4. Leaving Work

"Excuse me, Manager Han. There's something I'd like to say."

"Yeah. Go ahead."

"Um... I'm really sorry because of me."

Choi Yeri, who was still seated in her chair, her posture lifeless. She apologizes in a voice as feeble as her energy.

"Even I feel uncomfortable hearing your apologies, as though I've done something wrong. There's nothing for you to be sorry to me about. It's actually better for me when you're out of the office, rather than being stuck here."

"But if I go to the company, I might hear disappointing remarks about myself because of you. I'm the one who's at fault."

"Yeri."

"Yes, Manager."

"You don't have to apologize. Your little shortcomings always come to light. Actually, this time they're fewer than usual. I've seen you meticulously checking things while going back and forth between the factory and the office more times than I can count."

Choi Yeri starts to open up a bit due to my words.

"Even if you did make a mistake, there's no need to be disheartened. Stand tall. Don't get overly discouraged or blame yourself because of work."

I didn't say this to appear as a good senior to Choi Yeri.

It's more like a philosophy I always think about, a bit of my own philosophy.

No matter who you are, you end up selling something to live.

Work itself is ultimately the act of selling your time for money.

However, if even your self-esteem is sold along with that work, isn't that a truly sad thing?

Perhaps my words slightly eased her heart.

Choi Yeri began to share something personal.

"I was a naive college student. I was using my parents' allowance recklessly, thinking that everything would work out once I graduated. But once I entered society, I realized I was nothing."

"Still, Yeri, I envy you. After becoming an adult, I had to handle everything on my own, without parents to rely on."

"I'm sorry, Manager. I didn't mean to say it like that..."

"I understand. I know what you mean."

"Manager, you're truly amazing. You handle everything so well. I'm trying my best, but why do I make so many mistakes?"

"At first, I was just like you, Yeri. I made mistakes and broke down."

Even in a company like this, there must be a sense of urgency in Choi Yeri that's different from mine. She wants to do well and be recognized.

I'm not unaware of that feeling.

"It's good to work hard, but ultimately, what matters in work is how well you do it. And that's something that time will resolve. Let's not be too impatient."

"Thank you. Manager, you truly are a mature person."

"What? Teasing me for being old?"

When I playfully teased her, Choi Yeri opened her mouth and clapped her hands.

"Oh, no! I mean you come across as someone reliable, a really cool adult. When I look at you, you seem younger than people my age!"

"Seems like you're good at socializing, Yeri. You know how to flatter your senior and joke around."

"Manager! It's not like that. I genuinely mean it."

Choi Yeri's distressed expression had returned to her usual self by now.

While our conversation flowed, we arrived at our destination, Daehan Car Factory.

"We're here. I'll handle the talk with Daehan Car. Let's go in."

*

"Manager Han is here. Instead of just sending the goods, you came all the way here."

Baek Chihun, the Assistant Manager of Daehan Car.

He's been in charge of our company's transactions for about two years now. We're at the same level, so there's a sense of camaraderie between us. He barely nods at me in greeting.

"Yes, Assistant Manager Baek. It's appropriate for us to personally apologize face-to-face."

"Does that box contain the items?"

"Yes. I'll take it to the inspection team on my way out."

"Fine. But is there definitely no defect this time?"

Assistant Manager Baek's face is tense.

"Yes. I've confirmed it thoroughly and brought it."

"Well, Assistant Han. I actually like you a lot. You're a good person, efficient in your work. But this time, a new employee is in charge of our delivery, right?"

gulp-

I can hear the sound of Choi Yeri swallowing dryly.

"We're delivering under our company's name, so does it really matter who's in charge? It's everyone's responsibility. From now on, for the sake of Daehan Car, I'll pay more attention, even if the problem isn't directly related to our dealings."

"But..."

Assistant Manager Baek taps his desk nervously with his pen.

"Even if you say that, it's not like we're different from Zhongshi Motors or anyone else. If problems keep arising like this, even we won't be able to accept goods from Zhongshi Motors."

Assistant Manager Baek stares at Choi Yeri and me as though he's ready to terminate the contract immediately.

But he knows it, and I know it.

The loss of ten units is not such a big issue that it warrants such a heated discussion.

And there's more.

Assistant Manager Baek's position doesn't allow him to abruptly sever the long-standing relationship between our two companies.

Suddenly, Assistant Manager Baek's expression starts to soften, showing signs of understanding the situation.

"Never mind. It's not like I'm anything more than a regular company employee. How could the company function without me?"

He rises from his seat and extends his hand for a handshake.

*

"Assistant Han, you've finished. Shall I leave now?"

- Yeah, Daehan Car also contacted me. As expected, Assistant Han. I've always thought that you'd handle things well if you went there. Well done.

"You might be able to join us for a drink, Assistant Baek."

"By the way, are you having a drink with Mr. Han?"

"Yeah. He's been making a fuss since we were at the office about having a drink once work is done."

"May I join you as well?"

"Sure, if you want to. I'll drop you off at the subway station on my way. What's more convenient for you?"

"Um... Assistant Manager..."

"Yeah?"

"...Would it be alright if I joined you for a drink too?"

Certainly, here are the additional translations of the Korean text:

"Assistant Manager Baek had a couple of drinks with Mr. Han."

"Yeah, Mr. Han insisted on it from the office. He said we'd meet around 7."

"Although I didn't say I'd eat. I just said I'd think about it."

"Oh, come on, Mr. Han, seriously."

"Anyway, around 7 should be fine, right?"

"Okay, how about we meet at Dongpyo Pub later?"

"Sounds good. If there's any traffic, I'll let you know."

"Got it. I'll be waiting. Over and out!"

"I think Mr. Kim and Mr. Han are planning to have a drink together tonight."

"After all, they made a fuss about having a drink once work

is done."

"I wonder if it's you two who will be drinking."

"That's right. Yeri, would it be convenient for you if I dropped you off at the subway station on my way?"

"Sure. Actually, I've been thinking about it since we left the office. I'll join you for a drink."

"Yeah, they made a plan to have a drink together after the meeting with Daehan Car."

"I heard. They're planning to go until around 7, right?"

"They didn't confirm having dinner. They just said they'd think about it."

"Ugh, seriously, Assistant Han."

"Anyway, they'll probably be done around 7, right?"

"Okay, shall we meet at Dongpyo Pub then?"

"Sure thing. I'll let you know if there's any traffic."

"Got it. I'll be waiting. Over and out!"

"I think Mr. Kim and Assistant Manager Kim are planning to have a drink."

"Indeed, Mr. Kim mentioned it back in the office. He was quite insistent."

"Is it you two who are going to drink?"

"That's right. Yeri, which subway station would be more convenient for you?"

"Sure. Actually, I've been thinking about joining for a drink since we left the office."

"Sure, Mr. Kim. Assistant Manager Han is very good at remembering details about people from our partner companies. He remembered your story about Assistant Manager Baek's son. Although he himself doesn't even remember what he said."

"Perhaps because I'm part of the MZ generation? Very strict. I must have been understanding back when seniors would invite me for a drink, even if I was sleeping. Well, what can you do? I, the magnanimous one, must understand. You've worked hard, Assistant Han. Feel free to leave."

Usually, he would insist on me coming in to stamp my timecard, even if it was late, but today he's in a good mood due to Assistant Manager Baek's kind words.

"Thank you, Assistant Manager."

Choi Yeri looks at me from her passenger seat and speaks.

"Mr. Kim and Assistant Manager Kim must be planning to have a drink later."

"Yeah, Mr. Kim was saying something about it since we were at the office."

"Did you mean the two of them are going to have a drink?"

"Yes, they decided to have a drink if they finish their meeting with Daehan Car."

"Assistant Manager Kim and Mr. Kim have planned to have a drink."

"Exactly, they talked about having a drink after the Daehan Car meeting."

"Is it going to be just the two of them?"

"Yes, that's right. Yeri, would you like me to drop you off at the subway station on the way?"

"Sure, it seems like Assistant Manager Kim was arranging a drink with Mr. Han on our way here."

"Right, they were saying they'd probably have a drink around 7."

"Did you say they were going to have dinner?"

"No, I didn't. I just said I would think about it."

"Oh, come on, Assistant Han."

"Anyway, do you think around 7 would be fine?"

"Sure, should we meet at Dongpyo Pub then?"

"Okay, I'll be waiting. Over and out!"

"I heard Assistant Manager Kim and Mr. Kim are planning to have a drink."

"That's right, Mr. Kim was talking about it since we left the office."

"Is it going to be just the two of them?"

"Yes, it seems like they agreed to have a drink after the meeting with Daehan Car."

"I heard that Assistant Manager Kim and Mr. Kim are planning to have a drink together."

"Yes, that's what they've been talking about since the office."

"Are you saying they'll be drinking together?"

"Yes, I think so. By the way, which subway station would be convenient for you?"

"Sure, I've actually been thinking about joining them for a drink since we left the office."

"Really, Assistant Han?"

"Anyway, around 7 should be fine, right?"

"Okay, how about we meet at Dongpyo Pub?"

"Got it, I'll be waiting. Over and out!"

"I think Mr. Kim and Assistant Manager Kim are arranging a drink."

"Yes, Mr. Kim mentioned it from the office."

"Are they planning to drink together?"

"Yes, they decided to have a drink once they finish the Daehan Car meeting."

"Assistant Manager Kim and Mr. Kim are arranging a drink."

"Yes, that's what they were discussing from the office."

"Are they planning to drink together?"

"Yes, I believe so. By the way, Yeri, which subway station would be more convenient for you?"

"Sure, I've been thinking about joining for a drink since we left the office."

"Alright, I hope these translations help you understand the dialogue better! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask."