It was after they had moved far enough away that the tomb could no longer be seen.
Suddenly, from the direction of the tomb, came the sound of Namgung Hyeoncheol venting his grievances to Elder Jo.
"Grandfather, if you do this, I'll really be in a difficult position."
"Those punks are fine."
"I'm saying this because they don't look fine."
"They know everything about us inside and out, so they won't bat an eye even if I say it like this. Let's pay our respects first."
After those words, nothing more was heard.
The three people listening let out baffled smiles.
"Should we be happy that we're trusted?"
"I don't know whether to laugh or cry."
"He chews us out to our faces and praises us behind our backs... Just pick one."
Complaints that weren't quite complaints came flowing out.
Still, it felt good to know that he thought of them so comfortably.
Hearing that the reason he had told them about the past was because he wanted to be closer made them see it differently.
There was always only one thing that people like them could do in return.
"Then we can't just let this go again."
"Though I never planned on letting it go from the start."
"When our youngest elder gets treated, I'll stick right next to him. Please order plenty of injections."
All three promised some very serious payback.
True to that promise, they began treatment immediately upon coming down from the mountain.
Quite a few medicines sent by the NGO remained in the hospital.
They were all simple emergency medicines.
But depending on who used them, their scope of application changed completely.
Even cold medicine, being an over-the-counter drug, contained both fever-reducing and pain-relieving effects.
They incorporated those aspects into their prescriptions.
And they also made use of separately stored injections and IV fluids.
They examined the patients more meticulously and thoroughly than ever before.
They had to live long.
Everyone had to live long and healthy to greet a better tomorrow.
That sentiment was projected directly into their treatment.
After treatment began, Namgung Hyeoncheol naturally joined in.
It seemed he too was overflowing with ambition when it came to medicine.
Taesu and the medical staff alike did not guard against or push away Namgung Hyeoncheol.
Rather, they welcomed him.
There was no reason to oppose a Korean medicine doctor taking up residence in the village.
They even handed over the charts they had written, completing the transfer.
Two days later.
They were able to finish all treatments.
Taesu and the medical staff prepared to leave. There were still unresolved matters, so they couldn't stay long.
It was when they were taking a last look around the hospital.
Namgung Hyeoncheol entered with an awkward expression.
"It's not like a rolling stone is displacing a sunken stone."
"Instead, stay firmly embedded in place. That way, there's satisfaction in rolling back to kick you out."
Taesu and Namgung Hyeoncheol smiled at each other, muttering back and forth gently.
They were a pair who growled at each other several times a day.
Perhaps because of that, Jeong Minsu, Kim Hyeokgwon, and Bread Kim paid little attention.
"At least kids grow up fighting."
"Their growth plates closed ages ago, so why are they still like that?"
"It's a mental age issue."
"Oh. I think Bread hit the nail on the head."
Nod, nod.
They tilted their heads together in agreement.
And one more thing.
They were entrusting the hospital to him because they had faith in Namgung Hyeoncheol's Korean medicine.
That standard was absolute for everyone.
A short while later.
Taesu and the medical staff stood at the village entrance.
Vroom.
Raku's truck had started its engine and was preparing to depart.
The medical staff were exchanging greetings with the villagers who had come to see them off.
Among them were familiar faces.
"Changgyu. When did you come down?"
"Just a little while ago. If only I'd come a day earlier... I have so much to say."
"Write it down and tell me later. But did you catch anything?"
"I'm too busy chasing after them."
"Learn diligently."
Pat, pat.
Taesu gently patted I Changgyu's back.
Having recovered, and having perhaps returned to bodily balance, he seemed to have grown a handspan in just a few months.
And lean muscle had attached itself to his body.
Taesu, who felt it with his own hand, smiled broadly.
Just then, I Changgyu's mother, Han Juyeong, squeezed through the crowd and came out.
In her hand was a small basket.
"These are snacks. Please eat them as you go."
"No, we... Ugh!"
Just as Taesu was about to refuse, a dump truck rammed him from the side.
Jeong Minsu, who had pushed Taesu away with his whole body like that, accepted the basket with a bright face.
"You shouldn't have... We'll make sure to eat every last bite."
"It's nothing. Thank you for coming to see us again like this."
"Not at all. Dr. Choe said you must continue training your body and mind without rest until next winter."
"Yes. I think I'll be able to go outside then."
Han Juyeong nodded with an awkward smile.
Jeong Minsu spoke to her in a deliberately composed manner.
"Don't overdo it. Forcing yourself will make you sick. If you set small goals one by one and follow through, everything will get better."
"Hearing those words gives me strength."
"I'm a living witness. Look at how I whittled away my own flesh."
When Jeong Minsu showed himself, Han Juyeong openly offered words of praise.
"You've become so handsome."
"I do hear that quite a lot. Hmphahaha!"
Jeong Minsu laughed heartily, leaning back to the point of bending at the waist.
At the same time.
Taesu was watching with a dumbfounded expression.
Gang Songhui approached the Taesu.
"Doctor."
"Everyone's all pretty again now."
Taesu spoke first, deliberately nervous.
Gang Songhui smiled so brightly that the scars on her tear-blurred face stood out.
"Yes. Doctor Taesu is the best."
"Surely you don't have anything else to say?"
"Why, am I not allowed to say this?"
Gang Songhui asked with an innocent face.
It was a truly cute sight.
Taesu thought he shouldn't let his guard down, but his tension quietly melted away.
"It's not that. I was wondering if you had a favor to ask."
"Nothing like that. I'm not worried anymore."
"Why?"
"Because we have Dr. Namgung. Take care, and if you're busy, come back slowly."
At those words, Taesu's expression crumpled slightly.
"Why do I feel like I'm being pushed aside?"
"That's not it. I heard from Dr. Jeong. That you're people doing very busy and important work."
"Well, that's true."
"So you can come later. Goodbye."
A bow.
Gang Songhui even bent in a deep bow.
Seeing her actions despite saying otherwise, it was clear Taesu had been pushed out.
Taesu was truly hurt.
"She's just sending me off. That's too much."
"That's not it. The number one doctor in my heart is Doctor Taesu."
"R-really?"
"It's true. I'll stay healthy until you come again. Promise."
Gang Songhui confidently held out her pinky finger.
Taesu, who had already broken into a wide smile at the praise, hooked his finger with hers.
"Yes, promise. If you ever get sick, make sure to tell Dr. Namgung and get treated."
"Yes. I will."
"You should have done that from the start."
Taesu's shoulders were rising as if they would pierce the sky.
'Hehe. I'm number one.'
Those words made Taesu so happy.
He couldn't understand why the sight of Gang Songhui scampering away to yield her place looked so pretty.
Just then, Kim Hyeokgwon approached Taesu and spoke quietly.
"She's an easy person to read."
"Who? Ah, Songhui. She's cute."
"...How can you be less perceptive than Dr. Jeong at a time like this?"
A shake of the head.
Kim Hyeokgwon shook his head and turned away.
Still, Taesu had no idea why he was acting that way.
"What's the problem?"
"Dr. Choe, do you remember what you said to Songhui just now?"
In the end, Bread Kim gave a hint.
Taesu mulled it over with a bewildered expression, then froze.
"Yes. If you're sick, tell Hyeoncheol... Ah!"
"Well, he's the only doctor."
"That's not it. This isn't right..."
Taesu was confused alone.
At this point, one had to wonder whether Gang Songhui was sly or Taesu was dense.
Just then, Jeong Minsu drove the nail in with a passing remark.
"From now on, if we want to ask Taesu for an unreasonable favor, we'll have to send a child first."
"It has to be a girl. He's especially weak against that side."
"Mr. Hyeokgwon, thank you for the helpful advice. Taesu isn't weak to women; he's weak to little girls."
Scribble, scribble.
Jeong Minsu even wrote it down in a notebook, as if to not forget.
Taesu had nothing to say even at the sight of his absurd colleagues.
Meanwhile, CEO Gu Seungheon approached.
"Are you really leaving?"
"We have to take care of our own work too."
"Ah, you're right. Oh my."
The regret of being unable to repay the help they had received was felt deeply.
Taesu noticed and spoke first.
"I'm curious what the toritina grown here tastes like."
"I will definitely, definitely let you taste it."
"You said you have a lot of work until then."
"You were happy that the village got a truck. Dr. Jo also seems to have high expectations."
It was just as CEO Gu Seungheon said.
Because this was the first time the village had transportation, there seemed to be many things being planned.
Besides that, there was news heard through the grapevine.
"They say the factory manager has become an herb gatherer."
"Yes. He says there is food everywhere and has gotten excited all by himself."
"They say the foreman is installing heated floors in every house."
"He says he'll build a sauna first. Everyone is looking forward to it."
CEO Gu Seungheon smiled broadly.
But there was more good news.
"They say Mr. Sangdu is welcome at the forge."
"He's always been a friend with good dexterity."
"Wouldn't it be strange to leave out your news, CEO?"
When Taesu asked slyly, CEO Gu Seungheon answered with an awkward face.
"As for me... They say iron ore has been found in unusually large quantities, so I'm thinking of conducting a vein survey."
"If it's discovered, it'll be a jackpot."
"That's what I studied, so my eyes go that way."
"Your wives must be busy. You have to teach Korean cuisine and do reclamation too."
"Since we have Himan and other experienced people, it will go smoothly."
CEO Gu Seungheon smiled softly.
The fact that each had found work meant that they were blending into the village smoothly.
Taesu's smile was much deeper.
It was because the village could now develop greatly once more.
He was already looking forward to what the village would look like when he returned.
Taesu, in the midst of that, froze.
He now remembered that one plan had gone awry.
"Um, about the wives' trip to Korea..."
"They each called their children. The children comforted them. They told them to wait a little, and that they'd be the first to run over when they became adults—such grown-up things to say."
"Is that so?"
"Honestly, it's a shame. We'll have to pack away that longing tightly and let it all out on the day we meet again."
CEO Gu Seungheon spoke casually.
But his eyes were full of regret and longing.
It was clear he was trying hard to hide his bitter feelings.
Taesu didn't ask anymore.
It was consideration for CEO Gu Seungheon, who was forcing a smile.
After saying their goodbyes, everyone got on the truck.
"Have a safe trip!"
"Yes. We'll be back!"
Because it was a short meeting, the back-and-forth greetings were full of regret.
Still, the time had come, so they had to move.
Wave, wave.
They waved their hands widely until the village was out of sight, soothing their regret.
It was after they had come down the mountain path to some extent.
The expressions of everyone seated in the truck bed slowly grew cold.