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Chapter 3
Damn it, how far has the rumor spread?
Blue veins bulged on the back of Yoo-won’s hand gripping the phone.
Since Yoo-won was utterly stunned and couldn’t respond, Chairman Ko clicked his tongue as if saying, “I thought so.”
“Go see Director Song for a checkup today. I might accept a homosexual grandson, but I can’t accept a eunuch grandson.”
“I’ve told you many times it’s not like that…!”
“I said I don’t care if you’re with a guy or run a household. I told you to get married and produce an heir. You can’t even do that and cause this mess?”
“Chairman.”
Yoo-won, about to retort in irritation, bit his lip.
The old man was narrow-minded and twisted, stubbornly believing the most absurd rumor and scolding him.
“My healthy part is not even scratched, and I’m not dating a man. I’m also fully aware of the duties you force on me.”
“Who can’t talk big? Someone who knows so well never once shows himself meeting a woman?”
“…I have to go into a meeting, so I’m hanging up.”
Without listening to Chairman Ko’s reply, Yoo-won ended the call. He knew it was rude but couldn’t endure the twisted scolding.
After washing his face briefly, Yoo-won let his arms drop.
He felt completely drained since morning.
Such inefficient energy waste.
Then, a knock sounded. The secretary entered the office, bowing slightly.
“Vice President, everyone is gathered in the concert hall.”
“Got it.”
It was time to attend the planning and strategy department’s introductory meeting, postponed due to yesterday’s incident.
Yoo-won stood up and adjusted his clothes. His eyes in the mirror looked sharply focused.
The planning and strategy department was composed of forty-four members.
As an elite group, all members were talented enough to take major posts in the future.
Now that he had the organization’s heart in his hands, he had to produce clear results within the year.
This would be the first stage where his managerial abilities would be judged seriously.
To do so, gaining the team’s trust was an urgent task.
…Right now, the trust of those who are probably most curious about his personal well-being.
His elegantly drawn eyebrows twisted slightly.
After adjusting his tie knot one last time, Yoo-won left the office.
“Vice President, this way please.”
Upon arriving at the concert hall, Executive Director Jo and department heads waiting there bowed deeply. Yoo-won smiled, frowning slightly.
“Don’t be too formal. It’s embarrassing.”
“But…”
“You’re seniors in tenure, so please feel comfortable.”
Yoo-won smiled kindly at the staff, then entered alone.
The concert hall was a multipurpose space that could hold a large crowd, with tiered seating and a stage.
A large screen displayed the note: ‘Greeting from CSO.’
Standing before it, Yoo-won scanned the audience and paused.
There she was.
Among the black-and-white crowd, Han Se-hee stood out like a spot of bright color.
Her appearance was striking at a glance.
Her small face was fully occupied by delicate features, quite pretty.
Her sharp eyes, high nose, and full lips caught attention, and her neat short hair, conservative suit, and upright posture gave a strict aura.
If not for yesterday’s stupid mistake, she might have seemed quite impeccable.
“I’m Ko Yoo-won. Nice to meet you all.”
Yoo-won greeted briefly and deliberately stared at Se-hee. The moment their eyes met, she stiffened.
Her face quickly paled, so it was obvious Se-hee was just as conscious of yesterday’s incident as he was.
Well, I’m the boss and you’re the subordinate.
If anyone should be nervous, it’s you, not me.
Seeing the pitifully tense woman improved his foul mood slightly.
“As you know, I will be overseeing the planning and strategy department from this year.”
Regaining composure, Yoo-won glanced at the employees one by one. They all watched him with eager expressions.
Luckily, none of them seemed to notice his scanning gaze toward his own crotch.
“I’m proud to meet the people who have made our company first-class. But honestly, the business situation is gloomy to be singing praises.”
At this topic, everyone straightened up tensely.
“The international situation is unstable, government regulations are increasingly complicated, and the company’s sales growth is slowing.”
“……”
“Given these difficulties, what role should the planning and strategy department play? I’ve organized some urgent agenda points.”
Employees exchanged bewildered looks.
Wasn’t a greeting usually a friendly occasion with warm words and hopeful visions for the future?
This suffocating introduction was unexpected.
Thanks to it, everyone forgot the incident from yesterday and felt the rising urgency to get serious.
“Fundamentally, we need to overhaul work processes and strengthen the capabilities of each staff member. From a business perspective, improving operating profit in the duty-free sector must be the top priority. For that, expanding sales channels and discovering new business growth drivers are essential.”
Gradually, employees got drawn into Yoo-won’s pace.
“The hotel division needs to raise operating quality to ultra-premium levels to secure global competitiveness. For that, first…”
At some point, they listened seriously.
His confident attitude, persuasive speech, and natural leadership.
It was now clear why Yoo-won was favored as Chairman Ko’s grandson.
“Your efforts will be rewarded, and benefits will be distributed fairly. Let’s see how much we’re capable of together.”
Applause broke out as Yoo-won finished speaking.
Though the first clap was accidental, it was followed by more, creating an atmosphere as if an inspiring speech had ended.
Among the enthusiastic applause was Se-hee.
“Wow, our manager is really tough, just as the rumors say… even more so. I’m worried but excited for the future. What do you think, manager?”
Ha-jun, sitting beside Se-hee, whispered.
Still stiff, she smiled awkwardly and nodded.
“Yes, really… he seems amazing.”
But one question lingered in Se-hee’s mind:
Was it just her imagination that her eyes kept meeting that man’s?
From the moment Yoo-won entered the hall, their eyes kept locking.
So blatantly that she couldn’t look away.
“Ah…”
Just now again…
Their eyes met.
Flustered, blinking repeatedly, Se-hee bit her lip.
Honestly, she had hoped, as Ha-jun said, that yesterday’s incident would end as a laughable episode.
But looking at that cold glare, hope seemed slim.
…He definitely marked me.
Without doing anything, I’m already fully judged from the start.
Accepting the reality she wanted to avoid, Se-hee lowered her head.
Yoo-won wasn’t special just because he was the chairman’s grandson.
It was true he started at an advantageous position, but without his own abilities, he couldn’t have achieved what he had.
Whenever she heard stories about Yoo-won, Se-hee imagined working with him.
A capable man who would become the next owner of MW Hotel Group.
What would it feel like to work for such a boss?
It would definitely be fulfilling.
She’d learn a lot about work values, attitudes, and methods, and make achievements that would help her career.
That was why she was so thrilled to hear Yoo-won would be heading the planning and strategy department.
Now, having shared Yoo-won’s vision, her desire grew even more.
Suddenly, she recalled her meeting with Executive Director Jo.
“Your manager isn’t the type to pick a fight over something like that, but I guess he’s not pleased either. So don’t stand out for a while. You understand what I mean?”
Having made the worst first impression, did she have to just lay low?
“No, this can’t be.”
“Huh?”
Se-hee whispered resolutely. Ha-jun asked in surprise, but she didn’t hear.
A wrong button could be fixed and a tangled knot untied.
Whenever facing problems in life, she always chose to face them head-on, overcoming crises that way.
There was no reason to change that now.
So she decided to apologize properly.
Se-hee’s eyes sparkled with determination.
