The Physician of Traditional Medicine Returns from Murim - Chapter 173

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 173

 

A modest party?

 

I should have realized it meant the same thing as the ‘modest banquet’ the Grand Elder used to talk about back at the Tang Clan.

 

The location was indeed the mansion I had visited before, as Choi Gwi-jae had said.

 

But after renovations, it looked completely different from usual, where only Choi Gwi-jae, Park Seon-yun, and a few servants lived.

 

The garden, which I had thought was quite spacious, was much larger than I remembered—large enough to hold a party with dozens of tables set up.

 

‘It’s just like an outdoor wedding.’

 

Wondering if parties like this were held often, I went inside.

 

“Director, thank you for coming all this way!”

 

Park Seon-yun, who lived in this house, was the first to welcome me.

 

“Hello. There are more people here than I expected.”

 

“Haha, it’s a bit noisy, isn’t it? Even though we minimized the guest list, it turned out like this. I’d like to guide you around personally, but…”

 

“Oh, the party host is naturally busy.”

 

“That’s unfortunate. Grandmother is over there. You can greet her and go to your designated seat, but oh, she’s with Father.”

 

That man is the current chairman of PK Group?

 

“Hey, you rascal! Why did you invite so many useless people!”

 

He didn’t speak loudly, but I could hear him clearly.

 

Chairman Choi Gwi-jae, who was only harsh with his own children, was hitting his son’s back.

 

“I really selected the minimum list and invited them.”

 

Though his son made excuses, Chairman Choi Gwi-jae must have known that his birthday couldn’t be entirely a private party.

 

Unless it was just among close relatives, once you start inviting one or two people, it naturally becomes like this.

 

“Director!”

 

I thought it would be better to greet him later when he was seated, so I was about to ask Park Seon-yun about my designated seat.

 

“It’s been a while.”

 

“That’s right. It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other in person.”

 

Park Seseun, who had been chatting with what appeared to be celebrities, recognized me and waved her hand.

 

Hmm, they really do seem to be celebrities. Just looking at their outfits, and I could glimpse an MC whose face even someone like me who doesn’t watch much TV would recognize.

 

“Come on, let’s greet Grandmother first. Seon Yun, is it okay if I take her?”

 

“Of course. I’d be grateful if you could guide her, sister.”

 

Then she took me directly to Chairman Choi Gwi-jae.

 

Thanks to that? The freed son secretly let out a sigh of relief.

 

And soon he was having dignified conversations with middle-aged men in suits.

 

Only then did he give off the atmosphere of a major corporation chairman.

 

“Happy birthday. Thank you for inviting me.”

 

When I handed over a simple gift and greeted him, Chairman Choi Gwi-jae’s face brightened considerably.

 

“You came well, very well indeed. There are more people than I expected, so it’s a bit complicated, but we’ve prepared lots of good food, so eat well before you go.”

 

“Thank you. I’m looking forward to it.”

 

“I’m the one who’s grateful. You don’t know how good my body feels while taking the medicine, how many times people told me today that my complexion looks radiant.”

 

“It’s because you take good care of yourself, Chairman.”

 

I tried to step back after greeting him like that.

 

But Choi Gwi-jae wouldn’t let me go.

 

“This person here is Director Han Yewon, my personal physician. She takes care of me whenever I’m not feeling well.”

 

“Oh, is that so? Nice to meet you. I’m Kim Jeong-su, an executive managing director at PK Construction.”

 

He took me around here and there, introducing me to several people.

 

Upon being introduced, the man reflexively pulled out his business card.

 

Executive managing director? Was he someone who had known Chairman Choi Gwi-jae since his active days? Kim Jeong-su was subtly nervous, and I could glimpse a radiance behind Choi Gwi-jae.

 

Indeed, now that we’ve become close privately, I had only known her as a grandmother with no friends.

 

But among people of standing, she actually exudes overwhelming dignity.

 

“I’m Jeon Yu-ri, strategic planning team leader at LS Soft…?”

 

Among them, there were people who didn’t hide their puzzlement about why they were being introduced to me.

 

They had rushed over because Honorary Chairman Choi Gwi-jae had called them, but there was no common thread among the people he had gathered.

 

“Director Kim, you were considering hospitalization last time because of your back problems. Go get some treatment.”

 

“Ah, so that’s why you called me. Thank you for thinking of me.”

 

“Team Leader Jeon, you should also visit our director once. You still have severe headaches, don’t you?”

 

“Oh my, thank you for remembering even that.”

 

Ah… they were patients.

 

“I’ll make time to visit soon. Please take good care of me.”

 

“Me too. Director, if there’s anything I can help you with, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

 

Just because they say that, would there be any occasion to get involved with construction companies or IT companies?

 

I don’t even really know what some software company does.

 

“Oh, you know this person, right?”

 

As Chairman Choi Gwi-jae was talking with several people gathered around, those curious about what conversation was taking place here perked up their ears.

 

Choi Gwi-jae called over one of the people who were eavesdropping and introduced me again.

 

‘Who is it?’

 

I quickly turned my head to look, but there wasn’t a single business executive’s face in my memory.

 

I have no idea.

 

“Hehe, I’m the mayor of Busan.”

 

Fortunately, the man introduced himself right away instead of playing a guessing game show.

 

If I had been in Busan during the election period, I would have seen his face at least once, but unfortunately, this was completely our first meeting.

 

He wore a politician’s smile and told me to contact him if there was anything uncomfortable.

 

“Ah, thank you. I’m Hanyewon. Mayor, if you have any ailments, please come anytime.”

 

“I will. I’ll bring my son sometime. I’ve heard a lot about Seongsoo Oriental Medicine Clinic.”

 

“You’ve heard… a lot about us?”

 

“I’m not just saying that – the rumors are widespread even among city hall officials.”

 

Is that really true?

 

I exchanged business cards with the mayor in the confusion, but it was hard to determine the truth.

 

“They’re people worth knowing.”

 

As I was finally freed from the greeting rush with strangers, Park Seseun whispered to me.

 

It wouldn’t hurt to know them, but would there be any benefit?

 

I’m not even sure if they’ll really come for treatment.

 

“And your seat, Director…”

 

Since it wasn’t visible nearby, Park Seseun opened her tablet.

 

“Oh, they assigned you far away? Should I change it to the front?”

 

“No, I prefer the back or side.”

 

“Over there, we could just bring a chair to the table where Seon-yun is.”

 

The table Park Seseun pointed to was right in the center, at the very front.

 

“Since Director Park arrived, the status of our affiliates has completely changed. The significance of this project’s success…”

 

“Next time, we’d like to proceed with work on our side too…”

 

A conversation was in progress that I clearly couldn’t understand at all.

 

I absolutely didn’t want to sit there.

 

“Ah, Director. Would you like to come this way? I suggested we seat you in front, but grandmother recommended an outer seat saying you might feel burdened.”

 

“The chairman really knows what’s what.”

 

Park Seon-yun stopped his conversation and offered to me, but I immediately declined the suggestion.

 

I really liked my assigned seat.

 

It was at the very outside, and the names of Grandmother Heo Sunnam, Seong Myeongin, and Cheonwon-il were written together.

 

Just as it reached the exact time written on the invitation, the three people were taking their seats.

 

‘I should have timed my arrival too! What kind of ordeal is this from coming early for no reason?’

 

I thanked Park Seseun for guiding me and was finally able to sit in my assigned seat.

 

“There are many politicians and celebrities. I’m not sure if I deserve to be invited to a place like this.”

 

Grandmother Heo Sunnam and Cheonwon-il were no different from usual, but Seong Myeongin couldn’t take his eyes off the people.

 

Seeing him actually made my head, which had been dizzy until just now, feel more comfortable.

 

I was just tired of continuously greeting new people, but Seong Myeongin didn’t know what to do with himself just by existing in this space.

 

“You need to get used to it too.”

 

His master scolded him.

 

But for someone whose job is painting in a small room, this kind of place must be torture.

 

“Haha, that’s right. Artist Seong will soon become a world-class painter, so you’ll be invited often.”

 

“Yes… I’ll quickly follow Director, who is already world-class.”

 

Seong Myeongin covered his mouth with his hand as if he was really getting motion sickness.

 

“…?”

 

But what he said was a bit strange.

 

I’d understand if it was a joke from Grandmother Heo Sunnam, but why Seong Myeongin?

 

When I asked what he was talking about because I really didn’t know.

 

“You introduced me to the Italian conglomerate. When he placed an order this time, he said he was preparing to open an oriental medicine clinic in Italy too, right? Come to think of it, thanks to you, Director, I’ve served many VIP customers, but I haven’t properly thanked you.”

 

“What?”

 

“I should arrange a separate occasion sometime…”

 

“No, that’s at least 3 years away. Did Chairman Rich say that much?”

 

“Yes. He ordered it to hang in the clinic later, right? We agreed to take over a year for the work period.”

 

“…”

 

“Please put special care into drawing it. Just like how this connection was made, that painting might become the specialty of the Rome branch. Then I could also benefit from our director and the artists and hold an exhibition in Italy.”

 

No, excuse me? No matter how I think about it, didn’t he just buy it because he wanted to buy a painting?

 

Why prepare interior for a Rome branch already?

 

“Hmm. You never know when or where opportunities will arise, so you must do your best in every work.”

 

Whether I was shocked or not.

 

Cheonwon-il nodded and encouraged his student.

 

Shortly after, the program began.

 

That said, it wasn’t like there were set procedures like at a wedding.

 

It was just simply thanking people for coming to celebrate and talking about his life and the relationships he’d built.

 

I ate delicious food from my corner seat and joined in whenever people applauded.

 

And when Chairman Choi Gwi-jae’s speech ended.

 

“Phew, finally escaped. I don’t know why so many people gathered for something so trivial.”

 

She came to our table.

 

“What am I supposed to do when you called me over and then say that?”

 

Why isn’t anyone pointing this out?

 

Common sense would dictate she should sit at that spacious table over there where Park Seon-yun is, right?

 

Sure enough, people were glancing this way.

 

“I’ve set the table, so they’ll manage on their own now. I feel most comfortable being next to the Clinic Director and Sunnam. I’ll quietly receive birthday wishes here.”

 

Choi Gwi-jae raised her glass without a care.

 

“Oh my.”

 

Despite having hosted countless parties in her lifetime, Choi Gwi-jae didn’t seem comfortable at all.

 

“You’ve worked hard. Happy birthday.”

 

I took her hand and calmed the turbulent energy.

 

At the same time, I cast a very thin energy barrier around our table.

 

“To live to 100, you shouldn’t have to see such things. Please take care of me in the future too.”

 

Gradually, the attention from people around us faded.

 

Even Choi Gwi-jae, who was chatting comfortably with Heo Sunnam, could no longer hear the sounds from outside.

 

Together with a few close friends.

 

It was a party that was modest yet not modest.

 

* * *

 

Even while being introduced, I thought they would be people I’d only see once.

 

“Hello, Clinic Director. We met once at the Chairman’s birthday, didn’t we?”

 

There were actually patients who came to visit.

 

The woman’s name was Jeon Yu-ri. She had quite an impressive appearance.

 

She gave the impression of someone who would be extremely meticulous about others’ work as much as she was good at her own.

 

“Ah, yes. You mentioned having headaches, right?”

 

As if pain struck at the mere mention of headaches, Jeon Yu-ri pressed her right hand to her temple.

 

“Yes. It’s been over 30 years. It started when I was in middle and high school.”

 

“That’s been quite a long time.”

 

“Right? So I don’t have high expectations. But the Chairman praised you so much that I thought I’d give it a try. I’m not hoping for a complete cure, but it would be nice if the pain could be reduced even a little.”

 

She showed the appearance of a chronic patient who had already repeated many cycles of hope and disappointment.

 

“Is it severe right now? Do the headaches continue all day? Or do they come on strongly occasionally?”

 

“There’s always a little bit, and sometimes I get severe migraines with aura symptoms.”

 

Jeon Yu-ri frowned and let out a sigh.

 

Hmm, constantly making such expressions due to headaches had naturally deepened the wrinkles between her brows, giving her that meticulous impression.

 

“With that kind of medical history, you must have tried all sorts of tests and treatments.”

 

“That’s right. I’ve tried all kinds of things… They say there’s a tumor.”

 

Jeon Yu-ri tapped her head lightly.

 

“A brain tumor?”

 

“No. My brain is fine, but they say it’s a trigeminal nerve tumor. After discovering it, I went to a university hospital wondering if I should have surgery, but they said it wasn’t in a good position for surgery, so I couldn’t proceed. That’s probably why regular painkillers don’t work at all, only steroids.”

 

Was this a better situation than a brain tumor?

 

“So are you continuously taking steroids?”

 

“I did when I was working like crazy, but I stopped now because of side effects. As I kept increasing the dose, I started vomiting, having diarrhea, my liver values shot up, and my muscles weakened, so I stopped after consulting with my doctor. Now I just endure the mild pain. When it comes on severely with aura symptoms and I can’t bear it, I go to the emergency room occasionally.”

 

“You’ve suffered a great deal.”

 

Jeon Yu-ri nodded.

 

Tap tap tap.

 

As I was taking notes on what she was saying, I felt something was off.

 

“You’re pressing your temple right now. Is that where the pain comes?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“It doesn’t extend to your forehead or jaw?”

 

“Not to my jaw at all. My forehead… not particularly? When the back of my head throbs and spreads, there’s a little, but it feels different from the temple pain.”

 

“Hmm, based on the current location, it doesn’t seem to be in the trigeminal nerve distribution area. If it were pain caused by a tumor, it would generally match the nerve distribution.”

 

I said this while displaying a trigeminal nerve distribution diagram.

 

I had seen many trigeminal neuralgia patients, but they showed clear pain following the nerve distribution not only in the temple but also in the jaw and forehead.

 

“Ah, that’s right. That’s why some doctors said the tumor probably wasn’t the cause. Either way, the medication didn’t help.”

 

Having tried many treatments, it seemed various diagnoses had been suggested.

 

“In the current situation, I can’t pinpoint just one cause. Based on location, tension headaches and occipital neuralgia overlap, and migraines with aura are a separate issue.”

 

“Yes…”

 

“Have you tried acupuncture treatment?”

 

“Not for long periods. I’m busy with work, and it doesn’t help much. It was okay when I was young, but back then painkillers worked too, so…”

 

She had almost given up on proper treatment both at hospitals and oriental medicine clinics.

 

It seemed she would go once or twice wondering if there might be some effect, then repeatedly stop going.

 

“Some places said it was because of a straight neck, so I tried manual therapy, but it was useless. Others said it was due to stress, but I can’t quit my job anyway…”

 

After recording all her various treatment attempts.

 

“Does it hurt when I press here?”

 

He checked several cervical muscles that trigger occipital neuralgia.

 

“Let me check your pulse as well.”

 

He performed pulse diagnosis and abdominal examination thoroughly.

 

“Since the causes are complex, I can’t guarantee how much improvement you’ll see. However, the parts stemming from posterior cervical muscles, stress, and autonomic nervous system imbalance should improve considerably.”

 

“That alone would be fortunate.

 

“First, please make time to come exactly three times a week for two weeks. There will definitely be improvement.”

 

Three times a week for two weeks.

 

While this wouldn’t be too demanding a schedule for most people, Jeon Yu-ri had a considerably troubled expression.

 

“Understood. I’ll try to adjust my schedule somehow. I should be able to make time until my overseas meetings.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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