Hospitalization (6)

★ Heroine Status Window

[Nam Daeun]

[Affection: 75]

[Lust: 20]

[Appetite: 37]

[Fatigue: 50]

Current Status: I need to ask... Why did he save Dahee?

Ah... It’s risky discussing that topic now.

Lee Hoyeon met Scarlett’s eyes.

“As I mentioned yesterday, I brought them along today...”@@@@

Hoyeon subtly shifted his eyes, signaling his wish to speak privately with Nam Daeun. Scarlett caught on.

“Hmm... Let’s step out for a bit, Dahee, Miss Liliana.”

“Why?”

“Thirsty, I’m craving some plum juice.”

“It won’t be long. I’ll grab you the drink.”

Scarlett escorted them out momentarily.

Just as I expected from Scarlett.

After a slight nod, Hoyeon turned to Daeun. “So, how are you feeling?”

“That’s not something a hospitalized person should ask...”

“Ah...”

“...”

Nam Daeun tightened her lips. Too many questions loomed. Why did he save Dahee? Is he okay? Why is he helping her? Yet, she hesitated to voice them, fearing the implications. r?α?NO???E?§

What if he confines her like the Buyers Guild did? What if he expects something in return? She knew Hoyeon wouldn’t, but then, Mingyu hadn’t shown his true colors until it was too late.

Frustrated, Daeun clenched her teeth.

“Have you been getting calls from the Buyers Guild?” Hoyeon broke the silence.

“Yes, but I haven’t picked up. You told me not to...”

“Good. Never pick up their calls. We’re investigating the Buyers Guild’s corruption and will expose them soon.”

“Why are you helping me?” Daeun finally blurted out the question.

They weren’t particularly close. Yet, Hoyeon had pulled strings and even used his network to save Dahee. He’d been selflessly helping her, but now she feared what he might expect in return.

An elephant trained from youth won’t rebel against its handler even in adulthood.

After enduring so much from the Buyers Guild, Daeun found it hard not to be suspicious.

“I—I have nothing to give. But I’ll find a way to repay you, someday, but...”

Hoyeon looked at the visibly flustered Daeun. Her tense posture and anxious gaze were telling.

It must feel surreal to taste freedom after all she’d been through. Given her past traumas, her cautious demeanor was completely understandable.

***

“There wasn’t any particular reason.”

“Huh?” Daeun’s eyes widened at my words.

“While investigating the Shin Young Guild, I found out about your connection with the Buyers Guild. I helped you out while dealing with the Buyers Guild, which is handling the Shin Young Guild’s dirty work. So, there’s no need for you to worry.”

“But... I feel like I owe you so much.”

“In that case, repay it when you can. Now that you’re free, live with your sister and do what you like. If you find a way to repay me later, that’s fine.”

To be honest, I don’t expect any repayment. I’m financially secure, and she doesn’t have connections. I’m content if she simply feels grateful; that’s all I ask for.

“...”

Daeun’s head bowed, and she trembled, as if the reality hadn’t fully sunk in. Moments later, she sniffled and tears began to flow quietly. I waited for her to regain her composure.

“Th-thank you. I’ll find a way to repay you, no matter what...”

“Yeah, speaking of which, Dahee mentioned something... What was it again? Ah, things we supposedly did together, like going to cafes, eating meals, watching movies... When did we do those things?”

To break the tense atmosphere, I offered a slight smile. Daeun’s eyes welled up with tears, and her face turned bright red.

“Sorry... I made it up because I had nothing to talk about with my sister. Please, keep it a secret from Dahee...”

“Ah, I see.”

It felt odd; it seemed like I was the only one she considered as the material for her lies.

“I’m sorry... You must feel bad... I should apologize properly.”

“Shall we go to a cafe then?”

“Huh?”

“If we do all the things you mentioned, then it won’t be a lie.”

Daeun is still a young woman in her twenties. She likely wants to socialize and have fun, hence the lies.

Wiping away her tears, Daeun broke into a radiant smile.

“Sure...!”

“Yes, she’s had issues since she was young.”

“I see... just a moment.”

A warm light emanated from Ahyeong’s hands and enveloped Dahee. She had her eyes tightly shut, hands on her knees. After jumping for joy at meeting the saint, she seemed nervous as the examination began.

Daeun was beside her, mouth agape, observing the scene.

I sent Liliana and Scarlett outside. I didn’t want to show Ahyeong too many women. Daeun is one thing, but having Scarlett, a striking blonde, around is a different story.

“Huff...” Ahyeong exhaled and shook her head.

“How is she?” I asked anxiously.

“The treatment is complete. She had severe complications, likely due to long-term malnutrition and stress. Treatment is done; she’ll be fine with proper care.”

Already done?

“...?”

“...?”

Both Daeun and Dahee still seemed confused.

I quickly clapped my hands and spoke up, “Wow, amazing! Just as expected of the saint! You can cure any illness in an instant!”

“It’s not a serious—”

“It’s incredible! Let’s thank her. Thank you.” I interrupted Ahyeong and bowed my head in gratitude.

“Thank you, Saint!”

“Thank you.”

“Um, yes...”

Those bastards from the Buyers Guild had Dahee hospitalized for a minor issue, but there’s no need to tell them about it.

After Ahyeong left, Daeun and Dahee said they’d return to the dormitory.

“We should go now.”

“Be careful. Dahee, you too, okay?”

“Oppa, can’t Sis stay with us at the dorm?” Daeun gave me a pleading look.

“Don’t say that, Dahee. Hoyeon would feel pressured.”

I stopped Daeun’s hand as she tried to take Dahee away. “No, no, it’s fine. It’s been a while since you’ve seen each other; she wants to spend more time with you. So feel free to stay until I’m discharged.”

It might be an issue going into the men’s dormitory, but Scarlett will handle it.

“Thanks... I’ll visit you again.”

“Thank you, Oppa! I love you!”

“Okay, take care.”

The sisters left the room holding hands. They’ll join Scarlett outside and go back together. The room suddenly felt quiet with four people gone.

“Those bastards.”

The illness tormenting Dahee wasn’t even that serious. Ahyeong treated her instantly; it could have been easily cured if they had hired a decent healer. But they deliberately delayed the treatment.

“Sigh...” I let out a sigh and went to grab a banana from the table Scarlett had given me.

Just then, the table jolted, and instead of the banana, I found myself holding hands with Dr. Kang Hyorin.

“Oh, you shouldn’t do that. Aren’t you seeing someone?” Kang Hyorin looked at me with the corner of her mouth raised.

“Can you just appear normally...? And I’m not seeing anyone.”

“Where’s the fun in that? But you’re not surprised; that’s a twist.” She let go of my hand and took out some documents from her bag.

“Evidence of corruption within the Buyers Guild. The investigation is complete.”

“Wow.”

Fake ledgers, a list of clients the Buyers Guild dealt with, evidence of drug smuggling and prostitution—all neatly compiled.

“Should blow them up instantly.”

“Right. Want me to handle it? I can make it go boom.”

“Um... no.”

Kang Hyorin’s services are excellent, but I need to assess the situation first.

I’m planning to use this for Daeun strategy. There will definitely be pressure on Daeun, who can’t be contacted. Her disappearance will soon be discovered... but by then, I’ll figure something out.

“Okay, since my mission is done, you can treat me as your professor again.”

“Sure, professor, but don’t you take personal requests?”

“Hmm, you’ll see...”

Kang Hyorin vanished back into the table.

“What’s with her?”

The documents were well-organized. She may be odd, but she’s diligent.

Knock—knock—

“Who is it?”

“You have a visitor. Professor Im Sol is here, may I let her in?”

“Sure, let her in.”

Visiting hours still had a long way to go.