So how did Ho-myung Group and Choi Na-kyung move?
Unexpected… or should I say, it was to be expected? It seems these folks have already contacted Yujin Group before me.
Did they really think it was impossible to directly shake me up? Well, by now, they probably have no chance left. The gaslighting isn’t working, and I’ve never been flustered even with the former chairwoman of Ho-myung Group right in front of me.
Just how easy were they on Sara before?
I mean, even if they had money, if they didn’t spend it, it wouldn’t show, right? Theoretically, they might know they have a lot of money, but if the person holding that money isn’t willing to spend it, it’s pretty much like being broke. In that sense, I can’t say Choi Na-kyung was completely wrong about her method. Had things gone as they were, she might not have gotten Sara, but she could have at least made some money.
Of course, since Choi Na-kyung’s main goal was Sara herself, the situation, which could be seen as reasonable in common sense, turned into a complete mess for Choi Na-kyung.
“So…”
Ye In-hyuk, who was sitting across from me, spoke. My somewhat older “uncle” had a clearly worried look on his face.
“It seems you’re experiencing mental illness, huh?”
“Yes. It’s true that there’s another personality existing because of the suggestion.”
But it wasn’t a disease. There’s just another person layered within my body. If you really want to get technical, the real owner is Sara, and I’m just kind of borrowing her body.
“I see.”
Ye In-hyuk rubbed his face with his hand.
“So this makes things complicated, doesn’t it?”
“Well, it probably does.”
“Uncle” looked at me with a slightly tired expression.
“Are you suggesting something akin to diminished capacity?”
“Who knows?”
He frowned a bit, looking somewhat ambiguous.
“I’m not sure I have proper knowledge about this. Isn’t diminished capacity used to refer to people who can’t think normally? At least from my perspective, you don’t seem like that at all.”
Indeed, both Sara and I were capable of rational thinking. After entering this body, the situation was clearly one that could be seen as diminished capacity, but now, if pushed to answer, all I could think of was ‘no.’
…But the recovery has been absurdly fast, like something out of a fantasy. It only took less than six months to go from a diminished capacity state to normal.
Everything is the power of love!
“Ahem.”
Sara suddenly made an embarrassment-inducing comment, causing me to cough involuntarily. Fortunately, “Uncle” didn’t seem to care too much about my reaction.
“When they brought that topic up, I thought it was just a made-up story…”
He probably not only thought it was made-up but also hoped it wasn’t. Rumors about the mental state of the heir to inherit a company weren’t particularly good.
But they couldn’t strip me of my position as heir. Sara’s father left behind far too much.
“By any chance, are you thinking of seeking treatment?”
“Uncle” asked cautiously.
Honestly, it didn’t do much for me to hear this coming from someone who couldn’t even properly prevent what was happening to Sara—who “didn’t” do anything about it. It felt more credible coming from Ha Neul, Sua, or Sohee, who had been with me for less than six months and hadn’t blood-related ties.
“Yes, I do think of getting treatment.”
But I said that to him like it was true.
It wasn’t because I completely trusted him.
It was just part of my plan to shake Choi Na-kyung off completely.
“In fact, I have a hospital in mind.”
“A hospital you have in mind?”
“Uncle” slightly furrowed his brows again.
“I have a regional hospital I’m thinking about. Since summer break is coming soon, I plan to focus on treatment there during that time.”
“There’s also a psychiatry department at the university hospital sponsored by Yujin Group. Dissociative Identity Disorder is a rare disease. How about getting help from doctors with much more specialized experience?”
“If I want to spread rumors that I have a mental illness, going to that hospital wouldn’t be bad.”
The vibe that the word ‘psychiatry’ gives off is still pretty negative. In modern society, the dangers of mental illnesses like depression are widely known, and the image of individuals seeking consultation at a psychiatry department is slowly improving, but the image of ‘psychiatry = mental hospital’ still exists. There are a lot of serious mental illness cases too.
If I were to attend the university hospital’s psychiatry department, there would be plenty of people who would notice.
Moreover, for my plan to go into action, a strict place like a university hospital wouldn’t do. A more loosely controlled hospital would be better.
“…”
“Uncle” stared at me intently before he sighed and nodded.
“Alright, if you have a place in mind, I can’t stop you.”
Then he stretched his body and leaned back into the sofa as he spoke.
“You’re quite stubborn, just like your father. I see a bit of the heir in you.”
No, you’ve completely missed the mark.
I had to hold back the urge to stick my tongue out.
*
The end-of-semester ceremony.
With the dreadful final exams over, the thrill of freedom washed over us, knowing we wouldn’t have to come to school starting tomorrow. The kids buzzed with excitement as they left school.
Some talked about going to a villa overseas for summer break, while others mentioned some famous coastal resort in South America. It was no surprise that most students were talking about wealthy families and overseas travel.
Especially for first-years, there’s no real need to study hard. With job and university still distant, it’s perfect material for pure play. Even my group of friends, who didn’t mention overseas travel, looked bright, seemingly planning domestic trips.
Thinking about exchanging greetings, I headed to the library and found the kids gathered. Honestly, they frequently gathered in the student council room, but the library was brighter and more spacious, making conversations easier. Although this place wasn’t originally intended for that, well, whatever. Most kids using this spot were from my group anyway.
“Senior, you’ll be a third-year next year.”
“Right….”
Library Committee Chair Ryu Ba-da responded, gazing off into the distance.
I can’t really say I’ve become that chummy with this person. We hardly met, unless it was during student council meetings. But still, it was oddly comforting when they were nearby. Contrary to their gloomy first impression, they were someone who accepted any conversation.
“Maybe this summer break will be the last time we enjoy it properly.”
Ryu Ba-da said.
“Since we’ll have to study hard during winter break.”
“I’m sure you’ll do just fine.”
Hmm, honestly, I don’t know that well about Ryu Ba-da to say this… but they’re a scholarship student, so they should be able to handle it.
“If in the future you find yourself without a job, feel free to come to me. I’ll have at least one spot for someone.”
“…Is that alright?”
That was originally the intent behind forming this group. I’m not particularly keen on becoming super close right now, but I wanted to ensure there are people who’ll clearly have my back over time.
That’s how friendships formed in middle and high school, right?
“I have a lot of money, you know.”
I said it half-jokingly and half-seriously.
*
“For sure, your stamina has improved a lot since the beginning. You need to keep exercising during summer break too.”
Nam Da-un said to me, as I lay sprawled out on the ground after a sprint.
At first, I couldn’t understand why we were running, but now, my thoughts have changed a bit.
When running like a madman, it’s really exhausting. I can barely breathe, my legs and shoulders ache, sweat pours down, and my whole body tenses up.
But even though it’s so painful while running, that moment of relief when I finally reach my destination and the air rushes into my lungs is refreshing beyond compare. My tensed-up body relaxes, making me feel like I don’t want to do anything, but at the same time, I feel the achievement of having made it.
It’s similar to the sensation of gulping down a cold drink after being scorchingly hot.
Of course, I’m not saying I suddenly love running; I just kind of understand why people do it.
“Sorry, but I don’t think I’ll be able to keep that promise.”
“Huh? Is something going on?”
As I remained flat on my back, I responded, and Nam Da-un asked back.
“I’ve got stuff to do during break. I probably won’t be able to run.”
“Just take a little time to run.”
“That’s the problem— it doesn’t look like I’ll be able to.”
Nam Da-un furrowed his brows, seemingly not getting it, but I just smiled widely.
Then I turned my head and looked over at Areum sprawled beside me.
“Areum, are you going to work out hard during break?”
“Ugh.”
However, Areum, who followed us saying she wanted to be with us until the very last minute before break, ended up getting swept into it and nearly collapsed after running heavily.
It’s lucky that Areum, who had been studying all day, managed to survive this running spree.
“Phew.”
I exhaled and thought.
During the second semester, I really hope I can spend these ordinary days without any worries.
