Chapter 157. I Want To End This Relationship (6)

Translator: Lili

Lee-Seob was still asleep. Minkyung sat on the sofa and touched his forehead. His fever had gone down a bit, and sweat had formed, but it wasn’t completely normal yet. She carefully stroked his hair.

“Mm.”

Lee-Seob stirred in his sleep. Minkyung lay beside him and quietly looked at his face. Hovering her finger just above, she traced the line from his forehead to his hair, across his tidy eyebrows, down his nose. As she drew each line, she wished his face would be deeply etched into her heart like imprints on a still-wet cement wall.

She spread her arms and hugged him like a child. As if she could imprint him on her body, she embraced him carefully and completely.

“Mm.”

He opened his eyes slightly and looked at Minkyung. When she gently touched his cheek, he smiled, still half asleep. Minkyung held her breath, her throat tightening. Suppressed sobs rolled like waves throughout her body.

With trembling hands, she gently patted his back. He smiled again. His face was as beautiful and precious as the moon in the sky.

“Sleep a bit more.”

With her touch, he fell back into sleep. She heard his soft breathing from her embrace. Minkyung slowly blinked her warm eyes.

***

“Yes.”

Tension rose at the sound of Tae Joon-Seob’s voice from inside. As Minkyung entered, he stood up.

“It’s been a while, Deputy Director Kang. Please, sit.”

Joon-Seob gestured towards the sofa.

“No, it won’t take much time.”

Minkyung approached the desk. Joon-Seob nodded once, still standing.

“I’m here to ask a personal favor.”

A sarcastic smile played on his lips. He seemed to already guess the nature of the favor Minkyung was about to ask.

“A personal favor that doesn’t require much time. What is it?”

“Please help me get assigned to the Fashion China office.”

At her straightforward request, Joon-Seob responded just as directly,

“That’s not reasonable. I can’t just intervene in matters related to TK personnel in China.”

“That’s why I’m asking.”

“I would have to check what executive position they require in the TK Fashion China office.”

“I don’t mind the position. I know there are no high-level executive positions vacant. I’m okay with a senior manager role or even lower.”

“Deputy Director Kang.”

“Yes.”

Joon-Seob gestured towards the sofa again.

“Please, sit.”

“No. I’ve said what I needed to. Let me know your thoughts…”

Ignoring her words, Joon-Seob pressed a button on the desk phone.

“Yes, Director.”

Yang Jieun’s voice came through the speaker.

“Please delay the next meeting by 30 minutes. And bring two cups of tea, something like honey tea or hot chocolate.”

“Oh, yes, of course.”

Ignoring Minkyung’s gaze, Joon-Seob headed towards the sofa first. She had no choice but to follow and sit across from him.

“Let’s think for a moment.”

Joon-Seob said and started reading something on his tablet. He didn’t say a word to Minkyung until Assistant Yang brought the tea. Minkyung also remained silent, but she occasionally straightened her posture as the sofa seemed to sink lower and lower.

“Your tea is ready.”

The sweet hot chocolate placed in front of them by Assistant Yang.

“Thank you.”

As Minkyung thanked her, Assistant Yang asked.

“Senior Manager Kang, I mean, Deputy Director Kang, are you feeling unwell?”

“Pardon?”

“You look very pale.”

“Oh.”

Minkyung pressed her chapped lips together.

“Maybe it’s because you have a lot of work.”

Assistant Yang comforted her in a small voice before leaving the director’s office.

“Please, have some.”

Joon-Seob said, not kindly. Minkyung wrapped her hands around the cup in front of her. Joon-Seob began drinking his tea, and Minkyung took small sips of the sweet and rich hot chocolate. It felt like her foggy head was starting to clear a bit.

He finally spoke,

“Director Kang, you’re putting me in a difficult position.”

“I know it’s an unreasonable request, but…”

“After a rapid promotion, you ask for a demotion. Is that how a company works?”

“I’m sorry. Then anywhere would be…”

He let out a short laugh,

“You’re not saying that any overseas position will do, are you?”

Minkyung lowered her head.

“I didn’t expect this from you. I’m very disappointed.”

His harsh criticism stung. Minkyung bit her lip and looked at him.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t think it through.”

Her throat burned with shame. She set the cup down with a click.

“Thank you for the tea.”

As she stood to leave, Joon-Seob asked,

“Are you going to submit your resignation now?”

There was no need to be so sarcastic. Minkyung clenched her teeth and took a deep breath.

“That’s a personal matter, Director.”

“My question was personal too.”

Minkyung responded defiantly.

“Yes, I came here thinking it was a crazy idea, but I wanted to try one last time before submitting my resignation.”