The Secretary's Power (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 2
I don’t even know with what state of mind I finished the briefing.
Hye Won glanced at the clock as she wrapped up her final explanation.
She’d been allotted thirty minutes, yet the briefing ended in just twenty.
“That’s all, Managing Director.”
The moment the words left her mouth, a dizzying wave washed over her. It had felt like she’d been talking for two hours, yet barely twenty minutes had passed.
“Finished?”
Tae Beom, slouched on the sofa, lifted his eyes and asked. Hye Won flinched at his striking appearance.
His smooth face bore eyebrows as if painted by a brush—perfectly dark and defined. A distinct air of charisma flowed down his high nose bridge.
“Did you say it’s finished?”
“Yes. That’s correct.”
Hye Won, who had been staring at Tae Beom as if entranced, quickly clasped her hands together and replied politely.
She’d prepared mountains of material—how on earth did the briefing end in just twenty minutes?
Whenever she tried to speak, the royal family sitting on the sofa would cut in:
“Pass.”
So she’d hurriedly switch topics and start briefing again.
“Pass. Let’s move on to the next.”
From then on, the royal family kept interrupting with demands like “Pass,” “Next,” “Something else,” effectively cutting her off.
“Did you really haul all that equipment here just to deliver a briefing like this?”
“I’m sorry. Next time, I’ll prepare more thoroughly and come back with improvements.”
“You’re coming again? To my house?”
No! Of course not!
“I’ll have everything ready so you can review it immediately once you’re back at the office.”
Hye Won quickly shifted the tone of the conversation. She needed to stay sharp—if she kept rambling carelessly, who knew what trouble she’d land in? Yet her pulse kept racing, making it hard to catch her breath.
“I’ve just listened to a briefing full of information you’ve clearly gathered from all over the place, yet reveals you actually know nothing.”
Hye Won flinched at Tae Beom’s sharp remark.
He’d been slumped like a dried squid left out in the sea breeze, seemingly deaf to everything she said—but thankfully, his ears appeared to be working after all.
…Ah. Or maybe that wasn’t fortunate after all.
“I’m sitting here not to hear things that I already know, you already know, and even a brand-new hire would know.”
“I’m sorry.”
“And you couldn’t even fill thirty minutes.”
That’s because you kept cutting me off! That’s why it ended so fast…
Hye Won bit her lips shut. Her mind went blank trying to figure out how to respond to the royal family’s scolding—after they’d dismissed more than half of her material, they now criticized her for not filling the allotted time.
“I’m sorry. I’ll work much harder.”
She decided to turn herself into an apology bot.
“Your name?”
“Assistant Manager Yoon Hye Won.”
The handsome brute, whose shirt buttons were left undone as if even fastening them was too much effort, asked for her name.
Hye Won straightened her back and responded instantly.
“Your assignment path?”
Huh? Assignment path?
“There was a recommendation from Department Head Park Min Bok of the Corporate Strategy Division.”
Actually, I was sent here by the Vice President’s direct order to keep an eye on you—but
Hye Won gave a vague explanation, concealing the real reason for her assignment. There was no way she’d ever admit the Vice President had shoved her into this.
Ah. I want to go home. I want to go home. I want to go home.
Please let me go. Please let me go. Please let me go. Please let me go.
“Even Park, the department head, has lost his senses. His judgment in people is really…”
So please let me go. Please let me go. Please let me go.
Hye Won stared blankly at the floor, listening numbly to his open complaint. She scanned the marble floor pattern with blurry eyes, waiting desperately for that premium-grade gravel to kick her out.
“You’ll start work after the weekend, so come here by three tomorrow.”
NoOOOOOOOo…
“Yes. Understood.”
Hye Won replied swiftly. Thinking this might be her cue to leave, she twitched her fingertips.
Ugh, seriously suffocating—seriously wanting to run away.
Yet since no one actually told her to go, she stood rooted in place like a robot with its input command deleted.
Just then—
Diiiiing, diiiiing—the phone on the table belonging to Tae Beom rang.
“Who is it?”
When Tae Beom asked, Hye Won quickly approached the table to check the caller.
He couldn’t even be bothered to move when his own phone rang—truly born to boss others around.
Hye Won picked up the phone. Reading the caller ID, she tensed her eyelids.
“Oh—um—Kim Yang…”
Kim Yang? Hye Won squeezed her eyes shut then opened them again, as if she’d seen a name she shouldn’t have.
“I’m sorry. It’s Kim Yang—Mr. Kim Yang on the line.”
“Bring it over here.”
“Yes, Managing Director.”
Good grief. Kim Yang?
Was this person so lazy they couldn’t even type out their full three-syllable name properly?
“Hello.”
Tae Beom’s deep voice resonated as he took the call.
“Why don’t you ever pick up my calls? Where are you, and why aren’t you coming over?”
Oh my. So Kim Yang’s coming over.
Then the person who’d been waiting in a gown, neck craned in anticipation—that’s Kim Yang?
As Hye Won returned to her spot, she pulled her lips into a long, downward frown. The caller ID alone stirred up curiosity she didn’t even have before.
“What do you need to shower for? Just come over and shower here.”
Oh my! Goodness!
“Forget it, just come. You’ll sweat again anyway.”
Oh my! Oh my oh my!
Sweating with Kim Yang! What are they going to do! What are they planning to do here with Kim Yang!
Hye Won couldn’t help but scrunch up her whole face.
“What’s the big deal? Between us, there’s nothing left unseen. Just come.”
How dare he say such lewd things without even blinking an eye. He must really see me as invisible weeds.
How long has it even been since you returned to the country, and you’re already pulling in Kim Yang, Park Yang—what, everyone?
“Alright. Fine.”
Tae Beom ended the call and lowered the phone. Hye Won instantly relaxed her expression.
She tried her best to signal “I heard absolutely nothing” by lowering her eyebrows as far as they’d go.
“What are you still standing around for? If you’re done, go.”
“Yes! Have a good day!”
Hye Won, who’d been waiting all along for just those words, finished her farewell at the speed of light. She hastily stuffed her laptop into her bag and slung her huge backpack over her shoulders like a peddler.
Watching her, Tae Beom finally spoke.
“What time did I tell you to come by tomorrow again?”
“Three o’clock!”
“Forget it—be here by ten in the morning.”
Crackle, crackle—suddenly, loud auditory hallucinations started ringing in her ears.
What else could that sound be?
“Yes… Understood, Managing Director…”
“Your voice sounds really off. Don’t you want to?”
“No! I’ll see you by ten tomorrow morning!”
That was the sound of her life shattering.
“This is unbearable! Absolutely unbearable!”
Thud. Hye Won slammed her beer glass down in frustration.
After work, she’d grabbed some simple chicken and beer with her colleague, Assistant Manager Na Su Kyung, still shaking her head in disbelief at the absurd ordeal she’d just endured.
“Do you know what that premium-grade gravel told me? ‘Be here by ten tomorrow.’ When am I supposed to prepare additional briefing materials? When will I hold internal meetings? When will I get the department head’s approval before heading to his place?”
“Whoa, calm down. Just calm down. You can do it if you wake up at three in the morning. Hang in there.”
“Oh. Is that so?”
…That’s not comforting at all! Sob.
Hye Won clutched her head in despair. Su Kyung, who’d been chugging her beer, sent her a sympathetic look.
“Managing Director Ha Tae Beom—I heard he’s a notorious guy. Is he really that awful? Is it true he was basically exiled to an overseas branch?”
“I only saw him once—how would I know? But yeah, his personality didn’t exactly seem likable.”
Hye Won replied in a low voice, her expression dejected. Next week, she’d be reporting to the Managing Director’s office—but whether it was a temporary or permanent assignment remained unclear.
The unusual detail in her reassignment note read: [Close-proximity operational support]—a role barely distinguishable from that of a secretary.
“Assistant Na, think about it. How can someone like me—who can’t even manage myself—possibly assist someone as a top aide?”
Su Kyung burst into laughter.
“You can do it! It’s Assistant Yoon Hye Won’s specialty! Aren’t you known for being so tough and capable?”
“That’s you insulting me! You’re insulting me!”
Sob. Sob. Hye Won groaned repeatedly in agony.
“But, Assistant Yoon—how did you end up getting assigned to the Managing Director’s office? Was this something planned from the start?”
Noticing Su Kyung’s curiosity, Hye Won shook her head.
Though her transfer to the Managing Director’s office was already common knowledge, the fact that it came from the Vice President’s special order was a secret—nobody was supposed to know.
If she ever let it slip, she’d be forced to pay a penalty so steep it’d make her eyes pop out—so Hye Won played dumb.
“I didn’t know either. It just suddenly happened.”
“I see. The whole office’s been in chaos all day—everyone’s talking about Assistant Yoon moving to the Managing Director’s office.”
Opinions within the company were sharply split over Hye Won’s transfer.
Some claimed it was a bold, well-connected move backed by upper management, while others insisted it was clearly a demotion for abandoning Ha Ji Seok, the Vice President and a strong CEO candidate.
“Assistant Yoon, I think it’s a good thing. Who knows what the future holds? Besides, opportunities to become a confidante of the royal family don’t come around often.”
Well… I’m not sure if it’s an “opportunity”…
I’m just… going because I owe a debt…
Unable to finish her thought aloud, Hye Won just gulped down more beer. Su Kyung placed a chicken drumstick onto her plate.
“Assistant Yoon, you can do it. You’ve got to endure—what else can you do? You know we’re at that awkward career stage where quitting isn’t really an option. Just hang in there. No matter how crazy he is, you absolutely must endure.”
“Right… I have to endure. I know. I really do.”
Just as Su Kyung said, she had no choice but to endure. How could she possibly quit this prestigious corporation over office politics?
That was absolutely unthinkable.
“What’s the big deal? Between us, there’s nothing left unseen. Just come.”
Suddenly recalling Tae Beom’s phone conversation, Hye Won narrowed her eyes.
After quickly checking that no male colleagues were nearby, she leaned forward.
Su Kyung instinctively leaned in too.
She’d been about to whisper her speculation—that the premium-grade gravel was meeting Kim Yang, and since he couldn’t even save the name properly, Kim Yang must be a famous celebrity or model or something—but Hye Won straightened back up abruptly.
“What? You were about to say something and stopped?”
Su Kyung asked, eyes wide with curiosity. Hye Won shook her head.
Right. She had to watch her words. If she pretended she knew nothing and saw nothing—if she just stayed low like this—even a rat hole would eventually see sunlight.
“No, I was just going to say I want another beer.”
“Seriously? You look so tense—as if you need permission just to drink one.”
At Su Kyung’s teasing, Hye Won gave an embarrassed smile.
“I’ll have just one more drink, then head back to the office. I think I’ll need to pull an all-nighter to prepare the briefing materials.”
“Our Assistant Yoon, you’re working so hard. Hang in there. Things will get better once the Managing Director settles in.”
Su Kyung’s comforting words didn’t quite reach Hye Won’s heart, so she just offered a small smile.
Phew. Facing Tae Beom again tomorrow at ten in the morning already felt overwhelming—but it couldn’t be helped.
She’d just have to get used to his nonchalant tyranny.
“But, Assistant Yoon—I’ve been wondering this whole time—why do you call the Managing Director ‘premium-grade gravel’?”
“Yeah. Because he looks just like a rock.”
She’d just have to become a stubborn weed, growing fiercely through that field of premium-grade gravel.
“Let’s have brunch together tomorrow. Are you free?”
After finishing a tennis match and sauna session together, Attorney Kim Yang Hoon changed into the suit he’d brought along.
Tae Beom, drying his hair with a towel, spoke up.
“No time. I have a briefing at ten tomorrow.”
“Oh, ten. Then forget it—I won’t be free after lunch either.”
The two were close friends. When Tae Beom returned to headquarters, the very first person he recruited was Yang Hoon.
Since they were such close buddies, Tae Beom had long called Yang Hoon “Kim Yang.”
“No—Kim Yang, let’s do brunch together.”
After a brief pause, Tae Beom changed his schedule. Yang Hoon turned back toward him.
“Suddenly? I thought you had a briefing?”
“Just tell them to wait.”
“Hey, man—how rude is it to keep someone waiting after calling them over?”
Yang Hoon scolded him, and Tae Beom plopped onto the sofa.
“Seems like the Vice President stuck her in there.”
“Ji Seok hyung? Who? The person coming for the briefing?”
Tae Beom nodded.
“Well, she claims it was Department Head Park Min Bok’s recommendation.”
“Isn’t Department Head Park someone Ji Seok hyung used to work closely with back in the Passenger Business Division?”
“Exactly.”
“And didn’t Ji Seok hyung back him when he transferred to Corporate Strategy?”
“Right. So isn’t it clear it’s more of the same?”
They neatly drew their conclusion. What else could it mean but planting someone nearby to keep watch?
“She came with Department Head Park Min Bok’s recommendation, but if you trace the chain, you’ll find Vice President Ha Ji Seok at the top. That’s a valid interpretation.”
As Yang Hoon summed it up, Tae Beom nodded.
What Vice President Ji Seok had overlooked was that Tae Beom had already secured a strong ally in Attorney Kim Yang Hoon—and that Tae Beom understood the internal dynamics of headquarters far better than Ji Seok assumed.
“Ji Seok hyung played a move against Ha Tae Beom that’s way too obvious.”
Yang Hoon had already fully grasped the backstories of the company’s executives.
“He probably thinks I’m just some idle guy who rolled back from the overseas branch after lazing around. Well, not a bad assumption.”
Tae Beom rubbed his chin, recalling Hye Won. He’d expected someone important from the Corporate Strategy Division—since they were transferring someone to his office—but instead, some assistant manager showed up.
Throughout the briefing, she’d trembled like a freshly bathed Chihuahua.
“She seems like the Vice President’s little gift, but I’ll only accept her if I feel like it.”
“Of course. You can’t let your brother’s countermove go unanswered.”
“Do I have to accept her?”
“If you don’t?”
Tae Beom dropped his interlaced fingers onto his knee and tensed his eyelids.
“If I’m annoyed, there’s no way I’ll treat her nicely.”
While tying his tie, Yang Hoon glanced at Tae Beom’s reflection in the mirror.
“What sin did that assistant commit? She’s just following orders from above.”
“The sin of grabbing the wrong rope. How dare she think so little of Ha Tae Beom.”
Tae Beom boasted, and Yang Hoon let out a quiet chuckle.
“I’ll make her cry until her tears and snot run dry.”
“Good for you. You’re really something.”
“Why not? Haven’t you heard my reputation? I’m a scary guy. Anyone who dares come near me must pay the price.”
“Alright, alright. I’m sure you’ll handle it perfectly.”
Yang Hoon, fully buttoned up, turned around.
“Anyway, this is just the beginning—don’t take anything lightly. The road ahead is long, Tae Beom.”
“If you’re going to lecture me, then you’d better leave quickly. Anyway, I’ll make that assistant surrender completely within three days and send her right back to her original department.”
Hmm. Yang Hoon sighed briefly and pointed to Tae Beom’s watch on the table with his chin.
“Fine. Let’s make a bet. If you fail to send her back, I get that watch.”
Tae Beom flinched, looking at his watch with fondness. He’d waited a whole year for it, and it had only arrived a week ago—brand new and fresh.
“And if I do send her back? What are you betting?”
“Me? I’ll bet one year of unpaid overtime.”
“Deal. I accept.”
Tae Beom and Yang Hoon exchanged knowing smirks, each confident of victory.
As Yang Hoon said he’d take his leave, Tae Beom raised his hand in farewell, thinking again of Hye Won.
Ten o’clock tomorrow. Come quickly.
I’ll make you cry until your tears and snot run dry—for daring to trespass into Ha Tae Beom’s world.
Male lead is reincarnated to save his wife
I’ve also read this one twice already. The female lead is kinda soft and gets embarrassed easily—not really my type, but the plot is definitely worth reading. Hurry up and read it, y’all!
Intro
When Shen Yuan encountered Su Jin again in his previous life, she had already become the Prime Minister of the current dynasty. As for him, the former top young master of the capital, he had long since fallen into the abyss, becoming a singer on a pleasure boat.
After a song ended, he was redeemed and sent to the Su Residence.
Su Jin respected and cherished him, gave him a roof over his head, and bestowed him with warmth. Shen Yuan fell deeper and deeper, but before he could express his feelings, Su Jin passed away.
Shen Yuan died to follow her in death, but instead, he returned to when he was fifteen years old.
At that time, he was not yet engaged, and Su Jin was just a poor scholar.
Shen Yuan gritted his teeth, casting aside all his pride, and thought of ways to coax and entice her every day.
The colder and more indifferent Su Jin was towards him, the more proactive Shen Yuan became.
He was not afraid of being mocked by the world, only wanting to marry his Wife-master early, to hold her hand and never let go for a lifetime.
[Note: This story will not specifically point out the male lead’s reincarnation time point; it’s all in the details. Whenever you feel that the male lead is acting strangely, he has most likely been reincarnated.]
[Touch the gear icon in the bottom right corner of the screen to move to the next chapter if you want.]
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