Last Chapters Recap:

After studying in Paris for 7 years, Park Shin Hye decided to disguise herself as a trainee in Femme Magazine, because she wanted to dodge her responsibility to be the Director and the heiress of the group. She met the Flower Boys of Femme which include: her supposedly secretary Jung Yong Hwa and his gank, Jung Il Woo, Kang Min Hyuk and Yoo Seung Hoo. Jung Il Woo challenged Yong Hwa to take the nerdy In Ha - which was also Shin Hye - to company anniversary party and changed her appearance during the event. When he was trying to win the bet, Yong Hwa found out about Shin Hye's real identity and fell in love with her. They decided to date. He was appointed as the PIC for the anniversary party and Shin Hye came to the event dressed to the nines. In the party, Shi Hoo - her second cousin - played the recording of the night when Yong Hwa and Il Woo made the bet, infuriating Shin Hye. She was so embarrassed that she decided to run away from Korea. However she heard how the people in the office talked bad and spread false rumour so she decided to assume the director's position to bring the company down as revenge towards the people there. She was experiencing rejection from the BoD and employee of Femme Magazine but she withstood and even decided to shake things up by re-shuffling the human resource in the company

---o0o---

Star Media Building was a sophisticated, state-of-the-art, sixteen stories building which was the home of several print medias that were among the market leader in their respective segment. It was naturally a busy building as it was a multi purpose facility which had floors or spaces with various functionality that can be utilised by the public. All kinds of people traversed inside its lobby; employees, commoners even celebrities were often seen walked through it.

But today, the lobby was especially crowded and it was centralized at the announcement board at one of the corner. The people surrounding the announcement board were mostly employees of the building who jostled their way, trying hard to read the pieces of papers that had them in awe. It was the new organizational structure of Femme Magazine, the oldest print media inhabiting the building. The structure was changed so suddenly that left most of them slack-jawed. People were promoted, mutated and even laid off so unexpectedly, it had cause quite a stir in the company.

Meanwhile at the 15th story of the building, particularly in the Director's office; the head of Femme was being hounded by a number of people that clearly disagree with the sudden changes. With a stern face and occasional rolled-eye, she just strode her way back to her office after an emergency townhall meeting. The stern face had been practiced for the last 24 hours so eventhough her heart started to have doubt, it would not be noticeable. She knew she was stirring a calm pond, but she needed to do it. They were in a comfort zone, they needed to wake up and work hard like the old days.

"Shin Hye-ya! What happened? What are you doing??" She knew he would react the hardest.

"It's just happened this way, Oppa." Shin Hye said without looking at his eyes, she felt bad but she needed to try something. "It's my decision, please understand!" she looked at him briefly.

"That's bull!!" Shi Hoo exclaimed, she jolted due to the loud voice. "How can you put Secretary Jung as the Creative Director? He's just a secretary! There's no way he can pull it off!"

"Have some faith, Oppa. Let me try this, okay?" Shin Hye looked at him firmly but pleadingly, she hoped the conversation would not take too long.

"No! You're making a mistake! You're going to make it worst! He has no educational background nor the experience to do it!!" He exasperated.

Shin Hye frowned, "I don't have any experience as a director, why did you all force me to become one?" She said bitterly, Shi Hoo's eyes scrambled trying to find words to counter, "And tell me, what kind of educational background someone needs to become a Creative Director? Graphic Designer? Fashion Designer? I don't see you have any of those either!?" she did not really want to resort that low.

Shi Hoo was taken aback, "You can't do this to me Shin Hye-ya. I worked hard all this time while you were having fun in some foreign countries. I put you in that position, is this how you're repaying me?" he cried.

"Mwo!?" she exclaimed, "YOU put me in this position? Why should I repay you, I don't even want this damn title!" She could not help but to shout like him, but instantly regretted remembering that she had to keep him by her side as her secretary. "Look, Oppa! I know you've worked hard this whole time... but it's not working. So we have to open for new things, it's not about you or me... it's the whole company." Shin Hye tried a softer way.

"Of course it's about you and me! With you and me as the top leader, we could bring this company back to its glory!!" he was getting desperate.

Shin Hye was slowly feeling agitated for being challenged, "Well.. I think we have to agree to disagree about that, and unfortunately I'm the director. And my decision is final!" she sat down and opened a document in front of her, indicating that she did not want to go through the conversation any longer.

Shi Hoo looked at her in rage, audibly sighed and stomped his way out of the room. He bumped into the said Secretary outside the office and did not even bother to avoid or felt the need to apologize. His hand the inside pocket of his suit to get his phone. "Where is he? I need to meet him." he shrieked to the man on the other line and dashed out of the building.

Shin Hye let out a deep sigh. One down, one more battalion to go. She was expecting every single soul in Femme would barged into her room and protest. When she saw the man that was being discussed just now walked heading her way, she took a deep breath. One heavy conversation coming up. He was understandably upset. Because of all people, he was the most affected by the reorganization, and soon he would be surprised even more.

"Director Park! What is all this? Are you losing your mind?" Yong Hwa stopped in front of her desk.

"No!" she said briefly.

"I don't understand! What are you trying to do? Is this your punishment to me? Is this the revenge that you intended to do when you assume that position? I.." he was speechless

Shin Hye scoffed, "I see you're still full of yourself." she looked at him firmly. "You can think whatever you want to think. And you don't have to understand... you just have to follow it."

"You're making a mistake, Director Park. You heard him, I have no educational background nor experience to do it!" he shouted

She rolled her eyes and sighed hard for being annoyed, "If you have the time to eavesdropped my conversation with Secretary Park, you should hear what I answered him. I can not believe you people!! You are all very eager to destroy someone happiness to save the company, but when you have the chance to actively do it.. You chickened out!? Are you a coward, Creative Director Jung?" they had a tense stare-off.

Like any other encounter that they often had, the stare-off lasted a few minutes as if they were conversing telepathically. They broke their connection only after they heard loud footsteps as if someone marched their way to the office that was particularly busy that afternoon. Yong Hwa hang his head and messaged his nape, he was so confused. Shin Hye looked at her next guest and suddenly felt very exhausted. Fortunately her phone buzzed, so when the fiery guest wanted to speak her mind, Shin Hye held her palm to stop her from talking, the call was a very important call.

"Yobuseyo? No, you're right on time. Just go straight to my office at 15th floor." Shin Hye instructed the caller.

"Director Park!! How could you mutated Lee Hye Ri-shi? She's my right hand man, I NEED an assistant!" Min Hyo Rin lost her composure a little bit.

Shin Hye looked at the editor adamant, "You really need to learn to judge people better, Editor Min. Are you seriously going to defend that girl?" she asked.

Hyo Rin hesitated for a while, "But I do need assistant! And it's not easy to find someone in injury time like this!" she exclaimed in panic, the work to be done was too much for one person to handle.

"Don't worry, I got that covered. Your assistant is coming in a few minutes." Shin Hye stood up, ready to welcome her new employee. Hyo Rin perused at her boss and so does Yong Hwa who was now gazed at the Director, intrigued by the girl's conversation. 

They heard the door of the secretary's area opened and closed and could sense that someone was coming their way. Yong Hwa's jaw dropped gradually as the person came on sight and got nearer. She was smiling brightly to have her dream came true at last.

"No! No! No! No!" Yong Hwa was the one who reacted first, he glowered at Shin Hye. Hyo Rin looked at him curiously.

Shin Hye smirked and walked towards Soo Jung and hugged her warmly. Yong Hwa was slightly jealous to see them so close, he did not expect they had that kind of relationships. Shin Hye side-hugged the younger friend and looked at the fashion editor cordially, she was indirectly asking for her understanding.

"Editor Min, this is Jung Soo Jung. She is an aspiring designer and has a lot of passion in fashion. I think she could be an asset to your team." Soo Jung lit up by the praise. "Although she's still very green, but I'm sure with her under your wing, she could be great someday."

"No! I won't let her work here!" Yong Hwa came to Hyo Rin side to face them.

"Ah! Oppa waee!!?" Soo Jung whined, Hyo Rin glanced at Yong Hwa and  finally connected the dots. "I did not get in with you pulling strings! And I did not asked Shin Hye Eonni to hire me!" she argued.

"That's right, Creative Director Jung! I made the decision, nobody asked me to do it." Shin Hye outstared her subordinate. Hyo Rin jerked at his new designation, she suddenly remembered her favorite sunbae was also heavily affected by the new policy, she suddenly lost focus.

"You're making another mistake, Director! This is absurd!! I'm not agreeing to this!" Yong Hwa shouted, Soo Jung jolted by her brother harsh reaction, she suddenly felt scared and thought that she might made a mistake by agreeing to work there.

Shin Hye's expression turned sour, "Well! Unfortunately you are not the decision maker here, and she is mature enough to make her own decision. This is final! I don't want to hear another word about this." she walked and stopped a few steps in front of him, "Now get out! All of you!!" she said pointing at her door.

Min Hyo Rin dejectedly walked out of the office, she was no longer interested in the assistant issue as she had bigger concern now. Soo Jung confusedly follow her supposedly boss and timidly walked towards the secretary area. After a long sigh, Yong Hwa went out of the room to go to his desk. The reorganization was only effective as of the next week, so he was still a Secretary until the end of the day.

"Secretary Jung!" Shin Hye called, her voice softened. Yong Hwa turned around, worry was all over his eyes. "Are you that unconfident about yourself, so much that you think I put the company in jeopardy by putting you as the Creative Director?" she asked, slightly hurt that he did not have faith in her.

Yong Hwa just gazed at her intently, her words resonated in his ear. It came from the nasty director's mouth, but it was somehow felt like an encouragement. He was still worry about the position, so he just left her word hanging and head out to his desk, closing the door slowly. Shin Hye sighed in relieve once the door closed, the day was the most exhausting day she had in her life so far.

---

A black BMW X3 screeched and halted in front of the Park mansion, Shi Hoo stepped out of it abruptly even forgetting to straightened the front tires. He pushed the doorbell of the gate several times and opened it once it was automatically unlocked from inside the house. The once silent mansion was soon filled with the sound of door banging and feet stomping as he made his way to the home office.

The two older men in the room looked at the direction of the door, expecting for an outburst from the ex-Creative Director. The news travelled fast, they had already overcome their shock and discussed it by themselves, so the rash call from Shi Hoo was not a surprise for them. They needed to calm him down.

“Chairman! What happened?” The door opened and he barged into the room, his rage was apparent.

“Creative Director Park, please calm down.” Secretary Choi tried to held him, he was afraid he would attack his own grand uncle.

Shi Hoo brushed Secretary Choi off, “Did you know about this?!” he shouted.

Chairman Park looked at him sadly, he was feeling guilty towards his grand nephew. “Of course not, Shi Hoo-ya! I would have disagree if she discussed it with me first.”

Shi Hoo stood in front of the desk akimbo, he was still panting from running all the way from the parking lot; though it was a humble mansion the distant between the front gate and the house was still significant. His eyes scattered in panic trying to find ways to save his position. “Arasso! So what are you going to do about it? How are we going to change it back?” he finally asked.

The elder sighed, “Shi Hoo-ya, I’m sorry to ask, but can we just let it slide this once? Let her try whatever it is she wants to try, and let support her. O?” he asked for his understanding.

“Mwo!? Chairman, how could you do this to me? I’ve been nothing but a loyal servant to you! I worked hard there when your own grand children ran away from their responsibilities!!” Shi Hoo cried.

Park Seun Gyung sighed, he understood the rage of the young man. “I know, Shi Hoo-ya. You are always loyal and ready to help me. Can you please help me one more time. Believe me, I will keep my promise to you. Once one of my grandchildren became the chairman. The Director position is yours.” He pleaded.

“But, Sir! Secretary Jung has no experience nor the knowledege of being the Creative Director. He could bring Femme down even further and ruin it. Do you wish for that to happen?” The most annoying part of this all was the fact that his job was taken by the only man that managed to irritate him in that office.

Chairman Park was taken aback, he wondered if this was Shin Hye executing her plan to ruin the company. “I trust Shin Hye’s judgement. If she appointed him to do the job, she must have seen something in him.” He could not show his doubt to the young man, even though he was still trying to convince himself either.

“I do too, Creative Director Park. Agashi has good eyes on people, and from the time that I know Secretary Jung, he is capable and hardworker eventhough he appear otherwise. My suggestion is to support them. Hopefully this could bring a breath of fresh air into the company.” Secretary Choi suddenly in, much to Shi Hoo's annoyance.

Shi Hoo looked at both of the older men alternately, feeling disappointed for not being supported. He thought it was unfair for him to be treated that way and casted aside after busting his everything for the company and the chairman. He balled his fist to hold his anger, regretting all of his maneuvers when making Shin Hye the director. That could have been the worst decision he ever made that could jeopardized his career and his ambition.

---

Shin Hye turned off her computer, it was already 8 p.m when she finished but far earlier than the time she finished during the whole previous week; however it felt more tiring now than the time when she pulled all nighter for a few days straight. All she did for the rest of the afternoon was entertaining the protestor - people who had the guts to came up and voiced their disagreement.

Jung Il Woo came in and temporarily forgot about his guilt towards the Director and asked why he was being put as the manager of HR. He hated the idea that someone was ousted for him to take the position. Shin Hye scoffed and told him that he was supposed to be jumping up and down and did the triple somersault, since she got rid the pebble in his shoes and even made him manager. Eventually he failed to make the Director change his mind, like all protestor that walked through her door.

Shin Hye closed her door softly, the secretary area was already deserted. Her secretary was already accustomed with her locking down behaviour that he did not even say his goodbyes when he knocked off from work first. She made a mental note to straightened things up with him, but then she remembered that she would not see him there the next time she went to that office. He would already be in the creative floor by then.

Shin Hye sighed at the thought of that, she knew she would miss seeing him everyday. Even though just his grumbled face when she came in late for work. It was her only way to keep her sane while facing all the challenge. Of course she would think a thousand times before she showed her affection towards him, at that moment she was satisfied to just silently loving him. It felt like a silly teenage crush.

Since the ‘new’ Femme was effective on Monday, which meant that the real work were bound to happen by then, Shin Hye decided to peregrinate around her office. She wanted to enjoy the calm and quiet office before it get hectic and loud when she got down and dirty with the work. By then, arguments, shouts and challenges were expected. The first few months were going to be hell. She just hoped everybody would hang on and stood by her.

After a lap of the administrative floor, she went down the emergency stairs and did the same with the creative floor. It was surprisingly deserted, she figured that since the latest edition just came out and because of the reshuffle shock, people decided to went home early, probably to console their unlucky friends. Only a few people still on that floor, who tensed up when seeing the young new Director walked their way. She gave a slight smile and a nod, which left them in awe.

Shin Hye saw one particular room was still bright, she knew the owner or soon to be ex-owner was still there. She contemplated for awhile and went to the pantry instead. Putting her barista cap, she made a cappuccino out of the limited equipment of the pantry and made way to that office. She knocked the door and slowly crept in after a weak voice told her to. The man looked at her and turned even more sour.

“What do you want?” Shi Hoo sulked, collecting his belonging and putting it inside a box. The box on his desk was already half full.

Shin Hye pressed her lips to look innocent, she walked to his side and put the coffee mug on the desk. “A cappuccino, specially made by your Director. It’s a million won worth cappuccino!” Shi Hoo glanced slightly at the said cup. Shin Hye saw a faint gulp, she knew he loved cappuccino and she was pretty good at making it. “Oppa! Stop being mad at me? Please…” she turned herself so she could lean on his desk.

Shi Hoo took his old filofile from one of the drawer, “Do you see this? This is what I used when I first work as a trainee here. It was the time when blackberry and Ipad had not been invented nor sold in South Korea.” He threw it in the box, “That’s how old and how long I’ve worked here.” He shot daggers at his cousin.

“Gu rae!? You have to let me look at that! You were always a good student, your notes were always contested during highschool.” Shin Hye tried to lighten up the mood. Shi Hoo glanced murderously at her, joking was not one of his mood option that time. Shin Hye pursed her lips guiltily. “Ah! Oppa! Stop being mad, O!!?” Shin Hye gave out her utmost aegyo-attack while holding his arm.

Shi Hoo scrunched his face in disgust and brushed her. “I just don’t understand why you put me in that position and replace me with that incompetent secretary instead. I know this company better than anybody here!!” he specifically turned to her just to scold her and went back focusing to his box.

“That’s exactly it!! BECAUSE you know the company better than anyone, I need you beside me!” Shi Hoo stunned with the confession. “I’m new, I’m green… I don’t know anything about publishing magazine, managing people, let alone running a company!” Shin Hye countered, “I need you to guide me in the first few months. You know what happened between me and Secretary Jung… I wouldn’t be the slightest productive with him around me all the time.”

Shi Hoo scoffed, “You and your pathetic love life.” He said quoting her line during the BoD announcement. Shin Hye suppressed a smile, she knew he relented.

She pinched his arms and faked a furious expression, “At least I have one!” she exclaimed.

Shi Hoo jumped due to the shock and the piercing pain on his arm. “What the hell!!” he exclaimed. Shin Hye let him go, chuckling. He rubbed his wound, he was sure it was going to bruise. “I don’t need a love life.” He put his stationary inside the box.

Shin Hye scoffed, “Yeah! You go marry this company instead, and be a monk after you retire!” she jeered.

Shi Hoo glanced sideways, closed the box and heaved a sigh. The smoking mug was slowly cooled down, not wanting to let it cold, he took it and smell the signature coffee fragrant of it. Slowly he brought the cup on his lips and sip it, a faint smile was gradually forming on his lips. Shin Hye looked at him expectantly though she knew he already fall for it. He turned his body and leaned on his desk, copying her.

“It’s good, isn’t it?” she tried to look at his face and nudged his arm. When Shi Hoo did not respond, she nudged it even harder causing him to spill the coffee.

“Yaa!!!” he shouted while wiping the spilled coffee from around the cup and his finger.

“Aaa! It’s that good, isn’t it?!” Shin Hye teased, seeing how he did not want to loose one bit of it.

Shi Hoo froze realizing his reflect, he was caught. Knowing that he could not win nor sulk even further in front of the baby cousin, he just sigh in defeat and sat beside her. Shin Hye smiled victoriously and leaned her head on his broad shoulder. They stood in that office in silent for awhile, completely unaware of a jealous pair of eyes that of Min Hyo Rin who stood outside of the large window with coffee cups from the next door shop.

---

Two days of rest were never enough when one were going to face a first day of work that was expected to be rough. Shin Hye was restless over the weekend and could not get over the jittery feeling she had for having to officially run a company that produced magazine for millions of woman. Her job was to make sure that those millions of woman wanted to spend their hard-earned money to buy the 100ish pages of her magazine. No pressure!!

“Joh-eun achim!” She cheerfully greeted her secretary, half disappointed that it was not the old one.

“Good Morning!” Shi Hoo greeted back still half grumpily.

“Let’s go inside, Oppa. Tutor me! What should I do today!” She asked him to join her inside her office.

Shi Hoo followed her, bringing along his tablet. The both sat on the sofa to discuss about her schedule for the day. He told her that it usually was the time to set up a creatiive meeting that would discuss about the next edition theme, it was the most important meeting as it will determined the direction of the magazine throughout the month. During his time it was usually done in the morning and among the creative people only, but since she was new she wanted to join in and be prepare for it; so she instructed him to tell the new creative director to set it up after lunch instead.

Which was a good thing, since the said new Creative Director was still sitting on his new desk, clueless of what he should be doing. When he got into the office, he was in awe at how empty it was. The old owner even brought his stationary with him, Yong Hwa could only scoffed at his pettiness. So the first thing he did was heading to the stationary closet and gathered a new one. When that was done, he sat again. Looking around at the spacious room silently when deciding what he should do next, he could almost hear crickets chirping.

He was glad when his landline phone rang but cursed immediately when he heard the dreaded voice, informing that the Director wanted to have the creative meeting after lunch. He was excited at the thought of having the chance to see her, and excited that he finally had something to do. So for the rest of the morning, he dedicated it to prepare and get acquainted with the meeting. He was still busy looking at his old scrapbook when two heads of his bestfriend appear before the door to take him to lunch.

The cafeteria was already bustling as it was already 10 minutes into the lunch hour, the three men sat in one of the booth after ordering their lunch. They saw Il Woo had lunch with his department and gossiped that it must be because he wanted to bribe the servants as the new owner. Min Hyuk and Seung Ho laughed it loud, Yong Hwa could not help to suppressed his smile.

“So! How’s your day!?” Yong Hwa asked the two juniors.

“Yaa! I’ve worked here for three years, but it felt like the first day of work!” Min Hyuk exclaimed. “I have to get to know my colleague and my work from scratch again.” He added.

“At least you already knew them, I hardly know the name of the people in my department. Everybody was looking at me like I’m somekind of alien!” Seung Ho argued. “Why did she even pull me out from the telemarketing and put me into the real marketing department!?” he exclaimed in panic.

“I think it’s good… it’s an advance in your career!” Min Hyuk encouraged.

“Yeah! But this fast? People might think that I approached her in purpose to smoothen my career.” Seung Ho countered

“Meh! Just take whatever life gave you, you should be glad you weren’t sacked or mutated instead.” Min Hyuk schooled his friend, he wanted to add something but the friend had been called to pick up his order, so Min Hyuk turned to the older friend. “What about you Hyung? What is your first day like?”

“Clueless… I was a bit disoriented, I literally just sat there for 15 minutes trying to figure out what to do. I think I’m being used to be ordered around, now that I need to be really taking initiatives, I got confused.” He said while looking around, he squinted when he notice a change in the cafeteria atmosphere, it was almost like it was entranced and people’s noises were softened.

“I guess you’re right, your previous work goal was actually to support people now you have to move people. But you’ll get through it Hyung…” Min Hyuk trailed off as he looked at the direction where Yong Hwa was looking, he raised his eyebrows, intrigued at what he saw.

The new Director was striding inside the cafeteria, alone. People did not expect to see the mighty leader to have her lunch in the humble cafeteria. She marched with her head held high not caring for people’s eyes that was widen to see her there. She went straight to the western area, ordered a simple pasta and a bottle of water. A table in the center of the cafeteria was the only one available that time, it was as if intentionally left empty for her.

She sat there and enjoyed her lunch alone, did not seem awkward even one bit, eventually people was back in minding their own business. The director did not bite after all. Yong Hwa was fixated to the woman. She was wearing a very sophisticate dress, the ones that Hyo Rin would wear; he smiled weakly thinking that he would never fallen in love with her should he met her like that at the first place. To him she was just another work-of-art woman. He was wondering, which one was the real her; The humble, warm and fun girl or the glamorous, cold and nasty woman.

Min Hyuk notice that his friend was 'busy', so he ended up taking his order for him. He nudged his friend once they had all their food in front of them, “Closed you mouth, Hyung! You’re drooling!” he joked.

Yong Hwa instinctively did as he told, they laughed at his dumb expression. "Waah! The top surely is a lonely place!" Seung Ho commented, he glanced at the director and suddenly felt bad at the boss who ate her lunch alone.

"Really!? You think she's lonely?" Yong Hwa asked, he had seen too many sides of Shin Hye, he was not sure anymore of which one was real and which one was fake.

"Hyung! Wae Gurae!? Of course she's lonely! Look at her!" Min Hyuk countered.

Yong Hwa observed the girl for awhile and decided to shrugged any thought of her, although it did not mean that he stop stealing glances throughout lunch. They were enjoying their dish while discussing the new work, when they heard a loud noise of cafeteria door being opened so abruptly.

A familiar girl stomped in the direction of Shin Hye’s table, took the bottle and threw water on her face. People could only gasp, wide-eyed in terror at the sudden attack. Yong Hwa instinctively stood up and ran to hold the girl back. Min Hyuk and Seung Ho looked at their friend, puzzled by the sudden movement. They belatedly realize what happen and caught up to their hyung.

Shin Hye closed her eyes, it was only water but it still stung on her eyes. She could not avoid it as she was looking at her plate the whole time during lunch, she was afraid she wanted to glance at 'his' table if she looked up. So she could only take the thrown water like a pot of plant. She blinked several times to get rid of the water from her eyes and peered at her attacker.

The girl banged her hand to the table leaving white envelope on it. A man came to hold her back, probably afraid that she might hit her, Shin Hye would expected the same. When she finally could see clearly, she scoffed at the girl and the white envelope in front of her.

“You put me in the telemarketing department!!!! You fired my uncle!!!! How dare you, you idiot!!!” she screamed at the top of her lungs.

“Lee Hye Ri-shi!!” Yong Hwa scolded.

Shin Hye stood up, she was frighteningly calm, even to herself. “Uncle? Lee Hye Ri..?” she was connecting the dots, “Are you manager Lee’s niece?” she sneered at the girl. “Is that how you got into this company?” she mocked, even Yong Hwa was taken aback by her rough cynicism. “I tried to never fired people, if I did it was because he was beyond saving. You’re lucky that I only mutated you. There’s no place in this company for a cunning, cheater and lazy person!” She looked straight in the girl's eyes that were starting to filled with tears. Shin Hye grabbed the envelope and raised it on her eye level, “I guess you hated my second chance. I’m going to process this.”

She coldly left the table, her food was still half eaten; made a short stop at the HR table and gave the resignation letter to Jung Il Woo. The man could only tensed up receiving the piece of paper. People was stunned by her composure, it brought a new level of respect from them. Yong Hwa let go of the girl’s arms who was already wailing in the centre of the room, cursing at the new director and her luck. He could only pat her back to console her.

Shin Hye marched to her personal restroom, putting both hands in the pocket of her jacket to hide the tremble. She walked as fast as she would normally look, before she started crying herself. It was so embarrassing to be thrown water like that, she really wanted to go across the table, pull the girl hair and had a cat fight with her. But she knew, it was not of her level so she gritted her teeth and tried to make the confrontation short.

She washed her face and took the tissue to fix her make up; heaved a deep sigh remembering the harsh treatment she received just now. She thought she deserved it, cutting people’s job was never her favorite thing to do, but the man was like a burden in the company and with the history and his qualification, she did not think that mutation was the answer. Out of the whole reorganization, manager Lee was the only one being sacked.

Shin Hye looked at the reflection of her for the last time before heading out back to her office, she stopped midway because her phone vibrated, a text message had arrived to her from an unknown number. She opened the message and stunned to see the image of the upper part of her apartment building, her loft. The caption of the image had her held her breath.

This is your home, right? Be careful when you sleep at night.

---o0o---

The memo of the first creative meeting had been circulated and by 2 p.m., the people who was supposed to be in the meeting had already gathered. The previous Creative Director was someone who hated tardiness, so being early was out of habit. They sat in the meeting room discussing about the reorganization and how it would affected their work. Yong Hwa came last as he lost track of time getting prepare for the meeting. The crowd clapped mockingly once he entered the room.

"Hail to the all mighty new Creative Director!" a guy in denim shirt said.

"Chukahaeyo, Creative Director Jung!" a girl said out loud, Yong Hwa sarcastically smiled, he knew it was not a sincere congratulation.

"Ya!! Chuketta!! Must be good romancing a director... so that's what you should do to get an early promotion." A bald man in black sweatsuit said in a loud voice that made the room full of tension.

Yong Hwa shot daggers at him, "Kemanhe! Let's start the meeting..." he tried hard to keep his composure. "I guess you already know who I am, I did not expect any of this. But since it happened, let's just go with it. I'm Jung Yong Hwa the new Creative Director, as you know I'm not experienced, so please guide and take care of me." he gave a proper bow to the attendees, they politely clapped their hands for him.

"Don't ask us to take care of you! You've already well taken care off, by your woman, right!?" the bald man said again.

Yong Hwa was starting to feel agitated but still held on, "I'm new to all this so please understand..." he said, "Um.. Why, Why don't we start by analysing the last edition and see what went wrong. Does anybody have any feedback from it?"

They all looked clueless, "Jjogi Secretary... ani I mean Creative Director Jung, usually we just brainstorm about the next theme. Each of us would throw ideas and we would agree on one topic."

"Just let him be, he's THE Creative Director. We should be careful with him, he's sleeping with THE Boss!" the obnoxious bald man smirked.

"Aren't you going to STOP?!!" Yong Hwa suddenly shouted, he had enough of the man's rudeness. The other attendees jolted in surprise, that was the second time they saw Jung Yong Hwa exploded.

"Why!? What did I say wrong? You did sleep with her? Now you got a huge promotion! There's nothing wrong with that, all is fair in love, war and career!" He mocked. Yong Hwa threw away the documents that he was holding and stomped to the man, grabbed his collar so hard until he stood up. All of the people in the room stood up instinctively, the girls gasped while holding on to each other. "What!? You're gonna hit me now? Sleeping with her really does make you arrogant!I should try it sometimes."

Yong Hwa widened his eyes in rage and was about to hit him, "Why!? Did he tell you that he slept with me?" a cold voice cut his intention. He looked at the door and saw Shin Hye still holding the door, Park Shi Hoo was behind her.

"That's not true, Director Park!" Yong Hwa shouted in panic. The bald man was also stunned by her presence, he did not expect the Director would join the creative meeting.

"Do you think you'd get a promotion like Creative Director Jung if you sleep with me?" Shin Hye asked coldly to the bald man. She scanned at the not-so-attractive man and sneered, "Do you have that much of confident? Are you THAT good in bed?"

"Director Park!! Stop!!" Yong Hwa shouted which surprised the other member of the meeting but the girl herself.

"You stop it!!! Let him go! Do you think this is a place for such violence?" Shin Hye shouted back, the meeting tension was raised on a whole new level. Yong Hwa heaved a sigh, gritted his teeth and let go of the man's collar. The said man fixed his shirt, he fell awfully quiet. "What's your name?" Shin Hye asked with the coldest stare ever.

The man fidgeted a little but tried hard not to show it, "Kim Ki Woo, Director. I'm a contributor." his voice trembled.

"If ever I heard you or any other in this room talk like that again in such a formal discussion, you are out of here faster than you can say Femme Magazine. Is that clear?" the attendees murmured their respond, "Arasso!!?" Shin Hye shouted, making everyone jumped and instinctively shouted their agreement.

It was awkward for awhile, Shin Hye scanned the room the last time before she took a seat on one of the chair in the corner of the room. All eyes were directed on her, nobody dared to move, even Yong Hwa. Shin Hye looked at him curiously, "Aren't you in a meeting? Do you usually meet, standing up?" she asked.

They jolted at the same time and rushed to their respective chair. Yong Hwa decided to go with usual creative meeting, he went to several meetings in the past so he was able to lead the brainstorming session quite smoothly. Since their fierce director was there, the brainstorming session ran very formal. The people timidly gave their ideas and kept looking at her direction, asking for an approval. Shin Hye felt that her presence was only dragging the meeting down, so she decided leave.

"Excuse me, can I say something?" people looked at her expectantly when she stood up. "I spent the whole last week reviewing each and every Femme Magazine mock ups from the very first edition down to the latest one, November edition." some people raised their eyebrows, amazed by the information, "And I picked up that there had been a change of direction along the years." Shi Hoo looked at her, intrigued by her analysis. "Nowadays, Femme is all about fashion... artificial beauty... outer appearance." She paused as she wanted to see their reaction. "Are those really what woman is all about? JUST beauty?" she directed that question to the female attendees, it seemed to attract their attention. "Now, in the future, I want to bring the direction back to original, during the glory days of Femme, because that's what I think Femme is all about. It's about woman, not fashion. I hope this will give something to think about during the brainstorming session; usually this meeting takes about... two hours?"

"Give and take." Min Hyo Rin suddenly spoke up.

"Good! This is the first edition that is under my lead, so I want to go through everything in detail. Before it can be proceeded, I want to approve it first. Please prepare several options of topic and complete with its detail." She looked at Yong Hwa, "I feel that being here is only hindering the meeting process, so I'll be back in two hours and lets pick the topic together." she could practically heard people start to breath again.

Just as she said, once she stepped out of the meeting, the brainstorming session went smoother. The team could give their ideas freely and in two hours they managed to gather several ideas. Yong Hwa and the team was satisfied with their achievement. When Shin Hye was back in he meeting, they were all looking confident and proud with their work.

"Okay, how many ideas you have so far?" Shin Hye asked while sitting down on a chair.

Yong Hwa smiled excitedly, "Um! Three..." he said proudly.

Shin Hye raised one of her eyebrow, "That's it?" she said unimpressed.

Yong Hwa tensed up a little, "What do you mean, that's it?" the other attendees were shocked with his casual behaviour towards the Director.

"You have, what? 10 people and 2 hours... three ideas only?" she said coldly, Yong Hwa's confidence dropped one level. "Arasso! Let's hear it."

"Okay, the first topic is 'Ice Queen'!!" Yong Hwa tried to bring back his spirit.

He presented the idea about winter-inspired theme, the dresses that were going to be showcase were the ones in white, grey and light blue, which gives off the cold feeling. The make up also in the same theme, the article would discuss about what to do to maintain the overall health and skin during the ice cold winter. It was exactly opposite of what Shin Hye wanted. Once Yong Hwa finished the presentation, everybody looked at her proudly. Shin Hye just looked at them in empty stare, they thought she was in awe.

"Next!" was all she said.

"Mwo?" Yong Hwa was taken aback, the Director did not seem impressed at all. Now he was worried, because that topic was the best out of the three. He stole glances at Min Hyo Rin who gave him the silent encouragement to go with the second topic. He faked an excitement when he presented it.

"Next!" Shin Hye repeated her line once Yong Hwa finished the second presentation.

The other attendees sighed and hung their head, they hoped 'three times a charms' as Yong Hwa started his third presentation. He kept observing her reaction during the presentation as he lost all of confidence by now; she had her poker face on, Yong Hwa could not guess what's on her mind. Once he was finished, everybody looked at Shin Hye. They prayed that she would accept the idea, since it was already pass their knock off time and they ran out of ideas. 

"Let's do this again tomorrow!" Shin Hye said standing up.

"Mwo!?" they were confused by her reaction, was she accepting or rejecting?

"You guys still don't get it! Let's gather here first thing in the morning and do it all over again. Thank you!" She said on the way out of the meeting room.

Yong Hwa hung his head, the others sank back to their seat, some threw papers on top of the table to channel their frustration. They eventually left the meeting room leaving Yong Hwa and Min Hyo Rin alone. She looked at him, almost like a sympathy.

"What?!" Yong Hwa asked aggressively, the stress had changed his personality a bit.

"Hang in there! We'll find it..." Hyo Rin said, Yong Hwa was taken aback by her calm reaction.

"You think what she's doing is not ridiculous? We raked our brains off for two hours, they all were exhausted. Why couldn't she appreciate the effort?" Yong Hwa exclaimed in frustration.

"Exhausting, yes! Ridiculous? I don't think so... She's just a boss who wanted to lift up the standard of her product. Should she compromise quality over a bunch of employees who only knows how to complaint? You of all people should understand that... I'm surprise that you don't." She stood up, getting ready to go home.

"Hyo Rin-a! Did you just talk to me first?" he asked in amazement.

"The new and serious Jung Yong Hwa is far more interesting than the idle and chatterbox one." she said while walking out of the door. Yong Hwa scoffed at her remark.

He gave Hyo Rin's statement a lot of thought and decided to go and find an inspiration. He did not want to stay in that meeting room for another day. The first thing that came accross his mind was history, he wanted to see again how Femme in the old days. And there's only one place to go to learn it. He waited for another hour so that he could sneak into the lion cage.

The secretary area of the Director office was already empty, he thought that they must already went home so he just barged into the room. He froze when bumped into her who was coming out to get home. She covered her forehead, afraid that the door knocked it.

"Kamchagiya!" He exclaimed.

Shin Hye glowered at him, "I? You scared me!! What are you doing barging into people's office like this?" she shouted. 

"I.. uh! I... need to look at the mock ups!" he said timidly.

"What for?" Shin Hye asked.

"Inspiration..." somehow he could not bare to look her in the eye.

Shin Hye's expression turn sour, he did not know why. "Are you trying to recycle old ideas?" she asked.

Yong Hwa felt like he was caught cheating. "No!! It's just an inspiration... but also! What is wrong with recycling old ones and make the new and updated version?" he was always a chatter especially when he was nervous.

She looked at him, disappointedly. "Sure, go ahead... go find that inspiration. But please, remember your new designation. Your a creative director... not a recycle director." she said bitterly while leaving him in the empty office. That encounter really upset her. To her he was being lazy and trying to find short cuts. She dreaded the idea that in the end she had to admit that her decision in appointing him was wrong.

---

Shin Hye stomped her way to the meeting room the next morning, she was such in a bad mood. The same creative team went into the meeting room already felt the somber look on their director, they thought it was because of yesterday meeting. They silently sighed thinking that the meeting would be as heavy as the day before. They needed to wait a few minutes before Creative Director Jung showed up in messy state. He looked like he did not wink a sleep all night. Hyo Rin goggled at her new boss, she suppressed the already faint smile on her lips.

"Okay! Let's start the meeting. You had all night to get fresh ideas. Let's start by