Deputy Director of Planning Team 1
Indeed, Yeon-Ah had tried her best to look good on the occasion. She wore a pale, knee-length pink dress, and white sandals. Her dark brown hair was tied in a neat ponytail, and her makeup was light and natural. Compared to Su-Jin, she really looked like a young lady.
"What happened to you? Everyone was quite shocked to hear you transferred right before the second semester began. It was our last year after all." Su-Jin said, hoping she wouldn't come off as rude for asking about the past.
"Oh, that…"
Yeon-Ah hesitated for a second. As she lowered her head, a sad smile appeared on her lips.
"I had an accident and... My left shoulder got hurt. Afterwards, I couldn't practice Judo anymore so..."
Yeon-Ah stopped, leaving her words unfinished. But even so, Su-Jin understood. There was no need for further questioning if the matter was still sensitive. Consequently, she hurried to change the subject.
"Well, either way, I am really happy to find you here. Let's become good friends, and work well together." Su-Jin said, stretching her hand out.
Yeon-Ah stared at Su-Jin's hand for a brief moment, then clasped her own hand over Su-Jin's. Her face broke into a bright smile.
"Yes! I'll be happy to do that!" she nodded happily.
"Glad to see my two interns are already getting along so well." a voice unexpectedly came from behind them, startling both women.
They bolted out of their seats, looking around nervously. A man was standing two steps away from them, wearing a handsome costume and a dashing smile. For some reason, he reminded Su-Jin of the player type she saw in dramas. Well-dressed, good mannered, and with a string of ladies behind him. If that was really the case, she couldn't really blame those ladies.
The man standing in front of her was tall, well-built, but without being broad-shouldered. His features were pleasant, and his brown eyes almost glimmered with life and enthusiasm. He definitely was a playful type. The man's brown hair was cut short, but still long enough to see the slight natural curve of the strands.
"Allow me to properly introduce myself." He added, seeing their surprised expressions. "My name is Kim Seo-Jun. I am the Deputy Director of Team 1 of the Planning Department."
Hearing this, Su-Jin immediately sprang forward and gave the man a deep bow.
"Nice to meet you, Mister Kim. My name is Park Su-Jin." She greeted, full of enthusiasm.
The other young woman hurriedly followed her friend's example. She also took a step forward, bending her body into a deep bow.
"And I am Lee Yeon-Ah."
"Please, please, feel free to call me Seo-Jun. Mister makes me feel too old." He shot them another charming smile, slightly bowing his head.
True enough, he did not seem qualified to be called mister just yet. He didn't seem older than twenty-five or twenty-six at the most. But even if that was indeed true, he was still Deputy Director, and therefore, it was impossible for them to call him otherwise.
Pondering over this, Su-Jin eventually decided to compromise.
"Yes, Deputy Director Kim." she smiled at him politely.
"Ah, that is even worse." Seo-Jun complained, feigning being hurt. "But, I guess I will have to be happy with it. In time, I know your feelings will change." He finished with a grin.
Deep inside their hearts, both Su-Jin and Yeon-Ah doubted that, but they weren't willing to share their opinion with him.
"Now, let's get down to business." Seo-Jun clapped his hands together. "As you can see, the office space is split in two. The half over there," he gestured towards the other side of the room where Su-Jin had seen the four people gathered. "That is Team 2's working space. And this is our space." he gestured around himself.
Seo-Jun paused, then let out a deep sigh.
"There was supposed to be a wall separating the two offices, but the management decided to postpone its installation. I guess one of these days we'll be able to get it, though. Perhaps one day, when I get to work, it will unexpectedly be here."
Both women glanced at each other, clearly confused by that declaration. After all, how can a wall just sprang into being overnight?
The Deputy Director's voice brought them both back to the topic at hand.
"As you may have already been told by the lovely Miss Jung, you have both been assigned to work for Team 1 as interns. The term is of three months, and after that you will be evaluated. If your score is high enough, you may receive a full-time position in the company. All clear so far?" he asked, looking at them expectantly.
"Yes." They both replied in unison.
"Good. I like people who can think fast."
Seo-Jun stopped for a moment, pondering. Then, he continued in a slightly more serious tone.
"It has been less than a month since the Planning Department has been split in two. Therefore, we are still adjusting. Some people moved to Team 2, while Team 1 was left with only two people apart from the Director. This is where you two come and help even the numbers. With you two on our team, we also have five members now."
"Is five the maximum number a team may have?" Su-Jin found herself asking before she could stop herself.
At first, she was afraid of being scolded for interrupting, but it appeared that the Deputy Director found her curiosity to be a good sign. He smiled encouragingly and replied in a light tone.
"For now, yes. Both teams are required to have five members. Also, company policy states that we cannot hire full-time employees immediately. So, we are required to hire interns first, and only after three months we can discuss a permanent position."
Su-Jin nodded, letting the Deputy Director know that she understood.
Seeing her reaction, Seo-Jun smiled approvingly. He really liked when people didn't badger him with useless questions or make him repeat something more than once.
"Good. Now that we have settled that, let me show you around." Seo-Jun said, clapping his hands together again, and looking very pleased.