Impossible Romance - Chapter 68

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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68.

Today, as an example, Chairman Kwon had summoned the executives to witness a direct competition between his two grandsons’ capabilities. The executives could only watch nervously as the young successors who would lead Seonjin Group in the future competed against each other.
Chairman Kwon sat in the center, observing Kwon Seok-jun standing before him. As Kwon Seok-jun displayed offshore wind turbines on the sea across the screen, he continued his presentation.
“With Seonjin Group’s resources, we have sufficient capital and technology to gain an advantage in the bidding competition. We’ve already made moves with government departments recently, and the media will flow favorably toward us.”
Kwon Seok-jun lifted his polished face and explained smoothly.
His intention was to win the competition against Kwon Seok-ha by any means necessary and solidify his position as successor. He had even distributed gifts to several board members who participated in the meeting through behind-the-scenes work.
“Isn’t that an overly rosy outlook? Don’t you think competing companies have also made moves with government departments? The media is the same. Don’t you realize that if you conduct bribery and behind-the-scenes work without facts, it becomes even more unmanageable when exposed later? The backlash could be far worse.”
Kwon Seok-ha’s expression was sharp as he spoke into the microphone with his question. The executives listening nodded in agreement.
At his words, Kwon Seok-jun ground his teeth inwardly. Anger flared at the thought that Seok-ha was constantly obstructing him.
“Then, what’s your view on this, Executive Director Kwon?”
Chairman Kwon gave Kwon Seok-ha the floor to speak.
“When developing the sea, we’ll face strong opposition from fishermen whose fishing rights are infringed upon. If we ignore that aspect, the project will face delays later. We’ve already completed our investigation, and only implementation remains.”
“Come on, all you need to do is distribute some money to the local influential figures in that region. I’ve already handled all of that. Executive Director Kwon, you’ve been in business for a long time, but your thinking doesn’t seem flexible enough.”
Kwon Seok-jun scoffed mockingly, as if dismissing what Seok-ha had suggested. He believed the power of local influential figures and politicians was more important than that of powerless fishermen.
“Department Head, how can you feel assured about moves you’ve made in times like these? All we need to do is demonstrate our sufficient capital and technological capabilities. Appeasing the fishermen also benefits our corporate image. Let’s stop this outdated way of thinking, shall we?”
At Kwon Seok-ha’s sharp retort, Kwon Seok-jun trembled with clenched fists.
However, there was no room to refute his words. From the start, this was a business he had jumped into belatedly to trip up Kwon Seok-ha, so there was no real strategy to speak of. That’s why he had only been paying attention to local influential figures and political circles, doing things the way he always had.
“Hmm, Executive Director Kwon has a point. If recordings of money being handed over for silencing emerge, or if someone makes a conscience declaration, it becomes a headache.”
Chairman Kwon nodded.
“My team has been preparing this project for years. We’re already pushing forward with submarine cable projects related to development. All team members are working with full effort, refusing to tolerate even the smallest mistakes. This is a national strategic project and the future revenue source for our group.”
Kwon Seok-ha lifted the corners of his mouth and surveyed the room with ease. A pristine blue sky without a speck of dust shone behind Kwon Seok-ha.
Having drawn everyone’s attention, he spoke again.
“Chairman.”
Kwon Seok-ha rose from his seat and addressed Chairman Kwon. At his words, everyone’s attention focused on Seok-ha.
“Speak. Is there something you need?”
“There is something I need.”
“What is it?”
“Please abandon your belief that internal competition is good.”
At Kwon Seok-ha’s statement, everyone in the conference room stirred in surprise. It could appear as though he was rebelling against Chairman Kwon.
“What did you say?”
The white-haired Chairman Kwon’s white eyebrows twitched.
“If Seonjin Distribution suddenly enters like this, we’re ultimately cutting our own flesh. We’re wastefully duplicating efforts over an obvious conclusion.”
“So you’re saying my belief is wrong?”
Chairman Kwon’s voice was heavy as a tiger’s, and seeing this, Kwon Seok-jun felt pleased inwardly. If he could crush Kwon Seok-ha for pointing out the Chairman’s mistake in front of everyone, hope would emerge for him.
“Chairman, please set a direction now. How much longer will you have us compete within Seonjin? Paying attention to this kind of competition is wasting someone capable like me.”
Kwon Seok-ha confidently demanded that Chairman Kwon decide on a successor in front of everyone. It was a declaration of war against both Chairman Kwon and Kwon Seok-jun.
Heavy silence fell over the conference room. Everyone was only watching for Chairman Kwon’s reaction. Only Kwon Seok-ha, who had made his bold move, wore a confident expression.
He possessed abundant data corresponding to the effort poured into this project. If Chairman Kwon rejected him, Kwon Seok-ha had already considered pursuing business independently. He was no longer willing to remain a puppet dancing in Chairman Kwon’s palm forever.
Chairman Kwon swept his gaze across Seok-ha with piercing eyes, openly defying his convictions. The air in the conference room grew taut, as though suffocating.
“Ha ha ha!”
Suddenly, Chairman Kwon laughed loudly and clapped his hands. The Executives wore bewildered expressions, struggling to read the shift in atmosphere.
“That’s my Seok-ha. A true grandson of mine. So, you’re throwing down a gauntlet at me, are you?”
“Not a gauntlet, sir. I’m asking you to make a decision now. Competing within the Subsidiary Companies just to secure business rights is nothing but wasteful bloodshed. It doesn’t look good from the outside either.”
Seok-ha spoke with unwavering confidence.
“I believe you’re offering us a fair opportunity. I have the qualifications too.”
Seok-jun, cornered, stepped forward to speak. His only thought was that if he backed down now, it would be the end.
“Then, let us compete in something else. The offshore wind power development is a project our team has already made substantial progress on.”
Seok-ha stepped forward again to speak. Compared to Seok-jun, whose complexion had changed under pressure, his demeanor was remarkably composed and assured.
“Fine! I’m giving you full authority, Seok-ha. Push forward with this however you see fit.”
Chairman Kwon’s magnanimous directive fell like a gavel.
“Thank you, Chairman.”
Chairman Kwon raised Seok-ha’s hand in support, confident and bold in his advance. Only then did the Executives’ expressions ease. Of course, Seok-jun’s expression was beyond words.
“Department Head, assist Executive Director Kwon. This is a good opportunity for you to learn from Seok-ha too. He has the ability, which is why he’s so confident and assured.”
At the sudden directive, Seok-jun’s expression turned sour. Yet he still could not defy Chairman Kwon, who remained at the apex of power.
“Yes, Chairman.”
“Then, we’ll settle this matter as decided. Executive Director Kwon, since you’ve stepped forward with such confidence, make sure this project succeeds. If you fail, there will be nothing left for you. Understood?”
“Yes. Rest assured.”
A smile bloomed across Seok-ha’s face for the first time in ages, and the gathered Executives offered their applause.

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Seok-ha entered the Executive Office and untied his necktie, tossing it onto the Sofa.
“Congratulations on winning over the Chairman’s heart.”
Hwang Manager followed him in and offered his congratulations.
“Win over his heart? If things go south, I’ll leave Seonjin anyway. I was just giving him a warning. Grandfather needs to understand how much of a loss it would be for Seonjin without me.”
As Seok-ha spoke while lightly stroking his chin, he had returned to his original arrogant self.
“You’re still the same, sir.”
Hwang Manager laughed as though making a joke.
“What about Jun-hee?”
Seok-ha’s eyes turned cold in an instant. Even though seasons had changed multiple times, he still could not let go of Jun-hee.
“I apologize. There is no new information.”
The expression that had been smiling all along froze on Hwang Manager’s face.
“I see. Sigh….”
Seok-ha lowered his head deeply and cradled it in both hands. The triumphant elation from receiving the Chairman’s recognition moments before had vanished without a trace.
“Executive Director, at this point, Jun-hee must be somewhere no one can find. She must want to be alone. She doesn’t want to see you.”
Hwang Manager deliberately spoke harsh words. He hoped that somehow this would make Seok-ha give up on Jun-hee.
“….”
Seok-ha made no rebuttal and simply listened.
“So please forget about her.”
Hwang Manager poured out all the words he had been unable to say until now. The superior who was always perfect and full of vitality became so powerless whenever they were alone.
“This isn’t like you, Executive Director.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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