Today was Jieun's first day as a manager, so when she woke up, she rushed to get ready and headed straight to her new job.
LWS Entertainment was a renowned company in the entertainment industry, home to Korea's top actors and idols, and Jieun had applied to work there. However, from the moment she walked through the company's halls, she felt eyes on her and heard whispers all around:
—It's her…—I heard she's engaged to a chaebol.—I figured. It's strange for someone to rise so quickly in this business.—She's gorgeous.
Jieun pressed her lips together slightly. It wasn't the first time she had heard things like that. She sighed and decided to ignore the comments, keeping her head high as she walked confidently toward the manager's office.
Upon entering, she bowed slightly in respect.
—You're even more beautiful than I imagined —the man commented with a smile that felt a little too friendly to Jieun.
—Thank you —she replied politely, without showing any emotion.
The manager, who had been sitting behind his desk, stood up and walked over to her.
—My name is Lee Junseo. I'm the manager of LWS Entertainment, but you can call me Junseo. I'm not too strict with formalities.
Jieun met his gaze cautiously. Something about his attitude made her uncomfortable, but before he could say more, someone knocked on the door. Moments later, five young men walked into the office.
As soon as they stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted. Their expressions ranged from curiosity to suspicion. But what truly unsettled her was the gaze of the tallest boy in the group. His stare was different from the others—as if he was trying to figure her out in just a few seconds.
—Mr. Lee, why did you call us? —he asked, without taking his eyes off Jieun.
Junseo adjusted his blazer calmly before replying:
—After what happened with your previous manager, we've decided to let him go to avoid any further misunderstandings. That's why the company and I have hired Miss Park Jieun as your new manager.
The tension in the room was immediate.
—Seriously? —the same guy spoke again, disbelief in his voice—. You think this will solve everything? It's obvious Mr. Min didn't do anything wrong.
Jieun blinked discreetly. She had no idea what had happened with her predecessor, but the hostility in the room made it clear this wasn't a simple staff change.
—Haze, we've already talked about this —Junseo responded with a fake smile—. If you have anything else to say, we can discuss it after the meeting.
Haze clenched his fists in frustration. One of the guys beside him tried to calm him by placing a hand on his shoulder, but it didn't help.
—Mr. Lee, all we're asking is that an investigation be done before making such a drastic decision —another member spoke, his tone more controlled.
—There's nothing to investigate, Ryo —Junseo cut him off—. The decision has been made. You may go now.
The five boys left the office, some clearly showing signs of annoyance. Jieun, still confused by the tension in the room, sighed and followed them.
—I'm really sorry about what happened, —she said sincerely—. I just hope we can get along.
Haze looked at her coldly and walked away without saying a word. Jieun frowned.
She didn't think his attitude was appropriate, so she decided to confront him.
—Haze!
The young man stopped and turned his head toward her with obvious disinterest. Jieun approached him and stood in front of him.
—You're being immature. Aren't you supposed to set an example?
Haze let out a sarcastic laugh.
—Well, isn't this interesting —he said mockingly—. The privileged girl who gets everything she wants. Looks like we've got ourselves someone intriguing.
Jieun didn't look away. She knew exactly what he meant, but she had no intention of justifying herself.
—Do you think I'm not capable?
Haze clicked his tongue in irritation.
—All I know is that you're here because of connections, while Mr. Min worked hard to help us get where we are. And now you just show up and take over everything he built. Does that seem fair to you? That someone who worked so hard for us doesn't get to enjoy the fruits of his labor?
Jieun looked at him in silence for a few seconds before replying calmly:
—You have every right to be upset, but I'm not the one responsible for what happened with your former manager. If you want to vent, go to Mr. Lee Junseo—not me.
With that, she turned to look at the rest of the group.
—I don't like unnecessary drama, so let's leave it at that. From now on, I'll be your new manager, and I hope we can work together.
Haze clenched his jaw. He didn't like to admit it, but Jieun's attitude wasn't what he had expected. She didn't seem nervous or affected by his words.
Before walking away, she leaned slightly toward him and whispered with a faint, defiant smile:
—I'm much more capable than you think. And just a warning… stop acting like a rebellious kid around me, because I know exactly how to play this game.
Jieun turned around and walked away with firm steps, not giving him a chance to reply.
The other boys exchanged glances.
—She doesn't seem easy to handle —one of them murmured.
Haze continued staring at Jieun's back as she disappeared down the hallway. Something about her attitude irritated him—but it also made it clear that she wasn't someone who could be easily intimidated.