Corporate activities

After exiting the Director's office everyone returned to their desks. They were all feeling strangely motivated with the new assignment. Despite the fact that it was a lot of work, having to come up with new, original ideas for a project wasn't something bad. In fact, it made those who worked on that project feel even more attached to it.

During lunchtime, Su-Jin eventually told Yeon-Ah all about her fall and how she ended up having a red face. There's no need to mention just how shocked Yeon-Ah had been when she heard the recount of the story.

After talking about this matter for a little bit, Su-Jin then changed the theme of their conversation. Consequently, the two women spent the entire break excitedly talking about their new project.

"Did you think about an event?" Yeon-Ah asked on their way back to the company.

"I came up with a few ideas, but I don't know if they are good enough."

"At least we have two weeks to make the list."

"Yes, that should be enough time." Su-Jin smiled widely.

The rest of the day went by in a breeze. A little while after six, Seo-Jun came and let everyone know they will be having a team dinner that night.

"Eh?! Again?" Su-Jin asked in surprise.

"This time the entire Planning Department is going to be there." Seo-Jun grinned, then added quickly. "We won't be able to have any team dinners for a while after today, so we should take advantage."

"Why not? What happens after today?" Su-Jin asked, her face scrunching up in confusion.

She glanced at Yeon-Ah, but the woman merely shrugged, looking just as baffled as Su-Jin was.

Watching their exchange, Seo-Jun let out a deep sigh and shook his head slowly. Meanwhile, Jung Seok remained quiet. Though he had a general idea as to why they would be having dinner out that night, he preferred not to make assumptions.

The Planning Department used to have outings before taking on a big project or before an important event. It appeared that the new Deputy Director wanted to keep the tradition going. Though, Seo-Jun somehow doubted the Director would agree.

Nevertheless, the prospect of going out and having fun made everyone rather excited. Seo-Jun even began to explain the reason behind this outing.

"These two weeks will be difficult for us. We will be working harder than ever to meet the deadline for the 'event project' , so we need a small treat. And also, this weekend will be quite special. You all need to free your schedule from Friday till Sunday."

"What happens this weekend?" Su-Jin asked, her eyebrows going up so high on her forehead that one could barely see them under the hairline.

"This Friday we will be having a Corporate Social Responsibility activity." Ji-Won's deep voice came from behind Seo-Jun.

He had appeared at the Deputy Director's shoulder so suddenly, everyone gasped loudly. With such a sudden apparition, and taking into consideration his grave expression, it was no wonder people got startled.

Ignoring their surprised expressions, Ji-Won clasped a hand onto Seo-Jun's shoulder, squeezing it slightly harder than he should have. He leaned forward, and spoke into his friend's ear in a low voice.

"I thought we agreed I would be the one to tell them about the activities, Deputy Director."

"Ah, yes, well… I just couldn't wait." Seo-Jun replied with a nervous smile, before adding hastily, "You go on then, and continue to tell them."

After finishing his words, Seo-Jun took a step away from Ji-Won's grasp, massaging his shoulder. The place felt a little sore. Seo-Jun grumbled in his heart, reminding himself to scold his best friend for being too harsh with him.

"As I was saying," Ji-Won began, looking over at his team members. "This Friday we will join the rest of the Departments in Kanji Tourism's quarterly Corporate Social Responsibility activity. This time, we will be going to Angel orphanage in order to assist them with various things. Chinjeon Foundation, the organization who is supporting the orphanage, will be donating clothes and food for the children there. Therefore, we have to arrive early in the morning to receive the products."

"What about Saturday and Sunday? Are we going to the same place?" Su-Jin asked, trying to hide her enthusiasm.

She had always wanted to be part of something like this. Whenever she heard people on the bus or on the streets talking about company get-togethers or corporate activities, she always felt jealous. But now she would be able to take part in something like that as well.

After hearing her question, Ji-Won looked at her for a moment. In all honesty, he was slightly taken aback by Su-Jin's sudden interest. For a moment, Su-Jin even forgot to give him dirty looks, which was a shocker in itself.

Yet, despite his momentary astonishment, Kang Ji-Won was still a professional Director. Therefore, he subtly cleared his throat and swiftly replied to Su-Jin's question.

"Saturday and Sunday will be Kanji Tourism's yearly Sports Day. It is the biggest corporate event the company organizes every year. We will be leaving Saturday morning, and return Sunday evening."

"Is the event out of town?" Su-Jin inquired.

Before she could stop herself, eagerness was overflowing from her eyes. Even her body couldn't sit still. She kept fidgeting and leaning from side to side like a restless child.

"Yes." Ji-Won nodded, then continued to explain. "We will go to a campsite set up in advance by the organizing team. The place is an hour's ride from Seoul, up on the mountain."

After saying this much, Ji-Won paused. His eyes moved between everyone gathered in front of him. After a moment of silence, he finally opened his mouth to speak again.

"Now that I have explained the plan, make sure to free your schedules. Also, be sure to arrive on time. The meeting place for both Friday and Saturday will be here at the company."

With that being said, Ji-Won made a move to leave. But how could his Deputy Director allow him to slip away like that? As soon as Ji-Won was about to escape, Seo-Jun grabbed his arm quickly. With a sly smile plastered on his face, the Deputy Director spoke loud and clear.

"Now that we have gotten that out of our way, shall we leave for the team dinner?" Seo-Jun inquired excitedly.