Chapter 554: Gap-jil?
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 554: Gap-jil?
First, one thing needs to be made clear.
There is a general perception that graduate students are essentially slaves, and an atmosphere suggesting that one should never carelessly set foot into that world.
However, it’s obvious that not just anyone can become one simply because they want to.
I’m not afraid of being at school at night at all.
The "night lighthouses" of the university, where the lights never go out.
Because they are there, our campus remains safe even in the dark of night.
Since people say things like that, it’s plain to see that they suffer through the night.
Conversely, it means that if you intend to go to graduate school, you must be that passionate about your studies.
“Please, for the love of God, get a grip.”
But look at this guy.
Deciding to go to graduate school just because he wants to play around at the university a bit longer? He’s out of his mind.
I wonder if it’s even possible for someone to throw their life away like this.
At this point, the police should take him away, or his parents should start the refund process with God or whoever is responsible.
“Seriously, get it together. Ugh, what am I going to do with you?”
Kang Han-gang and Ahn Hyun-ho had returned with coffee and were now sitting in front of me.
I began giving Han-gang some sincere life advice.
“No matter how stupid you are, this really isn't it. Try living with some common sense. Do you think this is a field trip? Huh? What are you even going to do in graduate school?”
“……”
Look at him, keeping his mouth shut.
It makes me want to smack him right then and there.
“Do you think I’m doing this because I’m worried about you?”
With a sigh, I spoke the honest truth.
“It’s because I’m afraid you’ll ruin your life and then suddenly try to mooch off me, you little shit. Don't you dare show up on some investigative report show talking about the 'depraved private life of a chaebol family' or something.”
“Hey, even I wouldn't go that far.”
Han-gang’s expression turned serious.
My words must have stung his pride, as he spoke with a gravity that replaced his earlier foolish look.
“Before that happens, I’d contact you and extort money first. You’d never find out about it suddenly.”
“Are you insane?”
As I pointed a finger and interrogated him, Ahn Hyun-ho, who had been listening from the side, clicked his tongue and asked.
“Woo-jin, if you’re going to bury Senior Han-gang in some remote mountain, let me watch.”
“Should I? Maybe I should call Senior Ju-hee?”
“Ah, right, Ju-hee exists…”
Han-gang immediately tucked his tail.
The moment Senior Ju-hee’s name was mentioned, all those stupid thoughts seemed to vanish instantly.
“I’ll keep my mouth shut for the rest of my life.”
“You’d better.”
Han-gang didn't seem to be entirely serious about what he’d just said either, as he quickly changed the subject while fiddling with his coffee cup.
“No, but honestly. I’m just wondering if I can even get a job right now. I thought maybe I could buy some time by going to graduate school—”
“But Hyung, are you close with the professors? Isn't getting a professor to accept you the most important part?”
“I’m actually pretty close with them. Despite how I look, unlike you guys, I’m a total social butterfly.”
“I have plenty of friends,” Ahn Hyun-ho immediately countered. Then, both of their gazes shifted toward me simultaneously.
“I have plenty of girlfriends.”
“That son of a bitch.”
“I hope a bolt of lightning strikes him dead.”
I have plenty of money, too.
Anyway.
“If you’re serious, getting permission from the professors comes first. Since you’re so close, why don't you at least try feeling them out?”
That is the most important part of graduate school, after all. However, Han-gang seemed quite confident.
“I’m telling you, I have a good image with the professors. I’m not like you guys.”
Why is he acting so cocky?
It really makes me want to beat him up.
“Haa, fine. Like you guys said, I should probably go talk to a professor first.”
Han-gang stood up.
I could only let out a hollow laugh as I watched him bolt out of the cafe without even clearing his own cup.
Left behind, Ahn Hyun-ho and I looked at each other for a moment before speaking at the same time.
“Wanna bet?”
“How much?”
“I’m putting 50,000 won on 'absolutely not.'”
At my words, Ahn Hyun-ho frowned.
“Then it’s not a bet. I’m willing to bet my entire fortune, so you bet on 'he makes it.'”
“I’d rather just donate the money.”
Unfortunately, the bet didn't happen.
* * *
On the way home after finishing all my lectures for the day.
Senior Ju-hee was driving, and I was in the passenger seat.
Choi Jin-ah, who had come with us, said she was going to practice and would head back separately.
I thought this was a good opportunity to get Senior Ju-hee’s opinion.
“Senior.”
“Yes?”
“...Ah, wait a second.”
“Hmm?”
I waited until the car stopped at a red light before opening my mouth again.
“Han-gang says he’s going to graduate school. What do you think?”
“…?!”
She whipped her head around to look at me.
I’d waited for the car to stop specifically because I expected this.
I knew she’d snap her head around like that.
“W-Wait. He’s going to graduate school?”
I gave a smirk to Senior Ju-hee, who looked utterly bewildered.
“He says he’s going to talk to the professors. But that’s not something that happens just because you’re friendly, right?”
“Grades are important.”
“Right? Speaking of which, how are Han-gang’s grades? You were in the same year, so you must have some idea.”
“Him? They weren't bad.”
What?
I feel a slight sense of betrayal.
Han-gang needs to be like Han-gang to truly be Han-gang.
Why did he have to get decent grades and ruin my mood like this?
Han-gang is always the problem.
“But I’m not sure if the professors will look at him favorably. His reputation for his behavior is quite widespread, after all.”
“Ugh, people shouldn't live like that. Don't you agree? He’s way too obsessed with women. It’s like he has testicles where his brain should be.”
“……”
Senior Ju-hee glanced at me.
At her look, which seemed to say, 'Are you really the one to talk?' I cleared my throat and spoke.
“Eyes on the road while driving, Ju-hee.”
“…Yes, Young Master.”
The car began to move again.
Watching Senior Ju-hee chuckle while mulling over my words, I felt a strange surge of stubbornness.
“Ahem. Come to think of it, Jin-ah was all alone today. She came looking for me, saying she didn't have bus fare to get home.”
“Ah, yes. She contacted me too. She suddenly asked me to teach her how to fight, and I wondered what that was all about.”
“…Don't teach her that.”
“Heh, are you scared?”
“S-Scared?!”
My voice went up an octave involuntarily.
Senior Ju-hee was just joking, but to be perfectly honest...
I’m not afraid of Choi Jin-ah at all.
I’m confident I can win no matter what she does.
On the other hand, if Senior Ju-hee were the one teaching her, I wasn't so sure.
Haven't I already seen and experienced how strong Senior Ju-hee is several times?
It wasn't that Choi Jin-ah was scary; it was more accurate to say that Senior Ju-hee was the scary one.
“How cute.”
Seeing my reaction, Senior Ju-hee chuckled and muttered to herself.
It’s nice that she thinks I’m cute, but it’s also strangely bruising to my pride.
I felt like giving this senior, who was coasting through her cushy job, a bitter taste of money.
“Ahem, Miss Ju-hee? It’s boring on the way back, so how about an acrostic poem?”
“Pardon…?”
Luckily, it was another red light.
She stared at me with an expression of total disbelief and asked again.
“W-Woo-jin, are you talking to me right now?”
“Woo-jin? Ahem, is that any way to address the Young Master?”
“……”
“Let’s do an acrostic poem with 'Min Ju-hee.'”
Hasn't she been earning her money a bit too easily lately? I should try a bit of chaebol power-tripping.
Actually, I was just bored on the drive and wanted to mess with her. It had been pretty fun making Choi Jin-ah act like a pig earlier.
“Alright, Min!”
“Min, Min…”
Senior Ju-hee began to think while driving.
“Mi… Min-sa jaepan (Civil lawsuit)?”
“Wow, that’s really not funny.”
“……”
When I spoke to her mockingly, Senior Ju-hee stared at me, then said with a smile.
“I’ll try one with 'Kim Woo-jin,' Young Master.”
“My name? You confident? Fine, go ahead. Kim!”
“Kim Woo-jin.”
“…Woo.”
“Woo-jin is truly amazing.”
Wait, I’m getting a bad feeling about this.
“Jin.”
“Jin-jja (Truly), you’ve got real guts.”
“……”
“……”
As she turned her head slightly to look at me, I saw a flash of murderous intent in Senior Ju-hee’s eyes.
I gulped and looked out the window, pretending not to notice.
Wait, why should I be scared?
In a way, I’m the employer.
In the Joseon Dynasty, I’d be the master of the house.
“How about calling me 'Master' until we get home?”
I couldn't look her in the eye, so I spoke while watching her reflection in the car window. She let out a short laugh.
“I heard you made Jin-ah act like a pig earlier. I guess you’ve developed a taste for that sort of thing?”
“She tattled on everything, didn't she?”
“Well then, should I call you Master instead of Young Master?”
“Hmm, let’s try that.”
“Yes, Master.”
Surprisingly, she didn't seem to mind using that title.
While driving as usual, Senior Ju-hee asked with a lingering smile.
“Oh, by the way, I’ll try a two-line acrostic poem with 'Toegun' (Clocking out), Master.”
“Hmm? With 'Toegun'?”
What’s this? She’s suddenly being proactive.
“Go ahead. Toe.”
I tilted my head and glanced back at her. Senior Ju-hee kept her eyes on the road and spoke.
“Toe-gun-ha-myeon (When I clock out).”
“…Gun.”
“Geun-cheo-e o-ji ma-ra (Don't come near me).”
Because you might die.
“……”
My mouth shut instantly.
I barely managed to swallow the response that almost slipped out. Senior Ju-hee asked with a bright smile.
“May I take a half-day off today?”
“Absolutely not!”