Chapter 30: The Gathering Ghosts

At Seoul Hospital, Manager Jang was meeting with his doctor friend.

“So he came here because some restaurant owner told him about hypothyroidism?”

“Yes.”

“He wouldn’t listen to me when I suggested getting a regular checkup, but now he’s suddenly coming to the hospital based on what someone from a restaurant said?”

“Did you really think it was due to the restaurant owner? He only came because our director kept nagging him.”

“Well, your director seems like a good guy. Instead of giving him time off, he sent him out on fieldwork so he could visit the hospital without any trouble.”

“He truly is.” Manager Jang nodded as he sipped his coffee and looked at the doctor. “So when will the results be ready?”

Thanks to his connection, Manager Jang had been able to get blood drawn immediately upon arrival and was now waiting for the test results.

The doctor would draw blood and await the results.

“I asked for expedited processing, so they should be ready soon. Plus, I pulled some strings with my endocrinologist colleague to get these tests done today. Consider this a favor from me.”

“And what about all the favors I’ve done for you? How many times have I ordered those action figures directly from the US for you? And…thanks to Spider-Man, I’m stuck here in America.”

Although the latest Hollywood blockbuster, Spider-Man Goes on a Field Trip, hadn’t yet been released domestically, the movie’s merchandise was already available online in the United States. Manager Jang had arranged for his colleague stationed there to purchase an exclusive figure for him.

“That’s why I’m rushing to get your results back for you. So when will it arrive?”

“It’ll take some time since they’re making them custom.”

As they continued chatting, the doctor’s cell phone rang.

“Yes. The results are ready? What? Why is that number so high? Okay…gotcha. Can we do an ultrasound right away? Thank you.” As the doctor hung up, Manager Jang’s face fell slightly. From what he could gather from the conversation, there seemed to be a problem.

“Am I sick?”

The doctor stood as Manager Jang tried his best to remain calm.

“The numbers look odd. Let’s run one more test first.”

“Another test?”

“I only did a blood test based on what the restaurant owner told me… Let’s do an ultrasound just to be sure.”

“So…is it confirmed?”

The doctor pursed his lips at the word confirmed. Based solely on the blood test results, there was definitely something abnormal. The ultrasound would merely serve as additional verification… It turned out that Manager Jang indeed had hypothyroidism.

“And don’t worry too much. Even with hypothyroidism, you can manage it by taking medication.”

“It won’t kill me, right?”

Seeing how anxious Manager Jang looked, the doctor helped him up and started walking alongside him.

“You think people die so easily from this? You know Changsik has diabetes, right?”

“Yes, I do.”

“It’s similar; you just need to manage your condition accordingly.”

“So he won’t die?”

“You kidding me?” The doctor looked up and down at Manager Jang as they walked together. “By the way, that restaurant owner is quite impressive.”

“How so?”

“He’s not even a traditional doctor, yet he managed to diagnose your condition through pulse diagnosis alone.”

“I see.”

“You should bow to him in gratitude.”

“Bowing?”

“If you had continued living with hypothyroidism undiagnosed, it would’ve taken more of a toll on your body. It sounds strange to congratulate someone for being sick, but…at least now you know, and you can start treatment. If it weren’t for the president, your health would have deteriorated further.”

As Manager Jang considered the doctor’s words, he realized there was some truth to them. Treating his illness was certainly better than letting it worsen.

I need to treat our intern well once he starts working here.

Kang Jin was having tea with Director Oh Seong-sil. As promised during lunchtime, he brought him several books related to trade before leaving work for the day.

“Manager Jang said he’ll come by tomorrow to personally thank you.”

Upon hearing that Manager Jang had received his diagnosis at the hospital, Kang Jin pursed his lips and glanced at Heo Yeon-wook sitting nearby.

A renowned doctor truly lives up to their reputation.

Detecting such a condition through pulse diagnosis alone was impressive indeed.

Kang Jin then turned back to Oh Seong-sil.

“It’s fortunate we discovered this issue now rather than later when it could have worsened. With proper treatment, everything should be fine.”

“That’s what Manager Jang mentioned as well. From what I understand, his recent fatigue and swelling were all due to hypothyroidism. Regardless, you’re truly remarkable. To achieve this level of expertise while self-taught is astounding.”

“He said you’re quite skilled.”

“It’s more like catching mice by accident while running away from bulls.”

“That can’t be true. Manager Jang mentioned his doctor friend was genuinely surprised.”

“Why is that?”

“Because pulse diagnosis revealed her hypothyroidism,” Oh Seong-sil explained with a smile as he extended her hand toward Kang Jin. “So, would you mind checking my pulse too?”

Kang Jin smiled and was about to suggest he visit a hospital when Heo Yeon-wook reached out and took her hand instead. Kang Jin looked at him, prompting Heo Yeon-wook to say:

“Just give it a try.”

With that, Kang Jin acquiesced and held onto Oh Seong-sil’s wrist. After examining her pulse, he nodded and began speaking.

“he’s a classic Tae-eumin. By nature, they have strong livers but weak lungs. Their waists tend to be sturdy, while their chests and necks are more fragile. However, among Sasangins, they usually possess larger builds with well-developed muscles.”

As Kang Jin followed Heo Yeon-wook’s observations, Oh Seong-sil nodded in agreement.

“I’ve heard that I’m a Tae-eumin.”

“When you’re sick, if you sweat, you recover quickly; however, without sweating, it takes longer and becomes more severe.”

“That’s true! With colds, I recover fast if I break a sweat, but otherwise, it drags on painfully for a long time.” As Oh Seong-sil confirmed, Kang Jin continued.

“Typically, Tae-eumins have weaker lungs, but yours seem remarkably healthy, Director. It appears you regularly engage in aerobic exercises.”

Kang Jin’s words brought a bright smile to Oh Seong-sil’s face as he nodded.

“I love marathon running and try to cover at least ten kilometers whenever I have time.”

“Ah, that explains it.”

“So, am I healthy?”

Kang Jin glanced at Heo Yeon-wook, who promptly responded:

“There is slight inflammation in your left knee.”

“Inflammation?”

“Do you run often?”

“At least five times a week.”

“Running ten kilometers five times a week covers quite some distance. It seems this has caused minor inflammation in your left knee. However, it doesn’t require treatment, so there’s no need to worry.”

As Kang Jin relayed Heo Yeon-wook’s findings, Oh Seong-sil looked impressed.

“Yes, lately, my left knee has been feeling slightly tender.”

“A little rest should help, but if the discomfort persists, you could take some over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Or I can use acupuncture…”

Kang Jin hastily stopped at the mention of acupuncture.

Acupuncture?

He glanced at Heo Yeon-wook when he heard “acupuncture.” Did Kang Jin just offer to perform acupuncture on him?

“Do you know how to administer acupuncture?” Oh Seong-sil asked.

Kang Jin quickly shook his head.

“I’ve only learned it up to a certain point. It would be better to take anti-inflammatory medication.”

Oh Seong-sil nodded in agreement.

“You’re right. We wouldn’t want any complications that might embarrass our president.”

While Oh Seong-sil was impressed with Kang Jin’s ability to diagnose Manager Jang through pulse diagnosis, acupuncture presented a separate concern.

Pulse diagnosis wouldn’t harm his body, but if something went wrong with saliva exchange without proper licensing, it could cause health issues. Hence, Kang Jin politely declined the saliva test. Of course, Heo Yeon-wook wanted to proceed with it, while Kang Jin had no intention of doing so, but that was beside the point.

Smiling, Oh Seong-sil nodded at Kang Jin’s words.

“If you refuse, I might lose one of my regular customers.”

Her response prompted Oh Seong-sil to sit up straighter.

“Thank you for your time.”

“Won’t you stay for a meal?”

“As tempting as this place is compared to home-cooked meals, my family awaits me at home.” With a smile, Oh Seong-sil left the shop, leaving Kang Jin watching her departure and smacking his lips thoughtfully.

Family… Indeed, nothing beats home-cooked meals.

Kang Jin quietly muttered to himself as he opened the book Oh Seong-sil had given him.

Kang Jin started reading through it.

“ICD: An inland customs clearance base where containers gather for customs procedures and other related tasks…CY…”

Sighing, Kang Jin put down the book.

“This is quite complex.”

Although written in Hangul, there were many unfamiliar terms. He understood that “customs procedures” involved goods coming in and out, but he wasn’t clear on the specifics.

As Kang Jin pursed his lips while studying the book, Sung Yongsoo approached him.

“Why don’t you ask Mr. Park?”

“Mr. Park?”

“I mean the uncle who used to trade goods. Don’t you think he could help?”

“Oh! You’re right.”

Upon reflection, Kang Jin remembered that the ghost Park Chung-man had indeed been involved in trading.

“Is Uncle Park Chung-man coming today?”

“Should I try finding him?”

“Do you know where he is?”

“I can go out and ask other ghosts…”

As Bae Yongsoo spoke, his gaze shifted towards the store entrance. Heo Yeon-wook followed his line of sight.

“What’s wrong?”

“A virgin ghost.”

“A virgin ghost?” In response to Kang Jin’s question, both Bae Yongsoo and Heo Yeon-wook hastily approached the door. Simultaneously, Bae Yongsoo declared:

“We’re going.”

“Hey, where are you going?”

“It’s the virgin ghost.”

Without further explanation, Bae Yongsoo and Heo Yeon-wook swiftly exited through the door.

“Huh?” Kang Jin opened the door to look outside.

Earlier, numerous ghosts had gathered in front of the store, eagerly awaiting 11 PM. Now, they were all gone due to the arrival of the virgin ghost.

‘Is the virgin ghost that terrifying?’

Upon reflection, he realized no other ghosts appeared on days when the virgin ghost was present. Even Kang Doochi mentioned this, referring specifically to Kim Sohee, the boss of the virgin ghosts.

As Kang Jin pondered this, people started parting to either side.

Swish! Swish!

Kang Jin’s face showed confusion as people instinctively parted to make way for her.

‘What’s going on?’

The crowd divided like waves parting, allowing boss virgin ghost Kim Sohee to walk through unimpeded. People weren’t actively avoiding her; they subconsciously moved aside due to some primal instinct. As her traditional hanbok billowed around her…she looked terrifying.

Kim Sohee’s facial features resembled her appearance when she was alive. A slightly fuller face with cute expressions…but her hair had changed dramatically. Instead of neatly combed strands from before…her locks now dripped with what appeared to be blood. Additionally, her hanbok was torn and stained heavily with blood in several places.

In one hand, she held a sword dripping with blood.

What the heck? Why would a noblewoman from the Joseon Dynasty die holding a sword covered in blood?

As Kang Jin pondered this, Kim Sohee walked leisurely through the parted crowd and glanced at him. She briefly looked at him before gazing up at the sky. Seeing her silent contemplation, Kang Jin followed her gaze to the heavens.

The night sky was truly pitch-black.

What is she looking at?

Kang Jin stared intently but couldn’t discern anything unusual. After a moment, he subtly shifted his attention back to Kim Sohee.

“What do you see…?”

“Agh!” Until then, Kim Sohee had maintained a composed demeanor despite being drenched in blood, but now she appeared startled as she looked at him with wide eyes.

“You… Can you see them now?”

“Huh? Oh… Yes. I can see ghosts starting today.”

“You startled me by suddenly talking to me.”

“Apologies for that. By the way, why are you gazing at the sky?” Kim Sohee glanced up as she responded to Kang Jin’s question.

“I’m waiting for it to strike eleven o’clock.”

“Oh…”

As he observed her, Kang Jin softly asked, “Is there any particular food you’d like? It’s about ten minutes until eleven, so I’ll prepare it ahead of time.”

Kim Sohee paused briefly before replying, “Could you please get me some yakgwa?”

“Yakgwa… Hmm… Certainly.” With a nod, Kang Jin entered the store, and Kim Sohee resumed looking up at the night sky.