Chapter 32
Hong Yuhyun found Daeho’s reaction amusing and chuckled softly.
“The next-generation rookie who broke so many records is now being ignored in Korea. That’s quite interesting.”
“I’m just trying to experience a different kind of life,” Daeho replied calmly.
“But Doctor Richard,” Hong continued, his tone suddenly changing, “this might sound a bit shameless, but… can we see each other often from now on?”
Daeho tilted his head slightly. “What do you mean by that?”
“I think you already guessed.”
“Thoughts that stay in your head can easily become misunderstandings if you don’t speak them out loud,” Daeho said firmly.
Hong couldn’t deny that and nodded slightly before speaking again after a brief pause.
“Ahem. You see, in Korea’s medical field, there’s an invisible ceiling.”
“...”
“Residents, fellows, and specialists. There’s an unspoken rule that you shouldn’t cross into someone else’s area.”
“Oh, you mean that.”
Daeho replied indifferently.
He would be lying if he said he hadn’t felt that before.
But since he didn’t know exactly what Hong meant, he stayed silent and listened.
Hong explained further, “Compared to Johns Hopkins, many things here might feel inconvenient or unreasonable.”
“Hmm.”
“I don’t know exactly what your working style is, Doctor Richard. But if you keep handling emergency cases your way, sooner or later, you’ll clash with someone.”
His voice was serious.
Daeho frowned slightly and asked in a cold tone, “So you’re telling me to just keep my head down and do as I’m told?”
“No, that’s not what I mean. I just…”
“What is it then? Please say it clearly.”
Pressed by Daeho, Hong straightened up and answered clearly.
“I just hope you don’t suddenly decide to leave one day.”
“Why?”
“I want the residents to learn as much as they can from you.”
Hong’s voice carried both sincerity and tension.
Daeho looked at him again.
His eyes were clear and intelligent—this wasn’t just empty flattery.
But Daeho still couldn’t fully understand his intentions.
“The residents, huh?”
“Yes. I hope they can learn even a little bit of your knowledge and experience.”
“That’s your answer?”
Daeho’s eyes grew sharper, as if trying to see through him.
Hong hesitated, then smiled awkwardly. “Well, if we ever get a chance to do a surgery together, that would be nice too.”
“Now that sounds more honest,” Daeho replied flatly.
Hong laughed lightly. “Of course, I have personal reasons too. But please, take care of the residents.”
He even bowed his head politely.
Daeho tilted his head, still puzzled. “Why are you asking me this so earnestly?”
“Because I was once a resident too.”
“...”
“I know what it’s like. You study desperately, but when you face a real patient, you suddenly feel so small and useless. I’ve been there.”
After saying that, Hong smiled bitterly.
“Then why not start changing things yourself?” Daeho asked calmly.
“I’m trying in my own way, but it’s not easy.”
“So you want me to take the lead?”
“Please don’t take it that way. I’m just asking you to help them a little—for their future.”
Hong spoke quickly, worried that Daeho might misunderstand him.
Daeho gazed at him quietly.
He’s sincere, Daeho thought.
He could feel it clearly—Hong truly cared about his juniors.
A doctor like him was rare.
Daeho’s opinion of Hong improved greatly.
But he wasn’t about to agree without conditions.
“If I give something, I should get something in return,” he said firmly. “So, what do I gain from this?”
“Well… nothing really. You don’t seem like someone who needs anything.”
“Then let me propose something,” Daeho said suddenly.
Hong blinked in surprise. “What kind of proposal?”
“Give me more access to the operating room.”
“You mean… let you perform surgeries freely? That’s beyond my authority.”
“Then forget it,” Daeho said flatly.
But now it was Hong who felt uneasy.
“Wait—can I at least know why?”
“I don’t like fighting,” Daeho said simply.
“...”
“But I’ll always act according to my beliefs.”
Hong immediately understood what that meant.
“Since you’re in the ER, clashes will be inevitable.”
“Exactly. And every time, Choonhyo Hospital will try to enforce its own rules on me.”
“You’re probably right,” Hong admitted with a bitter smile.
Then Daeho spoke coldly.
“If anyone tries to block me, I won’t avoid them. I’ll just break through.”
For a moment, a chill ran down Hong’s spine.
Daeho’s skills and personality were well-known at Johns Hopkins, even if few dared to talk about it.
And now, he was warning him directly.
Hong suddenly realized—Choonhyo Hospital might soon face a storm.
He didn’t know what exactly was coming, but a bad feeling crept up his back.
He quickly thought of a way to compromise.
“I’ll make sure you can use the operating room for emergency surgical cases. That’s the best I can do.”
