episode_0254

Representative Choi, Hyuk hyung, and the leadership of Konkuk University Shelter.

The negotiations for the practical benefits of the working-level staff were more than fierce; they were heated.

They call it a debate because they fight with words.

Seeing it in person, it was almost a fight.

“The core of what we are trying to say is…”

“Considering the current situation of both sides…”

“That would be too much of a loss for us. You must have misunderstood our intentions…”

“This is our limit. So…”

Every single word exchanged was like a dazzling knife.

Even watching the quiet, calm, and polite verbal sparring from the side felt intense.

Representative Choi was the main force, while Hyung was in a supporting position.

Yet, he seemed to be doing quite well.

‘…Did he prepare a lot?’

Their teamwork was excellent, and their eloquent speech was admirable.

There were two on this side, and three plus alpha on the other.

Even so, they didn’t give an inch and conversed on equal footing.

‘…Whew~’

I quietly marveled at the tight, stifling tension.

It was so suffocating that if it were me, I would have just silenced them with a show of force.

It seems I did well to leave it to Representative Choi.

So, I decided to leave the work to the two of them and excuse myself.

“Are you listening to me?”

“…Haa.”

I rubbed my temples, which were throbbing.

What should I do about this damnable Old Man?

Even while the working-level staff were racking their brains, he wouldn’t stop chattering.

Unable to bear it any longer, I finally had to say something.

“Old Man.”

“Yes.”

“Shut your mouth.”

“You rascal!”

He said he’d almost died and come back, but wasn’t that just a lie?

Chairman Kim was so full of vigor that it made me doubt it.

It was puzzling how this talkative old man had managed to soothe his loneliness.

Sighing deeply, I rose from my seat.

“Representative Choi-nim.”

“Yes, Seonghan-ssi.”

“Excuse me for interrupting, but I and the others will step outside for a bit.”

“Ah, please do so.”

“Congressman Pyo-nim.”

“Yes.”

“These three people have decided to join us as family.”

“Oh… these are the people…?”

The Konkuk University Shelter side’s eyes lit up when they saw Sohee-ssi, Incheol, and Reporter Kim.

But since the meeting was ongoing, introductions would have to wait.

“First, Sergeant Kang… no, I’d like to meet Kang Incheol-ssi. Where is he now?”

“They are currently…”

“I will guide you.”

Chairman Kim couldn’t wait and cut in.

And guiding them?

“Chairman-nim?”

“Manager Seong.”

“I will assist you.”

“……”

The Konkuk University leadership tried to stop him, but this man paid no attention.

Looking at the Old Man grinning with sparkling eyes, I felt dizzy.

“Old Man. Shouldn’t you be quietly lying in a warm bed?”

“I don’t have much time left to live, wouldn’t it be too wasteful to spend it lying down?”

“……”

This overly energetic Old Man doesn’t seem to know he’s being a nuisance.

“…If only he couldn’t speak. No, are we not supposed to stop him?”

“He’s not the type to listen, even if we tell him.”

“……”

“Hahaha~ That’s right. No one can stop me. Manager Seong. Let’s go.”

I tried to prompt Manager Seong, but it didn’t even faze her.

In some ways, she seemed to have already resigned herself.

I clicked my tongue, watching the Old Man urge the slender beauty to push his wheelchair.

“Why aren’t you coming? Hurry up and come.”

“Haa…”

Ultimately, I led my family and quietly followed behind the wheelchair.

‘Hmm…’

As they went down the stairs, Manager Seong expertly picked up Chairman Kim.

Without difficulty, her posture undisturbed, she naturally descended the stairs.

Although there was a man who seemed to have more physical strength to carry the wheelchair, he dared not step forward.

Such trust, enough to entrust one’s frail body.

It seems that woman, Manager Seong, fully receives that trust.

Whatever else it may be, her visible physical capabilities seem to be worth that much.

“What is all this?”

“Gifts for acquaintances.”

Chairman Kim’s eyes widened at the sight of the cargo truck full of supplies outside.

Regardless, my gaze fell upon unexpected individuals.

While we spent time inside, six soldiers were guarding our vehicles.

One soldier, seeing me, smiled slightly and spoke.

“We were ordered not to let anyone lay a hand on them.”

“Did Captain Lee say that?”

“Yes, sir. The General and Sergeant Kim Dongwook emphatically told us.”

“Ah.”

The six young soldiers, wearing slightly worn uniforms, stood at attention.

They probably didn’t pick up their guns to do something like this…

Feeling sorry for causing them unnecessary trouble, I gave them some snacks, and they liked them very much, even though they seemed quite embarrassed.

Among the soldiers who couldn’t hide their broad smiles, the one who had first spoken asked cautiously.

“Um, Seonghan-ssi.”

“Do you know me?”

“Yes. We were together when I went to support the Yongsan base.”

“Ah… I’m sorry. My memory is a bit…”

There were so many people, and it’s hard to remember all those men one by one…

“Haha! No, it’s fine. Everyone knows how busy you’ve been. More importantly…”

The soldier glanced around subtly, then spoke.

“…Are you, by any chance, joining us?”

It was an unexpected question.

As the remaining soldiers pretended not to hear, pricking up their ears.

“No, I’m not.”

“Ah…”

At the blunt answer, the soldiers looked very disappointed.

But they immediately composed their expressions and saluted.

Finally, when they mentioned that they had gratefully received the MREs I’d given them and were still keeping them, I laughed.

The soldiers returned to their original duties, and we, guided by Manager Seong, moved on.

The cars followed slowly, driven by those who could drive.

As we walked slowly along the path, the full scenery of the site came into view.

The atmosphere, which resembled a marketplace from the very entrance, was even more pronounced inside.

In some places, sawdust flew as lumber was processed.

In others, smoke billowed into the sky, though it was unclear what they were doing inside.

In yet others, they collected what seemed to be salvaged or scrap materials, cutting, tearing, and organizing them.

It was a bustling site, enough to make one’s head spin.

People moved busily everywhere.

Materials and supplies moved ceaselessly back and forth.

Just how much had people walked on it?

A narrow path was forming over the faded grass field.

‘……’

They say the interior of a rapidly growing company resembles a battlefield.

In that sense, isn’t Konkuk University Shelter experiencing tremendous growth?

One wants to cheer on those who grit their teeth, work hard, and grow.

It’s one of the success factors in sports.

These people, not for sport, but for tomorrow, ignoring the cold and sweating profusely.

Those doing their best for survival were passionate and admirable, and even a sense of solemnity could be felt.

And a small wish even arose that everything would turn out well.

I could understand the feelings of the Konkuk University leadership, who wished to live up to these people’s expectations.

‘……’

What was Chairman Kim thinking?

I don’t know for sure, but it was probably similar to what I was feeling.

Perhaps for that reason, the chatty Old Man remained silent for now.

Instead, he took in the bustling scene where passionate life continued.

What was truly being seen by those old, experienced eyes, filled with a sense of wonder?

If he were merely observing life, his gaze wouldn’t be so profound.

“You rascal.”

“Why?”

“Give me some snacks too. My mouth is bored.”

What wonder, my foot.

Reflecting on my brief, vain delusion, I shared the portioned jerky with him.

Seeing him happily chew on the high-quality jerky, he seemed quite unpretentious for a chairman.

“Rookie.”

“…? Are you talking to me?”

“Is there anyone else beside me but you?”

“Seriously.”

Seriously, what should I do about this Old Man?

“Since you’re not answering, I have no choice but to keep asking.”

“What?”

“Lee Ga. What do you intend to do about Taeseong?”

Chairman Kim scanned the wide grounds as he asked the same question again.

“What do you mean, ‘what’?”

“……”

“Destroy them.”

“Hoh.”

At the word ‘destroy,’ Chairman Kim turned his gaze to me and briefly marveled.

“Choi Seonhong too?”

“Of course. When you think about it, he’s the top priority.”

“Hmm.”

Chairman Kim munched on his jerky and asked.

“What is the reason?”

“Because they did things that deserve a beating.”

“What?”

Chairman Kim had a ‘Did I hear that wrong?’ expression.

“Old Man, think about it. Should I let live someone who tried to kill me with guns, knives, and even grenades?”

“…No.”

“Right? And it wasn’t just once or twice. On top of that, they’re pulling all sorts of dirty tricks. Should I let them live?”

“Not that either.”

“That’s how it is.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah.”

“I see.”

I, in turn, asked Chairman Kim, who readily agreed.

“Old Man, why did you become enemies with them?”

“Hmm.”

“You said you almost died because of them? What exactly did you do?”

“……”

It might be sensitive for him, but I couldn’t help but ask.

No matter how reckless those guys were, they were still the leaders of a group.

‘They attempted assassination in this situation?’

What could be the reason they tried to eliminate this Old Man, even taking on such a risk?

In response to my question, Chairman Kim chewed and swallowed the jerky roughly.

“I did nothing wrong.”

“Really?”

“The reason I almost got caught? It’s simple.”

Chairman Kim, growling softly, even ground his teeth slightly.

“Because I didn’t give up on being human.”

“…That’s uncharacteristically philosophical.”

“But it’s the truth.”

Chairman Kim, speaking with emphasis, was dignified.

Seeing this, I also understood.

“Those bastards were wrong.”

“Do you understand?!”

Chairman Kim, his eyes wide, stared up at me intently.

“If they tried to get rid of someone trying to fulfill their human duty, doesn’t that mean those bastards gave up on being human?”

“That’s exactly what I mean!”

“Then those bastards were in the wrong.”

“Exactly!”

“Those sons of bitches never know what they did wrong.”

“Right! You’ve seen it clearly!”

“They’ll probably even say, ‘It’s your fault,’ to the victim, acting like this, won’t they?”

“Hoo-hoo-hoo!”

Chairman Kim, exhaling freely, even trembled slightly.

“…You rascal…!”

Seeing the Old Man, who couldn’t hide his intense reaction, I felt… what could I say…

“…Old Man. You’ve been through a lot, haven’t you?”

“…Mmm…!!”

I approached the pathetic-looking Chairman Kim and gently patted his shoulder.

Perhaps overcome with emotion, Chairman Kim’s eyes welled up, and he placed his hand on mine, which was on his shoulder.

“Old Man. Are you crying?”

“……You shouldn’t make an old man cry.”

Hearing his slightly choked voice made me feel a pang of sadness, but also brought a laugh.

“How weak. It’s only the beginning; what will you do if you’re like this already?”

“Weak? I am Daesan Kim Daeho!”

“Hehe~”

“…Ehh. I made a mistake.”

Chairman Kim, now shriveling a bit, still didn’t let go of my hand.

“Old Man. You know, right? The fight is won by the one left standing at the end.”

“I know that very well.”

Chairman Kim nodded as if there was no need for further words.

“We’ll be the ones laughing.”

“Mmm!”

“So, cooperate with me with all your might.”

“…Arrogant fellow.”

“While you’re at it, take good care of yourself too.”

“……”

At the mention of his health, his expression darkened slightly.

Even Manager Seong’s expression, as she pushed the wheelchair, went beyond blank to a slightly cold feeling.

It seemed I had made a slip of the tongue, but was telling him to take care of his health wrong?

It was pure concern, pure well wishes.

So, I didn’t dwell on it.

“That way, we’ll get to see them begging, ‘Please, just kill me,’ won’t we?”

“…Not ‘Save me’?”

I snorted, seeing Chairman Kim carefully ask again.

Have you ever seen such a soft-hearted Old Man?

Laughter couldn’t help but escape at Chairman Kim’s foolish question.

“Do you think they can be forgiven?”

“No.”

“Do you think they’ll pay for their sins alive?”

“No!”

“You know it well, so why are you like this?”

“Haha, hahaha… Hahahahahah~”

A hearty laugh.

Chairman Kim had laughed many times today, but the laughter that erupted this time had exactly that feeling.

Perhaps having let go of his emotions through laughter, Chairman Kim regained his composure.

I wanted to see him really pour out his emotions, but unfortunately, no tears flowed.

He seemed to want to say something more to me, but…

“We’ve arrived.”

Just then, perfectly timed, we arrived at our destination.

“……”

“Why are you like that?”

I didn’t answer Chairman Kim’s question.

Having arrived, my gaze was captivated by the sight before my eyes.

The number of tents, which had drastically decreased, had grown again.

The tent village, lined up without blocking the entrance to the large building, was diverse in appearance.

Tarps, covering the tents, formed an endlessly long line.

Yet, they were arranged in a relatively orderly fashion.

It felt like sleeping was done in tents, and living spaces were replaced by tarps.

Along the long line, worn clothes and towels were hung to dry.

They opened the lids of small iron drums and used them as makeshift stoves.

Something was boiling in pots or kettles whose undersides were blackened with soot.

An extremely harsh living situation unfolded before my eyes.

Though it resembled nothing less than a refugee camp, people were clearly living there.

Small children and, though fewer in number, elderly people were the main inhabitants.

Many women were not visible either.

As I stopped and observed, they also observed us from the opposite side.

The residents of Konkuk University Shelter were not afraid when they saw us.

Instead, they slowly observed us with intense curiosity.

“It’s because everyone is busy working. Usually, it’s a bit more bustling.”

“……”

Even after hearing Manager Seong’s explanation, I didn’t feel like responding.

“Are you uncomfortable?”

“No, not particularly.”

It wasn’t discomfort, just a feeling of ‘this must be hard for them.’

It was a feeling as if I’d added a spoonful of cheap sympathy to that.

As Chairman Kim quietly observed my complexion.

“Mister!”

A clear cry from a young girl was heard.

“Isn’t she calling you?”

“I don’t think soun—”

“Seonghan Ajusshi!”

“Kuk! Hahahahahahaha!”

“……”

The young lady, who was happily hopping and waving her hand as she approached, overused the term ‘ajusshi’.

“She’s looking for you, Ajusshi.”

“Stop it.”

“Poof! Kuk! Kukukuk!”

“……”

Behind Chairman Kim, who was struggling to hold back his laughter, stood Manager Seong, her lips twitching.

“Ajusshi!”

…Watching the needlessly cheerful Hong Soohee, I silently gritted my teeth.