Zee found herself in a spacious office adorned with posters of Kang Min-Jun. They weren't as much as her own collection, but she noticed that among the few, were the ones she hadn't seen before, and she couldn't help but drool a little.
The office was a large and well-lit room, with floor to ceiling windows letting in plenty of natural light. The furniture was stylish and contemporary, with a large mahogany desk at the center, completed by a few comfortable leather chairs. A plush rug under the desk and a few stylish bookshelves filled with industry magazines and awards completed the look. A comfortable sofa sat against one wall, with a coffee table in front of it, and a couple of stylish armchairs were positioned nearby. A few potted plants added a touch of greenery to the elegantly designed room.
Zee scanned the office, looking for any sign of Kang Min-Jun, but he was nowhere to be seen. She wondered if he wouldn't be part of today's interview or if he was just running late. She had hoped to see him at least. Her expression fell slightly, but she quickly pushed the disappointment aside and maintained a cheerful demeanor.
Manager Park settled behind his desk and Zee introduced herself with enthusiasm. "Annyeonghaseyo, I am Zee. It's nice to meet you."
Manager Park laughed heartily. "You're quite a vibrant one. I like that. Please, have a seat."
Zee took a seat across from him, still smiling. Soon, Manager Park's secretary entered with a stack of folders, handed them to him, and left.
Manager Park flipped through the bulky folder and pulled out the one with the unfamiliar name.
"Zeu...ru..." Manager Park struggled with the pronunciation.
"Zioraifechukwu Agu," Zee said, helping him out. "You can just call me Zee."
Zee's name had always been difficult for Koreans to pronounce, which is why she had shortened it.
"Forgive me," Manager Park said with an apologetic smile.
"No, no. I totally understand. African names can be challenging to pronounce, and I have difficulty with some Korean names too. My Korean isn't polished either."
Manager Park appreciated her honesty and straightforwardness. Just the right person for Min-Jun.
"I'm Manager Park," he finally introduced himself.
"It says here you went to Seoul National University. With your qualifications, you could land a white-collar job at a big company. Why do you want to work as a personal assistant? Don't tell me you are one of Kang Min-Jun's fans."
"You are right. I am a fan of Kang Min-Jun. But Manager Park, isn't this also a big company?"
Manager Park burst out laughing, clearly impressed. "I'm liking you more and more," he said before mumbling to himself, "Min-Jun won't get out of this one easily."
"It also says here that you are strong-willed and dedicated," Manager Park noted.
"Yes, I don't back down from challenges easily. Once I commit to something, I ensure I get it done."
Zee said this while recalling the peculiar environment around Kang Min-Jun. It seemed like every person employed around him eventually quit. She felt there might be something behind the scenes that needed investigation. Though Kang Min-Jun appeared humble, amiable, and calm in interviews, she wondered if there was more to it. Maybe the problem wasn't with him but with his staff. Regardless, Zee was determined that as long as she got the job, she wouldn't give up on anything related to Kang Min-Jun.
"Bingo, you are hired!" Manager Park exclaimed, jolting Zee out of her thoughts. He excitedly stood up and extended his hand for a handshake.
Zee could hardly believe it. Just like that? She quickly took his outstretched hand, bowing repeatedly. "Kamsahamnida, kamsahamnida. This job will be my first priority."
Manager Park stepped out from behind the desk and draped his arm around her shoulder as they walked towards the door. "Good, good. Make sure you are here tomorrow at six in the morning for a briefing. Chukhahamnida, Zee."
As Zee was led outside, she listened attentively to Manager Park's instructions. Once he finished speaking, she bowed deeply. "Thank you, Manager Park. I won't let you down."
She maintained her bow until the office door closed, then straightened up, still in disbelief. She had actually gotten the job!
In the hallway, Zee noticed that the line of people waiting earlier was nowhere to be seen. She blinked twice, wondering if her mind was playing tricks on her. When did they all leave? Was it when Manager Park pointed her out or when the secretary left after handing him the file?
Zee quickly brushed off the thought and limped toward the elevator. In her earlier nervousness and excitement, she had forgotten about her ankle, which was now slightly swollen and in need of ice.
As the elevator doors closed, Zee recalled the tension she felt when Manager Park called her into his office. Her mind had raced with alarms, fearing she had been recognized. However, given how things turned out, it seemed Manager Park hadn't connected her with the earlier incident. She was relieved—she didn't want Kang Min-Jun remembering their first meeting as her foolishly running into a moving van.
____________________
Kamsahamnida— Thank you
Chukhahamnida—Congratulation