Chapter 63

Kang Jin observed Choi Donghae for a moment before speaking up, “Why do you avoid people?”

“I…I find it difficult to get close to others.”

“Of course, that could be one reason, but there must be another.”

“What other reason is there?”

“I can’t reveal everything to you.”

“Why not? Is it because I’m not ready to face criticism?”

In response to Choi Donghae’s question, Kang Jin nodded slightly after observing him closely.

“When Lee Sangsub brought snacks earlier and talked with you, how did you feel?” asked Kang Jin.

Choi Donghae glanced towards Lee Sangsub as per Kang Jin’s words. Lee Sangsub had intentionally left them alone to discuss matters privately.

“It was my fault.”

“I asked how you felt when hearing about it, not whether it was right or wrong. And…having a strong appetite is just different from others; it’s not inherently bad.”

Kang Jin’s words caught Choi Donghae off guard, and he looked at him with surprise.

“Right? Liking food doesn’t harm anyone else, nor is there anything wrong with it. It simply means being distinct from others.”

Being different rather than wrong—a concept increasingly embraced these days could be described as acknowledging diversity.

While displaying gluttony might create negative impressions among colleagues, it doesn’t necessarily cause direct harm to others unless one consumes everything meant for sharing.

Of course, if someone ate everything meant for others, it could be considered harmful to those people.

“So how was it?”

“It felt…a bit uncomfortable.”

“And?” Kang Jin prompted Choi Donghae to elaborate.

Choi Donghae hesitated before continuing. “I also felt ashamed…but then I wondered if it’s really that bad.”

Kang Jin nodded understandingly. “I get it. If someone pointed out my bad habits, I’d feel embarrassed too.”

“Right?” Choi Donghae nodded repeatedly, seemingly relieved that Kang Jin understood his perspective.

Observing this, Kang Jin said, “Every time I point out something negative about your behavior, Mr. Choi, you’ll continue experiencing these feelings.”

“I would feel uncomfortable. If that happens, my advice might come across as criticism instead of constructive feedback.”

“Oh…”

“That’s why I won’t openly discuss this with you. Even though you don’t like me now, I don’t want us to become enemies over something like this.”

Choi Donghae hesitated briefly before responding, “What if I’m ready to accept your advice, not criticism?”

“There’s a difference between hearing and truly accepting it. First, try approaching people more often. Then consider why you instinctively avoid them.”

“Do you have any other advice?”

“Ask someone else besides me.”

As Kang Jin entered the government office, Choi Donghae pondered for a moment before following her inside.

Back at their desks, Kang Jin and Choi Donghae resumed their work. Kang Jin handled simple tasks like photocopying documents and locating necessary files, while Choi Donghae focused on drafting paperwork and reviewing the materials brought by Lee Sangsub.

While they were busy, Lim Ho-jin entered the office looking weary.

“Everyone, gather around.”

Upon his command, all employees stopped their work and gathered near him. Once everyone was assembled, Lim Ho-jin began speaking.

“As you may already know… it’s autumn now.”

The staff members squinted their eyes, anticipating what he would say next.

“Don’t tell me…” Choi Mina murmured, to which Lim Ho-jin nodded affirmatively.

“Yes, that’s exactly right.” Lim Ho-jin picked up the desk calendar and continued, “The date is this Friday.”

“Oh no! This Friday is when we’re supposed to ship car parts to Japan.”

“What should we do? I have chocolates to send to France on Saturday.”

Employees protested, citing their various commitments around Friday, but Lim Ho-jin took a deep breath before responding.

“As you know, spring and fall sports meets are announced abruptly for a reason… No matter how much discussion takes place, it’s impossible to find a day suitable for all departments.”

His team sighed at his words.

Taekwang Trading Company was a great employer. It was large with excellent employee benefits, ranking among the top trading companies in South Korea.

With numerous employees, tasks, and clients, it was impossible to find a day that worked for all departments. A favorable date for one department could be disastrous for two others, or a convenient day for two departments might clash with four other departments’ schedules.

Thus, the president of Taekwang Trading Company had abruptly announced the event just four days prior, scheduling it on a weekday—Friday, no less. The sports meet would start on Friday and continue through Saturday as a two-day, one-night affair. This annual gathering was the biggest company event at Taekwang Trading Company.

“I’ll need you to stay behind, Assistant Manager Choi Mina.”

“I’m not sure whether I should feel happy about this or upset,” replied Choi Mina.

Lim Ho-jin shook his head at her response.

“But we can’t leave Sangsub or Ms. Mireung behind either.”

“I understand, sir.”

Lim Ho-jin glanced at his other employees after Choi Mina’s response.

“Assistant Manager Choi will be on duty this Friday.”

The staff nodded in agreement with Lim Ho-jin. Although the sports meet was important to the company, they couldn’t shut down completely. Therefore, each department had to designate someone to stay behind, and it usually fell upon assistant managers rather than regular employees due to their experience and ability to handle any unexpected issues that might arise.

“Make sure you wrap up your tasks neatly by Friday so no urgent matters come up while we’re gone. Give our clients a call as well. Most of them should already know about our company’s sports meet.”

This event happened regularly enough that all their business partners were familiar with Taekwang Trading Company’s annual sports meet.

Once they mention Taekwang Trading Company’s sports meet, clients will adjust their schedules accordingly. Fortunately, it was relatively easy for Export Team Two to coordinate things. Since they dealt primarily with small and medium-sized enterprises, despite being subcontractors, they held more power in these business relationships.

“I understand.”

As employees hurried back to their desks, Choi Mina addressed them further.

“Please compile summaries of your ongoing projects and give them to Lee Kang-jin. That way, if I’m unavailable, he can check on the status.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

With that response, Choi Mina turned her attention to Kang Jin.

“Kang-jin, please review the documents provided by each team member.”

“What kind of review do you mean?”

“Double-check both the summarized reports against the original files.”

“I understand.”

After giving instructions to her subordinates, Choi Mina returned to her work. Kang Jin turned towards Choi Donghae.

“Have you heard anything about the sports meet?”

Although Choi Donghae was ostracized by other interns, he still interacted with them occasionally, so Kang Jin hoped he might have some information.

Choi Donghae responded, “The president of Taekwang Trading Company is quite unique.”

“Unique?”

“He places great importance on fostering unity among employees.”

“That’s common in most companies, isn’t it?”

Choi Donghae nodded and continued, “Anyway, Taekwang Trading holds an annual sports meet in the fall. It’s their biggest event, involving participation from the president and all executives. They rent a training center in Gyeonggi-do for a two-day, one-night affair.”

It seemed Choi Donghae was well-informed about the sports meet, as he provided plenty of details. However, his explanation left Kang Jin slightly taken aback.

“An overnight…two-day event?”

“It starts on Friday and ends on Saturday.”

Kang Jin’s expression grew grim at Choi Donghae’s words.

“What if I don’t participate?”

“Not participate?”

“Is it possible to skip the event?”

In response to Kang Jin’s question, Choi Donghae shook his head firmly.

“I believe everyone must attend except those on duty.”

“No exceptions?”

“Considering the president considers this the most important company event, who would dare miss it?”

With these words, Kang Jin solemnly pulled out his phone.

I wonder if Attorney Shin Suho will consider this situation unavoidable.

According to the operating rules of One Meal Restaurant, their only day off is Sunday. Otherwise, they must be open from 11 PM until 1 AM every other day.

However, since he had to stay overnight on Friday, he needed to first confirm with Shin Suho.

He did say if I have any matters to attend to, he would send someone else…

With this thought, Kang Jin excused himself from the meeting room for a brief phone call and headed out. Although it was permissible to make calls in the break room, he opted for the emergency staircase where he could speak privately about personal matters.

Once inside, Kang Jin promptly dialed Shin Suho’s number.

“Hello?”

Hearing Shin Suho’s voice, Kang Jin responded, “It’s Lee Kang-jin.”

“What can I do for you?” As expected, Shin Suho got straight to the point.

“I need to attend my company’s sports meet on Friday.”

“Enjoy your time there.”

“But it’s a two-day event with an overnight stay.”

“I’ll have to take a day off from business.”

“That’s why I would like someone sent over,” Kang Jin worriedly awaited Shin Suho’s response.

[I will confirm and call you back.]

Shortly after hanging up, Shin Suho contacted him again.

[Someone will run your shop on Friday.]

“Thank goodness.”

[Then…]

As Shin Suho was about to end the conversation, Kang Jin hastily interjected.

“Um, wait just a moment!”

[Is there anything else?]

“Does the person coming here know about our restaurant?”

Kang Jin wanted reassurance regarding the ghosts who frequented One Meal Restaurant.

[The Fourth Elixir will manage your shop.]

“Oh! That’s reassuring.”

Having grown up at One Meal Restaurant, the Fourth Elixir would naturally be well-versed in dealing with ghosts.

“In that case, do I need to leave a separate key?”

“[Our brothers can enter without keys.]”

“U-…understood.”

“[Is there anything else you’d like to discuss?]”

“No.”

“[And we appreciate your efforts.]”

“Huh?”

“[This time, you helped Oh Soon-young ascend to heaven.]”

“You were aware of it.”

“[There is nothing about the restaurant that escapes our knowledge. Anyway…we hope you continue running the establishment well.]”

“I’ll strive hard for another five years.”

“[Understood. Then…]”

With that, Kang Jin ended the call, put his phone back in his pocket, and exited the emergency staircase. Suddenly, he paused, looking puzzled.

“Come to think of it…I don’t have to be open on Sundays, right?”

It had been a while since he last thought about company policies, but one particular rule came to mind. According to regulations, employees were not required to work on Sundays. Despite this, Kang Jin hadn’t taken any Sundays off until now. He believed they couldn’t rest when dealing with ghosts and never considered taking Sundays off.

Kang Jin pondered for a moment before nodding decisively.

“From now on, I should take Sundays off.”

He was indeed feeling worn out from working non-stop without a break. Having completed his tasks, Kang Jin began preparing to leave for the day.

Meanwhile, Choi Donghae cautiously observed his surroundings before approaching Lee Sangsub.

“Sir.” Lee Sangsub turned at Choi Donghae’s call. “What is it?”

“Do we not have team dinners?”

“Dinner?” Lee Sangsub seemed puzzled by Choi Donghae’s sudden suggestion.

“Other departments have already held welcome dinners for their interns…but our department hasn’t done so yet,” explained Choi Donghae.

Lee Sangsub glanced at Lim Ho-jin, who nodded as if he had been waiting to hear Choi Donghae’s proposal.

“If everyone doesn’t have any other work today, how about we go out for dinner?”

Choi Mina readily agreed with Lim Ho-jin. “I was feeling exhausted from making all those phone calls regarding the sports meet anyway. This sounds great! We need some drinks.”

The other employees nodded in agreement with Choi Mina’s sentiment. Lim Ho-jin then turned towards Kang Jin.

“How about you, Lee Kang-jin?”

“I’m fine with it… But will we eat nearby?”

“Why do you ask?”

“I need to check on my store at 11 p.m.”

“Don’t worry; our gathering won’t last late anyway. Let’s make today the day then. Everyone, please wrap up your tasks and let’s leave in ten minutes.”

Following Lim Ho-jin’s announcement, everyone quickly started tidying their work. As he observed this, Kang Jin glanced discreetly at Choi Donghae.

A timid person suggesting a team dinner first… He must be feeling quite urgent.

Kang Jin guessed the reason behind Choi Donghae’s proposal. It aligned with the advice given earlier—to approach people and listen to their stories.