Chapter 164. I Can’t Let Her Go (1)

‘This is what you call a mental breakdown.’

Lee Daehyung felt like he was about to lose his mind. Out of nowhere, Deputy Director Kang Minkyung was suddenly assigned to the company’s branch in China and, due to urgent local circumstances, would no longer be reporting to the main office starting today. He considered throwing himself to the ground in protest, but Kang had already left for China in the form of a business trip before even packing her belongings.

Daehyung spent the entire morning making small mistakes and, each time, could do nothing but bow his head repeatedly in front of Director Tae Lee-Seob, unable to meet his gaze.

“It’s fine. There’s no need for that.”

Tae Lee-Seob reassured him with a gentle smile, but Daehyung’s back was drenched in a cold sweat. His appetite had completely disappeared by lunchtime, and he found himself merely counting grains of rice while his colleagues, oblivious to his distress, cheerfully congratulated him.

As Tae Lee-Seob’s personal assistant, replacing Kang Minkyung, it was essentially a promotion—at least, that’s how they saw it. The excitement led to Daehyung covering the lunch bill.

‘How is this something to celebrate? This is the fastest way to get on the royal family’s bad side.’

Although he trembled at the thought of being branded incompetent and forever excluded from future promotions, he nonetheless couldn’t help but entertain a more hopeful future when he recalled Director Tae’s forgiving nature toward his mistakes.

By the end of the day, the likelihood of that rosy future had slightly increased. Despite minor hiccups caused by Kang’s absence, Tae Lee-Seob remained indifferent. According to office rumors, the Director and Kang Minkyung had always been at odds. Speculation grew that, once their project succeeded, Tae Lee-Seob had found Manager Kang burdensome and quickly sent her to China.

“Ah.”

Feeling somewhat more relaxed, Daehyung checked the time and suddenly realized he had forgotten something. He shot up from his seat.

Tae Lee-Seob’s herbal medicine.

After knocking and hearing a calm “Yes,” Daehyung entered the office. On the tray, he had placed a purple cup with a yellow-lidded straw, along with peppermint candy and butter cookies. He had made sure to observe Kang Minkyung carefully when she used to deliver the medicine.

Tae Lee-Seob  glanced at the tray and asked,

“What is this?”

“Your herbal medicine, sir.”

Director fell silent again. He stared at the straw cup for a long moment before frowning. Daehyung hesitated awkwardly, shifting his hands in front of his stomach, unsure whether to stand still or leave.

“… I meant to bring it right after lunch, but I missed the timing. I apologize. I’ll make sure to be on time from now on.”

“No.”

Tae Lee-Seob closed his eyes. Taking a deep breath as if holding back frustration, his broad chest slowly rose and fell. Daehyung held his breath and simply watched. Then, Director Tae Lee-Seob opened his eyes and gripped the cup tightly. His knuckles bulged slightly, trembling.

‘Seriously, is it that big of a deal if I brought the medicine a little late? He smiles at everything else—why this?’

Without hesitation, Tae Lee-Seob lifted the cup and threw it straight into the trash can under his desk.

“From now on, don’t bring this medicine in here.”

Daehyung, stunned, couldn’t respond. Tae Lee-Seob slowly turned his head and locked eyes with him. The sight of his bloodshot eyes and forced smile froze Daehyung in place.

“Leave, Assistant Lee.”

“Y-Yes, sir.”

Daehyung quickly opened the door, stepped out, and collapsed into his chair.

‘Seriously, is herbal medicine something to be that furious about?’

***