“It seems Seoyoung likes our Jaehun. Most couples who meet strategically on blind dates are just for show, but Seoyoung seems to genuinely care about Jaehun. So, I want to make this marriage proposal happen somehow.”

“Help the secretary so that Jaehun can make up his mind to get married.”

In any case, she had fulfilled Chairman Seo Seongjae’s request.

It meant that I had organized myself.

“That guy has been so clean without any scandals, so it was uncomfortable for me. It’s really fortunate. Well, do you have any wishes? I’ll grant anything. Hahaha.”

Wishes. Lajin’s eyes sank.

“If I ask like this, it might be difficult to say, right? Then I’ll give you an incentive.”

The word “incentive” reminded Jaehun.

“I would like you to give Director an incentive.”

“Did he take it?”

“Uh, I’ll correct myself. I would like you to give Director an incentive, such as time.”

If it hadn’t been for pretending to be crazy, he might not have gotten closer to Jaehun, nor could he have a family.

Now, even the smallest things made Jaehun come to mind, and it felt like he would have chest pains just thinking about it.

“Chairman, I have something I’d like to request.”

“Oh, anything. You can say anything. I have to listen to the secretary’s words.”

“I… I want to quit the company.”

Chairman Seo Seongjae’s eyes widened as if they were about to pop out. He was so surprised by the words that he couldn’t even think that she would be here, let alone imagine the words that came out of her mouth.

“S-Secretary, I fully understand your feelings. I know very well that it’s something you should have said a long time ago. You endured this much because you became like this. Don’t you know my stubborn temper?”

“…Thank you for understanding.”

“But, Secretary, just like you’ve endured so far, shouldn’t you continue to do so in the future? I’ll also reduce the intensity of my work, and I’ll be a shield so that Jaehun won’t make it too difficult for you.”

Chairman Seo Seongjae’s voice was earnest. It was natural; until now, Lajin had been the only one standing wholeheartedly by Jaehun’s side, giving him strength.

“Even if that guy’s words are cold, the secretary’s thoughts are very deep. You’re the only one who feels comfortable even if he keeps you by his side. So… can’t you stay a little longer?”

“I’m truly grateful for your high evaluation of me.”

Lajin bowed her head and then spoke again.

“I’ve done my best to assist you, Director, so far. I felt rewarded knowing that I could be of some help, even on holidays or early and late hours. However, after running for four years like this, it seems like it’s time for me to rest a bit.”
In the sunken voice of Lajin, permeated with deep fatigue, Chairman Seo Seongjae couldn’t say anything.

He knew better than anyone how tirelessly she had run, adjusting to her perfectionist superior.

Especially Jaehun, despite suffering from insomnia, had such strong innate stamina that even male employees were often left behind.

In the early days of her employment, in order to synchronize with Jaehun, Lajin worked hard, even spilling coffee, and that’s how she could gain trust.

“Well… You’ve suffered a lot all this time.”

“I’ve poured out all my energy, so it seems like I’ve been discharged.”

“Hmm. That’s understandable.”

“I also don’t want to become an obstacle to Director and Manager Jang Seoyoung’s marriage.”

Chairman Seo Seongjae’s eyes widened.

“Obstacle? What a ridiculous thing to say…! Thanks to you, things are progressing well, aren’t they?”

“It seems that there are misunderstandings about my relationship with Director in some quarters. Even though Manager Jang Seoyoung doesn’t express it, it seems she’s concerned.”

Hmm. Chairman Seo Seongjae fell silent. He knew well that they were not close people, but from a little distance, it might have been enough to misunderstand such things. Lajin allowed Jaehun to come close and entrusted everything to him, which made her the only person.

“I think it can’t be helped since it’s not a same-sex relationship but an opposite-sex relationship.”

“Well… Then, Secretary, how about moving to a different department instead of the secretary position? It’s a waste of your abilities.”

“Don’t worry too much. Currently, Secretary Jung Yoonhee is assisting Director on my behalf. She’s diligent and smart, so Director will soon be satisfied.”

Chairman Seo Seongjae swallowed his disappointment at Lajin’s roundabout rejection. Judging by Lajin’s eyes, she seemed to have firmly made up her mind.

“Well… It’s really regrettable, but if your intention is so firm, there’s nothing I can do. So, what is the favor you want from me?”

Chairman Seo Seongjae thought she might ask for an increase in severance pay or request documents for a job change. He was willing to grant whatever it was. Lajin had enough qualifications for that.

One expectation missed.

“Director is still unaware of my thoughts.”

Chairman Seo Seongjae’s eyes widened.

“Jaehun doesn’t know that you’re trying to resign?”

Lajin nodded her head with difficulty.

“I apologize for making such a request to Chairman… But now, even going to work has become difficult for me.”

Chairman Seo Seongjae let out a sigh of pity. Huh, was it to that extent?

Well, she had endured this much because she had the patience and endurance equivalent to being a secretary. If it were someone else, they would have left long ago.

“That’s how it is. You’ve really suffered a lot. I feel really sorry.”

“No, it’s because of my shortcomings.”

“No, it’s not. I know very well that you did your best.”

“It might have caused trouble for Director, and it might have affected the work. But I endured it, thinking about it. Now, however, it seems to have reached its limit.”

Lajin bowed her head.

“So, I need Chairman’s help.”