“So we have to go with this small-claims filing?”

“Before that, you should make a call one last time.”

“There’s no way that man will pay us just because we call him. He practically wants us to do it.” 

“We can negotiate now, so it’s better if you try anyway. He’ll probably change his mind if you bring up the word court. Also, the fact that someone got paid means that they still have some budget left over, so if you act strongly, he’ll probably pay the overdue wages. He might act like that again, but you’ll be able to make up some money for immediate bills, so you’ll have to go on a strike or something like that if he does that again.”

Maru finished speaking and had a look at the staff. They all looked hesitant. Mr. Kim also fell into thought as he put his hand against his chin.

“That lawyer back there told you that?”

“Yes.”

“Do you think you can ask him to help us if something goes wrong?”

“That probably won’t be possible. He just gave me advice for this, not a proper consultation. If you want him to help us, you’ll have to pay him, so I don’t think that will work out.”

“Why? He sounds like a good man from how he’s helping us out. I think you can ask him.”

“Being a good man and free service are two different things. Also, I’m not that close to him, so I’m not comfortable with asking him for something like that.”

“Then I guess we’ll hire him officially once things go bad. He’ll help us more if he’s doing it for someone he knows.”

“That… probably won’t work out either.”

“Why’s th...