Chapter 153. I Want To End This Relationship (2)

Translator: Lili

The day Lee-Seob returned from his business trip, Minkyung and Lee-Seob stood side by side in front of the chairman at Songbaekjae.

Lee-Seob reported on the general progress and results of his trip to Paris, while Minkyung provided detailed answers to the chairman’s follow-up questions with specific figures. The aggressive brand acquisitions and expansion into the Chinese market were reflected in the rapidly rising stock prices.

“As soon as you took charge, you made bold moves and reaped great rewards. Now focus on nurturing what you’ve started. I hear the Chinese market is too big for TK Fashion’s Chinese branch to handle. Do you have a plan for that?”

“For the time being, I’ll need to visit China frequently. This is the most critical period, so I will need to focus on the Chinese branch for at least a few months.”

“Hmm…”

The chairman furrowed his brow,

“While the duties of the fashion division are important, remember that your primary role is the COO of TK Corporation. You cannot neglect that. Even if the fashion division’s share grows, it won’t exceed 10%. If Soojin, with her art major, gradually learns the ropes, she might take over. But once you’ve set things on track, you can’t continue to handle the fashion division alone. If you get too involved in the Chinese branch, it will cause disruptions.”

The chairman warned with piercing eyes,

“If that happens, your position at TK Corporation will be at risk. Find a suitable executive to take over the Chinese branch as soon as possible.”

“Yes, Chairman.”

The chairman tapped the June issue of W Fashion Magazine on his desk.

“Open the magazine.”

Minkyung carefully picked up the magazine and turned to the pages featuring Lee-Seob’s photoshoot. Despite having seen the photos dozens of times, her heart skipped a beat when she met his gaze in the pictures. She controlled her expression and laid the magazine open on the desk for the chairman. A warm smile spread across the old man’s face.

“The more I see it, the more remarkable it is.”

“It’s embarrassing.”

Lee-Seob’s ears turned red as he replied, visibly uncomfortable.

“This isn’t just about the photos. It’s proof that you, Lee-Seob, are no longer hiding in my shadow. You’ve shown yourself. In business, you constantly need to prove yourself. You need to step forward, put yourself on the line, so that the people behind you can trust and follow you.”

“I will remember that, Chairman.”

Lee-Seob bowed his head.

“The most beautiful flower in Songbaekjae.”

It was a sarcastic remark about Lee-Seob, one the chairman detested.

“Yes, Chairman. There are still those who would say that.”

“Not anymore. No one can call you that now.”

The chairman’s voice was strong and resolute, an indication that he would ensure no one dared to attach such a label to Lee-Seob again.

Lee-Seob met the chairman’s gaze.

“Even so, I liked that phrase, Grandfather.”

He smiled brightly,

“It shows your love for me. I know you’ve always cherished me. I’m grateful and strive to be a better grandson, Grandfather.”

The chairman extended his hand, and Lee-Seob enveloped the dry, twig-like hand in his own.

***

As the car carrying them drove out of the Songbaekjae neighborhood, Minkyung opened her tablet. Since the day Lee-Seob had mentioned it in the parking lot, she had always sat next to him in the car. Before reporting the afternoon schedule, she closely observed his face as he rested with his eyes closed. His lips seemed redder.

Coming straight to the office from the airport, Lee-Seob had immediately asked for headache medicine. His lips were dry and cracked with fever. Ignoring her suggestion to see a doctor, he had taken two Tylenol pills at once before starting his meetings. By lunchtime, he still wasn’t feeling better and had taken another Tylenol.

The digital clock on the tablet read 3:12 PM. As she reviewed the remaining schedule, Minkyung gently held his hand resting on his thigh.

Lee-Seob opened his eyes and smiled charmingly. His hand felt hot in hers.

“You have a fever again. Are you feeling unwell anywhere else?”

“Just a bit of a cold.”

“Let’s stop by the hospital now.”

He shook his head.

“It’s a hassle. I think a short nap will help.”

“You didn’t eat properly at lunch. How about getting an IV while you rest?”

“Alright, after work, at home.”

Lee-Seob frowned, likely from the headache.

“I’ll cancel the rest of today’s schedule.”

“Can you do that?”

“Your health is the most important.”

Minkyung spoke in a businesslike tone as she quickly made phone calls to cancel his meetings. While she did, Lee-Seob pulled her right hand forward and intertwined their fingers.

His warm palm pressed against hers, and his long fingers threaded through her slender ones. Her hand, which she had never thought small, looked childlike clasped in his.

***

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