My Dad is Too Strong-Chapter 334

Chapter 334
“Please vote on a menu for the team dinner, Senior.” Lee Yeon-Ji approached Do-Jun with a friendly smile, handing him a sheet of paper. She handled administrative duties for the division.
Do-Jun looked at the paper. The options included beef, samgyeopsal, sashimi, and jokbal[1]. Unlike other departments, where the manager typically picked what they wanted, and the employees followed suit, the Fissure Management Division operated differently.
“Am I the last one to choose?” Do-Jun asked.
“Yes. Everyone else has already marked their choice, except for the Manager, of course. You know how he is.”
Do-Jun smirked as he nodded. The manager of the Fissure Management Division always chose last to avoid influencing his subordinates. Scanning the sheet, Do-Jun noticed that beef was the overwhelming favorite, with sashimi as a distant second. Samgyeopsal hadn’t received a single vote.
Guess it’ll be beef,
he thought.
Team dinner menus were always decided by majority rule. However, today, for some reason, Do-Jun was craving samgyeopsal. After a brief hesitation, he cast his vote for samgyeopsal.
Just then, a secretary from another division peeked through the automatic office door and said, “Yeon-Ji, the admin staff needs to for training right now.”
Lee Yeon-Ji’s eyes widened like a startled rabbit. Biting her lower lip, she muttered, “Ah! I completely forgot!”
She glanced between the menu survey in Do-Jun’s hands and the other secretary.
“I’ll take it to the Manager. Go over for your training,” Do-Jun offered.
“Oh, thank you! My head’s all over the place today. I’ll leave it to you, then!”
***
Do-Jun knocked and stepped into the manager’s office. He bowed slightly, and Manager Kim Deok-Bae nodded in return.
“Sir, here’s the team dinner survey for tonight,” Do-Jun said.
“Alright, thanks.”
Deok-Bae scanned the sheet. Over ten people had chosen beef. That settled it—beef it was.
Then, his eyes landed on the single mark next to samgyeopsal. “Sorry, Do-Jun, but let’s save samgyeopsal for another time. You’re the only one who voted for it.”
Majority rule prevented unnecessary disputes. That was his policy.
“Understood, sir.”
“Oh, and since you’re here, I have something to discuss. Take a seat.”
Gesturing toward the guest sofa, Kim Deok-Bae stood up and clicked his mouse a few times. A moment later, the printer whirred to life, printing out a document. He picked it up and handed it to Do-Jun.
“What’s this?” Do-Jun asked.
“A special recruitment notice from the Hunter’s Bureau. They’re hiring one Fissure Management person for a level 8 role in their Fissure Management Division.”
Every year, the Hunter’s Bureau conducted special recruitment for level 8 Fissure Management civil servants from local governments. Among those in the field, this was seen as an opportunity for “social ascension.” After all, a successful applicant’s salary would increase by at least four times.
“If you’re interested, I’ll write you a recommendation,” Kim Deok-Bae said.
He believed that Do-Jun’s talent was being wasted at Seoul City Hall. Promotions within the Fissure Management Division were limited because of its small workforce, making advancement difficult. The best option for the future was to join the Hunter’s Bureau.
“Thank you, sir, but I’ll pass.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. I appreciate the offer, though.”
“There won’t be another chance next year.” Kim Deok-Bae’s disappointment was evident.
Any other employee would have immediately bowed in gratitude. Seoul City Hall ranked first among municipal offices nationwide. A single recommendation from the manager would send the candidate straight to the Bureau.
“I really appreciate the thought, sir,” Do-Jun said.
“Well, I can’t force you. Ah, then, just don’t tell anyone that I tried to write you a letter of recommendation. If the others find out, they might think I’m playing favorites.”
Regardless of an employee’s performance, Kim Deok-Bae made it a point to treat all staff equally. He didn’t want unnecessary discord in the office, and Do-Jun understood that well.
“Understood. I’ll head back to work now.”
“Alright.”
As Do-Jun exited the office, Kim Deok-Bae checked his watch.
***
Hyuk-Soo was reviewing the budget . Accessing the financial system, he examined the allocated funds for the Fissure Management Division. Various budget items were listed, such as salaries for Hunters, public maintenance costs, office expenses, and equipment fees.
Two years ago, aside from salaries, the division was severely underfunded. Even concerning the salaries, the only reason they managed to keep them within budget was that they simply didn’t have enough Hunters.
But now? There was a surplus of money. This wasn’t because the city council had generously increased funding; it was because, after establishing a partnership with the Hunter’s Bureau, the Bureau had been funneling funds into the department like a broken dam. It was a privilege no other municipality enjoyed, and the reason for it was simple: it was all thanks to Do-Jun. Because of him, Hyuk-Soo could continuously supply Hunters with top-tier equipment.
With a plop, Do-Jun sat down at his desk after leaving the manager’s office.
Hyuk-Soo glanced at him briefly. This man was the one even the Bureau Chief and S-rank Hunters revered as a god, or maybe he was actually a god. Of course, the second part was just Hyuk-Soo’s imagination. Adjusting his glasses, Hyuk-Soo turned his focus back to the monitor.
“I’m heading to the Hunter’s Bureau,” Kim Deok-Bae announced.
“Understood,” Cheol-Soo acknowledged. He waited until Kim Deok-Bae left before settling back into his chair.
Then, he called, “Do-Jun.”
“Yes, Chief?”
“The manager chose beef for dinner, right?”
“Yes, we always go by the majority vote.”
“
Tch
. I was hoping for sashimi for once. No matter how much I ask him for it, it never works out,” Cheol-Soo grumbled like a child complaining about side dishes.
Across from him, Jong-Min snickered. “Cheol-Soo, if you wanted sashimi so badly, you should’ve subtly nudged everyone to vote for it. Like me.”
“I don’t resort to cowardly tactics like that. I fight fair and square.”
“Fair and square?”
“If I went around all morning talking about how I wanted beef, do you think anyone would have dared to pick something else?” Cheol-Soo retorted.
“Fine, but I’m telling you that it’s useless to even bring it up to the manager. Everyone knows the drill. Majority wins. Have you ever seen him make an exception? Not once.”
“
Tsk
.”
Jong-Min continued to tease, but Cheol-Soo had no rebuttal because everything he said was true.
“Well, at least we can eat well, thanks to the Hunter’s Bureau. They’ve been giving us so much money,” Jong-Min said.
Grinning, he leaned back in his chair, clearly pleased about the beef dinner ahead.
***
It wasn’t just Kim Deok-Bae’s imagination—the way the Hunter’s Bureau treated him had undoubtedly changed. Whenever he visited the Hunter’s Bureau and presented his ID, the staff treated him with the utmost courtesy. Compared to two years ago, the difference was like night and day.
“Director Park Jung-Ryul of Planning will be here in five minutes. Please wait in the executive office.”
Following the staff member’s guidance, Kim Deok-Bae stepped into the executive office. Two years ago, having a one-on-one meeting with a director of the great Hunter’s Bureau would have been unthinkable.
He recalled a comment he had seen online. It suggested that Seoul City Hall was almost like one of the Five Great Guilds. What was once just a joke had now become reality. People were genuinely starting to see Seoul City Hall as a major guild. What used to be a small faction of around ten contract Hunters, with the strongest barely reaching C-rank, had now grown into a force led by Ye-Ji, an S-rank Hunter, with multiple A- and B-rank Hunters under its banner. Who would dare look down on them now?
It’s all thanks to the staff’s hard work
, he thought
.
Not that he hadn’t tried. He had pushed himself to the limit, working tirelessly to recruit more contract Hunters and trying everything possible to advance the organization. However, his efforts alone hadn’t yielded much. Still, at some point, for reasons beyond his understanding, Seoul City Hall started growing rapidly.
Man, just thinking about those times makes me want to cry.
Just as he wiped at the corner of his eye, the door opened, and Park Jung-Ryul entered. Kim Deok-Bae quickly stood up from the sofa and bowed in greeting. He had no idea why he had been called here, but it was likely for something positive.
“Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to meet with me,” Kim Deok-Bae said in greeting.
“No, not at all. It’s only natural that I extend an invitation when I need to speak with you,” Park Jung-Ryul said.
A staff member entered with tea, placed it before them, then left.
The tea was excellent. Maybe it was just the atmosphere, but Kim Deok-Bae smiled faintly. Still... why was he called here?
The reason I asked to meet with you, Mr. Kim, is to check on the Fissure Management Division’s situation. I wanted to know if there are any particular difficulties you’re facing.
“Ah, you wanted an update, I see. Well, things have been great lately. No incidents at all. It’s all thanks to the unwavering support of the Hunter’s Bureau.”
“That’s good to hear. Is there anything else we can do to assist?”
“Oh, no, of course not! You’ve already done more than enough.”
Their budget support alone exceeded several hundred billion won, and in a materialistic society, money was king. The two men exchanged knowing smiles.
“How is Supervisor Lee doing these days?” Park Jung-Ryul asked.
Kim Deok-Bae hesitated briefly at the unexpected question. It was clear he was being asked about one of his men, but he wasn’t sure which one.
“Who are you referring to?” he asked.
“Supervisor Lee Do-Jun. Who else would I be asking about?”
“Do-J—I mean, Supervisor Lee Do-Jun? Why do you ask?”
Park Jung-Ryul briefly looked back in response and then said, “Why? What do you mean, why? Hold on...”
His expression turned to shock. “Don’t tell me—you don’t know?”
“Know what...? Are you acquainted with him, sir?” Kim Deok-Bae asked, only growing more confused.
“Acquainted?! I even shook hands with him! Though the other directors also have...”
“Well... I mean, a handshake isn’t that big of a deal...”
“Not that big of a deal?! A handshake?! Do you have any idea what that means?!” Park Jung-Ryul almost shouted.
What was this reaction? Why was he getting so worked up over Do-Jun?
Kim Deok-Bae said, “I mean... it’s not like Do-Jun is a celebrity.”
“Mr. Kim, are you serious? You’ve worked with him for so long. You must have seen something!”
“I... honestly don’t know what you’re talking about.”
For Kim Deok-Bae, Do-Jun was nothing more than a diligent and competent employee. That was it. That was all he had seen. He took a sip from his teacup.
“You mean... you don’t know that the Hunter’s Bureau and the Four Great Guilds are all practically overseen by Supervisor Lee?” Park Jung-Ryul asked.
Kim Deok-Bae spat out his tea.
***
“Alright, everyone, let’s wrap up and get ready.”
“Where are we going again? Beef Village?”
The moment the clock struck six, the office buzzed with excitement as employees got ready for their team dinner. Especially Jong-Min, who was practically grinning with anticipation.
Cheol-Soo glanced at his watch and muttered, “The manager is late. Should I call him?”
Just as he reached for his phone, the office’s automatic doors slid open, and Kim Deok-Bae walked in. His gaze immediately locked onto Do-Jun, who was getting ready to leave.
“Sir, we’re ready to head out! The restaurant is Beef—”
“Let’s go eat samgyeopsal instead,” Kim Deok-Bae interrupted.
“Village...” Jong-Min blinked.
Kim Deok-Bae spoke again. “I just remembered I’m allergic to beef. Plus, my doctor told me to eat samgyeopsal today.”
With that, he strode out of the office.
The employees exchanged glances before talking quietly among themselves as they followed him downstairs.
“Honestly, I was getting a little sick of beef anyway.”
“Shh. Careful, Section Chief Park might hear you.”
Cheol-Soo snickered as he watched Jong-Min, who now looked like a man whose entire world had just collapsed.
“What are you standing around for? Let’s go,” he said.
“The manager literally ate four servings of beef by himself last week. I saw him do it myself.”
Regardless, that night’s team dinner was a lively affair.
As for Jong-Min, who had been so eager to eat beef, he ended up devouring five servings of samgyeopsal by himself. Though he wouldn’t remember it later, he got completely drunk and repeatedly muttered, “There’s no better food than samgyeopsal for soju...”
1. Jokbal is pork hock. ☜