Secretary Gwanggong's Survival Diary-Chapter 43
“Shall I make a prediction?”
No, don’t. Because if that prediction doesn’t come true, you’ll do whatever it takes to make it happen.
“I’m starting to think that Secretary Baek’s mouth is going to get him in trouble sooner or later.”
“...Right...?”
Ah... Unfortunately, that prediction is 100% accurate. I’ve already noticed it, and I’ve felt it quite painfully. I don’t know how this drama will end, but if it’s my end, it will undoubtedly be because of this mouth of mine.
“Well, it’s true that it’s nice to have a meal with the CEO...”
It’s surprising even to me, but I’m sincere. Thanks to Yoon Taeo, I got to eat such expensive meat, and looking back on today, it was a really satisfying day. He probably investigated me thinking I was trying to escape after he locked me up, but unintentionally, it was like a vacation for me.
“Just because you’re eating doesn’t erase the sins, so stop it.”
“Sins...?”
“I’ll need to investigate more, but even if, for the sake of argument, you weren’t trying to run away, it’s still not without sin.”
Is it really so hard to just say, “I misunderstood”? He just keeps his pride up. He must know it too since he checked it out. Yet, Taeo still hasn’t said a word about me misunderstanding things. What is he giving up on? The bastard’s funny.
“The Vice Minister’s son situation is hard to let go of.”
“That...!”
Yoon Taeo crossed his arms in front of his chest. That’s like a declaration of war, indicating he plans to tear into it. I quickly caught on and swallowed the excuse that was about to come out of my mouth. At times like this, adding unnecessary words only drags out the nagging.
“When did I say to solve things with your body?”
“B-body? What do you mean by that? I wasn’t planning to use my body to solve things! I was just trying to get a little closer to the kid, maybe bring up the casino at the right moment...”
The resolve I had to keep my mouth shut crumbled instantly. It’s such an unfair misunderstanding that I can’t hold it in.
“Well, you know better than anyone that you have no credibility in that area. You already have a history.”
He omitted the subject, but it seems he’s talking about Han Yejun.
“And if you had told me from the start that you were involved with the Vice Minister and giving backdoor money, I wouldn’t have done such a charade!”
“Oh, so now it’s all my fault that you were trying to use your body to lobby?”
I’m so frustrated I feel like the steak will come flying out of my throat. The statement about lobbying with the body, so typical of Taeo, and his attitude as if he’s sure I was about to do something immoral are both ridiculous.
“Rather than blaming you, I just wish you had given me a heads-up so I wouldn’t have had to act like that.”
“I’ll handle that kid myself, so don’t worry about it.”
...Handle?
“Even though you got the casino permit, do you really have to go that far?”
I cautiously offered my opinion. I don’t know how far that chick’s family has taken advantage of Taeo, but the kid didn’t seem all that bad... Thinking back to his bright smile as he followed behind me, the idea of him turning into a corpse only felt more unsettling.
“You’re covering for him even now.”
“C-covering for him? I’m just... thinking about whether there’s a need for you to get your hands dirty again... that’s all.”
“...Why are you so sure he’s going to die? Did he already do something to deserve it?”
The rut is terrifying. It seems like he’s gone crazy trying to catch every little word. The scariest part is that his words don’t sound like a joke at all. I had to twist my neck so much just to deny such an absurd misunderstanding.
“W-well, if the permit gets suddenly canceled... you could think of him as some sort of hostage, right? You’d need to keep him alive to make him useful.”
“I wasn’t planning to kill him anyway, but I’ll consider that.”
...Sorry, chick. I think I’ve run my mouth again. Now I’m jeopardizing not only my own safety but someone else’s life with a single word.
“What were you going to do with him?”
“I was going to send him to a regional office.”
After seeing Taeo finish his meal, I brought the wine bottle and poured it into his empty glass. Despite his complaints, he ate his food quickly. It was a good thing he ate the meat quickly; I almost lost it to him.
“A regional office, where?”
“Ulleungdo.”
“Ulleungdo? Do they have a regional office there?”
“Well, if they don’t, I’ll create one.”
He must really hate that kid. Well, at least I should be happy it’s not a decapitation. For someone who pissed off Taeo, that was a surprisingly lenient decision. Not wanting to drag the chick’s story on any longer, I decided to change the subject.
“Oh, but how long am I staying here?”
“Why? You seem to be getting along just fine.”
“Well... Honestly, I’m not uncomfortable, but I can’t just not work...”
“Not uncomfortable...?”
Taeo asked, unable to believe it. Why? Isn’t it strange that living in such luxury is uncomfortable? To be honest, it’s extremely comfortable. I’d want to live like this for the rest of my life. I finished my wine with the feeling of wrapping up this satisfying day. Expensive drinks always taste the best.
“I don’t get it.”
“What’s that?”
“Why, when it’s so comfortable, does everyone want to escape... I mean, sorry.”
I guess I’ve gotten too comfortable. And I think my mouth just decided my last day. Right today. Why did I have to bring up such a sensitive topic about Taeo?
“Escape... I don’t get that either, sometimes.”
But surprisingly, Taeo took my words calmly. There was even a subtly bitter smile that seemed to flash across his face. Well, I suppose it’s not his fault. It’s the scriptwriter’s fault for writing it that way.
“By the way, do you know how I felt when Baek Sieon tried to run away?”
No... I wasn’t trying to run away. And why is it that your Beta stories always seem to come back to me?
“Don’t worry, CEO. I’ll be here, putting my bones down in this house.”
I really... didn’t want to look at his face anymore. I don’t know what memory he recalled, but it looked really unpleasant. I didn’t like seeing him in that manner, so I exaggerated my response on purpose. Whether it had an effect or not, a deflated laugh came from his nostrils.
“You’re fearless. You might end up burying those bones sooner than you think.”
“Y-yes...?”
“Just know that I haven’t cleared up all my suspicions. If even one thing I said today is a lie, expect it to come back at you.”
I was wrong. This guy should probably be feeling drained by now. Those eyes, the weird look in them, it’s really unsettling. No matter how much wine I swallow, I feel like my throat is burning up.
❖ ❖ ❖
“Anything else?”
“I’m sorry... CEO.”
The morning commute was like a battle. The new secretary team leader was helping Yoon Taeo get ready for work, but nothing was going smoothly. He didn’t like even the white shirt that looked the same as all the others, and the secretary’s face turned pale.
“Team Leader, please check the CEO’s car outside.”
In the end, I had to step in. You know those days when kids insist on wearing princess or prince outfits to kindergarten? Today was that day for Yoon Taeo.
“How about this checkered tie today? It’ll match your face color perfectly.”
“You’re saying it looks dull.”
“...That can’t be.”
...Sharp, isn’t it? The tie was the only point in Taeo’s outfit that had a touch of flair. The dark gray tie with thin white checks was the most stylish part of his outfit.
“Ugh... You must have exercised a lot today, your back’s really....”
“What do you mean? It’s not because I exercised, it’s just the way it is.”
It seemed like his back muscles were more strained... Did he flex?
I reluctantly took any random shirt and stuffed it into his arms. Thanks to the /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ compliment that came out of my mouth, Taeo put it on without complaining and even tied the checkered tie neatly.
“Looks like it’ll end early today.”
“Really? I didn’t check the schedule, but with the rut, you’ll be busy catching up on work.”
While pinning his tie, Taeo didn’t complain. Even getting the jacket right was a win. Focusing the conversation here made dressing him much easier. Taeo, the little child, was ready for work.
“...Rut. That happens every three months, so there’s nothing to rush about.”
Yeah, you’re busy, really busy. Taeo can’t get through a day without following the schedule properly; it’s torture for him. Yet, at this moment when he should be preparing for at least three to seven days' worth of work, he’s not busy? I can’t understand that. But what does it matter? If that’s how he is, that’s how it is.
“So, are you eating dinner at home?”
“I was planning to.”
...You brat, go eat outside and stop pretending. What am I supposed to make today? I don’t need to cook while being confined here. I regret not leaving it alone from the start. It’s been a mistake that’s now tying me up.
“I’ll prepare it, so come home early.”
“Better not have any other thoughts.”
“Oh, no, what are you saying...?”
I couldn’t tell if Taeo was joking or serious. The house was still under constant surveillance by Security Team 2, so even if I wanted to think of something else, I couldn’t. I grabbed his briefcase and handed it over to the secretary team leader. Taeo, wearing his shoes, stayed in the living room, pulled out his wallet, and picked a card.
“What’s this?”
“You didn’t hear me yesterday? If you need anything, I’ll buy it for you.”
“Oh! Right, you did say that...”
I grabbed the black card that shone brilliantly. I had forgotten. Still, a final check was needed.
“Can I really buy anything I need?”
“Go ahead.”
“Really...?”
“Yeah, go ahead. Buy whatever you want.”
Gotcha! I’ll show you the miracle of draining my account. I smiled and saw him off. Go ahead, bastard.
