"Before we end today's meeting, I just want to congratulate everyone with their daily reports," Mr. Kim said, closing the projector and his laptop. The lights were turned back on as he continued, "Mr. Nam is impressed by everyone's quick reaction. And he also hopes that your amazing performances will last for a long time. Remember, if we work together, our company will last longer and will grow better. And that is beneficial for us. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Mr. Kim," we all replied.
Once again, Mr. Kim led our after-work meeting. Our outputs were collected and he also explained Mr. Nam's possible plans for expanding several businesses under our name. Mr. Kim also confirmed that if it happened, we would be busier than before. But it would also be a good thing for some of us because Mr. Nam might choose new supervisors from our floor.
It was a grand plan. I also sensed that most of my office mates were elated with the possible promotion because of it. And I could already sense that everybody would be on their best performances because of the said plans.
I wouldn't deny, even I was motivated to be on my best behaviour because of that. I mean, who wouldn't be encouraged to work harder if you could be given that kind of chance? I certainly wouldn't let that opportunity slip through my fingers.
Mr. Kim continued, "But that's all for today, everybody. Good job with your outputs. I hope to see that for the long run. I'll see you all tomorrow." He then grabbed his laptop and brown envelope before leaving the room.
Soyoung walked over to me and we walked out of the conference room together.
"Can you believe that?" Soyoung asked, whispering closely to my ear. She continued, "Can you imagine Mr. Nam, giving that big of an opportunity to one of us? That's a big risk for him and a heavy task for someone."
I chuckled, gently tapping her hand that held onto my arm. "Whoever gets the job will be the luckiest employee from this company. However, that's also a lot of responsibility to take. That person needs to be ready for that," I said. We parted when I reached my table.
Soyoung went to her desk and quickly returned to mine. She leaned onto my table and said, "You know what? I think Mr. Nam may just choose you for the job."
My brows furrowed as I looked at her. Putting some of my things in my bag, I asked, "Why would you think that? There's a lot of us here. He can choose anyone."
"But I really think there's a big possibility that he'll choose you. He trusts you with bigger responsibilities at work. He'll surely trust you with a higher position in managerial duties," she explained.
"Soyoung, I'm a newly-hired employee. Mr. Nam knows all too well that hiring a newbie will be detrimental for his business," I replied. I continued, "In my opinion, he can choose you because of how hard you worked. Or," I moved closer to her ear and whispered, "If Minju is desperate enough, she'll use her connections to get that position."
She scoffed, moving away from me. She remarked, "If desperation has an embodiment of a person, it's exactly her."
"Lower your voice down," I giggled as I playfully hit her arm. I then continued, "Anyways, I'm starving. Want to get something to eat before we go?"
"Sure! The cafeteria made the best sushi today. I want more!" she giggled, excited.
But before we could walk any further, Mr. Kim suddenly spoke from behind us. "Miss Ryuk?" Soyoung and I immediately turned around. Mr. Kim peaked out from Mr. Nam's office and continued, "Mr. Nam wants to speak with you."
"Oh, but, Mr. Kim–"
Without warning, Soyoung pushed me towards Mr. Kim.
I turned around and she had a wide grin plastered across her face.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Miss Ryuk. Were you guys with Miss Ya?" Mr. Kim asked.
"Actually, we were–"
Soyoung interrupted immediately by saying, "Not at all, Mr. Kim. She's completely free."
I returned to her, brows furrowed and eyes wide open.
Mr. Kim asked, hesitant, "Um, are you sure? You can wait for her, Miss Ya. It'll only be for a little while."
I returned to Soyoung and immediately said, "Yeah, wait for me. This will only take a minute."
Soyoung nodded with a teasing smile.
I squinted at her before I headed to Mr. Kim.
Mr. Kim then stepped aside, allowing me to enter the room properly.
—*---*---*---
"You wanted to see me, Mr. Nam?" I asked as soon as I stepped into the room.
Mr. Nam looked up from his tablet as the door closed behind me. "Miss Ryuk," his face immediately glowed as he smiled.
My heart skipped a beat when I saw his warm smile. I wouldn't deny that. What an interesting change from being the serious businessman that he was.
"Please, have a seat," he continued, pointing at the chair across him. "Let me just finish this real-quick."
I nodded, slowly making my way to the said chair. And as I carefully sat down, I couldn't help but steal glances of him. Mr. Nam has such a calm and warm aura right now. His black business coat laid on top of the backrest of his chair. And his white sleeves were pulled up to his elbow, showing off his black smart watch.
He was in his casual look and he still looked fancy.
'Are we really going to stare at him again?' My conscience suddenly scolded me. My eyes widened as I was caught off-guard by my own thoughts. 'If he catches us again, what will be our explanation this time? What will you say this time?'
"Are you alright, Miss Ryuk?"
I blinked quickly as I turned to Mr. Nam, eyes wide open. "Pardon, sir?"
Closing his tablet, Mr. Nam turned to me and continued, "You seem to be deep in your thoughts. Is there something wrong?"
Immediately, I shook my head.
"Are you sure?" he asked, unconvinced.
"Nothing's wrong, sir. I promise," I smiled.
He stared at me for a moment before asking another question, "Are you still bothered about your mother? Hyeongu told me everything that happened."
I lowered my gaze, putting my hands in between my things. I was still embarrassed by how Mama acted a while ago. I didn't know how to look at Mr. Nam after the trouble I caused. Someone from my life made quite a scandal in the lobby.
Disastrous! Just disastrous!
"Miss Ryuk, you have to tell me what's going on in your head. I'm not a psychic," Mr. Nam's playful tone took me out of my thoughts. Shocked, I looked at him and he was staring right at me. He then chuckled before continuing, "Tell me what's running through that head of yours."
I looked at him for quite a bit before turning completely to his direction. Bowing my head, I started, "Since Hyeongu already told you about it, I want to sincerely apologize for what my mother did. I'm very sorry for the scandal that she caused. It wasn't my intention."
I continued, "I swear, Mr. Nam, I wanted to bring her to our company cafe. But once I arrived to meet her, she just started ranting without end. I didn't know what to do anymore. I'm truly sorry."
"Miss Ryuk," he put his hand out, stopping me from talking. "Calm down, I haven't said anything about it yet. Take deep breaths for a moment."
For a few seconds, I froze, shocked by his response. But as he continued to look at me, I took deep breaths to calm myself down. My heart slowed down and I relaxed onto my chair.
"Is that better?" Mr. Nam asked gently.
I nodded. "I'm sorry for rambling, sir."
He shook his head and he replied, "There's no need to apologize, Miss Ryuk. You were only expressing your thoughts and I appreciate your honesty. But you have to stop apologizing for things that aren't your fault. Stop taking the blame for something you didn't do. Okay?"
I nodded.
"Anyways, Hyeongu had told me everything. And I just want to assure you that you handled everything well. You don't have to feel bad about anything, okay?" he explained.
I nodded. "Yes, sir."
He proceeded, "Now, I called you here because I wanted to brief you about our business trip this weekend. This won't take a long time. I know you have somewhere to go with Miss Ya."
My eyes widened as I heard his reply.
He chuckled. "Now, I just want to tell you that we'll be leaving in the morning. Haru will be picking you up and he'll drive you straight to the airport. I will meet you at Jeju Island right after," he explained.