Chapter 61
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 61
Chapter Title: Personal Training Perks
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"It feels so much lighter now! Thank you!"
Jeon Yongjun greeted Hwang Sanghun as he finished his treatment and headed out.
I'd watched the entire process from consultation to treatment, and there wasn't anything to nitpick. He still seemed a bit tense, but that would fade after a month or so.
I figured it was safe to step away without worry.
"Our male director just joined us~ Would you like to try acupuncture with him today?"
With the clinic's setup, there was a limit to how many new patients I could see each day. So, I suggested switching doctors to a few of my regulars who weren't picky.
"No problem~."
"Um... it's fine if you're too busy."
"I like our director~."
I handed those who agreed off to Hwang Sanghun.
In total, we saw ten patients that first day. After their treatments, I asked for feedback, and it was all positive.
"I'll stick around through this week, then drop to four days starting next week! Take good care of my patients on my off days~."
As I wrapped up and prepared to head home, I gave Hwang Sanghun the heads-up.
On days we both worked, we'd handle our own patients. But once I cut back, whichever one of us was out would have to cover everyone's acupuncture.
"Ah... thanks for trusting me."
"Just ramp up the patient load gradually—no need to stress. And don't worry about going slow yet. You'll get the hang of it in no time."
"Got it."
I finished getting ready to leave. Hwang Sanghun grabbed his bag too, probably heading to the gym.
"That trainer earlier had some seriously solid muscle. Not like forced bulking either—he must handle some heavy weights."
"Y... yeah? He's a trainer, after all."
"You've gotten friendly since he came here, right? Does he give good workout advice?"
Hwang Sanghun's face soured at my question.
What was that about? His physique was top-notch—maybe some other issue?
But he quickly composed himself and answered.
"He does. He even pays extra attention to members who don't sign up for PT. Seems like a good guy."
"Ooh~ Healthy body and mind, huh?"
"... You like workout-built bodies?"
"Of course~."
No matter what martial art you practiced, you needed solid basics. Only after building core muscles and cardio endurance could you refine external techniques, and with internal energy layered on top did true power shine.
"I see... Maybe I should learn properly next time."
Hwang Sanghun's offhand comment sparked a brilliant idea.
Did trainer Jeon Yongjun pique his interest in working out too?
His stamina had been a slight—just a slight—concern anyway. He'd pushed too hard, stressed out, suffered insomnia... and I'd seen him collapse right in front of me.
If he wanted to build endurance through exercise, it was my duty as boss to push him hard.
"Great idea! No putting it off—let's start now!"
"Haha, no money right now. After a few months on the job and settling in..."
"I'll cover your PT! Learn from that guy properly!"
I made the special offer.
"...Huh...?"
I expected an instant yes.
Silence stretched for a moment.
"You sure that's okay?"
Oh, right. He felt burdened.
"Totally! The stronger you get and the harder you work, the better it is for me~."
"True... but."
"In return, commit to at least a year."
"Obviously."
So he was in? No way he'd turn down free PT just because he didn't feel like exercising.
I'd have to emphasize it was no big deal and nudge him over the line.
"We already cover room and board—PT on top feels like too much."
"Hehe, clinic dorms cost nothing! Meals are standard anyway."
"Fairness with other staff."
"Good point—let's include everyone!"
Hwang Sanghun nailed it.
Why hadn't I thought of this sooner?
With basic energy circulation down, Seol Yuhee's health had improved a lot too.
I'd been mulling teaching her something like Three Disasters Swordsmanship to build her up, but gym training beat me coaching her.
I flung open the consultation room door and gathered the staff.
"Everyone, I'm introducing a new perk."
"Yes?"
"What is it?"
Seol Yuhee and Gong Nari's eyes sparkled at "perk." Seo Ina looked wary, like she expected trouble.
"PT sessions. Building stamina and muscle helps in all sorts of ways, right?"
"Fully covered?"
"Of course. Not mandatory—just for whoever wants in."
All three lit up.
"Awesome. I've always wanted to try PT. Gotta exercise to handle more work, yeah?"
Seo Ina nailed it. My own fitness let me grind without burning out.
"Eek! Time to train hard and shoot a body profile!"
Gong Nari was thrilled too.
"Is it okay for me...? Won't overdo it and collapse?"
"Start super light. Tell the trainer everything—he'll adjust."
"Then count me in."
Seol Yuhee jumped on the perk.
"Aigoo... I'd love to, but evenings are for the kid. Exercise might be tough."
"No worries! Join later if you change your mind."
Working mom Jin Minjeong passed, but it was fine. Her baseline muscle mass blew past average without workouts.
"That makes four with Director Hwang. I'll go pay—pick your own times~."
"Yes~!"
"Tha... nks."
Hwang Sanghun nodded reluctantly.
Come on, show some excitement? Mental grit alone won't survive six-day weeks!
"Our director's the best~!"
"Thank you!"
Gong Nari gushed like it was a miracle; Seol Yuhee thanked me repeatedly.
Heh heh heh. Here's hoping they all turn into stamina machines and back me up!
I grinned, plotting how to wring 200% from my super-fit staff.
A bit later, Hwang Sanghun and I hit Jeon Yongjun's gym.
Luckily, it stayed open till 11 p.m., perfect after clinic hours.
"Hi~."
"Hello!"
Jeon Yongjun, our patient from hours ago, greeted us cheerfully.
"Oh, Teacher Hwang... and the lady teacher too?"
"Yep. Here for PT payments."
"Ooh, smart move! I'll give it my all!"
Just like at work, he brimmed with enthusiasm.
A trainer's body was their portfolio—you could tell his dedication from the physique alone. Up close, it confirmed everything.
"Both directors together? Or just the deputy?"
"Deputy director and staff. Adding three more employees—they're not here today. Schedule via call or text later."
I explained.
"Huh?"
Jeon Yongjun blinked, not getting it.
"The staff..."
"W-wait, you're the head director?"
"Yep. Just here to pay."
"Ah...! Sorry!"
He startled and apologized for the slip.
Eh, he'd assumed Hwang Sanghun was head till now? Without calling him deputy explicitly, it made sense.
Or maybe he thought I was shadowing Hwang to learn.
'Mistaken identity? Perfect~.'
Hwang looked flustered; Jeon apologetic. I was thrilled.
"Haha, no worries. Oppa must've seemed too boss-like."
"... Embarrassing."
If patients didn't even know who the head was because the deputy shone so bright? Couldn't ask for better.
Picky ones naturally preferred head over deputy, but if Hwang drew them in with boss vibes? Pure gold.
The better the deputy, the higher revenue—and incentives were pocket change by comparison.
"PT as staff welfare? Cool boss. Jealous."
Jeon said to Hwang, who nodded like yeah right. Bootlicker.
"Entrusting him to you. First time working out, but great frame—push to the limit."
"You got it!"
"Ugh..."
Hwang clawed his hair in dread, but too late.
Contracts signed, payments done.
I detailed the others' needs too.
"Teacher Seo Ina loves work, so focus on muscular endurance. She's gung-ho—keep her injury-free. Teacher Seol Yuhee is really frail. She's only done treatments under me till now—first time pushing exercise. Weaker than anyone you've seen, so treat her like a 70-year-old grandma and go easy."
"Haha, noted."
"Finally, Teacher Gong Nari wants a body profile shoot—minimize cardio, help bulk up."
"Such a thoughtful boss."
Jeon jotted notes, impressed. His attentiveness was spot-on.
"Since you're here, director—quick workout?"
"I do my own thing."
"Still! Let me check your squat form!"
Service-minded too. Offering free checks without PT.
Well, if he insisted.
I changed shoes and headed to the back squat rack deepest in the gym.
"This way... Huh? Bar only?"
"Yeah? Bodyweight?"
Horse stance was freshman year stuff a decade ago.
This weight wouldn't even register.
"Might as well test your big three while we're at it."
I'd hit gyms pre-murim and watched YouTube channels post-return—form was no issue.
Never maxed one-rep though. Murim training favored sustainable weights for hours.
'Inner power aside, 300 on big three easy? 400 maybe pushing it.'
I loaded 20kg plates on each side of the bar.
"Yeowon! Plates are heavy!"
"Member, let me!"
The guys rushed to stop me, but I'd already racked 100kg back squat.
"Here goes... Hup!"