Chapter 29
Chapter 29
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 29
Chapter Title: A Blessing in Disguise
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After parting ways with Cosmo, I didn't head straight home. Instead, I stopped by a café near my place.
This spot had private rooms available, and with prices on the higher end, it wasn't crowded at all—perfect for using as a personal hideout.
"Sorry for keeping you waiting, Kim Secretary."
As I made my way to one of the private rooms, I spotted the man who'd arrived ahead of me. My right-hand man, Kim Secretary.
The image of him from the barbecue joint, apron tied around his waist, flashed in my mind, and I couldn't help but burst out laughing. Even now, I felt bad for putting him and the security guys through that.
I'd have to give them a generous bonus later.
"Not at all. By the way, did you take a taxi here?"
"Yeah, it was tough to get in touch with Park Driver in that situation."
I nodded at Kim Secretary's question and took a seat.
With Cosmo right there beside me, a taxi had been the only option. I'd ridden the subway a few times ages ago, but it was all such a blur that I wouldn't even dream of attempting it now.
"The director taking a taxi—now that's a rare sight. It's almost a shame I didn't get to see it myself."
"I used to take taxis all the time as a kid. I get why it'd be novel for you, though."
We wrapped up the small talk and got down to business.
That was the whole reason I'd dragged Kim Secretary here instead of letting him go straight home from the barbecue place.
"Anyway, thanks so much for this time. It must've been a sudden request, but I'm grateful you went along with it."
"It was a refreshing change of pace, actually. Even brought back faint memories of my part-time job days as a student."
"You did part-time work back in school, Kim Secretary?"
"Yes. Our family wasn't well-off, so... I had no choice if I wanted to cover tuition and living expenses."
Oh, right—Kim Secretary was the epitome of a self-made man. He came across as someone who'd smoothly climbed the corporate ladder with family backing, all polished and elite, so I sometimes forgot.
People really can't be judged by appearances alone.
Come to think of it, Cosmo had struck me as the classic warm, nerdy guy at first glance. But now, he felt more like a reliable man I could lean on. Maybe that gap was part of his charm—and it drew me in even more.
"Here—this is your bonus. It's from me personally, separate from the company, so go ahead and take it."
I slid the envelope of cash I'd prepared before coming to the café across to him. His eyebrow twitched for a split second.
It looked less like joy at the unexpected reward and more like plain bewilderment.
"What you gave me last time was more than enough already..."
"This is for making you scrub grills for three days straight. I'm sorry about that, so think of it separately."
"Alright, then. Thank you—I'll gratefully accept it."
He started to politely decline at first, but when I put on a stern face and insisted, he finally bowed his head and tucked the envelope into his inner pocket.
For all his mild manners, Kim Secretary was razor-sharp when it came to money. Even private cash like this that no one would ever know about—he'd report it to the company, have taxes deducted, and take it as an official bonus.
I figured he'd do the same this time and had stuffed a little extra in.
"More importantly, Kim Secretary, I heard there's an opening at Cheongsung Planning... Is that right?"
"Yes, that's the word. They're apparently planning to hire soon."
Once I'd confirmed he'd pocketed the envelope, I casually dropped the question. He whipped out a notepad from somewhere and checked it before replying.
Cheongsung Planning wasn't directly tied to our Cheongsung Trading, so it made sense if I was out of the loop—but he knew even the nitty-gritty details. Impressive.
"Then let them know we might want to slot someone in. I'll fill you in on the details later."
"Understood. I'll give their CEO a heads-up."
Just like always, he pulled out his pen, jotted it down on the notepad, and capped it. I liked that he didn't pry or question it.
I took a sip of the coffee that arrived shortly after.
Sitting across from me, Kim Secretary was watching me closely. It was odd seeing someone who always spoke his mind act this way. Curiosity gnawed at me until I couldn't hold back anymore.
"Something you want to say? You're staring right at me."
"Ah, no. My apologies."
"If you've got something to say, spit it out. Holding back in a situation like this is the real rudeness."
I took another calm sip of coffee, replying coolly. His face stiffened, he hesitated, but finally spoke up.
"That... Cosmo person you mentioned?"
"C-Cosmo? Why bring him up out of nowhere...?"
The unexpected name caught me off guard—I was the flustered one now.
I must've looked so rattled in front of Kim Secretary for the first time ever; he seemed equally puzzled.
"At first, I thought it was just fan admiration since you've been keeping tabs on him. But it doesn't seem like that's all there is to it, so I figured I'd ask carefully."
"...What about it?"
Come to think of it, I'd mentioned watching Cosmo's streams a few times, but this was the first time I'd been seen with him openly. Regret hit me late as I shot back the question.
Kim Secretary gazed at me steadily, then spoke again in an even more cautious tone.
"You do have romantic feelings for him, don't you?"
"...!"
Today's antics alone probably made it obvious, but having Kim Secretary pinpoint it like that made my face heat up anyway. Like a kid caught red-handed doing something naughty.
"If this topic makes you uncomfortable, I won't say another word..."
"Y-Yeah."
As I hesitated just a bit, he tried to backpedal, but I cut him off with a nod.
Uncomfortable? Hardly. It was the truth, after all.
"I thought it was just fandom until I met him in person. But the more I learned about him, the more I couldn't help myself. Makes me wonder if this is what first love feels like."
"It's not just because it's your first love. It means your feelings for him are genuine—that you truly cherish him."
He instantly refuted my words, which could've sounded like fleeting impulse, affirming them with sincere praise.
I went a little blank for a moment, then smiled gratefully and tossed in a playful jab.
"I always say it, but you sure know how to talk, Kim Secretary. Even so, this bonus is it—no more."
"I wouldn't dream of asking for more. What you're giving me is already more than enough to raise the kids."
"Didn't you say last time that there's never enough for child-rearing?"
"Ahem... Th-that was just me relaying what their mom said."
Sure it was. It sure felt like heartfelt sincerity straight from the chest back then.
Anyway, since he said so, I let it slide with a nod.
Kim Secretary didn't press further on Cosmo, either.
"I'll be rooting for you all the way. Deep down, I always hoped you'd experience a fresh, youthful romance befitting someone your age."
That was the extent of his encouragement.
His words struck me as a bit surprising at the time.
I wasn't particularly starved for love, nor had I ever pined for some innocent fling.
It was just like that person once said: as I forged ahead on the path I'd chosen, love found its way to me, and I met someone I wanted to give everything to.
"Thanks, even if it was just words. But please don't tell my father or mother about this yet."
"The chairman might not know, but I think the madam would be thrilled..."
"That's exactly why. She'll make a huge fuss about when the wedding's happening and beat me to the punch."
I could already picture her launching into tales of "When your father and I first met..." right in front of her rookie daughter who hadn't even started dating yet. That future was not happening.
"...I overlooked that. My lips are sealed. Leave it to me."
Kim Secretary, who knew my mother well, seemed to have missed that angle too. He bowed his head as if deeply ashamed.
Still, his lips were sealed tight, so I could trust him. If word reached my mother, I'd assume it leaked from him and take drastic measures.
"Anyway, you're free to go now. Come back to work the day after tomorrow, so take tomorrow to rest up."
"Yes, understood."
I wanted to linger here a bit longer, so I shooed him out alone. He stood, gave me a polite bow.
"Oh, wait a sec, Kim Secretary."
"Yes? Something you forgot to mention?"
As I downed the last of my coffee and nodded, a question I'd overlooked popped into my head. I grabbed him before he could leave.
He turned back, and I fidgeted with my fingers, knowing it was a bit shameless, but made one more request.
"Um, any chance you know a guy who's good at video editing? Could you find me one?"
"Video editing...? For what purpose...?"
"Uh? Oh, th-that... um..."
I still couldn't bring myself to admit why I'd pulled that ridiculous act at the barbecue joint, so being upfront was tricky.
How do you even say it? That I want to recommend someone to the guy I like, but preferably not a woman!
"J-Just bring someone, and I'll explain then. But he has to be a guy—no exceptions."
"...Understood. I'll find someone as soon as possible."
I mumbled vaguely, and sensing I didn't want to elaborate, he turned and exited the private room.
Perfect—that hit the mark.
I could hook Na-yeon up with a good job, and in return, give Cosmo—who'd lost out on some rare talent—a skilled editor.
Soon as I find someone, I'll contact him right away.
And use it as an excuse to meet up.