While Yeo Ri's room was quiet, the situation outside was far from it.
Once news of Yeo Ri's awakening was spread, many reporters came to the hospital in hopes of getting an interview with the girl.
Fortunately, the hospital's security had tightened and none of the reporters managed to slip in.
To begin with, none of the reporters actually knew what Yeo Ri truly looked like or which room she was staying in. The video footage of her that was aired on the news were not clear enough and her messy hair had luckily covered most of her face. Honestly, it was a miracle that Min Chae had been able to recognise Yeo Ri so easily.
That being said, the reason why the security was so tight was thanks to Heo Woo Seung.
After he caught wind of the case, he immediately ordered his men to conceal Yeo Ri's identity. He knew just how tough it was to be under the scrutinisation of the media and public, so he hoped that his actions could lighten up her load. It was the least he could do as her father after all that he had done and said.
Thanks to him, Yeo Ri's privacy was tightly locked down and kept hidden.
Heo Woo Seung watched the hustle and bustle from afar, his hands behind his back. His lips curled into a sneer as he silently jeered at those vulture-like reporters. They wouldn't even let go of a pitiful young girl who had just went through hell and back.
"Tell the staff to get her ready for transfer. This place isn't safe enough," he says to his assistant without taking his eyes off of the reporters.
"Yes, sir." The assistant bowed, then left to execute his orders.
Despite coming to the hospital to check up on his daughter, Heo Woo Seung did not actually go see her in person. He felt that his presence might burden her, especially since they had such a rocky parting the last time they spoke to each other face-to-face. He doubted that she wanted to see him, sick or not. Instead, he went to meet the doctor who was in charge of Yeo Ri's case, Dr. Jin.
Dr. Jin was a female doctor that had been working at the hospital for almost 20 years. She had been assigned as Yeo Ri's doctor mainly because she was a female; Heo Woo Seung, as well as the hospital, did not want to take any chances of getting any adverse reactions from her towards males, considering her situation.
"How is she?" He asked.
Dr. Jin sighed and shook her head. "She's recovering, but..."
"But?"
"The situation is bad, as we thought." Dr. Jin straightened her back before continuing, "She had some internal bleeding that might lead to infection, but we're keeping watch. What's bad is that she might have difficulties having children in the future. Honestly, she could have died back then."
Heo Woo Seung sighed. He looked as if he had aged again. His only daughter was hurt, yet he could not do anything to ease her suffering.
"On top of that, she has severe trauma that might develop into PTSD. An appointment with Dr. Hong has been scheduled, but judging from her situation, it's obvious. There might also be other side effects from the rape, but for now, we're still observing."
Heo Woo Seung took a moment to recollect himself, taking a deep breath before asking, "Did you go see her?"
"Yes, just now. She was numb; mostly unresponsive. But it seems like the painkillers haven't worn off yet so she's a bit out of it," she reported, thinking back to earlier. She wanted to think positively and hope that Yeo Ri's behaviour was not psychological, but rather due to some other external stimuli.
"I see..." Heo Woo Seung nodded. "I've scheduled a transfer for her to a more private medical centre. I've troubled you, Dr. Jin."
"No, it was my pleasure to be of help. It was great to see you again after so long as well, Dr. Heo." Dr. Jin smiled at her ex-colleague.
Before Heo Woo Seung could get up and leave, Dr. Jin stopped him. "Ah, but I'm curious; why are you going so far to help her?"
Heo Woo Seung paused.
Then, he smiled. "She's Jin Goo's friend. He cares a lot about her, so I'm just helping out as an extension. Besides, she is also one of the promising youths of our town. As an elder, I should help her, right?" He smoothly lied.
Dr. Jin did not suspect anything from his explanation. She knew that the man was somewhat charitable, so she accepted it easily. She smirked knowingly, "That sounds like a load of bull. Don't lie to me, Dr. Heo~" She laughed, teasing him, "It's for publicity, isn't it?"
Heo Woo Seung's face changed. He chuckled helplessly, "Sure, sure, you've caught me." Her words had caught him off-guard. He had thought that she had found something, but it was just his paranoia.
"Have a good day, Mr. Politician," Dr. Jin waved him off, a nostalgic smile on her face.