Chapter 159. I Want To End This Relationship (8)

Translator: Lili

A new assistant arrived in Director Tae Lee-Seob’s office. Minkyung’s promotion to deputy director was the natural reason. Minkyung was put in charge of China’s Planning Department, but still continued to assist Director Tae Lee-Seob while the new assistant adjusted to her duties. Over the past few days, Minkyung had been delegating more tasks to the newly assigned assistant and also carefully explaining the detailed aspects of the role.

Assistant Lee Daehyung, who had a sociable personality, was amazed at the meticulous things Minkyung pointed out.

‘How can she cover everything so perfectly?’

He seemed increasingly perplexed.

Lee-Seob expressed his dissatisfaction, but only when they were alone. In front of Daehyung, he maintained his usual perfect and polite demeanor. Even when he complained to Minkyung, he generally accepted her reasons.

“It’s a shame you can’t continue serving as my assistant.”

Lee-Seob said, as if trying to convince himself.

“Assistant Lee is meticulous and handles tasks quickly. He seems to understand things well and can assist you effectively.”

“What? Are you done with me now?”

“Of course not, Director.”

Minkyung shook her head with a smile. But as he suspected, it seemed that once she left Seoul, Assistant Lee would handle the support tasks, and another secretary would assist him, causing no significant issues. Therefore, she was training Assistant Lee more strictly, pushing him harder every day.

“Why so tight?”

Lee-Seob frowned as he checked his schedule on the tablet.

“You’ve been on a long business trip… and took a few days off to recover, so your appointments piled up. Everyone wants to see you.”

“Am I a celebrity? Why do I have to meet all these… boring people?”

He tapped the tablet screen with a clicking sound.

“Chairman Tae Si-Hwan asked you to oversee all matters related to TK Fashion’s recent boom. Most of the appointments were chosen directly by the chairman.”

“Chairman is really making me work hard.”

Minkyung laughed softly.

Lee-Seob reluctantly picked up the herbal medicine cup, having been putting it off for a while. He had allowed her to delegate most of the tasks to Assistant Lee Daehyung, but not the herbal medicine. Without Minkyung, Lee-Seob wouldn’t take it at all.

“One bout of a cold and you’re already forcing herbal medicine on me again.”

“It’s summer, and you pushed yourself with a strict diet for the photo shoot, followed by a lot of stress from ongoing projects. Your body must be worn out.”

Lee-Seob grimaced as he drank the herbal medicine in one go.

“Ugh, what is this?”

Minkyung then offered him a peeled candy. Lee-Seob took it like a baby bird, then kissed her fingertips with a satisfied smile. Holding her hand, he spoke with a face full of regret.

“I can’t spend any time with you because of all these appointments. Plus, I’ve been dragged around to family events on the weekends.”

His voice was full of frustration,

“I’m dying here.”

Minkyung pulled her hand away and naturally avoided his gaze while tidying up the tray. The spot on her forehead where his eyes landed stung.

“Minkyung.”

Her hand, holding the tray, paused. He rarely called her that at work. When she didn’t answer, he tapped the desk with his fist. The signal made her look up. His gaze was deep and sharp, scrutinizing her.

“You’re hiding something from me, aren’t you?”

“No, I’m not.”

Lee-Seob shook his head.

“Say it again. Look me in the eye.”

“Why are you doing this, Director?”

Minkyung deflected with a bright smile. His narrowed eyes scanned her thoroughly, as if searching for clues on her face.

The desk bell rang.

— Director, the meeting starts in 3 minutes.

Daehyung reminded him of the next meeting time. Minkyung quickly tidied the tray and left the office.

***