The ticking of the clock and the long phone call from our team leader were the only sounds echoing on our working floor.
“Yes. Thank you.”
The team’s gaze shifted toward the team leader as the call ended.
“I spoke with a security management company on the ground. Thankfully, the airport hasn’t been shut down yet. We plan to transport the employees to the airport as soon as it’s relatively safe. I’ll look into arranging vehicles right away.”
A sigh of relief escaped me upon hearing the team leader. Securing transportation to the airport was crucial. If the hotel couldn’t provide a vehicle, our reliable option was a security management company.
In a situation where even contacting a security company due to civil unrest wasn’t easy, this was good news.
“Please double-check the flight tickets we’ve secured and confirm once more that our employees are safely staying at the hotel.”
Given the country’s small expatriate community, chartering a plane was not an option. Securing flight tickets was one of the most critical tasks.
“Yes.”
Both Baek In Ha and I responded simultaneously.
“In Ha, please continue to communicate with the employees at the hotel.”
“Yes! Understood.”
Seeing a glimmer of improvement, In Ha’s face loosened up a bit as she picked up her phone.
I rechecked the flight tickets I had booked.
A critical task indeed. After confirming two business class tickets, I took another sigh of relief and completed the flight ticket confirmation with the airline.
In an emergency situation, even getting economy seats was difficult. Deals were often made under the table. Booking business class was the safest option.
It was a lesson learned from my early days in this company.
“Manager, the flight tickets have been double-checked.”
“Alright.”
The team leader nodded and immersed herself in something else.
I also double-checked the hotel our employees would stay in upon arriving in a third country and their return flight tickets to South Korea.
Time passed as we tirelessly hoped for our employees’ safety.
Dawn began to break. Morning sunlight started to glare through the office windows. I lowered the blinds and looked at In Ha.
“In Ha, get some shut-eye for a bit.”
Dark circles reached below Inha’s chin as she glared at her phone. She was advised to take a brief rest in the lounge.
“Me? Why only me…”
Team Leader hesitated, stretching as he spoke.
“Listen to Manager Moon. If we can’t secure a vehicle, more tasks will pile up. Let’s take turns resting.”
If this became a long-term issue, it was literally a battle of stamina. Though no one wished for it, no one could predict the far-off circumstances on the other side of the globe.
“Alright, I’ll take a brief rest. Contact me immediately if anything comes up.”
I nodded with a smile, bowed, and left the office, waddling.
“Team Leader, any contact from the security company yet?”
“No, seems they’re having trouble securing a vehicle.”
I resumed my grip on tension, searching for available flights for the next day, in case our staff couldn’t get to the airport today.
My bad premonition became reality.
News of the deteriorating situation started coming from the embassy.
Thus, we had to exert all efforts to evacuate our staff, like something out of Operation 007.
Fortunately, one of the researchers there had experience in such matters and knew the safest procedures.
We began actively exploring ways to escape, reassuring the colleagues with us.
By the third day:
[Have you heard about Team 4? I contacted a different hotel where I once stayed; they said they can secure a vehicle. Will this help?]
Researcher Jung Chan-hyeong sent a message via the company messenger.
“Team Leader!”
I immediately relayed the news. Team Leader sprang up, contacted Jung Chan-hyeong, and he came to our office promptly.
“I…”
Team Leader grabbed the hesitating Jung Chan-hyeong’s arm and took him to the pre-reserved conference room. All members of our team and Jung Chan-hyeong started working on resolving the issue.
Fortunately, a vehicle was easily secured and we planned to meet local staff and proceed to the airport.
“Let’s wait for the airplane after contacting the security company at the airport.”
Jung Chan-hyeong stayed with us until the vehicle to transport the local staff to the airport arrived.
“How can we ever thank you?”
Team Leader’s words were met with a gracious smile as he waved it off.
“I’ve been to Africa for work too, I know how hard it is. I just wanted to help as a fellow researcher.”
He gave a humble bow and exited the conference room; I followed him out.
“I’m really grateful.”
“Haha, glad I could help.”
“Didn’t this delay your work?”
“It’s alright, just a little overtime.”
Feeling more guilty that he had to work late…
“Do you feel bad now?”
“Of course, I feel both thankful and sorry.”
His playful grin appeared as he spoke.
“Then, will you buy me a meal?”
“Huh?”
“If you’re so thankful and sorry, buy me a meal.”
“A meal?”
“Yes, surely that’s not too much to ask?”
His face, full of playful mischief, questioned me.
“No, of course not. Yes, I’ll definitely treat you.”
“Alright, let’s do it after we sort this out.”
“Yes.”
He turned and walked away, his steps light and cheerful down the conference room corridor. Just then, the door to our conference room burst open.
“Manager, Team Leader is looking for you.”
“Yes, I’m on my way.”
Male lead fell into her trap — and shattered when she walked away
This is also on my reread list!
This one is a slow burn, but when it burns, it burns hard.
Definitely worth a read, y’all!
The story follows a thousand-year-old seductive spirit who, on a bet, sets out to charm the male lead—a once-promising but unfortunate cultivator.
But just when she succeeds in making him fall for her, she heartlessly leaves, driving him to madness.
Determined to find her at all costs, he captures her, keeping her by his side no matter what, even if she hates him.
I love this kind of trope—I enjoy watching the male lead suffer in agony.
The ending drags a bit with unnecessary filler, but that’s fine.
As long as I enjoy the beginning, I’m good.
Intro
As an enchantress, Su Heng possesses captivating eyes and charming beauty, easily manipulating the joys and sorrows of living beings at her fingertips.
But to enchant a god, making him taste the bitterness of love’s separation, long-lasting resentment, unattainable desires, and inability to let go…
Do you dare?
Su Heng assists a divine lord in his cultivation, aiming to make him experience all the sufferings of love, so that he can attain the Great Dao.
Only after being chased down from the heavens by the divine lord, confined and completely possessed by him, does she realize how successful she has been.
The once gentle and polite youth has transformed into someone she no longer recognizes.
[Touch the gear icon in the bottom right corner of the screen to move to the next chapter if you want.]
