Chapter 166
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 166
Chapter Title: The Eager Pupil
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Jeong Inseong and Min Juyeon visited the clinic on the scheduled date.
Thanks to her hives disappearing and her folliculitis improving dramatically, Min Juyeon was absolutely thrilled.
Just the spring in her step and the glow on her face as she walked in made it obvious.
"It's gotten so much better, really! Thanks to you, Director, I feel like I've been reborn! I'm a totally different person from a month ago!"
Min Juyeon said excitedly.
"I'm glad to hear that. Let's keep up the momentum and finish the treatment strong. We just need to wrap up the remaining folliculitis."
Once the first round of medicine proves effective, putting together the second round isn't too hard.
You can repeat the same prescription or, in this case, just remove the herbs added for the hives and itching.
The pus has mostly cleared up too, so we can cut back there as well.
"Yes!"
She beamed at my explanation.
Her companion, Jeong Inseong, nodded along.
Chop, chop, chop, chop—like a robot with jerky movements.
...Why does he look so stiff?
"Something wrong? You feeling okay?"
"N-no, nothing."
"Your shoulders are all tensed up, though?"
Is he stressed about something? Maybe Seol Yuhee not keeping up?
I stood up and checked the tension in Jeong Inseong's trapezius muscles.
It wasn't the rigid stiffness you see in patients with shoulder pain—just tension from nerves.
"Eek!"
He jumped in surprise, and that's when I noticed the lit-up phone in his hand.
He'd been sneaking glances at it the whole time I was consulting with Min Juyeon.
Was he texting someone else?
"What's this?"
A white background with black text—a Hangeul document file.
Actually, there were some red and blue letters too.
Red bold for the important parts, and blue with Q. marks for predicted questions here and there?
It looked like a summary of key points for cramming before an exam.
"Studying with a professor over break or something?"
Doing this from pre-med year two?
Sure, plenty of upperclassmen form study groups out of anxiety about clinical rotations later on.
But doesn't Jeong Inseong have academy tutoring gigs and private lessons? He's busy, right?
"N-no, it's nothing!"
He tried to hide it, but my reflexes were way faster than his attempt to pocket the phone.
"Skin-related herbs? You're studying how to... Oh!"
I'd suggested a month ago that he might want to study them sometime.
Well, I'd thought about it but hadn't exactly told him to do it.
Actually, I'd started to say something but stopped—sounded too much like a professor thing to say.
"It's no big deal. I was just seriously thinking about how I'd handle it and comparing to your... uh, the director's decisions."
Oh man, he prepared this on his own without me even asking?
Way better than my old self, obsessing over grades and barely previewing next semester's material.
"Want to give a presentation on it?"
He's gone to the trouble—gotta hear him out!
"H-huh? I didn't prepare it as a presentation...!"
Jeong Inseong looked shocked.
"Why not give it a shot? You memorized it all in case someone asks, right?"
Even Min Juyeon knew about it, so he'd really put in the work.
Good thing I noticed.
"Alright, then... I'll try."
Jeong Inseong swallowed hard.
He sneaked one last glance at the Hangeul file on his phone, like he couldn't bear to part with it.
"Just read it off casually. It's not a test or anything. Want me to pull it up on screen?"
"I didn't make a PPT or anything!"
It's just a Hangeul file—easy fix.
I kindly had him send it over, projected it on screen, and listened intently to his explanation.
"I looked into a basic disease overview, my proposed prescriptions, and their rationales."
His academy instructor experience shining through?
He hadn't formatted it as a presentation, but he conveyed everything clearly and logically.
The disease overview was basic internet search stuff—nothing tricky.
All three prescriptions scored at least 80 points.
"Good research. But since you haven't taken materia medica yet, it's a bit fragmented. Haepyoyak isn't just for colds, for example~."
The rationales explaining why each herb fit the prescription were a little lacking, though.
I gave gentle feedback, adding green text notes on corrections, what to include, and reference books.
"Sorry, that must've been boring, right?"
Min Juyeon was the one here for treatment—had I focused too much on Jeong Inseong's talk? I glanced back.
"Pfft... No, Director, it was so interesting!"
Min Juyeon was gripping her fists, shaking with excitement at her boyfriend's presentation.
She was on the verge of stomping her feet to hold back laughter.
"Thank you for the feedback! Next time, I'll read more books and prepare harder!"
Jeong Inseong, still tense like a new hire, gave a formal response.
"Next time?"
"Uh, if there's a chance! Like after I get a job or... something."
So full of drive!
"Whoa, that's way off. Want me to assign homework?"
"Uh, um."
Suddenly, I recalled a story from the Plum Blossom Sect's sect leader.
His first disciple was a martial prodigy, worthy of the title world's top young expert.
The leader had focused on passing secrets to that disciple and the early-blooming Plum Blossom Sword Squad kids, inevitably neglecting the others.
Then he discovered one quietly, steadily training as instructed by the leader and elders every day, begging for teachings—unlike the politicking bunch.
He felt so guilty for overlooking him.
- Please, save him! If this child fails, I... Plum Blossom Sect...
Was I making the same mistake?
Prioritizing studies with the directors I treat, while Jeong Inseong—itching to learn but frustrated by slow school pace—wanted guidance?
He'd considered Korean medicine because of me, he's diligent with huge potential, and I've neglected mentoring!
"B-but you're so busy, Director...!"
"I'm fine! I end up at the clinic on days off anyway, organizing books. I can make time anytime! Come by or text questions!"
He'd held back out of consideration for my schedule.
My assumption that a guy his age wants break time off was my bad.
"Thank... you."
Jeong Inseong's mouth hung open.
"...so much!"
He was deeply moved by my offer.
As I'd told Jeong Inseong, lately I was coming in 1 or 2 days out of every 3 days off.
Beyond books, I pondered clinic system improvements, prepped for studies, organized papers—plenty to do.
The Italy branch was progressing steadily too.
I'd exchanged emails with the doctor Mr. Ricci introduced, and true to his word, the guy was super proactive.
I explained Korea University profs' lab features as requested.
Emphasized benefits of joining Professor Lee Minseok's lab to nudge him that way.
Of course, I got Professor Lee Minseok's okay first on letting a foreign grad student audit undergrad classes.
As expected, he welcomed it.
Simple video interview done—contact established.
Study plan, transcripts—basic docs, no issue.
With Mr. Ricci as financial guarantor, just pass the Korean proficiency test and admission's a lock.
We're still emailing in English, but he said he's studying since last contact, and with nearly half a year left, language won't be a problem.
Whatever branch number it ends up, having an overseas outpost will feel great.
I wrapped up holiday tasks and got home.
[Hi~ It's the landlord. Contract ends in a month, just checking if you're renewing~]
Text from my studio apartment owner.
Same thing last year around now; I replied 'Yes, renewing~' and no contact since.
Unlike last time's instant reply, this time I hesitated.
"Should I... move?"
No issues with the place—no need to contact landlord ever.
Staying put's fine.
"Been too clinic-focused too..."
But suddenly, I craved more space.
Hadn't I poured every penny into the clinic?
Building, interiors, equipment, decoction setup—nonstop.
Trip was short.
Still in the loan-heavy early days housing-wise.
'Me coming in on days off must be awkward for them.'
Once leaning toward moving, excuses piled up.
Clinic's comfier than the studio for work; even pretending otherwise, staff notices.
Ask if ordering lunch together at lunch, brings coffee unasked.
'Multiple rooms, no need to commute.'
Hwang Seoyeong housed me on Seoul trips.
More rooms mean work from home, host friends.
Move to that apartment Choo Miyoung lived in before?
Or... a big countryside house?
House means the squirrel guy could visit.
Tap, tap.
I pondered on my phone, then replied I'd think a few more days.
[Got it~. Contract auto-renews implicitly; let me know and I'll list it. Tell me ASAP if moving out~.]
Landlord wrapped it neatly.
'Lived well thanks to her.'
Said I'd mull it, but mind was set on moving.
Next day at work, I shared my thoughts with staff right away.
"Thinking of moving."
"The clinic? You mean your place, Director?"
"Yeah, my apartment. Studio's getting cramped—time for bigger."
"Ehhh? Still in a studio?"
Hadn't mentioned it before?
Gong Nari and Jin Minjeong were shocked.
"Buying a place? Perfect timing. Capital region's noisy, but provincial metros are quiet; supply scarce next 3 years min, construction costs up, so after..."
Meanwhile, Seo Inae—who knew my situation from early deep talks—lit up.
"Haha, not set on buying yet."
"Sure, you're in business—no need for real estate investing, rent's expense-deductible anyway..."
She launched into real estate talk like she'd been waiting.
Been dying to discuss this?
"Just apartments? Got a complex in mind, Inae?"
"I already bought mine."
"Huh? For real?"
"Whoa, when'd you buy your own place? Epic!"
I blurted it out.
Others unaware too—Gong Nari startled.
"Makes sense, with all that work and side gigs..."
Like Jin Minjeong said, Seo Inae could buy anytime.
"Didn't wanna brag unprompted. Thanks to your big raises, Director, closed faster than expected."
After piling on work herself?
"Got it. Congrats, belatedly. Where'd you buy?"
Not dead set on renting for expenses.
Better prices rise than fall if buying.
She's pushing apartments hard—must have a good rec.
I hinted.
"If you're staying in Busan, Director, ocean view mandatory!"
Seo Inae listed key conditions.
Ocean view?
...Nice to see the sea from home?