Deleterious

Chapter 13

Hanseo hadn't seen or heard from Han seok in several days. Being ignored again, though disappointing, was now seen as a positive. Even if he had chalked that moment up to his imagination running wild, the impact it had was all too real. He honestly didn't know how he would react if he ran into him now—or at any other time for the matter.

He refused to dwell on it; he didn't have time to waste on these thoughts. Today was the day he would meet with President Hwang Min Seong, and everything had to go perfectly. Resolute, he tightened his tie one last time before heading out the door.

The car ride to Babel was uneventful. Hanseo spent most of the time rereading notes he had made about Shikwang Bank. He felt a pang of embarrassment for not knowing who Min Seong was beforehand. It was clear that he was behind much of the progress at the establishment. If Hanseo could form a beneficial relationship with him, it would undoubtedly help Babel expand significantly. Maybe, even Han seok would acknowledge his efforts, Hanseo always hoped he would. By the time he arrived at his office, he had a plan: impress President Hwang.

"Good morning, Chairman Jang. President Hwang is waiting in your office."

"Good morning." Hanseo noted with appreciation that the secretary had likely been there hours before him. She worked incredibly hard.

"Here's the paperwork detailing the new product being developed in Babel's pharmacy." The paperwork wasn't directly for Hanseo, but he accepted it anyway. It needed to get to Han Seok somehow, and unfortunately, he was the messenger.

Through the glass walls, he could see President Hwang. He looked surprisingly young—not much older than Hanseo himself. Positions like theirs were usually held by older individuals. Hanseo was often surprised by how many were taken aback by his youth, given his important position in the company, at least to their knowledge.

"Good morning, President Hwang." With a broad smile, Hanseo greeted the man, extending his hand for a handshake.

"Good morning, Chairman Jang. I hope your week has been well."

"It's been good, thank you." Hanseo barely managed to get through the lie. "How has your week been?"

As they shook hands, Hanseo guided him to a lounge-like area in the office. A large black round table surrounded by chairs featured two warm cups of coffee—undoubtedly placed by Sunghee.

"It's been long; one's work is never done in our positions." Hanseo couldn't fully relate to this, as his main role involved signing papers laid out in front of him. Nevertheless, he nodded in agreement as if they shared a common struggle.

"But I've been looking forward to this meeting. Babel has been doing exceptionally well lately. I heard you recently hosted an event for an orphanage."

"Yes, of course. It was money well spent for those kids."

"The people definitely seem to think so." President Hwang sipped his coffee with an approving nod. Hanseo guessed his brother had achieved the desired results from that event. Slowly but surely, people were viewing Babel differently.

"I heard Shikwang Bank is also doing very well lately. It's inspirational how you've improved the establishment with your efforts." There was truth to this statement. Shikwang Bank had been mediocre before President Hwang's tenure but was now steadily growing in power each month.

"Oh, Chairman Jang, you're too kind." President Hwang waved his hand jokingly before setting his coffee back on the table.

"I'm being completely honest. You've accomplished many things at such a young age as well." Both President Hwang and his brother were young and ambitious, an impressive combination.

"I can only dream of reaching your level of leadership someday." Emphasis on dream, Hanseo didn't think he could ever reach their levels. At least he knew his own limits.

"You already have! Which is why I'm here speaking with you now, Chairman Jang." But Hanseo hadn't reached their level. Babel's rapid expansion had not been due to his efforts. He would be unable to explain the company's true inner workings; Babel's success was all thanks to his brother alone.

"It's come to my attention that you're developing a new product. We, at Shikwang Bank, have taken an interest in your development." The opening of this conversation clearly indicated a desire for funding. It was apparent that President Hwang was interested in supporting the new project, and Hanseo needed to show him the details—details he unfortunately didn't know about.

"First and foremost, I'd like to thank you for showing such direct interest in this project." A small pause, to allow the words to sink in and most importantly figure out what to say next. 

President Hwang took another sip of his coffee, observing Hanseo with a patient but expectant gaze.

Hanseo cleared his throat, buying time as he mentally scrambled for a response. "We're excited about this new product," he said, trying to sound confident. "It represents a significant step forward for Babel, and we believe it has great potential."

He paused, glancing at the paperwork in his hand. "Unfortunately, I don't have all the specifics at my fingertips right now. However, I assure you, this project is in the capable hands of our development team. If you're interested, I can arrange for a detailed briefing with our project lead who can provide you with the information."

The project leader? Can't wait to find out who that is.

"That won't do.." With that one statement, the world feels as if its collapsed around him.  He's messed up, for the umpteenth time. Again, it is entirely his fault. Recklessly planning a meeting with a potential business partner without permission and for what? To avoid what? What is he running so far away from that he'd risk everything.  An opportunity is lost because of his carelessness, everything could be over. Han seok might come out and really kill him this time—

President Tang, seemingly unfazed, waved his hand dismissively. "How about you figure out these little details and we can meet to discuss again over the weekend?" 

"Huh?" Hanseo blinked, barely processing the offer.

"There's a restaurant I know of, it's recently opened and has enough privacy for us to discuss business matters." 

Hanseo, despite everything,  perks up at the opportunity, "I, well that would be perfect! I promise to have all the information ready for you by then." 

"Excellent. Let's stay in touch then, hmm? I'll have my secretary contact yours with the details." President Hwang is already standing before Hanseo can fully respond. 

"Yes! Thank you, I can't wait." One last firm, debatably lingering, handshake is given before the man walks out the door, leaving Hanseo hopeful but slightly confused.

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Author's Note

For the second part of this series I switched to 3rd person, you'll find changes in narrative from chapter 11 until now.

...... . . :)