C1 < Our - >
It was a successful life.
That was the public opinion. He started his social life as a contract employee, and after becoming a regular employee, he was promoted repeatedly, working at key subsidiaries. Now, he has risen to the position of team leader in the group's core department.
There were also those who dismissed it as nothing special or even ridiculous, showing a hysterical reaction. To those many who might exist somewhere, an old friend simply said,
“You guys are just idiots who haven't experienced real social life.”
“······.”
Most importantly, Son Jin-hyeok was single. His few friends envied him most for that. After all, isn't a life that friends envy the most successful life?
Whew-.
He got off the treadmill after running about 20km and caught his breath.
After taking a shower, he checked his smartphone in the locker room and narrowed his eyes.
“Missed calls 25”
He preferred being alone and used a private facility instead of the company gym, and he didn't like carrying his mobile device around. The only person who would call so desperately without leaving a text or a chat was one person. He was about to connect the call when his smartphone vibrated.
It was the 26th call.
“Yes, Executive Director.”
- Arulululebebe-.
A woman with a slurred tongue stuck out her tongue on the other side of the phone.
“I understand.”
He had reached a level where he could understand baby talk, so even a call from his boss during his free time was a clear reflection in his mind.
***
Son Jin-hyeok entered the bar and quickly scanned the room for Executive Director Hong Soo-jung. The high chair in front of the bartender, the place she always sat alone. A woman swaying like seaweed in the waves. Why would someone who owns a hotel drink alone somewhere else? She must have sent her secretary and bodyguards away.
Her bobbed bangs hairstyle spotted Jin-hyeok and her drowsy eyes focused.
“Tindangnim, you came-?”
Her hair was all over the place, like a woman who had fought with her hair. It would be better if she didn't even roll her eyes. Why do drunk people all look so similar?
“Igbwa, Igbwa-. I told you I'd come-.”
“Haha! I lost again, sir.”
Jin-hyeok ignored Hong Soo-jung, who was pointing at the bartender, and exchanged a knowing glance with the bartender, who had become familiar to him involuntarily.
Hong Soo-jung saw Jin-hyeok and patted the empty chair.
“Did that girl eat-?”
It would be nice if she could at least pronounce things correctly.
Jin-hyeok sat down, muttering in response.
“Not yet. I just came from working out.”
“Oh my, our Tindangnin must be starving. Another one, here's a ramen, huh?”
She's really something. Jin-hyeok looked at the bartender, who was awkwardly smiling, raised his palm and said. He was clenching his teeth.
“That's okay. Just drink this and go.”
“Yes, yes-.”
Hong Soo-jung, who was drunk, replied as if she was annoyed.
There was only one bottle of whiskey on the counter. Had she drunk three glasses? There was a lot left.
Jin-hyeok raised two fingers towards the bartender and raised an eyebrow, and the bartender smiled awkwardly and raised one finger.
‘I'll be drinking all of it again today.’
It's not like the rest of the alcohol couldn't be kept, but Hong Soo-jung, who insisted on finishing what she started, was persistent even though she couldn't handle her liquor.
The only daughter of the Seing Group chairman. Their relationship began when Hong Soo-jung, 29, joined the Seing Heavy Industries field office as a staff member. Jin-hyeok was a contract manager and her supervisor. It was the chairman's order to have her learn from someone who could teach her how to work properly in a rough environment.
Everyone was careful and watched Hong Soo-jung's every move, but Jin-hyeok was different. He scolded her harshly for minor mistakes, and he took responsibility for major errors.
Jin-hyeok's message was simple.
- “If you're going to work, do it right.”
He disregarded the gift money and special recruitment conditions sent by the chairman and silently worked.
In Hong Soo-jung's eyes, everyone in the organization relied on Jin-hyeok.
Was that why? Hong Soo-jung started to rely on Jin-hyeok too. Every time she was promoted and moved to a subsidiary, she tempted him with milk and honey······, honey to have him assist her.
It was honey that was too big and sweet to refuse.
“I was able to rise so quickly because of you, Team Leader.”
Despite having a few drinks, Hong Soo-jung spoke quite clearly. Her face was flushed, and she leaned forward and looked up at him, but her usual self.
“That's not true. It's all thanks to you, Executive Director.”
“Oh-, what did I do-.”
Hong Soo-jung blinked her cat-like eyes, wondering what he meant, swaying as if she would fall out of her chair at any moment, unlike the stiff Jin-hyeok.
“It was you who brought me here.”
A slight smile appeared on Son Jin-hyeok's lips, finding her reaction cute, and enjoying her own brand of humor.
“Oh! Oh oh-! Stop it! Stop it!”
It was no wonder she was surprised. It was rare to see the man smile. Hong Soo-jung, who was desperately pointing, finally collapsed. It was amazing that she had endured this long, considering she would turn red after just one drink. Between the two of them, a 700ml bottle of whiskey was empty.
*
“Can I call you Oppa?”
No.
“Oppa, do you know why my nickname is the Great Magician?”
I know.
“Oppa, are you a Kumi Moe?”
Jin-hyeok carried Hong Soo-jung on his back, her legs dangling, and she kept chattering.
Dream.
‘Did I ever have a dream?’
Was it called a dream to have something you wanted to do, something you wanted to be? Jin-hyeok was versatile, but he was unable to dream of anything. He just seemed to have read and memorized things and done well on exams. That was all he could do.
‘At least I dropped out of college.’
He wanted to live an ordinary life.
Even if he wasn't successful, he wanted to live at least somewhat like his other friends.
Jin-hyeok also had a time when he lived as a mischievous child in the love of his parents.
Mom, Dad······.
“Oppa, do you like running that much?”
I like it. It was the only act that made me feel alive. My heart would pound when I ran until I was out of breath.
Ignoring Hong Soo-jung, who was dangling her legs like someone who was excited, he walked silently.
“Oppa, are you a go-ja?”
She was pushing it after I was so nice to her.
Should I do a backflip while carrying her? Jin-hyeok muttered.
“Oppa.”
It's not like someone with her social position should be calling her subordinate Oppa. Human relationships were an area that Jin-hyeok, who spent a lot of time alone, found difficult to understand.
“Ah, Oppa-.”
Hong Soo-jung shook her legs violently when he didn't answer.
“Yes.”
“Do you want to eat ramen?”
This wasn't the first time. She would always talk about ramen whenever she drank, as if she had a grudge against it. She said it was because she had been studying abroad for a long time and was addicted to ramen, but there was no evidence to support her claim other than her own. That's why she's an Executive Director.
“We're almost at the hotel. We'll eat ramen next time.”
Hotel staff who recognized Hong Soo-jung ran out. She got off and boarded her high heels, making her look like a little girl who had suddenly grown up. After checking that she had entered the bedroom, he asked the manager in charge to keep it quiet.
“Please don't let this get out.”
“Yes, of course.”
It wasn't the first time, so the staff would know what to do.
He sat down on a chair in the hotel lobby to cool off. It was the season when the cold wind started to blow, and it would be a problem if he caught a cold after going out with his body all heated up.
He took a photo out of his wallet.
He pointed at the models in the photo one by one with his finger.
‘Mom, Dad, me, Jang-gun.’
He couldn't call them Mom and Dad.
They left him alone as a young boy too early.
His mother, who was the most beautiful and kind in the world.
His father, who was more handsome and affectionate than a movie star.
‘I'll go see you tomorrow.’
The wind blew into his eyes, making the photo blurry.
He put it back in his wallet and left the hotel. The cold wind that wrapped around him like a cloak was not pleasant. He shrugged his broad shoulders carelessly.
***
Jin-hyeok went to work early again today.
His day began by checking the progress of his team members' work on the group's major projects. He was carefully reviewing them when the head of the department's secretary brought him coffee. Even though he told her he didn't need it, she did it every day, saying it was the head of the department's instruction.
The scent of coffee calmed his mind.
He signed off on the reports submitted by his team members with his electronic signature.
It was still early, before regular working hours, and he took some time to check his personal assets. He was thinking of selling his officetel, and his stocks, deposits, and everything else combined amounted to 40 billion won.
He was going to live in the small piece of land that he had managed to keep out of the land that his father had built, so he would just leave it······.
‘If I exercise my stock options and combine it, it will be about 60 billion won.’
It was more than enough to live a quiet life alone.
It seemed like it was time to buy a car.
It would be nice to have one when I go down to the countryside.
“Good morning!”
“Good morning.”
It was still 40 minutes early. His team members started to arrive one by one. Masters, Doctors, and even a former head of an overseas branch. They were all talented individuals with skills and experience. There were even two team members who were higher in rank than the team leader.
There were team members who were lost and floundering, but they had grown into planners who could compete with anyone after Jin-hyeok's training and management. He felt relieved knowing that they would be able to help Hong Soo-jung even after he left.
It wasn't a world where everyone could succeed just because they were intelligent. Jin-hyeok did not deny that Hong Soo-jung was behind his success. He was also aware that Hong Soo-jung relied on him. Therefore, it was not easy to announce his early retirement.
But it was a decision he had made. To escape the world and live reminiscing about his childhood when he was loved by his mother and father. That was Jin-hyeok's remaining plan. If anyone asked him why, he would simply say it was the choice of a man who lacked motivation and had lost his passion.
“Team Leader, Executive Director has arrived.”
“Oh, okay. Thank you.”
The head of the department's secretary always came in person to tell him, even though they had instant messaging.
He put on his jacket and followed the secretary.
As soon as he entered the head of the department's office, Hong Soo-jung sat up straight and smiled awkwardly.
“Ahem! Team Leader, yesterday-.”
“The electronic overseas branch business diversification report that Department Manager Min Yong-rak is working on should have been submitted for approval.”
“Ah, yes.”
Nothing special happened yesterday, it was just another day.
Jin-hyeok, whose emotions were intense and senses were dulled, had no intention of questioning it further.
It wasn't like it was a one-time thing.
“I-, there's a regular C-level meeting today······.”
“It's already that time? I understand.”
There was no need for long words.
For some reason, Hong Soo-jung avoided meeting her father, Chairman Hong Ki-joon. It was as if she was rebelling. That's why Son Jin-hyeok attended the high-level executive meeting in her place, and Chairman Hong Ki-joon didn't question it.
“I'm sorry, I keep doing this.”
“It's fine. Then-.”
He bowed slightly and left the head of the department's office.
I should probably go to my parents' grave tomorrow on the first bus. I can buy Sikhye when I get to my hometown, and I wonder if there's dried mullet in the freezer. My parents, who never drank, loved Sikhye.
“Department Manager Min, I'm going to the hotel, so send the team members home early.”
“Yes! Have a good weekend, Team Leader!”
Department Manager Min Yong-rak replied playfully and respectfully. He was a former head of an overseas branch and had been the head of the legal team. He had been demoted and faced the threat of being recommended for resignation after losing a consumer compensation lawsuit, and Jin-hyeok brought him on as a team member. He was over 50 and had a higher position than Jin-hyeok, but he never looked down on him even though he was younger and had a lower rank.
Most importantly, he was eager to work, as if he was burning his last flame.
Jin-hyeok handed him a shopping bag that was under his desk.
“Tell your wife I wish her a happy birthday. I'm counting on you, Department Manager.”
“Oh my! What am I going to do with this-. Oh, thank you.”
Jin-hyeok was a stiff person, but he took care of his people.
***
There were a few executives who were younger than Jin-hyeok.
However, the attention of the executive board was focused on Jin-hyeok. He exuded an aura like a movie star, standing out among the presidents and executives, not blending in.
The CEO of Seing Networks, who was known for being a bit of a slacker, tapped Jin-hyeok's arm.
“How's it going with Executive Director Hong?”
“What······.”
“Come on, don't be so coy.”
It must be because of the rumors that the two of them were going in and out of hotels together.
Finally, the car carrying the chairman arrived, and the executives adjusted their clothes.
Everyone bowed deeply, but Jin-hyeok bowed respectfully but lightly.
He was tall, so he stood out from afar.
“Haha-, our group's real power player is here.”
Chairman Hong Ki-joon approached Jin-hyeok, patted him on the back, and pulled him by the arm.
The executives who were left behind whispered as they watched the two of them go inside, talking cordially.
“I told you, he's been chosen as the son-in-law.”
“How much does the chairman miss his daughter who got divorced less than a month after the wedding? It's been over 10 years already.”
“It wasn't a divorce, it was Executive Director Hong who broke it off!”
“Anyway, the chairman is turning 70, so he must be getting ready to hand over the management to his daughter.”
“Maybe he's going to hand it over to his son-in-law, not his daughter? Chairman Hong also took over his father-in-law's business, didn't he?”
“Now that you mention it, you're right. It might become a tradition of the group.”
They say that when men get old, their yang energy goes to their mouths.
That was truly a wise saying.
***
After the meeting, a cold rain poured down from the dark sky.
The executives lined up in front of the hotel to see the chairman off.
The chairman's car stopped in front of Jin-hyeok, and the VIP seat window rolled down.
“Team Leader Son doesn't have a car, does he? It's raining, so why don't you come with me?”
Even though they were going in different directions, he insisted on giving him a ride, which meant he had something important to say.
Even Jin-hyeok, who was indifferent to others, was aware of that much.
“Yes, I will.”
Department Manager Kim, who was the driver, quickly got out and opened the back seat door.
He bowed to Department Manager Kim and got in the car.
The car carrying Jin-hyeok started to move, and the executives all bowed at the same time.
Even though it wasn't a bow for him, it felt strange to be seen off by the executives.
“Department Manager Kim, it's raining and it's nice out, so let's take a detour.”
“Yes, Chairman.”
What was he going to say? He had an idea of what the topic would be, but he didn't bother to predict it. He had his own plans.
They talked a lot about this and that.
Then Chairman Hong Ki-joon asked a seemingly random question.
“Did you ever have a dream?”
The chairman's gaze was fixed on the windshield, where the rain was pouring down.
‘I wanted to live an ordinary life.’
Jin-hyeok silently placed his hand on the thin wallet in his pocket.
There was only one photo in the wallet.
At that moment, Chairman Hong Ki-joon clasped Jin-hyeok's right hand with both of his. His hands were soft and warm. Before he could even think about how long it had been since he felt warmth, Chairman Hong Ki-joon opened his mouth.
“You know······.”
It was coming.
He didn't have the courage to refuse in front of the old man. Should I ask for time to think? This feels like my life is going to be messed up.
“I've talked to your daughter's mother about this······.”
Mom was mentioned.
Chairman Hong Ki-joon was about to bring up the main point when—
*Kwaang—!*
*Kiiiieee—!*
With a loud crash and screech, the car shook violently, and Jin-hyeok's body lurched. Instinctively, he reached out to protect the elderly chairman from the impact.
***
It felt like he’d been lying down for a very long time.
Why is my cheek wet? Jin-hyeok muttered to himself.