Boss, Our Promise was Different (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 5
Just as lunchtime was ending, the moment Jae In sat down, the internal line rang as if it had been waiting for her.
A voice, flattened and pleading as though prostrated on the floor, came through the receiver.
“Assistant Manager Seo, I’m so sorry!”
It was Section Chief Go Shin Ae. Jae In quickly cupped the receiver with her hand and whispered,
“Section Chief, what on earth happened? Did you really quit?”
“Yes. I feel utterly ashamed for acting so irresponsibly. At the airport, Jason said he couldn’t just part ways like this and handed me a plane ticket while proposing. By the time I came to my senses, I was already on the plane—how absurd is that?”
It was the kind of thing that only happened in romantic movies.
Hearing Shin Ae’s girlishly excited voice, Jae In couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle.
“So you’ll get married and live in England then? Congratulations, Section Chief!”
“Thank you. Everyone’s saying I’ve gone crazy, aren’t they?”
“Team Leader hasn’t said anything yet.”
“I see. Anyway, I’m really sorry, but Assistant Manager Seo, could you please wrap up our project nicely?”
“Well… I told them I’m quitting today too.”
“What? Why suddenly, Assistant Manager Seo?”
“For personal reasons.”
Jae In had almost honestly said it was because of Do Hyuk, but stopped herself, fearing the explanation would get too long.
“Oh my, Team Leader must be disappointed. He really valued you.”
“Valued me? I’d be lucky if he just stopped bossing me around.”
“No, really. He subtly asked me about you the other day.”
“He was probably just digging for something to nitpick about. Yesterday, he was only doting on Deputy Manager Kang.”
Even now, thinking about it felt unjust.
“Really? I thought Team Leader was interested in you.”
“What?”
“Oh! I have to go now. I’ll call you again!”
After hanging up, Jae In mulled over Shin Ae’s words.
‘Team Leader is interested in me?’
Ha. How could anyone possibly have such a terrifying misunderstanding?
Jae In let out a dry, exasperated laugh.
“Oh, how long has it been!”
Jae In took a deep breath of the crisp evening air.
It was her first proper early departure in ages. And it was Friday, no less.
She’d boldly handed in her resignation—she felt absolutely euphoric.
When she’d entered the team leader’s office that afternoon to submit the competitor product report, Do Hyuk had merely told her to leave it without even looking up from his documents. He hadn’t said a word to her until the end of the workday.
He was uncharacteristically distant—even other team members had noticed something was off and exchanged puzzled glances.
When Do Hyuk finally announced Shin Ae’s resignation at quitting time, everyone gaped in shock and assumed his odd behavior was due to the news about Shin Ae.
Jae In recalled Do Hyuk’s gloomy, storm-cloud-like expression.
‘Was he that shocked?’
It made sense—no one had ever dared talk back to him before.
What should she do? She didn’t feel sorry at all.
‘Ah, this is so satisfying!’
Jae In didn’t even try to suppress the smile tugging at her lips.
Still, on such a historic day, going straight home felt somehow unsatisfying.
‘I should meet up with Yu Ra for a celebratory drink… Wait! Get a grip, Seo Jae In! You’ll be unemployed soon—every penny counts.’
She’d been so elated after standing up to Do Hyuk that she’d briefly lost touch with reality.
Though she’d courageously resigned in defiance of his tyranny, the thought of scraping by for months brought a twinge of regret.
Another thought crept in:
‘Should I have accepted Team Leader’s proposal?’
Brrr.
She shivered as if struck by a sudden chill.
You’re insane.
He’d suggested she live with him 24/7 for two months in exchange for a scholarship. That probably meant she’d die of exhaustion before even setting foot in Japan.
And since the condition was successfully completing the project, failure would mean suffering endlessly for nothing.
Selling her soul for money?
Jae In vigorously shook her head and lightly slapped her cheeks.
That was truly dangerous.
Right, she’d immediately register on part-time job sites.
She’d take any job that came her way and work hard.
She’d juggle two gigs. No—better yet, three, so she wouldn’t even have time for such reckless thoughts.
Gripping her wavering resolve like a reed in a storm, Jae In headed home.
As she climbed the stairs toward her rooftop room, she sensed someone nearby. At the same time, the rich, comforting aroma of soybean paste stew filled her nostrils.
Cheerful singing drifted out from the brightly lit room.
“Holding tightly the ribbons of her jeogori, who could she be waiting for, at the sprightly age of eighteen? By the willow-lined brook where leaves fall…”
Jae In hurriedly ran up the stairs, flung open the door, and called out,
“Mom!”
“Our Jae In’s here?”
Her mom, standing by the stove, greeted her with a radiant smile.
She was wearing a dress she never wore and even had on full makeup—she must have gone to a reunion.
“Mom, you should’ve called if you were coming! Was there some gathering in Seoul?”
Her mom patted Jae In’s back as she hugged her tightly.
“What gathering? I just missed my daughter, so I came.”
“What about Dad?”
“I told him to mind the shop by himself.”
Jae In’s parents, who lived in Hwasun, had run a small bakery in the same spot for over thirty years. Their goods were delicious and their kindness drew many regular customers.
Though their earnings were modest compared to their hard work, it was enough for their simple living, and Jae In was grateful.
“Aren’t you busy these days?”
“We have part-timers now. Besides, he’ll only realize how precious I am if I’m gone once in a while.”
“He may seem gruff, but where else would you find such a devoted husband?”
“That’s true. I’m really blessed—a kind husband and such a beautiful daughter.”
“Mom…”
Her mom gently stroked Jae In’s cheeks.
Soon, a humble but hearty meal was laid out. Eating her mom’s cooking after so long made Jae In feel as if all her recent hardships had melted away like snow.
After clearing the table, Jae In and her mom sat facing each other with canned beer and simple snacks—time to catch up properly.
Jae In, arms crossed, spoke first.
“Alright, spill it.”
“Spill what?”
“What did you and Dad fight about?”
Pffft! Her mom spat out the beer she was drinking, clearly startled by the abrupt question.
“Cough! Cough! What are you talking about!”
“You left home because of a fight.”
“Who left home? I just came to see you.”
Her mom waved her hands, her face flushed red.
If you’re going to deny it, at least don’t look so flustered.
“Mom, I’ve been eating humble pie in the Seo family for twenty years. I can tell just by looking.”
“Seriously, I didn’t!”
“It’s weird! You always said you were prettiest with no makeup—just sunscreen on your bare face. And this dress? You said it was uncomfortable and only wore it to funerals or weddings!”
“Well… sometimes I just feel like changing things up!”
“And you only sing ‘Nangrang 18’ when you’re feeling down. Plus, you never talk so formally—it doesn’t suit you.”
“You keep putting words in my mouth! Besides, maybe I’m actually a refined woman!”
Exasperated, her mom took a long swig of beer.
“Fine then. Look me straight in the eyes.”
When Jae In reluctantly met her gaze, her mom’s eyes wavered helplessly, and tears began welling up.
“There, see? Just tell me everything already.”
“Why won’t you believe me when I say it’s not true?”
“Why won’t you listen to your own daughter?”
“I don’t know, I don’t know! I’m sleepy, so don’t talk to me!”
Pouting like a child, her mom turned toward the wall and flopped down.
Soon after, probably worn out from the long journey, she quickly drifted off, snoring softly.
Right now?
Jae In let out an involuntary chuckle.
Now this felt like her real mom.
She lay down beside her mother and gently buried her face in her back.
She’d always thought her mom was tough as nails, yet here she was, shedding tears in front of her daughter.
“Mom’s really getting old.”
Her softly spoken words were heavy with tenderness.
Rrrrrrr. Rrrrrrr.
A loud ringtone shattered the quiet, echoing through the room.
Afraid of waking her mom, Jae In hastily reached for her phone.
The screen read “Beloved Dad.”
“Oh? Assistant Manager Seo? Back already after the weekend? Guess your blind date didn’t go well, huh?”
Section Chief Park, ever the busybody, wasn’t about to let this slide.
Jae In wore her usual neat outfit—a crisp blouse paired with a black skirt. Her long hair, reaching down to her chest, was tied back in a single, tidy ponytail.
“It’s not that.”
“Well, good thing you came back. You startled me yesterday with that flashy look. That style only suits someone like Deputy Manager Kang.”
“Oh, Section Chief! How can you say that so bluntly? Assistant Manager Seo, don’t feel bad.”
Across from her, Na Hee covered her mouth, giggling.
Go on, chatter away.
Jae In, who hadn’t slept a wink last night, had a throbbing headache and couldn’t be bothered to respond.
Now that she looked, Na Hee was dressed head-to-toe in luxury brands today, clearly making an effort.
Her lashes curled dramatically upward, oversized earrings and a dazzling necklace adorned her, and she wore a snug pink dress that hugged her slender figure perfectly.
Not a single element felt understated—she was the kind of dazzling beauty who’d turn heads anywhere.
She’d really gone all out. Anyone would think she was heading to Miss Korea.
“What I meant is that Assistant Manager Seo suits a simpler look. Right, Yeon Ji?”
Yeon Ji, blinking her large eyes, glanced toward the door before replying,
“Assistant Manager Seo is pretty even without makeup—she’s the real luxury item. Right, Team Leader?”
Huh?
Everyone turned to look where Yeon Ji was gazing. Do Hyuk stood by the doorway, having arrived unnoticed.
“Oh! I thought you were in your office. Alright, enough chitchat—let’s get back to work!”
Section Chief Park, who’d started the gossip, was the first to bolt.
“Team Leader, you’re here?”
Na Hee rose gracefully and flashed Do Hyuk a captivating smile, subtly accentuating her ample bust.
Do Hyuk, however, didn’t spare her a glance and simply said indifferently,
“That’s correct.”
“Huh? What’s correct?”
Was it correct that they should work? That he had arrived?
Everyone was bewildered by Do Hyuk’s sentence, missing both subject and object—everyone except Yeon Ji.
“As expected, Team Leader.”
Yeon Ji beamed brightly at him.
Having prepared a deliberate greeting only to receive such an odd response, Na Hee’s eyelashes fluttered in frustration. But she lifted her lips even higher and tried again,
“Team Leader, are you free now? I have something to discuss regarding the proposal revision.”
“I have something important this morning. Let’s talk about that this afternoon.”
“Yes. Then I’ll see you later.”
Only then did color finally return to Na Hee’s face.
‘So she dressed up for Team Leader today. It’s painfully obvious. But seriously, what’s so great about him anyway?’
Was it his face? She’d admit that much.
Whatever.
Jae In’s head ached from the tangled mess of thoughts.
As Do Hyuk passed by her, he murmured quietly,
“Assistant Manager Seo, come to my office for a moment.”
She’d been planning to see him anyway. Jae In rose and followed him slowly.
“Since I’ve informed HR of your resignation, your letter should be processed today. Once your replacement is found, please ensure a smooth handover so the project isn’t disrupted.”
Do Hyuk continued with a detached expression,
“I’m sorry it was difficult because of me. Thank you for all your hard work.”
Even though Do Hyuk offered an apology he’d never given before, Jae In’s lips remained tightly shut.
“You may leave now.”
Yet her feet stayed rooted to the floor just the same.
“Assistant Manager Seo? Do you have something to say to me?”
Do Hyuk’s deep eyes urged her on.
Aware of the cold sweat trickling down her forehead, Jae In struggled to speak,
“Team Leader, by any chance….”
“Yes?”
After hesitating, she clenched her fists resolutely.
“Is that proposal from last time still valid?”
When scheming men desperately battle for her favor in the male harem
This one’s also on my reread list! The rivalry, scheming between the men in the imperial harem are just as intense and thrilling as in classic palace drama novels, where concubines fight to the death. Give it a read, girls! I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Synopsis:
“I am not worthy of her… but I still want to be by her side, even if only as a loyal dog…”
Those were the painful whispers of Yue Guanyi – the proud Crown Prince of the Great Qi, who was torn between deep love and a guilty conscience. Despite holding the supreme power of the Imperial Guard, he still could not forget the dark past when he was sold into a brothel.
Fate played a cruel twist when Qiu Shuzhi – a young female official who had just passed the imperial examinations with top honors – stepped into his life. She did not know that she was the one who had saved him from a tragic fate many years ago. And now, her heart was the target of pursuit for both Yue Guanyi and the powerful Empress Dowager Qin Qing.
While Yue Guanyi only dared to silently care for and protect the one he loved from afar, the Empress Dowager Qin Qing openly expressed his feelings and did not hesitate to take advantage of his power to approach Qiu Shuzhi. The covert struggle between the two most powerful forces in the imperial court began…
Trigger warning: All men in this novel are yandere style.
_____
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