Chapter 252
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 252
Chapter Title: The Tai Chi Trio
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A few days after I'd had a heart-to-heart talk with Lee Da-jeong.
"Just what did you do to Lee Da-jeong?"
Park Si-ha asked me with a puzzled look on her face.
This friend had been sharing all sorts of stories with me at the clinic ever since her first visit, so I'd been keeping up with their news to some extent.
"That's what I wanted to ask you."
That's why I'd been secretly looking forward to Park Si-ha's next appointment.
"Did the director shoot her with a brainwashing beam or something...?"
But the first question out of her mouth was this, leaving me utterly flustered.
"What are you talking about? There's no such thing."
"Then why did that woman apologize to me...?"
People can apologize sometimes, can't they?
Is that really so shocking?
"She realized her own personality and decided to work on changing it. I won't tell you to forgive her, Si-ha, but people do change sometimes."
"Huh... That's really amazing. Honestly, I don't care about forgiveness or anything. I'm just dumbfounded. So, what was it you wanted to ask me?"
"Ah, right."
I had induced some gradual changes in her.
Someone who'd never apologized before tried it once, and she dialed back that sharp edge she always had a bit.
That's doable, right?
But basically, people just live the way they've always lived.
For someone to change drastically, they need a trigger big enough to make them a completely different person—like barely surviving death or something.
"She got a bit... no, a lot weirder. I thought maybe something happened at work."
I whispered to Park Si-ha in a low voice.
"Lee Da-jeong, Kim Jin-sang, Kim Jae-gyu. Heading into the treatment room!"
Right on cue, that group showed up.
Lee Da-jeong used to come exactly twice a week like clockwork.
Even though she was improving lately, her visits had actually become more frequent.
This was already her third time this week—and at this late evening hour when she wouldn't normally come.
Of course, I wasn't calling this a major change.
"Can't we play 'Song of Healing' during class next time? I was reviewing what we learned while listening to it, and it felt like I was reborn from head to toe."
There, that's exactly it.
"Oh, great idea. I'll suggest it to the instructor. If not, we can practice it among ourselves..."
"Lee Da-jeong, it's your jaw, right? What about you today, Kim Jae-gyu?"
"Feels like there's a lot of stagnation in my head."
"Yes, head and digestive system."
How did she end up becoming a Tai Chi fanatic?
I'd mentioned it lightly as an option, but I hadn't pushed her to go.
So what happened that she hit it off so well with those two...!
Their worlds don't even match!
"Can you seniors feel the stagnation? I still have no clue."
"The more you try to sense it, the harder it is. Remember 'Don't forget, don't force'. Don't obsess over it—just keep it in mind, focus on your breathing, and diligently practice, and you'll attain haoran vital energy."
And those two guys were going even further.
What was Kim Jae-gyu just saying?
Haoran vital energy? That's not a phrase you'd casually drop in 21st-century Korea.
Yet Lee Da-jeong and Kim Jin-sang looked at him like he was so cool.
"Whoa, bro. You know some fancy words. Weren't you a Hanja teacher?"
"My subject before retirement was PE."
"Oh, I heard that but forgot."
"Happens."
"Kim Jin-sang, head too?"
"Ah, today it's shoulders and back."
"Please remove your top~."
The veteran staff would just shrug it off.
But if the new hires mistook them for cult members, that'd be trouble.
I settled onto the bed and gave the chattering group a gentle warning.
"Everyone, there are still other patients around, so please keep it down a bit."
"Ah, were we too loud? Sorry."
"Such rudeness..."
"Da-jeong, when the director inserts the needles, focus to feel the qi sensation. It's like ping! shooting energy through you. Way easier to grasp than sensing internal energy during solo practice."
Even as I drew the curtain, Kim Jae-gyu tossed in one last comment.
Sigh...
"Um, is that guy okay?"
As expected.
Even if they hadn't gotten along, seeing an acquaintance hanging with weirdos had Park Si-ha spooked.
I spoke to her in the tiniest whisper so they wouldn't hear.
"She just signed up at a Tai Chi dojo. Not sure how it happened, but she seems to have bonded with the regulars. Her company's been tough, so if she's found some support, great."
"It's not some shady place, right...?"
"Yeah... probably."
I trailed off a bit and finished Park Si-ha's treatment.
We agreed to keep this conversation between us.
Then I headed to Lee Da-jeong.
The three apologized for the tight schedule and said they'd skip physio and just do acupuncture.
We had about 10 minutes before ICT, and since they came often, I could improvise.
"How's the jaw today?"
"Almost better—feels completely healed. But more treatment's good, right?"
Her joint movement was fully normal now.
"We can drop to once a week."
"Ah..."
I thought she'd be thrilled, but Lee Da-jeong looked a tad disappointed.
"You've worked so hard and it's better— isn't that great?"
"Ahh! Of course it's great! Thank you so much! But, um... the seniors told me to try feeling the qi sensation, and now treatment's winding down, so I'm a little bummed."
"..."
I narrowed my eyes and shot a glare at Kim Jae-gyu on the next bed.
"Heh heh, take good care of each other. You're practicing hard, and the songs you recommend help a ton."
Was that the song?
Are they the problem?
No, Kim Jae-gyu and Kim Jin-sang weren't like this at first. They used to snap all the time.
Does 'Song of Healing' have some virus embedded? Like the brainwashing beam Park Si-ha mentioned?
Or is it the Tai Chi dojo?
Or... could it be me?
"In that case, we'll do jaw once a week, and add needles to hands, feet, and head for better qi and blood circulation. Think of it as preventive care in a pre-illness state, boosting Pancong Powder's effects. Similar to points for hypertension, cold limbs, tremors. You won't feel much since you're not in pain, but consistent treatment might clear your head a bit, like those guys... um..."
"Ah, perfect!"
Lee Da-jeong was thrilled.
So I treated her that way.
Basic circulation points, plus adjustments for organ balance based on pulse diagnosis.
Then to the next booth.
"How've you been?"
"Great. We'll check again on the way out, but every time, it's normal blood pressure. Thanks to you, with the treatments and starting Tai Chi, my life's turned around."
"Haha."
"I'm in the instructor training. If I finish well, maybe teach after-school classes at my old school."
"Ha ha... The kids would be lucky."
That dedicated?
No wonder he's dropping Hanja terms—he's studying on top.
Finding purpose in retirement is good.
"How about you, Kim Jin-sang? Back hurting today?"
"Ah, I was fine, but drove long yesterday—feels stiff. Young master's been busy, running around everywhere."
Park Sun-yoon said our business was booming, and sure enough, they were in demand.
Kim Jin-sang complained of back pain but seemed pleased.
After treating the three, all other patients had checked out and paid.
Hmm, still feels so mismatched.
"Call center vet, retired teacher, chaebol driver... Wild combo, Director."
Gong Na-ri nailed exactly what I was thinking.
"Right? How'd they click? And why the 'Song of Healing'?"
"Oh, they like Melon Soda Horizon too?"
"Not the soda—the director's fans, probably."
Seo In-ae chimed in.
I wanted to deny it, but yeah, that seemed right.
Well... if they're happy, good for them.
"Looks like they're the last. Let's close up."
"Sure~!"
I messaged upstairs that patients were gone and to head out early.
Then noted all four's updates in the charts—Park Si-ha included.
Unlikely I'd forget, but another director might cover if I'm out.
A bit later.
No new patients while finishing charts, so we could leave 15 minutes early.
"Director, thanks so much today."
The Tai Chi trio and awkwardly standing Park Si-ha bowed, ending the day.
"Ah, we held up closing."
"No, you came before cutoff."
"Should I toss this trash on my way?"
All familiar patients, so I accepted gladly.
Somehow, staff ended up at the elevator too.
Feeling awkward, I looked up.
1st floor. 2nd. 3rd.
The elevator numbers changed.
'Mentioning Melon Soda?'
Deja vu hit.
If those kids showed up here, no going home tonight.
- Doors opening.
The usual mechanical chime grated for some reason.
'Huh?'
An unusually strong aura washed over me.
"Ah, Director. Closing up?"
Thankfully, not Melon Soda Horizon kids—they weren't summoned by mention.
"Ijin? What's up? Hurt somewhere?"
Kim Ijin stepped out exuding immense presence.
"Oh?"
"Ooh... impressive kid."
Even they sensed it?
Kim Jin-sang and Kim Jae-gyu looked shocked.
Kim Ijin nodded lightly and exchanged awkward greetings.
"Ah, you all go ahead. I'll handle her."
Reception was closed, so I sent the four patients and staff off.
Such a sudden visit—major injury? She looked fine.
As I wondered, Kim Ijin scratched her head.
"Uh... not here for treatment."
"Just visiting? Should've called. Almost missed you—we're heading out early."
I relaxed.
Good she wasn't hurt.
But that aura... from hobby meditation and workouts?
I'd believe it from a prestigious sect's later-generation disciple!
I'd thought her growth was fast before.
Guess I underestimated the Heavenly Martial Body.
"I called. Last week."
"Huh?"
No way I'd forget her saying she'd come.
...Wait, we did message last week.
[Falcon crashed at my place—cool, right? Kinda like our team mascot.]
The garden falcon was ridiculous; I'd snapped a pic to brag.
Kim Ijin gushed it was awesome, sent tons of emojis.
And suggested grabbing a meal soon.
"Meant to come right away, but training's been crazy. Can I see the falcon? What's its name?"
In Korean society, that doesn't always mean "let's eat ASAP."
She must've taken it as "come see the falcon anytime."
Ah, of course Ijin’s always welcome.