An Office Worker Is Good At Exorcism - Chapter 132

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 131
Part 5. Savoring This Moment, Today (3)
“The contract signing ceremony between Shinjin Construction and Daejeong Materials will now commence.”
The emcee’s words, delivered with an impressive thin metal accent, set the contract signing ceremony in motion.
The venue was Shinjin Construction’s grand conference room.
The interior was meticulously organized—it was clear they had taken great care with the preparations.
Centered around the ritual platform, the right side held the executives and staff of Shinjin Construction from Shin Yoseph’s faction, while the left side seated the executives and staff of Daejeong Materials, including Kang Hyung-seok.
Business divisions, Sales Team 1, and other relevant departments were all represented.
“This event commemorates the successful partnership between Shinjin Construction and Daejeong Materials. We ask for your celebration and look forward to our continued growth together.”
The atmosphere was solemn.
Namgoong Min-ah from Sales Team 1, seated at the same table as Kang Hyung-seok, was visibly tense, and Gwak Young-ho was drinking the bottled water in front of him so frequently his throat seemed parched.
Still, it didn’t feel like a bad occasion.
“I would like to introduce the distinguished guests who have graced us with their presence today.”
Gwak Young-ho unconsciously shifted in his seat, then awkwardly laughed when he realized it wasn’t his turn yet.
“First, we have Shin Chang-soo, the Company Representative of Shinjin Construction, and Lee Beom-seok, the Company Representative of Daejeong Materials. Please give them a warm round of applause!”
Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!
The representatives of both companies ascended the ritual platform amid thunderous applause and shook hands.
“So the Shinjin Construction representative came as well.”
At Lee Jin-pyung’s remark, Gwak Young-ho tilted his head toward him and replied.
“Well, Shin Yoseph Director is his son, after all.”
Lee Jin-pyung nodded with an understanding expression, and Namgoong Min-ah silently marveled at the connection.
In contrast, Sales Team 2, seated behind them, wore expressions of disappointment and unease.
“Ahem.”
The Manager of Sales Team 2, who seemed most uncomfortable, appeared to have a lump in his throat.
“We will now proceed with the formal contract signing.”
At the emcee’s announcement, the representatives of both companies each signed the contract documents contained in a blue hard case.
Then the representative of Shinjin Construction began his congratulatory remarks.
“We at Shinjin Construction are delighted to establish a partnership with such a capable organization….”
Kang Hyung-seok remained seated, observing the ritual platform.
My first thought?
‘Shin Yoseph must take after his mother quite a bit.’
The representative of Shinjin Construction had an overall impression that was quite robust and masculine, which differed significantly from Shin Yoseph’s appearance.
And when the representative of Daejeong Materials took the microphone, another thought crossed my mind.
‘Ah, so we really are signing a contract with Shinjin Construction.’
Oddly enough, the moment I saw Daejeong Materials’ representative, it all became real.
“I would especially like to express my gratitude to Shin Yoseph Director, who has driven this contract forward.”
Shin Yoseph was mentioned by the mouth of my own company’s representative.
I felt anew how significant a position Shin Yoseph held, and it felt strange that such a person needed me.
Zing.
「Don’t be nervous—you’ll be taking the stage soon.」
After checking the text message that arrived for Shin Yoseph, Kang Hyung-seok let out a quiet laugh and sent a brief reply.
「Get lost.」
Then he glanced at Shin Yoseph, who despite clearly having seen the message on his phone, remained expressionless as he gazed up at the Ritual Platform.
This was where his experience with countless major events like this revealed itself.
“Next, we’ll proceed with a photo session to commemorate the contract signing.”
Photographers wielding bulky cameras crowded in front of the Ritual Platform and began snapping pictures.
Those photographs would soon grace prominent walls in both companies’ offices.
They might even be used for newspaper coverage.
Click, click, click, click!
“Next, we’ll have the executives take their turn.”
As the representatives from both companies stepped down, the executive-level personnel—the core decision-makers—ascended the Ritual Platform for their photographs.
“Manager, we’re going up too, right?”
“Of course.”
Click, click, click!
Watching the Ritual Platform erupt with camera shutters, Namgoong Min-ah spoke in a nervous voice.
“Manager, I’m so nervous.”
“This is a position Shin Yoseph Director specially arranged for us. What’s there to be afraid of?”
“Oh my.”
There was political purpose to this as well.
Shin Yoseph needed to move more closely with me, and I had to track the demon.
We belonged to different companies.
Externally, this was meant to emphasize that Shin Yoseph valued Sales Team 1, to which I belonged, and it served as a mechanism to deflect suspicion and scrutiny from company personnel even as I moved forward with future activities alongside him.
Clap, clap, clap, clap!
Unaware of this, the members of Sales Team 1 nervously swallowed dry saliva as they watched the descending figures receive applause.
In contrast, I observed the Ritual Platform with a composed expression.
“Next, we have the entire Daejeong Materials Sales Team 1.”
Now it was my turn.
“Come on, let’s go.”
Starting with Gwak Young-ho, Sales Team 1 rose to their feet.
The others seemed fine, but Lee Jin-pyung and Namgoong Min-ah looked particularly tense.
Even Lee Jin-pyung, who rarely showed emotion, was visibly stiff.
「Hmm.」
Those who had gossiped about Gwak Young-ho and me on the rooftop hung their heads in shame.
And just as the manager of Sales Team 2 cast a gaze that was both wistful and envious,
Clap, clap, clap, clap.
Shin Yoseph began applauding while looking at me.
Secretary Jo followed suit, and the applause rippled outward through the conference room like waves spreading across water.
Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!
When even the representatives of both companies joined in the applause, the manager of Sales Team 2 had no choice but to clap as well.
Receiving thunderous applause, I and the others ascended the Ritual Platform.
“You there, sir!”
The photographer pointed at Kang Hyung-seok and shifted his finger toward the center.
“Please move a bit this way!”
Kang Hyung-seok was an important person.
And the protagonist.
Whether Shin Yoseph had tipped him off beforehand, the photographer carefully framed the composition with Kang Hyung-seok at the center.
“Why is he putting in so much effort?”
No matter how much the department head of Sales Team 2 muttered with eyes brimming with envy, the photographer diligently devoted himself to photographing Sales Team 1.
“You there, ma’am, yes yes. Stand beside him. And you, sir, step back a little. That’s right. Perfect!”
With the meticulous attention of a wedding photographer, satisfaction bloomed across the photographer’s lips.
“Now, look at the camera! No wait. You there, ma’am, you’re too stiff.”
Only after Namgoong Min-ah, rigid as a mechanical doll, flushed and forced a smile did the shutter click.
Click!
The expression came out quite impressive, and the shutter was pressed.
Kang Hyung-seok closed his eyes briefly, then opened them.
A sea of faces stretched before me, all watching.
This moment felt like it would be remembered for a long time.
“All right, just one more shot!”
Lee Jin-pyung, who had closed his eyes, now opened them wide.
Click click!
Awkward pride, tension, and anticipation.
The flash glinted under the lights, sweeping across their faces.
And as they descended from the Ritual Platform, Lee Beom-seok, the representative of Daejeong Materials, lightly tapped Kang Hyung-seok’s hand.
“Well done, Manager Kang.”
A brief word of encouragement delivered with a smile.
I answered with a smile and returned to my seat.
With the photography finished, only the meal remained.
Rumble.
A five-tier cart laden with food rolled into the conference room, and soon a folding table was set up and draped with a deep navy tablecloth.
As the dishes were arranged, people began standing one or two at a time, picking up plates and filling them with food.
“Manager Gwak, eat plenty!”
“Yes, Executive Director! Please enjoy your meal as well!”
Gwak Young-ho smiled and greeted him.
The Executive Director patted Kang Hyung-seok’s shoulder and leaned close to his ear, muttering.
“Manager Kang, come over to the Representative’s table later. He wants to see you.”
“Pardon?”
“Why else would he call? Oh right, Manager Shin should come too. You two just got back from that long-term business trip.”
“Me?”
Shin Jung-ah, who was nearby, suddenly interjected, and the Executive Director turned his smiling face toward her.
“My goodness! Our Manager Shin. Wow, you really did great work. Director Shin Chang-yong didn’t say anything special, did he?”
“You know how he is.”
“Hahaha! He’s not even trying to hide how incredibly proud he is. Says his nephew has really proven his worth to the company.”
The Executive Director then looked at Kang Hyung-seok and smirked.
That look in his eyes—as if he’d always known this guy would pull off something spectacular one day.
The Executive Director returned to the table where the other executives sat, and Kang Hyung-seok found himself gazing after him, caught in an odd mixture of emotions.
It was then.
Tap.
Shin Yoseph brushed past Kang Hyung-seok and lightly tapped his shoe.
He glanced back, his eyes conveying a silent message.
Enjoy this moment without overthinking it.
***
At that same moment.
While Shinjin Construction buzzed with lively, warm energy, the Mountain was filled with a cool, hollow silence.
The Mountain where the Buddha statue of the Pseudo-village had stood.
Step, step.
With each stride the man took, his ponytail swayed left and right.
He wore a deep navy jacket bordering on black, and wrapped around his fingers was something like a chain adorned with small bells the size of grapes.
Hong Kyung-soo.
A Shaman dressed in black ritual robes.
The man whom Lee Geum-kyung watched with extreme caution, known for his dealings in curses and death.
“Huff, whoooo!”
Breathing heavily with exhaustion, he looked up at the sky and swung his hands side to side.
Jingle, jingle, jingle, jingle.
The Shaman’s Bells wrapped around his fingers chimed and rang out across the mountainside.
Flap!
A Raven flew down and perched before him, its jet-black eyes rolling back and forth as it watched Hong Kyung-soo.
“Wheeee!”
He whistled, and the Raven bobbed its head and flapped its wings, while Hong Kyung-soo observed every movement with keen attention.
Then he stretched the turtleneck covering his neck and let out a small curse.
“Damn it, what are those two rotten bastards doing with their rituals….”
Hong Kyung-soo furrowed his brow and turned his body.
He headed toward the spot where two trees grew, his stride unwavering.
Click.
Crossing the yellow police tape, he kicked away fallen leaves with his shoe and gripped the iron plate that had been exposed.
Grrrrgh, clang!
The place where the Buddha statue had been.
Looking down into that dark space, Hong Kyung-soo shook the Shaman’s Bell.
As if calling out to something within.
Like a Shaman attempting to commune with something.
Jingle, jingle, jingle, jingle, jingle.
He shook the Shaman’s Bell suspended between his fingers as he slowly extended his head into the profound darkness.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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