The morning sun broke through the gauze of clouds as So Jin wrapped up his daily training regimen in the small courtyard of his traditional home. His breath was steady, muscles glistening slightly from the exertion. Inside, the aroma of breakfast — sizzling eggs, steamed rice, and warm tea — filled the air.
He walked over to the guest room and gently knocked on the door.
"Hikari, time to wake up."
Moments later, she emerged, her hair messy, rubbing her eyes. "Good morning… Did you already cook?"
So Jin handed her a cup of tea with a small smile. "Good morning. Eat up. We have a long day."
After a quiet breakfast filled with casual glances and a few shared laughs, they both got ready and headed to the main office in downtown Seoul.
The moment So Jin stepped into the towering glass building, the atmosphere shifted. Everyone noticed it — the storm had arrived.
He entered the executive floor with purposeful strides, Hikari walking beside him. The board members had already gathered, whispering among themselves.
He pushed open the door with force.
"Good morning," he said, coldly.
The room went silent.
Mr. Lee, Head of Logistics, stood up nervously. "Mr. So Jin—"
So Jin cut him off with a piercing glare. "Don't. Speak."
He walked to the head of the table, placed his hands on the polished wood, and scanned the room.
"I didn't build this company from the ground up to have it rot under my nose."
Everyone sat still.
"My blood and sweat are in every corner of this enterprise. And what do I see now? Falling metrics. Missed deadlines. Lazy leadership."
Mr. Park, the marketing head, gulped. "We've had staffing issues—"
"Issue one: you." So Jin's voice dropped an octave. "You're fired."
The room gasped.
"You too, Mr. Choi," he added, pointing at the finance manager. "And Ms. Han — what exactly do you do besides drain resources?"
He turned to Butler So Baek who stood nearby. "Make sure their security badges are deactivated by noon."
"Yes, Sir," the butler bowed.
Then So Jin looked at the rest of the board. "This is your only warning. Improve, or you're next."
After a heavy silence, he stepped aside. "This is Hikari Nakamura. She is the new Head of the Tourism Department. Report to her when instructed."
Hikari stood, surprised but composed. She bowed politely. "Nice to meet you."
Without another word, So Jin turned and exited the boardroom, Hikari following behind him.
---
Recruitment Begins
Outside, as they entered a waiting car, Hikari whispered, "You were terrifying back there."
So Jin chuckled. "That's the version of me they created. I only became what they deserved."
They arrived at the annex tourism office by noon. A long line of eager applicants was already waiting. Inside, So Jin and Hikari took their seats at the panel table.
"You're in charge today," So Jin said. "Use your instincts."
Hikari nodded, trying to hide her nervousness.
The first applicant came forward — young, enthusiastic, but faltered when asked about Korea's historical heritage.
"Not confident enough," So Jin whispered.
One after another, the candidates poured in. Hikari's questions were sharp and insightful, while So Jin assessed body language and subtle cues.
Some interviews stood out. An elderly man told stories of Gyeongbokgung Palace with such wisdom, Hikari clapped. A woman in her 40s recounted the tale of King Sejong with passion.
"She's already hired," So Jin said before Hikari could ask.
As the day wore on, they handpicked nine excellent candidates. Hikari leaned back and sighed.
"I never realized recruitment could be this exhausting."
So Jin handed her a bottle of cold water. "You did well. You'll lead this department perfectly."
She turned to him with a rare smile. "Thanks… boss."
He smirked. "You're welcome… director."
They shared a laugh as the sun began to set — their partnership deepening not just in the office, but in trust.
... to be continued...