Chapter 1
Inside the CEO’s office, the large screen was tuned to a home shopping channel.
“The Modérato massage chair launched by Kangsantech is gaining huge popularity! It’s already gone viral among mothers!”
“Yes, the strengths of Modérato are…”
“Right now, for this broadcast, we’re offering a special sale price for Modérato—”
“Modérato…”
Modérato, Modérato.
Taein stared at the screen for a moment, then pressed the power button on the remote. The noise cut off, and silence filled the office.
On the black leather sofa sat senior executives, each stealing glances at the young man in the seat of honor.
“What is this supposed to be?”
The authoritative tone in Taein’s voice made one of the executives flinch before stammering out an answer.
“W–well… that was already under the former president’s directive. We’ve tried visiting several times to persuade them, but it didn’t work…”
“I didn’t ask for excuses.”
The air, already heavy, turned even colder.
No one dared breathe too loudly.
“Why wasn’t this handled before the Modérato line was launched? You all knew, didn’t you?”
The executives stayed silent, eyes fixed on the table.
Their former president had been caught embezzling and disappeared after falling out of favor with the chairman.
Then this young man appeared out of nowhere — the one people whispered about, the one nobody wanted as a boss — Han Taein, executive director of Taesan Trading’s overseas branch.
“I’m talking to you. Answer me.”
Taesan Group’s core was Taesan Trading. Its dominance was largely thanks to Han Taein.
He had voluntarily taken charge of the overseas division, and within five years, cemented his reputation.
Originally, he had planned to return and claim the presidency of Taesan Trading.
But then…
‘If you can fix TS Electronics and turn public opinion around within a year — and launch a successful new product — I’ll give it to you. The entire overseas division shares, too. How about it?’
That was his grandfather, Chairman Han’s offer.
If not for that, Taein would never have set foot in this miserable place.
TS Electronics — the ailing child of Taesan Group.
‘I’ll have TS Electronics fully operational in six months.’
He still remembered the satisfied look on the chairman’s face when he’d said that.
Everything had gone according to plan — until now.
But TS Electronics was a mess, from the inside out.
Taein pressed his temples.
“Director.”
“Yes, sir. The thing is, we’d reported it to the former president several times, but back then, it was just a small company—barely surviving. The president was fond of the name Modérato, so…”
“So despite there being a brand with the same name, you pushed ahead anyway.”
The director fell silent.
“And now this is the mess we’re in.”
It wasn’t unheard of for small firms to vanish, but no one could’ve guessed that Gangsantech’s Modérato would explode in popularity.
“Truly a disaster.”
The former president — his uncle — had filled the company with his own cronies and run it like a corner shop.
Taein let out a dry laugh.
“Everyone, get out.”
The executives practically ran from the office.
Slowly standing up, Taein turned to the secretary who had been standing quietly the entire time.
“We’re replacing the entire executive board. Call HR immediately.”
“And contact Kangsantech. Tell them I’ll be visiting soon.”
His gaze sharpened. The fastest way to clean this up was to start with the simplest problem.
Meanwhile, at Kangsantech…
The mood in the president’s office was grim.
President Yoon Jeonghoon, along with Director Baek, Manager Kim, and Assistant Manager Park, sat together, deep in thought.
“TS Electronics called again. They want another meeting.”
“Obviously to demand the Modérato name again, right?”
Last year, they’d all seen a TS Electronics employee lying flat on the office floor, begging. That moment had shattered every illusion they had about big corporations.
“But this time… feels different,” Director Baek . “They said they have a new CEO. Even the staff’s tone was different — firmer, sharper.”
Manager Kim nodded. “I saw on the news. Young, foreign-educated. He’s the one who led Taesan Trading’s resort deal in the Middle East. That’s him.”
“Why would someone like that come to TS Electronics?”
Assistant Manager Park frowned. “Everyone knows it’s the worst-performing branch in the group. Maybe he got kicked out?”
President Yoon finally spoke.
“Or maybe… he’s here to draw blood.”
A chill passed between them.
For the first time, they felt that this time, they might really lose Modérato.
The founders of Kangsantech could only sit in uneasy silence.
Just then, a knock sounded on the door.
“Are you busy?”
The voice instantly lightened the mood. It was Jaei.
“Ah, Jaei! The home-shopping broadcast went great, didn’t it?”
“Sales doubled compared to last month. I was worried because of the price point, but I’d say it went well.”
Laughter broke out awkwardly.
As Jae-yi stepped inside, her sharp gaze swept over the room.
“Jae-yi, you get prettier every day. Our Kangsantech beauty queen!”
“I’m not falling for that, sir.”
One by one, the men slipped out.
She turned to Director Baek.
“Director, what’s going on?”
“Nothing, Jaei. Really.”
“It’s definitely something.”
Baek wiped sweat from his forehead. He’d known her since she was a child — his best friend’s daughter.
“Ah, don’t call me ‘uncle’ here. We’re at work.”
He too retreated awkwardly.
Soon, only Jae-yi and her father, President Yoon, remained.
“What were you talking about before I came in? Was it TS Electronics again?”
“Nothing serious.”
“They changed CEOs, you know. If they contact you again, tell me first. No more stubborn fights like last time, okay?”
Yoon smiled softly. The clock was nearing the time TS Electronics had said they’d visit.
“Actually, Jaei, you came just in time. I need a favor.”
“What is it?”
“Take this to Jun-seo.”
He pulled a paper bag from under his desk and handed it to her. It was heavy.
“What’s in here?”
“Nothing big. Just… don’t let Manager Park see it.”
“That Park Jun-seo! Did he ask you for something again?”
“No, no. Just deliver it.”
Still suspicious, she agreed and got up.
“Go straight there. No detours, got it?”
“I will. Eat properly, okay? Don’t skip meals. And come home once in a while.”
Her words followed him all the way out the door.
“Who’d dare go home with such a scary daughter?”
Park’s teasing made her pout.
“You’d rather live in the factory than at home. Seriously, all of you should rest for once.”
“Alright, alright. Off you go, Jaei.”
“See you later, Dad.”
After waving goodbye, she started her car and pulled out of the factory grounds.
Lately, the company had been doing well — too well. Everyone practically lived at the factory, and that worried her.
Driving down the road, she noticed several luxury sedans passing in the opposite lane.
For a brief moment, through the open window of one, her eyes met those of a man inside.
Something about that fleeting glance lingered in her mind.
