Chapter 46
Early in the morning, Chairman Han received a report from Choi Jeong-hoon.
“Since you’re here first thing in the morning, I assume you have something to say about those two?”
“You always read me like an open book, Sir. It leaves me with nothing to add.”
“Have you eaten? If you get up at the crack of dawn and bother your wife, she won’t be pleased.”
“That’s precisely why I skip breakfast. I don’t want to see the look on her face.”
They were close enough that Choi Jeong-hoon could respond to Chairman Han’s joke with a quip of his own.
“Let’s have a quick briefing over breakfast. It’s been lonely eating alone since Seo-hee hasn’t been around. You can keep me company today.”
He really dotes on Seo-hee. I knew he was especially fond of his granddaughter, but I didn’t realize he thought about her like this all the time.
“I’d be grateful. I can’t even remember the last time I had a proper breakfast.”
“Let’s eat a hearty meal. Now, tell me what you’ve brought.”
Choi Jeong-hoon reported in detail the information sent from the US.
“Etflix?”
Seeing Chairman Han tilt his head at the unfamiliar company name, Choi Jeong-hoon added the information he had researched—from its beginnings as a DVD rental service to its primary online streaming business and its growth potential.
“So, they just made an investment? Is that all?”
“No. Instead of just shares, they negotiated a contract to acquire the Asian business rights and share the resulting profits.”
Chairman Han hummed, lost in thought. His granddaughter, whom he had intended to send to Telecom, had asked to be sent to the US instead. She had promised to find a way to save the business.
The telecom venture they had boldly started was ranked last in the industry and was on the brink of survival. They thought having the electronics division’s mobile phone business would give them a natural advantage, but they continued to struggle.
Just as he was considering whether to fold the business, his granddaughter had brought him a solution, and he couldn’t help but admire it.
“If the telecom business doesn’t work out, we’ll target something else…….”
The outline of the business plan formed in Chairman Han’s mind.
“Assemble a TF team before the three of them return. And don’t hold back on support; ensure they can proceed as quickly as possible.”
“Yes, Chairman.”
“Ah, and one more thing.”
“Yes.”
“When Seo-hee returns this time, I think we should entrust her with a larger role. It’s a waste to have someone of her ability remain just an employee.”
“Do you think Seo-hee will want that?”
At Choi Jeong-hoon’s words, Chairman Han smiled meaningfully. He knew Seo-hee better than anyone.
“No. In fact, I suspect she will come to me with a request first.”
I wonder what she’ll ask for.
“Start preparing step by step for the business separation.”
The contract with Etflix was finalized quickly and reported back to Korea. Fortunately, their schedule ended with a day to spare, giving the three of them some free time.
“Han Seo-hee, what are your plans for today?”
In the absence of Kim Cheol-su, Jun-yeong spoke comfortably to Seo-hee. He had considered stopping him, worried they might get caught, but decided to let it be, figuring it wouldn’t work on Jun-yeong anyway.
“I have a place to visit. What about you, Oppa?”
“Hmm… I was thinking of getting some good food with you. Can’t I come along?”
“No. I’m going alone.”
Seo-hee refused immediately. She was going to meet the most important person she had come to the US to see.
She planned to bring Jun-yeong along in the future, but the person she was meeting now wasn’t someone she could reveal to him yet. Taking him would require explaining everything, including unnecessary details.
Seo-hee took out a folded piece of paper and handed it to him.
“What’s this?”
As he unfolded it, he saw a phone number written on it.
“Ah.”
He belatedly remembered it was the contact information BJ Jiwon had given them at the airport.
“If you’re bored, you can go meet her instead of me. You said you were looking for someone to enjoy good food with.”
This person would be good to know for the business Seo-hee was planning. Since she didn’t have time to handle it herself, sending Jun-yeong didn’t seem like a bad idea.
“You want to eat good food, and there’s a perfect person for that. Sounds ideal, doesn’t it?”
Jun-yeong agreed with Seo-hee’s suggestion.
“Right. I’ve also been wanting to see a ‘mukbang’ in person. They say your appetite improves when you eat with someone who enjoys their food, you know?”
I guess that’s why mukbang content remains steadily popular. People’s tastes are generally similar.
“Alright, have a good time. Oh, I have a favor to ask.”
“What favor are you going to ask now?”
“When you meet Jiwon-ssi today, make sure to become close friends. Got it?”
“What? Why do we need to become close?”
“I’ll tell you later.”
“Then you should also tell me where you’re going.”
Seo-hee hesitated for a moment as if she might tell him, then smiled faintly.
“It’s a secret.”
“Then I won’t become close with Jiwon-ssi.”
“Suit yourself.”
Seeing her dismissive response, Jun-yeong pouted.
“So you have no intention of taking me with you?”
“Nope.”
“That’s awfully decisive.”
Realizing that no amount of coaxing would make her take him along, Jun-yeong reluctantly backed down.
“Fine. Let’s each enjoy our remaining time as we please.”
Once Jun-yeong was gone, Seo-hee hurried to get ready. She had been lucky to meet Reed Hastings easily yesterday, but she didn’t know how today would go.
She might have to wait a long time, so she needed to move quickly. Leaving the hotel, Seo-hee got into a taxi and headed straight for her destination.
The place she arrived at was also the office of a company. She had worked hard to save money for this day. Along with Reed, the person she was about to meet would also play a crucial role in Shinseong’s future.
With a determined yet polite demeanor, Seo-hee moved into the building. The office atmosphere was sparse. No employees were at their desks, and from behind a door marked ‘CEO’s Office,’ a man was on a phone call.
She couldn’t make out the exact conversation, but his pleading tone was clear.
It was understandable, as this company, much like Shinseong Telecom, was on the verge of collapse. The company’s head was at a crossroads, debating whether to sell the company he cherished or not. Perhaps he was in even more desperate need of help than Reed had been.
Maybe the negotiation would be easier.
Seo-hee lightly knocked on the glass door. Startled by the sudden sound, the man on the phone turned his head.
{I’ll call you back.}
The man ended the call, saying he would call back later, and approached Seo-hee.
{How can I help you?}
He had large eyes and well-defined features, with a hint of mischief hidden within. In the future, when his business was successful and he had more leisure, he would exhibit a more playful, almost impish side, but for now, a shadow hung over his face.
{Hello, I’m here to see the CEO.}
Although she knew he was the CEO, Seo-hee pretended not to. The man looked puzzled at her words.
{I am the CEO. Who are you, and where are you from?}
Seo-hee smiled slightly as she answered.
{My name is Han Seo-hee, from Korea. It’s nice to meet you, CEO-nim.}
It was Elon Musk. He was the CEO of Tesla, the company that would redefine the future of electric vehicles and autonomous driving.
