I had heard about Director Ho indirectly several times.
Mostly due to internal office politics.
He was in ‘line’ with the elite A-squad and Lee Byeongjin, who was the one in charge of manual evaluations.
– That section chief was close with A-squad. You know, like… ‘on the same line’.
– Director Ho has his eye on you, Supervisor Kim.
– The director is the best superior you could ever have in this company. Don’t miss this opportunity.
I had been encouraged multiple times to align myself with those on Director Ho’s ‘line’.
But I never expected the man himself to suddenly show up, unannounced, in D-squad’s office like a casual neighboring coworker!
“Good day to you, Director Ho.”
“Oh, you recognized me right away…”
What was he trying to act sheepish about after casually addressing Director Cheong without honorifics earlier?!
‘He barged in as if he already knew about Director Cheong’s “interesting proposal” to me…’
Wait a second.
‘Didn’t Director Ho just say he had a proposal of his own to make?’
A proposal?
I glanced at the young man with a pleasant demeanor.
In a friendly tone, he continued speaking.
“Sorry about that. I must’ve made you tense by bringing up someone so intimidating, right?”
“Not at all. If anything, I’m sorry for not properly introducing myself earlier…”
“Ohh, no need for that! I’m not big on formalities, so feel free to speak casually.”
As if that were possible.
‘Is he the type who lacks basic decency?’
Or perhaps he was intentionally trying to create tension.
Either way, I nodded and took a deep breath to appear slightly more relaxed.
‘This must be the reaction he wanted.’
Sure enough, Director Ho continued with a calm expression, though his words didn’t sound so benign.
“Let me take a guess. Director Cheong likely made a proposal related to the elite squads—perhaps about forming a new one?”
Wow. Seriously.
Should I just come clean and tell him everything?
But even if I didn’t, it felt like I’d still end up in trouble.
My thoughts raced.
“Well, yes, but… Ah! My apologies. I’ve been a bit flustered. Let me show you to a more comfortable spot.”
Feigning sudden realization, I guided Director Ho to the guest sofa in D-squad’s office, breaking the flow of conversation.
– Ah, you’re buying time to handle a tricky guest. Well done, Mr. Roe Deer! That was perfectly natural!
The ghost story quiz show host who incinerated anything unnatural in his show might’ve approved, but I still felt uneasy. At least I’d bought some time. Ṝ
I quickly dashed to the break room, prepared some snacks, green tea, and coffee, and hurried back out.
“Would you prefer tea or coffee?”
“Oh, just have whatever you like and give me the other.”
Does he not realize how insidiously passive-aggressive that sounds coming from an executive?!
I gauged his reaction and handed him green tea, pretending to prefer coffee. I bowed slightly as I brought it over.
“Thank you for your consideration.”
“Not at all.”
Director Ho sipped the tea and made a generic remark about how warm and pleasant it was.
“Really, I didn’t come here to pressure you, Soleum-nim. I just thought it’d be nice to get acquainted and have a conversation.”
As if anyone in the working world didn’t know that being too casual with an executive could end in disaster.
But his next words caught me off guard.
“We don’t often get to see members of the Field Exploration Team for long periods, so when I come across someone I might see more frequently, I make sure to check in often.”
“Frankly, the Field Exploration Team contributes greatly to this company. Yet even within the Development Department, there are people who sit at their desks ranting about efficiency and treating the Field Exploration Team as disposable short-term workers.”
Director Ho’s eyes flickered briefly with emotion.
“You might think I’m an idealist, but this isn’t a situation I find agreeable. Don’t you agree?”
Doesn’t that sound like a kind statement?
But actually, it gave me a foreboding feeling.
‘…An executive in this company shouldn’t say things like that.’
If he’s at the executive level, he has the power to fix such issues directly. Why was he seeking agreement from a new hire, asking, ‘Doesn’t this seem like a problem?’
‘It’s not like he’s conducting a loyalty test for subversive ideas.’
But since he might be sincere, I carefully adjusted my tone. I aimed to respond in a way that wouldn’t cause trouble, regardless of his intent, while giving the impression that I wasn’t opposing him.
“…At least no one here is forced to work. I’ve heard the company allows resignations freely and ensures the wish tickets are properly distributed.”
“Yes, as you said, that’s one silver lining.”
Director Ho smiled warmly.
“Compared to organizations that brand ordinary citizens as criminals without trial and sacrifice them to the Darkness, at least this place offers some autonomy.”
Wow, this man really despises the Disaster Management Bureau.
‘Better not let him find out I was involved.’
The agent ID badge was still in my possession, and a cold sweat ran down my back. I hid my expression behind a sip of coffee.
“Still, people who want to live even one day like a human being might reject such a place.”
“Right? It’s easy to talk with you, Soleum-nim.”
That’s a misunderstanding.
But please, hold on to that misunderstanding for a long time…
Before the conversation turned into a ticking time bomb, I desperately steered it elsewhere.
“Thank you. By the way, Director, about that proposal you mentioned…”
“Ohh, right! We need to talk about that.”
Director Ho’s face lit up.
“Actually, I’m in the middle of forming a project team, and I’m recruiting employees for it.”
“I’d like to invite you to join this project team, Soleum-nim.”
What?
I suddenly recalled something Section Chief Lee Byeongjin had once mentioned:
– There’s even a rumor that Director Ho runs a top-secret project team under his department… You might get transferred there.
‘And now that rumor’s become reality.’
But what came next was even more shocking.
“To be precise, as a candidate for team leader.”
Has this director lost his marbles?
“There are three candidates I’m considering. Honestly, if you had just two more years of experience, you’d be my top pick. For now, consider yourself one of the finalists.”
My mind was reeling.
– Oh, this offer seems to promise more authority than last time. Let’s hear out the conditions, Friend!
No, hearing the conditions only works when I have some leverage to negotiate! Right now…!
‘…This feels like I’m doomed, huh?’
Isn’t this just like Paris receiving the golden apple?
Whichever choice I make, I’ll likely anger the remaining superiors.
This is worse than just joining a line.
‘I’d burn all bridges for switching sides.’
What do I do?
I could barely maintain my outward composure, and even that felt like an accomplishment.
‘Refusing both offers might be the best option…’
“Oh, I might’ve been too hasty. I should’ve mentioned the compensation first.”
“…Compensation, sir?”
“A performance bonus for the project.”
Director Ho smiled.
“If the project succeeds, all team members will receive a wish ticket.”
“One for each member, no exceptions.”
Holy shit.
“And the team leader will receive an additional perk, but we can discuss that in more detail once you’ve joined the team.”
“Oh, and thank you for the tea.”
Director Ho got up from the sofa, placed his mug in the sink, and headed for the office door.
“Take a few days to think it over and let me know. But I suggest not taking longer than a week.”
He leaned in slightly, as if giving friendly advice.
“Director Cheong isn’t known for her patience.”
“If you ever need someone to talk to while working, feel free to stop by my office anytime. Then, bye!”