“You shouldn’t be surprised. We are just getting by because of the good salary,” Che-U said, her tone more serious.

Zee’s gaze scanned the group, and they all nodded in agreement. Her eyes widened. Was Kang Min-Jun's character that bad? 

“Seriously? He is really that difficult to work with?” Zee asked, trying to keep her voice steady despite the anxiety creeping in.

“Difficult? More like impossible at times,” Che-U said, rolling her eyes.

“That’s harsh,” Zee replied, biting her lip. 

“So tell us, Zee, why are you already in his bad books on your first day?” Gui-Jin asked, a hint of concern in her voice.

“I… I…” Zee stuttered, unsure how to respond. The truth felt heavy in her throat. “It’s because of my skin color,” she blurted out before she could think twice.

“What!” They all exclaimed in unison, disbelief etched across their faces.

“Noona, there is nothing wrong with your color,” Si-Woo said, shaking his head vigorously.

“Exactly, uhn-nee. You are beautiful,” Do-Hee added, her voice earnest.

“Tsk tsk tsk,” Che-U clicked her tongue, a familiar sigh escaping her lips. “It’s Kang Min-Jun after all; we shouldn’t be surprised.”

“Aigoo! We are really sorry, Zee. My advice is to stay clear of him if you want to keep your job,” Gui-Jin said sympathetically.

“Are you forgetting she is his personal assistant?” Che-U pointed out, raising an eyebrow. “How can she stay clear of him?”

The four of them turned to look at Zee with pitiful gazes, as if they had already seen her being fired. The atmosphere shifted, and a somber air hung over their table.

“Look, I appreciate your concern,” Zee said, trying to maintain her composure. “But I can’t just give up. I want to prove myself to him, to show him that I’m capable. I believe there is more to him than just what everyone says.”

“Brave words,” Gui-Jin replied, her tone softening slightly. “But just be careful. It’s easy to get hurt if you push too hard against someone like him.”

Zee nodded, her determination reigniting. “I understand. I will be cautious, but I won’t let fear dictate my actions.”

“That’s the spirit!” Che-U cheered, raising his glass. “Here is to Zee! May she succeed where others have failed!”

The group laughed, the previous tension dissipating as they lifted their glasses. As the night wore on, Zee found herself laughing and enjoying the company, her earlier worries fading.

______________

Aigoo—Oh my