Chapter 1
Two minutes. I have two, no scratch that, one minute and fifty-six seconds before the meeting starts. I walk briskly past rows of office desks with employees diligently typing away or talking importantly on the phone. They always do that when I walk by. One of them was so desperate, he grabbed a stapler instead of a receiver and pressed it to his ear. I guess that’s what people do when the owner of the company walks by.
I reach the desk of my secretary. She sits up clutching a thick folder packed with documents and in her other hand she is holding out a cup of black coffee.
“Good morning, Ms Kim. Everyone is in the boardroom. And the video call is already set up.”
I take the folder from her, ignoring the cup of coffee. I’ll have to get my caffeine fix later in the day when I have the time. If I ever get any free time which is terribly rare – not that I mind.
“Thank you, Janet. Can you move my meeting with Mr Yao to three this afternoon and chase up the financial report from last month.”
“Yes Ms Kim.”
I reach the doors of the boardroom. I take a quick glance at my reflection off the polished glass doors. My shoulder length blonde hair is neatly tied back and I’m wearing a black pencil skirt with a black blazer over a white blouse. I push open the doors. There is a brief pause as I enter the room. Conversations are halted and all eyes are on me as I take my place at the head of the table. In front of me there is a large screen filled with a view of another boardroom. There is a buzz of energy in the air. Sitting at the head of their table is a well kempt man in his late fifties - none other than the CEO of Hwang Industries himself.
I stand up from my seat and respectfully bow. “Good morning Mr Hwang, I am pleased to see you looking well.”
A smile breaks on the man’s face. “And a good morning to you Ms Kim. I am glad to you haven’t forgotten manners despite your success.”
I sit myself back down shaking my head gently. “I merely succeeded my father, Mr Hwang. Nothing to be glorified for I’m afraid.”
He heartily chuckled. “So modest as well! Yes, your family’s business was doing well throughout South Korea I admit, but I believe it was you who made your company internationally renowned.”
I smile. Small talk. I hate small talk. But business is all about the small talk. An outsider would be surprised to know that ninety per cent of all business interactions consist of small talk and ass kissing. Enquiring about the wife and kids, then about the mistresses and lovers. Any new boats purchased? However, I’ve been after Hwang Industries for a long time. They are our primary competitor in our manufacturing ventures. They have, on numerous occasion secured deals that our company has been equally vying for.
As luck would have it, Mr Hwang put his trust in the wrong man. One of the partners in their company embezzled millions of dollars and made several bad deals that left the company in debt. Of course Mr Hwang tried nobly to save their company, however the debt was too great. They need someone to bail them out. And they came to me. My plan now is to buy their company and dominate the market nationally and overseas.
Right. Back to the small talk.
“Well, I had to prove myself. I took over at a young age so it was understandable that people were apprehensive. But you, Mr Hwang, have no concerns about my abilities I hope?”
Everyone else in both boardrooms was silent. Like spectators in a tennis match. A few were silently taking notes.
“No. Definitely not, Ms Kim. I have done my background checks on you. I was pleased to have learnt about your work ethics, the respect you have towards your employees, and the fact that you do honest business. Very admirable, especially for a twenty-five year old.” His expression turned solemn. “If I have learnt anything recently, it is that age is no indicator of honour and reliability. I have learnt that the hard way Ms Kim, as you would already be aware of. So, we are now all here because I place a great deal of trust in you. This company that my grandfather started years ago is more than just a business. I am placing my friends, my family in your hands.”
