Chapter 4 The New Team

‎Two days passed in the blink of an eye.

‎Since the cafeteria lunch, Angela and Min-ho found themselves exchanging short conversations whenever their paths crossed.

‎"Morning."

‎"Finished your report?"

‎"Almost."

‎Sometimes it lasted only a few seconds.

‎Sometimes Angela managed to make him sigh with one of her random jokes before returning to work.

‎It wasn't much...

‎But compared to the day she first spoke to him, they had grown surprisingly comfortable around each other.

‎Friday morning...

‎Han-Tech was unusually busy.

‎Employees moved from one department to another as several new projects were about to begin.

‎Throughout the office, project teams for different departments had already been posted on the company notice board.

‎Angela glanced at the list as she walked past.

‎Her name wasn't there.

‎She thought nothing of it.

‎Moments later, a notification appeared on her computer.

‎Please report to the Managing Director's office immediately.

‎She blinked.

‎"The MD?"

‎Curious, she stood up and made her way toward the executive office.

‎A few minutes later...

‎Angela knocked gently.

‎"Come in."

‎She entered the spacious office.

‎Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city skyline, while shelves filled with books and company awards decorated the room.

‎She quietly took a seat.

‎She had no idea why she had been called.

‎A minute later...

‎Just as the office door opened again...

‎At the same time, the Managing Director stood up, stretching his legs after sitting for so long.

‎Min-ho walked into the office.

‎The first person he noticed was Angela.

‎Their eyes met.

‎Angela smiled warmly.

‎"Morning."

‎"Morning," Min-ho replied with a small nod and a faint smile.

‎He then turned his attention to the Managing Director.

‎The Managing Director was a tall British man in his early fifties. His weathered face reflected years of experience, while a modest pot belly softened his otherwise commanding appearance. Dressed in a tailored gray suit with a bright red tie, he carried himself with quiet authority.

‎"There you are, Mr. Kim."

‎The MD rested one side of his hip against the edge of his desk.

‎"Before we begin, there are a few others joining your team."

‎He glanced at his wristwatch.

‎"I just hope they arrive on time."

‎Angela and Min-ho exchanged curious glances.

‎Neither of them knew what this meeting was about.

‎Knock.

‎"Come in."

‎The office door opened.

‎Three people entered one after another.

‎The MD smiled after looking at his watch.

‎"Just in time."

‎He walked toward the middle of the room.

‎"Alright..."

‎"Let's get down to business."

‎"I'll keep this brief."

‎"I've called all of you here because you've been selected for one of Han-Tech's Top Specialist Programs. After carefully reviewing everyone's performance, I believe each of you is the right choice."

‎He paused briefly.

‎"I could have simply posted your names along with the other project teams on the notice board."

‎He smiled.

‎"However, this team is different."

‎"Some of you have come from different offices and even different branches."

‎"So I thought it would be better to introduce everyone personally."

‎He gestured toward Angela and Min-ho.

‎"Let's begin with the members from this branch."

‎"This is Angela..."

‎He briefly introduced her position and achievements before turning toward Min-ho.

‎"And this is Mr. Kim Min-ho, one of our top data specialists."

‎Angela smiled politely.

‎Min-ho gave a small nod.

‎The three newcomers greeted them in return.

‎The MD then turned toward the first man.

‎"This is Arjun Mehta."

‎Arjun stepped forward with a friendly smile.

‎He was around thirty-five years old, of average height, dressed in a neatly pressed light-blue shirt tucked into dark trousers. His clothes were plain rather than stylish, but everything about him looked clean, practical and professional.

‎Joining both palms together, he bowed his head slightly.

‎"Namaste."

‎"My name is Arjun Mehta."

‎"I've come from our India branch."

‎"It's a pleasure meeting everyone."

‎Angela smiled warmly.

‎"He seems nice."

‎The MD turned toward the petite young woman standing beside him.

‎"This is Lin Xiaoyu."

‎She was much shorter than Arjun.

‎She wore a plain cream blouse beneath a light gray cardigan with a dark knee-length skirt. Round glasses rested gently on her small face, while her neatly tied hair and simple clothing made her easy to overlook in a crowd. She clutched a folder tightly against her chest with both hands.

‎She looked shy...

‎Almost timid.

‎"H...Hi."

‎Her voice was barely above a whisper.

‎Angela smiled immediately.

‎"Aww..."

‎"She's so cute."

‎Lin gave another shy nod before lowering her head.

‎Finally...

‎The MD looked toward the last man.

‎"And this..."

‎"...is Kang Joon-woo."

‎The man stepped forward calmly.

‎He stood slightly taller than Min-ho.

‎He wore a perfectly tailored navy-blue suit over a crisp white shirt. His appearance was attractive without being flashy, everything fitting him effortlessly. From his neatly styled hair to his polished shoes, he carried himself with quiet confidence.

‎The MD smiled.

‎"Some of you may not know this..."

‎"But Mr. Kang isn't new to this branch."

‎"He worked here before being transferred to our Korean branch to lead a special project."

‎"Now that the project has been successfully completed..."

‎"...he's back with us."

‎Joon-woo raised one hand slightly in greeting.

‎"It's nice to meet everyone."

‎As his eyes moved across the room...

‎They paused on Angela for a brief moment.

‎A warm smile appeared on his face.

‎Not flirtatious...