Lee Sooyoung's New Workplace
Lee Sooyoung was stunned. This place...
It was the ultimate symbol of wealth, the dream destination: L Tower's Signiel Residence. And not just any unit—a super penthouse at that.
She never imagined she'd set foot in a place like this.
Gulp.
The master zone. Shin Jaewoo's bedroom and study were right there.
Her footsteps naturally led her to his study.
Whew.
Starting today, this was her workplace. More precisely, her desk was set up right outside the master zone.
She had just knocked on the master zone door moments ago and entered. Now, she was in Shin Jaewoo's study, giving her report directly to him.
"I just got a call from Branch Manager Jeong Junyoung."
"Ah, from the branch manager? What'd he say? Did it go well?"
Shin Jaewoo immediately perked up at her words. His eyes sparkled with anticipation, like a kid waiting for a new toy. In fact, this report might feel like getting a shiny new plaything to him.
How much money does he have to pull off stunts like this?
Her pupils trembled. Even so, she delivered the report he wanted to hear.
"They've completed the acquisition of 75% of Miracle Pictures' shares for 55 billion won."
"55 billion?"
Shin Jaewoo tilted his head.
55 billion. Truth be told, that exceeded Miracle Pictures' total valuation. It was enough to demand 120% of the shares.
But Shin Jaewoo didn't seem to care about that. He just looked mildly puzzled.
Seeing his expression, Lee Sooyoung understood his mindset—and inwardly shuddered at the sheer scale of his fortune once more.
"...The remaining 45 billion will be covered by issuing corporate bonds."
"Ah."
Shin Jaewoo nodded at that. In simple terms, he was lending the company 45 billion won.
"For now, the 100 billion won investment contract with the company is complete."
"Hmm. Got it."
Shin Jaewoo nodded again, then launched into what he'd been holding back, as if he'd been waiting for this moment.
"Now that the company's got the funds... pass along a message. If they need more financial support, I'll provide it—just hire as much equipment and manpower as they can."
"You're really... going to do that?"
She asked him again, just to confirm. It was still fine for now. Miracle Pictures had some solid projects lined up, after all.
"They're airing a drama called Forensic Pathologist Jang Jisoo in September, right? Wouldn't it be better to wait until that's wrapped up?"
"Huh? Forensic Pathologist Jang Jisoo? I saw last year that they'd signed it for adaptation..."
Shin Jaewoo looked surprised. A forensic pathologist—commonly known as a coroner—was a doctor who determined causes of death through autopsies, aiding investigations. That's the official term in Korea: law doctor.
...Anyway, that one was fun, wasn't it?
His eyes lit up. It had come out a couple of years ago and was serialized on one of the domestic webnovel platforms, K-Page. It was entertaining. And recently, he'd developed a personal attachment to it.
The PD's company is gonna be rolling in dough.
Lee Hae-in. The management distributing Doctor Jang Jisoo's webnovel was her company, Hera Books.
So it was a surprise.
"Wasn't intentional, but somehow I ended up on the same boat again."
"Pardon?"
"Oh, nothing. Just talking to myself. I remember enjoying the original."
Shin Jaewoo smiled. Lee Sooyoung nodded without questioning it further.
"Ah, I see."
As she let out a soft exclamation, Shin Jaewoo reflected. Like he'd muttered earlier, it was pure coincidence. He hadn't picked Miracle Pictures himself.
He'd simply told Panta Trust he wanted to acquire a production company.
Who knew it'd connect like this.
He hadn't expected it. If this was fate, then so be it.
"No other notable updates?"
"No, sir."
She'd transferred from Panta Bank to here. Her old habit of calling him "Jaewoo-ssi" had changed to the now-familiar "Director."
"Then, please relay that message to Miracle Pictures through Panta Trust."
"Yes, Director."
Lee Sooyoung answered Shin Jaewoo and stepped out.
The main living room was right there, with her desk. She glanced subtly at the floor-to-ceiling windows. Namsan Tower loomed in the distance.
To think I'd be working in a place like this.
Her office was a dream come true. The only downside? No window seat. Someone else had claimed that spot.
[Chief Secretary Lee Jinmyeong]
Her new boss, whom she'd met a few times. Just then, he entered from outside and their eyes met.
"Good day, sir."
She greeted her new superior with impeccable poise. Trained in the VIP division, her manners were flawless.
"...Secretary Lee Sooyoung?"
"Yes, Chief Secretary."
"Is the director inside?"
"Yes, he's in the director's office."
Lee Jinmyeong. Every time she saw him, she got a strange vibe.
He feels... dangerous if you get too close.
Honestly, he scared her. Woman's intuition, maybe. He reeked of peril.
Standing before him made her tense up. And then, she sensed someone eerily similar to him.
Gasp!
It was the man approaching behind Lee Jinmyeong.
"This is Choi Jincheol. He'll handle the director's driving and protection alongside Mr. Coleman from now on."
One person couldn't cover 24/7 shifts, so adding another made sense. But that didn't stop the cold sweat trickling down her back.
Why are all the guys here so intimidating?
Choi Jincheol's gaze was no joke. Maybe it was her imagination, but he had the eyes of a killer who'd taken lives.
For the record, Derek Coleman scared her too.
"I'm Choi Jincheol. Nice to work with you, Secretary."
"L-Lee Sooyoung. Likewise... looking forward to it."
Despite her feelings, they exchanged greetings.
"By the way, Secretary Lee Sooyoung."
"Yes, Chief Secretary!"
And naturally, among these scary men, he terrified her the most—the one leading them all, Lee Jinmyeong.
"Did the director give any instructions?"
"Ah...!"
Only then did she remember what she'd heard.
Contact Pictures...
More precisely, liaise with Panta Bank's VIP division.
"There's an instruction from the trust company... I'll make the call."
She hurried off, unable to bear their gazes.
Lee Jinmyeong watched her retreating figure, then turned. Toward the master zone door.
"...You know this, but guarding this door is part of your role now."
"Understood, Chief. No worries. No one will harm the director on my watch."
"...Good."
Lee Jinmyeong nodded and knocked on the master zone door.
"Director, it's Lee Jinmyeong."
Lounging on the sofa, fiddling with his smartphone, Shin Jaewoo set it down. He straightened up and responded to the voice from outside.
Soon, Lee Jinmyeong entered the study with another man.
Who's this?
Shin Jaewoo tilted his head at Choi Jincheol following behind.
He looked athletic, at least at a glance.
Don't think I've seen him before...
Maybe because Shin Jaewoo was staring, Lee Jinmyeong introduced him right away.
"This is Choi Jincheol. He'll handle your protection and driving with Derek Coleman."
"I'm Choi Jincheol, Director."
"...Nice to meet you."
Shin Jaewoo greeted him. Surprisingly, Choi Jincheol bowed and left after that.
Naturally, only Shin Jaewoo and Lee Jinmyeong remained.
"If I'm ever away, just give him instructions."
Lee Jinmyeong's trust in Choi Jincheol ran deeper than expected.
Shin Jaewoo looked at him in surprise, his expression shifting.
"...Does that mean the chief secretary will be stepping away?"
"My apologies. A lot of our foundations are still in the US."
Shin Jaewoo nodded. It made sense. He preferred life in Korea over America, but...
We can't abandon the US base entirely.
On one hand, he regretted liquidating his grandfather's US assets. But he didn't show it.
By now, Shin Jaewoo had a good read on this man, Lee Jinmyeong.
He spoke up.
"The school foundation's set up, so... you're heading to the US to handle the funding inflows?"
Lee Jinmyeong nodded.
"Yes, Director. Plus, I need to show my face to the US staff—otherwise, who knows what foolish ideas they'll get."
Shin Jaewoo's instincts had sharpened. He could sense the hidden killing intent in Lee Jinmyeong's eyes.
"I'm always grateful to you, Chief Secretary."
He wondered if entrusting this to Lee Jinmyeong was wise, but...
Shin Jaewoo spoke.
"That said, before you go, there's something I'd like to ask of you, Chief Secretary."