Chapter 24: This is Confusing (4)

“How did you think of this?” Professor Taejin Jo’s admiration continued even after the rounds were completed. Indeed, it had grown larger than before.

“You don’t need any additional tests. Just observe her condition. Let’s get another MRI in one month.”

After speaking these words to patient Park Sangah, his emotions seemed to overflow with excitement.

“Come on, come along. Don’t eat anything here. We’ll have breakfast outside, okay? There aren’t any urgent patients anyway.”

He even led Suhyuk and Kim Insoo down to the underground parking lot. For third-year resident Kim Insoo, leaving work for a break once or twice was not unusual. However, as a first-year resident, this was Suhyuk’s first experience, something other first-years could only dream about.

Beep beep.

As I was bewildered, I heard the sound of a car nearby. Turning my head, I saw a German-made vehicle that exuded style just by its emblem alone.

‘Wow… That is… My dream car.’

[Your mouth is open too wide, please close it.]

‘Shut up, can. Do you know how much that costs?’

[I don’t know, but probably less than me.]

‘Ah…’

Baruda’s statement was correct. Baruda itself embodied the essence of Taehwa Electronics. It was developed with great effort by one of the world’s leading corporations and continuously updated, making it an invaluable treasure beyond mere monetary worth.

[Bearing this in mind, Suhyuk, who possesses me, is far wealthier than Professor Taejin Jo.] Baruda addressed Suhyuk, who stood there in awe.

The tone sounded arrogant, and Suhyuk didn’t particularly like it.

‘So what? I can’t even afford to buy one meal.’

[Look ahead. Can you see it now? The path of becoming a professor?]

‘Well…’

[It’s all thanks to me, so just be grateful and purchase it.]

‘Hah…’

[Enough talk; get in the car now. Based on Professor Taejin Jo’s facial expressions analysis, he is growing suspicious of you. Perhaps questioning if you’re a Troll…]

‘I got it, I got it.’

Suhyuk shook his head vigorously before getting into Taejin’s car. Since Kim Insoo had already claimed the front passenger seat, Suhyuk naturally took the back seat behind the driver. For a moment, Taejin looked at Suhyuk with slight confusion but quickly resumed gripping the steering wheel.

Suhyuk was already aware that Taejin occasionally exhibited strange behavior.

“Sorry, could you just push aside those golf clubs behind me?”

Taejin decided to continue acting as a good professor.

“Oh, yes, Professor.” Suhyuk quickly nodded and moved the golf bag to the seat next to him.

For some reason, there was a foreign car emblem prominently displayed on the golf bag.

I heard they give these away when buying luxury cars… It’s true.

[Stop being jealous.]

Doesn’t it bother you? Look at me; no matter how much money I make, due to my leg injury, I can never play golf again.

[I see…]

Feeling guilty now?

[Well… whenever you gain something, you often lose something else.]

This guy really…

As Suhyuk rolled his eyes, Taejin’s car smoothly emerged from the underground parking lot.

The car was equipped with a genuine six-cylinder engine instead of a common turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and it ran incredibly quietly like luxury vehicles often advertised.

‘How impressive…’

Naturally, envy quickly filled Suhyuk’s heart.

[Become more reasonable.]

Baruda continued his sarcastic remarks.

“Ah, Suhyuk.”

Meanwhile, the car had completely exited the parking lot onto the main road. It appeared to be past rush hour as the streets were relatively empty.

Taejin leisurely drove for a moment before addressing Suhyuk through the rearview mirror. Unable to ignore the professor’s question, Suhyuk promptly responded:

“Yes, Professor.”

“You know… Do you recognize Woo Hahyun, who is currently a fourth-year student?”

“Y-yes, Professor.”

“Do you remember when I mentioned that Dr. Woo Changyun from Asan Hospital wanted to meet with you?”

It was impossible not to remember this. Woo Hahyun herself was famous, and Woo Changyun was incredibly renowned as well.

The ‘Doctor Friends’ channel… He’s a close friend of Lee Nako, whose medical YouTube channel is extremely popular…

Due to his connection, he occasionally appeared on YouTube. However, every time he did, the view counts plummeted due to his lack of humor. Nonetheless, his fame remained undeniable.

“Yes, Professor. I remember. I received his number too, but…I haven’t contacted him yet.”

“Ah, that’s why you contacted me. You’re not on call tomorrow, right? There aren’t any urgent patients at this moment anyway. Let’s meet tomorrow. Don’t feel pressured. Just think of it as meeting a junior colleague.”

“Uh…”

The thought crossed his mind if arranging such a meeting through the professor was appropriate.

[Hurry and say ‘yes.’ Based on my analysis, Professor Taejin Jo is eagerly awaiting your response.]

‘F-fine.’

Considering Baruda’s input, Suhyuk felt compelled to accept.

“Yes, sir.”

“Well…it’d be great if things work out between you two. I’ve known Woo Hahyun since she was young, and she truly has a kind heart.”

She had been sweet from infancy, never causing her parents any trouble.

Even Woo Changyun, with his strong pride, would laugh heartily when teased about being like Hayoon instead of her father.

Skrrrt…

The car stopped in front of a 24-hour seolleongtang restaurant after driving for some time.

‘No way, seriously?’

Suhyuk’s face showed deep disappointment, as he had expected to grill beef.

“Wow, I really love seolleongtang. Thank you, Professor.”

However, Kim Insoo’s practiced flattery over three years snapped Suhyuk back to reality.

‘I still have much to learn…’

After briefly berating himself, Suhyuk joined forces with Kim Insoo to cater to Taejin Jo’s preferences. Although it had been just one week, they expressed their gratitude for learning so much from the professor.

Additionally, Kim Insoo mentioned that Hematology-Oncology was truly Internal Medicine, and Lee Suhyuk once again burst out with admiration.

‘I really need to learn more.’

[It may seem unnecessary… However, considering your senior’s expertise compared to yours, it might be beneficial for you.]

In any case, after a meal filled with both genuine praise and flattery, Suhyuk left the hospital early the next morning. Although he had taken occasional breaks in March, this marked his first extended time off since completing his first year as a resident.

[We made three promises, remember? Why are you leaving so early? Shouldn’t you be studying?]

‘Come on… Studying isn’t the only path to success.’

As he spoke these words, Lee Suhyuk checked his reflection near the window. His face looked decent, but due to his unkempt hair, he couldn’t escape looking disheveled. To make matters worse, he was also carrying a cane.

‘Well… I don’t expect much, though.’

Despite appearing nonchalant, Suhyuk had concerns. It was uncertain how Woo Changyun, known for being eccentric, would perceive Suhyuk’s flaws. However, from most people’s perspective, Suhyuk was far from being considered an ideal husband material. In fact, some might not even consider him marriageable at all, given that he was both an orphan and disabled.

“By the way, why bother getting a haircut?” Baruda sarcastically remarked, despite Suhyuk claiming earlier that he didn’t have high expectations. They were now at a salon where just a basic haircut cost well over 20,000 won.

What, can’t even put in effort?

[Is it because of yesterday’s text message?]

Due to Baruda’s words, Suhyuk once again looked down at his phone.

Lee Suhyuk upperclassman. I have heard so much about you from my father and Manager Shin Hyun-tae. I am already looking forward to our conversation. Please meet me tomorrow at 3 pm at the cafe near the hospital. Thank you.<

He had read this message several times, memorizing its contents.

[This is just proper etiquette, not a sign of affection.]

‘Yes, I know.’

[Then why did you buy clothes?]

‘I can’t even try? Once you see Woo Hahyun, you’ll understand.’

Suhyuk recalled when Woo Hahyun first enrolled in their school. Everyone was smitten with her, but she wasn’t someone who would easily fall for superficial charm.

She was such an outstanding person that no one could easily approach her. Naturally, this comment didn’t appeal to Baruda at all.

[When did you become familiar enough with me to omit my surname?]

‘No clue, not even I know.’

Suhyuk hadn’t seen his March salary before today, so he used it to buy clothes and shoes. Then he headed towards the cafe. It was the same cafe as always, but somehow, it looked different today. Perhaps brighter?

[Stop beating around the bush, and tell me about Internal Medicine.]

‘Can you stop being annoying?’

[Ah, there it is. Hmm.]

‘Why do you think she looks too pretty?’

[Not really. Her coffee cup is half-empty. Based on the moisture on the floor, it seems like she has been here for more than 30 minutes.]

‘Stop acting like Sherlock Holmes.’

[Oh, how did you know my reference?]

‘You know everything since you dig through my memories whenever I sleep. It’s your fault that I keep having strange dreams.’

Suhyuk was about to continue talking but shook his head and approached Hayoon. Even though they were meeting as juniors and seniors, this was their first encounter. He didn’t want her to think he was crazy like others did.

“Ahem, hmm.”

“Oh, upperclassman!”

“When did you arrive? Did you wait long?”

Suhyuk made small talk despite arriving early himself.

Hayoon glanced at her coffee cup before waving her hand dismissively.

“No, not really. I came here anyway because I have some studying to do.”

She seemed genuinely nice, just as Suhyuk had heard. Unconsciously, he smiled warmly and sat down across from her.

[Baruda: Your expression right now looks quite foolish. Please correct it.]

Of course, Baruda’s nagging continued unabated. However, Suhyuk could sense something was off as well, so he decided to listen to her concerns.

“Yes, you had some questions about Internal Medicine?”

Suhyuk couldn’t bear the awkward silence any longer and ordered his coffee while starting the conversation.

Hayoon appeared surprised by this direct approach but quickly responded.

“Indeed. While studying, I found Internal Medicine the most fascinating. However, my father believes other specialties are easier and more desirable.”

In front of others, Dr. Shin always praised Internal Medicine as the best, yet it seemed he didn’t want his daughter pursuing it. Suhyuk pondered whether choosing Internal Medicine was indeed the right decision before continuing.

“If you find studying enjoyable, I doubt you’ll regret it. Applying theoretical knowledge to treat patients is incredibly fulfilling.”

“Yes? I thought so too.”

Fortunately, Hayoon was easy to talk with as they shared an interest in Internal Medicine. Thanks to this common ground, they chatted non-stop for over two hours.

“Suhyuk.”

As Suhyuk started thinking about moving on from their conversation, Baruda interrupted him.

‘Huh?’

[I believe you can hold her hand now.]

‘What kind of crazy talk is that? We just met.’

[Do you not trust me? Baruda is the world’s best diagnostic artificial intelligence. Recently, it has also accumulated significant data on emotional analysis.]

‘Ha…’

He wanted to dismiss it as nonsense, but there might be some truth behind these words.

‘Are you serious?’

[Of course.]

‘Hmm…’

[Don’t hesitate. Woo Hahyun is waiting for your move. Have you ever seen me being wrong?]

‘No, never.’

[Then go ahead.]