Chapter 29.2

Chapter 29.2

Wow.

Of course not.

‘But I can’t die for money...’

Tears welled up in my eyes. This is nuts.

‘No, Seolum. Let’s remember—all the money in this world is just like game money for me... game money, game money...!’

Right!

I made my eyes shine with a bit of melancholy and began talking nonsense.

“I believe, more important than immediate money, I first need to hone my skills and value.”

This was insanity.

‘The reason we hone skills and value is to earn more money, so why am I rejecting it?’

But I kept rambling in a way that perfectly aligned with a 30-years-ago corporate manager’s mentality.

“Our ancestors used to say that it’s worth even buying hardship when you’re young. While I don’t fully agree, I think there’s a reason that saying exists.”

Assistant Manager Jin from A-squad looked at me as if I’d lost my mind.

But it seemed to resonate with the top boss.

“Hmm.”

A-squad’s leader looked thoughtful. She narrowed her eyes at me, then sighed and nodded.

“Fine. If that’s really how you feel... I suppose we can’t push it.”

Wahoo!

“I thought you were a smart guy, Soleum-ssi, but maybe you’re a bit more naive than I’d assumed. How are you going to make it in this harsh world?”

Perfect.

The tone was slightly chiding, but since it’s coming from her, it was practically a compliment!

...Even though she just couldn’t resist adding a bit more.

“It’s good to work hard. But being too pure-hearted isn’t great for corporate life.”

Yes, yes.

“If I may give you some advice... remember, you don’t get through work by clinging to emotions. Especially don’t get attached to people who don’t understand you.”

She glanced pointedly at a particular someone, her expression darkening.

“Don’t do it. It’s not worth it.”

“...Understood.”

Ah, she’s talking about the ‘stubborn psycho’ Lizard Chief, isn’t she? Got it.

“Did you hear that, Section Chief Lee Jaheon?”

“? Yes.”

The lizard replied like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

“I understand perfectly.”

“......”

“......”

Please stop with the ‘Is this guy for real?’ look, A-squad leader...

“Anyway.”

With a deep breath, A-squad’s leader brought the conversation to a close.

“Good work today. Head on home.”

“......! Yes, ma’am!!”

Sweet, sweet freedom.

“Thank you. I’ll head out now.”

Finally, I can escape...!

I eagerly pressed the elevator button. Assistant Manager Jin quickly came up and whispered to me.

“You idiot. You’re going to regret this.”

“......”

“D-squad’s Section Chief hasn’t even seen a wish ticket yet. Our Section Chief has already received one.”

That’s fine. I know that lizard guy will eventually make it to Team Leader.

Of course, I couldn’t say that, so I went with a compliment.

“I’m sure you’ll get one soon too, Assistant Manager.”

“...Can I ask whose will it is?”

“You may not.”

Oh. Right.

It didn’t really hurt my feelings, knowing this lizard.

‘Seems there’s a story there.’

Since he’d answered, it felt like I should say something, too. After a moment’s thought, I chose my words.

“I... just want to go home.”

In reality, Section Chief Lee could have followed up with countless questions. Where is ‘home’? Why is that your wish? Is it a place or more of a metaphor?

But instead, he simply said,

“I see.”

And that was that.

In the quiet, the elevator continued its peaceful descent.

“......”

I have to admit now that, in a certain way, Lizard Chief is quite an easy conversation partner.

Oddly enough.

* * *

Back at my dorm unit—

watch out for serial killers –

After sending Baek Saheon another friendly disaster-warning text, I lay down to rest.

‘Another day packed with twists and turns...’

I seriously feel like this job’s going to cut my lifespan in half. My heart can barely take it. Still, I can’t deny there were some decent gains today.

Extra points, networking with elite team superiors.

And a hefty bonus.

“...Five million won, huh.” (Approx. 3,500 USD)

I wonder when it’ll hit my account.

I’ve said it’s just ‘game money’, but to be fair, that just makes it all the more useful.

I’ll need it to increase my stats.

‘I could really use more cash for the Alien Shop.’

With all these surprise emergencies, I felt the need for more defensive equipment—especially something for mental protection.

‘And the Alien Shop has exclusive VIP items if you reach that level...’

Still thinking of today’s earnings, I found myself speechless.

Five million won.

“...Hoh.”

Legit, that’s the bonus they’re putting in a corporate employee’s account.

It’s enough to mess with your sense of monetary value.

And yet it still didn’t feel like quite enough to get all the items I needed.

“Any other way to make some cash—”

Bzzzt!

My phone vibrated, a new popup flashing on the screen.

‘Baek Saheon?’

No, not this time.

Unexpectedly, I’d been invited to a new open chatroom.

“......?!”

[K.LEE]

The profile was set to a bright Hawaiian beach and displayed an English name.

This feels suspicious...

– K.LEE : Oh hello, Mr. Employee lolol

– K.LEE : Need some extra cash?

“......??”

Who?