Hospitalization (3)

[Wow... Wow, this is seriously amazing.]

[Truly impressive. Even as a guy, I’d be awestruck if someone took a hit like that for me.]

[Gotta give credit where it’s due. Lee Hoyeon is indeed a man.]

“What’s causing such strong reactions?”

When I played the video, it initially showed a shaky black screen. After a moment, the image stabilized.

“Ah... so that’s what this is about.”

In the video, Baek Ahyeong was there, wiping away tears as she healed me. Beneath her, I lay with blood trickling from a slash on my forearm. Though not excessive, the blood smeared from intense combat made it appear as if I were drenched in it.

“Why is the video quality so good? It’s kind of embarrassing.”

The technology was advanced enough to render Ahyeong’s and my faces crystal clear. I continued to watch. Moments later, wincing in pain, I pulled Ahyeong behind me, using my back as a shield.

Stab—

Suddenly, a dagger struck me from behind.

“Ah... That felt awful.”

The chilling sensation of the dagger piercing my body returned. In the video, I spat out some blood. My internal injuries must have been severe. At the time, I was too disoriented to notice, but watching it now was strangely fascinating.

With a grimace from the dagger’s impact and Ahyeong’s widened eyes, the video began to blur. Then, with a static sound, it cut off.

“That’s actually pretty cool.”

I was about to read more comments when I heard a knock.

Knock—knock—

Who could it be?

Ahyeong has said no visitors for a while.

“Come in.”

The door opened, revealing someone I never expected to see.

“Looks like you’re doing well, Lee Hoyeon.”

“Hello, Chairman...”

“Sorry for the sudden visit. I have an urgent matter to discuss.”

Standing there was the chairman of Victoria Academy.No?v(el)B\\jnn

Why was he here? And what could be so urgent?

“Please, have a seat, Chairman.”

“Alright.” The chairman entered and took a seat. I waited anxiously for his next words.

Meeting my gaze, he began, “It seems you and Ahyeong are in a relationship.”

“Excuse me...?”

“Baek Ahyeong.”

“Ah...”

“Your specialty might be subtly killing and burying people, Chairman. But can you really sweep under the rug any harm done to the Saint’s boyfriend, Lee Hoyeon?”

He was mistaken about me, and I had to use that to my advantage.

The public’s rooting for me at the moment. If they kill the main person involved, they can’t just bury the issue. Moreover, trying to harm me while in the same building as Baek Ahyeong? Even if I can’t resist, it’s something they absolutely cannot cover up.

“You’re indeed someone my granddaughter would take an interest in.”

“...?”

As the chairman and I locked eyes, he finally relaxed his serious expression. Then he chuckled as if to dismiss the tension.

“Well, now that you’re dating Baek Ahyeong, I guess you won’t touch my granddaughter. I’m sorry for today. I got blinded by greed, trying to gain something from a student.”

“Ah, yes...”

His tepid apology sapped my energy right out of me.

The chairman lowered his head and began to leave the room. I watched him go, thinking to myself, ‘This isn’t fair.’ It feels like I’m always the one getting the short end of the stick. It’s like throwing a punch but not landing it.

And judging by his tone, I could already envision him scurrying to Moon Soorin, whispering sweet nothings about how I’m happily dating Baek Ahyeong. That would be a whole new level of annoyance.

So, just as he reached for the doorknob, I piped up, “Just kidding.”

He froze, swiveling his head toward me like a malfunctioning robot. “What did you say?”

“I said the whole dating Ahyeong thing is a farce.”

I’m not sure myself. Why did you come to me and stir up trouble? Making the situation even more complicated.

“I’ll keep in touch with Soorin. If all goes well, should I start calling you grandpa?”

“Hehe... You’re quite the audacious one. I never thought there’d be someone so shameless...”

The chairman approached me, trembling, and the objects in the room shook from the mana emanating from his body.

But I didn’t stop talking, “Look out for me, and I’ll make sure to treat Soorin Noona exactly as you’d like. What’ll it be?”

“...”

His eyes screamed, ‘Who the hell are you?’

“I’m asking for simple things. Protect my position for now, provide some top-notch artifacts from the academy, offer some support; wouldn’t that be beneficial for both parties? It’s a win-win situation, isn’t it?”

“You’re the first student audacious enough to negotiate with me.”

“So, that’s a no?”

“Get ready for the announcement today, you insufferable twit.”

It was amusing to watch the chairman’s face turn sour, like an angry sea. Though old, he looked middle-aged at a glance.

“Thank you. Now, please leave.”

“...”

With a dramatic exit, he slammed the door behind him. Playing mind games with the old coot was its own form of entertainment.

In my mental checklist, I added a new entry: after successfully wooing Moon Soorin, I’ll waltz up to the chairman and say, “Don’t worry, I’ll take good care your well-raised granddaughter!” and then bounce.

It would be best if Moon Soorin could defuse the situation with the angry chairman.

“Hehe. I can’t wait.” With a nod, I eagerly awaited that glorious day.