Chapter 321

After greeting the dazed folks briefly, I stepped into the director’s office.

“Phew—. What a dazzlingly chaotic first day at work.”

I brushed off my lips as if dusting them and checked Hong Ki-jun’s gift first.

As I unwrapped the packaging and opened the box, a hefty nameplate revealed itself.

「Future Strategy Division Director, President Son Jin-hyeok」

An organization once created for Hong Soo-jung.

The position she held.

This time, for Jin-hyeok, Min Yong-rak and other trusted allies formed the organization, leaving the director’s seat vacant for over a year, entrusting the acting role to Strategy Planning Department Head Kim Yi-do.

‘Wow. What did I do to deserve such kindness?’

I was so overwhelmed with gratitude that I almost cried.

Isn’t that right?

The guy who said he’d take over his father’s farming is now the president in a gleaming building in Yeouido. It would be a shock to anyone, turning their world upside down.

But the dream of becoming a farmer is still valid.

Teacher Lee Byeong-se said so.

When you’re exhausted from exercising, that’s when you should start farming.

‘Using unmanned tractors for rotary tilling, drones for fertilizing…’

Using less pesticide might worry about weeds, but so what if they grow a bit? For the sake of biodiversity, let’s coexist.

It might seem like I’m daydreaming from the first day, but all of this is what Jin-hyeok had envisioned.

Unmanned farming for the emptying rural areas.

For that, inspiration from the Skyway Project is needed.

Tap-tap-tap—.

Fingers danced on the booted laptop.

「3D grid of the national land and subdivision of coordinates, automatic recognition of terrain features or pre-input of target areas…」

I typed as ideas came.

This will become a mind map, the Strategy Planning Department will conceptualize it into text, and through the Development Support Office, project teams will form, leading to fruitful results with the voluntary participation of interested researchers.

All future projects will proceed in this system.

After all, Chairman Hong Ki-jun entrusted two research institutes to Jin-hyeok’s care, meaning to do what he wants to do.

Knock-knock—.

A clear knocking sound at the open door.

The director’s office door wasn’t closed. It meant anyone could come in comfortably.

“Uh—. I didn’t get to greet you properly earlier…”

Seeing the middle-aged man hesitating at the entrance, Jin-hyeok sprang up.

“Ah! Please, have a seat.”

Following Strategy Planning Department Head Kim Yi-do, ‘the real power’ Min Yong-rak also stepped in.

It would be nice to have a heart-to-heart conversation, but for Kim Yi-do, seasoned from long office life, it wouldn’t be easy. Even if young, does it matter? Perhaps it’s even harder because of the generational gap.

I left the head seat and sat across from Kim Yi-do. Naturally, it became the seat next to Min Yong-rak.

“From now on, call me Steve. No titles like President, Director, or Head. It’d be great if you could post a notice too.”

“Will do immediately.”

They responded with smiles without needing detailed explanations.

They probably understood that this decision was for employees uncomfortable with the mismatch between young age and high rank.

I look forward to working with such people. However, I didn’t show my anticipation outwardly. Expressing anticipation could also lead to pressure.

Kim Yi-do, pushing up his glasses with a bent finger, asked.

“Should other employees also create nicknames?”

“That’s not what I meant. Corporate culture is better created voluntarily by employees. What I control will only be matters requiring the director’s approval.”

No need for detailed explanations.

In formal settings, lengthy talks blur messages and only build fatigue.

Those with work sense would ask supplementary questions about matters needing further explanation. It’s the basics of office life, no, all social life.

“There’s no secretary, but secretary duties are handled by the planning team, ah— the planning department, right?”

“Yes—, Steve.”

At Kim Yi-do’s answer, the corners of Jin-hyeok’s mouth lifted happily.

He’s quick-witted and adaptable. It must be the experience of someone who rose from the ranks to department head and acted as director.

“The responsible department member will be Manager Min.”

“Uh-huh—, Steve.”

Min Yong-rak, answering so, rolled his eyes and rubbed his neck.

It was the behavior of someone who had taken a life-risking challenge.

Jin-hyeok chuckled and said.

“Keep calling me that from now on.”

When staying in the countryside together, I kept a proper distance from Min Yong-rak.

Sometimes, I showed discomfort when boundaries were crossed.

Looking back, it was abuse of power. I wanted to repay the guilt from that time.

“In the morning, I’ll greet the division members, and in the afternoon, the research institute staff here. Tomorrow, I’ll visit the Sakdo Research Institute.”

“I’ll register the schedule. But, Steve?”

Min Yong-rak, who was taking notes, looked up.

“Chairman just contacted to check if you need a secretary…”

“I’ll let you know if I need one. Isn’t the entire Strategy Planning Department the director’s support team anyway?”

That’s also Chairman Hong Ki-jun’s sneaky move, this guy.

If he really wanted to know, he would have asked directly, no need to go through others.

From Yoo Myung-sun to Hong Ki-jun, to Yoo Se-ra.

Jin-hyeok was properly caught.

‘If sane, it’s normal to be cautious and guard alone.’

Scandals erupt unintentionally, and even with caution, rumors arise. Simplifying movements and schedules, reducing alone time to create solid alibis is best. That’s the first step of a political person, as Hong Ki-jun taught.

Department Head Kim Yi-do, as if having something to say, parted his lips.

“As the organization you’re leading is large, please provide guidelines on how to proceed with employee work reports, and we’ll prepare accordingly.”

“How many members are there in the division and the two research institutes combined?”

“Three hundred fifty in our division, four hundred in Yeouido Research Institute, and five hundred in Sakdo Research Institute.”

Not that many. Jin-hyeok grabbed his chin and shook his head.

Already knew but asked to gauge Kim Yi-do.

“Each research institute has about fifty teams, with various sub-project teams distributed below. Project teams are freely formed without following organizational structure.”

“Are there teams without team leaders?”

“None. We never work without a helmsman.”

Kim Yi-do unfolded the organizational chart and turned it for Jin-hyeok to see.

Already familiar but glanced through it earnestly. Didn’t want to appear arrogant or cocky.

Kim Yi-do licked his lips and cautiously started. It was the attitude of someone careful when repeating what was said.

“Should report the staff’s work distribution, please set the reporting order—.”

“Skip the reports. I’ll study through the division portal’s data room posts. If I have questions while understanding, I’ll ask the department heads. Just let me know who’s in charge and the progress status when asked. Hope no one hesitates.”

“Will announce.”

Kim Yi-do’s throat moved.

It meant department heads should grasp their members’ work.

The good old days of playing boss in the tiger’s absence are gone.

“Our division hasn’t had significant achievements, right?”

“That’s true.”

Kim Yi-do unfolded another file and pushed it toward Jin-hyeok.

“The development office had achievements, but they’re more like research institute support.”

“Without a development support office head, the research institute head must have taken all the credit.”

“Yes. That’s correct.”

The research institute head moved to the chairman’s office with Jin-hyeok’s appointment.

Will take office as a representative of another affiliate or retire and enjoy leisure with OB support.

“Manager Min, contact HR to send candidate materials for each office head. Executive level or above. If none, I’ll seat them as I please.”

“Yes! Steve!”

Filling heads with those who’ve worked together would be nice, but Jin-hyeok is just starting. In that sense, forming with his own people is also premature.

Considering the not-so-friendly internal and external gazes, for now, it must be filled with group personnel. This was also learned from Hong Ki-jun’s political sense.

“Our division will have much to do.”

Kim Yi-do and Min Yong-rak, each taking notes, looked up.

“No need to watch my mood, no need to get my approval for minor projects. I’ll set the big direction. That should be more comfortable.”

“Yes. Honestly, it is.”

Kim Yi-do had a calm expression, but his wavering eyes couldn’t be helped. Contrasting with Min Yong-rak’s natural reaction, having experienced Jin-hyeok before. Even in an innovative company’s free-spirited division, a rookie who’s never worked in a company speaks like a seasoned veteran understanding organizational physiology, it’s only natural to be surprised.

“Organizational restructuring will be discussed slowly. Not something to talk about from the first day.”

Setting direction and appropriate distancing, the first meeting ended simply.

“Uh, President, ah— Director, ah— Steve.”

Kim Yi-do shook his head twice, correcting the title.

“Being the first day, it’d be nice to have lunch together with our department.”

“Nice of you to say so easily. But I have an appointment today.”

“If you have an appointment, I should know, Steve?”

Min Yong-rak widened his eyes.

“A design department senior offered to buy lunch.”

“Ah—.”

Is that so?

Min Yong-rak tilted his head.

The design department rookie who went down to the lobby to welcome Jin-hyeok, boasting about buying lunch. The voice and laughter were so loud the lobby echoed.

***

After a brief meeting with Yeouido-based staff in the afternoon, I examined the organizational chart and employee profiles.

Min Yong-rak sipped coffee, watching Jin-hyeok’s expression.

“Feeling disappointed?”

“Ah—. No, well…”

Min Yong-rak looked around as if someone might eavesdrop.

“Don’t be disappointed. Let’s think of it as the chairman’s plaything with no joy. Even my father didn’t know.”

“Ah, really?”

“Only my mom knew.”

Jin-hyeok chuckled.

Even if hidden from dad, didn’t want to hide from mom.

Can’t forget mom’s expression when I secretly confided after promising confidentiality.

Knew mom’s eyes were big, but also learned there are hidden pupils.

“Wow— but, Jin-hyeok— Steve.”

“Yes.”

Jin-hyeok, flipping through documents, looked up with a comfortable gaze.

“Do you have to save a country in your past life? To succeed like that?”

That’s probably what the world wonders.

What’s so great, what fortune you’re born with to run such an unbelievable success path.

“Save a country? At least the Earth.”

Jin-hyeok laughed warmly like a drunk, and Min Yong-rak made a disgusted face, waving his hand.

Earth, what, are you Superman?

“Lots of documents. Need to go through them slowly.”

“Right, Steve. Today’s not the only day.”

Understanding it as a signal to start serious meetings, Min Yong-rak changed his posture.

“But, Steve. Whether male or female, having one secretary would be nice.”

“Why? Manager Min handles my schedule. Is it too hard?”

“Hard, what—, being president and director, making coffee and copying yourself, employees feel uncomfortable. Higher-ups should stay out of sight as much as possible.”

That makes sense.

Thought being a young boss would make them feel at ease, but it seems not for salary workers.

“Gyeonggi is good, and the division hiring budget is ample, creating a few more jobs wouldn’t be a big deal, as Department Head Kim said.”

“I’ll make coffee and copy myself. If no other reason, let’s proceed. Need to see employees often and get close to blend in easily later. Being confined to this room is like a prison. Especially for someone like me who needs to keep moving.”

“Ah, yes—.”

Click—.

As Jin-hyeok sat on the sofa, Min Yong-rak opened his diary and pressed his pen.

“Reports, just the key points briefly, unless it’s a document requiring the director’s approval, department heads decide.”

Min Yong-rak nodded, playing with his pen.

“Tell the development office to develop a system. All project emails should have the director in BCC.”

“Already grasped the work there? Some with department head titles don’t know.”

Grasp, what, it’s obvious how most companies operate.

In the future, it’s IT outsourcing, in-house system management, or development team requests.

Having experienced it, it’s inevitable to know.

“Except for research and technical staff, no employees work overtime, right?”

“Not many.”

“Seems there are some?”

“Some lunatics work better in the quiet night.”

Jin-hyeok felt a pang.

He also had higher work concentration at dawn.

From 10 PM to 1 AM, feeling restless, then the brain starts spinning at 1 AM. Those who’ve worked overtime know.

Perhaps influenced by the rhythm of living obsessed with studying.

“Need to introduce flexible work hours.”

“What’s that?”

Min Yong-rak, moving his not-so-flexible waist, asked.

‘Like a bullfrog doing yoga.’

Jin-hyeok clenched his teeth.

Min Yong-rak had returned to treating Jin-hyeok comfortably as before.

Jin-hyeok also finds it comfortable. Must maintain minimal formalities in work, but dividing people by rank is still uncomfortable.

“Tell them to come and leave at comfortable times, as long as it doesn’t negatively affect the project. Of course, shouldn’t hinder collaborative partners’ work. Leave this to autonomy, department heads might hesitate, so fix it with a director’s order.”

“Will HR stay still?”

“In such cases, absolutely…”

Jin-hyeok paused briefly.

Needed to choose the next word appropriately.