Episode 2 of "Love Scout" unfolds with Eun-ho, freshly laid off from his job, and his daughter Byeol at the hospital, where they receive the joyous news that Byeol's treatment is no longer necessary—she has fully recovered. To mark this milestone, they venture to Kang Seok's bookstore, the husband of Seo Mi-ae, where it transpires that Kang Seok and Eun-ho share a long-standing friendship. With hearts filled with celebration, Byeol warmly invites Kang Seok to join them for a festive dinner.
During this jubilant meal, Mi-ae encounters Eun-ho for the very first time. Engrossed in a phone conversation about the quintessential attributes of a stellar secretary, Mi-ae becomes acutely aware that Eun-ho exemplifies each and every one of them. Seizing the moment, she extends to him a job offer, sweetening the pot with a generous 50% raise and ample time to bond with Byeol.
Thus, the very next day, Eun-ho finds himself working as Ji-yoon's secretary, despite her steadfast refusal to accept him. Driven to prove his worth, Eun-ho meticulously memorizes every detail of Ji-yoon's projects and meticulously organizes her appointments. However, his efforts are met with a chilly reception the following day for the seemingly trivial offense of not stapling pages at a precise angle!
Meanwhile, Ji-yoon is tasked with the challenging assignment of identifying talent and constructing an entire team for her client. Enter Kim Hye-jin, Ji-yoon's former senior from her previous company, who harbors a vendetta against her. It is revealed that Hye-jin was also the mastermind behind persuading Mr. Yang to switch to a Chinese firm, further entangling Ji-yoon in a web of professional obstacles.
As days pass, Eun-ho's HR prowess and proactive demeanor win over the hearts of the office staff. Slowly but surely, Ji-yoon's workspace metamorphoses into a more streamlined and efficient haven. Yet, Ji-yoon persists in her reluctance to work with Eun-ho and demands that he leave. In response, Eun-ho offers a heartfelt apology for his earlier derogatory comments about headhunters and expresses his earnest desire to master the nuances of his new role and industry. He earnestly pleads with Ji-yoon to judge him solely on the merit of his performance as her secretary. Gradually, Eun-ho begins to support Ji-yoon's daily tasks with increasing expertise and efficiency, transforming their dynamic in subtle but significant ways.
We delve deeper into Ji-yoon's haunting past, uncovering the sorrowful tale of her father's untimely demise in a fierce blaze during her formative teenage years. As the ominous anniversary of his passing looms closer, her fragile emotions unravel, spiraling into a turbulent state. Eun-ho, ever vigilant, endeavors to nurture her with the solace of proper nourishment, yet his well-intentioned efforts are met with a fierce rejoinder; Ji-yoon lashes out, imploring him to respect her autonomy and stay out of her life's tumult.
Simultaneously, a jarring phone call from a disgruntled client shatters Ji-yoon's composure, informing her of their abrupt withdrawal from a pivotal deal, citing the mass exodus of talent she had diligently recommended. They caution her, whispering tales of a shadowy figure deliberately undermining her meticulous work. Resolute in facing this adversity head-on, Ji-yoon storms into the hallowed corridors of her former employer, confronting Hye-jin with a stark warning to cease their meddlesome antics. A haunting flashback unveils a dark chapter from Ji-yoon's past, where she was unjustly scapegoated by her former colleagues for the tragic demise of the previous CEO, though the intricate tapestry of that fateful event remains shrouded in mystery.
Amidst the throes of reliving her harrowing past, Ji-yoon's consciousness begins to falter, a fragile veil separating her from the abyss. Eun-ho, sensing her impending collapse, races to her side, his timely intervention bringing an emotional climax to this tumultuous sequence.
