Chapter 100. I Give You The Moon (3)

Translator: Aura

“Senior Manager Kang.”

The chairman now turned his attention to Minkyung. Her heartbeat quickened due to the tension.

“Yes, Chairman.”

“If not executed properly, this plan could result in more losses than gains for Director Tae Lee-Seob. Are you aware of that?”

Minkyung couldn’t answer easily. In the current scenario, the success of the fashion department was a crucial challenge that would not be achieved without enormous effort. Lee-Seob was being rigorously evaluated for his competencies as an entrepreneur and successor under the most adverse circumstances.

Since Lee-Seob’s rival, Director Tae Joon-Seob, had taken full control of TK Electronics and exerted influence over the entire company, Lee-Seob had no choice but to take on this difficult task.

Despite this, no one would blame Tae Lee-Seob if he failed to do what seemed impossible. He would continue in the company. The fashion department’s performance in the last quarter had been bleak. The consequences were clearly predictable from the recent reports.

Therefore, the responsibility for this plan would fall on Kang Minkyung. Her proposal entailed a significant risk that could jeopardize the career she had successfully built to date. If the effect of the photo shoot did not meet expectations in terms of profits or if Lee-Seob’s reputation was minimally affected, Minkyung would be fired. From a practical standpoint, it was not worth her while to pursue this plan. Even more so now with the chairman’s warning about the photo shoot. This was her last chance to back out.

“Senior Manager Kang, are you not sure?”

“I’m sure, Chairman.”

Minkyung replied as she stared at him.

“I’ll do my best to make it a success.”

“Senior Manager Kang, remember to pay attention to every detail so that Director Tae Lee-Seob can feel comfortable at the photo shoot.”

“Yes, Chairman.”

Minkyung answered confidently and bowed her head.

The die was cast. It was time to leave behind all fear of failure. Minkyung knew she should only focus on increasing the chances of success. Her eyes shone brightly.

***

After the briefing at Songbaekjae, Lee-Seob didn’t say a word as they left the study.

He simply patted Minkyung’s shoulder as they passed through the garden. Once in the car, he leaned back in the seat with a somewhat tired expression.

“I’ll get some sleep. My head hurts.”

His words made Minkyung feel a little guilty. She hadn’t known about his fear of flashes. Now that she thought about it, most of his photos were for identification. Although Tae Lee-Seob had appeared in the media at events, it was not frequent. She recalled that even then, there were strict conditions for taking photos. In places where he could be exposed to multiple media cameras, such as airports or concert venues, Tae Lee-Seob was always accompanied by large bodyguards. It was more a strategy to hide from the flashes than for his personal protection.

When they finally arrived in front of the company, Lee-Seob was still asleep. Minkyung got out first and carefully opened the back door.

“Director.”

At her soft call, he slowly opened his eyes and looked at her. As their eyes met, he extended his hand. Minkyung held his hand as if she were his escort. Even after he got out of the car, their hands remained linked for a brief moment.

“I feel better now.”

“Pardon?”

“My head doesn’t hurt anymore. Don’t worry.”

Lee-Seob turned around and walked in. Only Minkyung could see the mischief in his soft smile. Employees who were also arriving at work stopped to greet him.

On the way to his office, many employees greeted him. He politely responded to all greetings as he walked briskly.

***