The next days flew by quickly. The holidays were fast approaching and the city streets had become busier than ever. It was more cold now since it was foretold that winter would arrive earlier this year. Nevertheless, life goes on. And for Min Jae, work continues.
The 5-hour board meeting had just finished. As Min Jae walked out the conference hall, the employees began to slump in their chairs as they cracked their bones. Some began to stretch their numb limbs while the others felt like collapsing on the spot! Heck that was a long meeting!
Min Jae entered his office with Secretary Yoo behind him. Just then, an intern was simply placing a warm pot of tea and a platter of freshly baked biscuits on his desk. She was new and because her mentor wasn't around, she had been assigned to do other things. One of which is this.
The young woman was startled when the two men entered that she almost dropped the fragile platter. Luckily, she managed to get through without breaking anything. The two men were busy conversing so they didn't pay any attention to her. They didn't even notice the sound of rattling glass because of her nervousness.
Before she left the office, she was able to take a quick glance at the company's CEO, Lee Min Jae. Her coworkers were right, he was indeed a handsome man and his attractiveness was one of a kind. He had this certain charm or appeal that was very difficult to put into words. Even she was left speechless just by looking at this man!
Min Jae felt that someone was watching him. In an instant, he saw that the young intern by the door was staring at him. His cold eyes met hers. The moment she realized that she was caught, she felt her cheeks redden in embarrassment. Immediately, she apologized before scurrying away from the man's domineering presence.
Secretary Yoo noticed that Min Jae was momentarily distracted by the intern's reckless actions. Before his boss could even ask him, Yoo Joong explained immediately. "She's one of the new interns sir. In replacement of Ms. Choi Na Rae, we've gathered the top graduates from the best universities in the city. So far, all candidates are doing exemplary well."
Min Jae nodded as he took in the information. "I understand." He said. "Ensure that these interns will be properly oriented. Provide them with the best trainings and don't hesitate to hire those with great potential in contributing to the company. Also, from now on..." Min Jae trailed off as the image of the young intern flashed in his mind.
Having an affair in the workplace was a real hassle. Initially, Min Jae firmly avoided hooking up with women from work. It would only make things a whole lot complicated and bothersome. Even his previous relationship with Na Rae came to him by surprise. He never once knew about her existence until the day he found himself tangled up with her.
But other than that, Min Jae suddenly disliked the idea of women entering his office just to ogle at him. He discarded those circumstances before, but now, for some reason he just really found it annoying.
"Only I can decide who to let inside my office." Min Jae's stern voice rang loud and clear inside the spacious room. "In other words, no one else steps a foot inside my office without my knowledge. I don't care what you have to do in order to guarantee that but make sure it happens. Have I made myself clear?"
"Yes boss!" Secretary Yoo immediately responded.
As soon as Secretary Yoo left, another person emerged from the doors. Min Jae couldn't help but pinch the bridge of his nose due to frustration. Didn't he just say awhile ago to not let anybody else in? Who the f*** is it now?!
Kang Suk Ju casually entered Min Jae's office. He didn't even bother greeting his superior as he stroded towards Min Jae's desk to toss a white envelope in front of him.
"I can't go." Suk Ju said before placing his hands on his hips.
Min Jae flipped the white envelope and realized that it was an invitation. The event was arranged in celebration of a birthday. The party's host wasn't really a good friend of his but nevertheless, it was a good opportunity to expand the company's connections. The invited guests after all were no joke. There were even businessmen from abroad who were said to arrive for the purpose of attending this event only. Min Jae recalled that he had assigned Suk Ju to go on his behalf but now, it seems like he had to go himself.
"My mother's home. She said she'll make me regret being born if I don't show myself to her by tonight." Suk Ju explained. The event wasn't that important but it would still be helpful. Min Jae considered it carefully.
In the end, Min Jae sighed in defeat. "Okay, I'll go." He said, without further explanations.
Suk Ju immediately looked at him upon hearing his response. He was taken aback by Min Jae's sudden decision. After all, he didn't really like attending these kind of gatherings unless they were really important. Besides, they could easily shrug this one off. Majority of the representatives attending were already their partners. Why did he suddenly want to go?
By evening, Min Jae got ready just in time for the event. He didn't really bother dressing to impress so he casually wore a neatly tailored suit. As expected, people were dressed very well for the occasion. It was obvious that they wanted to flaunt their wealth to others. However for Min Jae, despite dressing semi-formally, he still stood out in the crowd.
The night smoothly flowed as everyone socialized with one another. On another hand, many entrepreneurs were already strategizing how to walk up and start a conversation with Summit Group International's CEO. This could be a miraculous opportunity for their own businesses. At the same time, it could also lead to their own shame if ever they were turned down.
But before anyone could muster up their courage to even take a step forward, a man in his fifties confidently approached Min Jae. He was short and a bit fat. His hair visibly had their own share of white strands.
Clinging onto him was a beautiful young woman. Their age gap was obvious. Nonetheless, everyone could tell that the couple was married because of their matching rings.
The man widely grinned at Min Jae. "Mr. Lee, it's an honor to witness your presence here today. I am Gum Chang Seop and this is my lovely wife, Bo Ra."
The woman sweetly smiled at Min Jae. Her eyes held a familiar glow. One that Min Jae's admirers always had. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Lee."