22
Chapter 22 Repaying Kindness
Do Kyungsoo, the chief researcher at Munaak Chemical, was the kind of man who perfectly embodied the phrase returning home in triumph.
Right after graduating from the Department of Chemical Engineering at Korea University, he joined Munaak Chemical and earned both his master’s and doctorate degrees using company funding.
In the United States.
And now, he had returned to Korea and proudly taken the position of chief researcher.
The gap in his domestic career didn’t matter at all.
If anything, he was respected. Not only for his degrees, but for his major contributions to Munaak Chemical’s new product development and consecutive successes. In short, Do Kyungsoo was the role model for new researchers at the company.
Even senior researchers viewed him the same way.
He was someone destined to become an executive before long.
His work life was flawless.
His family and spouse were also perfect.
The only flaw had been that he didn’t have a child.
But not anymore.
After ten years of marriage, he finally had a child, and recently celebrated the child’s first birthday in grand fashion.
Now, the couple had no weaknesses.
If there was one, it was that they were already in their forties with such a young child.
But now, everything had changed.
With the news of Do Minho’s Quiz 5000 victory spreading through newspapers and TV programs, the truth they had hidden—the adoption, and even the abandonment—would inevitably be revealed.
No one understood this better than Do Kyungsoo.
Though he tried to remain calm, he looked like a death row inmate awaiting execution.
“Doctor, is something wrong?”
“No. Just focus on your work.”
He found his subordinate’s concern irritating.
The employee quietly placed a delivery on his desk and retreated.
‘Right. I should at least work.’
Burying unsolvable worries in work was the best temporary escape.
Then—
He noticed a letter with Do Minho’s name on it.
His body froze.
His hands trembled as he picked it up.
Still, he opened it.
Better to face it now than later.
“I don’t know what to call you.
But for now, I think calling you father is the most natural.
This letter is not to ask to return.
Nor is it out of resentment.
I have no resentment.
I lived very happily while I was with you.
I will always be grateful.
But I don’t want to live being harmed because of you.
And I don’t want to become your burden either.
You might not understand yet, so I’ll be clear.
I don’t want to hide my past.
Too many people already know.
I hid my intelligence, but this is impossible.
More people will become interested in me.
I want to appear on ABS’s program and improve our orphanage.
Like the house I lived in in America, with a pool and a garden.
But if I reveal myself, it might harm you.
That’s why I hesitate.
But I still want to do it.
I have many things I want to do.
I want to show that even someone like me can live happily.
Back then, I wanted to be adopted just because others did.
I wanted what they had.
But now, I need to think about myself.
I want to live for my own happiness.
Still, I don’t want to harm you.
If done well, the damage could be minimal.
It might even benefit you.
You adopted me despite prejudice.
You even prepared to move abroad for me.
You gave me everything.
I’m grateful.
But people won’t believe that.
So I’ll share the burden.
If I speak honestly, it may reduce the damage to you.
I can even say that I requested the separation first.
Please trust me.
Words alone aren’t enough.
So I suggest a donation to the orphanage.
If not, then at least purchase the land and lease it.
I will repay it someday.
You may doubt me, but you’ll soon understand what kind of person I am.
You don’t need to fear me.
I don’t hate you.
I’m not ungrateful.
I will reveal everything.
And if possible, I want to help you.
But if I only think of you, my life will fall apart.
So please understand.
If we say that you accepted my request out of care, people may believe it.
As for the orphanage, say you trusted the director.
He may be stubborn, but he is a good man.
Everyone there respects him.”
“….”
After reading the letter, Do Kyungsoo leaned back and sighed deeply.
“Was this written before the show…?”
Not all his worries were resolved.
But one thing became clear.
Minho’s reason for appearing—and for donating.
‘He’s thoughtful… more than I deserve.’
He didn’t even question Minho’s genius anymore.
That wasn’t the biggest problem.
He barely knew Minho.
After his wife became pregnant, he had stopped paying attention.
He had only provided money.
His wife had done the same.
‘Fine. I’ll do as you wish.’
He stood up, putting on his coat.
‘I should’ve just forced the money on them earlier.’
He had tried to give ten million won before, but Director Lee had refused.
Saying he didn’t need it.
He picked up the phone.
“Hello. This is Do Kyungsoo. Do you remember me?”
“…Yes.”
The voice on the other end trembled.
“Are you busy?”
“I’m sorry. I have a guest right now. I’ll contact you later.”
“No. I’ll come to you.”
“…What?
“This will take some time.”