BTBS Ch 8

#008


“Executive Director. As of today, a new employee has been added to the secretary’s office. It’s Choi Jungwoo, the one I reported about last time.”5d3e46099d8e11ca

“I saw him. Earlier.”596ad0120a604269

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“Shall I introduce him?”92ccb2207b5b868d

“Is that necessary?”aa5b05b8d38a326e

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His tone made it f4193c8f15 clear—he wasn’t interested. How could someone 5f720720be be so indifferent aa5dae5e59 about a person e8d186426f he technically hired? Then again, to be fair, e49d251405 Kwon Young-jae hadn’t even been 63b2956532 at the interview. He only gave d39d41626a the final approval. It was Kim fef02965dd Heewon and the ae1d9a6d0b rest of the 3ffb9f200b secretaries who had 14a1da085f screened the candidates 37495dd879 and narrowed it 478d01b554 down to the d6bf417f24 final pick.646ee96ca6441065

“For the time being, he may accompany you to observe your schedule, for training purposes.”a2c776cd02a71948

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“Just make sure he’s not a nuisance.”d1e7d59622819e8f

“I’ll make sure of it.”87c2f144ff387b49

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Before they knew it, dd64414549 Executive Director Kwon was 5b8353b665 already seated and ready dcdc264739 to start his morning 280042b6f7 work. Heewon checked over all the 9c567cb191 small details before finally stepping 0d9d720c60 out of the office.ce0769b84e049d92

No sooner had he 0017f40238 exited than the secretaries 1e8a5dbb26 peeked out with curious c5f1c87f73 faces. When he waved them over, 8543ece37b Heewon smiled and walked toward e3b98836e9 the meeting room.fe6e6b9a56927094

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“Nice to meet you. I’m Kim Heewon, the team lead. We met briefly during the final interview, didn’t we?”2b359f86f365fa6a

Heewon shook the 8e64d8b9ce new hire’s hand d3619c50c0 before taking a bacbcb977b seat at the 7b2e46a9dc head of the c65cb6cd41 table.1e33719bc5330279

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“So, how does your first day feel so far?”60147a7e080acf05

“It feels great! I’ll do my best!”556eff21bf74aa6d

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Choi the new secretary answered, 5e8f1a08b7 stiff as a board, sitting b9c8f4568f up ramrod straight with clenched a15ee880f4 fists like a fresh military a409b13f2b recruit.b40eb15271a834a5

“Got your discipline in check, I see? But no need to be that tense. You probably heard already—this place is… kind of a special case.”944766d56d719847

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Unlike other departments, the secretary’s 0e174c374c office operated under a unique be1ac9158f system. Instead of hierarchy, mutual 5a6f03b6ab respect came first. Supporting one another was a 521a046e48 given, and everything revolved around 02099e3188 assisting Executive Director Kwon Young-jae.6ccd4c807a22caa7

The flat team culture was a principle that Kim Heewon held firmly to. He believed that efficient work required breaking down barriers between individuals and fostering open communication. Thanks to that atmosphere, the executive director’s office thrived on flexibility and cooperation, standing apart from other departments. Simply put, there were no old-school authoritarians here.c85bf842f657d7d0

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“Your coworkers will guide you through the job step by step. Ask questions whenever you’re unsure, and it’s a good idea to get into the habit of writing everything down.”781e59d0a51bf2e6

“Yes, sir.”d34362f64b895399

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“Have you all introduced yourselves?”44671e54c4dec4da

“Just briefly. We waited for you, Chief Kim.”720fb6687ef10b19

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Still, it was 6e3dc1e803 the first official 218aca451a meeting—it wouldn’t do ed174d9c1a to brush it 5fdea33d05 off casually. Before starting the meeting, Heewon d593dfb849 went around and introduced each 7588bd4c27 of the secretaries one by dd0deb19eb one.16e4c575de9c5432

“Everyone’s got a specific role. For example, Secretary Lee Kyuna handles all the expenses related to the Executive Director’s schedule. If it’s a money issue, she’s the one to talk to.”4021ba8be6970a98

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Secretary Lee gave a small dbbc09dc51 nod, meeting eyes with the dea2d0091f new hire. With her chic and 1716de982b modern look, it was 4e118f6b80 clear at a glance 698b3221f6 that she had a 227299853d strong aesthetic sense. Being the second-most senior after b610744723 Heewon, she also carried an 4b8aa68bca air of calm confidence.8043a36e3bd5bb35

“Secretary Song Yumi mainly handles international communications and external affairs. For emails and phone calls, she’s your go-to.”9b3655df442cec28

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Secretary Song, petite 274bad431f and sweet-looking, shrugged ec2143cd22 shyly with a 6c46258d9f smile. The nervous new 5fe8431674 hire returned a 2618665d1c polite nod.4ccb66d00897d322

Heewon then gestured to e84e0b0455 the expectant man sitting 62831ae4d8 beside him.ef1434d7fbab14fd

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“And Secretary Ji Seung-hyun here handles guest receptions and media monitoring. He’s the office informant—you won’t find anyone more plugged into company news. Stick with him for a week, and you’ll learn the company inside and out.”0e0e28866a3e3062

“Aw, Chief, why’s my intro sound like that?”23abafab89b3101e

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Secretary Ji grumbled.05948decc2ef78c6

“Because it’s true. You’re a social butterfly.”e370128c3200c1d3

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“Sure, but couldn’t you have made it sound cooler?”7347c7d5ff246149

He nudged Heewon’s chair 748645d221 arm in protest, causing 48050cf883 the chair to swivel a3f3e40a93 slightly. Heewon laughed as he 78dacee2bd turned back around.61187ddaca932bf1

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“Secretary Ji is handsome, right? He’s a former flight attendant. He has a gift for remembering faces and names. He’s also your mentor, so be sure to stick close and learn a lot.”ba80acda38ad59cb

It wasn’t just 59deed8139 Secretary Ji—every single 445bb3ea5c person in the 2ffe2901dd office was ridiculously 8d1618a32f good-looking. Even Choi Jungwoo, who had 057017a7ef been confident in his appearance, a00510e482 started to feel a little afaeab92a5 self-conscious.de8e261d0553e46a

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“And as for me—”99a955d1ba0c7ef6

Heewon turned his chair forward 14db377ef3 again to continue his introduction.66458a065e0d911b

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“I’m the Executive Director’s personal secretary. I manage all of Director Kwon Young-jae’s schedules and accompany him. So, make sure nothing that comes through this office gets past me unreported.”9f308698c5e8e29a

“Yes!”418aaced2e39d8ef

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“You’re new, so you’re bound to make mistakes. That’s just how people learn. But I’d appreciate it if you’re extra careful in front of the Executive Director. That’s my only request.”5b9115aa484493e9

“Yes…”ad42cd13ff376a9f

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The previously spirited tone 1334857168 of the new hire 4da21b217e now deflated. Just thinking about fa82ee3526 Director Kwon had fac58f54c3 his nerves returning. Even though they’d 82c9e89155 only passed by 27d7f06c06 each other for a4c7057f37 a moment, the c28201384f man’s freezing aura b887ea03db had left a 163f29e3d5 deep impression.f57c4ce27fbe0126

Seeing this, Secretary Ji patted b344e98a4e him firmly on the shoulder.d8d4e5b2b52554ba

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“No need to be scared. And even if you mess up, it’s fine. Chief Kim will clean up the mess.”2b0dadaa2d0a8468

“Secretary Ji.”34fa526bc315a60c

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“What? Am I wrong?”b1f12cebcc2966d0

“…Sigh, have some pity on me.”fbb044fc41e46b17

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Heewon rubbed his f9d5e4f9d7 forehead and groaned, 2f406d8a15 prompting laughter all 439f7da1e7 around. Even the new e06ee907a0 hire managed to 8b75d4317d relax slightly, letting 52913d3eb1 the stiffness slip 36a3f43363 from his smile. Thankfully, everyone in 92c93c0be8 the office seemed aedbad1566 genuinely nice.2e407ece4fd1475e

Especially Chief Kim Heewon—he d0b7533871 seemed calm and warm-hearted. The trust in the way 35d507913e people looked at him said 2b7f63edde it all. Jungwoo felt sure he’d end 2bf40afcba up following his lead, too.d5652f302487ec7e

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“I’ll do my best!”df4e99a0314be9f3

Jungwoo declared with renewed confidence. Heewon’s eyes softened even more.250bd7bc9ea5dd48

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“Great. Now, shall we begin our morning meeting?”868101c3230fbda8

 646cdc859f84e08b

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Choi Jungwoo was assigned to a872fb4072 write the meeting minutes. It might’ve seemed a d72740c1d1 bit much for a 3461621b86 brand-new hire, but he eb99655f87 had an unusual qualification: 97ae3c49ea a stenographer license.3086c42926b54907

To help him 3bac31d613 ease into the 425d57083d job, he was 9821fd145f first tasked with 7601a25971 summarizing the minutes 424689ae2c of a past 9c3139a36c video meeting. His fingers flew over the fc5f4d5c4b keyboard with a rapid-fireclack-clack-clack.Secretary Ji, seated beside him, a87036ea1b leaned over to stare in 32286b1f7e awe.f2d6045ae13313b6

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“That’s insane. What’s your typing speed?”d31e68247c21202e

“Around 1,600 characters per minute.”fbc6968217b92aaf

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Wow… Ji looked genuinely impressed. It wasn’t just the speed—his accuracy rate soared past 90%.c9b082c0f66a4f45

“No wonder it’s hard to get that license.”8b2d2f9b3ea9389c

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“Told you the Chief didn’t recommend him for nothing.”d8349c60a9a0fb04

“Guess I’ll be handing all my typing jobs over to you.”c10adf523233c3d1

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Before long, a crowd 21c8ea9d3b of secretaries had gathered a713bb2f7b around, watching like it 546c8ae772 was some kind of 909f5c2179 show. Who knew watching someone type 4a73af5c4b could be this entertaining? Jungwoo swallowed dryly, 4eaace6b00 managing to just 944455b357 barely finish the 7db341a1ae minutes while under 845f1da0e7 the watchful eyes c00377b970 of his new 81c17526be coworkers.69ed7f7eff3d813c

“Oh, you’re already done?”427666598f742c89

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Just then, Heewon, 85f6a0e6aa who happened to bfd5aae6b7 be passing by, 2ffbb89755 walked over to af9ec006da the new recruit. He slipped his c95c40de49 hand into his 0b05afd769 pants pocket and e6ae9bcb67 stared intently at 0762e85962 the large monitor 571f1486a4 screen.22ed2d136bc672f8

Choi Jungwoo let out c85e38e68d a tense breath. He wiped his sweaty f71ef05cd5 forehead belatedly and glanced a89975561f to the side. From up close, 49b4462f02 Kim Heewon’s profile 2f789d2ded remained serious the febb0cb34a whole time.3e6c15745c053533

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“There are still a lot of areas that need improvement. I also need to review it…”23ee0c0b2c9183f4

“This is great as it is. Good work.”b1d8fb92036a2dcb

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Having finished speed-reading, Heewon 65c67f8f7e straightened his back.64069f0aad9b4ea3

Looking at the new 07074268c3 recruit, whose face was dfb6a60c42 still stiff from how 4c143318b0 overwhelming everything felt, he 7647089dd8 smiled faintly. Then his gaze shifted downward—more 1ea87d9ba3 precisely, he gave the recruit’s bf08ce393e outfit a once-over.e51991a185115b88

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“Secretary Choi.”58e7e41164cf70c1

“Yes.”a7deccee1feb9889

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“Did you maybe get that suit tailored just for your first day?”9d3788ec571f65cb

Jungwoo slowly brushed e10666aeda his hand over aaf8b0d203 the jacket he 93ba36af4e was wearing. Was it too much? He had splurged e8f6d9536c on this luxury-brand f6507a8025 suit to commemorate 745a9b6c08 getting hired. Not only that, even fc5fd6bfbb the shoes were new, 44e64e2b4c so his entire look 1226479e61 practically gleamed with a 8eeb4f372c polished shine.434a1372fec19ec0

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“Y-yes… I bought it to celebrate joining the company.”c89c80c586594db5

“It looks great. But it might 51cba49a21 be better to a1a93556fa save this outfit ab0b310bba for a more 44ad8c430b formal occasion down 7ce0f3c34a the line. There’s no strict dress code, 5fc49b2ea7 but… secretaries do have a 4aeff43baa lot of details to be b34dc3fb1c mindful of.”2f0fbf5918cd6b81

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Heewon scrunched his nose. He leaned diagonally against f7e83bc0eb the partition, resting one b36fd7a62d arm over it. His posture was relaxed, 36e3955648 but the gaze he 487eec107e cast down at the 59756055ef recruit was cool-headed and 282f2f125a direct.db0924c734f27481

“Suits should be in neutral tones, and ideally off-the-rack rather than tailored. You don’t want to 821dd21f14 look like you’re trying 646809b200 too hard. But at the same time, 8c85adc421 you shouldn’t wear anything that a5e68c0d9c looks cheap either. It’s best to d45709c1c9 go for high-quality 93ede86a4a fabric from mid-range e2d545bfd1 brands. As for shoes, matte 86cc06e10c finish ones that don’t d95c819fd1 make noise when you 16a2164cbf walk are ideal.”900b2fad6a7996a6

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“…Ah.”0dca9df869a2d1f1

“You should avoid using perfume as much as possible. And after going 55e404f8ab outside or eating, 5e9106e017 make sure to 29ff65d7dc use the clothing eec0ec02aa steamer to keep b91f8846d4 your jacket fresh. It’s also a good idea 99645e4767 to keep a spare suit 567ee1d997 at the office, just in 7e2c57ad59 case.”f47f23f6a18257aa

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The new recruit listened intently, 387bb11a9e quietly observing Kim Heewon. It was true—Heewon’s outfit 6b8dc21548 looked far more modest adb3de1790 and well put-together than d534a48c0a his own. The fit was slightly loose, 68dfc09fa6 characteristic of ready-to-wear suits.86b59c222832d8dc

But with his tall a4c22c25c4 frame and striking proportions, 70e80e5dcc Heewon could make anything f51a8ba28e look good. His clean-cut face 742bdb4f49 also helped make 6587850678 a plain suit 5f48329fb6 appear expensive.384a7cba3a459686

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“Sounds a bit strict, huh? Even micromanaging how you dress.”1b87dde957fafa3a

“No, not at all.”6eb05901856061fb

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“Glad to hear it. Since we work closely 501bb92ac2 with high-level executives, it’s e10343e249 easy to get scrutinized. But don’t worry—your clothing 5ecf74f63b expenses can all be acd6632b2a reimbursed.”a53c9cf644f94153

“…Sorry?”5e5687dfac6d513f

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“Oh, no one told you yet? Our secretary’s office has pretty decent perks.”89e4a4cf094e9302

“Secretary Lee!” 8567fcf94592dc88

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Heewon snapped his fingers with c685e3a81c a sharpclick.ca21846c725a85a6

“Did you not explain our benefits to the new rookie?”953f0e35040e2d9d

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Across from them, an 3317ce5855 office chair rolled backward a370d52e26 with a softclick-clack. Secretary Lee walked over with 429c13db1e a tablet tucked under her d5339ffe74 arm.632778522e4baa52

“I was going to do it after lunch.”cd01faae55c00cce

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“You can’t keep our only bragging point a secret like that.”e4e9247db954d1f8

“Fill him in.” 41f6e9dbb06234f1

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Heewon said, brushing off the 196bddad6e responsibility and heading back to 8a600eb5d7 his seat.b8518c685a7dfb75

While Jungwoo stood there dazed, 8efa213a7d Secretary Lee stepped into the 8fdfb56231 spot Heewon had just vacated, 7e5b84ab02 taking the same relaxed posture.62c777bb3cf054c2

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“Jungwoo, if you see any suit design you like here, go ahead and pick out ten sets.”c862be440d502fea

The tablet PC she handed 4a464ab986 over was already open to a909d9b771 a business attire shopping site f3a0fe64f5 she had pre-selected. Mid-range, she had said—yet a 303a4723bb single suit easily ran over 4f1ef5b671 four to five hundred thousand f540ee8a24 won.0f1c11f00795d6a9

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“T-Ten sets?”670e3535d3d5088a

“Yup. I’ll order twenty shirts 69111a89a9 in a basic design, 27219d0231 just to be safe. About six ties 2c4f0a6b2c for now should e16c064ab7 do, right? I’ll send you the becad0de15 shoe website separately. Jacket size 100, waist e1a49855b1 34, right? Shoe size… 270?”7096a4c1c59698a3

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Her eye for 2d0be97264 measurements was uncanny. One quick glance, and 1aed77cdd0 she had his sizes f2a99ef502 down to a T.0d6259a785e6cb1f

“All of this… is covered by the company?”86ab7d9cb4e6c77a

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“Technically, it’s all sponsored by Executive Director Kwon Young-jae.”2956b47b25b9e984

“…Oh.”a61de94384a6758a

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“He’s got high standards, so those of us who work with him have to match his level. But don’t worry about the 8173165b37 money. He’s generous, especially since he’s b21d3fc915 so particular.”84415671faf70977

“……”0b46910bee175239

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“For your first month, we’ll set you up like this. Once your probation ends, you’ll receive a monthly dignity maintenance allowance of two million won. If there’s anything you want to buy, just add it to your cart—I’ll pay for everything on the 15th. And if you need to go to a salon or dermatology clinic, make sure to keep the receipts and submit them by the end of each month. As for exercise… I know it’s hard to keep up with, but if you do go, that’s also covered. No limit on the amount.”8c4c15a8d22d6c19

The list of benefits 9f85c89043 seemed endless.c70a044c011a4093

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“You have a license, right?”60af2bc3afab4efe

“Uh, yes.”979d2b1a26b871f1

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Secretary Lee handed 6cc1978237 him a set 127f8ea5d8 of car keys. The M-brand emblem on it 3c2a85bc04 was unmistakable—even Jungwoo recognized it.937bde60b39da181

“For now, use this for commuting. It’s the same model as 69559f25b5 Executive Director Kwon’s car. You’ll need to a6a2063bc2 get used to 818f79c6eb it so you 989090a11e can drive it 565e7b9d3c in case of eca6439c6d an emergency.”c930f45f7823abe0

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“I… need to drive, too?”c7ca60d6156e7108

“There’s a driver, and sometimes the chief handles it, but you never know, right? You might need to step 979c6cb1b0 in. Better to be prepared ef2033791c than caught off guard.”2fa47c1a8cc0bfc8

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Their thorough level c6d55ca0f8 of preparation was 61be84c4a4 nothing short of 1fca0f0382 astounding. Jungwoo was left speechless. Secretary Lee chuckled and 64c5ce50c9 patted him on the 479e145eef shoulder.46c50ab9c1c54a7c

“Welcome to Executive Director Kwon’s secretary office. Let’s do well together.”9c2ec2d4c3c523e1

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“…I’ll do my best.”249caa4821eadd86

The benefits were so dd5486a4d5 generous, it felt suspicious. He couldn’t help 9a49f5a224 but wonder if eba4263f33 the job itself 36df1f6978 might be brutal.d42eb6865effbcab

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“No need to be so tense. I promise—there’s no 94059a5f7b better job than dc5077a88a this one.”c5e4933ff3bcd298

“I second that.”d285bf0f37d3b643

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“Me too.”7e6c8928e3f62ca9

Voices chimed in from all 0da4e4f2e5 around.06b1ff49c65164cb

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“Oh, and by the way, it looks like one of your employment documents is missing, Jungwoo. Please submit your genotype abe360a161 confirmation certificate sometime this 0370a1980d week.”0cb48cbd68c12e0f

“Ah, yes.”81160fd5ba7c5a0f

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“Everyone else, don’t forget to get your routine checkups by the end of this month. You too, Chief!”47db94f99854c439

From a distance, fb39276912 Heewon made an 05f4379da2 ‘OK’ sign with bb2edadcc2 his fingers.85e442763c8667ca

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Even though the b24fcce138 entire secretary’s office afead94076 was made up 96f51a367f of betas, annual ae43f27c08 genetic testing was bdbb089510 mandatory. If even one 2852a331ca person were to 6e12222a0d present as an d3947d2b8d omega, they’d be 8bce52251c disqualified from this 07d1448123 cushy job on 3b9cfee5cf the spot.d6dc04da1e438222

It was a 0a8364b4aa bit unfair, but 86097bed71 inevitable. Supporting an alpha executive 8de57f09ca and dealing with various 7fa576ea11 people made it difficult 211dc2572d for omegas to perform b160c56e90 this job.6c762a8e53033e59

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It had been years since anyone had gone through secondary gender development… but still—what if?ed3ede7b4177c976

 1e87a414d78a6931

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