Top Management Chapter 188-189

Chapter 191: A Way that Suited Me (3)

TL: emptycube / ED: Isleidir

"Manager?"

The Team 2 Leader wheezed heavily. His face was still in disbelief.

"Why is this guy your manager?!"

"I need to call him that at least temporarily. He's the one who set up this meeting."

Son Chaeyoung replied as she walked over to me. The Team 2 Leader s.n.a.t.c.hed her arm.

"Meeting? What meeting?!"

"Director s...o...b..unghwe's new project."

"You…!"

The Team 2 Leader's faced reddened even more. I felt like I might get burnt if I touched him.

I spectated whilst thinking these leisurely thoughts.

"You said you weren't going to do a project! You said you had no intention of doing another project even if someone clung to you and begged!"

"I changed my mind."

"What?"

"I'm saying I was persuaded."

Son Chaeyoung brushed the Team 2 Leader's hand off her and tapped my arm.

"He does a good job."

Then she smiled brightly. While her smile seemed to be at the epitome of innocence, but to me, it looked like her smile could ruin an entire country. However, regardless of what I thought inwardly, I made a similar smile.

Since we decided to use each other, I needed to dance to her tune.

It was easy to smile because there was something to smile at.

The Team 2 Leader's entire body trembled. If me being with Seo Jijoon was stabbing him in the back, me being with Son Chaeyoung was hacking the back of his neck with an ax. His wooden neck was chopped off as it crashed to the ground.

Then Son Chaeyoung continued to slowly saw at him.

"If there's someone who does a good job, then that's who I'll work with. Isn't that right, team leader?"

Son Chaeyoung said casually before turning around.

"I'm going in first. If there's any unsettled business, handle it amongst yourselves."

"Chaeyoung!"

"Someone might hear you, team leader."

She grew distant without looking back. Chief Lee Bongjoon stuck to the wall to make way. Chief Jo, a nervous wreck, chased after her and tried to talk to her, but he didn't last more than a few steps. The Team 2 Leader returned to his senses once Son Chaeyoung's footsteps could no longer be heard.

His unbridled anger poured down at me.

"And you still-!"

"What did I do wrong?"

I asked, tilting my head.

"Wasn't I a.s.signed to persuade Ms. Son Chaeyoung? I remember you saying good luck to me. Hmm, it seems to be going well."

On the surface.

"Or is it because of Mr. Jijoon?"

"… Did you drag Jijoon to this meeting?"

"I didn't drag him here. I asked him. Mr. Jijoon came because he owed me a favor."

To be honest, I didn't really need to ask Seo Jijoon. But I still decided to call him. It wasn't for the AA Studio employees, who were jumping up and down, or because I wanted to show off my friends.h.i.+p with Seo Jijoon.

It was only because I wanted to see the Team 2 Leader make that face.

"Ah, you did say you found it unpleasant when I loitered around Mr. Jijoon."

I felt so wronged by being falsely accused of backstabbing that I felt I would only feel less wronged by doing this. I was expectant of what kind of face the Team 2 Leader would make when he heard I was in a meeting with Son Chaeyoung and Seo Jijoon.

I thought that I would feel refreshed like drinking a cool soda.

"But."

I was wrong. It felt much better."

"Thinking about it, I was wondering why I needed to concern myself with all that."

"What?"

"So I don't plan to."

I added in an almost whispering voice before smiling.

The Team 2 Leader glared angrily at me. My flesh tingled like it was being burnt. His gaze was more vicious than ever. To be honest, his gaze was pleasant. It was dangerous, but it gave me a thrilling feeling.

Something similar to people who do extreme sports feel when standing on the edge of a cliff.

"Are you saying that while sober?"

"I'm sober. Rather, it looks like you've had a drink."

"You b.a.s.t.a.r.d, you're completely audacious. Just because you were able to persuade Chaeyoung's fickle mind, you think you can look down on me?"

The Team 2 Leader's face gave off a chill.

"Do you think you can handle the aftermath?"

It sounded like a threat that he would do everything in his power to screw me over from today onwards.

Of course, I was prepared to do everything I could to screw him over as well.

I smiled brightly as I asked back,

"How about you, team leader?"

"Then goodbye."

"Yes, team leader. Please take care of us."

The AA Studio CEO held my hand and bowed multiple times. Since the CEO was acting like this, his employees' heads bowed like a wave. My waist became sore from the amount of bowing I did.

"I will discuss it with Ms. Son Chaeyoung and contact you as fast as possible."

I turned around after sending them off when the CEO grabbed my arm again.

"Team leader! Team Leader Jung. Uh, team leader."

He kept calling me by the position I hadn't yet gotten used to.

"Yes?"

"Mr. Seo Jijoon, I guess it'll be difficult to sign him too?"

He looked like he was on the verge of asking me that question throughout the meeting. It seemed his desire overpowered his hesitation. Well, the CEO wasn't the only one. The writer and director looked at Seo Jijoon and Son Chaeyoung like they were seeing a masterpiece, and the UBS general manager's smile hung up to his ears.

"I'm not managing Mr. Jijoon, but I'll ask him."

"He's an actor who came to a meeting the day you asked, who could I ask if not you? As long as it can happen, we will try to agree to the signing fee and all conditions the actor may have if possible. Please. Please talk about the project in a positive light."

I barely managed to send off the CEO, who tried to go for another two rounds. I had thought I had gotten used to dealing with persistent people from all the love calls Lee Songha receives, but this wasn't being persistent, it was begging.

After sending the AA Studio employees off, I went back inside the restaurant. It was noisy at the front. Seo Jijoon was signing autographs for the restaurant employees. They probably saw a lot of celebrities because they were located in front of a broadcast company, but they glanced at his face and body as their faces flushed, regardless of what s.e.x they were.

As soon as I walked over, Chief Lee Bongjoon grabbed my arm.

"Hey, are you all right?"

"About what?"

"About what? Hey, I knew you would clash with the team leader one day or another, but I never thought it would be a head-on collision like this. Do your guts get an upgrade when you become a team leader? You didn't even press the brakes when you collided."

Chief Lee Bongjoon said, astonished.

"The team leader will be a pain if you get on his bad side. Your life might get messed up if you're not careful."

"I had already gotten on his bad side long ago. This is better than just testing him."

Seo Jijoon even took pictures with the employees before coming over. When they broke out in sighs behind him, he waved at them. The employees couldn't approach and simply watched while stamping their feet from a distance.

"Scary b.a.s.t.a.r.d. How can you give fan service at a time like this?"

"Hyung, fan service is like speed dial. It just comes on as soon as I press it."

Seo Jijoon put his arm around Chief Lee Bongjoon's shoulder.

"Where do I poke for it to come on? Let me have some service too."

Chief Lee Bongjoon poked Seo Jijoon's side and arm. Seo Jijoon laughed. He had kept a smile on when he suddenly met the Team 2 Leader before too.

"Thank you for coming out today. It was a sudden request."

"I told you I'd pay it off with my body. You can use me whenever you need me."

Seo Jijoon said while his eyes curved into a smile.

"I was wondering when you would let me repay you."

I stared at Seo Jijoon. I wiped my lips twice before asking,

"Should we go have another drink? We can talk too."

Seo Jijoon readily nodded his head. He headed over with Chief Lee Bongjoon while scratching his stomach.

The now near empty private room was quiet. Son Chaeyoung sat alone at the empty table while reading the proposal. She looked over as though she had been waiting for the door to open yet frowned as soon as she saw Seo Jijoon.

A strange mood hung in the room. I entered and closed the door behind me.

A chief ran up the stairs like he was fleeing from something.

"Is a ghost chasing you from below?"

"No, Son Chaeyoung."

The chiefs who were on their way down turned around. To the Team 2 employees, who had suffered thanks to her, Son Chaeyoung wasn't a ghost but a disaster. One where an emergency alert had to be raised when she appeared.

"Why is she here?"

"Did she come to see the team leader? Since the CEO has already arrived, she might be here to see him."

"Do you think she came to see them? Probably came to stir up a storm."

A few Team 2 chiefs and road managers gathered at the fourth-floor lounge like they were seeking refuge. If they loitered around Son Chaeyoung, they would become perfect targets for Son Chaeyoung. Whether that her flipping out at them unexpectedly or being unfortunate enough to be a.s.signed to manage her.

"What is it? Did something happen in Team 2?"

The Team 3 Leader yawned as he walked out of his office. He was with Kim Hyunjo and Lee Kwanwoo.

One of the refugees replied,

"No, we just heard that Son Chaeyoung was downstairs."

"And here I thought something happened. How can you not manage a single actor that you have to hide in a group? Is she the plague?"

The Team 3 Leader chuckled as he inserted coins in the vending machine. His chuckles rubbed the Team 2 chiefs the wrong way. Once the Team 3 Leader bought coffee and went back to his office, the Team 2 chiefs expressed their dissatisfaction at Kim Hyunjo and Lee Kwanwoo, who remained.

"It seems the Team 3 Leader has forgotten because there hadn't been any progress but isn't Jung Sunwoo the one who should be managing Son Chaeyoung?"

The chief with the most experience ridiculed,

"I wonder what he's doing?"

Jealousy, envy, and dislike flashed in his eyes.

With him as the start, the others began to join in.

"Isn't he just counting the days after giving up? He can't give a favorable impression if he quits immediately after telling the CEO he could do it."

"Screw that. Rather than a favorable impression, I heard he annoyed Son Chaeyoung even more."

"There are many outside our company who think that Jung Sunwoo is Son Chaeyoung's new chief."

"I think Lee Janghyun is setting up her schedule. Jung Sunwoo's just taking all the credit."

Someone mumbled that they wished Son Chaeyoung stirred up a storm over there. It was mixed with malicious expectations. Others commented on how he would probably grab the CEO's legs and beg to quit after experiencing that.

Although they were whispering to each other, it wasn't so quiet that Kim Hyunjo and Lee Kwanwoo couldn't hear them. Kim Hyunjo frowned deeply. Even Lee Kwanwoo, who had an innocent appearance with his slightly drooping eyes, creased his brows.

Kim Hyunjo uncrossed his arms and approached the Team 2 chiefs.

"Shouldn't you watch what you say? He's a team leader now."

"Well, he needs to act like one to be one."

An experienced chief grumbled when the elevator opened. The people who looked over out of habit became shocked like they were hit by a bolt out of the blue. It was the human disaster they had tried to avoid, Son Chaeyoung.

Why did she come to the fourth floor instead of the Team 2 Leader or the CEO's office? Did she come to the lounge to rest? Did they come to the wrong refugee shelter? The Team 2 chiefs and road managers hastily exchanged quiet glances.

However, it was for naught. Son Chaeyoung wasn't interested in them. Holding a short box in her arms, she took a look around the office. Then she walked over to Kim Hyunjo.

"Where is he?"

"… Who? Sunwoo?"

"Who else would I be here for?"

Son Chaeyoung said indifferently. Lee Kwanwoo quickly made a call when Kim Hyunjo gave him a look. Son Chaeyoung sat alone at a table in the lounge until Jung Sunwoo, who had been sleeping in the sleeping quarters, arrived.

Kim Hyunjo and Lee Kwanwoo were sitting in the table next to her with dazed expressions. Even the Team 3 Leader had come out of his office.

The Team 2 chiefs, who had been about to quietly leave, sat their b.u.t.ts back down. Their gazes alternated between Son Chaeyoung and the elevator doors. They looked like they couldn't wait to see what they would talk about, no, what would happen once they met.

A few quickly took out their phones and told their colleagues the news. Their phones vibrated continuously with replies.

Soon, the number displayed on the elevators' display panel stopped at four.

Jung Sunwoo got off while brus.h.i.+ng his ruffled hair. He looked around with still drowsy eyes before going over to Son Chaeyoung. He then sat down in front of her.

"Why did you come so early? We still have some time before the meeting with the CEO."

"I'm not going in there. You just go in and talk."

"If you aren't going to the meeting, why did you come?"

"I wanted to give you something."

Their conversation with extremely normal. However, it wasn't to the people spectating. It was stranger because it was normal. The sight in front of them was more surreal than one where scripts and swears were hurled.

The people's eyes concentrated as they tried to find the hidden trap.

Son Chaeyoung pushed the boxes placed on the table over to Jung Sunwoo. Jung Sunwoo opened the box with an odd look. At the same time, the others discovered something even weirder than a trap. Inside the box was an a.s.sortment of donuts, covered in chocolate and syrup.

"What is this?"

Jung Sunwoo asked as he stared down at the box.

"I bought one because I thought of you. For you to eat."

"You came to give me this?"

He observed her with a gaze that read, 'Are you high?'

Son Chaeyoung smiled brightly as she replied,

"I'm the type to takes care of my people."

A silent tsunami swept the lounge. It seemed someone had dropped their coffee as sounds of water splattering on the floor could be heard. While the Team 2 chiefs sat there at a loss for words, their phones continuously vibrated.

Requests for what was going on, what kind of storm Son Chaeyoung was stirring, and even for live details poured in.

Soon, the dazed Team 2 chiefs went back to the second floor with stunned expressions.

With a donut in one hand.

Jung Sunwoo succeeded in persuading Son Chaeyoung. Son Chaeyoung brought over donuts. And the phrase 'my people' came out of Son Chaeyoung's mouth. The rumors spread like wildfire to the bas.e.m.e.nt and even up to the CEO's office.

This issue set the company in an uproar.

As soon as Son Chaeyoung made her decision, everything proceeded rapidly.

In the blink of an eye, we had multiple meetings with AA Studio, and UBS. Although we hadn't yet signed, UBS released an articled about how Son Chaeyoung was positively examining a UBS drama for her return.

However, Son Chaeyoung's article didn't garner as much attention as they antic.i.p.ated. It would be the same even if it wasn't Son Chaeyoung. At some point, social media, online communities, and entertainment reporters s.h.i.+fted their attention to one place.

The newly released Love Again.

And the new actor, Song Inho.

A wave that no one antic.i.p.ated surged.

/ /

Chapter 189: A Way that Suited Me (1)

TL: emptycube / ED: Isleidir

"We've been spread press releases to publishers, but we are still lacking."

"It's best if he appears on the real-time search rankings. Who's really hot in our company right now?"

"Songha. And them, Pretty Girls. Should we ask Mr. Sunwoo…"

The female PR employee trailed off. The Team 2 Leader, who was sitting at the seat of honor, frowned. As soon as she mentioned Jung Sunwoo's name, the heated mood of the room cooled. The Team 2 Leader gestured to Chief Jo Byunghwan.

"Get Inho and Jijoon together for dinner and take a picture."

"Understood."

"Jijoon is great. I'll let a few reporters now so that they publish articles right away."

Team Leader Park of the PR Team settled the matter with a smile. Then she handed him an envelope.

"The amount of buzz around 'Love Again' increased drastically over the week."

Her pen pointed at the SNS buzz monitoring graph. It was the result of a.n.a.lyzing specific keywords. The gazes of the Team 2 Leader, Chief Jo Byunghwan, and a few Team 2 and PR Team employees landed on the increasing graph.  

The Team 2 Leader rubbed his beard and asked,

"How is it compared to Alive?"

"Alive had a ton of top stars. It had an extravagant cast and was a blockbuster, while Love Again is a melodrama, no matter how good the director is. We can't really compare the two."

"Then what if we compare Nam Joyoon and Inho?"

Team Leader Park frowned. Gazes were exchanged multiple times in the quiet office. The Team 2 Leader and Song Inho and Jung Sunwoo and Nam Joyoon. Their relations.h.i.+p was well-known amongst W&U employees.

Nam Joyoon had proved himself to be a rising star in Chungmuro and Jung Sunwoo confirmed his discerning eye, so all that remained as the Team 2 Leader and Song Inho's results. The company was as interested in Song Inho's debut as Love Again's success.

Would the Team 2 Leader be able to regain face after losing it thanks to a rookie?

Or would he be dealt a fatal blow after confirming he didn't possess a good eye?

The Team 2 Leader waited for Team Leader Park's reply in a leisurely manner. Rubbing the tip of her pen and tapping her tablet with her other hand, Team Leader Park said,

"Mr. Joyoon was quiet until the preview. SBE Film hid him like it was a blind marketing strategy. We poured a lot of work into promoting Inho even before the preview. He went on interviews, production briefing sessions, and promotions."

"So?"

"… We can't compare them too. The buzz around Inho is incredible."

Team Leader Park sighed as she showed him an increasing graph.

As if he had been waiting for those words, the Team 2 Leader smiled in satisfaction.

The male PR Team employee pressed a b.u.t.ton. The elevator was stopped in the bas.e.m.e.nt.

"The Team 2 Leader is really concerned about Mr. Nam Joyoon."

"To be exact, he's more concerned about Mr. Sunwoo than Mr. Joyoon."

The female employee added after looking around. The male employee tapped the floor.

"It seems like Mr. Sunwoo's going to lose at this rate."

"What? Alive was a huge hit!"

"You have to look at the movie and actor separately. It's not like that movie was a huge hit because of Mr. Joyoon."

"Still, you have to consider that Mr. Joyoon played a big role in drawing in the audience early on! His acting skills were recognized by the public, and his filmography now contains a movie with over ten million viewers. From a completely unknown actor to…!"

"I think Song Inho's reception is just as good."

The female employee opened and closed her mouth at the male employee's words.

"Look at the actors on their own. You saw the movie. Song Inho's not bad at acting himself."

"… He was good."

"His character was good too. Outwardly, a kind rich young master, but inwardly, an emotionally deprived, rebellious youth. He gives off a sad feeling because he's not the lead. He's in a lot of scenes, and it seems like the director put his all into making his role charming over the male lead."

"Although they were aiming for it, they did manage to pull it off."

The female employee's voice grew quieter. The male employee gestured to his face.

"On top of that, Song Inho has this, his face. He's garnering a ton of attention on social media because of his face. He would probably have a huge fandom if he was an idol. If we look at marketable qualities, he's better than Mr. Joyoon."

The male employee added while licking his lips.

"I bet he'll become a huge star as long as he's lucky."

"Hey, Mr. Nam Joyoon's good too! He's s.e.xy and has that dangerous charm!"

"Look here."

The male employee tapped his tablet and showed her the screen. Song Inho's profile picture filled the screen. As soon as she saw his refres.h.i.+ng face, smiling with a straw hat on his face, her cheeks flushed. Her unconsciously opened lips let out a hot breath.

"Eurrrg, how is he so good-looking. No, still, he's too much of a younger brother…"

The door slid open. The female employee flinched after taking a step in the elevator. Someone was already standing against the wall. Arms crossed and head down. They could see his calm face under his ruffled hair. He gave off a bleak feeling.

"Inho, did you come to see the team leader?"

The female employee flinched again. Team Leader Park was standing behind them at some point. Seeming to have finally noticed the people in front of him, Song Inho uncrossed his arms and came out of the elevator. On his face was the same bright smile that was on his profile.

"Yes, he told me to come up now that the meeting was over. How are you?"

"Good. People's reactions about you are so good, it makes working worthwhile."

"My parents are also very happy. Please continue to take care of me."

After bowing deeply to Team Leader Park and her employees, Song Inho headed towards the Team 2 Leader's office. His smile quickly faded in a few steps. His face grew dreary once more.

The female employee blankly looked at him.

"It's my first time seeing him like that. He would always have a bright smile."

"What? Isn't he supposed to be excited right now? Why is he so depressed?"

The male employee tilted his head.

Team Leader Park clicked her tongue.

"It seems what's acc.u.mulated is about to explode."

He barged in the Team 2 Leader's office without knocking. The Team 2 Leader, who initially frowned, immediately relaxed. Song Inho quickly walked over to him. He glanced at Chief Jo Byunghwan, who was sitting on the sofa, before walking in front of the Team 2 Leader.

"Team leader, am I doing an interview on Entertainment Plus?"

"Yeah. That has the highest ratings amongst entertainment news programs, so of course, you have to."

"Only the male and female leads were supposed to do that. They had already set everything up."

"I called the producer there. They're going to change the setup and add you in."

The Team 2 Leader said as though it was a non-issue.

"I told him to focus on you, so be prepared."

"I can't do it."

The mood in the office instantly grew tense.

"Can't do it? Do you think that program is something a rookie actor can get on just because he wants to? I gave them information on Jijoon's next project to get you on, but why can't you do it? Once they set everything up, you just need to memorize your lines and smile in front of the camera."

"If I suddenly join in, the screen time for the leads drop."

"Why do you concern yourself with that? This is common.."

"I can't even look at Imyeong sunbae's face anymore."

"What?"

Lee Imyeong. He was the male lead of Love Again.

"Team leader, Lee Imyeong's screen time got reduced drastically because of Inho. A lot of the scenes Lee Imyeong shot were edited out as well. Because the movie was so different from the scenario, his expression wasn't very good after seeing the final edited version at the preview."

"So is he trying to start something?"

"He's not doing it outright because there were a lot of eyes, but we are on the same bus when we go on promotional events. Because the male lead is frowning, the mood isn't all that great. Inho's a rookie, so of course, he going to be concerned."

"Now really."

The Team 2 Leader chuckled.

"You're all good besides that soft personality of yours. You need to fix that. If you concern yourself with every little thing, you won't be able to work in this industry. If there are people in the spotlight, there are those that are not."

"I don't want that spotlight using underhanded methods."

Song Inho said in a hoa.r.s.e voice. Chief Jo Byunghwan hastily examined the Team 2 Leader's complexion. The Team 2 Leader got up from his chair and glared at Song Inho. He looked like he barely managing to keep his anger in as the veins on his neck bulged.

After taking two breaths, the Team 2 Leader deliberately tried to comfort him,

"Other guys beg me to promote them. Also, those without talent will never be able to succeed even if the company runs dry. Getting in, increasing your screen time, and making it was all you. The director was impressed with your acting and a.n.a.lysis of your character, so he reduced Lee Imyeong's parts and increased yours. You need to be happy when you get an opportunity like this. Right?"

Song Inho bit his lips. Blood flowed into his flawless lips.

The back of the Team 2 Leader's hand quickly shot forward and tapped Song Inho's chin.

"Don't bite. You're going to injure your lip."

"Team leader!"

"You're only acting like this because it's your first time in a situation like this. Jijoon was the same. You'll quickly get used to it. So stop with the useless talk and prepare for the Entertainment Plus interview. Right, we're going to take a picture of you and Jijoon for a social media post this evening, so tidy your hair."

"Yeah, Inho. Let's go to the hair shop for a change of pace. Do you want anything to eat?"

Chief Jo Byunghwan gently rubbed Song Inho's back. Son Inho's gaze alternated between the Team 2 Leader and Chief Jo Byunghwan before biting his lips again. His face distorted. The Team 2 Leader was about to say something when a knock broke the mood.

The Team 2 Leader shouted in an irritated voice,

"Who is it?!"

"Uh, It's me, Lee Bongjoon. I'll come back at another time."

"Come in!"

Soon, the door slowly cracked open. Chief Lee Bongjoon, who had fattened up since going to China, perhaps having had gone on a restaurant spree, walked into the office. His face was that of a baby pig being dragged to the slaughterhouse.

"Yes, um, I heard you were looking for me. If you're busy, I can come…"

"Lee Bongjoon, did you read the scripts I sent you or not?"

"Yes, I did read them."

"If you read them, then you should have replied right away!"

"I'll look over them with Jijoon a little longer."

The Team 2 Leader's face grew ugly.

"You, I've been unhappy with your actions recently, but are you now completely taking after Jung Sunwoo? Or do you want Jijoon to become like Chaeyoung? We've already looked at each one very carefully before sending them to you, so how long are you going to examine them?! Are you not going to get Jijoon to work?"

"It's something we need to carefully consider, so I'll discuss it with Jijoon…"

"If he's stalling, then you should coax him and make a decision!"

Chief Lee Bongjoon stuck to the door at the Team 2 Leader's shout. Then he was pushed aside. Seo Jijoon's face suddenly appeared from the abruptly opened door. He glanced at the office with narrowed eyes. Then he smiled and said,

"Team leader, I'll look over the projects a little longer."

"Jijoon, you…!"

"It's not like I'm not saying I won't do one like a certain someone. I just haven't found one that I really like. Sorry. I'll make a decision as soon as possible and let you know."

He bowed then pulled Chief Lee Bongjoon, who was still standing awkwardly.

"Hyung, let's go read the scripts."

"Go first. I'm talking with the team leader."

"No. I get nervous if I go around on my own. I think I have airport disorder."{1}

"That's panic disorder. Panic disorder."

"Whatever."

Chief Lee Bongjoon looked like he was refusing but was being pulled out by Seo Jijoon, who was much thinner than him. He said goodbye to the Team 2 Leader before shutting the door. He left ten times more quickly than he came in.

"Th-th-that…!"

The Team 2 Leader's face reddened as he even stuttered his words. It looked like sparks would fly out at any moment. Chief Jo Byunghwan looked like he was trying to leave with Song Inho. However, Song Inho's gaze was fixed on the firmly shut door.

His eyes quietly flared up.

After persuading Song Inho then sending him off, the Team 2 Leader shot Chief Jo Byunghwan a glance.

"How long are you going to let him be? I told you to talk to him!"

"Yes, yes, team leader."

Having failed to escape with Song Inho, Chief Jo Byunghwan's head was drenched in sweat.

"His personality is the problem… Chaeyoung never made a fuss about things like this."

"She has no flaws besides that temper of hers. Her not working is also a problem."

The Team 2 Leader flopped on his chair as he clicked his tongue.

As though he had found something to brighten the Team 2 Leader's mood, Chief Jo Byunghwan said with a brightened face,

"Ah, but I heard that Jung Sunwoo has been constantly going over to Chaeyoung's house."

"He still hasn't given up?"

"From what Chief Lee Janghyun said, the mood is getting even bloodier."

His mood seemed to have brightened at the news as the Team 2 Leader smirked,

"Foolish b.a.s.t.a.r.d."

Son Chaeyoung said,

"Will you not regret it?"

I took a sip of grapefruit juice. It was tart and bitter.

"Whether I regret it or not, that's my problem so you don't have to worry."

"It'll be annoying."

"I'll put up with what I can, but I'll handle it if it's too excessive. What's important is that there is a clear exchange between us. I am using you, and you are using me."

Son Chaeyoung smiled at my reply. Her lips, which were red even without makeup, curled upwards. It was a cunning smile. That moment, I was very concerned that I was making a similar smile.

"Then go tell them."

Son Chaeyoung raised her gla.s.s of grapefruit juice. Then she clinked it against mine.

"That Son Chaeyoung will do a new project."

{1} Seo Jijoon said 공항장애 instead of공황장애. Quite similar, but completely different words.

/ /