Hospitalization (3)
[Wow… Wow, this is seriously amazing.]
[Truly impressive. Even as a guy, I’d be awestruck if soone took a hit like that for .]
[Gotta give credit where it’s due. Lee Hoyeon is indeed a man.]
“What’s causing such strong reactions?”
When I played the video, it initially showed a shaky black screen. After a mont, the image stabilized.
“Ah… so that’s what this is about.”
In the video, Baek Ahyeong was there, wiping away tears as she healed . Beneath her, I lay with blood trickling from a slash on my forearm. Though not excessive, the blood sared from intense combat made it appear as if I were drenched in it.
“Why is the video quality so good? It’s kind of embarrassing.”
The technology was advanced enough to render Ahyeong’s and my faces crystal clear. I continued to watch. Monts later, wincing in pain, I pulled Ahyeong behind , using my back as a shield.
Stab—
Suddenly, a dagger struck
from behind.
“Ah… That felt awful.”
The chilling sensation of the dagger piercing my body returned. In the video, I spat out so blood. My internal injuries must have been severe. At the ti, I was too disoriented to notice, but watching it now was strangely fascinating.
With a grimace from the dagger’s impact and Ahyeong’s widened eyes, the video began to blur. Then, with a static sound, it cut off.
“That’s actually pretty cool.”
I was about to read more comnts when I heard a knock.
Knock—knock—
Who could it be?
Ahyeong has said no visitors for a while.
“Co in.”
The door opened, revealing soone I never expected to see.
“Looks like you’re doing well, Lee Hoyeon.”
“Hello, Chairman…”
“Sorry for the sudden visit. I have an urgent matter to discuss.”
Standing there was the chairman of Victoria Academy.
Why was he here? And what could be so urgent?
“Please, have a seat, Chairman.”
“Alright.” The chairman entered and took a seat. I waited anxiously for his next words.
eting my gaze, he began, “It seems you and Ahyeong are in a relationship.”
“Excuse …?”
“Baek Ahyeong.”
“Ah…”
If he saw her leaving my room with such a happy expression, it would make sense for him to think that. But why bring it up now?
“Actually, due to your actions during the recent social gathering attack, your public image has improved significantly. Were you aware?”
“No, I just woke up and haven’t checked anything yet.”
I almost spoke honestly, but I didn’t want to reveal too much without knowing what the chairman was going to say.
“Your actions have shifted public opinion in your favor. If we present all the evidence at the academy, we can sway public sentint.”
“…”
“I can clear your na of all charges. But I’ll need your cooperation.”
“Cooperation? What do you an?”
“I’ll explain once you agree to cooperate.” The chairman crossed his arms, oozing confidence as if he’d just offered
a once-in-a-lifeti deal.
Support from the academy—not a bad deal. It’s certainly ‘not bad,’ but that also ans it’s not particularly good.
The public outcry about
stems from the Celestial Festival terrorist fiasco. But honestly, I didn’t do anything wrong that day.
Is it fair to demand sothing in return for keeping my na out of the mud? The incident happened because they failed at their job to begin with.
Even though he’s Moon Soorin’s grandfather and I try to give him the benefit of the doubt, watching him seize this opportunity is stomach-turning.
Frankly, I don’t need the academy’s backing, especially with the way public opinion stands. Still, he’s not just any old fool; he’s the academy’s chairman. He’s calculated, if nothing else.
Why is he pulling this stunt?
Two imdiate possibilities co to mind.
The chairman might be in the dark about the recent Shin Young Guild exposé. Considering I just learned about it ten minutes ago, he could’ve arrived without that intel. Alternatively, he may assu I’m still out of the loop. Given that I’ve been comatose and am still recuperating, he might think I’m oblivious to both public opinion and the Shin Young Guild revelations.
He could’ve rushed over here thinking he’s got the upper hand.
The fact that he showed up despite visitation restrictions makes the second option more likely. He might’ve flexed his authority to get access.
Either way, it grates on my nerves.
I naturally grasp the chairman’s maneuver—seizing opportunities is smart business. But when I’m the one getting exploited? I’m not playing along.
What has this godforsaken academy ever done for ? Each ti a crisis unfolds, they scramble to sweep it under the rug, and here they go again—I’ve had enough.
So, with a face that could sour milk, I cut to the chase. “I don’t think I really need the academy’s help.”
“What did you say…?”
“Many have offered their support, and to be honest, cooperating with the academy when they’re the ones to bla isn’t appealing. I’ll handle it myself. I’d appreciate so quiet ti, so if you could leave, that’d be great.”
“So, you were aware from the start…” The chairman’s eyes squinted in irritation, yet he stayed put, ignoring my clear signal for him to leave.
Just as I was gearing up to respond, he jumped in with, “You know the saying, right? Even when the cops are around, people still worry about cri. Ever wonder why?”
“…”
He didn’t amp up his mana or shoot
a nacing look; he simply locked eyes with . It felt like being a prey animal stared down by a predator.
“Because even if they do arrive eventually, the scars and trauma for the victim are there to stay. Forever.”
His intimidating presence alone was ant to subdue . It did raise so tension. Good try, but he’s dealing with Lee Hoyeon, who’s mastered emotional control.
“Chairman, are you trying to do sothing here?” I looked at him, almost smiling. He can’t touch
here, no matter who he is.
“There’s nothing I can’t do…” The chairman tried to maintain his composure, but it was clear he was bluffing.
“Your specialty might be subtly killing and burying people, Chairman. But can you really sweep under the rug any harm done to the Saint’s boyfriend, Lee Hoyeon?”
He was mistaken about , and I had to use that to my advantage.
The public’s rooting for
at the mont. If they kill the main person involved, they can’t just bury the issue. Moreover, trying to harm
while in the sa building as Baek Ahyeong? Even if I can’t resist, it’s sothing they absolutely cannot cover up.
“You’re indeed soone my granddaughter would take an interest in.”
“…?”
As the chairman and I locked eyes, he finally relaxed his serious expression. Then he chuckled as if to dismiss the tension.
“Well, now that you’re dating Baek Ahyeong, I guess you won’t touch my granddaughter. I’m sorry for today. I got blinded by greed, trying to gain sothing from a student.”
“Ah, yes…”
His tepid apology sapped my energy right out of .
The chairman lowered his head and began to leave the room. I watched him go, thinking to myself, ‘This isn’t fair.’ It feels like I’m always the one getting the short end of the stick. It’s like throwing a punch but not landing it.
And judging by his tone, I could already envision him scurrying to Moon Soorin, whispering sweet nothings about how I’m happily dating Baek Ahyeong. That would be a whole new level of annoyance.
So, just as he reached for the doorknob, I piped up, “Just kidding.”
He froze, swiveling his head toward
like a malfunctioning robot. “What did you say?”
“I said the whole dating Ahyeong thing is a farce.”
I’m not sure myself. Why did you co to
and stir up trouble? Making the situation even more complicated.
“I’ll keep in touch with Soorin. If all goes well, should I start calling you grandpa?”
“Hehe… You’re quite the audacious one. I never thought there’d be soone so shaless…”
The chairman approached , trembling, and the objects in the room shook from the mana emanating from his body.
But I didn’t stop talking, “Look out for , and I’ll make sure to treat Soorin Noona exactly as you’d like. What’ll it be?”
“…”
His eyes scread, ‘Who the hell are you?’
“I’m asking for simple things. Protect my position for now, provide so top-notch artifacts from the academy, offer so support; wouldn’t that be beneficial for both parties? It’s a win-win situation, isn’t it?”
“You’re the first student audacious enough to negotiate with .”
“So, that’s a no?”
“Get ready for the announcent today, you insufferable twit.”
It was amusing to watch the chairman’s face turn sour, like an angry sea. Though old, he looked middle-aged at a glance.
“Thank you. Now, please leave.”
“…”
With a dramatic exit, he slamd the door behind him. Playing mind gas with the old coot was its own form of entertainnt.
In my ntal checklist, I added a new entry: after successfully wooing Moon Soorin, I’ll waltz up to the chairman and say, “Don’t worry, I’ll take good care your well-raised granddaughter!” and then bounce.
It would be best if Moon Soorin could defuse the situation with the angry chairman.
“Hehe. I can’t wait.” With a nod, I eagerly awaited that glorious day.
Reviews
All reviews (0)