Chapter 449
Chapter 449
Unfortunately for the man, Park Moon-dae only remembered him as the "Section Chief," a Grade 7 official.
This man remembered when Ryu Gun-woo was first appointed.
—Hello!
Most people ended up grinding away at City Hall, but this kid had either incredible luck or a powerful connection, because he landed at the District Office instead.
Well, the fact that not a single phone call came in asking for a favor quickly proved it wasn't the latter.
‘I need to break him in from the start.’
Gun-woo looked like an easy target.
You need to know something to actually do the work, and what does a rookie fresh off the exam know?
—Section Chief Ryu, are your parents here? Where’s your hometown?
—Uh… no. I moved here recently!
The kid had no ties to the neighborhood, so he wasn't going to be any help with the kind of projects a Grade 7 official at a District Office would handle.
‘Then he’d better be ready to suffer.’
The man intended to show him the bitterness of social life.
Gun-woo’s face looked so slick and unblemished that it seemed like he’d grown up without ever facing a hardship. Seeing him act like he was holding his ground only made the man more irritated.
He hated the sight of a punk who was still wet behind the ears, seemingly enduring everything out of the sheer pride of having done well on his exams.
The man had expected Gun-woo to go running, crying and begging to be transferred to City Hall by the time the next appointments came around.
‘Hmph… well, it doesn't matter.’
The groundwork was already laid.
The man dumped all the tedious, high-responsibility tasks with poor handovers onto Ryu Gun-woo, while he snatched up everything that would help with networking and promotions.
He considered his actions a form of professional savvy—and even a generous mercy toward Ryu Gun-woo.
‘If he’d gone to another District Office, he’d be screaming about resigning by now.’
Compared to that, wasn't he working in a much more relaxed environment than City Hall?
In any case, it would be impossible for that kid to hold his head high here anymore. He had to be suppressed now to ensure the man wouldn't have to watch someone like him get promoted quickly.
He truly believed that.
But on Monday.
“Good morning.”
When he saw Ryu Gun-woo arrive at work, he was momentarily taken aback.
It was the moment Ryu Gun-woo scanned the office with a searching gaze.
“…….”
Had he always looked that cold?
Originally, he had a soft expression that almost made him look gentle, but somehow, his aura had changed.
For a split second, it felt like he was a different person entirely.
“Good morning, Section Chief!”
However, as Ryu Gun-woo greeted the others, he had already returned to his usual mild-mannered expression.
It was the same when the man went over to him on purpose to subtly needle him.
“Make sure you do it right this time! I’m counting on you~”
“…Yes.”
See? He can’t even talk back.
The man shrugged and moved on.
‘Must have been my imagination.’
However, that was the moment he should have noticed something was off.
He should have seen Ryu Gun-woo smiling as he turned his gaze back to his computer.
*
That afternoon.
When the man returned from a lunch meeting—which was really just an excuse for a meal—the atmosphere in the office was strangely different.
“…?”
In a corner of the office, he could see figures through a half-open door.
The Team Leader was sitting at a table, talking with Ryu Gun-woo.
‘What’s with them?’
This was the time they should be sitting at their desks hammering away at their keyboards. What had gotten into them?
It didn't look like Gun-woo was being scolded for a mistake. The atmosphere actually looked quite good.
“Haha!”
Just then, Ryu Gun-woo, who had been speaking politely with a constant smile, spotted him.
“…!”
And when the Team Leader said something to Ryu Gun-woo, he stood up, walked to the door, and called out to the group.
Except, he wasn't calling the Section Chief.
“Section Chief Lee.”
“Yes!”
He called the Grade 9 rookie—the nephew of a former Chairman of the Seoul Metropolitan Council and a current City Councilor for this district.
“The Team Leader is calling for you.”
“Ah….”
“Oh, right. Come here and sit down for a moment.”
“Ah, yes!”
At the Team Leader’s gesture, Section Chief Lee hurriedly stepped out from behind the man and entered the room.
‘…??’
As the "Section Chief" stood there, unable to react to the sudden situation, Ryu Gun-woo, who had been wearing a calm smile, turned his head.
Their eyes met.
“…….”
Ryu Gun-woo seemed to stare at him for a moment, but then…
Click.
He closed the door.
‘…That little shit.’
Acting all unpleasant and crap.
Feeling inexplicably uneasy, the "Section Chief" spat out a few curses under his breath and headed to the breakroom.
That was the first anomaly.
And he witnessed the second anomaly two hours before the end of the workday.
On his way to the roof for a smoke.
He saw Ryu Gun-woo and Section Chief Lee by the emergency staircase.
The two were talking with quite serious expressions.
‘Look at this bullshit.’
What could they possibly have to talk about that was so important they had to come out here during work hours?
This time, he couldn't hold back. After enjoying his cigarette, he went down and approached Section Chief Lee directly.
“Section Chief Lee, what were you two talking about that was so interesting?”
Section Chief Lee flinched and trailed off.
“Ah… just, he helped me out with some civil complaints.”
“Wow, Section Chief Ryu is actually helping people? That’s impressive.”
Naturally, it wasn't a compliment; it was meant to be a mockery. A way of asking what kind of help someone like him could possibly give.
But the usual passive agreement didn't come back.
“Yes. Section Chief Ryu is a very kind and good person, after all.”
“…….”
Huh?
‘This guy… is he showing his discomfort?’
The kid who usually laughed or obediently played along…
For a moment, the man almost lost his temper, but he forced a boisterous smile.
“Well, Section Chief Ryu is nothing if not for his personality. He’s a good guy.”
“Yes….”
The reaction wasn't great this time either, but he decided to be satisfied with the fact that the other person had backed down.
However, around the time to clock out.
The final anomaly occurred.
“Section Chief Lee~ Want to grab a drink?”
It was an invitation he made at least once a week to maintain his image as a "good boss" who bought food and drinks.
But Section Chief Lee shook his head.
“Um… I have plans today.”
“…!”
It was polite, but a rejection was a rejection.
This had never happened since the rookie was first appointed.
“…Really?”
“Yes. I’m very sorry, but I’ll see you tomorrow. Thank you, Section Chief.”
With that, he quickly slipped out of the office.
And in the process, he even glanced back at Ryu Gun-woo and gave him a nod!
“…….”
The man was dumbfounded, but a chill ran down his spine.
‘Something’s wrong.’
He hurriedly left the office and got into the elevator.
But two female employees who had been in the office just moments ago were already inside.
They were whispering about something.
“No way, really?”
“Ah, then that’s totally….”
But the moment they made eye contact with him, they flinched and looked at each other. Then they gave him awkward smiles.
“…??”
Ding—.
At that moment, the elevator arrived. The two quickly stepped out.
As if they didn't even want to hear a question from him.
“Good work today.”
“We’ll be heading out now~”
In the end, the "Section Chief" was left standing alone in the lobby.
Knowing nothing.
Without even a clue, completely alienated.
“…….”
What the hell.
‘What is wrong with all of them?’
Until this morning, it had been a day no different from last week.
What on earth… was happening?!
The office was empty, as no one was working overtime.
“Well then, Gun-woo, get home safe.”
“Yes. Thank you.”
I saw the Team Leader off and remained in the office alone. I had some things to pack.
[Hyung, what on earth… did you do?]
What do you mean, what did I do?
‘I solved it in a way that suits you.’
[How is this anything like me?!]
The pop-up wailed. It seemed there was a misunderstanding.
Well, to explain this properly… I should start with this.
I asked point-blank.
‘Why do you think that "Section Chief Lee" guy followed you around to external meetings?’
[Uh…? Well, because it’s work?]
Exactly.
Do you think he liked it? Absolutely not.
‘He did it because he was intimidated.’
[…!]
In your first job, you don't want to get on your boss's bad side.
People are all the same. Why would a guy who probably became a civil servant for the work-life balance enjoy being dragged around to field work, meetings, and entertaining?
Especially when he’s stuck with a boomer-minded guy like that—there’s no way resentment hadn't built up.
‘He probably even found it annoying when the guy thought he was being "nice" by buying him dinner.’
Like holding him back in the evening just to buy him a meal.
‘So.’
[…So?]
I just… created a reason for him to cut ties.
‘You just have to make it so he isn't intimidated anymore.’
So first, I targeted the most powerful "speaker." The Team Leader.
—Ah, Team Leader. Section Chief Lee was the one who did that…!
During lunch with the Team Leader, I intentionally praised "Section Chief Lee" using plausible reasons.
And as I kept the conversation going by subtly asking about the Team Leader’s personal life, I pulled Section Chief Lee into the conversation at the right timing… and the stage was set.
[What kind of stage…?]
A stage to show Section Chief Lee his own standing.
I just had to use the mouth of the most authoritative person, the "Team Leader."
‘I nudged the conversation in that direction….’
To make him realize all over again what an advantageous position it was to be a relative of a local influential figure.
Then, this thought occurs to him:
—Wait? Then can I actually push back against that Section Chief prick?
I just pulled forward a realization that would have normally taken another year of working to hit him.
Of course, if it ended there, it would take some time for him to actually act on that thought. So, for the final push…
‘I gave him a justification.’
[…A justification?]
Yeah.
‘I reminded him that the guy was specifically bullying you.’
—Um, Section Chief Ryu. Thank you. For speaking well of me….
—Oh, no. It’s the truth! And… since we’re both suffering here, it’s the least I could do.
—…….
—Let’s hang in there. It’ll be fine once this period passes.
The conviction that he was doing something good.
It turns out that’s surprisingly important to people. Adding the satisfaction of delivering a cool dose of justice made him unstoppable.
I nodded.
Besides, look at the reaction of the people in the office when things started happening.
The fact that many people found this flipped situation entertaining means that Ryu Gun-woo usually had a pretty good reputation.
‘This was only possible because you lived a kind life.’
[…….]
Well, I was praising his character; shouldn't he be a bit happier?
‘Anyway, from now on, even if that "Section Chief" guy tries to take Section Chief Lee to meetings, he won't be as cooperative as before.’
Because he knows how useful he is now.
He already has a grudge, he’ll show his dislike, and then… things will start to creak.
Until that "Section Chief" gets absolutely pissed off.
‘But it’s too late for him to change his mind and say he’ll take Ryu Gun-woo instead….’
Before long, that guy will have no choice but to accept the reality that his networking at this District Office is ruined.
[Then….]
I shrugged.
“Well… he’ll probably aim for the next transfer.”
‘Then he’ll be gone, and you can keep leaving work exactly on time.’
A happy ending.
[Uh-huh-huh-huh…….]
Hmm, thinking about it again, it was a very gentle solution.
To think I could handle it so mildly, just by praising others. Doesn't this look similar to Keun-dal’s usual behavior?
[Pardon?]
And yet, no one lost out, and everyone was happy. Indeed.
I marveled briefly.
‘Living like you seems like a pretty decent way to go.’
[…Yes. Thank you…….]
Don't mention it.
In a refreshed mood, I logged off the internal network system.
I think this is enough of a civil servant life experience.
‘Is your preparation for the evening schedule going okay?’
Because the turn for me to control Park Moon-dae again is coming up.
[Ah… yes! Preparations are complete.]
‘Good.’
I’m heading out now, too.
[…Yes!]
As soon as I arrived at work, I took out the belongings I had put in my personal cabinet.
The heavy weight of the bag pressed down on my hand.
‘It’s been a really long time since I’ve held this.’
With the bag slung over my shoulder, I left the office. And I began to head toward my destination.
To the Jamsil Indoor Stadium.
“Waaaaah!!”
“Aaaaah!!”
Screams and lights are everywhere. It’s not a club or a battlefield.
Though the competition for seats was just as fierce.
‘Whew.’
I took my seat.
It was the <CyChart Music Awards>, usually held in late January, one of the last among the major, credible awards ceremonies.
And TeSTAR is scheduled to make their comeback at this very ceremony.
‘What about the stage since our bodies are swapped?’
Fortunately, the ceremony continues past midnight. TeSTAR performs right before the very end, so our bodies will swap back before then.
Though it’s a bit of a problem whether Keun-dal can hold out naturally while receiving awards in the artist section until then.
‘In the meantime, Ryu Gun-woo has work to do, too.’
I’m talking about this guy’s after-work plans.
“…Hmm.”
I opened my bag and took out what I had prepared. A black, rectangular object.
A camera.
And… a "White Barrel." Once the long, cylindrical telephoto lens was attached, the preparation was complete.
‘The specs are pretty good.’
I wondered how much he paid for it, but I decided not to ask.
Anyway… that’s how it was.
This was Ryu Gun-woo’s plan after work today.
At a music chart awards ceremony, try taking photos of TeSTAR with a camera.
—I remembered how you used to upload videos you took, Hyung… so I bought one to try it myself! But honestly, I’m not that good at taking them…….
That’s what he said.
To be honest, it’s not a hobby I’d highly recommend, but as a part of finding his own interests, it’s a fine hobby to dabble in.
…Taking photos of people.
I adjusted the focus and lifted the camera. Even after a long time, the composition came naturally.
[And now, let’s meet the Artists of the Year for the CyChart Music Awards!]
The MCs’ introduction and the ceremony began. And as the opening VCR played, cheers and lightstick glows erupted from the audience again.
Of course, applause was coming from the artist section as well.
‘At this timing, the standard move is to shoot here.’
As a check, I pulled the view and searched for the table. TeSTAR is… there.
“Found them.”
Through the viewfinder, I saw the seven guys sitting side by side and smiling.
Especially Park Moon-dae.
‘Hmm… his condition looks okay.’
Hiding his intermittent hand tremors under the blanket was an excellent choice. I nodded.
Click.
As I reflexively took a few shots of the surrounding members, I felt the familiar, comfortable grip in my hands. It felt like I’d caught some good shots.
‘Hmm.’
This is actually kind of fun.
I turned the camera again. There was still some time before the stage started.
‘Should I take some shots of the others, too?’
Let’s see, first, the one sitting right next to TeSTAR is….
“…….”
It was Cheong-ryeo.