The Blue House

Everything Has Changed

The second hand of the clock in the grand conference room finally passes number twelve, and the hour hand proudly points to number eleven, giving indication to the room's occupants that they are only an hour away to midnight. Though, no one in the room probably realizes that, if the ongoing discussion around the table gives any clue.

"I want the draft Presidential Decree on the increase of government's contribution toward health insurance to be ready by next month. Where are we on this, Prime Minister Gong?" President Hyun looks up from the document he currently reads and turns to his deputy for answer.

"Budget discussion with Minister Hwang has reached the final step, I will say. The additional 5 billion Won adds the burden to this year budget plan, so rearrangement of budget plan can't be avoided. We'll come to you with the final plan early next week, Mr. President."

"Please expedite it, I believe you've initiated the talk with the Democratic Party?"

"Indeed I have, while they have some objections, we can satisfactorily address their concerns. We'll conduct a quick session with them again after we get your approval on the budget plan."

"I'll point this in my speech at National Assembly in two weeks time."

"Day 100." Chief Jung adds with a whistling from his seat.

Bin glances his way and smiles, albeit tiredly. Day 100 of his administration is coming in two weeks and he is pushing every agenda he has planned to come through.

Healthcare bill, education bill, and setting the framework of decarbonization solution are among the few priority subjects he sets his eyes on at the beginning of his presidency. And it is important to show the National Assembly that the agenda is progressing well and the country is moving to the right direction.

"Day 100, gentlemen. You should be proud of what you are doing for this country."

"Secretary Son, can you show the President the approval rating you showed me earlier?" Woo Sung adds with a wink.

Seok Gu smirks and projects his tablet to the big screen. "The latest survey shows approval rating of 52%, with overflowing supports from citizen all over the country. We expect this to soar when we publicize the proposed healthcare bill."

More than 50% on the first three months? Not bad at all. Bin looks down at the stack of never ending documents he has to read and sign, and decides they can let up for a night.

CLACK!

He throws his Parker ballpoint to the table and stands up to draw everyone's attention. Every single person in the room turns toward the head of the table where he is currently standing.

"Let's stop early today. Some may say that approval rating is just a meaningless number, and probably it is, but let's pretend it's meaningful for the night. I want to have a quiet dinner with my wife for a change, maybe you can do the same with your loved ones."

Some of the staffs takes glances toward each other like he said something funny, but Bin doesn't think he did. So, what's up with them?

"Mr. President," Woo Sung smiles amusingly at him. "Sorry to say— I thought the dinner date with your wife was all but canceled, seeing as dinner time had passed hours ago. But if it's still on, I suggest you go home fast now because I don't think the First Lady is still up."

"What? Hours ago?" Bin whirls his attention to the wall clock and— it's already twenty minutes past eleven.

"Shit!" He curses out loud, not caring that he is still surrounded by his employees. He pats his pockets for his phone and groans when he sees 5 missed calls and 2 messages, all from Ye Jin about 2 hours ago.