Work Text:
"Happy New Year, Chairman Jang!"
"Happy New Year, Happy New Year... Come sit, CEO Park. Secretary Kim, please bring more soju!"
Chairman Jang has been waiting for CEO Park. "Bring more soju" was a code for his secretary to block anyone who wanted to greet him, because he has something to say to CEO Park in private, without him realising it or he would be alarmed.
After a toast for a better year, some small talk regarding work, Chairman Jang was eager to get to the point.
"So, already adjusting to single life? How long has it been anyway?" Chairman Jang asked nonchalantly, as if the thought had just crossed his mind, not something he's been planning for the last month.
~
Park Dong Hoon laughed awkwardly, "Almost a year now... Well, I don't think it caused much different because Ji Seok's mother has been living in the U.S. long before the divorce was finalized... And even before that...," he trailed off and drained the soju from his glass. He refilled Chairman Jang's glass and his. Then they both drank it in one swallow.
"No intention to remarry?" asked Chairman Jang.
"Not you too, sir," Park Dong Hoon groaned. "My mother has been pestering me since the sixth month mark of the divorce. Sometimes I wondered how could she leave me in peace that long. Maybe because its unpleasant circumstances..."
"Divorces are always unpleasant... I think I'm quite lucky to be separated with my wife by death..."
"I'm sorry..."
"No, no need to be sorry. I've grieved enough. Now I only wanted to cherish her memory by talking about her as much as I could," Chairman Jang chuckled.
Park Dong Hoon looked at the man he admired and respect. He wished he could handled separation as well as him.
"It's just... I've known Ji Seok's mother a couple of years before we got married... But, even all that time couldn't prepared me, us, from the differences that emerged in our marriage. After everything that had happened, even if I have any intention to be with someone again - which I don't, sir - what I'm looking for now...
She didn't come by?
Who?
The girl who is always underdressed for the weather, with the pretty face...
...is a partner. We've always wanted to be understood, right? But now, I also want someone I can understand."
There's someone who knows a lot about me. And I think I know a lot about her too.
Chairman Jang nodded in agreement and understanding.
"Just thinking about starting it all over again with someone new make me feel exhausted...
Can I hug you just once? So that you can feel more energized.
I'd rather spend my energy on the company. Because even it's starting to thrive, I wouldn't say my company is in a safe place yet."
"You're right to be cautious. I need at least five years for Saman E&C to be in a somewhat comfortable state."
Ji means "quick"...
An means "comfort"...
Chairman Jang signaled his secretary for more soju, then continued.
"If you're reluctant to start with someone new, then start it with someone you already know."
"Pardon me, sir... But it's not like I have many female friends...
You're a good person...
Why did you hit him?
Because he was insulting you.
... And my female acquaintances are the wives of coworkers or clients. Well, I do have one female friend, a childhood friend. But, she's always been like a sibling..."
"So, no one from the neighborhood?"
Where do you live?
Behind Anham elementary school...
I so feel pathetic just thinking about it... Wandering around this neighborhood, hoping to catch a glimpse of you, just once...
"No..."
"How about former coworkers from Saman?"
She's horrible! I asked for paper last time, she opened the drawer with her foot!
"No."
"So, no one comes to mind?"
I really want you to be truly happy, Ahjussi...
"No..."
Fighting!
"No one."
~
The ever perceptive Chairman Jang knew that CEO Park only half present in the conversation. That faraway look told him everything. CEO Park's eyes no longer seeing Chairman Jang who was right in front of him, but probably hopefully someone else from the past. Good.
Now, for the final touch.
"I heard Lee Ji An ssi is doing well in Busan."
"L-Lee Ji An?" CEO Park snapped out of his revery.
"Yes, Lee Ji An ssi. I heard she's a hard worker and a fast learner. She's become a valuable worker there."
"That's great."
CEO Park smiled a proud and happy smile, but his eyes were so full of sadness that made even the lifehardened Chairman Jang wanted to weep.
"That's wonderful."
===
"Hello, CEO Lee! Sorry to bother you so early in the morning."
"No, no bother at all, Chairman Jang."
"I'll get straight to the point. About what we've talked earlier..."
"Oh, regarding Lee Ji An ssi?"
"Yes. I think it's alright to proceed."
"Okay then, we'll transfer her to Seoul main branch this March."
"Thank you again, Jung Woo ya. For taking her into your company and for granting this old man's silly requests... I'll buy you a drink next time."
"Ah, this small favor is nothing compared to what you've done to help us when we're in the verge of bankruptcy, Hyungnim..."
"Hahaha, it's nothing... No big deal."
"I hope whatever it is you're planning will work out well, Chairman Jang."
"I hope so too, CEO Lee. I sincerely hope so..."