Secretary Gwanggong's Survival Diary-Chapter 44

“Team Leader, the CEO is calling.”

Ah, shit... I’m busy... I didn’t like getting a call right when I was swamped, but I composed myself and tried to sound as professional as possible.

“Yes, CEO. Did you enjoy lunch? It’s a bit colder today, so make sure to dress warmly...”

You’re really starting to pick a fight with me, aren’t you?

“No? That can’t be.”

I signed the card receipt while talking to Yoon Taeo.

895,000 won.

“Ah... did you see that? Why...?”

That’s the amount I just paid. By the way, it’s for a single T-shirt. After the previous card theft incident, every time I used Taeo’s card, the secretary team would be notified. It’s probably been reported in real-time while I was making the purchase.

Seems like our Secretary Kim is more of a character than I thought. Didn’t know that.

“So, I asked you twice this morning if you were really okay...”

It’s all your fault, you bastard. Why the hell did you burn all my clothes and shoes? I had a bad feeling, but Kang Seokho really burned everything in the house, they say.

Yoon Taeo had done this to his Beta before. He said, "If there’s nowhere to go back «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» to, you won’t even want to go." At that time, the Beta cried and blamed Taeo, but honestly, I didn’t care. Actually... I was even a little grateful.

There wasn’t anything valuable in the house, and other than the fact that it was rented, there wasn’t a single good thing about it. I’d rather stay in a hotel. Besides, now that I’m freely swiping Taeo’s card, what do I have to complain about?

I’m fine, but I’m not sure if Secretary Kim is fine.

What...? Me...? Didn’t you say I could spend as much as I want?

“CEO, I can clearly account for the expenses... CEO, CEO?”

With a click, the phone call was abruptly cut off. I hadn’t even begun my explanation yet.

“Ha... thank you.”

I handed the phone back to the security team staff and thought for a moment. Should I stop shopping now, or should I just finish what I started? Would stopping now make Taeo’s punishment lighter? Based on his usual behavior, it probably won’t make much difference. But it’s not like there’s no way out. I’m not sure, but there may be a way to save my life.

I’ll shop a little more.

❖ ❖ ❖

“Oh, you’re here.”

“Were you sleeping?”

I was. And deeply. I realized today that shopping is more tiring than I thought. And after shopping so comfortably, I was even more confused. Why is it that Taeo’s Betas couldn’t even buy a 1,000-won cup of instant noodles when he gave them his card?

After being confined for two days, I’ve found my calling. I should be a rich, unemployed person instead of a secretary. Or, I wouldn’t mind being confined like this for life. I don’t have to clean, do laundry, or cook. All I have to do is enjoy the food others make. If I get bored, I can go out and shop to my heart’s content.

“If you shopped that much, you must be tired.”

“...Not necessarily. ...Shall we eat? Aren’t you hungry?”

I didn’t shop mindlessly. I had prepared the meal with some care, just in case Taeo’s mood had soured again.

“You made this yourself? You didn’t have to.”

“It’s a bit boring staying at home. I don’t even have my phone.”

Taeo was right. I don’t know where he brought them from, but a chef had come to the house both yesterday and today. Considering how Taeo usually hates outsiders coming into his house, this was a rare occurrence.

It was comfortable, but strangely enough, I was more accustomed to cooking myself since I hadn’t used to it. And... there was something I needed to say to Taeo today, so I thought it would be better to cook and score some points. Well... I don’t know if he’ll care, but still.

“Go wash up.”

While Taeo changed and washed, I prepared the meal. I had already cooked it before I slept, so fortunately, I didn’t have to make him wait long after I set the table. Just as the delicious smell started to stimulate my senses, Taeo returned to the kitchen.

“I cooked some venison today.”

“Long time no see, this one.”

It was one of those dishes that took a lot of effort. You have to eliminate the unique fishy smell, and maintain the right level of cooking to keep the texture tender instead of tough. If cooked well, it can have a texture even more tender than beef.

“Is it okay? I put a lot of effort into it...”

“Well, it’s passable.”

That was the highest praise I could get from him. To get a compliment like that from him, I’d have to be a Michelin-star chef. It wasn’t just a throwaway comment either, since Taeo’s knife and fork moved diligently.

“Why are you eating so little today?”

That was embarrassing. My portion looked like a servant’s meal, while his was barely enough to feed a bird, which made me self-conscious.

“I’m not really the type to eat a lot, you know.”

“I see. For lunch today, I heard you ate three servings by yourself. If you’re a person, you wouldn’t eat that much for dinner.”

“...Who reported that?”

I don’t know who the bastard is, but that’s an invasion of my privacy. Why would someone report how much I eat...? Just because it’s getting cold and I’ve gained a little appetite...

“I don’t need to know that. I’ll have some ramen later.”

“...Would you like some with me?”

To be honest, I’m not a fan of venison. I prefer something more stimulating and chewy. But that doesn’t mean it tastes bad. I just don’t prefer it as much.

“Forget that. I think you have something to say.”

...What a keen bastard. Or maybe I just gave myself away with how familiar I acted. I quickly wrapped up the meal and steadied my breath.

“When will I be staying here until...?”

“You said you weren’t uncomfortable.”

“That’s true, but I can’t just not work...”

Having had both my phone and work tablet confiscated, I didn’t know the exact situation, but it didn’t feel good. If it’s really going to be permanent, then I wouldn’t care, but it would be better to get back to work as soon as possible before I get stuck with the bomb. Even if it’s just a short vacation, I’m satisfied.

“I actually checked today to confirm if you were really trying to run away.” freēnovelkiss.com

“So...?”

After Taeo finished his meal, he set his knife and fork down and looked at me. The bastard... He must’ve eaten well, but there was no satisfaction visible on his face or in his mannerisms. He seemed like he ate alone.

“Let me believe for once that Secretary Baek wasn’t trying to escape.”

“Ah... Yes. Thank you.”

He really made it difficult to say. Why couldn’t he just say he misunderstood? Why did he have to say it so generously? But since it’s what I wanted, I obediently listened.

“Just don’t get the wrong idea.”

“Right? No matter how I look at it, I didn’t earn your trust... so I guess you’ll need to lock me up sometimes...”

“You’re scheming again. But, are you sure you’re fine with this?”

“Yes...?”

“You’ll regret it. There won’t be another time like this.”

A certain image flashed through my mind. Me, bound and confined in a dark, moldy basement, with the concrete sinking me into the ocean with a single word from Taeo...

I guess when he talks about next time, that’s the scenario. By the way, a Beta actually ended up like that.

“It was just a joke! Oh, you’re taking it so seriously.”

How can he not let me joke around? Taeo would definitely keep his word, even if it meant keeping me in check.

“That’s right. That kind of thing shouldn’t happen.”

Well, at least the situation seems to have been resolved. I was about to ask him to release me from my confinement, but since his words seemed to be along the same lines, maybe I was just too tense.

“I bought something for you... CEO.”

And as a way to make up for the excessive spending today, I handed him what I had prepared.

“What’s this?”

“It’s a tie pin. I carefully selected it considering your tastes. Please open it.”

Without mentioning the price, it’s quite obvious it’s a cheap product. But even with luxury items, the person wearing it matters. A no-name brand could look like a luxury item when worn by the right person. I’m sure the same would apply with Taeo.

“It’s not bad.”

Taeo seemed to like it as he opened the case. Let’s pretend I didn’t hear his follow-up comment about it being cheap. Even if there’s one cheap item among a hundred expensive ones, it won’t be noticeable.

“Your face is so luxurious, no matter what you wear, it’ll always look good...”

“I don’t think you’re just giving this to me.”

“...I know I did some excessive shopping today, but it wasn’t all for me...”

“Keep going.”

It seemed like Taeo was willing to hear me out this time. I adjusted my posture and began to explain.

“I’m a secretary, but if I look odd standing next to you, it would be embarrassing for you...”

“Oh, so you bought this for me?”

“Right!”

“Seems like Baek Sieon now thinks of Taeo as easy.”

“...Taeo...?”

“You really talk a lot of nonsense.”

Taeo was fiddling with the tie pin I gave him. Then, our eyes met for a moment. I realized. If it were Taeo, he could kill someone with that tie pin. He could find the carotid artery and stab it with that blunt pin...

“...I’m sorry... I got carried away and couldn’t stop...”

I guess I should just tell the truth. At least he’ll show some consideration and kill me quickly with a single blow.

“Well, I wasn’t going to talk about a few bucks.”

“A few bucks...”

As expected... he’s a big spender. I tried to max out the card limit, but ran into physical limitations. Still, I spent quite a hefty amount, and he doesn’t seem bothered at all.

“Here.”

“What’s this...?”

Taeo handed me a shopping bag. Inside was my phone.

“You said you were feeling suffocated without it.”

To be exact, you destroyed it, you bastard.

“Then, can I start working tomorrow...?”

“I’ll take off the surveillance.”

Two days. Honestly, I would love to spend a few more days acting like a fool and enjoying my vacation, but there’s a reason I can’t.

“Right, I’ll have to go handle your rut starting tomorrow.”

If I want to take care of his rut cycle, I have to be there in person. It’s too risky to leave it to the idiots who can’t even get the dates right. It’d be better for me to be a little tired than to relax and do nothing.

“I said I’ll take off the surveillance, but that doesn’t mean you can go back to work.”

“...Yes...?”

I thought it was an approval, but Taeo’s words were strange.

“Stay home until my rut ends. Think of it as the vacation you love so much.”

...Why?

It was an incomprehensible order. The surveillance is removed, and I got a new phone. But he still told me not to return to work.

“It’s your rut tomorrow...”

“Ruts aren’t anything new, so why are you making a big deal about it?”

It is a big deal. The stronger and superior the traits, the more explosive the rut cycle becomes. If you don’t properly release the excitement while taking the right medication, it could turn dangerous. Moreover, Taeo has a strong aversion to Omegas, so he usually spends his cycles with Betas, which makes the situation even worse.

“Still, it could be dangerous, so I need to keep watch.”

The playful tone of our conversation died down. Sorry, but this is something I can’t let slide either.

“Do you think our company only has Secretary Baek?”

“Even so, I’m fine...”

“Ha, you’re making me repeat myself.”

It wasn’t just me whose emotions were off; Taeo’s voice soon became sharp. But now, I didn’t want to back down from his incomprehensible orders. But Taeo put an end to it.

“You don’t need to.”

With a single word, he threw my thoughts away.