Got Dropped into a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work

Chapter 86.1

I had heard about Director Ho indirectly several times.

Mostly due to internal office politics.

He was in ‘line’ with the elite A-squad and Lee Byeongjin, who was the one in charge of manual evaluations.

– That section chief was close with A-squad. You know, like... ‘on the same line’.

– Director Ho has his eye on you, Supervisor Kim.

– The director is the best superior you could ever have in this company. Don’t miss this opportunity.

I had been encouraged multiple times to align myself with those on Director Ho’s ‘line’.

But I never expected the man himself to suddenly show up, unannounced, in D-squad’s office like a casual neighboring coworker!

I instinctively stood up and bowed.

“Good day to you, Director Ho.”

“Oh, you recognized me right away...”

What was he trying to act sheepish about after casually addressing Director Cheong without honorifics earlier?!

‘He barged in as if he already knew about Director Cheong’s “interesting proposal” to me...’

Wait a second.

‘Didn’t Director Ho just say he had a proposal of his own to make?’

A proposal?

I glanced at the young man with a pleasant demeanor.

In a friendly tone, he continued speaking.

“Sorry about that. I must’ve made you tense by bringing up someone so intimidating, right?”

“Not at all. If anything, I’m sorry for not properly introducing myself earlier...”

“Ohh, no need for that! I’m not big on formalities, so feel free to speak casually.”

As if that were possible.

‘Is he the type who lacks basic decency?’

Or perhaps he was intentionally trying to create tension.

Either way, I nodded and took a deep breath to appear slightly more relaxed.

‘This must be the reaction he wanted.’

Sure enough, Director Ho continued with a calm expression, though his words didn’t sound so benign.

“Let me take a guess. Director Cheong likely made a proposal related to the elite squads—perhaps about forming a new one?”

Wow. Seriously.

Should I just come clean and tell him everything?

But even if I didn’t, it felt like I’d still end up in trouble.

My thoughts raced.

“Well, yes, but... Ah! My apologies. I’ve been a bit flustered. Let me show you to a more comfortable spot.”

Feigning sudden realization, I guided Director Ho to the guest sofa in D-squad’s office, breaking the flow of conversation.

– Ah, you’re buying time to handle a tricky guest. Well done, Mr. Roe Deer! That was perfectly natural!

The ghost story quiz show host who incinerated anything unnatural in his show might’ve approved, but I still felt uneasy. At least I’d bought some time. Ṝ

“Actually, I’m in the middle of forming a project team, and I’m recruiting employees for it.”

“I’d like to invite you to join this project team, Soleum-nim.”

What?

I suddenly recalled something Section Chief Lee Byeongjin had once mentioned:

– There’s even a rumor that Director Ho runs a top-secret project team under his department... You might get transferred there.

‘And now that rumor’s become reality.’

But what came next was even more shocking.

“To be precise, as a candidate for team leader.”

Has this director lost his marbles?

“There are three candidates I’m considering. Honestly, if you had just two more years of experience, you’d be my top pick. For now, consider yourself one of the finalists.”

My mind was reeling.

– Oh, this offer seems to promise more authority than last time. Let’s hear out the conditions, Friend!

No, hearing the conditions only works when I have some leverage to negotiate! Right now...!

‘...This feels like I’m doomed, huh?’

Isn’t this just like Paris receiving the golden apple?

Whichever choice I make, I’ll likely anger the remaining superiors.

This is worse than just joining a line.

‘I’d burn all bridges for switching sides.’

What do I do?

I could barely maintain my outward composure, and even that felt like an accomplishment.

‘Refusing both offers might be the best option...’

“Oh, I might’ve been too hasty. I should’ve mentioned the compensation first.”

“...Compensation, sir?”

“A performance bonus for the project.”

Director Ho smiled.

“If the project succeeds, all team members will receive a wish ticket.”

“One for each member, no exceptions.”

Holy shit.

“And the team leader will receive an additional perk, but we can discuss that in more detail once you’ve joined the team.”

“Oh, and thank you for the tea.”

Director Ho got up from the sofa, placed his mug in the sink, and headed for the office door.

“Take a few days to think it over and let me know. But I suggest not taking longer than a week.”

He leaned in slightly, as if giving friendly advice.

“Director Cheong isn’t known for her patience.”

“If you ever need someone to talk to while working, feel free to stop by my office anytime. Then, bye!”