieri than Mozart.]

‘Oh boy… You really need to watch your words.’

Despite his caution, Jinwoo couldn’t help but be taken aback by Suhyuk’s audacity. Yet, he couldn’t directly call him out on it either, knowing full well how sensitive Suhyuk would become if confronted about being disrespectful.

[Still, do not worry. As long as I am here, Soohyuk will never become Salieri again.]

‘Again?’

[Honestly, you were never Mozart.]

‘Hmm. That is true.’

[Now, let’s study.]

‘Fine…’

Suhyuk shook his head, feeling like he had lost this round, and picked up a book. Internal Medicine was vast, so there were still many books unread by him. This wasn’t surprising, considering it would be the case throughout his life due to the rapid acceleration of modern medicine’s advancements.

Fortunately, Suhyuk could keep pace with these developments more comprehensively than anyone else.