A child who looks like me

Young-mi continued her chemotherapy as scheduled. Despite the grueling process of having a catheter inserted directly into her vein to administer strong medication, she managed to endure it well.

The goal was to reduce the leukemia cells in her bone marrow to under 5%, and after the treatment, she received a diagnosis of complete remission. With a favorable prognosis, she was now able to undergo a hematopoietic stem cell transplant without any further worries.

The fact that Ye-na’s umbilical cord blood would be used remained a secret among the family. They refrained from visiting Young-mi, especially since the honest and pure Ye-na might accidentally reveal the truth.

They were also cautious about letting the news of Young-mi’s illness leak outside, knowing it wouldn’t help the situation.

As time dragged on anxiously but slowly in their minds, the world outside the window rushed forward, reaching the peak of autumn. Trees in the city proudly displayed their colorful yellow and red leaves, reminding everyone of the season.

Inside Jung O’s womb, time passed steadily as well. After seeing a video of the baby curled up and flailing its limbs inside her, Ji-heon became even more protective of Jung O.

The members of Team 2 at Max Planning were no different. Like the fate of an advertising agency, they had to prepare for yet another competitive presentation, which made them worry that Jung O might overexert herself.

After the meeting, when Jung O got up first to tidy up, Assistant Manager Go Eun-joo glanced at her and said casually, “Just leave it. I’ll finish what I’m working on.”

“No, I’ll do it.”

“Just go. That’s what eases my mind.”

Though her expression was sullen and her tone dry, her words were filled with affection. Jung O playfully squinted her eyes, stretched her lips into a long smile, and teased.

“Assistant Manager Go? Are you in love with me?”

Eun-joo scoffed, as if she didn’t see the need to respond, and continued her work. Jung O found her reaction even more amusing.

“If this isn’t love, then what is?”

“Oh, how charming you are. Save that for your husband.”

“Assistant Manager Go, I don’t do this with my husband. It’s just for you.”

Winking and showing a finger heart, Jung O made Eun-joo shake her head in annoyance.

Sometimes, Jung O’s playful antics left Eun-joo’s head spinning.

Because of Lee Jung O, my well-constructed heart was being shaken.

Eun-joo felt embarrassed by this change within herself.

At that moment, Ki-hun entered the conference room and joined in on teasing Eun-joo further.

“Come on, Assistant Manager Go, please accept this love from this Assistant Manager!”

“Song Ki-hun, enough already!”

Eun-joo shot a glare at Ki-hun, but he just chuckled.

Before Jung O arrived, Ki-hun had found Eun-joo the most difficult and intimidating person in the team. Her cold demeanor, devoid of warm words or encouragement, made it hard to approach Assistant Manager Go Eun-joo, and he had feared her the most, even as his senior.

But now, thanks to Jung O, he had formed a close camaraderie with Eun-joo.

“I’ll take care of this. Assistant Manager Go, take your time,” Ki-hun offered.

He busily tidied up while Jung O stood up to help him. They left the conference room, leaving only Eun-joo, who was focused on her urgent tasks.

As they closed the door to the conference room, Ki-hun said in a low voice, “Before this Assistant Manager came, Assistant Manager Go seemed so intimidating and difficult, but now it feels really comfortable.”

Eun-joo had changed. Jung O nodded in agreement.

After taking a few steps, they heard a clattering noise from somewhere. It was in the hallway where the director’s office was clearly visible.

Ki-hun quickly took a half step away from Jung O to maintain a safe distance. This was a reflex honed by the watchful eye of Director Ji-heon, who would glare at Ki-hun whenever he engaged in friendly conversation with Jung O.

Once Again, Ji-heon Appeared

“Director, hello.”

As expected, Ji-heon appeared without fail. Ki-hun, who had already moved a half-step away from Jung O, stiffened up and greeted him nervously.

“Assistant Manager, I’ll quickly go and return the equipment.”

As if anticipating that Ji-heon might say something harsh, Ki-hun immediately excused himself. Before Jung O could stop him, he hurried away.

Ji-heon naturally took the seat beside Jung O and walked alongside her. Jung O lowered her eyelids and looked at Ji-heon with indifference before asking a question.

“Are you really not going to work?”

“I’m working right now.”

“There’s a lot more work at the headquarters or at Saerun Foods. Dad has called you several times; are you really going to stay here?”

A few weeks ago, Jae-gwang had expressed his worries to Jung O, saying that Ji-heon never listened to his father. He wanted to see his son working properly at the group headquarters or at Saerun Foods before retiring, believing that Ji-heon would do well if he worked seriously. It was frustrating that he rarely showed up.

Jung O respected Ji-heon’s desire to maintain a work-life balance. However, she thought it was essential for him to avoid becoming complacent or a manager stuck in a rut, relying solely on his wealth.

In response to Jung O’s sharp question, Ji-heon replied lazily.

“I like Max Planning.”

“Do you really like Max Planning?”

“Really, I do.”

“Then what if I change jobs?”

“Why would you change jobs? You’re my wife; you should be at Saerun Group, not going anywhere else.”

“That doesn’t make sense. I need to go where I can develop my skills.”

Ji-heon raised his eyebrows at Jung O’s heartless declaration.

“What will you do if I quit my job? Hmm? Jeong Ji-heon?”

“…I’ll have to go, too.”

“What?”

“I’ll follow you.”

“You said you liked Max Planning.”

“I meant I like advertising companies.”

“Then what if I say I’m going to transfer to Saerun Foods?”

“Then I’ll start to like Saerun Foods.”

I’ll follow you forever.

His true feelings were transparently revealed.

What a clingy person.

Dumbfounded by Ji-heon’s answer, Jung O stopped in her tracks and pointed her finger at him.

“Don’t think about following me; do something you can do independently. Make your own achievements, okay?”

After fiercely pointing at him, Jung O turned around, stiffening her shoulders and distancing herself from Ji-heon. Left behind, Ji-heon felt a bit disappointed.

It’s not always necessary for a person’s motivation to be solely about the work itself. It doesn’t have to be about achieving personal glory. Do I really have to create my own achievements without you? Without you, I might not even be a complete person.

The things he couldn’t say to Jung O lingered in Ji-heon’s mind throughout the day.

“Dad!”

The child approached Ji-heon, who was sulking at home. Seeing the child’s bright face eased his expression for a moment.

Ye-na plopped down on her dad’s lap, asking, “Dad, do you know what day Sunday is?”

“What day is it?”

“It’s Dad’s birthday!”

Ahhh. Ji-heon’s mouth dropped open as he mentally counted the days. With all of Jung O’s schedules and the company’s tasks filling his head, he almost forgot about his own birthday.

He hadn’t celebrated his birthday in years. It had passed with just a congratulatory phone call from his mother and a small gift from Seung-kyu.

“Dad, is there a present you want from Ye-na?”

“Well, how about Ye-na’s kiss?”

“Not that!”

Ye-na shook her head. Somehow, it seemed like she had a present prepared already. However, it was hard to guess what the hidden gift could be, given her determined expression.

After wearing a triumphant smile for a while, Ye-na spoke again.

“Dad, you love Ye-na the most, right?”

“Of course. Without a doubt.”

“Then for your birthday, I’ll play with you!”

“How will you play with me?”

“I’ll take you camping together. That’ll work, right?”

Gulp.

As expected, the child had something she wanted. Ji-heon desperately held back the laughter that was about to escape his lips.

“Dad, won’t you be super happy?”

“Yeah, I’ll be super happy.”

“I knew it!”

Feeling proud of herself for coming up with such a fantastic gift, Ye-na beamed with joy.

“Thank you, my daughter.”

“Don’t mention it. But Dad, we need to hurry up and prepare for camping.”

“What do we need to prepare for camping?”

“I don’t know. Ask Uncle Dobin.”

After finishing her words, Ye-na got down from Ji-heon’s lap and went to her room.

Ji-heon smiled again and picked up his phone. It seemed daunting to prepare for camping since he had never been before, but he felt reassured that his daughter had already provided a solution.

“Hey, why?”

When he called Seung-kyu, he heard his friend’s tired voice along with Do-yoon’s cries in the background. It sounded like he was in the middle of parenting.

Ji-heon quickly stated his purpose.

“I’m planning to go camping this Saturday. What do I need to prepare?”

“Did you reserve the campsite?”

“No.”

“Then you can’t go. If it’s this Saturday, the campsites are probably all booked.”

“Already?”

“You should have made the reservation at least a month ago. This is the perfect season; what’s left?”

Ji-heon felt a cloud of despair wash over him. He had been imagining setting up a palace-like tent at the campsite and grilling meat with Ye-na, and now he felt hopeless.

Seeing Ji-heon’s state, Seung-kyu offered a clever solution.

“Why not go to Jin-seo’s parents’ place? The air is good there, and the yard is really spacious, perfect for setting up a tent and playing. We do that often.”

“No, but Ye-na is looking forward to it.”

“There are mountains, fields, and the sea. It’s better than any campsite. You can practice there and then prepare properly for next time.”

“……”

“Hey, camping requires preparation. Don’t take it lightly. There’s a lot to prepare and learn, especially for a dad taking kids with him! You can’t be clumsy at the campsite; you have to be a source of pride for the kids.”

Seung-kyu, with three years of camping experience, earnestly explained why Ji-heon should go to Jin-seo’s parents’ place.

“…Okay, then can I lean on you a bit?”

“Lean? It’s nothing. Everyone will be happy.”

“Alright, let’s go together. Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it, we’re friends. I’m busy, so I’ll go now.”

Just before Seung-kyu pressed the call end button, it sounded like he said something to Do-bin beside him. Ji-heon could hear Do-bin’s excited voice shouting, “Wow!” The ringing of the phone made Ji-heon feel like he had fallen into a trap set by Seung-kyu.

.*. *. *. *. *. *.

As time passed, Saturday morning arrived at the hospital ward.

After receiving a hematopoietic stem cell transplant and starting post-treatment, Young-mi was attached to various IV drips. The doctor encouraged her, saying the donor’s stem cells were matching well with the patient.

“You should be able to be discharged in a few days.”

Jae-gwang said as he opened the curtains in the hospital room. Just a few days ago, she had felt nauseous at the sight of sunlight, but now her condition had improved significantly.

Looking at his wife, who could now smile at the sunlight, Jae-gwang asked her, “How do you feel today?”

“Not bad.”

“Will you be able to meet the kids?”

“I have to. Tomorrow is Ji-heon’s birthday.”

Even while lying down, Young-mi was keeping track of the dates accurately. Tomorrow was her son’s birthday—a day she could never forget.

“The donor came through so that our son can celebrate his birthday without any trouble.”

“Will you be able to see the donor? It would be nice to give them a gift.”

“That’s possible. It’s someone I know.”

Seeing Young-mi show interest, Jae-gwang quickly replied. It was time to tell the truth.

“…Who is it?”

Young-mi’s voice trembled as she asked.

There had been moments when she thought it was impossible that the donor had appeared so quickly. Was the donor really their son? There had been times when she had coldly turned her back, saying she wouldn’t see her mother again, but was it really the case? As she waited for Jae-gwang’s answer, tears welled up in her throat.

“It’s Ye-na. Your granddaughter, Ye-na.”

However, Jae-gwang’s answer was unexpected. It wasn’t Ji-heon.

Young-mi blinked, wondering if she had misheard. Her blinking eyes quickly became moist.

“You survived because of your granddaughter.”