Bamboo Forest Manager - Chapter 332



In the Beginning

“Onhyang?”

Suddenly, the gathering of the bamboo grove crew was set for this evening.

It was somewhat bewildering, as it was the first time they would meet in person, but Kim Woo-jin’s demeanor was anything but ordinary.

For now, Min Ju-hee and Yoo Ah-rin were on their way together after meeting separately.

“I’ve never heard of Onhyang before.”

Min Ju-hee had never heard of the promised place, Onhyang, either.

Even as a third-year student, she knew most restaurants near the university.

“Of course.”

But it wasn’t strange that Min Ju-hee didn’t know.

“It’s an omakase place.”

The restaurant was priced at a level that felt somewhat excessive for a college student.

Especially since Min Ju-hee tended to avoid even glancing at omakase options.

“Omakase? Isn’t that super expensive?”

“Right. I’ve only had it once, maybe.”

“Wow, looks like Woo-jin is trying to take care of us since he’s been struggling.”

Though not easily noticeable, the two were diligently cleaning up the bamboo grove.

Filthy memes, excessive spam, religious solicitations, product advertisements, and so on.

Knowing that the Gahyeondae bamboo grove was quite active for a college community, it was clear that many used it.

If left unattended, the bamboo grove would have soon become a board cluttered with pointless posts.

—

In a certain sense, Kim Woo-jin, who had managed alone for so long, felt remarkably significant.

“I’m a bit scared, you know.”

Yet, Yoo Ah-rin did not see the omakase as a positive sign.

“He’s from a wealthy family, but he doesn’t take money. Did you know he lives off the money he’s saved up?”

“Really?”

“He doesn’t even take an allowance. You could say he’s half self-made, and now he’s buying omakase.”

“……”

“Honestly, I’m more afraid of what that guy Kim Woo-jin might do today than the omakase itself.”

“Sounds about right.”

Min Joo-hee began to feel more worried than excited about the omakase.

But there was no way to avoid it.

After all, the two of them had entered the omakase room.

“Are you here?”

There, Kim Woo-jin was already waiting. A brief silence fell, as if he had been in conversation with the chef.

“Yeah, what’s up?”

From noble mtl dot com

“You don’t look so good, Woo-jin.”

“Haha, you two just eat today. I don’t have anything special planned for you.”

For the two of them.

Though it seemed to carry quite a significant meaning, seeing Kim Woo-jin’s twisted expression suggested that something was amiss.

Yoo Ah-rin and Min Joo-hee decided to ignore it and enjoy the omakase.

After all, hadn’t they said they just needed to eat?

A few minutes later.

“Um, um.”

The door opened, and in walked the principal.

Yoo Ah-rin and Min Joo-hee stood up, bowing deeply in greeting.

They had only seen him from afar; this was their first time seeing him up close.

Kim Woo-jin directly offered his seat to the principal, placing him beside himself.

Then, the dishes began to arrive slowly.

“Wow, this is delicious.”

“Right? I’ve never had anything like this before.”

The sight of the two women chattering away, enjoying their omakase, brought a sense of warmth, yet—

Kim Woo-jin had no energy to spare for such trivialities.

“Director.”

“Yes, here I am.”

The chef poured the sake that Kim Woo-jin had prepared in advance.

As the glass filled, a cold sweat trickled down his back.

“Ahem, Woo-jin? Can you tell me why you called me here at this point?”

“Let’s have a drink first.”

After lightly clinking their glasses, Kim Woo-jin immediately poured out his thoughts.

The alcohol was quite potent, but he grimaced not a single time as he swallowed it down.

“Director, how is life as the president of the university treating you?”

“Uh, um?”

“Are you enjoying it?”

“Oh, well… since you’ve been looking out for me, and being the administrator has helped block out some of the school’s criticisms…”

“That’s a relief. I’m having a terrible time.”

“…”

A chilling silence enveloped them.

Usually, during omakase, the chef would explain each dish as it was served, but now, perhaps sensing the gravity of the moment, he silently presented the sushi.

“This course typically lasts about an hour and a half to two hours.”

“…”

“Let’s take a moment to reflect on the situation we’re in… and what you, Director, can do. I believe this is a very fitting time for such contemplation.”

* * *

The next morning.

“Professor Jeong.”

Professor Jeong Myung-chan, suddenly summoned to the president’s office, was left wondering what this was all about.

The director valued the autonomy of the professors, usually keeping interference to a minimum.

Thus, the abruptness of his summons and the unexpectedly grim atmosphere within the office raised questions in his mind.

Professor Jeong Myung-chan had no inkling as to why he was summoned.

“You don’t know why I called you, do you?”

A smile lingered at the corners of the Chancellor’s lips.

Yet, seeing that smile did not ease Professor Jeong’s mind; he was not so foolish as to feel reassured.

In fact, the very sight of that grin sent a chill through him, tightening his body in response.

“If, if I have made any mistakes, please let me know… I-I will correct them immediately.”

“What mistakes could you possibly have made, Professor Jeong?”

The Chancellor sipped his tea, letting the silence stretch, his eyes growing cold.

“Your mistakes, I believe, were made with the students.”

“Pardon?”

“Professor Jeong, are you aware of the Bamboo Grove?”

“Ah, yes! I know of it!”

“Do you know that there are scathing remarks about you circulating there?”

“W-What?!”

Naturally, the professor had paid no mind to the student community.

Why would he find interest in the idle chatter of students?

“I happen to know the administrators of the Bamboo Grove personally, and I’ve asked them to delete any excessively harsh comments… but still, it is the students’ opinions.”

“Ah, no. That’s—”

“The semester has just begun, and you’ve assigned a group project?”

“Yes, um…”

“Moreover, the weight of the project in the overall grade is minimal?”

“W-Well, since it’s the start of a new semester, I hoped the students would reinforce their basic knowledge of the subjects they are taking and learn from one another—”

“Do you know what the students have been saying since last semester, Professor Jeong?”

The Chancellor’s fingers drummed on the table.

Professor Jeong stood there, frozen, beads of sweat forming as he racked his brain.

But no answer came.

He had never been one to concern himself with such matters.

“They say there are too many group projects. Today’s college students are utterly averse to them. It’s not like it was in our time.”

“Y-Yes…”

“There’s even a meme circulating that group projects only serve to stress students out. Have you seen it on YouTube? The villain of group projects, they call it! Do you have any idea how much they’re saying?!”

The head of the department, having scoured the bamboo grove with a relentless gaze, spoke with unwavering resolve.

“Did I not make it clear at the end of last semester? Professors must exercise caution when assigning tests and projects. It is crucial that students do not feel an overwhelming fatigue.”

“Y-yes, that is true.”

“Do you know why the school is often criticized? It is precisely because of this! Assigning burdensome tasks while the actual grades are mere scraps.”

“…….”

“Isn’t it absurd? Students risking their lives for a few points. Do you not think the reward is paltry compared to their efforts?”

“Y-yes, hearing you speak, I realize I may have erred.”

“When you assign group projects, professors know it’s an easy way out. Who says not to assign them? They must be done. If necessary, they should be given. Harmony, integration, teamwork—these are essential anywhere.”

“Y-yes, indeed.”

“Students must be allowed to clash and break, yet still be motivated to strive. If they toil and receive low scores, they will abandon their efforts.”

“Y-yes, that is correct.”

“Ah, it’s infuriating that such basics are still lost on you! This is why Professor Jeong’s evaluations remain perpetually low!”

“…….”

“I will keep watch. Provide students with rewards that match their efforts and achievements. That is the consideration we can offer.”

“Ah, understood.”

“Now, leave.”

With a deep bow, Professor Jeong exited, head lowered.

Thud.

The door closed, and the head of the department took a deep sip of his drink, feeling a wave of relief wash over him.

‘Ah, refreshing.’

Though he had been slapped by Kim Woo-jin and had just vented on Professor Jeong, he too needed an outlet for his frustrations.

* * *

Humanities Writing.

A thunderous announcement struck the students enrolled in the course.

– Teaching Assistant: There have been some external discussions regarding the recent group project.

– Teaching Assistant: It seems the professor has deemed the consideration for students somewhat lacking.

– Teaching Assistant: The preparation period will be extended by two weeks, and the weight of the group project in the overall grading will be increased.

– Teaching Assistant: While internal content is important, the professor emphasized the significance of cooperation and unity among team members.

– Teaching Assistant: Please do not feel too burdened and prepare well.

“…….”

I paused for a moment, staring at the message on my phone.

It held many meanings, yet.

The most crucial point was that, in any case, if the team worked well together, I would grant them points.

One could interpret it that way.

So, essentially, free points.

At first glance, it seemed everyone could partake in this bounty.

But, of course, there are always fools who can’t even grasp the concept of free handouts.

‘Having come this far, if I just walk away with empty bravado, then I’m done for.’

What could one do with grades they had willingly tossed aside?

Their life is theirs to navigate.

Yet.

– Bang Da-ye: Hello, team leader.

– Bang Da-ye: Team leader?

– Bang Da-ye: Please respond.

– Bang Da-ye: Did you speak with the professor about Group F?

Not many can afford to throw away their tuition after paying every last cent.

Da-ye’s messages had been coming in since morning.

I only replied as evening settled in.

– Kim Woo-jin: Da-ye, you’re surprisingly quick to reach out? I thought it would take a day with the time difference.

– Bang Da-ye: If you mentioned our group fell apart, you know we’re doomed for this team project, right?

– Kim Woo-jin: I did mention it, didn’t I? I’ve decided to go solo.

– Bang Da-ye: What? Then what are we supposed to do? You’re also aiming for points, aren’t you?

– Kim Woo-jin: ??? You don’t know who I am?

Let me reiterate.

No one willingly gives up the exorbitant tuition paid with their parents’ money or student loans.

– Kim Woo-jin: I’m the youngest in the universe, you know.

Except for someone like me, who has a mountain of money at home.

– Bang Da-ye: …….

– Kim Woo-jin: I’m fine with messing up this semester and retaking it.

– Kim Woo-jin: You know, right? This time, aside from our group, everyone else is sailing smoothly.

So, it doesn’t make sense to suddenly raise the weight of group projects like this.

Rather, they probably think it’s a relief from their perspective.

The weight of working with such good team members has increased.

I’ve taken all the trash away!

– Kim Woo-jin: We’re the only ones getting wrecked. Compared to others, we’re just going in with our assignments in shambles.

So, of course, our grades will be wrecked.

– Kim Woo-jin: Please excuse me. I’ve already made my schedule and report, and I told the professor I’d stick to that, so why should I work with you guys?

– Bang Da-ye: If I can’t pass this course this semester, I’ll have to take it again next year. I’m in my third year, and I need to prepare for employment; having one or two more classes is really fatal.

– Kim Woo-jin: So what?

– Bang Da-ye: If I mess this up, I won’t even get my degree.

– Kim Woo-jin: Then maybe you should do better.

– Bang Da-ye: It was because of other subjects. I’m really sorry.

– Bang Da-ye: I’ve actually been setting up a new chat room since this morning when the announcement went up, you know? The team members over there are gathering and doing what the team leader asked, so I’ll invite you all there for now.

[Humanities Group F Team Project.]

– Heo Jeong-ah: Hello.

– Kim Woo-jin: ? You said you wouldn’t do it.

– Heo Jeong-ah: We need to distinguish between personal and public matters.

– Hwang In-woo: I will do my best.

– Shin Se-rim: Let’s go, Group F! I saw that the other groups are working really hard.

– Kim Woo-jin: Se-rim, you said you’re busy, right? You’re with some agency.

– Shin Se-rim: I’m a college student, so I have to prioritize assignments.

– Kim Woo-jin: Right. I know someone who’s with YS and is filming movies, but they still manage to get their assignments done.

– Shin Se-rim: Hehe;

– Lim Dong-kyu: Team leader, I’ve made a separate PPT. As you mentioned, I’ve removed all the character images.

– Hwang In-woo: I’ve been researching materials since this morning and have already finished and sent them.

– Bang Da-ye: I’m still working on mine.

– Heo Jeong-ah: Right now, Dong-kyu and Se-rim are talking together. We’re organizing the PPT and script to match!

“Ah, this is nice. It feels good to have things structured like this.”

But what to do?

Damn it, if it ends this easily, where’s the fun in that?

– Kim Woo-jin: But what should we do?

– Kim Woo-jin: I’ve already drafted the overall outline and submitted the report to the professor.

– Kim Woo-jin: I got permission to show that and leave the group.

– Kim Woo-jin: This way, the topic for Group F will clash with the report.

– Heo Jeong-ah: Can’t you just tell the professor?

– Hwang In-woo: No, the group leader set the topic based on this, so we went with it.

– Kim Woo-jin: I thought you all would stick with that, so I chose something new.

– Kim Woo-jin: So if you want to work with me again…

– Kim Woo-jin: You all have to start from scratch.

– Heo Jeong-ah: But we’ve been working on this all day!

– Hwang In-woo: Is this for real?

– Bang Da-ye: …From the beginning?

– Kim Woo-jin: Yes.

– Kim Woo-jin: All of it.

– Kim Woo-jin: From the start.