Chapter 59: Announcement (2)

[Suhyuk, this is already your fifth invitation.]

Apart from Woo Changyun and Park Gukjin, several others had offered Suhyuk to have dinner with them. They were professors at well-known hospitals where their influence was considerable. The fact that such prominent individuals showed interest in him felt surreal for Suhyuk, who was merely a first-year resident physician.

‘No… What did I do…?’

[As Baruda’s sole representative, you should be proud, Suhyuk.]

‘Doesn’t that just make it your boast?’

[I believe there is much to be proud of.]

‘Yeah…’

Why were all the beings around him, like Lee Hyunjong or Baruda, so full of self-praise?

Suhyuk shook his head with a soft sigh.

‘Ah, I’m supposed to be guiding.’

Suddenly, he remembered that he was responsible for directing people to the grand ballroom, the largest lecture hall. As expected, there was considerable confusion around him. Yoo Jisang, who ended up being almost solely in charge of guidance, was running back and forth. Despite the lectures starting, too many people were still outside due to inadequate crowd control.

‘Oh dear. Even now…’

Suhyuk leaned on his cane intending to assist when someone grabbed his shoulder. He turned around to see Shin Hyun-tae.

“Ah, Manager Shin.”

“Suhyuk, you’re presenting later?”

“Oh, yes. That’s correct.”

“Then what are you doing here? You need to quickly go inside and secure your seat. Come on. I’ll help with your arm; presenters usually sit at the front.”

“Um…”

Suhyuk was dragged by Manager Shin Hyun-tae. Among internal medicine doctors, Shin Hyun-tae had a rare muscular build, and Suhyuk had difficulty using one of his legs, making it inevitable that he would be pulled along. However, this didn’t mean Suhyuk could remain silent indefinitely.

“Excuse me, Manager An.”

“What is it?”

“I am responsible for guiding attendees here. It wouldn’t be right to leave my post…”

“Huh? Guiding? Why would a presenter guide others? After your presentation, fine, but not now. Who ordered you to do this?”

Suhyuk briefly pondered this situation. It seemed like it could turn into a confrontation.

‘He is showing too much interest…’

Suhyuk wanted to quietly do his work and then leave. However, he quickly realized that was impossible given the circumstances. The grand ballroom functioned as a social gathering place, so with Suhyuk, a hot topic, standing there, it was natural for him to attract attention.

“Is it difficult to answer? Well, I understand. You are just too nice…” Shin Hyun-tae made a hasty conclusion while Suhyuk was deep in thought. His conclusion implied that Suhyuk was extremely kind-hearted, whereas the senior doctors were not.

It was a biased thought, but no one could complain about it as Shin Hyun-tae currently held the top position within Internal Medicine except for Lee Hyunjong. Moreover, even Dr. Lee usually deferred to Shin Hyun-tae on department matters, making him virtually a king within their division.

“I need to give them hell at tonight’s banquet. Anyway, let’s go inside, Suhyuk. Since everyone here is a doctor, they don’t really require much guidance. If anyone wants to listen, they’ll find their way in.”

“Oh…”

“Come on, let’s move! The presentations are most important, remember? Dr. Lee Hyunjong has already gone inside. He’s probably sitting right in the middle at the front, isn’t he?”

“Ah. Yes. Understood, Professor.”

Suhyuk initially hesitated but promptly followed Shin Hyun-tae once he heard Lee Hyunjong’s name mentioned. It was clear whom Suhyuk needed to impress between Hwang Sunwoo and Lee Hyunjong. Honestly, it might not matter if Suhyuk fell out of favor with Dr. Hwang since most professors were already keeping an eye on him as a promising talent. However, what would happen if Lee Hyunjong disapproved of him? Although uncertain, his hospital life would undoubtedly become more challenging.

Tap.

Tap.

With each strike of his cane, Suhyuk swiftly made his way towards the front seat.

“Huh? Did you injure your leg?”

“I don’t know. Never seen him before. Maybe a resident from another department?”

“Oh… Be less noisy and move faster.”

“In other words…”

Complaints flowed from those who were still unaware of Suhyuk’s condition. If they knew about his leg, there would have been fewer complaints. However, most people couldn’t imagine that Suhyuk was facing such difficulties. They had limited experience working with colleagues who faced physical challenges due to their job. Even outside surgical departments, the workload for doctors, especially at university hospitals, was incredibly demanding.

It was sad but somewhat inevitable.

“I need to find a cure soon.”

‘Will there be a way?’

“It is currently impossible, but haven’t you confirmed active research on nerve regeneration?”

‘That’s true, but…’

Indeed, recent leading studies showed vigorous progress in nerve-related research.

Of course, it wasn’t as active as when stem cells were being discussed.

[If all else fails, there is also the option of using robotics.]

‘Yes, that exists too. Ah, we’re here.’

Despite Suhyuk’s cheerful and innocent nature, wouldn’t he feel upset if others constantly talked about his disability?

In my preoccupation, I momentarily didn’t realize we had reached the front of the room.

“Do you want to give your presentation standing up? Please sit down, Suhyuk.”

“Ah, yes.”

Naturally, Shin Hyun-tae found Suhyuk’s earnestness endearing, assuming Suhyuk stood because he was eager to present. Taejin Jo behind them shared this sentiment.

“Oh dear, our Suhyuk. Apologies, but I need to see you better too.”

“No, it’s okay, Professors…”

Moreover, as Lee Suhyuk’s name spread around, other professors showed extraordinary interest.

“So this is Lee Suhyuk? Let me see his face.”

“I’ve heard a lot about you. Director Lee Hyunjong couldn’t stop bragging… I was curious to meet you. Nice to meet you.”

“You have quite a presence.”

“Looking forward to your presentation later.”

Everyone had heard Suhyuk’s name before because both Lee Hyunjong and Shin Hyun-tae were influential figures within the conference community, frequently boasting about him at every gathering.

“Oh my. Professors… Thank you very much.”

Suhyuk felt overwhelmed by their praise.

The commotion continued for some time until it subsided after a phone call reached the chairperson, Professor Shin Hyun-tae.

“Please settle down.”

“Ah, yes. I’m currently presenting. Apologies for this inconvenience. Yes, yes.”

Finally, Suhyuk managed to turn forward and make eye contact with the chairperson. However, the expression on their face wasn’t particularly pleased, as if they were fully aware that Suhyuk was the source of the disturbance.

‘Oh dear…’

[Worry not. Your presentation will be flawless.]

‘Well…of course it will.’

Gaining disfavor from the chairperson even before starting his presentation wasn’t ideal, but Suhyuk had enough confidence to believe it wouldn’t be a significant issue.

“Do you need any more time?” Shin Hyun-tae asked, observing Suhyuk’s faint smile while remaining seated. Despite knowing how diligently Suhyuk had prepared, he still felt slightly concerned.

“Let’s pretend to be geniuses.”

Baruda read Shin Hyun-tae’s expression and spoke with a mischievous tone.

Suhyuk pondered for a moment before nodding his head. His image as a genius was already becoming established, so it wouldn’t hurt to reinforce this perception further.

“I am visualizing it mentally.”

To emphasize, Suhyuk tapped his forehead with a grin.

“Do you need to go that far?”

Baruda thought it might be excessive, but Shin Hyun-tae, fully convinced of Suhyuk’s genius, didn’t see it that way. Taejin Jo behind them felt similarly.

“Hey…as expected. I can hardly imagine doing what he just did.”

“You mean picturing it all in your mind, like seeing a screen?”

“Yes, and I’m also calculating the exact timing.”

“Ah… I’m jealous. It would be great to have such a mind.”

“Yes, indeed. Wow… being a genius must be nice.”

“Oh no, not at all. I’m not that smart.”

Before obtaining Baruda, Suhyuk had never dared to reach this level of expertise. Seeing two professors, who he previously thought were unapproachable, admiring him felt strange.

“Why not? Since you’ve already started, why don’t you memorize your research papers too? Whispering them aloud would truly astonish everyone.”

‘No… let’s not go that far.’

“You’re doing quite well.”

‘I think their reactions suggest it might be getting excessive.’

“Ah, it’s time to start preparing now.”

‘Do we have enough time?’

“Yes. We need to leave soon.”

Looking ahead, as predicted, the previous speaker was descending from the stage.

Unlike Suhyuk’s blue scrubs, this presenter wore clothes appropriate for someone older. It was natural since we were in the grand ballroom, the main lecture hall. This wasn’t one of the small rooms tucked away in a corner where only presenters attended.

“The next speaker is from Taehwa Medical Center… Ah, Internal Medicine Resident… First year. Is it your first year?”

It seemed even the chairperson was slightly confused. They might have been informed beforehand, but these elderly professors serving as chairs rarely bothered to look ahead at the program. Especially, the professor currently presiding had almost reached retirement and held senior status.

“Yes, Professor Kyunghye Kim,” Lee Hyunjong politely responded, acknowledging the age difference between them.

“A first-year resident presenting in the grand ballroom?”

Kyunghye finally realized her mistake and grimaced.

At that moment, Woo Changyun, who was seated near Lee Hyunjong and serving as the academic advisor for this conference, hastily stood up.

“Ah, yes, Professor Kyunghye. As you can see from the title of the presentation…the topic is quite good.”

“It might be good…but assigning me to chair a session for a first-year presenter…”

“B-but…the schedule has already been set…so let’s proceed…”

“I understand, I understand. Um…yes. Hmm.” Despite her displeasure, Kyunghye didn’t forget her responsibilities. Even as a senior member, she couldn’t keep hundreds of conference attendees waiting indefinitely.

“Yes. The presentation will be by Dr. Lee Suhyuk, who is in his first year at Taehwa Medical Center’s Internal Medicine department. Please come forward.”

“Thank you, Professor.”

Suhyuk, who had been waiting for this moment, finally moved towards the front with his cane. Normally, there wouldn’t have been much reaction to a first-year resident like Suhyuk presenting. However, things were different now due to Shin Hyun-tae and Taejin Jo eagerly supporting him on either side. It almost looked like two attendants guarding their emperor.

“What? What’s going on?”

“Why is a first-year being treated so specially? Is he some big shot at Taehwa Medical Center’s Internal Medicine department?”

“How strange…”

Regardless of the murmurs among the members, Suhyuk safely reached the podium. The two professors gave him encouraging gestures before stepping back below the stage.

“Hello everyone, I am Lee Suhyuk.”

Suhyuk briefly glanced at them before facing forward. With an incredibly calm voice, he greeted the audience. It was hard to believe that he was just a first-year resident with such composure.

Until now, Professor Kyunghye Kim had been skeptical of him, but she adjusted her glasses, impressed by his demeanor.

‘What?’

Leaving behind the surprised professor, Suhyuk moved on to the next slide.

Confirmation of New Anatomical Variation in Coronary Arteries

A somewhat audacious title appeared. Suhyuk confidently looked at it and shifted his gaze ahead once more. The title itself was more audacious than its content, yet upon closer inspection, there might be some merit to it.

From this point onwards, everything presented will require diligent memorization.