Park's smile was like a snake's, slick and insincere. Ah-Rim didn't trust him one bit, and she could tell that Do-Hyun didn't either.
What makes you think we need your help? Do-Hyun asked again, his voice firm but controlled.
Park chuckled.
Let's just say I have my ways of finding out things, he said. And I know all about your little problem with the blackmail.
Do-Hyun's eyes narrowed.
What do you want in return for your help? he asked.
Park held up his hands.
Oh, I don't want anything, he said. I just want to help. I've always been a fan of your family's company, and I hate to see you go down like this.
Ah-Rim didn't believe him for a second. There was something he wasn't telling them, something that would benefit him in the long run.
Do-Hyun seemed to sense her skepticism, because he turned to her and asked,
What do you think, Ah-Rim? Should we trust him?
Ah-Rim hesitated, unsure of what to say. On the one hand, they could really use all the help they could get. On the other hand, she didn't trust Park as far as she could throw him.
I...I don't know, she said finally. I think we should be careful.
Do-Hyun nodded.
I agree, he said. But I also think we should hear him out. We can always say no later if we don't like what he has to say.
Ah-Rim nodded, and they turned back to Park.
Okay, Do-Hyun said. We'll hear you out. But if we don't like what you have to say, we're walking away.
Park smiled again.
Fair enough, he said. Let's go somewhere and talk.
Do-Hyun nodded, and they followed Park to a nearby café. They sat down at a table, and Park began to explain his plan.
I have some connections with the police, he said. I can get them to back off and leave you alone.
Do-Hyun raised an eyebrow.
Why would you do that for us? he asked.
Park shrugged.
Like I said, I'm a fan of your family's company. And I hate to see you go down like this.
Ah-Rim spoke up, her voice firm.
We're not going to pay you off or anything like that, she said. So if that's what you're expecting, you can forget it.
Park held up his hands.
I don't want any money, he said. I just want...a favor.
Do-Hyun's eyes narrowed.
What kind of favor? he asked.
Park leaned forward, a sly grin spreading across his face.
I want a job at your company, he said. A high-paying job, with lots of power and influence.
Do-Hyun raised an eyebrow.
You want a job at Cha Industries? he asked.
Park nodded.
That's right, he said. And I want it now.
Ah-Rim was shocked. She couldn't believe that Park was asking for a job at Cha Industries. It was ridiculous.
Do-Hyun seemed to be thinking it over. Ah-Rim couldn't tell what he was thinking, but she knew that she didn't like it.
Do-Hyun, she said, her voice low. Don't do it. He's not trustworthy.
But Do-Hyun just smiled and turned back to Park.
Okay, he said. You've got a deal.
Ah -Rim's eyes widened in shock. She couldn't believe that Do-Hyun had just agreed to give Park a job at Cha Industries.
Do-Hyun, she said, her voice shaking. What are you doing?
Do-Hyun turned to her and smiled.
Don't worry, Ah-Rim, he said. I know what I'm doing.
But Ah-Rim was still worried. She didn't trust Park, and she didn't think that Do-Hyun should either.
As they left the café and headed back to Cha Industries, Ah-Rim couldn't help but wonder what Do-Hyun was thinking. Was he really going to give Park a job? And if so, what did that mean for the company?
When they arrived at the office, Do-Hyun went straight to his father's office and told him about the deal he had made with Park. Ah-Rim waited outside, her heart racing with anxiety.
A few minutes later, Do-Hyun came out of the office, a look of determination on his face.
It's done, he said to Ah-Rim. Park is going to start working here tomorrow.
Ah-Rim felt a surge of panic. This was not what she had wanted. She didn't trust Park, and she knew that this was a bad idea.
Do-Hyun, she said, her voice shaking. I don't think this is a good idea. Park is not trustworthy.
Do-Hyun put a hand on her shoulder.
Don't worry, Ah-Rim, he said. I know what I'm doing. Park is going to help us, and we're going to be fine.
But Ah-Rim was not convinced. She knew that Park was up to something, and she was determined to find out what it was.
As they left the office and headed home, Ah-Rim couldn't help but wonder what the future held. Was Do-Hyun's decision going to be the right one? Or was it going to lead to disaster?
The next day, Ah-Rim arrived at the office early, nervous about what the day would bring. She had barely slept the night before, her mind racing with thoughts of Park and what he might do.
As she sat at her desk, she couldn't help but wonder if Do-Hyun had made a huge mistake by hiring Park.
She was lost in thought when she heard a voice behind her.
Good morning, Ah-Rim.
She turned to see Park standing behind her, a smirk on his face.
Morning, she said, trying to sound friendly.
Park walked over to his new desk, which was right next to hers.
So, he said, looking around the office. This is a nice place you have here.
Ah-Rim nodded, still feeling uneasy.
Yes, it is, she said.
Park turned to her and smiled.
I'm glad to be working here, he said. I'm going to do great things.
Ah-Rim forced a smile, unsure of what to say. She was still trying to figure out what Park's angle was, and she didn't want to say anything that might give him an advantage.
Just then, Do-Hyun walked into the office, a cup of coffee in his hand.
Morning, everyone, he said, smiling.
Ah-Rim smiled back, feeling a surge of relief. At least Do-Hyun was here now, and she could talk to him about her concerns.
But before she could say anything, Park spoke up.
Do-Hyun, he said. Can I talk to you for a minute?
Do-Hyun nodded, and the two of them walked into Do-Hyun's office, closing the door behind them.
Ah-Rim was left alone at her desk, wondering what was going on. She tried to focus on her work, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.
After a few minutes, Do-Hyun and Park came out of the office, both of them smiling.
Everything okay? Ah-Rim asked, trying to sound casual.
Do-Hyun nodded.
Yes, everything's fine, he said. Park just had some questions about the company.
Ah-Rim nodded, still feeling uneasy. She didn't trust Park, and she was determined to find out what he was up to.
As the day went on, Ah-Rim tried to focus on her work, but she couldn't help but sneak glances at Park. He seemed to be working hard, but she could tell that he was up to something.
She was determined to find out what it was.