Private Secretary – Chapter 2
“The compensation and incentives for managing a VIP’s private affairs are determined independently, unlike other secretarial roles. Only the Director, Han Iseol, and I will know the details,” the head of the Management Support Team said, his expression serious.
“That’s the biggest advantage of this role. Of course, it’s also a major drawback, since the Director is notoriously strict and difficult to serve,” he added.
It was a job with clear pros and cons. But then again, nothing in life is purely good or purely bad.
Sure, the stress from working with a high-maintenance VIP would be intense. But considering the bonus on top of the offered salary…
‘This is insane! Absolutely amazing.’
If I could endure just two years here and save up a substantial sum, I might be able to leave and reopen the shop I once ran with my parents.
‘In other words, I could start my life over!’
Iseol’s heart raced with excitement.
“But ultimately, this is still a job done by a person,” the team leader continued. “You’ve excelled at your previous position for five years, so I have no doubt you’ll handle this role successfully as well.”
“So I can quit anytime if I choose?”
“You’re free to express your intent, but the resignation must be approved by the Director. If the Director orders a termination, your work will end that very day,” he explained, steepling his fingers.
“However, regardless of the resignation date, you will be paid for the entire month as if you worked until the end,” he added.
“High risk, high reward” wasn’t a phrase limited to investments. This job fit that description perfectly. The higher the risk, the greater the compensation.
If things went poorly, I could end up hurt, kicked out with only a month’s pay.
‘On the bright side, at least I’d be guaranteed one month’s salary.’
Iseol reasoned that if things didn’t work out, she could continue seeking other opportunities while still employed. Experiencing it first before deciding on the future seemed wise.
Besides, running away out of fear without even trying was not in her nature.
‘And besides, the idea of a new work environment is intriguing.’
Without hesitation, she nodded.
“I’ll take it.”
“Thank you. The final decision must still go through the Director, so please do well in the upcoming interview. We sincerely hope you can officially join our company,” he said.
Iseol’s curiosity only deepened.
Who exactly would this VIP be? How difficult could he be that the team leader was so eager for her to pass the interview? And just how competent must the secretary who served him for two years have been to earn a $500,000 bonus?
Clearly, this was a job that piqued her interest in every way.
Returning home, Iseol habitually sat in front of her laptop. She began searching keywords like Hogan Group, youngest son of the chairman, Hogan Group New York branch director.
Yet, as if deliberately avoiding media exposure, only names appeared—no photos.
One name stood out: Kang Taesan.
Even just three syllables carried an extraordinary presence.
At that moment, a call came in from the head of the Management Support Team.
Why a call just a few hours after their meeting? Had she been rejected on the spot?
“Yes, this is Han Iseol,” she answered, bracing herself for the worst.
[Hello, this is the head of the Management Support Team. Have you arrived home?]
“Yes, I just got in. Is there a problem?”
[My apologies…]
Ah, so it was a cancellation. The Director, known for being difficult, must have rejected her based on her resume alone. Iseol swallowed a sigh and prepared herself.
[Would you be able to come for an interview with the Director right now?]
“…Excuse me?”
[I just submitted your resume, and the Director wants to see you immediately. If it doesn’t seem like a fit, it’s best to part ways quickly rather than waste each other’s time.]
“…Alright. Please tell me the location, and I’ll come right away.”
[Apologies for the sudden notice. I’ll send you the location via text immediately. If possible… please come as quickly as you can.]
She understood the reason without asking—the Director’s patience was likely very limited. Iseol agreed and got up immediately. Fortunately, having just arrived home, she didn’t need to freshen up.
The location: Room 3501 of a hotel in central Seoul.
A hotel? Not the company office?
Even as she put on her shoes and left, Iseol couldn’t shake the thought: ‘Isn’t this guy a bit… unusual?’
Before exiting the subway station, Iseol called a taxi to meet her at the exit, allowing her to get to the hotel without delay.
In the lobby, she spotted the team leader anxiously pacing with his phone in hand.
“Team Leader.”
“Han Iseol! You came quickly, thank goodness. Let’s head up.”
“But why a hotel instead of the company?”
“He’s currently staying here. He recently arrived from the U.S., so… I don’t know the full details,” the team leader explained.
Iseol finally understood why the interview was at a hotel and silently nodded.
She hadn’t expected a second-round interview so suddenly. Inside the elevator, she checked her reflection once more.
Ding.
When the doors opened, the team leader urged her to hurry. Could it be that urgent?
He walked briskly toward a room at the end of the corridor, and Iseol had to match his pace. The team leader tagged the card to open the door first, then called her in from outside.
Inside, a spacious suite unfolded before her—an open living area and several rooms. She had only ever seen such spaces on TV.
Even the chairman she had served recently had never stayed in such a room. The scale is different for a chaebol’s son, she thought as she entered the living room.
“I’ll wait outside,” the team leader said, offering an encouraging fist pump before leaving. Iseol took a deep breath and focused ahead.
A young man in a casual sweatshirt was sitting at a large desk in the living room, absorbed in a tablet. No nameplate indicated this was an official office, but surely he was the Director.
When he finally looked up, Iseol froze internally.
‘Wow.’
She had never seen anyone so handsome in her life outside of celebrities. Possibly even more striking than actors she had glimpsed on the street.
Yet, he did not acknowledge her at all, as if only the tablet existed in that space.
Was this some kind of power play?
As one minute stretched into five, then ten, Iseol’s determination solidified. Let’s see who wins this game. I can endure. She had always been confident in standing her ground.
Perhaps this, too, was a test.
After several more minutes, he finally set the tablet down and removed his protective glasses, fixing his gaze on Iseol.
From head to toe, then toe to head.
The blatant inspection was uncomfortable, but she endured it.
“…I wonder if you’re just old-fashioned or simply lack taste.”
Iseol almost asked, “Excuse me?”
Is that really something someone who just kept me standing for over ten minutes should say—on our first meeting?
“I never said you had to keep standing. But your personality seems as rigid as your outfit.”
Was he speaking to himself, or was this how he addressed strangers? It was impossible to tell.
