Chapter 13: Welcome Eun Yi-Jun

The location of our office, was based in Daegu, an area my father had chosen since it was more populated with foreigners, and he would rather not make Chan-Yeol feel too out of place. Chan-Yeol may have a Korean father, but he was still a mix-raced man. He stood out without even trying, at least here it wouldn't be unusual to see someone like him walking around.

As we entered our two-story office building, which is much smaller than our branches in the UK and the US. we were met with a rush of people busying themselves with preparing their workstations.

"What's going on?" I asked one of our female workers passing by.

"Good morning, Sirs…." She bowed politely, before continuing, "We received an email from the chairman, stating that president Eun Yi-Jun of Euns conglomerates will be coming here today for a meeting. Therefore, the team is busy getting ready, we want the chairman to be seen in a good light" she spoke sweetly and proudly.

Immediately, their efforts were dismissed by Chan-Yeol. "There's no need for all that, you need only prepare the largest meeting room we have and return to your work" He spoke firmly.

However, his words seem to have come as a shock to the young woman, who stood before us confused.

"Did you wish to say something further?" Chan-Yeol asked her.

Taken a back, she fumbled over her words, "we… well, I had heard… that President Eun Yi-Jun is a very stern and cold man…. Should we not try to appease him in some way? Just having a meeting with someone from Eun conglomerate will bring business for our company, but if we get to work with them directly, wouldn't that do more for our business?". She questioned, her genuine concerns visible.

"That is not for you to be concerned, besides, we shouldn't go masking our true selves, so others can accept us. Instead, we should allow them to make that decision once they have seen our true face. We have nothing to be ashamed of, you've all work hard, there's no requirement to add unnecessary work to your day". He stated firmly, stunning the young woman.

Speechless, and in no position to argue with a president of the company, she reluctantly agreed, "y….yes sir", she replied, quickly scurrying away from us.

Others may view Chan-Yeol's words as being arrogant, but he was right, we did not need to put on a song and dance for them. If it was one thing, our father prided himself on and what he had drilled into the minds of his children. And that is, we are not inferior to anyone else. In his view, he is no less important as a chairman of a middle size company, than that of a President of a major conglomerate who contributes to the economy of an entire country.

'In essence, what he means is, you treat me with respect and I will do the same in return'.

Nonetheless, maybe in the instance a little special treatment may be warranted, I knew first-hand the kind of influence and exposure working with such a brand could do for my father and the business. But on the other hand, I hope not for a good outcome because such people can be the very reason you wither, if you no longer hold their favour.

Taking a deep breath, I set aside my needs and thought of the benefits to my family. "Maybe she's right, they do hold a considerable amount of influence within the architecture community and in this country, perhaps we should do a little something special for their arrival".

"Whose arrival?" the deep and firm masculine voice of our father echoed behind us.

"**Abeoji?" I turned to him, startled.

A slight frown formed upon his face as he continued into his office, "Abeoji? What happened to your cute appa* every five seconds?".

"Abeoji, I told you not at work" I teased, casting my gaze to Chan-Yeol who couldn't be more disinterested in two people if he tried.

"Anyway, abeoji I was suggesting to Hyeong that we should at least give President Eun some special treatment on his visit today, don't you think? Why don't I have someone organise a special lunch for you all?". I proposed, despite my reservations.

There was a slight pause as he and Chan-Yeol looked at each other as though having a private conversation without words.

"There's no need, President Eun give the impression he wasn't found of such behaviours, let's just be ourselves. Besides, they sought us out, as such, should he not be looking to win me over. Moreover..... never mind" he discontinued what he was about to say.

Curious, I wanted him to finish his words. "Huh? Abeoji? What did you intend to say?"

after getting a complicated look from him, I turned to Chan-Yeol, I knew he would know as to what my father intended to say. "Chan-Yeol, did something happen?" I questioned, worryingly, looking to them both for answers.

Shaking his head, my father's mood became somewhat remorseful, it was as though he had done something that required forgiveness.

Sighing deeply, he replied, "it's nothing, son,".

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After leaving my fathers' office, my previous apprehension of meeting Eun Yi-Jun, disappeared. And was replaced with a new concern, and that was, what the hell! is my father and brother hiding!

My father was never one to hold a strong opinion of anyone, if he didn't like a person's character, he would distance himself from them. Be that business or personal, the man was petty and sometimes unreasonable. But he wasn't one to continue business with someone he didn't like or trust.

Immediately, I was struck with an uncomfortable thought, "wait! is father being threatened by Eun Yi-Jun?.. oh my god! He is, isn't he, abeoji" I shockingly spoke to myself both panicked and the feeling of anger swelling up within me.

"That bastard!" I shouted, clenching my fist and banging it against my desk, "I can forgive him for what happened when we were kids! But now as adults I'll beat his ass if he ever does something to my family and I don't care if his bitch of a mother comes after me once am done with her asshole of a son!". I declared, when the door to my office abruptly swung open, startling me. And in walked the large figure of a man, accompanied by several others of similar build, all dressed in black suits and their faces covered with matching mask.

"What is this, COVID-19 Men In Black?" I instantly thought to myself.

"Sirs!, sirs!… please, you can't just walk into the president's office!" my assistant desperately tried to stop them, but was ignored.

"My apologise I thought I heard the president being threatened?" the figure said, the moment he entered my doors. However, I couldn't tell if he was being honest or if he was mocking me. Either way, he had no right to barge in here like this.

Annoyed by his rudeness, I instantly fired, "How dare you enter someone else's office in such a manner. Do you hold no etiquette? Leave now before I call security!". I firmly warned him, arising from my seat as he continued to approach me closer.

Fearful of this stranger's next actions, I pressed the emergency button on my desk to alert our security team. But, neither of this appeared to have deterred this bold man and within seconds he was standing, a mere breath away from me, his deep brown eyes staring deep into my own.

Unafraid, I glared dangerously at him, "Are you deaf? I said you are to leave NOW!". I couldn't believe how brazened this man was, did I look like I was someone easy to bully?

Again, my words had no impact on him, and he continued to glare at me silently, as though calculating his next move.

"Cheolsu! Are you o….." Chan-Yeol paused as he came dashing around the corner, his worried expression fell from his face and was replaced with a slight frown. "President Eun Yi-Jun, I see you have arrived safely…. Now, if you don't mind, could you step away from my brother!".