Chapter 29: The Jin Sa-byeong Technique

Jinseh Method?

As Kang Jin looked at Heo Yeon-wook with curiosity, he smiled and nodded.

“You have keen eyes for such a young man. But pretend you don’t know about it.”

Kang Jin glanced at the doctor after hearing Heo Yeon-wook’s words.

“I’m not familiar with that method. Well then, I have some errands to run… Oh! Since you saved someone today, JS Finance must have received money.” Recalling how funds entered JS Finance whenever good deeds were done, Kang Jin quickly picked up his bag and hurried away.

The doctor, who was about to ask Kang Jin something else, pursed his lips and started packing up, feeling slightly disappointed.

Leaving the doctor behind, Kang Jin swiftly turned to Heo Yeon-wook.

“What is this Jinseh Method?”

“It’s an acupuncture technique developed by Hwi-im, the greatest physician during the Joseon Dynasty. It involves flicking needles with one’s fingers to deliver strong stimulation.”

“Isn’t Heo Jun considered the greatest physician from the Joseon Dynasty?”

“Heo Jun was indeed renowned, but acupuncture techniques were attributed more to Heo Im.”

“Really?”

“Heo Jun and Heo Im both attended to King Seonjo. However, since it was Heo Im who administered the acupuncture needles, you can imagine which technique is superior, right?”

If they chose Heo Im over Heo Jun for acupuncture, he must be truly exceptional.

Kang Jin mused to himself before speaking aloud:

“So, this must be an extraordinary acupuncture method.”

“Yes, nowadays, electric stimulation enhances the effect, but during the Joseon era, it relied solely on finger manipulation. Imagine how remarkable that makes the technique!”

Seeing Heo Yeon-wook’s proud expression, Kang Jin chimed in enthusiastically:

“It sounds truly incredible.”

“That’s right. In South Korea today, there might only be one person capable of performing the Jinseh Method…”

As Heo Yeon-wook spoke, he suddenly tilted his head in confusion.

“What’s wrong?”

“I can’t quite remember clearly. Were there more?”

“By any chance, is your ancestor Dr. Heo Im?”

“We share the same surname, but no relation.”

While walking and conversing with Heo Yeon-wook, Kang Jin glanced at him thoughtfully.

“Would you consider selling acupuncture needles?”

“Certainly! Acupuncture has even better effects than acupressure.”

Kang Jin nodded in agreement with Heo Yeon-wook’s statement. That was precisely why he wanted to purchase needles. In case of pain or fatigue, Heo Yeon-wook could administer acupuncture for him, although it would only be possible between 11 PM and 1 AM when manifestation occurred. Moreover, considering the remarkable skill displayed, wouldn’t it also benefit Kang Jin’s own health?

“But where can I find them here?”

“Yakryeong Market has many traditional doctors and sells various items they use. Please follow me.”

With Heo Yeon-wook’s cheerful lead, Kang Jin followed closely behind.

After purchasing needles and medicinal herbs at Yakryeong Market, Kang Jin returned to the store only to see ghosts seated there again.

‘Even after seeing them multiple times…they’re still terrifying.’

Some ghosts appeared tired or harmless, but others were incredibly frightening, making one feel like they might wet their pants just by looking at them. Especially Choi Ho-cheol…his grotesque appearance would be nightmare-inducing if it weren’t for the fact that this was not a dream but reality unfolding before his eyes.

“We’re late,” remarked Sung Yongsoo as Kang Jin placed the packages on the table.

“I had some business to attend to.”

“The president of Shinwoo delivered these ingredients earlier.”

“You can see President Shinwoo too?”

“Of course. That’s why I inspected all the ingredients.”

Kang Jin nodded at Sung Yongsoo’s words when Heo Yeon-wook approached them.

“Now let’s start brewing medicinal herbs.”

As per Heo Yeon-wook’s instructions, Kang Jin entered the kitchen with the herbs. He then taught Kang Jin how to wash and prepare the herbs properly. Following his guidance, Kang Jin washed the wild mint and licorice roots before starting to brew tea.

Kang Jin was busy serving lunch customers. As usual, most of them were employees from Taegwang Trading Company. Thankfully, teams one and two from overseas business occupied many seats today.

The tables had bowls of spicy beef soup, stir-fried squid, and pasta dishes. Male employees enjoyed spicy beef soup and stir-fried squid while female employees savored Kang Jin’s delicious cod roe pasta.

Director Oh Sung-il smiled as he took another spoonful of spicy beef soup.

“The large chunks of scallions enhance the flavor.”

“Enjoy your meal,” replied Kang Jin, who nodded at Director Oh’s comment.

Director Oh then glanced around the restaurant. “Your business should be thriving, but it seems only we come here.”

Kang Jin chuckled at his remark. “Still, thanks to you introducing me to Team One, I’ve seen more customers lately.”

“Still, can you make a living running this shop here in Gangnam?”

“Well, once I start my internship, I won’t be able to open for lunch… So it’s better now.”

“Oh right, your internship starts next week, doesn’t it?” Nodding, Oh Seong-sil glanced at Kang Jin. “By the way, do you know anything about international trade? If I recall correctly, you mentioned studying psychology before?”

“I don’t really have much knowledge about that.”

Manager Jang chuckled at her response. “Since he’s just starting as an intern, not a full-time employee, there’s plenty of time for him to learn on the job.”

“That’s true… But shouldn’t he at least understand basic trade terminology? Even if it’s just filing paperwork.” Oh Seong-sil agreed with Manager Jang’s point.

“You’re absolutely right,” Manager Jang concurred. “Even when making copies, one needs to know what kind of documents they’re handling.”

“Yes, you’re right,” agreed Oh Seong-sil as he looked at Kang Jin. “An intern may not handle big tasks, but they still need to know trade jargon, don’t they? At least for copying documents or answering phone calls.”

“That’s true.”

“I’ll bring some books when I leave work today. They should help familiarize yourself with the terminology.”

“I’d appreciate that very much.”

With Kang Jin’s response, Oh Seong-sil nodded and continued eating her lunch. As he watched her, Kang Jin refilled their side dishes on the table before heading back into the kitchen. He then glanced briefly into the dining area. Apart from Oh Seong-sil and her employees, several ghosts were seated there too.

Are they always like this?

As Kang Jin pondered while observing the ghosts, something unusual caught his eye.

Heo Yeon-wook was intently observing Manager Jang, causing occasional shivers down the manager’s spine.

“Are you feeling unwell?”

“Not really, but I keep getting chills.”

“You’re right; you don’t seem your usual self lately.”

Kang Jin frowned at the conversation between Director Oh Seong-sil and Manager Jang. Although Manager Jang couldn’t see the ghosts, he felt Heo Yeon-wook’s penetrating gaze.

Why is he staring like that?

As Kang Jin continued to signal with her eyes, Heo Yeon-wook approached them. he whispered quietly to him:

“Why are you watching everyone eating like this?”

Heo Yeon-wook glanced at Manager Jang while Kang Jin spoke softly.

“I think his health might be deteriorating.”

“How so?”

“For specifics, I’d need to examine him closely…but just by looking, he doesn’t appear well.”

Kang Jin glanced at Manager Jang following Heo Yeon-wook’s comment. Manager Jang appeared to be enjoying his meal with no visible signs of illness. Kang Jin looked back at Heo Yeon-wook skeptically.

“Are you just eager to treat people again?”

“Hmm! Not exactly… I think it might be more like a professional habit.”

Despite his words, Heo Yeon-wook’s expression clearly conveyed his desire to provide medical care. It seemed that after experiencing life as a doctor for the first time since his death in Yakryeong Market, those emotions were rekindled.

Kang Jin observed Heo Yeon-wook briefly before turning to Manager Jang.

“You’re really feeling unwell?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Where does it hurt?”

“I believe taking your pulse would help determine that.”

“This isn’t just because you want to practice, right?”

“No,” Heo Yeon-wook firmly replied.

Kang Jin pursed his lips at this response and said, “Let’s finish our meals first…and then I’ll talk to you.”

“Understood.” With that, Heo Yeon-wook began discreetly observing everyone present. As his gaze landed on each person, they started flinching involuntarily.

Kang Jin sighed at their reactions.

I guess we should dismiss them during meal times.

Although people couldn’t see ghosts, they instinctively sensed their presence due to the energy surrounding them, causing discomfort whenever ghosts were nearby.

Hopefully, it won’t upset their stomachs.

As Kang Jin pondered this, he noticed the staff finishing their meals and emerged with a teapot.

“I purchased this tea made from yagwanwood, liquorice root, and poria cocos today at Yakryeong Market. Please have a cup each.”

“I’ve brewed yakgwanmun tea with licorice root and poria cocos. Please have a cup each.”

“Yakgwanmun… I’ve had it as soju before, but this is my first time trying it as tea.”

“It may not taste great, but it’s good for you, so please give it a try.”

As Kang Jin poured the yakgwanmun tea into their cups, everyone started sipping. As Kang Jin warned, the flavor was lacking; slightly bitter with a medicinal scent reminiscent of traditional herbal medicine. The female employees took just one sip and set down their cups, while the male employees drank theirs in one shot. Apparently, despite its unappealing taste, the health benefits and energizing properties associated with yakgwanmun motivated them to finish their tea.

“We enjoyed another delicious meal today.”

As people began standing up, Kang Jin approached Manager Jang.

“Excuse me, Manager Jang.”

“Pardon?”

“I…,” Kang Jin paused and looked at Manager Jang before continuing, “I’ve studied traditional Korean medicine somewhat.”

“Aren’t you majoring in psychology?”

“It’s not my main field, but I learned it to treat myself.”

“Ah! So that’s why you make your own herbal tea.”

Seeing Manager Jang nod thoughtfully, Kang Jin added, “Based on what I’ve observed, it seems like your health might be slightly off, sir.”

“Who among working adults doesn’t have some health issues?” Manager Jang laughed it off casually.

Kang Jin subtly glanced at Heo Yeon-wook as he responded, “If something is wrong, it’s crucial to seek treatment. After all, good health allows us to earn money and protect our families.”

“That’s true.”

“I know some pulse diagnosis techniques. May I check your pulse?”

“Pulse diagnosis?”

“Just for fun, would you like to try it?”

As Kang Jin extended his hand, Manager Jang nodded and offered his wrist.

“Getting my pulse checked at a restaurant, how interesting.”

“It’s just for fun, really,” Kang Jin assured him with a smile.

While observing their interaction, Heo Yeon-wook gently took Kang Jin’s hand and guided it to feel Manager Jang’s pulse. With Kang Jin holding onto Manager Jang’s wrist, he looked expectantly at Heo Yeon-wook, seeking confirmation.

Heo Yeon-wook, feeling Manager Jang’s pulse through Kang Jin’s touch, finally spoke:

“As expected, it aligns with my initial assessment.”

Kang Jin started to respond but stopped himself, realizing Heo Yeon-wook might think he was crazy if he spoke now. Instead, Kang Jin gave him a meaningful look, prompting Heo Yeon-wook to continue.

“It appears to be hypothyroidism.”

Confused, Kang Jin looked at Manager Jang, seeking clarification.

“I’m not entirely certain, but it seems like hypothyroidism,” echoed Heo Yeon-wook.

Director Oh Seong-sil intervened before Manager Jang could ask, “Is our Manager Jang ill?”

In response, Kang Jin glanced at Manager Jang and repeated what Heo Yeon-wook had mentioned earlier.

“Recently, when you eat something hot, do you find yourself sweating less than usual?”

“Huh? Oh…yes, I believe so.”

“Also, compared to before, your skin seems drier, and your voice sounds slightly hoarse.”

“I thought those changes were due to aging?”

As Heo Yeon-wook explained further, Kang Jin echoed his observations.

“When there’s a deficiency of thyroid hormones, metabolism slows down. Based on what I’ve seen, even after consuming spicy beef soup, you didn’t sweat much. Your skin appeared dry and somewhat pale. Additionally, considering your overall physique, your hands and face seem swollen, and your voice is indeed hoarse. Moreover, while eating, I noticed you rubbing your thighs and arms, indicating possible muscle pain.”

“So all these symptoms are related to thyroid dysfunction…”

“Yes, they are indicative of hypothyroidism.”

Kang Jin turned to Manager Jang.

“Is that right?”

“It seems so.”

Hearing this, Oh Seong-sil looked at Kang Jin and then back at Manager Jang.

“Is it serious?”

“All diseases can become serious if left untreated.”

“So…?”

“But with hypothyroidism, visiting a hospital for medication should help alleviate your symptoms.”

While Heo Yeon-wook went into more detail about treatment options, Kang Jin refrained from mentioning them further. It seemed clear that seeking medical attention was necessary…

“You should first visit a hospital for a proper diagnosis. My knowledge is limited based on my studies,” Kang Jin advised.

Manager Jang nodded understandingly. “When I have time…”

Director Oh Seong-sil frowned at Manager Jang’s suggestion.

“What are you talking about? Go eat lunch and then visit the hospital before heading out on your fieldwork.”

“But it’s not confirmed yet… So there’s no need to—”

“If it’s unconfirmed, we should confirm it. Besides, don’t you have a doctor friend? Ask them for help right away.” With that, Director Oh Seong-sil turned her attention to Kang Jin.

“What condition did they suspect?”

“Hypothyroidism,” replied Kang Jin.

Upon hearing this, Director Oh Seong-sil glanced at Manager Jang.

“Call him now.”

Manager Jang nodded with a scratch of his head, responding, “Understood.”

He promptly took out his phone and called his doctor friend.