Chapter 54. Changes (2)

Translator: Aura

“I called you twice. Did you fall asleep?”

“No.”

The corners of his mouth curved upward subtly. It was more of a tease than a rebuke.

Lee-Seob drew a large circle on the tablet screen and said,

“I would like to see in detail what is organized in the charts here. Please attach a study on the TK Fashion brand from last season, this season and next. Also arrange the designs in order of sales by season. If possible, I would like to see different samples of our products.”

“Yes, Mr. Representative.”

Lee-Seob just chuckled this time.

“Similarly, I want a study of the top three competing brands, the relevant designs of each season, as well as the top three foreign fast fashion brands in terms of domestic sales and European luxury brands.”

‘It will take me a long time to do all that.’

Seeing Minkyung’s slightly raised eyebrows, Lee-Seob said,

“Call the TK Fashion Manager, the Assistant Manager, the Section Heads, and whoever else is needed to carry it out. Senior Manager Kang will only review the prepared material and correct any errors. You will have a lot of work to do other than that.”

“I understand, Mr. Representative.”

“By the way, if anyone tries to mess with you, Senior Manager Kang, write their name on the board. I’ll tell them off.”

A laugh came from Minkyung’s mouth. Also from Assistant Kim, who was driving.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Representative.”

“Don’t worry, I said it to make you laugh.”

Lee-Seob’s eyes softened. He moved his hand twice, as if to caress the back of her neck, but didn’t touch her.

“You can look ahead now, Senior Manager Kang.”

Minkyung stared at Lee-Seob, who looked down at the tablet, for a moment longer and then turned her head.

For the rest of the way to the company, he simply checked the data on his tablet in silence. He frowned occasionally as if something was bothering him, but he made no additional requests or questions.

Once at the company, Lee-Seob made her come to his office.

“How many minutes until the meeting?”

“17 minutes.”

“Did you sleep well?”

That was an unexpected question.

‘What?’

Minkyung was about to answer him like that, but she held back and just stared at his face. Lee-Seob, who suddenly took off the charismatic boss mask he had put on in the morning, spoke in a dissatisfied tone,

“I couldn’t sleep. In contrast, you seem to have slept well. You look good.”

“I usually sleep well.”

“That’s how it should be.”

Lee-Seob motioned for her to come closer with his index finger. As Minkyung walked to the side of the desk, he turned his chair toward her.

“Do you remember yesterday I told you to make a decision?”

“Yes.”

“I couldn’t sleep all night thinking about it.”

Lee-Seob stared at Minkyung’s face, as if he had actually meant ‘about you’.

“That’s pure hypocrisy.”

Minkyung replied after a moment’s reflection.

“I don’t quite know what you mean.”

To begin with, Tae Lee-Seob was an unpredictable man. He was always the one to test Minkyung. And this time it was a rather difficult test.

“You want me to be the one to draw a line to take a burden off your mind.”

“I thought you already knew. I’m really attracted to you.”

Lee-Seob pointed at the wide window behind his desk with his index finger.

“I used soft words because we are under the morning sun. But you drive me crazy.”

There were seven minutes left until the meeting. Lee-Seob had to leave soon. Minkyung looked at her watch and said,

“What should I do?”

“Do what you want.”

Minkyung was stunned for a moment. The conclusion was the same as yesterday.

‘He brought it up just to say that?’

Lee-Seob stood up from his seat. He pressed his index finger against her cheek. He stared at Minkyung, whose eyes widened, and said with a chuckle,

“You know? You puff out your cheeks when you’re confused.”

“No way. I don’t do that.”

“You’re free not to believe me.”

‘Do I really puff out my cheeks?’

As Minkyung wondered to herself in embarrassment, Lee-Seob said,

“Until you make a decision, you do what you want and I’ll do what I want.”

‘So that was his intention…’

“Does that include rejection?”

“Yes, yes.”

Lee-Seob nodded sarcastically.

“Promise me that you won’t use your position over me in any way.”

This time he didn’t respond sarcastically. After a moment of silence, Lee-Seob said,

“Okay, I promise. You make me a promise too.”

“What can I promise you?”

“If I act like a man, you must act like a woman. Don’t hate it or pretend to like it for any other reason.”

“Okay.”

Lee-Seob shook his head slightly, as if he had read her determination not to accept him.

“I see it won’t be easy, but I’ll do my best. I’ll try not to take advantage of my position.”

Minkyung replied with a smile,

“Why waste your best on this? Now the company…”

“So why don’t you come straight into my arms, Kang Minkyung? That way I’d keep the best of me. For the good of the company, no?”

Minkyung was unable to answer.

“I knew it. You won’t do it.”

Lee-Seob headed to the office door first. Minkyung then walked as fast as she could and grabbed the doorknob first. As she opened the door and stood there ready to leave, Lee-Seob passed her by.

“Stay there, Kang Minkyung.”

His words tickled her ears.

***