Chapter 28
Chief Lee Geontak knew very well what this was about.
But he just couldn’t bring himself to admit it.
“Our hospital has its own rules.”
“Are those rules more important than a patient’s life?”
“……”
“The first and absolute rule of any hospital is to protect the patient’s life, isn’t it?”
Daeho pressed on with steady eyes.
Chief Lee Geontak couldn’t deny that.
So, instead, he changed the subject.
“Huu… Dr. Richard, I’ll ask one last time.”
“Please, go ahead.”
“If the same situation happens again?”
“My principles will not change.”
Daeho’s reply was sharp like a blade.
Now it was time for Chief Lee Geontak to make his decision.
Richard Choi.
His skills were undeniably extraordinary.
An ER resident successfully performing a cerebral angiography—there was no need for further words.
It was an event that could shake heaven and earth.
But… he was far too unruly.
Like a wild stallion that refused to be tamed.
If he continued to reject the system like this…
There was only one thing to say.
“Dr. Richard, it seems you and ChungHyo Hospital are not—”
Just as Chief Lee began his final words, Daeho spoke up seriously.
“Chief.”
“What, are you going to admit you were wrong now? It’s far too late for that.”
The chief spoke heavily.
But Daeho’s expression didn’t change. Instead, he said something completely unexpected.
“No, I meant—it’s time to get off work.”
“What?”
“……”
Click.
Daeho pointed at the wall clock.
The hands showed it was exactly quitting time.
For a moment, Chief Lee couldn’t hide his bewilderment.
“Ha!”
“Well then, I’ll hear the rest tomorrow.”
Swoosh.
Daeho stood up immediately and headed for the office door.
Chief Lee was beyond shocked now—he was speechless.
“Sit down right now! What are you doing walking away while talking to your chief?!”
“Then you should’ve called me earlier.”
“What?”
“I’m strict about my work hours. Then, have a good evening.”
Tap.
And with that, Daeho left the office.
Meanwhile, Chief Lee, left alone, was too stunned for words.
“W-What in the world…”
Just then, the office phone rang.
Rrring.
Chief Lee picked up the receiver roughly, snapping in irritation.
“Who the hell is this?!”
“It’s me, you brat.”
The cold, sharp voice on the other end made Chief Lee jump.
“V-Vice Director Han!”
“Watch your mouth, you punk. Talking like that first thing in the morning?”
“Ahem, my apologies, sir. I didn’t realize it was you.”
Vice Director Han Seunghoon’s tone suddenly softened.
“Hahaha! Come on, Chief Lee. Can’t I joke a little between old friends?”
“Huh?”
“I heard the news last night. That Richard guy pulled off another miracle, huh?”
“Y-Yes, sir.”
Chief Lee answered hesitantly, not hiding his displeasure.
But Vice Director Han continued cheerfully.
“A stroke patient with severe brain swelling… wow. Impressive. Really impressive.”
“But he performed the procedure without calling a specialist.”
“And if he had called one at that hour, do you think any neurosurgeon could’ve arrived in time?”
“Well… hmm.”
Chief Lee fell silent.
Of course, there were specialists who could’ve come.
But there was no way to predict when they’d arrive.
Then, in the quiet, Vice Director Han spoke calmly.
“Geontak, that patient survived because Richard was there. You should give credit where it’s due.”
“But sir, Richard is still just a resident—”
“If you want to survive in this field, don’t treat Richard as just a resident.”
“……”
Chief Lee closed his mouth at once.
Vice Director Han continued.
“I’m saying this for your own good. Don’t clash with him. Try to work together.”
Click.
And just like that, the call ended.
Chief Lee lowered the receiver, his expression heavy.
Clack.
“What’s so special about that guy…”
He couldn’t understand why Vice Director Han spoke so highly of Richard.
But after thinking it over, he realized—this wasn’t something to handle rashly.
With a firm expression, he picked up the phone again.
“Dr. Park Youngjun, I want you to find out everything you can about Dr. Richard.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Contact Johns Hopkins if you have to, or reach out to someone from there. I’ll leave the method to you.”
“I’ll report back as soon as possible.”
Dr. Park’s tone was determined.
After hanging up, Chief Lee’s mind was still full of confusion.
“Richard, you sneaky daylight ghost…”
That evening.
Daeho sat in a small, shabby barbecue restaurant.
The yellowed walls were covered with scribbles from ChungHyo University students.
He looked around and blinked in confusion.
“When did I get here?”
Then, a shot glass suddenly appeared in front of him.
A cool voice followed.
“What are you doing? Your glass is empty.”
“Oh, your shoulders are slumping. Oh dear, what’s wrong with them?”
Wobble, wobble.
Nurse Hwang Semi teased playfully.
Only then did Daeho notice his surroundings—
All the nurses he’d worked with during the night shift were there with him.
