Chapter Six

I turned to it and saw my whole exchange with Minju, as well as the times that I would go back and forth to my desk. I was also shown a clip where Soyoung pleaded with me to have lunch with her.

Once the clips were done, Mr. Kim pulled his tablet back.

I kept my head low as I didn't know what to say about the situation.

"I'm not angry with you, Miss Ryuk," he replied, which made me look at him. He continued, "I just want to understand what happened during your first hours here."

Out of nervousness, I pinned my hands in between my thighs once again. And because of my discomfort, I shifted numerous times on my chair. And I proceeded to look around as I avoided Mr. Kim's stare.

"Miss Ryuk," I immediately turned back to him, "I don't know what's going on and that's a bad thing. I'm not sure if everything is fine or if you're being mistreated by your fellow co-workers."

"Well, it's not that, Mr. Kim," I was finally able to say something. "I was only helping Minju with her files this morning. She said she has a lot of things to do and she couldn't deliver the files herself."

Mr. Kim sighed as he shook his head. He replied, "If you must know, Miss Ryuk, everybody here has their own job to do. And because they signed a contract with us, it's their responsibility to fulfill their work on their own."

"But you said that I'm responsible in helping them in any sort of way," I said, baffled.

"Yes, you can help them but not in that manner, Miss Ryuk," he said. "Remember, Miss Ryuk, that your position is higher than theirs. And you shouldn't be doing all the work for them."

He continued, "And most especially, when it comes to Minju."

I tilted my head as I was confused even more.

"Miss Chun has a reputation in our floor to be very… rude, to put it lightly. She has been reprimanded numerous times by our boss. Specifically, in regards to her attitude towards new employees. Even the ones who were hired for the secretarial position, she mistreated," he explained. He continued, "Some of our previous secretaries resigned because of her and I don't want that to happen again."

My eyes widened. So, that would mean that what Soyoung told me was true. And I felt bad that I fed into her sweet smile and nice words. I didn't know that she used me simply to make her job easier for her.

No wonder Soyoung didn't like anyone on this floor. I clearly understood what she said about why I shouldn't trust anybody here.

"I don't blame you if you want to help your co-workers, Miss Ryuk," he said, which made me turn back to him. He continued, "I understand that you only want to help them. And as a part of a company that aims to help others, you embodied that core value of ours quite well. However, you mustn't forget that everybody needs to do their job and you have your own as well."

He added, "Should this happen again, especially when it comes to Miss Chun, turn it down immediately. And inform me right away. If you don't want to, that's fine. We have cameras everywhere so we can see everyone. But please, don't let her treat you lesser than her. Because in reality, your position is higher than hers. Do I make myself clear?"

I nodded and replied, "Thank you for understanding, Mr. Kim. And thank you for not believing what Minju accused me of. I didn't expect that she will treat me that way. She was very friendly when she first spoke to me."

He sighed and shook his head. "Miss Chun hasn't been reprimanded that much ever since the boss left for a business trip. But after hiring you, the boss specifically told me to keep an eye on you. And based on Miss Chun's track record with previous employees, I can see why the boss acted in such a manner."

Whoever the boss was, I would like to give my thanks to him once he has arrived back. To be treated well by the boss was a rare event in most workplaces. I was so lucky to be given a chance to work in a company that valued its employees.

"Anyways, that's all I have to discuss with you, Miss Ryuk. Again, do your job well and don't let anyone treat you unjustfully. Is that clear?"

I nodded.

He smiled as we both stood from our chairs. He proceeded to the door and I obediently followed behind him. He then opened the door and stepped aside. I gave my bow and left the room.

---*---*---*---

As I stepped one foot out of the boss' office, Minju and her friend group had a sly grin on their faces. It was as if they anticipated that I was fired. I then turned to Soyoung and she already had a worried expression on her face. I smiled softly towards her as I returned to my desk.

"Everybody, listen up," Mr. Kim spoke as I took a seat. "Just because our boss isn't around, that doesn't mean you'll slack around your job. Do what is included in your contract and don't pass it to your co-workers because they have their own work to worry about." He started at Minju for a minute before he added, "If I catch anyone of you being lazy or abusive towards your co-workers, believe me when I say that I can make you lose your job before you can say 'Eureka'. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Mr. Kim," we replied in unison.

"Very good. You may all return to your tasks." He turned around and before he entered the room, he nodded softly at me.

As soon as the door closed behind him, I proceeded to open my e-mails and returned to the piled voicemails. But I felt the cold glares from Minju and her friends onto my back. I was a bit shaken. But as I remembered that I had Mr. Kim, Soyoung and the boss on my side, I knew I had nothing to fear.

---*---*---*---

Busy establishments, random buildings, buzzing cars and people who walked on sidewalks. That was the view that passed by my window as I sat on the backseat of my shuttle.

The company was very generous to provide a shuttle service to its employees. It was mainly for those who didn't have their own vehicle. I was caught by surprise as I was willing to take the cab home. But the company really lived up to its values of taking care of their people. And that, I appreciated whole-heartedly.

Luckily, the daw flew by so quickly. I was able to finish all the pending voicemails. And I was still able to accept a few more calls. Thank the heavens that Minju didn't bother me anymore. However, their death glares pierced through my back during the remaining hours of the day. And as much as I tried not to pay any attention to it, it still bothered me. Because of that, I remained cautious throughout the entire day. I even waited for them to leave the buildinh and stayed behind for thirty minutes. It was all for the sake that I wanted to make sure that there was no one to ambush me once I went down from the top floor.

Minutes passed and the taxi was finally away from the crowded city. After I saw nothing but vehicles and people in suits, I was finally welcomed by the road that excited me the most.

The road back to where I lived.

I was blessed enough to live somewhere away from the cities. And to pass through the road, filled with trees and a massive plain, it calmed my mind and senses. At the same time, the sunset from afar added even more soothing vibes as I sat patiently in the car.

The sun's soft warmth kissed my skin through the clear glass. I closed my eyed and I soaked in the gentle touch of the sun. And as I reopened my eyes, I smiled as I enjoyed the beautiful scenery that passed by so quickly.

Moments later, we drove under a cement arc, which was the boundary towards the suburbs. A peaceful and sophisticated neighborhood was now in full view. But instead of looking out the window, I leaned back onto the seat and scanned the papers I had.

Mr. Kim asked me to review a few contracts at home. He said it wasn't for any urgent matters and he wanted me to get used to reading these kinds of paperwork. I happily obliged as it would be for my benefit in the long run.

As I started reading, the silence in the car was interrupted when my driver remarked, "So many beautiful houses in this neighborhood, I see."

I raised my head and met his eyes through the rearview.

He added, "This must be a sweet place to live in."

With a firm smile, I simply nodded. "At times, yes," my words slipped as I wasn't able to contain my thoughts to myself.

As we made a right turn, my driver replied, "You don't seem to be enthusiastic about living in such a peaceful area. By the looks of it, I don't think much chaos happens here."

I shrugged as I flipped through a different contract. "You know what they say," I looked directly into the rearview mirror, "Don't judge a book by its cover."