Landing in Your Inbox

39 - whistleblower

December 7, 2020 10:22 AM
KEEN Main Store, Yongsan, Seoul

Nothing like starting the week with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The easiest way to generate media buzz, positive press and record sales.

"It's my honor to represent Seri's Choice in introducing this partnership with KEEN apparel." Se-ri spoke to the microphone, dressed in a black wool-twill jacket with dramatically peaked shoulders, matching skirt and leather boots. "We are proud to present you with our new line that blends personal comfort and individuality so our dear shoppers can feel cozy in their own skin and cultivate their own style at the same time. We invite you to browse our products, you will surely find a last-minute present or two for the holidays. Thank you for taking time to join us."

Mr. Hong joined her side after finishing her speech to enthusiastic applause, "Ms. Yoon. Your brother and sister-in-law are here."

Seri stopped still, "Which?"

"Your eldest brother."

Se-joon. Seri rolled her eyes. "You know what to do, Mr. Hong." She turned her back until Hye-ji started calling her and causing a scene.

"Seri! Seri! Over here!" She waved in the middle of the audience.

***

"Se-hyeong and dad were talking yesterday." Sejoon confided by the cocktail table in a hushed tone. His brown suit against his wife's pink dress made them resemble some cake. "He narrowed down the lead to the whistleblowing case. He thinks it's Gu Myeong-su's son, Gu Seung-jun."

"Why do I need to know about this again?" Seri asked, forehead pinched with annoyance, her arms crossed. "You're interrupting my event."

"Seri, don't you get it? If Se-hyeong finds the culprit behind this mess, father will entrust him with the company."

"Dad isn't stupid." Then Seri's eyebrow hitched up, "Why are you suddenly interested in Guryong, anyway? Didn't you say the libel case is going very well?"

"It is." Se-joon insisted.

Hye-ji tugged his arm, "Honey, just tell her the truth."

"It's not doing well." Se-joon admitted, just like that. "We're afraid the prosecutors would raid Queens Group anytime. Seri, we should work together."

The notion was so stupid that Seri froze before breaking into contemptuous laughter. "Why would I do that?"

"Se-hyeong shouldn't get the upper hand. Would you take this seriously??" Se-joon's rising tone led his wife to stroke his back for both calm and support.

"Say we beat Se-hyeong in his game and discover wherever Guryong's son is, what will you do?" Better yet, Seri asked, "Are you going to support me as CEO?"

Se-joon was affronted, "Of course not!"

"Then I'm wasting my time." Seri turned back."Support me as CEO and I'll work with you." Was Seri's counter-proposal. "If you can find this Gu Seung-jun fellow before Se-hyeong does then, great. That should keep you busy than following me." Seri checked her watch before taking off, "I'm busy."