Chapter 249.2

Chapter 249.2

“At first, I was a bit nervous. The director called me separately.”

What the hell is that director doing? What department is he from?

Is that perfume from that director?

“But I received compliments.”

“…Compliments?”

“My blood pressure was a bit high, but they said it’s actually good for agents. They interpreted it as having good stress resistance. They said that in extreme situations, it would help maintain blood flow.”

“….”

“And there was a slight indication of arrhythmia. They positively evaluated it, saying it shows adaptability in crises. Also… they were worried about my high stress levels, but they said it’s suitable for high-intensity missions.”

“….”

“Oh, and strangely, my liver enzymes came back abnormal. Even though you fed me such healthy food.”

Seoryeong looked up with a suspicious expression. Lee Wooshin quickly bumped her head against his shoulder. He tightened his embrace around her.

“But they also said that the high liver enzymes indicated increased metabolic activity in my body. So they expect me to handle prolonged high-intensity activities…”

“….”

“Later, they did another blood test, and it came back normal. Anyway, they didn’t expect me to fit so well into special missions. They said they see me in a new light!”

“….”

‘What the hell… What kind of bastard… Who the hell played with their tongue like that?’

“They said I’d probably survive well too. It suddenly reminded me of the past, and for a moment, I thought I was talking to a fortune teller!”

Seoryeong was radiant, while the man’s face reflected confusion.

The light in the entrance suddenly went out.

That was the sound of Lee Wooshin’s hope extinguishing.

***

“Lee Wooshin, you look worse today than last time.”

Director Lee Han-soo of Han-gru Mental Health Clinic expressed his concern. Lee Wooshin hurriedly chewed and swallowed the prescribed medication while pressing on his temples. He grimaced at the pain that now throbbed even in his molars.

“Have there been any improvements since our last session?”

“If there had been, I wouldn’t be here.”

“It seems you’re having trouble sleeping as well.”

“….”

Lee Wooshin held his breath for a moment, focusing on the sounds outside the door. Today, he noticed that the nurse had changed. The footsteps passing through the hallway were increasingly irritating.

Among the various side effects of his migraine, the most tormenting was his heightened sensitivity. Even now, the scent of that director’s perfume lingered at the tip of his nose…

It was a unique smell that mixed woody and citrus notes. It started with ginger and finished with the earthy scent of coniferous trees.

“I prescribed a sleeping pill; did it have any effect?”

“Not at all.”

“You have a strong tolerance for medication. It was quite a strong one.”

“Yeah, whatever.”

The doctor flipped through the chart with a thoughtful “hmm,” a worried crease forming on his forehead.

“Your blood pressure and stress levels are still high.”

At that moment, Lee Wooshin, who had been sitting listlessly, raised his eyebrows.

“From a medical perspective, those are certainly concerning numbers, but there’s nothing wrong with your health, and your physical responses are surprisingly good.”

“So it should be concerning.”

“Excuse me?”

“Shouldn’t there be something wrong with my body?”

One side of the man’s cheek twitched as if in a spasm. His protesting voice was low and grim. The doctor flinched and began to argue.

“No, there are still no noticeable issues. Ironically, as stress hormones increase, concentration improves. It also enhances cardiopulmonary function, allowing for quicker responses than usual. It’s as if your body has entered a combat-ready state. This interpretation is somewhat in a special context, though…”

“I’m serious.”

“….”

“Well, I did get quite tense when I accidentally put regular detergent in the dishwasher.”

“Y-yeah. It seems you’ve had a hard time managing the household.”

The doctor glanced at the patient, who exuded a strange sense of intimidation, and tried to reassure him.

“Doing household chores alone can build up frustration inside. I fully understand the pressure you’re feeling. However, thinking positively will be much better for your sleep. For example, blood pressure is similar. Generally, it’s harmful to health, but conversely, it can be advantageous in high-altitude or low-oxygen environments—”

“Let’s stop there. I think it’s better if you don’t say any more.”

Lee Wooshin interrupted with a smile. Beneath his crooked smile, his jaw was clenched tightly. At the same time, he could hear Channa’s voice low in one ear.

—Next is the Russian interview, and as you instructed, I’ve brought in the evaluator. He’s a well-known foreign professor who is usually scouted for the National Intelligence Service interviews!

At that moment, the irritation that had risen to his chin subsided a bit.

‘Right… It’s too early to be discouraged. I know Seoryeong better than anyone. I know her better than anyone in the world…’

‘I know exactly what will make her furious and what will turn the interview room upside down.’

‘Then, I just need to prepare questions that Seoryeong absolutely cannot answer.’

Lee Wooshin checked his wristwatch. It was time for her to enter the interview room. His mood calmed once again.

Seoryeong would never abandon me.