The Legendary Shadow Swordsman

Ji-hoon, a brilliant thinker with intellectual gifts beyond the average, turned job opportunities into a flourishing bouquet of possibilities. Thousands of companies competed to offer him positions, bestowing honors upon his shimmering name. After careful consideration, Ji-hoon chose to venture into the realm of a multinational corporation.

"Ji-hoon, could you handle this expense report?" whispered his superior. Ji-hoon, a respected assistant manager, was entrusted with a multitude of tasks.

"With pleasure, ajoshi!" he exclaimed enthusiastically.

Days passed for Ji-hoon in the burdening routine of work. Unbeknownst to him, two years had flown by since he first entered the treasure trove of this company. Weariness had permeated every fiber of his being, but he endured due to the abundant rewards.

Thanks to his brilliant reputation, the company where Ji-hoon worked was often besieged by job seekers. The towering salary and the position as a giant in South Korea were irresistible attractions. The company was named Shinhan Corporation.

During the past month, Ji-hoon resisted his weariness and designated this month as a moment to bid farewell to that routine. He yearned for a new job that did not involve constant presence in front of a computer screen. With fiery determination, he embarked on the endeavor to pen his resignation letter, which he planned to submit after receiving this month's salary.

In the silent midnight, Ji-hoon contemplated and rolled his steadfastness in his mind. He realized that it was rare for a company to loosen its purse strings that much for an employee. After hours of pondering, his resolve to leave the company and pursue a new job grew deeper.

Several swift days flew by, and it was time to secure the monthly payroll. The employees' wages were transferred to bank accounts designated by the company.

Each person received their salary according to the regulations, ranging from tens of millions of won to just a few million won. It all depended on their positions within the company.

Ji-hoon was among those receiving a high salary. This month, he earned ten million won as a basic salary, not including the special bonus intended for him.

The next day, Ji-hoon stepped into his superior's office. He wanted to deliver his resignation letter with implicit courtesy.

"Excuse me, seonsaengnim. There's something I would like to discuss," he greeted respectfully.

His superior nodded, "Please, have a seat," inviting him warmly.

Ji-hoon hesitated about where to begin. In truth, he had regarded his superior as an elder sibling. Ji-hoon and his superior were inseparable and close. Moreover, it was his superior who appointed him as a personal assistant after recognizing Ji-hoon's talents.

His superior puzzled and asked, "What is it? You seem to have something important to say." From his demeanor, it was evident that Ji-hoon's words held significant meaning.

"This is what I wanted to express, seonsaengnim. I wish to part ways with this company," he said while handing over an envelope containing his resignation letter.

Ji-hoon's superior was taken aback, struck by a devastating lightning when hearing Ji-hoon's desire to leave. Many people aspired to positions within the company, but only one or two succeeded, and they were no more than ordinary employees. And now, his personal assistant wanted to part ways.

"What's the problem?" the superior asked. He was confident that Ji-hoon was grappling with issues in his work, especially in his interactions with colleagues.

"There's no problem at all, seonsaengnim," Ji-hoon replied.

Of course, that answer further confused the superior about the true problem Ji-hoon was facing.

"Then, why are you resigning? Is your salary inadequate? If that's the issue, just say so. I can increase your base salary," his superior offered.

His superior did not wish to see Ji-hoon leave the company. Or rather, he wanted Ji-hoon to remain as his assistant. Every task assigned to Ji-hoon was always accomplished with excellence, and finding a replacement of his caliber would not be easy. If Ji-hoon were to leave, his superior would not easily find a suitable candidate.

"That's not the issue, seonsaengnim. I simply want to find another job. You know I have a problem with my eyesight. Working in front of a computer screen all day worsens my condition..." he explained.

Indeed, that was the only issue Ji-hoon faced. Since childhood, he had struggled with reading the writing on the blackboard. As a result, his academic performance often suffered. If his vision had not been so poor, Ji-hoon would always be ranked in the top three of his class. He had the ability to grasp things quickly.

Ji-hoon's superior could not deny that statement. He had long been aware of Ji-hoon's visual impairment. Previously, he had suggested that Ji-hoon wear glasses, but his assistant had refused. Glasses felt very uncomfortable to Ji-hoon.

"Thank you for the opportunities you have given me, seonsaengnim. I truly appreciate it. Thank you," Ji-hoon said.

Then, Ji-hoon promptly stood up and left the room. The feeling that he was no longer part of the company surged within his heart. However, his superior quickly stopped him. He did not want to lose a talent like Ji-hoon, but all his efforts were in vain. Ji-hoon had made up his mind to leave the company.

"Sorry," Ji-hoon whispered as he closed the door to his superior's office.

Ji-hoon's superior felt a blow from losing Ji-hoon. He felt like a failure as a leader, but that was merely his personal sentiment. For a worker, personal feelings needed to be set aside; what mattered most was responsibility.

"I need to find a new assistant," he mumbled. Indeed, he needed to find a replacement for Ji-hoon, but there would be no one as capable as Ji-hoon in fulfilling the tasks. If there were, they would already be another assistant manager.

A few days passed, and he found a new assistant. Although not as good as Ji-hoon, this assistant eased his workload sufficiently. The new assistant was a woman with naturally long black hair, sparkling blue eyes, and a distinctive aura of tranquility.

What both the old and new assistants shared was their calm nature. Serenity was the primary key for a skilled worker, as tasks could be executed well in a composed manner.

Although there were still mistakes in her work, she learned from her previous mistakes. As time passed, her performance improved, and the number of errors decreased, even though she sometimes took a bit longer to complete her tasks.

Everything takes time, and he believed that the longer the new assistant stayed, the more proficient she would become in completing her duties. Nothing is perfect in this world; everything requires time and process.

The future of Shinhan Corporation would never be exempt from change. Within it, there were people with varying skills and different goals. Ji-hoon had become part of the past, and the new assistant would be part of an unrevealed future.