RB - 44

44. The Reporter Who Caught a Whiff and the Calm Before the Storm

After Shin Jung-hyuk left like a sudden storm, only JB Company employees remained in the conference room.

CEO Hong Goo-yeon spoke to Han Seo-yeon in a frosty tone.

“From what I’ve heard, the rent negotiations were going well. What happened that led to an audit? Was it because of that your work was delayed? Assistant Han, you’re our ace, aren’t you? You should show professionalism.”

Of course, this was a cunning question from someone who already knew everything. CEO Hong had thoroughly reviewed the audit team’s report before this meeting.

Seo-yeon hesitated. Where should she begin? How could she explain without causing too much harm?

Before she could gather her thoughts, HR Director Koh Myung-soo, unable to bear the silence, began babbling.

“Let me explain, CEO Hong, haha.”

Koh didn’t notice the subtle narrowing of Hong’s eyebrows as he clumsily launched into excuses.

“To be honest, if this deal succeeds, we planned to fast-track Assistant Han’s promotion. As for the audit, well… Assistant Han made a small mistake while drinking with me. Young people need to let loose once in a while, right? Haha, I forgave her with an open heart.”

Koh laughed nervously, grasping at straws. His desperate attempt at survival was almost pitiful, but his shamelessness erased any sympathy. Naturally, Hong’s reaction was icy cold.

“Did I ask you, HR Director?”

The atmosphere in the conference room turned as frigid as a Siberian ice field. Though she hadn’t done anything wrong, Seo-yeon felt as though she were being punished. Just as sweat began pooling in her palms, she found ironic comfort in a text message Jung-hyuk had sent moments ago.

“I’ve got your back. That means no one can touch you anymore.”

How could such an arrogant statement bring comfort? Recalling Jung-hyuk’s wicked smile, Seo-yeon steeled herself and opened her crimson lips.

“CEO, please review the audit records. Moving forward, I hope you’ll pay attention not just to the Japan branch but also to the Korean headquarters. While I’m grateful you call me an ace… that ace nearly slipped away.”

It was a bold yet accurate statement, and it effectively held a knife to the throats of both the HR director and the audit team leader. Hong’s rigid expression finally softened, and a satisfied smile spread across his face.

This was why he had hired Han Seo-yeon. Her elegant appearance paired with her fearless ability to speak her mind when given the chance—she was exactly what he needed to navigate PR battles with journalists. Hong was reminded of his excellent judgment.

“Assistant Han, do you know this? When you came for your final executive interview, there were three other candidates who had studied abroad. I gave you the highest score. Looks like I really have an eye for talent.”

Why bring up the interview now? Seo-yeon met Hong’s gaze, trying to decipher his intentions. He asked again, point-blank:

“Assistant Han, let me be blunt. Are you considering leaving the company?”

It was an odd question—one a CEO wouldn’t typically ask an employee. Seo-yeon tilted her head slightly and looked at him.

“May I ask the intent behind your question, CEO?”

“After all you’ve been through, I figured you might consider leaving. With your skills, you could go anywhere. I’m worried about you.”

At that moment, Hong winked at Seo-yeon, signaling something. She wasn’t entirely sure she understood the signal, but she decided to step onto the stage he’d set for her.

“Honestly, saying no would be a lie. But JB Company must find a way to keep me. If I stay, there won’t be any lawsuits. However, if I leave… I’ll file a lawsuit against the company. For your information, my legal representative is Attorney Jung Seung-min of Gahan Law Firm.”

By now, the HR director’s face had turned ghostly pale, and the audit team leader trembled in shock.

The audit team leader, rubbing his palms together, glanced at Hong’s expression while glaring daggers at HR Director Koh Myung-soo. Fortunately, the audit team leader was somewhat perceptive. He abruptly stood up and turned toward Han Seo-yeon.

“Assistant Han Seo-yeon, I sincerely apologize for the irreparable damage caused by the audit team’s excessive investigation. Those responsible will be severely reprimanded, and we’ll do everything possible to restore your losses.”

Only then did a faint smile appear on Hong Goo-yeon’s lips.

---

When the meeting ended, it was well past quitting time. Exhausted, Seo-yeon stepped into the elevator. There had been no further contact from Jung-hyuk since his earlier message. She muttered under her breath, half-complaining.

“Vice Chairman Shin, how busy must you be? Meanwhile, I have nothing but time.”

Feeling a surge of disappointment, Seo-yeon moistened her dry lips with her tongue. Instead of Jung-hyuk, an unwelcome guest awaited her—a vulture-like reporter.

Apparently having caught wind of something rotten, the hyena-like journalist waited for her in the building lobby.

“Hey, Han Seo-yeon. I’ve been waiting a long time. I’m Kim Soo-kwang from Daily Scoop.”

During her time as a PR specialist, Seo-yeon had learned the hard way to tread carefully around reporters. While some were decent, their profession’s essence rarely changed—they never paid for meals first unless forced, abusing corporate credit cards as if they were their own.

Seeing Kim Soo-kwang brought back unpleasant memories. A year ago, a call had come to her desk.

“This is Kim Soo-kwang from Daily Scoop. Please connect me to JB Company’s PR department.”

“You can speak directly to me. I’m Han Seo-yeon, the PR manager.”

After identifying herself, Seo-yeon endured the reporter’s blatant rudeness.

“You sound young… What’s your position? Are you really the PR manager?”

“Yes, I am. My position is assistant manager.”

“Ah… Hmm, it’s awkward talking to an assistant manager. Isn’t there someone higher up? Someone more senior?”

Kim Soo-kwang, after turning her stomach, requested a unilateral meeting under the guise of interviewing about the company’s “technology export project.” While Seo-yeon didn’t want to deal with a reporter from a minor daily like Daily Scoop, the technology export issue was highly sensitive at the time.

Thinking it best not to offend him, Seo-yeon agreed to meet. The reporter indulged in an extravagant Hanwoo omakase meal, stuffing fist-sized chunks of beef into his mouth while proudly patting his bloated belly.

“Han Seo-yeon, expensive food always guarantees quality. My palate’s picky because I only eat the best. This belly’s filled with premium Hanwoo sirloin and sea bream sashimi. Hehe.”

All funded by others’ money, yet he bragged shamelessly. As Seo-yeon nodded reluctantly, he laughed loudly, revealing half-chewed meat and vegetables stuck between his teeth. She shuddered in disgust. True to form, Kim Soo-kwang demanded ad sponsorship near the end of the meal. Using the excuse that JB Company’s PR budget was tight, Seo-yeon politely declined. The reporter reacted as though deeply insulted, scowling and issuing a threat.

“No ad sponsorship, huh? Hehe, you’ll regret this.”

The fallout came the next day. Headlines from Daily Scoop bombarded the company with complaints.

“JB Company: Opaque Performance and Depleted Budget? Is Technology Export Even Possible?”

Recalling the ordeal of organizing a press conference to clean up the mess, Seo-yeon glared aggressively at Kim Soo-kwang. His slimy voice followed her.

“Han Seo-yeon, do you have a moment for an interview?”

Ignoring him, Seo-yeon strode past the lobby. His grating voice trailed after her.

“I’ve called over ten times, and you haven’t answered once. Don’t treat me like an unwelcome guest. I’m still a journalist wielding a pen. Think you can handle the consequences?”

What pen? Everyone knew he spent his days typing on keyboards and copy-pasting articles in cafés.

Pretending not to hear, Seo-yeon continued walking. But she stopped short when his final words echoed loudly through the lobby.

“I’m here for the public’s right to know. Did I ever ask you about a chaebol? Am I supposed to censor myself for wealthy housewives now?”

As soon as his words ended, all eyes in the lobby turned to Seo-yeon. Her gaze darted toward Café Armand. Thankfully, neither Jung-hyuk nor Ethan was in sight. Steeling herself, Seo-yeon turned calmly toward the reporter.