Chapter 2
On the road from Heathrow Airport to central London, a brief report from Branch Chief Moon began inside the Bentley rented by the London branch to accompany HJ.
“Relocation of the UK local manufacturing plant to Slovakia is more than 90% complete.”
Although the exact reasons were unclear, it was customary for the local branch to deliver concise reports either at reception locations or during transit.
Eunwoo, tasked with accompanying HJ this time, listened anxiously to Branch Chief Moon’s rapid speech.
“Currently, at the UK government’s request, we are temporarily running an unemployment support program post-exit.”
Despite having rehearsed countless times, Moon’s report to the director was delivered so quickly that it was almost difficult to follow.
In truth, it wasn’t unusual for Moon to be flustered in front of Director Kang Heejae. Since taking over the London branch, this was the first visit from headquarters, and today was also the first time Moon had personally greeted a VIP.
Moreover, there were unusually complicated and peculiar aspects to this protocol.
Normally, when top executives visit an overseas branch, headquarters issues detailed instructions regarding the size of the entourage, accommodations, meals, vehicles, and so on.
However, the directive to manage HJ’s protocol contained no specific requirements whatsoever.
The only instruction received six weeks prior was to arrange a vehicle and a lodging with at least three connected rooms to coincide with the arrival of the Seoul flight in the UK.
In Eunwoo’s eyes, the team accompanying the director from Korea appeared entirely unprepared for protocol duties.
Letting the VIP exit the airport alone, having them handle their own luggage—these were not minor oversights.
Such lapses would have been unacceptable in the Secretariat, and in London, where she was responsible, they should never have occurred.
Has the Secretariat’s discipline really loosened this much? What’s going on…
Eunwoo connected the cause of this abysmal protocol with the words Moon had uttered while receiving instructions from headquarters.
“Where in the world would you send a group successor abroad with such inadequate preparation? Even a local plant inspection wouldn’t be handled like this. Perhaps it’s because HJ’s foundation in Seomgwang is weak.”
Indeed, Director Kang Heejae’s parents did not hold positions influential in company politics. In contrast, HJ’s predecessor, JY, had a father who was vice chairman of Seomgwang Group and heir to the next generation of leadership.
Eunwoo’s gaze, which had landed on the hotel confirmation letter, shifted to the rearview mirror. She raised her eyes to check the rear seat atmosphere and met HJ’s gaze.
Sitting by the window bathed in the evening glow, HJ’s eyes radiated a heat Eunwoo could not quite explain.
There was a look of exploration, yet also one of rational desire. Eunwoo decided it would be advantageous not to avoid it.
Men in positions like his often possess a kind of prideful instinct; hesitating or backing away could easily make one appear weak and be exploited.
What was somewhat unexpected, however, was that these were not emotions appropriate for someone in London to handle a serious matter.
Perhaps he was a man whose demeanor was lighter than his responsibilities suggested.
A faint disappointment arose in her mind at the thought of a superior feeling inappropriate attraction toward a female subordinate just before a major task. Eunwoo gripped the itinerary tightly in her hand.
“That concludes the report. Are there any questions?”
Moon’s brief but speedy report finally ended.
“There’s nothing significantly different from the reports we receive at headquarters. No questions from me.”
While giving feedback on the report, Director Kang Heejae’s gaze never left the rearview mirror.
Eunwoo, never averting her eyes from his, began her portion of the conversation.
“I understand you rested on the plane. I have prepared a meal so that you can dine immediately upon arrival in London. Both local and Korean cuisine are available; please let us know your preference and we will escort you to the restaurant.”
“Shall we go with what you recommend, Kim Eunwoo? Between local and Korean cuisine, which do you prefer?”
The man’s gaze, deferring the decision to her, shimmered with curiosity, as if anticipating her response.
Eunwoo recalled a long-practiced protocol from her previous Secretariat training, regarding handling situations where a superior displayed inappropriate intentions.
<In situations accompanied by unnecessary actions or speech from a superior, make it clear that the matter at hand is work-related.>
“All menu items were selected based on recommendations from myself and the London branch staff. Please choose according to your preference after the long flight, and we will accommodate you.”
Turning a page loudly, the rustle reverberated through the car.
Director Kang Heejae gave a small, approving smile, then shifted his gaze from the rearview mirror to the window.
“Let’s go to the hotel. We’ll have room service for the meal.”
“Yes, understood.”
The protocol vehicle entered central London. Leaves drifted down from the aged roadside trees. Branch Chief Moon began the prepared commentary.
“The accommodation has been arranged on Regent Street, a street established according to early 19th-century London urban planning, lined with beautiful, historic stone buildings. What you see now is…”
As the explanation continued about the harmonious blend of historic and modern architecture on Regent Street, Eunwoo angled the air vent toward herself.
Though it was a clear day, the scent of rain-soaked trees lingered somewhere. The rich, heavy fragrance from earlier made her slightly nauseous.
A bellboy in a red uniform followed them into the suite carrying the luggage.
Even among London’s historic hotels, this one was particularly distinguished, and its bellboys dressed in uniforms reminiscent of the royal guards.
“I hope you have a pleasant stay in London.”
HJ responded with a brief, dignified nod, her posture and eye contact perfectly graceful.
Branch Chief Moon, momentarily mesmerized by that elegance, quickly regained composure and guided HJ through the suite.
“This hotel was chosen after extensive inspection. It was used by nobility for social gatherings until modern times. The view of Westminster Abbey from this room is especially beautiful.”
In this city, old is never considered worn; rather, value increases based on how impressively it is maintained. By that standard, this hotel ranked among London’s finest.
Moon concluded the room explanation and awaited HJ’s response. Unfortunately, HJ offered no customary compliments for the carefully selected lodging.
She tossed the documents from Moon onto the living table and removed her jacket with a neutral expression.
Eunwoo stepped closer and took the jacket.
“When should the meal be prepared?”
“I have no plans at the moment. Let’s review the itinerary first, Secretary Seo.”
Secretary Seo, who had accompanied HJ from Korea, pulled a tablet from her briefcase.
“Air Force One carrying the President is scheduled to land at Stansted Airport shortly. The official schedule will begin after meeting government officials tomorrow.”
HJ, having received the tablet from Secretary Seo, sat cross-legged on the sofa and scanned the schedule.
“Tomorrow’s welcome ceremony and state banquet, the next day’s UK-Korea business forum, and the final day’s Guildhall dinner are the official schedule. Final agreements on related matters will be delivered by the Presidential Office at 8 PM.”
During the six-day, five-night itinerary, HJ would participate in state events as part of the Presidential delegation for three days, excluding arrival and departure days.
The purpose of the President’s state visit to the UK is to facilitate exchanges in politics, society, economy, and culture, accompanied by prominent domestic businesspeople and artists. Among the visiting entrepreneurs, HJ was the youngest.
“Has the entrance order for the banquet been finalized?”
In diplomatic protocol, the order of entry corresponds to hierarchical precedence; entering first indicates a higher rank.
“Not yet. The organizers insist on ordering by age.”
Director Kang’s gaze sharpened at Secretary Seo.
“Let’s push for order by business rank. Do it the Korean way.”
“Yes, we’ve applied pressure to the Presidential Office.”
Neither Eunwoo nor Branch Chief Moon could intervene in their conversation. Perhaps HJ intended to handle the delegation duties without Seomgwang’s support.
“Any other preparations?”
“Outfits for the duration of the schedule will be prepared by the London office.”
At this, Eunwoo, who had been standing aside, stepped forward.
“The outfits have been prepared according to the sizes you provided, and a tailor from the local shop is standing by for adjustments—”
Kang Heejae interrupted her.
“Send the tailor away.”
“Pardon?”
“Kim Eunwoo has everything well-prepared. Plus, things tend to fit and suit me anyway.”
It was a brazen statement, yet accurate. Eunwoo, at a loss for words in front of his confident self-praise, nodded briefly.
He rose from his seat, signaling that the outfits should at least be tried on.
“Let’s go, Kim Eunwoo. Let’s try the clothes.”
