Chapter 37
From what Daeho had seen so far, Professor Son Jinyoung seemed quite desperate.
Yet, the professor never once leaned on his authority.
And Daeho felt no hesitation in respecting him and lowering himself in front of him.
With a style like this?
“Maybe it’s fine to meet him separately in Korea.”
Honestly, Daeho didn’t care about his social status.
He was more than suitable as someone to share a drink with in Korea.
Jokingly, Daeho even felt he could gossip freely about Johns Hopkins.
Above all, he was annoyed by being treated coldly because of race.
“This isn’t right!”
With that thought, Daeho made up his mind.
“Alright. But I don’t want to volunteer for free.”
“If it’s a fee, I’m willing to prepare one without hesitation.”
“Who do you take me for, a money grubber? Professor, that remark offends me a little.”
Daeho said with a sullen expression. Professor Son Jinyoung quickly looked apologetic.
“I misspoke when you said you didn’t want to volunteer. I’m sorry.”
“It’s just a joke. But your apology makes me embarrassed.”
“No worries. I’m curious, though—what exactly are you suggesting?”
“It’s nothing special. Just treat me to a proper dinner.”
Daeho made his request for a reward clear.
For a moment, Professor Son Jinyoung’s face brightened, and he nodded vigorously.
“Of course. Naturally, we should do that. I’ll take you to the best restaurant in Washington.”
“That promise is serious, right?”
“I’ll keep it 100 percent.”
“Good. Let’s go.”
Daeho accepted coolly and immediately turned to walk.
Soon, Daeho and Professor Son walked side by side down the corridor.
During the walk, Daeho asked casually,
“What’s your major, Professor?”
“OS. Um, you know Professor Choi Jeonggu in Chungho? He’s a senior alumnus from my medical school.”
“I see. Then we already know our first destination.”
“Where are you thinking of going?”
Daeho winked and replied when Professor Son asked.
“Just trust me and follow along.”
Step by step, Daeho strode ahead confidently.
If he was a junior alumnus of Professor Choi Jeonggu?
“I have to treat him well.”
Then, perhaps, Professor Choi would buy an expensive drink.
Soon, Daeho arrived at a certain room.
“This is it.”
“OS Chief Room? The orthopedic chief’s office?”
“Yes. One moment… This is Richard.”
Knock, knock.
Daeho knocked boldly and announced himself.
A voice came from inside immediately.
Come in.
Daeho opened the door after receiving permission.
Creak.
“Let’s go in.”
“Huh!”
Professor Son Jinyoung’s eyes widened.
This door had never opened for him, no matter how many times he knocked before.
Even on the first day when he came to greet, or the times afterward, it had always remained tightly shut like a fortress gate.
But Daeho opened it as easily as a lounge door.
He couldn’t help but be surprised.
Daeho led Professor Son inside.
Inside, a middle-aged white man sat behind a large desk.
He had a stubborn-looking face and was completely bald.
This was Rafael, the orthopedic chief.
Rafael smiled brightly and stood up.
“Oh, Richard. How long has it been?”
“I’ve only been in Korea for a short while.”
“True, it’s not that long. But who’s this?”
Rafael seemed unfamiliar with Professor Son.
Daeho immediately sensed the situation.
‘He’s out of the loop.’
Being in this position, he couldn’t not know about visiting exchange doctors.
Yet, he had no idea who this doctor was, which meant he hadn’t cared.
Daeho didn’t overreact. Instead, he introduced Son smoothly.
“This is Dr. Son, here as an exchange doctor from Korea.”
“Oh, really?”
“I greeted him in Korea, but seeing him here again is such a pleasure.”
Daeho added a touch of fake familiarity as seasoning.
For a moment, Professor Son was flustered.
‘What is this doctor trying to do?’
His eyes darted left and right.
He seemed afraid of the consequences if the lie was exposed.
But…
Things went completely differently than he expected.
Rafael’s gaze toward Professor Son changed immediately.
“Welcome, Dr. Son. I heard you were coming, but I was too busy to greet you.”
“Eh? No, it’s fine. You must have been busy.”
“Our reception was lacking. Johns Hopkins doesn’t usually do that.”
“Of course. I know that too.”
Professor Son could only reply dumbfounded.
He didn’t expect the proud chief to welcome him so warmly.
‘What kind of figure is Dr. Richard here?’
No matter how much he thought, he couldn’t understand.
Daeho quietly smiled inside, watching the change in their interaction.
‘This is how a proper introduction works.’
He raised his nose slightly and silently observed their conversation.
But Daeho’s introduction wasn’t over yet.
Next, he said,
“Now, this is the neurosurgery associate chief’s office.”
“Huh? Dr. Choi… How do you know such people?”
“I’ve worked here for a long time. Let’s go in.”
Creak.
Daeho opened the closed door easily again.
There was more to follow.
