You Promised Me, Mr. Lee San-ha - Chapter 124



Only Krnovel

Episode 124 I’m leaving work (1)

The printer solves my long-standing concerns with great ease.

Jiing- jiing- jiing-

A printout that you can hold in your hand.

The words [Resignation Letter] at the top of the page are very unfamiliar.

‘So this is how it ended up like this?’

I stare blankly at my resignation letter with a complicated feeling.

I have no ill feelings or complaints about the company right now.

I don’t hate people, no one is harassing me, there is no unfairness in the workplace, the salary is not ridiculously low, there is no lack of communication, and I have never been overburdened with work.

So it is more… …difficult to calm down the complicated feelings.

Just one thing.

‘That’s not what I want to do.’

That fact is a huge reason to quit.

My complicated mind bounces around like a rubber ball.

It seems right, but it also seems wrong.

It seems right, but it also seems wrong.

It seems good, but it also seems bad.

People often say, ‘You can’t like your job unless you’re the owner.’

But I didn’t.

Maybe because it was my first job, I felt good about being treated like an office worker.

Being evaluated based on ability, being taken care of because I’m the youngest, having people’s expectations on me, and living up to those expectations.

Even after half a year, everything was good.

“Hoooo… … .”

A deep sigh pours out as if it were digging into the ground.

It’s because of the thirst that still hasn’t been quenched.

‘What is a journalist?’

It’s a question I’ve been asked countless times while studying journalism and broadcasting.

This topic has always been the subject of every bride and groom’s and students’ drinking party, and it has also been the essence of every lecture.

Even at this very moment, countless priests and students are probably sharing their ideals on this topic while sharing their drinks.

But I don’t know either.

“What is a journalist…?”

The question I repeated out loud echoed back to me in the empty room.

As if asking me back.

I had my own answer too.

I thought of reporters as the echo, siren, and loudspeaker of society.

It has been considered to be a magnifying glass, microscope, and telescope of society.

Whatever the answer, one thing was certain.

Informing people about the state of affairs and conveying the truth.

I have stuck to my principles, believing that this is the duty of a reporter.

There was also a time when Bae Eun-ji was stalked by Kim Hyeon.

Even when Lee Seung-won revealed that he had sexually harassed male actors.

Even when Shinsechi revealed his true identity.

Even when Im Se-yeol told of his past struggles with drugs.

Even when Project 108 Season 2 ended.

Even when Broken Bullet came to Korea.

Even when it was confirmed that True Beast was doping.

Even when dealing with the kidnapping case of Ahn Hee-yeon’s family.

.

.

I have no regrets because I have always conveyed only the truth with sincerity.

But now a stronger wind has blown.

‘I want to go to the social affairs department.’

I don’t know about anything else, but I can be sure of this much.

I have dealt with the truth without any shame.

That was my belief.

A firm belief that cannot be killed by guns or swords.

Thanks to that, I was able to write more truthful articles than anyone else.

The results raised further expectations.

‘Wouldn’t the articles written in the social affairs department have an impact on more people?’

We can get a little closer to the essence of journalism.

It can help move people’s hearts, unite them, and give them a voice.

What if my abilities are added to that?

Then really… wouldn’t the world become a better place?

Even if it’s just a very small movement, can’t I contribute to making the world a better place?

I have already come to a conclusion.

There are limits to the topics covered in the entertainment section.

So, you have to go to the social affairs department and face big and small issues directly.

Nevertheless, a new beginning is scary for anyone.

Who should I confide in?

I picked up the phone, thinking of the person who would understand me the best.

[Where did the sun rise today? It must have been in the west, since you called first.]

“We decided not to start a fight right after I got the call. I, I want to talk about what’s on my mind… … I thought you wouldn’t be sleeping right now, so I called.”

[Our Byung-mi shouldn’t have any worries. Should I buy her a drink?]

The person who always calls me by a strange nickname.

It was Hong Jeong-hwa.

“No more alcohol. I want to talk with a clear mind.”

[Isn’t that too much of a burden? Well, it doesn’t matter anyway. My sister is always ready to accept Byung-mi’s feelings.]

There was a leisurely quality to her voice.

Maybe Hong Jeong-hwa knew all along that I wanted to change jobs.

Because he is a person with quick wit, his observation skills and insight are also excellent.

I was able to enter into the conversation without any burden on my mind.

“That’s fortunate. If you already knew what I was thinking… … it would be easier to talk.”

Then, the sound of a cell phone being dropped was heard from Hong Jeong-hwa’s side.

Dalgrak!

She said, picking up her phone again.

[Th, no, wait, you really… … ? So… … . Really?]

A tone of voice that sounds extremely embarrassed.

It’s a very different reaction than usual.

“If you knew everything, why are you so surprised?”

[That’s because I’m not mentally prepared yet. This is my first proper confession… … No, no. That’s not important. Hooooo… … Okay. I’ve calmed down a bit now. Tell me.]

Somehow, he seems more nervous than me when I announce that I am resigning.

The moment I was finally about to open my mouth.

[Wait a minute. Wouldn’t it be better to meet up and talk about this? For things like this, the atmosphere is important too… … .]

“It’s too late. Don’t worry, I’ll keep it short.”

[Uh… … . Okay… … .]

Even after hearing Hong Jeong-hwa’s answer, it wasn’t easy to speak right away.

But I had to say it.

That’s why I called.

“I want to resign.”

I mustered up my courage to speak, but there was no answer.

It was as if the phone had been disconnected.

“Sister? Are you listening?”

[… … Yeah. I, I heard, I heard. Yeah.]

A voice that sounded like water was heard.

Did I hear that wrong?

I must have misheard.

She has one of the strongest personalities I know, so there’s no way she’d cry over something like this.

But what is this awkward silence?

It was only after a long time that Hong Jeong-hwa’s voice was heard.

[Yeah… … I thought so. I thought you would leave like that someday… …]

“is it so?”

[Your articles always gave off a sense of… … mission. When dealing with people, when dealing with incidents, always… … Ahem. Sorry. My throat is a little sore today. That’s always been you. You treated me with the sincerity and politeness that only you possess. Because those are probably the most precious values ​​to you.]

As expected, Hong Jeong-hwa had extraordinary insight.

You used to say you didn’t know much about me, but now you see through me more sharply than anyone else.

[I didn’t think you’d stay in the entertainment department. You’d have to go out to the bigger… … sea someday. I think you… … .]

For a long time no further words were heard.

I asked Hong Jeong-hwa about the condition.

“Sister? Are you okay?”

[Yeah. It’s okay. I guess my throat is really not in good condition today. So… … Anyway, what I want to say is… … .]

A silence passes by, whether long or short.

Soon, Hong Jeong-hwa continued speaking.

[You made a good decision. It must not have been an easy decision, and you must have had a hard time, Byungmi.]

It was as if the voice had regained its usual vitality.

“thank you.”

Decisions are always burdensome.

From choosing what to eat for lunch to choosing a path in life.

Because it creates a sense of regret about opportunity costs, big or small.

The reason I made this call even though I had already made the decision was probably because I wanted to hear that.

That means you made a good decision.

Those words alone made me feel a lot more at ease.

Hong Jeong-hwa answered in a soft voice.

[No. Just discussing the most important decision for you with me… … makes me feel pretty good.]

I felt so lucky to have a friend like Hong Jeong-hwa.

As always.

* * *

The next day, as soon as I arrived at work, Team Leader Yoon Yeo-gam hugged me again.

“Yaaaaaaah! Our mountain god! You’ve even made a follow-up article that’s really amazing. You’re really acting crazy! I heard from the advertising department that the advertising rate has changed because of you!”

This ‘Lee Mi-eun’s Son Kidnapping Case’ recorded the highest number of views ever.

After I published an exclusive article including interviews with the victims’ families that were conducted voluntarily, my article has remained at the top of every portal page to this day.

It is only natural that Team Leader Yoon Yeo-gam’s mouth is hooked to her ear.

I spoke while riding on his back.

“Team Leader, I have something to tell you.”

“Hey, what is it? What is it? It’s all done! Today, instead of pork, I’ll buy you whatever you want to eat!”

“Umm, that’s not it. Let’s talk while getting some fresh air. … … And while you’re at it, please let me down a bit.”

Team Leader Yoon laughed heartily and put me down.

I went up to the rooftop with him with an awkward smile on my face.

As soon as I opened the door, a cold wind mixed with snow blew.

“Ugh! Hey, do we really have to go up to the rooftop in this weather? This isn’t like climbing the Himalayas… …!”

“I want to talk to you quietly.”

There was no way to know what kind of outrage Yun Yeo-gam, who was usually a master of making a fuss, would show if she found out about this.

We stood facing each other on the rooftop.

Like a scene from a noir film.

“Team Leader, do you remember?”

“Huh, what the heck? Have I ever borrowed money from you?”

“No. That’s not it… … It’s what I said on my first day at work. These days, there’s nothing more ignorant than burying your bones in one company. If there’s a better place, I’ll tell you to go, and I’ll even recommend you one… … .”

Yun Yeo-gam’s expression quickly hardens.

He spoke with a stiff expression.

“I raised you and now you’re saying that? I revised every single article you wrote with my own hands! I taught you all the know-how! What!? I raised you all and now you’re being so ungrateful… …!”

Was it difficult to contain your anger?

Yun Yeo-gam’s voice grows louder like a crescendo.

His intimidating voice and his size made it seem like he would crush me at any moment.

Rather than being surprised… … I felt more disappointed.

Because you always took care of me, helped me without hesitation, and I relied on you a lot.

I thought you would understand me this time too.

I hoped you would at least ask why.

But he did neither.

All he does is make threats that are bordering on brute force.

I had no choice but to keep my promise with a bitter heart.

Yoon Yeo-gam: I promised to send you to a better job and recommend you.

After confirming that the phrase “Fulfilling a Promise” had appeared, I looked at Yoon Yeo-gam.

however.

“You, you really didn’t know you were such a selfish person. Huh?! Me! I made a big mistake! I made a big mistake!”

Team Leader Yoon was still losing his temper.

I blinked and looked at him.

‘Was there anything in the promise that could have been misinterpreted? Is the social level that high? There wasn’t even a warning window?’

Team Leader Yoon left the rooftop with a loud thump.

There was no time to say anything.

He was so angry that he even forgot to close the rooftop door.

Someone appeared through the open door.

“Byungmi, hi~.”

Hong Jeong-hwa approached with a light wave.

Then she gently placed her characteristic mannequin-like hand on my shoulder.

“Don’t be too upset. Team Leader Yoon has his reasons for doing things like that.”

“I know. I bet the team leader is upset too.”

“That’s actually… … .”

Her next words were quite shocking.