Side Story 25 – The Third Day – Chairman of Shin-Eung Middle School

The entrance of Shin-Eung Middle School was adorned with multiple banners.

「Trace of great wisdom and salvation

Seoul Shin-Eung Middle School」

「Welcome to the sacred hall of learning – Shin-Eung Middle School」

「We will never forget the time until November 1st, 2018 – Faculty and Staff」

「We will never forget the time until November 1st, 2018 – Alumni Association」

They had been put up under the direction of the chairman. However, the side walls were plastered with illegally attached posters. They ranged in size, from as small as business cards to as large as banners. It seemed the result of numerous citizens visiting the school overnight.

It was not just the walls. Any space that could accommodate posters was occupied, including mailboxes, wooden pillars, and etc… Some spots had new posters layered over old ones. The ground was littered with papers, reminiscent of fallen leaves on a late autumn mountain trail.

「2018 will be remembered as the most sacred year since the dawn of humanity. I am eternally grateful for our great, holy, and sole Lord for protecting our family’s life ― November 3rd, 2018 Seonbuk-dong Park Joo-Won」

「God has come to us. I love you. ― Nicolas, United States of America」

「Hello, I am Kim Saet-byeol from Cheong-Myeong Elementary School. I am in Class One of grade two. Thank you very much. I pray every day so I can study well.」

People were there from dawn. They were not only the school employees but also alumni and other civilians, who had volunteered to pick up trash from the ground. They could have quickly swept them up with brooms, but these were messages to Him and could not be treated like garbage.

Students on their way to school were excited. As they constantly chattered while passing the main entrance, men in suits were gathered on one side. There was an old lady in the center. Students could see her only during important events, and the staff had to be extra careful in front of her.

She was the Chairman of Shin-Eung Middle School, Cho Chun-Lye.

“You must be truly delighted to be in such holy glory, ma’am. It is a great blessing for our country, as well as for you and Shin-Eung Middle School.”

Cho Chun-Lye just kept bowing without saying a word. Government officials were visiting nonstop, and her already bent back seemed to curve even more in just a few hours.

However, considering that one of the two schools He graduated from was hers, nothing seemed burdensome. Especially since middle school was often a period of both physical growth and establishment of values, His middle school years would undoubtedly be more vivid than elementary years in discussing His footsteps.

Cho Chun-Lye took a chance and barely made her way out. Ahn Joo-Yong, the president of the alumni association and a reputable businessman, awaited her. He guided her to a place out of the public’s view, inside his car.

Tak.

Cho Chun-Lye said as soon as she closed the car door, “What happened? Nobody knows. They haven’t said a word. Didn’t the talk go well? Wait…ummm… How can this be…”

“Don’t worry.”

“I don’t know anything about it. The CEO did everything without me realizing it. It really has nothing to do with me, right?”

“Even if you say so, the matter is already in progress. I have heard the cargo has left this country.”

Ahn Joo-Yong wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead.

Silence settled for a brief moment, and Cho Chun-Lye started trembling.

If I don’t clarify things now, I will regret it later.

Cho Chun-Lye said as she thought of an excuse to leave, “I have been tense all night. I need to use the washroom now.”

Just as she was about to leave, Ahn Joo-Yong’s tense voice stopped her.

“You just need to trust me. Those guys might not know the details yet, but I have already discussed things with the minister and director. They are doing their best. Please just wait for three hours. Exactly three hours.”

Cho Chun-Lye never imagined the selling of floorboards and nameplates from three classrooms would escalate to this. Even before she realized He had graduated from her school, Ahn Joo-Yong contacted her first. Then, she lost her mind after he told her the price of selling objects related to Him.

She should have reported it to the authorities when she first grasped the situation. She was now involved in selling a part of the school’s property, the very place where He once stayed. It was now considered a relic.

“Are you going to rain on the parade? Even if I take responsibility, no harm will come to you.”

“You said three hours, right?”

“Yes.”

“Whatever. I don’t know anything about this, okay?”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

***

The words of Alumni President Ahn Joo-Yong might have been true. He might have been dealing with high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Education and the educational board. Everything could be resolved within three hours.

If he was going to run away abroad, he would have done it already. He would not have been pleading in person like this. Then, the promised amount… Cho Chun-Lye could have embarked on a college project with a sum in the billions.

Her legs wobbled as she stepped out. She felt as if Ahn Joo-Yong’s eyes were on her through the tinted car window. Then, she realized the depth of the gamble he had gotten her into. She noticed that after seeing high-ranking officials’ cars coming in, and she couldn’t take her eyes off them.

I must have had dementia or something. What on earth have I done…?

She did not know how long it had been. Suddenly, everything before her eyes turned white, and she felt herself collapsing. Then, a large hand suddenly came into her view and supported her shoulder.

The man who hid his eyes under the brim of his hat asked, “Are you okay?”

“There is nothing good about dying right now. That is not what He would have wanted. I wonder why these people are gathering like this without knowing much.”

Seong-Il added as he helped Cho Chun-Lye, “How are you? Where are your kids?”

There were black sedans and men in suits on one side, and people seemed to be setting up tents on the other side.

“If it weren’t me, you would have almost met the grim reaper. If it is hard, shall I take you to the hospital? Did your kids not come with you? …Can you not hear me?”

“Ah… I am fine.”

“Nah, try walking a bit first.”

“No, I am okay… Thanks, Mister.”

Cho Chun-Lye started walking. She had to be careful not to lose her consciousness again with every step. Then, a thought suddenly flashed across her mind. She hastily looked back, and her view was filled with the broad back of the man walking slowly toward the main gate. At the same time, his last words echoed in her mind.

“Nah, try walking a bit first.”

Cho Chun-Lye seemed possessed, following him with slow steps. The reason she could catch up with him was because the security guard at the main gate had stopped him.

“Visitors, especially outsiders, are not allowed. Why are you acting like this?”

“Just for a bit, okay? I will be there for just a few seconds and leave.”

“There are thousands of people who said the same thing.”

“Hmmm. Trust me. It won’t even take a minute. Then, should I come back after school when the kids are not around?”

“Do you think that will work? Please help me. I am so exhausted.”

Seong-Il scratched his nose with the brim of his hat. He wanted to see the historic site where He and Mary noona first met, but it appeared everyone had the same thought.

However, revealing his identity would greatly disturb the students’ class. He had no choice but to turn around, and an elderly lady was approaching him with tears streaming down her face. She was one of those who had come chasing after His footsteps. Among them, she was a granny who looked ill and had been out in the dew since dawn.

“Dang, I understand your feelings, but He truly wouldn’t want this. Think about it. You should prioritize your health. How would He feel seeing you cry like this?”

Seong-Il approached Cho Chun-Lye, looking around. However, he could not find anyone who looked like her son or daughter.

“You are so stubborn. Let me help you.”

It was then. Cho Chun-Lye, who seemed on the brink of collapsing, suddenly rushed to Seong-Il. She hugged him tightly and buried her face in his chest.

“Yes, yes, Granny. You must have missed the warmth, right? Those assholes. Nothing can be worse than your kids not taking care of you.”

Seong-Il patted her shoulder. Then, she said while crying, “Please save me. Please…please save me.”

A fleeting smile appeared and faded away on Seong-Il’s lips from beneath the brim of his hat.

“You are sharper than you look. Yes, I am Seong-Il, the Caliber. But you better keep it quiet. The kids are starting their classes now. Shhh.”

“I… I am the chairman of this school. My name is Chun-Lye, Cho Chun-Lye.”

“So what? Don’t ask for any favors. You must have lots of money. What are you lacking? Are you sick? Or are you weak-minded as death approaches? Let me tell you. I have no power. If you are doing this out of devotion to Him, please don’t. He absolutely would not want that.”

“This old idiot Cho Chun-Lye…sold…sold the relic. Please forgive me.”

Cho Chun-Lye continued to sob.

***

The news began to cover it as breaking news.

“Article 28 of the Private School Act states that when a school corporation sells its property, it must obtain permission from the jurisdiction. In other words, the school He graduated from cannot dispose of the school property solely based on the chairman or principal’s decision. This is not just a matter of domestic law. It is a relic containing His footsteps.”

Seong-Il’s anger had not subsided yet. The school was known merely as a place with his footsteps to the public, but in reality, it held memories of Him and Mary noona. Even during the toughest times, Mary noona smiled whenever she mentioned those days back in the school.

Even if you are obsessed with money, how could you think of selling that? Fucking bastards.

“The related figures will not be able to avoid the international community’s criticism, and even our government’s life will be determined by the World Awakened Association due to this matter.”

“So, it is crucial to resolve the issue as soon as possible. How is the other one going? Any new updates?”

“After the chairman’s dismissal, our government requested a seizure at Birmingham International Airport. However, there are intricate legal issues.”

“Why is that?”

“When the school corporation wants to sell its property, they need permission by law. The provision regarding their assets…”

“Hold on a moment, please. His father has entered the press conference room.”

「 [Breaking News] His father Na Jeon-Il… Live broadcast」

「“Let me start by saying this. My son might be feeling uncomfortable with what the media is calling the ‘Sacred Relic Scandal.’ The discomfort arises from the fact that a few plywood pieces on the classroom floor, where he once studied mathematics, are now being called sacred relics.