For the first time, Seoyoung was left alone in the office. Kangjun had left early for a field appointment, and Shin Jihoon had gone along to assist him. The two would likely go straight home from there. So Yujung was temporarily away at a meeting with the marketing team manager. Actually, today was Seoyoung’s last day working in this office, so there was no need to work this late. Yet So Yujung was fulfilling her role until the very end. Being so meticulous must be how she earned her position.
Seoyoung turned her attention back to the screen. Having the personality to finish what she started, she planned to complete revising the speech today. When she had completed about two-thirds of the work, So Yujung returned.
“Secretary Yoo, you haven’t left yet?”
“I still have work to finish.”
“Work? What is it?”
So Yujung paused on her way to her desk and asked casually. She seemed curious what kind of work would require a new employee to work overtime.
“The CEO asked me to revise his speech.”
“Isn’t that Shin Jihoon’s responsibility? I assigned it to Secretary Shin.”
“Well… somehow I ended up doing it.”
Seoyoung answered as vaguely as possible. Whatever Shin Jihoon had done, it wouldn’t be good for her to explain in detail. So Yujung looked at Seoyoung for a moment, then turned toward her and held out her hand.
“Let me see it.”
“Pardon?”
“I said let me see the original.”
So Yujung spoke in a dry tone. Seoyoung hesitated briefly, then handed over the speech Shin Jihoon had written. So Yujung silently flipped through the document, reading it carefully. It was impossible to tell if she liked it or not since she showed no reaction. Finally, after reading it all, So Yujung placed the document on Seoyoung’s desk.
“Where’s your revision?”
“It’s not finished yet.”
“Is this it?”
Ignoring Seoyoung’s answer, So Yujung leaned over. She propped one arm on the desk and looked down at the monitor with the document in progress. In the quiet space, the sound of the mouse wheel seemed exceptionally loud. With each scroll of the screen, Seoyoung’s heart seemed to tremble. I should have offered her a seat to view it comfortably. As she glanced at the empty chair with this thought, So Yujung straightened up.
“Secretary Yoo.”
“Yes, Office Director.”
“For the weapons demonstration the day after tomorrow, go with Secretary Shin.”
“What? But then the office will be empty.”
Though the conversation had taken an unexpected turn, Seoyoung responded reflexively.
“It’ll be over before noon anyway. I’ll request support from another department. There are more participants than expected, so Secretary Shin will assist and you’ll provide support.”
“…I understand. But about the speech…”
“Didn’t you say the CEO asked you to do it? Work hard on it.”
So Yujung returned to her desk after saying just that. Not a single word about the revisions. It felt awkward to ask more of someone who had so clearly drawn a line and turned away. Seoyoung gave up on getting an answer and approached So Yujung. Now she would only see her for one more day.
“Um, Office Director.”
So Yujung, who was preparing to leave, looked up as if to ask what the matter was.
“I want to serve the CEO well. Do you have any advice?”
She wanted to hear from the professional who had steadfastly maintained this position for so long. She needed to gain Sa Kangjun’s trust to enter the inner circle, but he was such an unpredictable person. So Yujung smirked as if the question was unexpected.
“What advice could I possibly give? He’s not someone who follows advice anyway.”
“Ah…”
Seoyoung smiled slightly along with So Yujung. Indeed, So Yujung knew Sa Kangjun well.
“I don’t know what kind of person the CEO is.”
“It’s better not to know sometimes.”
“Will I be able to serve him well?”
“You will.”
So Yujung picked up her bag and answered with a faint smile.
“Once you’re by the CEO’s side, there’s no other choice.”
With those words, So Yujung quietly patted Seoyoung’s shoulder once and left the secretary’s office. Those words strangely lingered in her heart for a long time. Seoyoung stared at the space where So Yujung had disappeared for quite a while.
***
A quiet traditional Korean restaurant. The gentle sound of a gayageum being played on the wooden floor filled the interior. The deeply spreading melody enhanced the serene atmosphere as it seeped into each room.
“Have a drink, Commissioner.”
Kangjun picked up the white porcelain pitcher and held it forward. The man sitting across from him, Lee Dohyun, the Commissioner of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration under the Ministry of Defense, politely raised his cup. Glug, glug, glug. Once the alcohol was adequately filled, Kangjun withdrew the pitcher. Then Lee Dohyun put down his cup and took the pitcher, now pouring alcohol into Kangjun’s cup.
“Let’s drink together.”
When Lee Dohyun held out his cup, Kangjun respectfully took his own cup and clinked it against his. After confirming that Lee Dohyun was raising his cup to drink, he turned to the side and lightly wet his lips.
“Listen, CEO Sa.”
Lee Dohyun called out to Kangjun in a heavy voice after putting down his cup.
“Not participating in the demonstration? What’s this all about? Especially for a company selected for a designated project.”
“I’m sorry.”
“With you giving the keynote speech and then not participating, what position does that put the Ministry of Defense in? There are already complaints coming from other companies.”
“I trust that you will coordinate well, Commissioner.”
Kangjun spoke as if casually brushing it off with a smile. A few years ago, the Ministry of Defense designated Bantech as a cooperation partner for advanced weapons development. It was a designated bidding system that selected companies based on performance and technological capabilities. At the time, several defense companies complained, but Bantech’s technology and sales were so overwhelming that the opposition fizzled out. With Bantech, so strongly tied to the Ministry of Defense, announcing it would not participate in the demonstration, it was inevitable that rumors would follow.
“Since we’re on the topic, let me ask. What’s the reason for not participating? Is there a problem?”
“Of course not. We’ve just taken a step back for a more complete result.”
“Is that true?”
“Of course. We’ll show you what you expect around autumn.”
Despite Kangjun’s words, Lee Dohyun made no effort to hide his skepticism. There was also a hint of displeasure at Kangjun’s rigid attitude.
“I hate to say this, but the Ministry of Defense has significant concerns.”
“Concerns?”
“The technology performance indicators from Bantech show no meaningful difference from last year. Plus, with you skipping the demonstration, frankly, I’m wondering if we can trust Bantech.”
“Are we a company that deserves so little trust?”
Kangjun responded without the slightest falter.
“Trust should be spoken through results. If another company shows better technology than Bantech at this demonstration, the Ministry of Defense will need to make a strategic decision.”
“By strategic decision, you mean…”
“Perhaps your decision will be needed at that time?”
Lee Dohyun put down his cup and stared directly at Kangjun. His tone was gentle, but his gaze contained blatant pressure. This meant that depending on the results of the demonstration, Bantech should voluntarily withdraw to save face for the Ministry of Defense. Terminating the contract was impossible in principle, but they wanted Bantech to create a scenario where they could withdraw citing technological inferiority. It also included an unspoken warning that refusal could result in disadvantages in future contracts and other areas. It was a forced but very familiar method of resolution.
Kangjun slowly rotated his cup before setting it down with a thud. Then, with a calm smile, he met the Commissioner’s eyes.
“I understand. If that happens, we will gladly step aside.”
“Really?”
“Of course.”
Kangjun’s answer was strangely compliant. Lee Dohyun momentarily flinched at his nape, not even able to pick up his cup. It was somehow chilling that he could be so composed in a situation where billions in contracts might fly away. He must be well aware of how things work in this field with his own sources of information, yet he wasn’t asking anything. Just like his mother, no… even more cunning than her, Sa Kangjun wouldn’t back down so easily without a plan. What the hell is this guy planning? While he was busily thinking, Kangjun smiled and tilted his head.
“But Commissioner, if the results show that our technology is better, who will take responsibility for this commotion?”
“What?”
“I can certainly collect on that value, right?”
“CEO Sa, what are you saying right now?”
“I’m joking.”
Kangjun burst into a sly laugh as if wondering why he was making such a fuss. This crazy bastard. Lee Dohyun glared and was about to say something when he tightly sealed his lips. Here, the loser is Sa Kangjun. But if he gets excited, it will seem like he’s the one on the defensive. And to someone much younger, at that. After glaring at Kangjun for a moment, he exhaled a long breath.
“I understand your hurt feelings. Still, this matter should prioritize national interests over immediate profits, don’t you think?”
“Of course. You’re absolutely right.”
Kangjun nodded once more and smiled.
Author: Hyacinthus B
Hyacinthus
