DMSD | Chapter 18

“Uh, Deputy Head Manager…”

“Of course, Myeongeun-ssi will receive a special allowance.”

“No, that’s not what I wanted to discuss….”

Myeongeun trailed off, hesitating with his words. Honestly, he was a bit tempted. The rent might be going up soon…

Sensing Myeongeun’s reluctance, Kwon Jinhyeon tried appealing to his empathy this time.

“I think if there’s anyone who can truly understand Hwan at this point, it’s you, Myeongeun-ssi.”

“…Because of my past connection with Jinhwan-ssi?”

“Of course, that’s part of the reason.”

Jinhyeon paused briefly.

“I hope my younger brother can blend into society more. I want him to get away from dangerous situations, even just a little. For that, he definitely needs someone’s help, and if that helper understands his unique condition, all the better. From my perspective, there’s no one more qualified than you, Myeongeun-ssi.”

Those words resonated with Myeongeun, leaving no room for disagreement.

“And as you saw yesterday, Hwan can be a bit prickly. He’s not the same as the quiet five-year-old you remember.”

Sure, he’d only spent about two hours with Kwon Jinhwan yesterday, but “a bit prickly” was an understatement. The five-year-old Hwan had been reserved but never moody or cold.

“But his overly defensive personality is largely due to his physical condition. That’s why the family tends to be lenient with him. I believe you, Myeongeun-ssi, could handle him a bit more firmly and decisively.”

“Me?”

Myeongeun was taken aback. He never saw himself as someone capable of being strict with anyone.

“You can do it.”

Jinhyeon smiled warmly, as if to encourage him.

“You’ll have no choice but to do it.”

Upon a closer look, that smile seemed more sympathetic than kind. It looked suspicious.

However, Jinhyeon’s next words robbed Myeongeun of any authority to decline being Jinhwan’s watcher.

“And, the president is personally looking forward to this.”

“….”

That was the kind of magical phrase that could turn retirement hopefuls into obedient minions.

◆

“I’ll be working part-time here for three months.”

And so, the ultimate predator at the top of the food chain in the public relations office appeared.

“I’m Kwon Jinhwan.”

Standing at the back of the meeting room, Myeongeun recalled his conversation with Kwon Jinhyeon from the previous day.

“Deputy Head Manager, did Jinhwan-ssi agree to office life without any resistance?”

Myeongeun had asked, even though he knew better. He was curious about what words had been used to convince Kwon Jinhwan.

“Ah, well.”

As expected, Jinhyeon had given a vague response, but since Myeongeun waited expectantly, he soon relented and answered.

“I gave him an offer he couldn’t refuse, so there’s nothing to worry about.”

“An offer, you say.”

“I told him I’d cancel his credit card.”

”…….”

That wasn’t an offer; that was blackmail.

“What could he do? Sure, he earns money on his own, but even he knows his lifestyle is too much to handle with just that.”

“Let me make it clear; I have no connection to the company executives.”

Looking at Jinhwan’s ash-brown hair, Myeongeun barely managed to stifle a sigh.

Just how much was he spending to get dragged here like this, Hwan-ah?

“Everyone, let’s give a warm welcome to our new part-timer!”

“Welcome!”

As he clapped along with the other employees, Myeongeun felt Jinhwan’s blunt gaze land on him, prompting him to shuffle aside to avoid it.

His insides were probably boiling. The forced attendance just to keep his credit card must have left Jinhwan in a bad mood.

“Now, everyone, let’s get back to work. Let’s have a productive day. Ah, right.”

The Manager wore a pleasant smile.

“I almost forgot what we do every morning. Let’s start with the team cheer, shall we?”

The PR office staff exchanged confused looks.

Of course, they would. This was out of nowhere.

“What’s he doing now?” Assistant Manager Kim whispered to Myeongeun, grumbling quietly.

“We don’t have a team cheer!”

Exactly. There was no such thing as a team cheer. The Manager rarely showed up to morning meetings, and those meetings were basically the team members sitting around like zombies and leaving like zombies when it was over.

Sigh. It must’ve been the fifth time that day that Myeongeun swallowed a sigh.

“Ah, a cheer!”

Manager Lee, belatedly catching on, responded to the Manager’s prompt.

“You know, like… everyone, let’s… Public… General Affairs, Fighting…”

He struggled, sweating as he tried to come up with something on the spot.

Only moving his eyes, Myeongeun looked over at Jinhwan standing behind the Manager. Jinhwan stood with his hands loosely behind his back, watching the employees with a bored expression.

…This is so embarrassing.

Lowering his head in silence, Myeongeun cringed. Not only was there no team cheer, but the idea of a cheer was ten years out of date. And, of all people, perceptive Jinhwan could clearly see them scrambling to make one up.

“Yes, yes, that sounds good.”

After some hushed brainstorming with Kim Junyoung, Manager Lee finally seemed satisfied, grinning as he looked at the Manager.

“Manager! How about you lead with ‘We’re Gaon’s!’ and then we’ll respond with ‘Light and Salt!’ Isn’t that what you meant?”

Ahhh! Manager Lee!

Internally, Myeongeun screamed. Section Chief Yang, Assistant Manager Kim, and Supervisor Yu glared daggers at Manager Lee.

“Right, Manager?”

Kim Junyoung asked with a smug face, as if he’d solved everything.

“That’s our morning and evening chant.”

You idiot. Now, four pairs of hostile eyes turned toward Kim Junyoung.

“Yes, yes.”

The Manager naturally went along with the fake chant Kim Junyoung had come up with. Section Chief Yang, Assistant Manager Kim, and Myeongeun all exchanged urgent looks, silently telling each other to stop the Manager. If he started the chant now, they’d be doomed to this horrible cheer every morning and evening.

“Alright, then.”

Just as the Manager took a deep breath—

“Pft.”

The quiet laughter that broke the silence halted everyone’s movements. All eyes turned toward one person. Kwon Jinhwan stood there, one corner of his mouth curling up as he looked down at everyone. It was a clear sneer.

The room froze instantly.

While no one dared to speak, Jinhwan, who had no need or intention to gauge the mood, addressed the clumsy team members with a slow, drawling voice.

“Please, go on. Light and salt.”

Now, everyone’s faces turned beet red, except for the Manager and Kim Junyoung.

“Oh? Then, Jinhwan-ssi, why don’t you join us?” Kim Junyoung, shameless as ever, turned to the Manager. Whether the Manager wanted to impress Jinhwan with the “we’re so cheerful and united” act or had decided against involving him, he only mumbled vaguely, not replying to Kim Junyoung.

“Come on, let’s do it.”

Once again, Kim Junyoung began pushing.

He was always like this. Even at office gatherings, if someone refused a drink or song, he’d try to pressure them into it, acting friendly but subtly coercive. Usually, everyone complied just to avoid the awkwardness.

“Jinhwan-ssi, you’re part of the PR team now, even if it’s just part-time.”

“I don’t want to.”

Jinhwan’s firm voice cut off Kim Junyoung mid-sentence. Stunned, Kim Junyoung stared at Jinhwan, who tilted his head slightly as he met his gaze.

“Ah… haha.” Kim Junyoung forced an awkward laugh, embarrassed.

At that moment, Myeongeun bit his lip, suppressing a grin. Seeing Kim Junyoung embarrassed? That sent a delightful chill through him.

Of course, that wasn’t enough to stop Kim Junyoung.

“Jinhwan-ssi, I understand that you’re young and new to social situations, so maybe you don’t see the value of unity…”

“I already said I’m not doing it.”

Jinhwan’s tone was icy. Now, everyone was watching his every move. His eyes clearly conveyed, “Why are you bothering me when I said no?”

Glancing at Kim Junyoung, Myeongeun noticed his face flushed with a mix of embarrassment, resentment, and defeat. Despite his arrogant demeanor, it seemed even someone as prideful as him had to back down in front of a founding family member.

Honestly, Myeongeun wanted Jinhwan to put Kim Junyoung in his place even more, but as Jinhwan’s watcher, it was time to step in and defuse the situation. If this kept up, a pissed-off Jinhwan might blow his top over some ridiculous cheer and his hostage-like credit card situation. The family hadn’t approved his temper for no reason.

“Manager.”

Taking a step forward, all eyes landed on him. He checked his wristwatch and raised his head.

“I have a meeting with Deputy Manager Song from the Overseas Support Department in fifteen minutes.”

“Oh? Is that so?”

The Manager checked the time as well.

Section Chief Yang and Assistant Manager Kim made quiet sounds of disappointment, clearly wishing to see Kim Junyoung’s humiliation go on. Giving them a subtle shake of the head, Myeongeun signaled restraint.

“Shall we wrap up the meeting here?”

At the Manager’s words, Myeongeun felt a wave of relief wash over him. He turned his gaze, only to meet a very angry stare from Kim Junyoung. What now? Why are you mad at me? Coolly, he ignored him.

“Alright, everyone, back to work.”

And with that, the Manager declared the chaotic meeting over. Supervisor Yu led the team out in a single file, like sausages, but the Manager stopped Myeongeun just before he left.

“Assistant Manager Go.”

Left alone in the meeting room were the Manager, Kwon Jinhwan, and Myeongeun.