Chapter Text
Silence stifling yet familiar surrounded the interior of a sleek black Audi. Chang Ok stifled a sigh as he glanced at the rear-view mirror checking his boss’s reaction. At the age of 55 he never thought he would have to bow his head down to anyone other than the older CEO of Lee Enterprises – Lee Geunho, however the day came too soon when the elder man stepped down for his son. His son who was now his boss, someone he had never seen in the limelight until he took over Lee enterprises.
“Eyes on the road Chang Ok-ssi.” The deep voice startled Chang Ok out of his thoughts and he stifled another sigh when he thought of the young, serious and apathetic man.
“I apologise President Lee. Shall I head to the main entrance or the side entrance President?”
“Main entrance.” Was the single command. As usual there was no place for any conversation not relevant to the driver’s job.
Giving in to the urge, Chang Ok sighed quietly in relief as a large glass building came into view. The 32-floor building looked impressive on all accounts; fragile yet imposing in central Seoul. Parking by the curb, Chang Ok quickly exited to open the door for the young President. As the young President Lee got out of the car, Chang Ok had the same thought as he gazed upon the tall man, a thought he has had every day for the last three years – ‘it is not only the building that appears imposing and impressive’.
“You may head back to the main house, Chang Ok-ssi.” With that the President headed towards the entrance of the building. With another sigh, Chang Ok got back in the car and made his way back to the main house.
Lee Enterprises
Sharp footsteps ricocheted off the white marble flooring as a tall young man in a sleek black suit headed towards the reception desk. He stood out from those around him with his perfectly tailored black suit, perfectly coiffed dark brown hair, cold handsome face and the commanding aura surrounding him as he took each step.
“Welcome President Lee. Shall I arrange for a coffee to be taken up to the Board room?” The well-dressed receptionist asked with a formal bow.
“Espresso.” Was the one-word answer as he walked past reception towards the lift, heading up to the board room on the 30th floor.
“Oh, I’m so glad I came to work here Unnie! He is so hot!” The younger receptionist swooned as the older straightened from her bow.
Raising her eyebrow, the older said “Miyoung-ah eyes on the job love or you’re gonna get your heart broken. He is known as the Cold Demon for a reason you know. He’s perfect and perfectly ruthless. He’s shown no interest in anyone or anything but this Enterprise, he won’t be interested in you so don’t get your hopes up. This isn’t a K-drama.”
“Ah Chansook Unnie! Don’t be a spoilsport! I won the beauty contest in Ansan you know! I’m sure I have a chance!” Miyoung pouted petulantly.
Chansook chuckled as she shook her head, “You don’t understand Miyoung-ah. You will soon understand, there are many to come to the meeting today still. Come let us prepare.”
As they turned around to order the coffee, they heard a pair of stilettos walking briskly towards them. Looking up they saw a beautiful young woman wearing a form fitting suit, the red stilettos contrasting her black suit and the only thing brightening the overly formal environment, further highlighted her long legs. Her reddish-brown hair falling on her shoulders in glamourous, elegant curls.
“A Latte for me. Has the President arrived?” She asked.
“Yes Vice-President Jung. He is in the Board room. We will bring you your latte too.” Chansook bowed again in greeting.
With a slight nod of the head, President Jung strode away towards the lifts heading to the board room elegantly.
Miyoung gaped after the beautiful Vice-President in awe. Rising from her bow, Chansook calmly used a finger to shut the gaping mouth of Miyoung.
“Now you understand. Why you won’t be able to attract President Lee’s attention?” She asked smugly.
“Yes Unnie…” Miyoung replied faintly, still in awe of the superior beauty and elegance.
Meanwhile at Happy Heart Kindergarten
A soft voice hummed a beautiful melody as the owner danced around a playroom cleaning the floor. The owner a lithe young man with shaggy pastel pink hair pushed back his hair as he readied the bright primary coloured room before the arrival of the kids.
Deeming the floor adequately cleaned, he rolled up the sleeves of his oversized bright yellow hoodie to start cleaning the fruit shaped table tops. Humming louder as he got to the chorus of the song in his head, he failed to notice the older couple standing by the doorway, smiling fondly at the colourful young man. Both dressed impeccably in grey formal suits, seemingly out of place in the colourful environment.
Nodding in self-satisfaction at his work, the young man stood up and turned around to clear away the cleaning materials when he noticed the couple by the doorway. Ducking his head down in a bashful manner, he greeted shyly “Good morning Mr. and Mrs. Shim!”
Mr. Shim chuckled as he stepped forward to ruffle the young man’s hair, “Good morning Jonghyun-ah. You’re here early, why is that?”
“Yes, I know you already cleaned after the children yesterday evening.” Mrs Shim added with a smile.
“I did clean after them yesterday but it’s a new day and more dirt and germs would’ve collected overnight so I wanted to clear as much as I can before the kids arrive.” Jonghyun said with a small grin.
The couple laughed fondly, it was of no surprise to them that the young man would do this, he had always been going the extra mile to care for others, after all that’s how they met him.
“The other teachers should be arriving soon Jonghyun-ah. Have you had breakfast? If not there’s a blueberry muffin in the kitchen I got on my way back from my morning run, have it later as a snack if you don’t want it now.” Mr. Shim said as he walked towards his wife.
“Don’t stay back too late either Jonghyun-ah. You have evening classes tonight and I want you to study properly so you can pass and become a permanent staff member here alright?” Mrs. Shim mock scolded him with a smile.
“Yes! I’ll be good!” Jonghyun said with a wobbly voice and glittering eyes. A happy grin on his face.
“Aish, this emotional little puppy!” Mr. Shim said as Mrs. Shim enveloped Jonghyun in a warm hug. “We might be late so don’t stay back to greet us. There’s an important meeting taking place today between all the major enterprises. Ahh…I don’t know what’s going to come out of it, but I hope it doesn’t affect us much.”
Mrs. Shim comfortingly rubbed her husband’s arm, “Don’t worry dear, I’m sure everything will be fine. Our Kindergarten is only a small business, it shouldn’t be too much trouble. Alright we’re heading to work now Jonghyun-ah, have a good day!”
“Thank you! Have a good day too Mr. and Mrs. Shim! Fighting!” Jonghyun pumped his fist with a large grin.
Jonghyun continued waving until the couple pulled out of the driveway. Once he could no longer see them, he headed back inside the kindergarten. He rubbed his chest frowning, anxiety regarding something blooming inside, he wasn’t sure what, but he felt like something was going to happen. Letting out a deep breath he straightened, pushing his hair out of his eyes he pumped his fist again looking up at the blue sky,
“Today will be a good day!”