"I investigated the Korean University Judo Club as you instructed last time."
Nodding, Masukdae began to explain.
"There seemed to be quite a bit of controversy regarding the national team selection. Your friend, Park Hyunseong, was also involved, and apparently, the coach or the manager instructed the 1st and 2nd-year students to deliberately lose. Hyunseong was the only one who didn't follow the instructions."
Well, such things are commonplace in this era, so I listened without much thought.
"There was apparently continuous physical abuse. On the day of the accident, it was particularly severe, and he was on his way home from the hospital when the accident happened."
"Yes, I heard about that. Is there any connection between the two incidents?"
"I'm not sure yet. Should I look into it?"
Could it be that someone was run over because of the national team selection?
...It must have been a coincidence, right?
I整理了思绪，站了起来。
"I'll have him look into it. Also, find out who是那个让Hyunseong在比赛中故意输掉的Jacho Seong. 查查他的背景。先查这些吧。"
"I investigated the Korean University Judo Club as you instructed last time."
Nodding, Masukdae began to explain.
"There seemed to be quite a bit of controversy regarding the national team selection. Your friend, Park Hyunseong, was also involved, and apparently, the coach or the manager instructed the 1st and 2nd-year students to deliberately lose. Hyunseong was the only one who didn't follow the instructions."
Well, such things are commonplace in this era, so I listened without much thought.
"There was apparently continuous physical abuse. On the day of the accident, it was particularly severe, and he was on his way home from the hospital when the accident happened."
"Yes, I heard about that. Is there any connection between the two incidents?"
"I'm not sure yet. Should I look into it?"
Could it be that someone was run over because of the national team selection?
...It must have been a coincidence, right?
I整理了思绪，站了起来。
"I'll have him look into it. Also, find out who is that Jacho Seong who asked Hyunseong to deliberately lose the match. Investigate his background. Start with that."
I patted his bowed shoulder and walked out.
Going down to the first floor, I entered my grandfather's study.
"Are you well?"
"Yes, how did your trip to the United States go?"
"It went well. Although I suddenly returned to Korea and couldn't finish everything, I took care of the important matters."
Grandfather nodded and stared at me intently.
"You have something to say?"
"I need your help."
"Help?"
"Specifically... I want you to investigate my friend's hit-and-run case. I'm not capable enough yet, and it might take some time to investigate."
Without answering, Grandfather stared at me for a long time, silent.
After a while, Grandfather spoke, his tone slightly disappointed.
"You, who never asked me for help, are asking for help over just such an incident?"
"Yes, to me, this is more important than anything else. He is one of the few people I truly care about. Even if it's just a simple accident, I need to make the other party pay the same price."
I did not avoid Grandfather's gaze.
In the end, Grandfather seemed to give in and called the secretary.
"Min-hoon, come in."
The secretary opened the door and entered at Grandfather's call.
I nodded to the secretary, whom I hadn't seen in a few days.
"Mu-hyeok has a favor to ask. Investigate as quickly as possible."
"Hyunseong's hit-and-run case, there's only one witness, and although it involves a police family, the police might take it seriously. However, it's still... difficult."
"I understand."
The secretary nodded and looked at Grandfather.
Grandfather gave a small nod. After the secretary left, he looked at me again and said:
"Isn't it time to stop playing the friend game? It's hard enough to find people who can help you."
"He's not just a friend, but one of my people. Someone who will follow me without question. You know how rare such people are."
"Ah, you've won Manager Ma's heart?"
"Yes."
Grandfather's face showed a slight smile.
"Always remain calm. I never postponed my work even when my family was hurt. To be a leader, you must know how to prioritize. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
"My era is different from Grandfather's. I don't know if you would have done it, but I will always put my people and family first. Family, friends, and those I care about come before work..."
Grandfather listened with interest.
"Among those people, I include you."
"Hehehe."
Grandfather seemed pleased with my addition and chuckled.
"Your era... Yes, it's time for me to step back."
"That's not what I meant..."
"Don't worry, I won't become an old man in the back room just yet. I'm still energetic."
I couldn't help but smile.
Grandfather lightly patted my shoulder.
"Min-hoon will investigate quickly. Wait and see."
"Thank you."
"How did the Myeongdong CEOs react? Did they surrender?"
"For now. I plan to observe them."
"Use them if you can. If they've risen to that position in that world, they are quick calculators and have significant networks."
"Yes, that's why I gave them a chance. The new CEO, Shin, seemed to have a high level of loyalty to the chairman. He said, 'If the chairman tells me to follow, I will follow,' and then left."
"Seong-il?"
Grandfather closed his eyes, as if recalling old times.
"Was he a high school student then? I sponsored him in the wrestling ring. But then he got involved in a violence incident and was forced to retire. He came to me afterward. From the bottom of Myeongdong, he climbed to that position through his own efforts. Even with my help, it was his ability."
I nodded.
Grandfather sighed.
"He is the most inscrutable person. He does what he's told, but..."
"Still, his stubbornness makes him seem reliable. I want to meet him separately."
"Do as you see fit. They are now your people. Whether you push them away or bring them closer, it's up to you. But such people are hard to find, so try to make them your own."
"Understood."
After finishing the conversation with Grandfather, I changed clothes and headed to the hospital.
When I arrived, Hyunseong's parents were still sitting there.
"Mom, go rest for a bit."
"Child, I have to stay here."
"If you keep this up, you'll collapse. I've booked a room at a nearby hotel. Go wash up and get some rest. I'll call you as soon as Hyunseong wakes up."
After my persistent persuasion, Hyunseong's mother left, led by her husband.
I sent Manager Ma to take them to the hotel and sat in front of the ICU with Myeong-soo.
We waited for the visiting hours while talking.
"Myeong-soo, did you get some rest?"
"Yeah, I went to a nearby sauna and got some sleep. Hyunseong that kid keeps sleeping deeply. He doesn't wake up no matter what..."