“What is this, they’re not vampires or something.”
Sa Kangjun was equally shrouded in mystery. After graduating from an international high school in Korea, he entered Princeton University’s Political Science Department. He enlisted in the military during his studies, returned to university after completing his service, and graduated. After earning an MBA, he returned to Korea and joined Bantech’s Strategic Planning Department.
“Promoted to Vice President in three years. Appointed as President and CEO two years later. Overall manager of numerous NATO and Ministry of Defense related projects.”
Seoyoung mumbled as she read his career history. Despite his impressive credentials, she couldn’t find any information about him prior to joining Bantech anywhere. He had rarely been exposed to the media and there was no record of written interviews. His photo wasn’t even published on the company website. Even his inaugural address as CEO was replaced with just a single line of brief remarks.
“How can this be possible?”
Unable to find any more useful information, Seoyoung flopped down on the bed. As she turned her eyes, she saw the card Sa Kangjun had given her sitting alone on the side table. Sa Kangjun was real. Close enough to touch if she handed him the card. Suddenly, her blood boiled at the fact that she had seen Sa Kangjun up close and spoken with him.
***
Although she left early in the morning, by the middle of her commute, the subway was packed. After giving up her seat to an elderly woman, she had to stand until the last subway stop where the Bantech shuttle bus stop was located. Feeling exhausted, she didn’t feel like transferring to the bus and ended up taking a taxi. If the commute was this difficult every day, would she be able to work properly? The thought briefly crossed her mind, but her mood changed the moment she arrived at the Bantech building. A mix of tension, excitement, and the pressure to do well sharpened her mind.
Seoyoung swiped her employee ID and went up to the executive office, then stopped in surprise.
“Director, you’re here early?”
So Yujung was sitting at her desk. Even though it was only 7:30, as Seoyoung had arrived 30 minutes early on her first day.
“Yes. I came early because of what’s happening today.”
The nuance of her words felt somehow unnatural. Moreover, she looked unwell, as if she hadn’t slept well.
“Director, would you like me to make you a coffee?”
“That would be nice. Let’s drink together.”
Only then did So Yujung’s face show some vitality.
Seoyoung went straight to the pantry and brewed two long blacks. When she returned and handed one to So Yujung, she gestured to the empty chair across from her, asking Seoyoung to sit close by. While Seoyoung pulled up a chair and sat beside her, So Yujung slowly sipped her coffee.
“Hmm. Now I feel a bit more alive. Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it.”
“It’s delicious. If it’s this good, the CEO will like it too, I think?”
So Yujung’s compliment made Seoyoung feel proud and relieved at the same time. Starting today, Seoyoung would be in charge of making Sa Kangjun’s morning coffee. She had followed Shin Jihoon’s instructions from yesterday, but had been worried inside, so this was fortunate.
So Yujung was concentrating on her coffee cup as if she was about to bury her nose in it. Seoyoung observed her carefully before casually speaking up.
“I heard you’re going to the Chairwoman.”
“Ah. That little snitch Shin secretary already…”
“She’s injured, they said.”
“Who knows. Whether she’s really injured or just faking it.”
So Yujung’s voice was nonchalant. The fact that it didn’t sound negative suggested they were close enough for her to speak that way.
“Surely the Chairwoman wouldn’t lie?”
“Whether it’s a lie or not doesn’t matter. If the Chairwoman says so, then that’s the truth.”
“Ah…”
Seoyoung was momentarily speechless. Being able to speak like this meant not just tremendous trust but almost blind faith. How could one develop such a relationship? It made her even more curious. About Sarin, whom So Yujung served, and her son, Sa Kangjun.
“The way you speak about her, the Chairwoman must be an amazing person.”
“That’s right. She is amazing. Do you know why she started the weapons business?”
“I wonder?”
What had been a light response unexpectedly returned a weighty story. Seoyoung focused and listened carefully.
“A woman with a gun doesn’t beg. She just pulls the trigger.”
So Yujung quoted a line from some movie, shaking her head. Though she didn’t elaborate further, Seoyoung understood the meaning behind it. It wasn’t about actually shooting, but about becoming strong. Even if the method wasn’t considered proper.
“The CEO is just like his mother.”
“I see.”
So that’s why he’s so extraordinary.
“Secretary Yoo, do you know how to earn the trust of such a superior?”
“No.”
“Keep your heart and mouth heavy. Maintain composure in any situation and refrain from speaking.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Listen carefully even if I sound like a know-it-all. You’ll experience it directly today anyway.”
So Yujung said something cryptic as she picked up her coffee cup again. Seoyoung wanted to ask what she meant in detail, but couldn’t.
“Good morning! Everyone’s here early, I see?”
Because Shin Jihoon appeared at the wrong time.
A morning meeting between Kangjun and the marketing team was scheduled. Seoyoung stood in front of the copier to make copies of the documents, but the machine was different from what she was used to. While she was slowly examining the menu structure, Shin Jihoon abruptly interrupted.
“You press this here.”
“Ah, thank you.”
“Don’t mention it. If there’s anything else you don’t know in the future, don’t hesitate to ask me.”
“Yes.”
Seoyoung responded, but she wasn’t particularly grateful. It was something she could have figured out quickly after looking around briefly. Rather, his subtle interference and approach made her uncomfortable. With a whirring sound, the copier began to produce documents.
“Secretary Yoo, have you ever prepared speech materials?”
“Yes. I have, actually.”
“Great. We have an ‘Advanced Autonomous Weapons Initiative Demonstration’ in a few days, and our CEO will be giving the keynote speech. This time, I’ve drafted the speech for the first time instead of Director So, so please review it. Check if there are any awkward points in the evidence or flow compared to the materials received from other teams.”
“Yes, I understand.”
“Thank you.”
Shin Jihoon winked as he replied. Ah, this is uncomfortable. She wished he would leave, but he leaned against the wall, crossing his legs like he was settling in. His watch with its large bezel caught her eye. He was tapping the floor with the toe of his shoe as if wanting her to notice his footwear. Was he naturally this scattered?
“Hey. Starting today, I’ll be reporting the CEO’s schedule and approval documents, you know? Oh, can I speak informally? I’m seven years older than you.”
“…Yes. Go ahead.”
Reluctantly, Seoyoung had no choice but to agree. At work, she preferred to maintain appropriate distance with colleagues, but since Shin Jihoon was her superior, she had to accommodate him despite her discomfort.
“I’ve done it once or twice when Director So wasn’t around, but thinking about doing it continuously makes me feel like I’m going to have a heart attack.”
“Why? The CEO seems like a good person.”
“Huh? Yeah, he is a good person. He’s never raised his voice so far. But he’s kind of… difficult, you know?”
“In what way?”
Seoyoung, who had been responding half-heartedly, immediately became serious. It suddenly occurred to her that she might get some useful information from what she had thought was just idle chatter.
“Just everything. It’s hard to express, but he’s kind of… chilly? Sometimes even scary.”
Shin Jihoon trailed off and briefly avoided eye contact. He seemed to have spoken without thinking, but now his pride was at stake talking so casually in front of a subordinate. She needed to encourage him for future conversations.
“You’ll do well. It’s basically like you got promoted, so think of it positively.”
“Ugh. Don’t say that. Do you know what my motto is? It’s to live comfortably and die even if I don’t make much money. I have no ambition.”
His dampened spirit quickly revived. He seemed pleased with Seoyoung’s encouragement, the corners of his mouth stretching to his ears.
Just as she was wondering if she would have to listen to his endless chatter again, thankfully, the last copy came out. As Seoyoung gathered the documents and turned around, Shin Jihoon followed her like a puppy.
Just as she sat down and was organizing the materials, So Yujung approached with a hardened expression.
“Secretary Yoo, go to the calendar and change all of the CEO’s appointments today to ‘None’.”
“Excuse me? Which time slot should I change?”
“All of them.”
So Yujung answered coldly without even blinking.
“And Secretary Shin, you don’t need to go in to report the schedule to the CEO today. Today, everyone just needs to faithfully carry out their assigned tasks at their own desks.”
She wasn’t typically talkative, but today So Yujung’s voice was particularly rigid. It was disconcerting how different she was from the woman who had been giving advice over coffee just moments ago.
“Did something happen?”
“Don’t know.”
Shin Jihoon shrugged as if he had no idea what was going on either. At that moment, there was a ding, and the elevator doors opened. Everyone stood up tensely.
“Good morning.”
With a cheerful voice, Kangjun appeared.
Author: Hyacinthus B
Hyacinthus
