The Country Life Diary of a Gangster's Secretary-Chapter 140
The Hospital Farewell
“Somehow, I had a feeling you two were a couple!” the nurse exclaimed with a knowing smile.
“Um... now that I’ve said it out loud, it feels a bit embarrassing,” Hyesung replied, scratching his head sheepishly. The nurse chuckled at his reaction, finding it endearing.
During his stay in the hospital, Hyesung had become friendly with the medical staff, especially the nurse who attended to him regularly. As Lee Hyuk had been hovering over Hyesung, concerned about every little thing, Hyesung decided it was best to clarify their relationship to avoid any misunderstandings.
“If anything was bothering you, I sincerely apologize,” Hyesung offered.
“Oh, not at all! You wouldn’t believe how many troublesome patients we deal with here,” the nurse responded, waving off his concerns like a seasoned professional.
Surprisingly, the hospital stay that Hyesung had initially found frustrating passed by quickly. Seongjin visited every week with various treats, and Park Dohyun, despite being busy with his new job, often stayed over on weekends. Each time Hyesung tried to tell Dohyun not to worry, Dohyun would tear up, leaving Hyesung unable to argue.
Lee Hyuk visited every day after work, and sometimes even during lunch if his schedule allowed. Thanks to these visits, what could have been a boring recovery turned out to be rather lively.
“Today’s the last day I get to chat with you like this, Hyesung,” the nurse said wistfully.
“Yes, thank you for everything,” Hyesung replied.
His hospital stay was ending, thanks to Lee Hyuk’s insistence on proper nutrition and rest. Although his pheromone issues weren’t entirely resolved, they were stable enough to continue treatment as an outpatient, allowing him to be discharged.
After a final, leisurely lunch and a short walk, Hyesung returned to his room, feeling drowsy. Just as he was about to lie down, there was a knock on the door.
“Come in.”
Hyesung wondered who it could be, since Lee Hyuk would have called first. Perhaps it was Seongjin, as it wasn’t the weekend, so it couldn’t be Dohyun.
To his surprise, it was none other than Secretary Yoo.
“Secretary Yoo?” Hyesung tilted his head in confusion, forgetting to greet him properly.
“Sorry for dropping by unannounced. I had some time after an external meeting,” Secretary Yoo explained, handing Hyesung a shopping bag containing a set of herbal teas.
“Oh, thank you. But you didn’t have to—really, it wasn’t anything major,” Hyesung said, accepting the gift with a smile.
As they sat down, Hyesung couldn’t help but wonder why Secretary Yoo had come. After all, they didn’t know each other well enough for a hospital visit to seem likely.
“I wanted to visit at least once... and to thank you,” Secretary Yoo began.
“There’s no need to thank me. I just did what I felt was right,” Hyesung replied modestly.
But Secretary Yoo wasn’t finished. “Actually, I also wanted to discuss something with you.”
Hyesung’s curiosity was piqued. Was it about work? He could certainly offer advice if needed, although he found it hard to imagine Lee Hyuk being difficult to work with.
“I’m getting married in three months.”
“Oh... congratulations!” Hyesung replied, caught off guard.
“I’ve been with my partner for about two years. We met in college. I never really considered marriage, but with this person, I thought it might be worth it,” Secretary Yoo continued.
Hyesung nodded, waiting patiently for the real reason behind the visit.
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“My partner, who works in design, recently got an offer to work abroad. Initially, they were going to decline, but I persuaded them to take it. I thought we could manage the distance. But as time passed, I started feeling uneasy.”
Secretary Yoo’s voice grew softer, revealing his vulnerability. It was clear that despite his calm exterior, the thought of being apart from his partner troubled him deeply.
“For years, they’ve always supported me, no matter what. But I realized, thanks to you, that I’ve never truly reciprocated that support.”
“Me?” Hyesung was surprised.
“Yes. Watching you fight through everything while trusting in Mr. Lee made me realize I want to give that kind of support to the person I love. Though, I must admit, some of your actions were a bit reckless,” Secretary Yoo added with a smile.
Hyesung rubbed his cheek, embarrassed. He had been scolded by many, including Dohyun, for his actions, even though they came from a place of care.
“So... I’ve decided to follow my partner abroad,” Secretary Yoo said.
“I think that’s a great decision. But does that mean...?” Hyesung hesitated.
“Yes, it means I’ll be leaving Taesung,” Secretary Yoo confirmed. He had already discussed it with Lee Hyuk, who supported his decision.
“There’s something else I wanted to ask you. I’d like you to take over as the head of the secretarial team.”
Hyesung was stunned. It took a moment for the offer to sink in, and when it did, his mind went blank. He had left Taesung, not intending to return, and now this unexpected proposal was before him.
“I know it’s a lot to ask, especially since you left for a reason. But there’s no one else who understands Mr. Lee and Taesung as well as you do.”
Hyesung opened his mouth, but no words came out. He couldn’t immediately agree, nor could he refuse.
“I don’t expect an answer right now. I’ll be around until the wedding, so take your time to think about it,” Secretary Yoo said, taking his leave.
Left alone, Hyesung stared up at the white ceiling. Secretary Yoo was indeed a capable secretary. He had worked well with Lee Hyuk in the short time they had been together. Although it would be a shame for Taesung to lose such a valuable team member, Hyesung understood his decision.
The thought of someone else filling that role made Hyesung uneasy. He couldn’t help but feel a strange discomfort at the idea of another person standing beside Lee Hyuk.
Moving In
“Once you’re discharged, you should come stay at my place in Seoul,” Lee Hyuk declared as he helped Hyesung pack.
Startled, Hyesung protested, “I’m going home. I haven’t been back in weeks. The house must be a mess, and the farm...”
“I’ve already had someone clean your place, and the local residents are taking care of the farm. Besides, it’s better for you to be in Seoul for your follow-up treatments.”
“You won’t listen even if I say no, will you?”
“Nope,” Lee Hyuk replied, smiling as he buttoned Hyesung’s shirt. He placed a gentle kiss on Hyesung’s forehead before picking up the luggage.
“Stay close to me for now. It’ll help me feel at ease.”
Though Park Yul and Jung Sejin were in custody, Lee Hyuk wasn’t ready to relax. Those men knew Hyesung was the one behind everything, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that they might seek revenge.
For the time being, he wanted Hyesung in a secure place—his Seoul home.
“Ahjussi, I’ve told you, I’m not a kid,” Hyesung argued.
“Do you really think I’m doing this because I see you as a kid?”
“Then why?”
Lee Hyuk grinned and leaned in, his tongue brushing against Hyesung’s lips.
Startled, Hyesung’s eyes widened, his face flushing with embarrassment at the clear desire in Lee Hyuk’s gaze.
“If you still don’t get it, I can show you more.”
“Not in the hospital!” Hyesung snapped, his face turning even redder.
“Fine. We’ll continue this at home.”
Lee Hyuk was growing bolder with each passing day, but Hyesung couldn’t help but think that his handsomeness made everything forgivable.
“Ahjussi,” Hyesung called softly.
“Yeah?”
Hyesung fidgeted, hesitating to speak. The words in his mind were jumbled, refusing to come out.
“...Never mind.”
“Alright. Let’s go. We still need to finish your discharge paperwork,” Lee Hyuk said.
Without mentioning the offer from Secretary Yoo, Hyesung left the hospital with Lee Hyuk, heading toward their new home together.
