Ch 53

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The Beginning of a New Time (14)

 

“Executive Director, CEO Han has arrived.”

 

One of the security guards standing in the hallway checked the instructions at the entrance through his earpiece and walked towards the front door. The reason for suddenly requesting a meeting a week before the general shareholders meeting was obvious, but Yoonjae didn’t bother to stop the person who insisted on coming to his house.

 

CEO Han, whom he had only seen occasionally through video conferences, had noticeably more gray hair in the past month. Whether he hadn’t dyed it on purpose or had been under a lot of stress, it was clear that he was trying to show how much he had suffered. As CEO Han strode inside with a large fruit basket, Yoonjae rose from his seat and bowed politely.

 

“It’s been a while, CEO.”

 

“Why do you say such a disappointing thing?”

 

Deliberately implying that this was their first meeting since the accident, CEO Han faltered, unable to manage his expression.

 

“I… I was going to visit when you got a little better, but I didn’t know you’d be discharged so quickly. How are you? Are you feeling okay?”

 

“I’m fine. Please, sit down.”

 

Yoonjae’s tone, devoid of any inflection, was excessively dry. Unable to make proper eye contact, CEO Han lowered his shoulders dejectedly, already humbled before even starting.

 

“Have some tea before it gets cold.”

 

“Executive Director Choi.”

 

Even before, there was hardly any warmth in their relationship, but now only the formality remained. CEO Han, who rushed in pleading as if to grab at straws, felt his throat parch as he looked at the expressionless Choi Yoonjae.

 

“What’s the point of us fighting like this? Let’s not…”

 

“You’re the one who put forward the motion to dismiss me, CEO. It’s difficult for you to come here and act like this.”

 

He clearly drew the line as to who had stabbed him in the back first. He had known from the start that CEO Han was a close aide to Chairman Choi, so he had endured until now, even when he didn’t like things. It wasn’t that he didn’t know politics, he just hadn’t been doing it. Growing desperate, CEO Han scrambled to find an excuse. Fine beads of sweat formed under his graying hair.

 

“It’s a misunderstanding. I had no choice because of Vice President Choi. If you guarantee my position, I’ll withdraw the dismissal motion right away. I know quite a bit about Yuseong Group’s corruption, which could be a great help to you…”

 

“Don’t withdraw the motion.”

 

Choi Yoonjae, who hadn’t even blinked, cut off CEO Han’s words. In fact, when CEO Han said he was coming, he briefly considered recording their conversation, but he quickly dismissed the idea. If he could coax him well, CEO Han would expose Yuseong Group’s corruption, and if he took the recording straight to the media, it would be like a firework display, but he didn’t want to push CEO Han all the way to the bottom. Choi Seryeong was a different story, but CEO Han had, in any case, worked hard for Yuseong Venture Capital.

 

“If you’ve started, you have to see it through to the end.”

 

“Executive Director Choi.”

 

“I don’t hold a grudge against you, CEO-ssi.”

 

They had worked together without major conflict for a full eight years. He would provide sufficient compensation and respect for CEO Han’s contribution in taking over the faltering Yuseong Venture Capital in place of the young Yoonjae.

 

“But, shouldn’t one person be at the helm now?”

 

He had plenty of opportunities. Although he was a close aide to Chairman Choi, he had had time to take an independent path long ago. Nevertheless, he continued to support Choi Seryeong and stay by her side. Yoonjae had no intention of tolerating that.

 

“If I lose, I will quietly step down.”

 

“Executive Director Choi.”

 

“Please do the same, CEO-ssi.”

 

If CEO Han quietly stepped down, he was willing to connect him to another place with good conditions in recognition of his past contributions.

 

“Don’t you remember how much I dedicated myself to this company?”

 

“That’s why I’m staying still right now.”

 

A cold wind swept in at the end of his curt words. CEO Han, who had come to ask for a favor, read the merciless look in Yoonjae’s eyes and realized it was too late. Yoonjae, who had been speaking calmly and leisurely without raising his voice, bowed his head first.

 

“Then, I’ll see you at the general shareholders meeting.”

 

Unable to say anything in response to the polite expression telling him to leave, CEO Han rose from his seat, unable to hide his disappointment, and stood there for a long time before disappearing.

 

“Hoo.”

 

Pain shot through him as if someone were stabbing the back of his head with a sharp awl. Insomnia and heightened nerves had made his headaches more frequent lately. Yoonjae pressed his fingertips into his temples as if massaging them, then rose from his seat for a break and headed to the study.

 

The room across from the master bedroom, visible as soon as he opened the door. He pressed down on the handle, and with a click, a baby room with an ivory base appeared. Instead of a study filled with the smell of paper, there were pastel-toned baby bedding and a wooden chest of drawers. A black and white mobile hung from the ceiling, and small, empty frames were hung asymmetrically on one wall.

 

Yoonjae had recently been finding solace in this room. As soon as he learned about Eunho’s pregnancy, he asked Chief Yoon to plan the baby room’s interior before he was even discharged. He wanted to soothe his empty heart in this way. There was still much to fill, but he left the rest empty to do with Eunho.

 

Yoonjae stroked the baby bed with his hand. The soft, cozy blanket slipped smoothly from his fingertips. Yoonjae parted his lips and smiled lightly. The thought of bringing Eunho to see the baby room made one side of his heart melt.

 

***

 

He finally met the little one, like the gummy bear Taeoh had described. Unlike the last time when there was only a gestational sac, the beautifully positioned baby wriggled its whole body to greet Eunho. The round, tadpole-like belly and the limbs attached like dots were so adorable that Eunho covered his mouth several times and swallowed his joy of emotion. Even as he got into the car that the security guard guided him to after leaving the obstetrics and gynecology clinic, Eunho’s eyes, still gazing at the ultrasound photo, became increasingly clear.

 

Eunho, who had been anxious that something might happen to the baby because he couldn’t eat properly and kept throwing up, felt relieved after hearing the strong heartbeat. Seeing the baby, the energy that had sunk to the bottom surged up. Although he was afraid, he strongly desired to eat anything for the baby. Eunho had been living on carbonated drinks as he hadn’t been eating well lately. After wetting his mouth with the refreshing sensation, he struggled to eat something else.

 

When he arrived at the mansion, the maid brought a butternut squash fruit salad, scorched rice porridge, and an omelet without sauce. Eunho placed the carbonated drink next to him and slowly put the food in his mouth, taking his time. Even though his stomach was queasy and he had no appetite, he injected into his brain the fact that the baby was growing. Little one, just this much. Eunho stroked his flat belly and coaxed and soothed it dozens of times in his mind.

 

During the 30-minute meal, food rushed up his throat twice, but he stubbornly endured. Getting up to digest, Eunho circled around the area before going outside to soak up the sunlight.

 

“Haa, it’s hot.”

 

The strong sunlight, so intense that it was hard to open his eyes, poured down on Eunho’s body. The clear weather without a single breeze was hotter than he had expected, but he felt that if he stayed cooped up inside the house, he would develop depression. In the sweltering heat that made it seem like steam would rise from his head even if he stood still for just 10 minutes, Eunho diligently walked towards the central fountain. He intended to somehow digest the stuffy feeling in his stomach.

 

He had planned to walk for about 30 minutes and then take a shower, but his weak stamina didn’t even allow him 10 minutes. As dizziness made his vision turn white, Eunho quickly lay down on a nearby bench.

 

“Hoo-ah.”

 

His quick surrender and positive personality shone at times like this. He had seen the sunlight, so he had taken vitamin D, and 10 minutes was quite a bit of exercise, so the food must have gone down a little. As he constantly brainwashed himself, he felt a little better, as if his stomach had settled.

 

“The weather is nice.”

 

The cloudless blue sky was immeasurably high and deep blue. Although the weather was sunny, it was so hot that if he lay there for another 30 minutes, his skin would burn red and peel off. Eunho took out his cell phone to block the sunlight and covered his eyes.

 

“Little one, should I send a picture to Daddy? You look so cool in today’s picture.”

 

Eunho took out the ultrasound photo he had taken in advance from the photo album and checked it.

 

‘Should I send it or not.’

 

After roughly checking the time, it was early morning in Korea. Eunho selected the photo, pressed the send button, and squeezed his eyes shut. Hoping it would be a pleasant wake-up call, he gave it his own meaning and tried to get up, but as expected, his cell phone rang loudly.

 

-Eunho-ya.

 

His voice, which had just woken up and was low and deep, was both mellow and resonant. Eunho’s heart fluttered so much that just hearing his voice made his heart race.

 

-Did you have lunch? I heard your morning sickness is getting worse.

 

At his leisurely and languid voice, Eunho’s plump lips softly spread. He must have called because he was curious about the baby’s picture, but Eunho was grateful for his thoughtfulness in calling his name first and taking care of him so meticulously.

 

“I’m okay today. I just had lunch and came out to the garden to digest.”

 

Should we talk about our ultrasound story soon? Eunho quickly answered Yoonjae’s question, urging the next question.

 

-Is that our little one in the picture you sent?

 

“Cute, right? It was taken a few hours ago.”

 

-Yeah. So cute and amazing.

 

His breathy tone tickled his ears.

 

But, could he accurately distinguish the baby’s appearance in the ultrasound photo? Eunho, filled with doubts, subtly twisted his words.

 

“Do you know where the arms and legs are?”

 

-I could tell at a glance, did you think I wouldn’t know?

 

“Really? I heard that people usually don’t know.”

 

-Why wouldn’t I recognize our baby?

 

Yoonjae let out a flustered breath, as if he was embarrassed that Eunho didn’t believe him. Eunho felt sorry for doubting him, but on the other hand, he was proud. The scorching sun was burdensome. Eunho slowly got up from the bench to avoid the sun. Dizziness, his vision blurred and the focus became unclear, so he stood still and took deep breaths to calm himself.

 

-It’s not long now.

 

Just as he was about to regain his senses and move into the shade, Yoonjae’s clear voice stopped him in his tracks. Eunho shyly smiled at the simple words that he had been waiting for this time.

 

-No matter what happens, I’ll go straight there after the general shareholders meeting.

 

“Okay.”

 

It will definitely go well. He refrained from saying that he believed and had no doubt that he would do well, as it might put pressure on him. Even if he didn’t add any words, he would definitely do well. Yoonjae spoke in a tone that deliberately feigned pity, as if his answer was unsatisfactory.

 

-Will you welcome me even if I become unemployed?

 

“Yes.”

 

-I might take a long break if I become a bum.

 

“……Um, I’ll work, then. You know I’m not bad at secretarial work. But Two Plus Hanwoo will quickly empty my salary. If we lower the quality of the ingredients a bit, well, it might be doable.”

 

-Haha, I’m just kidding.

 

A deflated breath was heard as he sincerely accepted the mischievous joke. Eunho’s aegyo-sal plumped up at Yoonjae’s laughter.

 

“Good luck!”

 

-Yeah, thank you.

 

***

 

Yoonjae, whose head had been heavy from a light sleep, felt his body lighten as he got up from his seat, feeling the ultrasound photo and Eunho’s voice. Having switched to a thin protective device, Yoonjae, who had almost returned to his daily life, ventured to go to work this week and organized major issues. Even with the war-like general shareholders meeting between the two leaders just around the corner, the company was running quietly and calmly under the leadership of other board members.

 

Secretary Han returned as his executive secretary in place of Eunho. Secretary Han, who had put Yoonjae in the back seat, returned to the driver’s seat and recited today’s schedule. After the investment-related meeting, the last schedule for today was a dinner meeting with Kang Taeoh.

 

Since Choi Yoonjae’s return, CEO Han had only appeared at board-level meetings, intentionally avoiding meetings at the head of department level related to management strategy or investment. That was because the center of gravity had shifted so rapidly to one side that it was difficult to find anyone who sided with CEO Han, even if you washed your eyes and looked.

 

Yoonjae realized that the gazes directed at him changed every time he entered a meeting. As he felt the desperation of the employees who wanted normalization after the general shareholders meeting, his sense of responsibility became even greater.

 

Yoonjae finished all his company schedules and got into the car. Secretary Han checked the address he had given him and moved to the location with his skillful driving.

 

The setting sun dyed the forest of buildings red. The remnants of the setting sun heavily sank even on the car moving at a regular speed.

 

When he arrived at the wine bar in the skyscraper, the guard blocking the entrance checked Yoonjae and called an internal employee through his earpiece.

 

“He has been waiting for several hours.”

 

The manager, who came out in a hurry, took Yoonjae inside. Every time he walked on the marble black-toned marble mixed with gold thread, the sound echoed throughout the interior. As the brown-toned carpet laid from the hallway absorbed the footsteps, bossa nova-style sticky and sweet jazz music filled the space. The manager carefully knocked on the door at the end of the hallway and opened it. The humid and heavy pheromones swept coldly across his face.

 

The interior, made up of a huge window, directly received the twilight that was beginning to set, gradually darkening. Unless the dozens of halogen lamp auxiliary lights flowing down from the high ceiling did their job, the interior was so dark that Taeoh’s face, who was sitting, could not be seen properly.

 

“I’m sorry for calling you out when you must be very busy.”

 

“It’s okay.”

 

The city was visible at a glance behind Taeoh. Yoonjae took a seat across from him. He guessed that he was somewhat drunk from the half-empty bottle of liquor on the table. Taeoh leaned back on the velvet seat, let out a long sigh, and gave a bitter smile.

 

“I want to know under whose name the prosecution complaint regarding Yuseong Group’s corruption is being filed.”

 

“I will file it under my name.”

 

His expressionless face turned to Taeoh. Unlike Yoonjae, Taeoh’s emotional waves were reaching extremes. He clearly felt that his facial muscles were moving half a beat slower due to the intoxication, but he didn’t care and poured the remaining alcohol from the straight glass into his mouth.

 

“Then hand it over to me. You’ll be busy even after the general shareholders meeting, so I’ll take care of that matter.”

 

“……”

 

“I’ll completely destroy them.”

 

As the wicked resonance settled heavily on the floor along with the pheromones, Yoonjae tilted his head slightly.

 

“Why are you doing this?”

 

“Executive Director Choi was right.”

 

“……”

 

“It was Choi Seryeong’s doing.”

 

Ah, a short sigh escaped and his lips hardened coldly. Yoonjae reached out and stroked his forehead, slowly parting his lips.

 

“I’m sorry. I should have known sooner.”

 

“No, to be honest… even if I had known at that time, I wouldn’t have had the power. And I know you were having a hard time because of your parents’ accident, so I don’t want to hold you responsible.”

 

Yoonjae bit his lower lip with his teeth. He was so ashamed that he couldn’t make eye contact when the suspected fact was confirmed, so he lowered his head.

 

“I am also responsible for not checking what Junseo was having a hard time with, even though I knew it.”

 

When Taeoh began to be attacked by domestic critics, he investigated the two art critics who had left the reviews that were the starting point of the criticism. As a result, it was confirmed that one of the two was on the board of directors of the cultural foundation led by Choi Seryeong, and the other was also in the direct line of the director of the art museum that Choi Seryeong frequented. As the corners of Taeoh’s lips pulled upward, shadows fell on his tanned cheeks.

 

“But if you feel guilty, hand over the complaint to me. That’s helping me.”

 

His voice was quite firm and sinister. Taeoh gritted his teeth and swallowed the anger that was burning fiercely.

 

“There are more corruptions I know about… I’m contemplating during the evidence collection period. Whether to detonate them sequentially or all at once. I’m trying to figure out which of the two will have a greater impact on Choi Seryeong.”

 

Taeoh knew about Yuseong Group’s corruption before Yoonjae entered the business. He had often heard about it from his father, Chairman Kang, but the number of times he had glossed over it due to friendship was not enough to count on both hands. Yoonjae, with a hardened expression, quietly nodded.

 

“I will hand over all the data through Chief Yoon tomorrow morning.”

 

“Hand over all the lawyers you were preparing as well. I will take on the case.”

 

“……I am also responsible, so I will handle that part. I have already completed the retainer agreement.”

 

“…I understand.”

 

If he had paid a little more attention at that time, wouldn’t the result be better than it is now? Yoonjae covered his face with both hands and agonized for a long time over the belatedly surging guilt.