I Will Prove It in One Year (1)
It was something I always felt—time truly flies.
The day of the meeting for the 115km project was approaching. To our division, it was decided that myself, Choi Hyena, and Kim Junho would attend.
The three of us arrived at the conference room first and took our seats. Other than us, no one else had arrived yet.
Kim Junho, shaking so much his teeth were almost chattering, spoke up.
"No, really... Even if our team leader is busy, is it okay for someone like me, just a regular employee, to be part of such an important meeting?"
At that, Choi Hyena placed her hand over the back of his.
"I'm nervous too."
Was it because of recent events?
If Lee Yunjung had been here, she probably would've perked up her bunny ears, paying rapt attention to their conversation.
The problem was, even I found myself interested.
"But don't get too nervous. If Junho-nim shakes like that, it'll affect the division director's presentation, you know."
I almost doubted my ears. Was it really necessary to speak so coldly?
"Yes! I'll try not to get in the division director's way— I'll close my eyes now and count sheep or something."
Kim Junho closed his eyes and began breathing rhythmically in perfect posture.
Wasn't that something one did only when trying to get a good night's sleep?
Choi Hyena locked eyes with me and gave a little nod, as if she'd cleared all obstacles out of the way.
This feeling was... complicated.
It was the eve of an important confrontation, but what was this? Did I want to see the preceding preliminary events?
What exactly was the relationship between those two? Trusted colleagues, or something more?
Now that I held the title of division director, I couldn't even ask indirectly. It would look undignified.
As I mulled over various thoughts, the main players of the meeting arrived.
Led by the vice CEO, there was the executive vice president and his closest aide, business Strategy Team Leader Lee Siwon.
They went straight to their seats, not so much as giving me a nod that could count as a greeting.
Even when I stood up and politely greeted them, there was no response.
Choi Hyena tugged the end of my sleeve and whispered.
"Does the division director really need to act so submissively? This is such an irrational statement, but..."
"Let's hear your irrational statement."
"I just feel hurt seeing the division director seeming lower than them."
I looked at Choi Hyena for a moment. She was always so level-headed—why was she so emotional about something like this? It was fascinating, honestly.
Before I knew it, I found myself thinking of the chairman.
I'm no different from Choi Hyena.
If I'd been acting solely for my own ideals and gain, I should have behaved with more greed.
But I didn't...
[That was such a cherished time. Even if I want to go back, I can't return to those days.]
[I've tried experienced guys, guys with good careers, smart guys. If none of those work, there's only one thing left. Someone who loves it so much he could go crazy, just like I was before. You need to give that kind of guy a shot. I'd forgotten that.]
[Five years. If you truly love it, go crazy for it—just like we did in the old days.]
It must be because of those words—no, that sincerity.
So to reassure Choi Hyena—in a way I don't usually care for, but for my people—I said,
"Sometimes, social etiquette reflects someone's true heart. Hyena-nim and I will have to play the villain a lot in the future, won't we?"
"I'm ready to be a villain if it's with you, division director."
"Still, just because we play villains doesn't mean we need to get hit with rotten tomatoes."
Choi Hyena looked at me with a puzzled expression, so I continued.
"Our consistently polite attitude towards others will eventually be seen as a good image by everyone in Theme Park Operations Division. That image will serve as a breakwater when we become villains. So, let's bow our heads now for the sake of that future."
But instead of Choi Hyena, it was Kim Junho who bent at a right angle, greeting the room with a voice that reverberated.
"Vice CEO, you're here! I look forward to your valuable guidance once again today."
At that moment, I saw the dumbfounded faces of the vice CEO and the executive vice president's group.
Choi Hyena kept slapping Kim Junho on the thigh.
"Don't overdo it."
"No, I just wanted to put the division director's sincerity into action..."
Well... maybe that's just Kim Junho's personality, genuinely showing goodwill. Such a pure person.
Though he didn't have to go this far.
"Well done."
In this situation, praise is best.
About a minute later, a woman in a suit and thick-rimmed glasses arrived, clearly making a fashion statement.
It was Lee Ji-young, head of the External Business Division.
Instead of going to her seat next to the executive vice president, she walked over to me on the opposite side and held out her hand.
"Director Hyunmin, let's do our best today."
Everything about her actions radiated confidence.
The looks from those around us seemed to say: Today's clash between her and me was the highlight of the meeting.
I shook her hand and replied,
"I'm looking forward to your presentation, division director."
"Oh my, what's the real meaning of that? Is it interest or expectation?"
I simply smiled without answering, and she continued,
"If it's interest—ah! You think I'm nothing special. You'd be hiding your disregard. If it's expectation, it means you're confident you'll crush me. A sign of your impending victory, right?"
"You're reading too much into it."
"Don't bother with unnecessary humility. You're not that kind of person. Anyway, let's do our best. Ah! This is just my personal opinion, but... does Next Planet really need four divisions? Don't you agree?"
Lee Ji-young was oozing confidence—overflowing, even.
And wasn't this a declaration of war? Like she'd soon wipe out the Reform Division.
Guess I should respond at least once.
"Our presentation from the Reform Division will surpass the External Business Division's. I'm confident, so I won't be humble about it."
At that, Lee Ji-young's eyes flashed, and I felt everyone in the room focusing on my next words.
"I also agree with the division director that three divisions would be enough."
I turned my gaze, not to Lee Ji-young, but to Executive Vice President Kim.
Lee Ji-young's face twisted—she must have realized my intent.
I paid no attention to provocations from a minor division like the External Business Division.
The real target was the Business Strategy Division led by Executive Vice President Kim.
And Lee Ji-young's oversight was clear: When I moved up, there would be no place for her at Next Planet.
Clearly annoyed, Lee Ji-young retreated to her seat beside Executive Vice President Kim.
All the meeting participants had now assembled.
To Business Strategy Division and External Business Division came each team's team leader and their team members.
To Theme Park Operations Division, Division Director Oh Kang-il and his close aide, facility Management Team Leader Kim Wooyoung, attended.
Kim Wooyoung, small and seemingly technically meticulous, was the polar opposite of Director Oh Kang-il in appearance.
Executive Vice President Kim stepped forward.
"Thank you all for gathering for the sake of Next Planet's growth despite your busy schedules. Let's start by hearing opinions on whether moving forward with the 115km project is the right decision."
Business Strategy Team Leader Lee Siwon explained the 115km project, and every attendee expressed the opinion that it should proceed.
Then Lee Ji-young stepped forward.
The main event had begun.
Text appeared onscreen:
[One billion won investment, only One Condition To Nonsan City]
She spoke.
"With the 115km project, our collaboration with Nonsan City is expected to bring huge benefits to Next Planet. Nonsan City is our best partner, after all."
As long as Next Planet didn't leave Nonsan, the relationship with the city would always be vital.
She wielded a weapon I didn't have, grabbing everyone's attention.
"Nonsan City is giving us one billion won in support, asking only for a single song. What's more, to respect the artist's creativity, Nonsan City agreed to only be involved with the song's basic concept."
She further explained how Next Planet would reinvest the one billion won in 115km, showing respect for the group.
It's hard to break convention, but her logic was classical itself—plus, it was simple.
On top of that, she added fan-perspective details.
Honestly, I couldn't remember the last time I saw such a stellar presentation.
As soon as she finished, the room buzzed.
"Wow... That's good."
Choi Hyena and Kim Junho looked extremely tense—and understandably so. The person who said this was Kim Wooyoung, from Theme Park Operations Division.
Pure wonder, free of political agenda.
Business Strategy Team Leader Lee Siwon, a key player, joined in, animated.
"As expected of Director Lee Ji-young. Her sincerity is unmatched."
Other compliments for Lee Ji-young erupted from all sides.
"I think it's great. Actually, it's not just great—thanks to the 115km project, I get the feeling Next Planet's awareness will rise dramatically."
"I'm convinced this project will be a major hit."
"The photospot, goods—the ideas are fantastic. External Business Division's really going to hit it big this time."
I had to admit it.
This time, the vice CEO and executive vice president's side were exceptionally well prepared.
"We can really do this, right?"
Kim Junho, lips trembling, spoke up, only for Choi Hyena to lightly slap his thigh with her palm.
That must have been to remind him to keep quiet so as not to irk me. I appreciated each little action.
"115km already said they're satisfied with our proposal. Is there any need for more discussion?"
I could feel Director Lee Ji-young's gaze drilling into me.
At that moment, the meeting room door opened.
With all of Next Planet's key players already gathered, there weren't many who could dare enter late.
A powerfully built, middle-aged man, brimming with explosive energy, walked in.
Everyone rose to their feet.
"Sorry I'm late. No need to stand, just continue."
A voice that overwhelmed the room—the chairman himself.
A flustered Choi Younghoon scurried over to stand beside him.
"No, chairman, you're such a busy person, what brings you here...?"
"Oh, come now. Of course I'm here—Next Planet has an important meeting, so I had to come even though I'm busy."
Everyone was thrown into confusion.
It had been years since the chairman attended a meeting, essentially entrusting full authority to Vice CEO Choi.
With the unexpected arrival of this unplanned guest, everyone looked uncertain, unable to predict how things might unfold.
As soon as the chairman sat down, his voice boomed, echoing through the meeting room.
"I've already reviewed the materials about the meeting. It's a shame I couldn't see Director Lee Ji-young's presentation myself, but is there any need to drag this out?"
Everyone scrambled to decipher the chairman's intent.
True to form, the chairman gave no one time to think.
"Director Lee Hyunmin, how are you going to break this logic? Any way I look at it, this game's over."
At that, director Lee Ji-young's face brightened. She covered her upturned lips with her hand holding documents, trying to hide her glee.
Apparently certain of victory, Executive Vice President Kim grabbed Vice CEO Choi's hand.
To Team Leader Lee Siwon on down, all the vice CEO's faction looked fit to burst with joy.
I got up from my seat.
"Chairman, shouldn't you at least give me a chance?"
"Sure, don't drag it out—just do it quickly."
The chairman made it clear—if he lost interest for even a second, he'd get right up and leave.
That meant I needed to be prepared, with no time for a staged presentation.
I'd go straight on the attack.
"Director Lee Ji-young."
"Yes?"
"Is 115km truly satisfied with that proposal?"
At my question, director Lee Ji-young answered with a confident smile.
"Oh my. Did you think I wouldn't double-check something like that before coming here? The thing we prioritized in the External Business Division was the artist's motivation. Just yesterday morning, 115km emailed us saying they'd consider it positively."
The room grew noisy again. Everyone seemed certain she'd won.
I acted as if showing everyone my phone screen.
"This is a text I received from 115km this morning. It says they'd prefer to go with our proposal if at all possible."
Director Lee Ji-young and her entire group's expressions completely changed.
The chairman, on the other hand, was grinning, finding the developments interesting.
"Wh-How...?"
"Director Lee Ji-young just said it herself. The artist's motivation is what matters—as do I. That's why our Reform Division provided an idea that would ignite 115km's creativity."
With everyone's eyes on me,
I turned to Choi Hyena.
"Hyena-nim, please explain how you persuaded 115km."
"Huh? Me?"
"You did all the persuading, didn't you? So you should be the one to explain."
Choi Hyena looked unsure, her face pale.
"Just do it as you did with 115km. You can do it, Hyena-nim."