Staring at me, Older Sister Seo-ha grinned mischievously.
“What? Older Sister Seo-ha is really my manager? Wait, when did she join this company? I didn’t hear anything about it.”
“Hehe, were you surprised?”
“Of course I am! When did you join this company, noona?”
Still dazed, I threw the question out there, and she pondered whether to tell me, wearing a mysteriously meaningful expression before finally speaking up.
“Exactly two days after Uju recommended you to this company.”
“Wow, that’s quite a while ago.”
Since I had recommended noona after the contract meetings three days later, that means it’s been close to a month.
So you’d kept it a secret since then? Wow, this noona has some serious patience.
“Honestly, I really wanted to tell you, but I held back because I wanted to see your surprised face. Wasn’t that a good decision?”
“U-um…”
Seeing her expectantly waiting for praise, like a puppy wagging its tail, made it hard for me to respond.
Should I really say that was a good decision? As someone who just got blindsided, I would rather not.
“Yeah? It was a good decision, right? Come on, say it!”
“Uh, sure, it was a good decision.”
But as I saw her making cute demands, breathing heavily as if I was tugging at her heartstrings, praise just spilled out naturally. This was definitely beyond just a reflex; it was a full-on instinctive response.
“Hehe, yay!”
Seeing Older Sister Seo-ha genuinely delighted by the praise, I couldn’t help but laugh as well.
With her normally exuding that mature older sister vibe, it’s simply fascinating how at times she turns into an endless child. Is this what they mean by a chameleon-like charm?
“Since you’ll be meeting your manager often, I thought it’d be best to assign you someone familiar. Is that okay?”
While we were chatting, Manager Park, who I had completely forgotten about, cheekily chimed in explaining why noona was assigned as my manager.
Now that is a superb choice.
“I’m all for it. I secretly hoped someone like Older Sister Seo-ha would be my manager.”
“Are you serious?”
“Of course.”
As Older Sister Seo-ha looked at me incredulously after I complimented the company’s decision, I gave her a thumbs-up without a hint of hesitation.
“I’m glad you like it. For now, let’s cover the rest of the details with Ms. Seo-ha, and let’s also check out your new apartment today.”
“Oh right!”
With Older Sister Seo-ha’s presence being so overpowering, I almost forgot the huge news of receiving an apartment. Apparently, her presence really overshadowed the thought of a free house in my mind.
“From now on, I’ll guide you, Mr. Cosmo. Manager Park will take a rest.”
With a gentle nudge, Older Sister Seo-ha stood me up and greeted Manager Park.
Seeing us, Manager Park watched with a warm look and nodded.
“Oh, thank you for that. Please, Mr. Cosmo, take your time looking around.”
“Yes, Manager Park. I’ll be counting on you.”
“Haha, we should be saying that.”
After bowing respectfully back to Manager Park, as I stepped out of the reception area, I felt something cling to me.
It was none other than Older Sister Seo-ha.
“Uju, since you’re here, why don’t you say hello to Mr. Representative? He’s been really wanting to see you.”
“Uh? Ah, well, okay then.”
I struggled to seem casual as I nodded while trying to ignore the soft sensation on my arm.
Despite my efforts, I probably looked like a total dork stumbling over my words.
“Oh, there he is! Mr. Representative!”
As I was just thinking we’re heading to meet the representative on the first floor, suddenly I noticed a tall gentleman dressed in a sharp suit radiating authority.
So that’s Mr. Representative. Definitely can feel the aura.
“Director… Ah, no, Ms. Seo-ha! What a coincidence! Is this the Mr. Cosmo I’ve heard so much about?”
“Yes, please greet him!”
Even in front of the company’s representative, noona’s demeanor was remarkably unpretentious in connecting us.
They sure seem quite chummy. Or maybe the hierarchy in this company isn’t as rigid after all? It’s all pretty fascinating.
By the way, Mr. Representative looks oddly familiar. Why is that? Surely, I wouldn’t have met him before.
“It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Cosmo. I’m Kim Seung-hoon, the representative director of Aiver Entertainment.”
“I’m Kang Woo-joo, working as Cosmo. Thank you for the great offer.”
As our hands shook, Older Sister Seo-ha watched us with a subtly satisfied expression and nodded.
So the representative was that eager to meet me?
“I’ve been really enjoying your broadcasts. You looked incredibly handsome on camera, but you look even better in person.”
“Huh? Oh, uh, thank you for the compliment.”
I understood he was just being polite, but I was caught off guard by the direct compliment at our first meeting, and I waved my hands in astonishment.
Wow, Mr. Representative is watching my broadcasts too. I thought he was just making polite chit-chat at first, but with specific pointers about what he liked, it felt strangely heartwarming.
Meanwhile, Older Sister Seo-ha looked at us both with a gaze of ‘that’s it!’ as if she wanted to cheer us on. What was that all about?
“Oh, so Mr. Cosmo has no dating experience yet?”
“Haha, yeah… unfortunately.”
After some basic background discussions, my awkward giggles erupted when Mr. Representative made a comment about my shortcomings.
Is he trying to hint that he’s married with kids or something? Best to hold my tongue, darn it.
“I’m sure you will find a lovely partner soon. Coincidentally, meaningful connections are often found close by.”
“Close by?”
I reflexively glanced sideways at Mr. Representative’s words, quickly returning to the original position.
That was close; I almost made things awkward there. Quick reflexes, Kang Woo-joo.
“I-I hope so.”
While I mumbled, attempting to soothe the tension with a lame smile, thankfully neither of them seemed to pick up on it and just chuckled along.
While the conversation continued longer than expected, suddenly Older Sister Seo-ha chimed in.
“Mr. Representative, Mr. Cosmo should be on his way soon, so maybe we should wrap things up here…”
Honestly, that surprised me a bit. Of course, prioritizing guests is the right thing to do, but I never imagined noona would subtly hint at ‘let’s cut this short’ in front of the representative and back down.
“Oh, right, I completely forgot! Please take him along, Seo-ha!”
“Yes.”
However, as if my worries were unfounded, Mr. Representative casually nodded and gestured to Older Sister Seo-ha.
Is there a surprisingly easy hierarchy around here? Though, considering how deeply respectful Older Sister Seo-ha was when talking to Manager Park, it’s odd.
“Mmm?”
Leaving with questions in my mind, as I stepped out of the company, I noticed a tree positioned near the building entrance.
“Uju, what’s up?”
For letting my gaze fixate on the tree, I stopped still, and Older Sister Seo-ha, who had been slightly ahead, turned back to approach me.
Oh no, I lost focus there.
“Oh, it’s nothing. Just the tree caught my eye over there.”
“A tree… you say?”
I awkwardly pointed to the large tree outside, which confused her, so I elaborated.
“The lobby has large windows, but that part doesn’t let in sunlight because of that tree. I just thought it seemed like a waste…”
I knew nothing about landscaping, just rambling my thoughts. The person who designed it most likely had their reasons.
Still, since she was the only one listening, I felt it was alright to share my opinion lightly.
“…Is that so? Wait a moment.”
She suddenly seemed serious, asking for a moment before digging into her handbag to pull out her smartphone.
Does she have something urgent to text? Well, I can wait.
“Sorry for making you wait. So shall we head out now?”
“It’s okay. By the way, noona, weren’t you busy with something just now?”
“Not really. Just had a small request to handle.”
Older Sister Seo-ha smiled, telling me not to worry, and she lightly took my arm, leading us outside.
This was a risky move; it felt like slipping in dangerously.
“Hey, clear the way!”
“Grab a ladder from the storage!”
While I was thinking, complaining internally, several hardhat-wearing folks, decked out in work clothes with shovels in tow, rushed out after us.
Are these guys building maintenance staff?
I guess with a new building, they’d double-check everything more thoroughly.
“Uju, hop in!”
“Yes, noona.”
So I once again glanced over the company building that I was now part of and hopped into Older Sister Seo-ha’s car.
What would the apartment I’m going to live in look like? I’m curious!
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