Journey of Love (Ai Qing Zhi Qiu)

“The more I think, the madder I’m getting. They say business is operated 24 hours a day … It’s now only just past 9:00 p.m. and already nobody is answering the phone. .” Pu Zheng Yuan grumbled.

“Perhaps they have to attend to some urgent matters in a hurry.” Hyun Chul said.

The car they rented had a blowout. They could not get in touch with the people from the rental shop and were now stranded somewhere on the coastal highway between Mt. Sanbangsan and Mt. Songak.

“Let’s find a family hostel to stay the night?” Pu Zheng Yuan said.

“There is no need! Haven’t we often behaved like this when we were still in school?” Hyun Chul looked at the new moon on the horizon. He did not mind staying the night in this way. He would regard it as a special memory bestowed upon him by heaven above!

It did not take long for the two of them to finish six cans of beer.

“Once you leave, I don’t know how long before we can drink to our hearts’ content again …” Pu Zheng Yuan said.

Hyun Chul laughed, “What are you saying! It isn’t as if I’m not coming back …”

“At first I thought once you finished your studies in the States, you would stay in the country. I never thought …” Pu Zheng Yuan looked at Hyun Chul and asked: “How did you convince your parents?”

Hyun Chul smiled and did not answer.

“How is Uncle willing to set you free?”

“Hasn’t he allowed me to study overseas?”

“That is different … To study overseas would broaden your mental horizon, but to work overseas is a different matter …”

“Actually it’s not too difficult to communicate with my father …”

“What, you and your father have a big reconciliation?” Pu Zhen Yuan said in astonishment. Hyun Chul had taken a lot of talking to convince his family to let him further his studies overseas. At the beginning he had also experienced an earthshaking family resolution when he chose to study law in the university.

Hyun Chul smiled. Since three years’ ago when her mother saved her life by sheer luck after an operation, his father had changed a lot and was no longer as obstinate as he used to be. What pleased him most was the estrangement between his father and mother for many years was reconciled due to his father’s relentless care for his mother on the sick bed. It was due to this reason that he could feel relieved and pursue his own ideal.

“Without me to trade words with him, maybe he would feel much happier …” Hyun Chul sighed, “We are now living in a different generation and that principle of having one’s descendent to inherit the family business is no longer applicable. The running of modern enterprise is now dependent upon talented management and a sound institution …”

Pu Zheng Yuan nodded, “You’re not wrong in what you said and the textbook indeed also teaches this theory. However, no matter whether it’s in the eastern or the western world, it is always hoped that the family possession can be passed on to one’s descendent, unless the descendent is depraved … Your father took Wen Rong from your grandfather and turned it from an electrical appliance dealer to the state it’s now, it’s not a simple task! It isn’t as if his own son does not have potentiality and if he is to offer his own company to someone on a plate, don’t say he is unwilling, even I feel it is inconceivable …”

Hyun Chul’s mouth curved and patting Pu Zheng Yuan’s shoulder, he said: “Since you care so much about Wen Rong, why don’t you simply go to work in Wen Rong … Shall I go and talk to my father?”

Pu Zheng Yuan declined without stopping to think, “Thank you but no. I don’t want others to think that I only work in Wen Rong because of your connection …”

Hyun Chul smiled wryly, “Now do you understand how I feel? … In there, no matter how best my performance may be, others would always look at me with that kind of “it’s only right and proper” look …, saying that that is Mr. Yun’s son and so will be wrapped in his father’s blaze of glory, and every success is inevitable … I promise my father that so long as he needs me, I would not shirk my responsibility, but before that, I want to find my own way …”

Pu Zheng Yuan nodded. Since he got to know Hyun Chul, he seldom took the initiative to talk about his family matters. Apart from one or two chums, nearly no one knew about his family background.

“I don’t want to live that kind of life, not to follow a planned route like which school to attend, what kind of people to befriend or even what kind of woman I should marry … I want to have control of my own destiny …” Hyun Chul’s eyes were shining with the light of determination.

“Outside the country, it all depends on your real ability. I want to give myself a few years to prove my worth …” Hyun Chul raised his throat and drained the beer in his hand. “To sum it up in a sentence, I am a born rebel.” Hyun Chul drew the conclusion for himself.

“OK, don’t just talk about me … it’s your turn! Have you solved that dilemmatic problem you mentioned in your letter?”

Pu Zheng Yuan told him in his letter that two girls fell for him at the same time and he did not know who to choose.

Pu Zheng Yuan shook his head, “I don’t want to hurt either one of them …”

“With this kind of situation, you have to make it clear at the earliest opportunity. It will hurt more with the passage of time …” Hyun Chul thought otherwise.

Pu Zheng Yuan drew on the corner of his mouth and said disdainfully, “You don’t even have a girlfriend and you dare to teach me about love …”

Hyun Chul said: “Haven’t you heard of the phrase “an outsider sees more objectively”?”

“Ha, the next time when you are closely involved and cannot see clearly, you have to remember to come for my advice!”

“I’m serious …”

Pu Zheng Yuan sighed, “Speaking of this gives me a headache …”

“Who asks you to sit on the fence?”

“I am not sitting on the fence. It’s they who took the initiative to let me know they are attracted to me …”

“You should know in your own heart who you favour more?”

Pu Zheng Yuan shook his head, “I’m not too sure myself … Aye, let’s not talk about it anymore …’

Pu Zheng Yuan pressed the radio button, “Don’t know if we can hear the broadcast from Seoul … Should there be a nation-wide broadcast network or something?” Pu Zheng Yuan switched the frequency channels.

“Are there any audiences down in Jeju?”

Suddenly there burst out from the radio a very sweet girlish voice asking such a question.

“Yes!” Hyun Chul and Pu Zheng Yuan simultaneously answered and they burst out laughing. They recalled the scene when they were still in elementary school how they answered the teacher’s questions in unison.

The sweet girlish voice continued saying: “If you are in Jeju at this moment and also happen to be on the seafront between Mt. Sanbangsan and Mr. Songak, can you do me a favour and send my greetings to the sea, the stars and the moon there? Tonight I suddenly miss them very much … the section of the coast between Mt. Sanbangsan and Mr. Songak has the most beautiful scenery in the Jeju coastline. It has also been one of my favourite visiting place since I was young …”

“This young girl is a local from Jeju …” Hyun Chul smilingly said.

“How do you she is a young girl?”

“Her voice tells me that …”

“Voice can sometimes be deceptive, maybe she is a middle aged woman.”

“I don’t care whether she is young or middle aged, let’s help her!”

“What do you mean?”

Hyun Chul laughingly popped his head outside the car window and loudly shouted: “Hello to the Jeju sea, the stars and the moon, someone is sending you her greetings!”

Pu Zheng Yuan stared at Hyun Chul dumbfounded. He had never seen Hyun Chul behaved in this fashion before.

“What are you doing?”

Hyun Chul grinned, “A good deed a day!”

Even he himself did not know why he suddenly behaved in this fashion. At that moment just now, a sudden urge welled up from his heart making him just want to help that girl to fulfil her wish.

“Thank you!”

The voice of the girl’s heartfelt thanks came out from the radio.

“Don’t mention it.” Hyun Chul blurted out.

Pu Zheng Yuan asked with a face of astonishment: “How did she know that someone was going to help her?”

Hyun Chul smiled. No one would be cruel to refuse to help such a sweet voice. He believed he was not the only one who would do such a thing.

“I’m going to play you a song I love. It’s Cho Kyu-man’s “I’ll Give You All” …”

Such a coincidence, this girl also loved this song … Hyun Chul’s mouth revealed a happy smile.

Cho Kyu-man’s gentle and passionate voice echoed …

I watch you as you walk slowly towards me

I suddenly know that I dread the day I might not be able to see you coming towards me again

I shut my eyes tightly

I could only say thank you

Thank you …

The song ended.

“It’s really a song of profound love, right? …” The girl said. “I wish one day someone will sing me this song to my face …” The girl said with yearnings.

Would he sing this song to a girl he admired some day? Hyun Chul broke into laughter at this sudden idea.

“Next I will answer a letter which will make you mad when you read it …” The girl said.

A letter which would make one mad?! Hyun Chul and Pu Zheng Yuan exchanged smiling glances. The girl’s words aroused their curiosity.

“This is a letter from someone named Andy …” The girl said.

Hyun Chul made a wry face at Pu Zheng Yuan. Pu Zheng Yuan’s English name was also Andy.

“Andy said that he has fallen in love with two girls at the same time …”

Hyun Chul could not stop laughing at Pu Zheng Yuan: “Did you write this letter?”

“You have enough fun!”

Pu Zheng Yuan murmured in his heart. Unexpectedly there could be such coincidence in this world.

“Listen to what the girl has to say … Maybe she can help you solve your problem.” Hyun Chul said.

The girl carried on saying: “I really don’t know how to answer Andy’s question … How can one heart be divided between two people? Andy, my friend, are you sure this is love? … Sometimes a man may be blinded by some feeling of vainglory and pursues something not realistic, and thus loses his own bearings … I have once read a passage from a book saying:

“Always thought that happiness was in the faraway place, something you might pursue in the future, so both eyes kept looking far into the distance, and both ears listened attentively, lest would let it slip by through an oversight … Later finally discovered that those happiness which had slipped by, those hands which had been shaken, songs that had been sung, tears that had flowed, someone whom you had loved, … what’s so-called “once” , was happiness.”

Andy, I think, only you yourself can find the answer, perhaps you can try asking yourself a question: When you are lonely, who would you think of? Maybe that is the answer you are looking for …”

When you were lonely, who would you think of?

Hyun Chul asked himself, he did not have an answer nor did he feel the slightest regret, he had something more important to do at the present moment.

Hyun Chul turned to look at Pu Tseng Yuan who was looking downcast, he thought perhaps what the girl said had enlightened Pu Tseng Yuan to some extent …

“The weather reports that the country will enter into the rainy season tomorrow. Please don’t feel too dispirited … Without rainy seasons, we then won’t learn to appreciate sunny days … Tonight’s “Splendid Starry Night” will have to bade all of you goodnight after the song “Longer” sung by Dan Fogelberg. I wish all of you sweet dreams. See you next week.”

Longer than there‘ve been fishes in the ocean

Higher than any bird ever flew

Longer than there‘ve been stars up in the heavens

I‘ve been in love with you.

Stronger than any mountain cathedral

Truer than any tree ever grew

Deeper than any forest primeval

I am in love with you.

I‘ll bring fires in the winters

You‘ll send showers in the springs

We‘ll fly through the falls and summers

With love on our wings.

Through the years as the fire starts to mellow

Burning lines in the book of our lives

Though the binding cracks and the pages start to yellow

I‘ll be in love with you……

Three days later, Hyun Chul left Seoul. He no longer had an opportunity to hear that girl’s broadcast again.

In the middle of the night in a foreign land, Hyun Chul often could not help thinking of that sweet soft voice he heard during that night in Jeju when the moon and stars shone by reflected glory; thinking of that passage about “without rainy seasons, we then would not learn to appreciate sunny days” that could drive away the vast sky of heavy mist; thinking of those words “when you were lonely, who would you think of?” that could pull at one’s heart string; thinking of Dan Fogelberg’s song “Longer” which spoke of the everlasting love …

– End of Chapter 1 -

Chapter 2

Journey of Love (Ai Qing Zhi Qiu)

Written by Jennifer

Original posted in http://ontv.videoland.com.tw/channel/ai/park/park.asp

Translated by nho(CA)

June, 2004 – Seoul

Sun Mi was waiting for a taxi under the veranda eaves of Grand Hyatt. The rain was falling in torrents and there was a long waiting queue. The sun was shining bright and high just half an hour ago and she never thought that after a stroll around the boutiques in the underground floor that it would unexpectedly rain.

“Jin Sun Mi …”

Was someone calling her?

Looking at the direction from which the voice was coming, she saw a young man smilingly walking towards her.

“Zhong Cheng Oppa …” Sun Mi dimpled in smiles and waved at the man coming towards her.

Zhao Zhong Cheng was her eldest cousin, Li Xiu Yun’s boyfriend and he was working as a securities analyst for a foreign institution.

“What are you doing here?” Zhao Zhong Cheng asked.

“I had lunch with a friend.”

Zhao Zhong Cheng glanced at the middle-aged woman who was standing in front of Sun Mi. “Your friend?” Zhao Zhong Cheng asked.

“Gone back to work.”

“Don’t tell me it was your boyfriend?”

“No …” Sun Mi pouted, “I’ve just returned for about half a month, how can I possibly get to know anyone …”

“Perhaps it might be someone pursuing you from New York …” Zhao Zhong Cheng continued to tease Sun Mi. Last time when he went on a business trip to New York, Sun Mi spent sometime showing him around and the two of them became friends.

“How come you are here?” Sun Mi mischievously looked at Zhao Zhong Cheng. “Don’t tell me you have a secret rendezvous with some girl?”

“I wouldn’t possibly dare …”

Zhao Zhong Cheng’s answer made Sun Mi double up with laughter.

“I come here to attend Wen Rong Group’s investor conference …, Wen Rong Group made an announcement last month about appointing the Chairman, Yun Wen Hao’s son as the Group’s Chief Strategy Officer and spokesman. It is generally considered as a conjecture that Yun Wen Hao may be planning to arrange for his son to take over as his successor … Wen Rong’s stock price has been dropping due to this reason …” Zhao Zhong Cheng said.

“Why? Is his son lacking in potentiality?”

“No, I don’t think this is the case … I think maybe because we don’t know him well, and also we are worrying that as he does not have his father’s public prestige, how can he take the reins of all the managers of the Group’s respective enterprises. Apart from Yun Wen Hao, all heads of the various enterprises resent each other, how would they possibly be willing to take orders from someone who is a generation younger than themselves, not to say from a young man who is a layman in their eyes?”

“A layman?”

“Yun Wen Hao’s son studied law …”

“Oh …” Sun Mi was a little surprise that Yun Wen Hao unexpectedly permitted his son, his successor, to study law, “It doesn’t mean a lawyer can’t become an outstanding entrepreneur. Nowadays many CEOs of well-known enterprises do not come from the same background. Isn’t Carleton Fiorina from Hewlett-Packard a good example?”

“Very well said.” Zhao Zhong Cheng clapped his hands in applause. He himself joined the financial field from an electronic engineering background. “Actually Yun Hyun Chul has a very good reputation in the legal field and he became a partner of the law office at a young age …” Zhao Zhong Cheng said.

“Yun Hyun Chul?” Sun Mi cried out in surprise, “Did you say it’s Davis Polk’s H. C. Yun?”

“Yes, that’s him … What? You know him?”

“Erh … No … When I was still working in New York, some of my colleagues had dealings with him. I heard them mention his name and they said he was very outstanding … I have never met him.”

“After graduating from the research institute in Harvard, Yun Hyun Chul joined Davis Polk and was promoted to be a partner after three years. For an Asian to gain recognition and appreciation from a foreign employer within such a short time, he is really something …! Two years’ ago, Davis Polk set up its branch office in Seoul and sent Yun Hyun Chul back to manage the branch. Davis Polk enjoys great popularity in dealing with mergers and acquisitions among enterprises and patent lawsuits. During the last couple of years, mergers and acquisitions among enterprises have been very popular in the country and nearly 50-60% of those cases were taken up by Davis Polk … Yun Hyun Chul himself is employed as a consultant to the Government’s Legislation Department … However before Wen Rong made its announcement last month, not many people know that he is the son of Yun Wen Hao …”

“Maybe he does not want to be kidnapped …” Sun Mi said jokingly. “Is Yun Hyun Chul going to attend today’s investor conference?” Sun Mi asked.

Zhao Zhong Cheng nodded, “Many people are attending today’s conference because of him. This is the first time after Wen Rong’s announcement of his appointment that Yun Hyun Chul meets with the investors.”

“Miss, your turn next …” The attendant reminded Sun Mi.

Sun Mi turned to take a look, it was her turn to get into the car. Sun Mi looked at her watch. It was not yet 3:00 p.m., she had plenty of time to spare.

“Zhong Cheng Oppa, can I come with you to the investor conference?” Sun Mi asked.

“What? …”

As it happened that Sun Mi was Li Xiu Yun’s favourite little cousin, Zhao Zhong Cheng could never refuse her.

Sun Mi followed Zhao Zhong Cheng into the assembly hall under false pretence.

“As I am going to engage in consulting work, I have to come in to share some experience of how a first class Korean enterprise combat …” Sun Mi said self-righteously.

“You have already landed yourself a job so quickly?” Zhao Zhong Cheng asked in surprise.

“Yes.” Sun Mi nodded.

At first she wanted to spend a couple of more years abroad to gain more training and experience. When Papa went to visit her in New York in Spring earlier this year, he found out that she nearly worked until midnight every day and she was sent out on business trip every other day or so, plus the fact that at that time she was suffering from fits of enduring cough resulting from some flu that Papa was so worried about her health that he insisted that she returned home to the country. In order not to let Papa worry, she endured the loss of resigning from her job with Goldman Sachs. After she returned to the country, as there was no career opportunity in Jeju to develop her potentiality to the full, Papa had to agree to let her find work in Seoul. She knew that Papa hoped that she could stay in her hometown and find a teaching post, but she had her dream to fulfil. She wished that she would become a successful career woman like her cousin, Li Xiu Yun.

“Which consulting firm?”

“McKinsey.”

“You are really awesome … Sun Mi, first you worked for Goldman Sachs, and now it’s McKinsey.”

McKinsey & Co. was an international well-known management consulting firm.

“I’m just lucky.” Sun Mi said modestly.

She really meant what she said.. She was not one of those top-graded students. At first when Goldman Sachs came to Cambridge to recruit, she could never believe that she could beat several of the outstanding students in her class during the interview session. It was the same this time with McKinsey, the recruitment terms stated that two years’ relevant experience was a prerequisite. She only had one year’s working experience, but because the work description was similar to those in Goldman Sachs, she was interested in it and she did not have to fly everywhere on business trips that she braced herself to submit her application. She never thought that she would unexpectedly be selected.

“It will be tough on you later on!”

“I’m not afraid.”

While they were chit-chatting, four to five men sat down before the long table up on the platform.

“The one on the far left side is Yun Hyun Chul.” Zhao Zhong Cheng said.

Sun Mi focused her eyes in that direction, it was a handsome and refined young man sitting there, looking calm and composed.

“Isn’t he very handsome?”

“Not too bad!” Sun Mi replied hypocritically.

What Zhao Zhong Cheng said was absolutely right. Yun Hyun Chul was indeed a very handsome guy. When compared with those handsome and impressive models in the magazine, he would not lose unfavourably in the least … however, she would not dare to let Zhao Zhong Cheng know that she only followed him to the conference because of Yun Hyun Chul. When Zhao Zhong Cheng mentioned Yun Hyun Chul a moment ago, it aroused her curiosity. As early as when she was in senior high, the name “Yun Hyun Chul” was like thunder reverberating in her ears. Every summer when she came to stay in Seoul, she always heard Li Xiu Yun who was five years older, discussing Yun Hyun Chul on the phone with her buddies. In order to get close to Yun Hyun Chul, Li Xiu Yun even became a member of the cheering squad of the basketball team which Yun Hyun Chul joined and her class work suffered a disastrous decline, making her uncle mad with anger. She originally thought that Yun Hyun Chul was Xiu Yun’s boyfriend, but only learned later that it was not the case.

“Do you mean to say that Yun Hyun Chul already has a girlfriend?” She asked Xiu Yun guilelessly. Li Xiu Yun was the campus queen of the Seoul University and there were innumerable boy students who fell head over heels for her.

Li Xiu Yun plaintively said: “He said he doesn’t want to date any girl for the time being, otherwise I wouldn’t give up!”

When she was admitted in the Seoul University, she already missed the chance to meet with Yun Hyun Chul who was 6 college years senior to her. In the States, she heard her colleagues mention Yun Hyun Chul, but never had the chance to meet him. Throughout she had been dying of curiosity, exactly what kind of a man who could make Cousin Xiu Yun who had extremely high expectation to swoon at his feet with adulation.

“Xiu Yun’s firm has business dealings with Davis Polk.” Zhao Zhong Cheng said.

“Cousin Xiu Yun knows Yun Hyun Chul?” Sun Mi asked probingly.

“Yes, she does! She praises him for having very good professional accomplishment as well as being courteous and well-mannered.”

Zhao Zhong Cheng certainly did not know about the episode between Cousin Xiu Yun and Yun Hyun Chul, Sun Mi thought.

“It’s about to start.” Zhao Zhong Cheng whispered.

Sun Mi sat up straight; she wanted to see exactly how good was this Yun Hyun Chul.

Sun Mi rested her chin in her hand and absentmindedly listened to Wen Rong’s Chief Financial officer, Lu Dong He making a forecast on the second half year’s earning. She was a little disappointed. She originally thought that Yun Hyun Chul, as spokesman of the company, would preside at the reporting, but Yun Hyun Chul just delivered a brief speech at the beginning. Sun Mi focused all her attention on Yun Hyun Chul. She saw that he dedicatedly listened to Lu Dong He’s brief report and quite often jotted down some important points.

It was Q&A time during the second half of the session, at last it was Yun Hyun Chul’s show time. All of a sudden, the atmosphere in the room was filled with enthusiasm. It was obvious that the analysts’ interest in him far exceeded their interest in Wen Rong’s performance in terms of revenue.

Yun Hyun Chul wore a smiling face and walked up the platform looking totally at ease.

“Sorry to keep everyone waiting for so long!” Yun Hyun Chul said.

The hall resounded with laughter and Sun Mi could not help laughing herself. He knew everyone had been waiting for him.

Yun Hyun Chul’s eyes swept over the audience and said in a humorous tone: “Before I came here today, the Chairman gave me a call and said if Wen Rong’s stock price does not rise tomorrow, I would have to pack up and go …”

There was another uproar of laughter from the audience.

“He has an entirely different style from his father.” Zhao Zhong Cheng said.

Yun Hyun Chul’s line of thinking was very clear and precise and he was sharp-witted in his response. He could recite each item of data from memory, together with his amusing remarks, broadminded and outspoken manner and agile body language, his affinity was in full force.

“He is full of leadership charisma.” Sun Mi heard the man sitting next to her telling his companion.

“Bragging! … Just rely on flowery languages …” A cold voice drifted into Sun Mi’s ears. She turned around and saw a middle-aged man with sparse hair. Sun Mi glanced at Zhao Zhong Cheng with a questioning look. Zhao Zhong Cheng wrote on a piece of paper: “He is one of the stumbling blocks which Yun Hyun Chul has to find a means to remove.”

It looked as if Yun Hyun Chul would not be having an easy time in Wen Rong!

After more than half an hour’s observation, Sun Mi gained some insight into certain of Yun Hyun Chul’s gestures. When he frowned, it meant that he was faced with a very difficult question; when his mouth was lifted at the corners, it meant that the question was expected; when he tapped his right index finger on the table, it meant that he was in deep thoughts; when he fixed his penetrating gaze on the questioners, it meant their questions displeased him … Sun Mi was very amused by her own analysis.

“This guy is remarkable. All the questions are within his grasp. He must have come fully prepared ..."” Zhao Zhong Cheng said.

“There is still some time left, the last question?”

Did it have to end so soon? Sun Mi was very disappointed, how come no one ask that question?

Sun Mi looked around and no hands were raised.

“Thank you all for coming and for giving us your advice.” Sun Mi saw the smile of confidence revealing on Yun Hyun Chul’s face and a strong impulse welled in her mind, “One moment please …” Sun Mi raised her hand.

When Sun Mi realized that all eyes were focused on her, it was already too late to withdraw. Jin Sun Mi, you must have taken leave of your senses! Sun Mi silently berated herself.

“What are you doing?” Zhao Zhong Cheng too was startled.

“May I ask which company this lady represents?” Wen Rong’s Public Relations Director asked.

“I … I … work for Morgan Stanley.” Sun Mi, seized by a sudden inspiration, called out Zhao Zhong Cheng’s company name.

“Isn’t Morgan Stanley’s analyst Mr. Zhao Zhong Cheng?”

“Erh … she is my colleague.” Zhao Zhong Cheng, who were both maddened and amused, answered. Good heavens, what was this Jin Sun Mi doing?

“This lady’s question is …” Yun Hyun Chul asked.

Sun Mi took over the microphone, drew a deep breath, “Don’t be nervous, Sun Mi, just treat it as a roll call by some lecturer in the classroom to make a point”.

“Thank you …. Deputy General Manager Yun. Your performance a moment ago left a deep impression on us. To be Wen Rong’s future successor, your capability is beyond doubt, but …”

Sun Mi paused for a moment. She saw Yun Hyun Chul was frowning slightly. She thought he must have guessed what she was about to say … “Your company houses so many talents and many of them are eminent and distinguished officers who walked all the way with your father. What are you going to do to convince them to willingly accept leadership from you? I think this is the issue the outside world is concerned about and we are curious to know the answer …”

Under his brilliant gaze, she found it very difficult to finish her question. She did not know whether it was her imagination, but she saw he was looking perplexed. Could it be that she was so nervous that she rambled on so much that he could not understand her question?

Sun Mi saw that Yun Hyun Chul knitted his eyebrows and his right index finger was gently tapping the table. She suddenly felt guilty, maybe she should not have given him a hard time, after all he had just taken office for a month and it was exceptionally commendable that he could assemble so neatly the data of so many companies and divisions under such a large conglomerate within such a short period of time.

“If Mr. Yun finds that it is now not the propitious time to answer this question …”

“I can answer your question now.” Yun Hyun Chul interrupted.

Sun Mi was grateful that she was wearing her sunglasses, or else she would definitely be murdered by Yun Hyun Chul’s piercing gaze.

“A company should definitely be led by someone with capability, especially company of a hugh scale as Wen Rong. Shouldered with over one hundred thousand employees’ trust and livelihood, I don’t know myself whether I am the most suitable person to lead Wen Rong into the next milestone. All I can say is that I will do my best. If my ability could not fulfil the expectation of all our employees, I won’t cling to my position …; Wen Rong has its own social responsibilities, operation rights and ownership rights can be segregated … As to how I am going to communicate with the seniors, I would humbly consult with them and learn from them and will incorporate their experience with the modern age’s management skill … I hope I will be able to make Wen Rong stronger and better … I know I would inevitably face with some obstacles and resistance, but I will be doing my best to communicate with them … I hope everyone will give me some time … Will my answer do?”

He looked at her, his piercing gaze changed to two pupil light of resolution.

“Thank you.”

Sun Mi stood up and bowed to Yun Hyun Chul.

“Thank you all for your presence today. Please spare time out of your busy schedule to attend our reception which we are holding.” The master of ceremony announced loudly.

“You are one naughty girl!” Zhao Zhong Cheng shook his head.

Sun Mi stuck out her tongue, “I won’t dare the next time …”

“There won’t be next time …” Zhao Zhong Cheng patted Sun Mi’s head.

“Hey, Yun Hyun Chul is coming over this way …” Zhao Zhong Cheng winked at Sun Mi, “Most probably he wants to confront and denounce you …”

Sun Mi turned her face and indeed Yun Hyun Chul was walking towards their way. Sun Mi was feeling guilty..

“Zhong Cheng Oppa, I have a class tonight and I better leave first …” Not waiting for Zhao Zhong Cheng’s response, Sun Mi picked her bag and slipped away.

- End of Chapter 2 -

Chapter 3

Journey of Love (Ai Qing Zhi Qiu)

Written by Jennifer

Original posted in http://ontv.videoland.com.tw/channel/ai/park/park.asp

Translated by nho(CA)</b>

Hyun Chul waited for a long while before Song Yu Feng and Li Ming Tseng slowly arrived. Li Ming Ming Tseng was pulling a long face and his mouth was pouting up high.

“What is up? Little Tseng?” Hyun Chul asked his nephew.

Li Ming Tseng crawled into the back of the car without uttering a word.

“Are you angry with Uncle for not picking you up? … Something happened in the office that I couldn’t get away …” Hyun Chul put up a smiling face trying to placate, “Let Uncle treat you to an ice-cream, OK?”

He promised his nephew he would pick him up from the piano class today. He never thought that the reception after the investors conference met with such enthusiastic response that he could not get away. Song Yu Feng phoned at the right time and volunteered her service when she heard about this matter.

Li Ming Tseng crossed his arms in front of his chest and ignored Hyun Chul.

“What happened?” Hyun Chul asked Song Yu Feng.

Even his most favourite ice-cream could not move Li Ming Tseng, it looked as though this little imp was really angry.

Song Yu Feng pouted: “His piano teacher took him out without letting anyone know. I was so desperate looking for him that I said something harsh to his teacher, so he got angry …”

Hyun Chul drew a long breathe, “It doesn’t matter, he is just throwing a tantrum. He will forget it all after he has a good sleep …”

Initially Hyun Chul planned to take Li Ming Tseng and Song Yu Feng for a BBQ meal, but as Li Ming Tseng got in a temper, it made Song Yu Feng unhappy too.

“I think I better go home.” Song Yu Feng said, pulling a long face.

Hyun Chul felt bad, but it seemed to be the best way at this moment.

“Let me take you home.”

After seeing Song Yu Feng home, Hyun Chul parked his car in the park not too far away from Song Yu Feng’s place.

“Li Ming Tseng, do you know your behaviour was really very rotten just now?” Hyun Chul pulled a long face. “Auntie Song is your elder, has your teacher taught you to be rude to the elders? … Uncle is very disappointed in you!”

When Li Ming Tseng heard Hyun Chul scold him, he wailed and cried loudly with abandon. Hyun Chul turned away and ignored Li Ming Tseng. The little imp was spoiled rotten by his sister.

After a long while, Li Ming Tseng sobbed intermittently and said: “Auntie Song scolded my teacher, it was Auntie Song who was rotten …”

“That was because Auntie Song was worried about you … Your teacher should have told someone before she took you out …”

“It was you elders who were late; my teacher kept me company and also took me out for an ice cream …” Li Ming Tseng felt more grieved as he spoke, “My teacher has definitely told the auntie in the front desk … Auntie Song did not bother to find out the truth, she just cruelly scolded my teacher, and also …” Before he got his words finished, he was weeping and sniffling again.

“And also what?”

“She also said … she would ask the supervisor to fire my teacher.”

“Are you telling the truth?” Hyun Chul frowned.

Li Ming Tseng nodded, “Teacher Siu Mi must be heartbroken …”

Teacher Siu Mi? He remembered his nephew’s piano teacher was called Zhang Yu Qing.

“Don’t worry, your teacher is an adult, she will be very strong. You don’t have to worry …” Hyun Chul pacified his nephew, “Uncle will go to the piano class in a couple of days’ time to apologize to Teacher Xiu Mi …”

Li Ming Tseng melt into smiles, “You have to also speak to the supervisor and ask her not to fire Teacher Xiu Mi!”

“Yes sir!” Hyun Chul patted his nephew’s head, “Really, crying one moment and laughing the next … You should be ashamed of yourself! OK, shall we go and find something to eat? I’m dying of hunger …”

“BBQ! BBQ!”

Hyun Chul laughed. A child was just a child, he could forget all unpleasantness in an instant.

While Hyun Chul was driving, the scene in the afternoon’s investors conference leaped to the surface of his mind. At that moment … why did he have such feeling as if his memories had been turned around? At the back of his mind there seemed to be something calling out to him from faraway … Exactly what was it? …

Li Ming Tseng broke into Hyun Chul’s thoughts, “Uncle, is Auntie Song your girlfriend?”

Hyun Chul was stunned, “Why did you ask?”

Song Yu Feng was the daughter of his father’s friend. She had just returned from studying abroad. The two families intended to match make for them.

“Uncle, please answer my question first.”

“At this moment she is not.”

After ending that love affair in the States, he did not want to enter into another love affair again for the time being. He did not have the time, nor did have the mood. What happened in Wen Rong already caused him enough trouble …. During the past month, his job was to hide in his office to peruse the files. Even if he read those files until they were torn apart …. to speak the truth, being a spokesman was just a put up front; as for Chief Strategy Officer …. Hyun Chul smiled wryly, all of Wen Rong’s important strategies were decided by his father and the group of senior officers. Until now, his proposals had never been adopted … maybe he was too impatient, but he could by means allow his life to continue to squander in this way …

When Li Ming Tseng heard Hyun Chul’s reply, his little mouth grinned broadly, “Uncle, what you told me is true?”

“Why are you so happy?” Hyun Chul did not know whether to laugh or cry.

“Let me introduce you to Teacher Xiu Mi, OK?”

Hyun Chul broke into laughter, “You want to introduce me a girlfriend?”

“Uncle … Teacher Xiu Mi is very eye-catching …”

“Eye-catching? … Little devil, where do you learn such language?” Hyun Chul bent forwards and backwards with laughter.

“It’s Gao Wei Bo’s brother who said that … Uncle, it’s true … Teacher Xiu Mi is really very pretty, and she is super nice. She often buys us snacks … OK? Uncle …”

“Wait until Uncle go and see whether Teacher Xiu Mi is “eye-catching”. Then we’ll see …”

Two days later, Hyun Chul went to the piano class. Ming Tseng told him that Teacher Xiu Mi was no longer working there.

“Was it because of what happened two days’ ago? … It was simply a misunderstanding …” Hyun Chul felt apologetic.

“It’s not that. Teacher Zhang Yu Qing was on marriage leave and Jin … Erh, Teacher Xiu Mi was acting for her as a favour. Teacher Zhang reported back to work today … so … It is really a pity as all the children like her. Our supervisor originally planned to engage her as a permanent teacher, but she said she has another job … Aye, we are also very sorry about what happened to her the other day. The front desk staff went off duty without leaving any message thereby implicating her taking the blame.

Li Ming Tseng was mad at Hyun Chul for a few days as Hyun Chul did not manage to apologize to Teacher Xiu Mi.

……………………….

It was the snowing season.

At the last minute, Sun Mi arrived the conference room just on time. Although she was on time, it was no different than being late as every one was already sitting around the conference table. Bending her head and lowering her eyes, Sun Mi went to her seat. She could feel all eyes focussing on her.

Li Ping glanced at her reproachfully.

“The plane was delayed!” Sun Mi explained in a low voice.

“McKinsey & Co. has the honour to be able to participate in this merger project …”

Married to a Korean wife, the American General Manager, Gary started the opening speech in Korean. His fluency in Korean became his best weapon to bridge the gap with his clients and it was really very helpful in competing for business.

Yesterday, Li Ping notified her to cancel her vacation and to return to Seoul. Li Ping said their boss had taken over a large case and the instructing clients requested a preliminary meeting with their working group on Monday. She did not know that the client this time was Wen Rong Holdings until she read the material given to her by Li Ping. About half a year’s ago, Wen Rong bought another cell phone manufacturing company and due to resistance from the labour union and the employees, they still could not carry out the merger yet. Not only did the original expected synergy fail to be reached, the companies went so far as to cut their prices to scramble for each other’s businesses. Now they engaged McKinsey as their merger consultant.

Wen Rong Holdings … Sun Mi recalled how she sneaked into the Wen Rong investors conference. Zhao Zhong Cheng told her later that Yun Hyun Chul asked to be introduced to that lady who nearly overwhelmed him.

She did not know whether Yun Hyun Chul would be participating in this project? Thinking of this, Sun Mi’s mouth slightly lifted at the corners and she drew her eyes across that rows of gentlemen in western dress and leather shoes who were sitting opposite her. She never thought that she would meet a pair of smiling eyes … It was Yun Hyun Chul … Sun Mi’s heart was pounding; she hurriedly lowered her head. She could feel her face burning hot; why did he look at her in this way? The smile on his face seemed to contain some hidden message, as though it was saying “Oh, so it’s you!” That made her very uneasy, could it be that he recognized her? That was impossible! That day there was some distance between them and she deliberately put on her sunglasses. There was no way he could recognize her. It was clearly her imagination as a result of having a guilty conscience. It was just a coincide, maybe he was thinking of something amusing like herself ….

Sun Mi took a deep breathe, raised her eyes again and pretended that nothing had happened and swept her eyes across the face of everyone sitting opposite her. Of course she paid attention only to one person, as she wanted to confirm that her guess was correct. At the end, she sighed in relief, as that gaze and smile just a moment ago were one hundred percent incidental, because at this moment, when his and her eyes met again, she could only see calm indifference. Thank heaven!

Acting as chairman of the meeting, Yun Hyun Chul was the leading man in this merger project. Gary continuously discussed with him the contents and timeline of this consulting project.

“I have an idea in my mind, but I would like to wait until you bring up the proposal which is based on your professional evaluation and estimate, before I will discuss the matter with you …” Hyun Chul said.

Sun Mi looked at this man who appeared to be very shrewd and solemn looking; she felt that this man and the man she saw half a year’s ago in the investors conference who was humorous and friendly man, seemed to come from different worlds. The Yun Hyun Chul before her gave people an inexplicable feeling of aloofness and overwhelming force, even the smile which occasionally appeared on his face merely consisted of banal formalities. Was he deliberately demonstrating his authority to his troops, or was this his real character? …

Li Ping said Yun Hyun Chul overcame the majority of opinion and lured away Dell Computer’s Sales Manager O’Connor, an Italian descendent to take up the position of the General Manager of Wen Rong Computers’ overseas business department, thereby letting Wen Rong advancing to become the No. 1 name brand in the European notebook computer market. Since then his reputation in the company took a big boost and he was responsible for promoting this merger project.

“If I was Yun Hyun Chul, I won’t lay my hand to pick up this case first …” Li Ping said.

“Why?”

“This is a difficult case … In the business world, the two labour unions are famous for their truculence, plus the keen competition between the two senior management teams …, or else with Chairman Yun Wen Hao’s way of doing things, there was no way he would indulge the two companies each to act in their way until now … The execution of the post merger work and the human resource arrangements will become the key factors to determine the success or failure of this project …”

“Why then did Chairman Yun throw such hot potato on to his own son? What if the project fails, how would Yun Hyun Chul be able to lead the men in Wen Rong in future?” Sun Mi could not help getting worried for Yun Hyun Chul. She remembered he said he would not cling to his position if he failed.

“Wrong, Sun Mi ,,,, It was Yun Hyun Chul who took the initiative to request to take the responsibility of this project …”

“For what reason?”

“That is his style of doing things … He likes tough challenges, or else how could he have become a partner of Davis Polk at a relatively young age?”

“It seems you understand him well?”

“He was my immediate boss at Davis Polk.” Li Ping said.

“Oh …” Every one was taken aback.

Li Ping teasingly warned them: “You will be having a hard time from now on!”

When the meeting was over, Yun Hyun Chul smilingly walked up to them. That was an entirely different smile than when he was in the meeting, happy and relaxing. This was the right attitude! Why did you have to pull a grim face all the time? … Sun Mi said in her heart.

“Li Ping, I am relying on your big help from now on!” Yun Hyun Chul said.

Li Ping scratched his head and said, “Yes, Boss.”

Sun Mi and her colleagues all started to laugh.

Hyun Chul’s eyes turned and fell on Sun Mi, “This lady, we haven’t exchanged our business cards just now …”

Sun Mi said in embarrassment: “I’m sorry, I was a little late just now …”

Hyun Chul passed over his business card, “I’m Yun Hyun Chul, nice to meet you.”

“How do you do?” Sun Mi half rose and passed over her business card, “I’m Jin Sun Mi.”

“Sun Mi is responsible for planning the consolidation of the logistics departments and the integration of the staff.” Li Ping said.

“We have to ask Miss Jin to wreck her brain from now on …”

He looked at her and smiled.

“Yes!” Sun Mi’s face blushed red indescribably.

Yun Hyun Chul had a pair of fascinating big eyes.

“Don’t think Sun Mi looks young in age, she is very capable …”

Every time when Li Ping emphasized to clients about her capability, Sun Mi always felt very frustrated. How she wished she could possess a bright and capable face like her cousin Xiu Yun. Li Ping often teased her as being too soft, and did not look one bit like people in their profession.

“I have never doubted Miss Jin’s ability; I believe she will be working VERY hard…” Hyun Chul said.

At that moment, she could once again read from his eyes that flashes of smile which seemed to be filled with certain implication. The feeling of suspicion and uneasiness once again raided her mind ….

- End of Chapter 3 -

Chapter 4

Journey of Love (Ai Qing Zhi Qiu)

Written by Jennifer

Original posted in http://ontv.videoland.com.tw/channel/ai/park/park.asp

Translated by Hindhedeaae

Sun Mi walked out of the subway. The warm sun shone on her.
“Mum, there’s a squirrel on the tree…” She heard a childish voice.
Sun Mi looked in the direction where the young boy was pointing, and saw a squirrel scamper from branch to branch.
“Even the squirrel is out in the sun!” Sun Mi took a deep breath. She seemed to smell the fresh grass. Spring would soon arrive…

“Where shall I have my breakfast?” Sun Mi looked around her at the road junction.
Today, she intentionally left the house half an hour earlier. She would like to choose a nice breakfast place to reward herself for the hard work. The last few days were simply crazy; she literally worked from day to night and did not have the time to sit down for a proper meal.

“A Blissful Day starts with breakfast at Starbucks!”
The colourful signage of Starbucks caught her attention.
“How do you know I need to feel blissful now?” Sun Mi muttered.

Sun Mi joined the queue and studied the breakfast menu on the board concurrently – European breakfast, bagel set, light breakfast set… all seemed so enticing.
“I would like to have the Paris breakfast set A…”
Sun Mi ordered the French croissant, salad and coffee set meal. She suddenly craved for some European romantic feel.
“Four thousand won in total,” said the counter lady.
“..four thousand won..” Sun Mi took out her purse to pay.

“Please settle this lady’s bill together with mine.” The man in the next queue suddenly told the counter lady.
“Oh…” Sun Mi turned her head and saw a familiar face. It was Yun Hyun Chul!
No wonder she could sense that a man in the next queue was eyeing her. She thought it was one of those men who liked to chat up ladies again, and did not even raise her eyes to take a look.

“Good morning!” Hyun Chul greeted her with a smile.
“Er…good morning.” Sun Mi nervously returned his greeting. A faint pleasant smell greeted her. Except when they exchanged name cards after the preliminary meeting, this was the first time she was standing so close to him.

“Miss, your bill…?” The counter lady looked at Sun Mi with an inquiring expression.
“I’ll settle the bill together,” said Hyun Chul.
“No, I’ll pay on my own.” Sun Mi was angry with herself for being slow in response.
“I insist.” Hyun Chul was not in a mood to be rejected. “I’m going… have a nice day.”
“But…but…”
Hyun Chul smiled at her and left, leaving an astounded Sun Mi standing there like a fool.

Hyun Chul drove towards the direction of the park. He had the habit of strolling in the park before work to take in the fresh air and to appreciate the blue sky and clouds. When he was working in New York, he frequently strolled along the Hudson River bank after lunch.

Hyun Chul recalled the helpless look on Sun Mi when he met her at the Starbucks a while ago and chuckled. Is he that terrifying? Hyun Chul took a glance at himself through the back mirror of the car. He was one hundred percent certain that he did not have a fierce look. This Jin Sun Mi was always clear and quick in response in his regular meetings. Sometimes she would even insist on her views and argue with him at length. Who could have imagined she could look so nervous in private? He had probably given them too much pressure… hmm… if he had stayed to have breakfast with her, how would she have reacted? Hyun Chul smiled with a hint of mischief.
Come to think of it, the world can be surprisingly small. Before the merger working group preliminary meeting, he had already noticed her.
That day after a basketball match with Zheng Yuan, they passed by the tennis court and saw a crowd watching two ladies playing tennis. Out of curiosity, they joined the crowd. He noticed that one of the ladies was Sun Mi. She was obviously less skilful than her opponent, but the way she dashed ahead with no regard for her own safety just to save a few balls made a deep impression – for several times, she dashed and fell to the floor while trying to save the ball, and dirtied her white sports apparel.
“This lady is very competitive,” he commented to Zheng Yuan.
“You are right. Look at how serious she is…” said Zheng Yuan, “I bet she behaves similarly when she falls in love…”

That day when he discovered that she would also be a member of the working group, for some unknown reasons, he was very happy. For a moment, he could not help casting a glance at her, and to his surprise, she was staring at him as well. He remembered that she seemed to be blushing… when he thought about it, Hyun Chul broke into a smile. When Li Ping praised her in front of him, the image of her dashing ahead with no regard for her own safety surfaced in his mind. That was why he blurted out that he believed she would be working very hard.

Sun Mi put four thousand won in an envelope that she brought with her everyday. She intended to return the money to Yun Hyun Chul when she next meets him. He and she were neither relatives nor friends; she would feel embarrassed if he gave her a treat for no reason. On the other hand, she did not want to specially visit him at his office to return a mere four thousand won. Who knows he might think that she was trying to use this as an excuse to get close to him… Her university classmate Shu Xian who worked at Wen Rong Secretariat Office told her that many ladies in Wen Rong tried all means to catch the attention of Yun Hyun Chul. Whenever Shu Xian spoke about Yun Hyun Chul, she had an awed look on her too.

“Forget it. A person with attributes like him must have a girlfriend.” She discouraged Shu Xian.
“As long as he is not married, I will still have a chance,” said Shu Xian.
“Oh… I have enough of this…”
“Jin Sun Mi, a modern lady in the 21st century should have the guts to pursue her dreams. And to think that you are educated overseas!”
“Yes yes yes…” She made a face at Shu Xian.
“Are you not attracted by him at all? Once I was in the same lift as he, I was so awed that I missed my floor…” Shu Xian said with admiration.
“I’m not like you!”
Shu Xian looked at her doubtfully, “When you see him, don’t you have this feeling that your heart beats faster?”
“Er…no!” she firmly disagreed.
“Not even once?”
“I only feel frightened when I see him…” she muttered. She was most worried that he could recognize her as that fraudulent analyst.
Shu Xian could not help laughing. “I have only heard of people being excited and nervous in front of a handsome guy. I have never heard of anyone who is frightened…”
“If you have to bring back a pile of work after every meeting with him, would you not be afraid?” she replied with certainty.
“It will all be worth it if he would only look at me for five minutes… oh, you are such a silly girl. If I had the opportunity to work with him like you, I would not let go of any chance to be near him.”
She smiled at Shu Xian. She would never want to get herself involved with someone like Yun Hyun Chul.

Sun Mi let out a sigh. She was annoyed with herself when she recalled her silly manner in front of Yun Hyun Chul that morning. How could she be so useless? She could not even speak clearly…who knows, Yun Hyun Chul might just be laughing at her secretly - how could McKinsey engage a dumb who could only stammer “But…but…” as an employee? No matter what, it was all Yun Hyun Chul’s fault. It was all because he posed her difficult questions every other day; it had led her to be terrified of him and to be on her guard in his presence. When he suddenly appeared beside her, and even smilingly offered to settle her bill, for a moment she was not herself. That was why she reacted abnormally. Under normal circumstances, she would definitely be able to reject his good intentions gracefully but firmly, like the way she dealt with other people. However, she was not the only person who was afraid of Yun Hyun Chul. Everyone in her working group had the bad experience of being “tackled” by him.

Ever since she was stationed at Wen Rong’s Special Project Office, for the past month or so, she would only meet Yun Hyun Chul at the weekly work progress meeting. Most of the time, the point of contact was Li Ping, except for the day of the preliminary meeting when she introduced herself during the exchange of name cards with him. Whenever Li Ping had a meeting with Yun Hyun Chul, nine out of ten times there would be new instructions; obviously they were all from Yun Hyun Chul. The work progress meeting held every Monday was the group’s nightmare. Everyone was on the ball, and was worried that he/she would be caught by Yun Hyun Chul’s queries again. During the meeting, she and her colleagues would report individually on the progress of work under their purview, as well as list out the work plan for the week ahead. As the Chairman of the meeting, Yun Hyun Chul would listen, query and make decision.

He would always compliment them politely first. “These data are good for reference…” “Thank you for your efforts..” etc. But all knew that they should not be happy too soon, as what he had to say next was the key point.
“You have mainly used data from overseas. I would suggest that you look for data from a few local companies of similar size as reference as well. Then it could be more persuasive…” “The way this is crafted, employees would feel that the proposal is in favour of the employer. Please redraft…” “As for the duplicate customer accounts, I would require more detailed information…”

He challenged their ideas and queried the accuracy of each group of data repeatedly. They frequently had to devote much time to re-collect and re-collate the materials, including revising drastically the content of the proposal which was confirmed previously. Everyone could not help but feel dispirited. However, it was undeniable that they had to respect him for his meticulous thinking, macro view and open attitude.

“Yun Hyun Chul does not need us at all.” She once blurted to Li Ping.
With Yun Hyun Chul’s wisdom and capability, he was absolutely capable of planning and drafting the merger proposal himself.
Li Ping smiled, “There are usually two reasons for engaging a consultancy firm. One reason is the lack of ability internally; the other is to get a consultant to say what you want…”
“Our relationship with Wen Rong is the latter?”
“You can say that… the relationship between a corporation and a consultancy firm is one of mutual benefit…”
“Mutual benefit?”
“Yes, mutual benefit. We use the name of an established corporation to raise our profile in the market. On the other hand, the owner of the corporation uses our role as an independent party to curb dissenting voices from the employees, and reduce the layers of obstruction in the way of internal re-organisation….”
“I suddenly feel that I am of little value.” She felt discouraged.
“It isn’t that bad. As the Chinese saying goes, ‘A mountain looks like a ridge from the front and a peak from the side; near or far, high or low, the views are different…’ We do not have any self agenda. Sometimes it helps the owner to go above certain fallacy…”

“Is he always like this?” she asked Li Ping.
“You mean Yun Hyun Chul?”
“Yes, working under him is pressurizing…”
“So, are you afraid of him?” Li Ping teased her.
She pouted, “I am not the only person who is afraid of him…”
“Indeed, he has high expectations of work performance - not only does he expect quality, he wants efficiency as well. When I first worked with him, I was like in deep water everyday. However, over time, I discovered that I progressed and grew much through these tribulations… Although he seems very stern and strict during meetings, he is very amiable in private. When we were in Davis Polk, he spent a lot of time helping new colleagues from Korea phase into the working environment of a multinational corporation…”
“Really?” She wasn’t sure. Environment can change a person. She always felt that Yun Hyun Chul was not really happy in Wen Rong. His eye brows were always knitted together.

In order to return Yun Hyun Chul the breakfast money as soon as possible, she deliberately looked out for him whenever she was in Wen Rong. She hoped to bump into him. However, for the next few days, she did not have a chance to meet him.

After lunch on Thursday, while she was walking into Wen Rong’s lobby, she suddenly saw him going into the lift. Out of joy, she ran towards the lift and totally disregarded the curious stares from other colleagues.
“Please wait a minute...” She shouted as she ran.
He saw that it was her and broke into a smile. He wore a “Oh, it’s you” look on his face.
“Thank you…” She panted and thanked him.

Yun Hyun Chul looked at the panting Sun Mi, and recalled the image of her dashing across the tennis court.
“This is very dangerous,” said Hyun Chul.
Sun Mi was astounded and could not reply.

The lift door closed and they were the only ones in the lift. She smiled at him shyly and lowered her head.
“Tenth floor, is that right?”
“Oh,,,yes, thanks.”
What was happening to her? She even forgot to press the lift buttons for her level. Sun Mi’s face was flushed. She could be awe-struck like the way Shu Xian described!
It was only when the lift went up to the fourth level that Sun Mi remembered her task. She took out the envelope with the four thousand won from her handbag.
“This….” Just as she started, the lift door opened and two female employees entered the lift.
“Good morning, DGM.” The two ladies greeted Hyun Chul. They looked at Sun Mi who was at a corner of the lift with curiosity. Who was this lady? She seemed to know Mr Handsome DGM…
Sun Mi felt most uncomfortable under their stares.

The lift continued to travel up.
Yun Hyun Chul looked at her inquiringly. What did she want to tell him just now?

Sun Mi peered at the other two persons in the lift. She looked at the envelope in her hand and was undecided whether she should pass it to Hyun Chul. She was concerned that she might cause a misunderstanding unnecessarily. The two ladies beside her looked at her as if she had snatched their treasure…, in the end, she stared at the envelope all the way to the tenth floor, but could not pass it to Hyun Chul.

Hyun Chul saw Sun Mi left with an annoyed expression. He broke into a smile. He could probably guess what the envelope contained…

- End of Chapter 4 –

Chapter 5

Journey of Love (Ai Qing Zhi Qiu)

By: Jennifer

Original posted in AAEV
(http://ontv.videoland.com.tw/channel/ai/park/park.asp)
Translated by: Jules

Shan Mei stood in front of the display window assessing the jacket on the mannequin. “This style looks pretty good….I wonder if they have it in blue..” She said to herself.
After going through the whole of Central Road, this was the only jacket which caught her eye, but the price was a little steep, and she knew her dad would grumble at it if she bought it…..

Suddenly, she realized there was a man standing next to her, looking her up and down. She could see his face on the reflection in the window.

“DGM Yin…”
Shan Mei’s eyes widened. Why was he here, of all places?
“Miss Zhen Shan Mei, you look like you’ve just seen an alien…” he teased.
“I…I mean, I never expected to see you here in Jeju…” Shan Mei said as she tried hard to keep her expression neutral.
He was dressed very differently today: a black collared T-shirt, blue denim jeans and a pair of extremely cool sunglasses accented his good looks and manliness. He had a look of detachment that would have put kept most at a distance.

“Did I scare you? I called out to you several times before, but you didn’t seem to have heard…”
He had seen her from a distance away, but wasn’t sure it was her. With her hair tied up in a pony-tail, wearing a red sweater and short white skirt with loafers on her feet, that showed off that pair of lovely legs, it was difficult not to notice her.

Xiang Zhe’s expression said as much, and Shan Mei started to pull at her skirt. How she wished her skirt could suddenly put on a few more inches. She was not comfortable with that look he was giving her.

“What are you doing in Jeju, DGM?” She asked politely, thanking her lucky stars that she had decided not to make a scene over the money at Starbucks the last time.
Xiang Zhe took off his sunglasses, smiled and said, “To relax!”
He had wanted to take a break to someplace he could completely relax in, even if it was only for the weekend.
“Relax?” Shan Mei laughed out loud, “Don’t tell me you’re stressed out over next week’s board meeting?”

The board of the merged mobile phone companies was to meet the next week after the first restructure plan had was complete.
“You’re right, I AM stressed out about it…” Xiang Zhe smiled slightly, “I can’t imagine what the atmosphere of that meeting is going to be like….”
“Is that so?” Shan Mei pursued her lips. She didn’t believe a single word he said. He didn’t even have the hint of a frown on his face.

“Where’s your friend?” Shan Mei asked looking around.
“Friend?” Xiang Zhe shook his head, “I cam alone….”
“You came to Jeju all by y ourself?”
“What’s wrong with that? Is there a law that says you can’t come to Jeju alone?” Xiang Zhe raised his eyebrows.
Shan Mei giggled, “Well… it isn’t exactly a law….but, you’re likely to be misunderstood if you do so…”
“Misunderstood? How so?”
“Well, people may think you may be nursing a broken heart….or maybe running away from debt collectors….” Shan Mei said. Perhaps it was because she was on home ground that she found herself able to talk to him so casually, and even tease him…..
“Do I look like such a loser?” Xiang Zhe asked, grimacing. Xiang Zhe’s childish tone to voice stirred the mischievious side of Shan Mei.
“Wel…” Shan Mei smothered a smile as she assessed Xiang Zhe, then said sympathetically, “I’m afraid so!”. Shan Mei dissolved into laughter almost as soon as the words left her mouth.

In that instant, it was as if a shaft of sunlight shot into his heart. Xiang Zhe looked at her beaming face and sparkling eyes, saw the smiling curve on her lips, that sweet, pretty face, and his heart took flight……

“DGM Yin…” Xiang Zhe managed to get a hold of himself.

“And you? What are you doing in Jeju?” He asked her. She was also casually dressed, “Nursing a broken heart? Or hiding from debt collectors?” he used her earlier words to poke fun at her. He never realized how mischievious she could be. Her looks in the office were definitely deceiving.
Shan Mei grinned, “Of course not! This is where my home is!”
Xiang Zhe was flabbergasted. She didn’t have any Jeju accent in her speech. Was she really a local? Xiang Zhe was curious, but decided not to ask.

After a moment’s silence, Xiang Zhe said, “I won’t keep you then… see you in Seoul in a few days.”
Xiang Zhe wave, then turned and walked away.

After her purchase, Shan Mei walked back along the street towards the bus stop, and saw Xiang Zhe in a distance, standing at the street corner, looking lost.
“DGM Yin…” Shan Mei hurried over, bouncing along the way. After he left earlier, she had been plagued by feelings of guilt. Even though they only knew each other through work, she should have taken the opportunity to act as host…..

“What a coincidence!” Xiang Zhe’s smiled happily at her.
“Yes! What a coincidence!” Shan Mei nodded and smiled in return, “You… where are you headed? I can help with directions.”
Xiang Zhe was a little surprised, “There’s no need…. I was just wandering around and looking out for someplace where I could have dinner later.”
“There are some good seafood restaurants along the breakwater over there. One of them has been featured in many TV programs….”

Shan Mei lead Xiang Zhe through the streets toward the sea.
“DGM, have you ever been to Jeju before?” Shan Mei asked.
“The last time I was here was over five years ago.” That was the year he headed out to New York for work. He and Zhen Qi toured Jeju together before he left.
“Did you go to the coast that sits between ShanFang Hil and Song Ao Hill? That’s Jeju’s most beautiful stretch of coastline….”
Her words stirred a feeling of déjà vu within him. It was almost as if he had heard it all before.

“Have you been to Gyudo Island? If you have the time you should take a ferry over to have a look. The scenery there is really beautiful….”
“Maybe next time! I’m leaving at noon tomorrow….And I have an important meeting to attend first thing on Monday morning.”
“I’m flying tomorrow night.” She told him.
“It’s a rare opportunity for you to visit your family, so you should have a good rest. You’ve had a hard time at work lately.” Xiang Zhe said.

Xiang Zhe’s words inexplicably touched Shan Mei. Images of Li Ping telling her about how caring Xiang Zhe was floated to mind.

As they chatted, they made their way along the stone path and climbed onto the walkway on the breakwater. The vast expanse of the sea was before them, shimmering with the glow of the setting sun.
“We’re just in time for the sunset.” Shan Mei commented happily.
“What a beautiful picture that makes….” Xiang Zhe replied. The sunsets he had watched previously always seemed too hot and too glaring. The setting sun in Jeju, by contrast, seemed so full of ambience and grace.
Xiang Zhe took out his camera.
“Would you like me to take a photo of you?” Shan Mei asked.
“Thank you, but no.” Xiang Zhe replied as he pointed his camera towards a seagull sitting on the breakwater ahead of them.
“Can you wait a minute while I get a few photos…?” Xiang Zhe said.
Shan Mei moved a little way along so as not to obstruct his photo-taking. From the look of his equipment and the way he was handling them, she knew he was an avid photographer, and was probably very good at it.

“That man is a real looker!”
Shan Mei heard a few girls comment softly to their friends. She smiled. She didn’t have to look to know who they were talking about.
“Which man?”
“That one with the camera taking photos.”
“Wow! He’s really a super stud! And tall, too…must be over six feet! Just look at him… those big eyes and that regal nose….”
Shan Mei stole a glance at Xiang Zhe while listening to the two girls assessing him. Since they met earlier that day, she hadn’t really looked at him. No, it was more like … ever since Li Ping introduced them that day, and her heart started pounding when she looked into his mesmerizing eyes, she hadn’t had the courage to really look at him for any more than five seconds….

From the distance, she watched him as he concentrated on his photo-taking, and smiled. All along, she had only seen the cool, stern, intelligent Yin Xiang Zhe….. she never even tried to imagine what he would be like outside of work. Hmmm… she liked the way he was now – she liked his casual, easy manner, that childish smile of his, the happy sound of his laughter….. This was probably what he was like during his university days! She had great difficulty reconciling the Yin Xiang Zhe she met at WenRong Corporation with the shy Yin Xiang Zhe that her cousin Xui Yun often described.

“A penny for your thoughts?” Xiang Zhe asked.
“Are you finished?” she had been so engrossed in her own thoughts, she didn’t notice that he had already finished.
Xiang Zhe nodded. It was a good thing she was day-dreaming and didn’t notice that he had taken a few photos of her…. He had unintentionally caught the image of her earlier, and the image of her deep in though with the lighthouse behind her made him think of the legend of the women who waited eternally for the return of their loved ones…..

The breakwater was crowded with young couples in the evening.
“Can I take that for you?” Xiang Zhe asked, pointed to the shopping bag in her hand.
“It’s alright.” Shan Mei hid the shopping bag behind her back.
Xiang Zhe laughed. “Relax!... Aha! It must be a gift for your boyfriend!”

“No comment.” It was actually a birthday present for her father, but she saw no need to tell him that….Shan Mei quickened her steps and moved on.
“Hey!...”
Xiang Zhe watched her receding figure and twitched his lips. Surely she wouldn’t have been offended at that?

“Miss! Can you please help us take a photo?”
A middle-aged couple stopped Shan Mei with their camera.
“I’ll do that.” Xiang Zhe offered.

“Would the two of you like us to take a photo of you as well?” the couple asked after he had finished.
“There’s no need.” Shan Mei hurriedly replied. They had probably assumed Xiang Zhe and her were a couple.
“Miss, don’t hold a grudge against your boyfriend…” the middle aged lady smiled and said to Shan Mei.
Shan Mei blushed, “But we aren’t…”
“I’m glad you’re not in an argument…” She interrupted, then turned to her husband, “These two make a beautiful pair, don’t they? It’s obviously a match made in heaven…”
Even after the couple had walked a distance away, Xiang Zhe saw that Shan Mei’s face remained bright red.

Xiang Zhe saw many women selling shellfish and seaweed along the breakwater.
“Why is it only the older women are in business?” Xang Zhe asked.
“They are women divers….They are selling what they have managed to harvest from the sea today.”
Xiang Zhe was curious.
“Jeju of old was a matriarchial society. The men would stay home and look after the house while the women went out diving for seafood and seaweed to make a living…. Jeju has three things in great abundance: Rocks, wind, and women. The abundance of women doesn’t really refer to their numbers, but to the fact that you can see more of them everywhere: in the hills, in the fields, at the beach…most of the people who work are women. The women of Jeju are a strong bunch, just like…..cactus…”
“Cactus?” Xiang Zhe laughed as the images of the prickly plant floated to mind. It was the first time he had ever heard anyone compare women to cactus!
“Yep! Cactus can survived in the harshest of all environments…” Shan Mei’s expression was full of pride.
Xiang Zhe nodded. He understood what she meant.
“Did you know? Women divers have to learn their craft from a very young age…my grandmother was a woman diver….”
Xiang Zhe laughed and looked Shan Mei up and down, “Miss Zhen Shan Mei must be very good at swimming, then?”
Shan Mei smiled in embarrassment, “Actually, I almost failed at swimming during high school…. My father said the stork had delivered this baby to the wrong home….”

As the darkness descended, the lights along the walkway lit up, the plaza started to get noisier and the crowds started to swell.
“This seaside plaza often organizes activities for the weekend. I think they are having an open-air concert this week. If you go further along, there’s also an amusement park….”

At the end of the walkway, a row of seafood restaurants appeared.
“You should have your dinner here. The seafood is very fresh, and the prices are reasonable….”
Shan Mei picked the restaurant that had been featured by MBC, SGS and KBS, then proceeded to negotiate with the owner of the shop before eventually announcing, “You get a better view of the sea if you sit upstairs.”
“You’re good at this, aren’t you?”
“Of course! This is my territory. What are you going to think if I can’t get the best deal for you?” Shan Mei replied smugly.
“Thank goodness I have you, then.” The restaurant was crowded, and he had no reservation. He had no idea how she managed to get him such a good table.
“Is there anything in particular that you would like?”
“You’re the host – you decide!”
Shan Mei was startled for a minute, then said, “Uh..but…” Shan Mei swallowed the rest of her words, “…In that case, don’t blame me if the food is not to your liking… you go on upstairs, and I’ll order…”

Xiang Zhe waited for a long time after Chilli fish, vegetable omelette, Scallop soup, barbecued clams and shoju were served, but Shan Mei still didn’t turn up.
“Where that lady who was with me earlier?” He finally asked the maitre’d who seated them earlier.
“Oh dear!” the maitre’d clapped his hand to his head guiltily, ‘I’m really sorry. I’ve been so busy I forgot… she left a note for you…”

Xiang Zhe accepted the note and read the neatly written words on it:
“DGM, I’m sorry, but I have some urgent matters to attend to and cannot stay to have dinner with you. I’ve already paid the bill (I INSIST! ^_^)……”

I INSIST? ….. Xiang Zhe laughed. She is one mischievious lady!

“….. I’m playing the host, so please be my guest. By the way, there is an E-Mart near this restaurant which sells local produce. If you are interested in buying some, you can go there. Also, the view at Saro peak is very nice, especially now that the cherry blossoms are blooming. You may want to make a trip there tomorrow morning if you have the time.

Have a great dinner!

Zhen Shan Mei”

Even though the dinner was fabulous and the setting pleasant, Xiang Zhe did not enjoy it as much as he should have. He could not help suddenly feeling a little lonely. It had been a very long time since he felt this way……

***End of Chapter 5***

Chapter 6

Journey of Love (Ai Qing Zhi Qiu)

By: Jennifer

Original posted in AAEV

(http://ontv.videoland.com.tw/channel/ai/park/park.asp)

Translated by: ts23

“Grandma Zhang, Sorry I’m late…”

Shan Mei apologize repeatedly. It is extremely impolite to be late when meeting up with your elders. She had lost track of time while doing some research in the office.

“It’s ok, it’s ok, there isn’t much old people like us have expect for lots of free time…” Zhang Ru Hua said

“It’s a Friday today. Did I impose on your date with your boyfriend?” Zhang Ru Hua asked Shan Mei

“Grandma, you like to joke”

“We are so destined to meet. After 10 long months and I bumped into you again…”

“Yes. It’s such a coincidence”

Last year, after resigning from her job in New York, she took a sabbatical and traveled her way home. At a street corner in Kyoto, she met Grandma Zhang Ru hua who had stopped her to ask for directions. It was a special moment to chance upon a fellow compatriot in a foreign country and the feeling was especially kind. Base on their 2 cents worth of the Japanese language knowledge, Grandma Zhang together with 2 of her friends took lead from the fashionable young adults and had embarked on a free and easy trip to cover Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe. Looking at how hard the old ladies were trying to follow the map to navigate their way around at the street corner, peering through their long-sighted reading glasses, Shan Mei couldn’t help but worry for them. She decided to give up her own travel plans and accompanied the 3 old ladies around the Kyoto and Kobe area for the next 5-days. As she was unsure of her own travel plans after that, she had only left them with her email address when they separated and did not manage to keep in touch after that. Then last week, she bumped into Grandma Zhang on the street. As she had to rush back to the office for a meeting, Shan Mei left in a hurry after leaving behind her phone number. Grandma Zhang had called her yesterday to arrange for a dinner date tonight.

“Grandma thought you’re in Cheju.”

“There are more job opportunities in Seoul and the work benefits are better….”

“Why didn’t you contact Grandma? …. I’m an old lady and I’ve accidentally misplaced the email address you’ve given me… My friends mentioned that they want to thank you too!”

Shan Mei smiled. She was not expecting anything in return as she was also being given lots of help when she traveled.

“Shan Mei, you’ve become more beautiful!”

Shan Mei shyly traces her cheeks “It’s because I’ve aged!”

There was another set of cutlery on the table.

“Grandma is expecting another friend over?” Shan Mei asked. She is guessing that maybe Grandma Zhang had invited one of her other friend who had traveled together them the last time.

“Oh, its my grandson.”

Grandma Zhang had asked her grandson along? Shan Mei was not very comfortable with the thought of having to eat dinner with a man she was totally unfamiliar with.

Noting Shan Mei’s uneasiness, Grandma Zhang said “If you’re not comfortable with it, then I shall ask him not to come….I’m sorry, I did not inform you…My grandson happen to call me this afternoon and upon knowing that I’ve asked you out for dinner, had asked to come along so that he can thank you….”

Shan Mei felt rather embarrassed after Grandma Zhang’s explanation and realized that she was being rather petty. Its not like this is a matchmaking date or anything, what is she afraid of……

“it’s alright, Grandma” Shan Mei said.

“Don’t worry, later, I’ll ask him to sit aside and disallow him to speak”

“Grandma….” Shan Mei laughed.

Zhang Ru Hua looked at her watch “You must be hungry…Let’s not wait for that boy, I’ll order…”

“Let’s wait a little while more! The roads are most probably jammed due to the heavy traffic.”

The old and the young chatted while they waited and Zhang Ru Hua’s eye suddenly lighted up. Beaming, she started to wave.

“This way! Xiang Zhe…”

Xiang Zhe!!... It can’t be such a coincidence!

Before she can finish processing her thoughts, a tall figure arrived at the table.

Their eyes met and she knows that he is just as surprised as she is.

“Shan Mei, this is my grandson, Yin Xiang Zhe….Xiang Zhe, this is Ms Zhan Shan Mei, the lady who’ve helped me a lot while in Japan…”

“Hello Ms Zhen….I’m Yin Xiang Zhe, Nice to met you”

Shan Mei’s smile congealed and she threw a puzzled glance at Xiang Zhe.

“Hello, I’m Zhen Shan Mei, Nice to meet you.”

Although she did not know the reason, she played by the ear and pretended that this was their first meeting.

“My grandmother often mention Ms Zhen’s name!”

Shan Mei looked at Xiang Zhe suspiciously, as if teasing him and saying - Is that so? Yin Xiang Zhe? Then why didn’t you realize it earlier? Xiang Zhe with a pleading look, smiled at Shan Mei, wanting her to let him off the hook.

The first few days after his grandmother returned from Japan, she would always mention “Shan Mei, Shan Mei” all day long. That time, he had just started work at Wen Rong and was buried under a ton of work and was rather absent-minded when listening to his grandmother’s encounter. The names that his grandmother had mentioned were just like insignificant question marks and he never had the thought to associate her with the name.

“Thank you for taking care of my grandmother, everyone in the family thought that she had followed a tour package..., luckily you were there….if not she might have been lost in Japan…”

“You’re being too polite Mr Yin, we should help one another when out in a foreign place” Shan Mei said.

All through the evening, Zhang Ru Hua enthusiastically recollected the things they did while in Japan with Shan Mei and Xiang Zhe listened attentively. Actually he had off and on listened to most parts of the story that his grandmother is telling. Previously these stories were rather bland but now they have become vivid all of a sudden and some stories where new to him.

She took the old ladies to Nara Park to look at the flower deer, rode on the horse-drawn carriage; made sure they were ok as they climbed the 6-story high Himeji Castle; brought them to try out the famous bean curd soup nearby Kiyomizudera; taught them how to write down their prayers in the shrine; Xiang Zhe could feel his grandmother’s happiness from the excited narration.

“Grandma, Ms Zhen’s holiday is ruined by you all…” Xiang Zhe teased his grandmother.

“It’s interesting to be with Grandma Zhang and the rest” Shan Mei quickly interjected.

Xiang Zhe feels rather ashamed as a girl who is neither a relative nor kin had shown more care and concern to his grandmother as compared to someone as close as his mother or even himself, whom his grandmother doted on.

Besides the Japan trip, Xiang Zhe also got to know the other things about Shan Mei from his grandmother.

He found out that after graduating from Seoul University, she had furthered her studies in Business Administration at Cambridge University; got to know that she had worked with Goldman Sachs in New York for a year; that she is alone in Seoul…..

“Xiang Zhe… Shan Mei is alone in Seoul, please look in on her when you have the time!” Zhang Ru Hua instructed Xiang Zhe.

While Shan Mei went to the ladies, Xiang Zhe asked Zhang Ru Hua curiously “Grandmother, how did you know so much about Zhen Shan Mei?”

Zhang Ru Hua smiled and said “While in Kyoto, the few old ladies would pull Shan Mei to her room and chat….you grandma Lee likes Shan Mei… and said….” Zhang Ru Hua paused.

“And said what?” Xiang Zhe asked

“And that that she wants to introduce her grandson who is working as an architect in the US to her!”

“Really? Xiang Zhe smiled and looked at Shan Mei who was returning to her seat, “That’s very good!” Xiang Zhe said.

“You said that’s very good?” Zhang Ru Hua starred at Xiang Zhe.

Xiang Zhe nodded “Yes! Very good.”

“You brat!” Zhang Ru Hua mumbled.

“Why did you scold me?” Xiang Zhe asked innocently.

“You know why.”

“Trying to ill-match 2 people again?” Xiang Zhe tried to suppress a smile and said. When his grandmother called tonight to ask him to join her for dinner, he had already guessed as much what she was trying to pull.

“Ill match?..... What is it that is no good about Shan Mei? She’s kind-hearted, pretty….”

“I didn’t say she that she is no good….” Xiang Zhe quickly retort.

The dinner lasted till 9.30pm and Zhang Ru Hua wanted Shan Mei to ride in Xiang Zhe’s car.

“Let Xiang Zhe send you home…” Zhang Ru Hua pull Shan Mei.

“It’s ok Grandma. The subway is right in front, it’s very convenient…”

“Hop in! If not my grandmother will continue to pester you for the whole night.” Xiang Zhe said.

Shan Mei couldn’t reject the offer and sat with Zhang Ru Hua on the rear seat and continue chatting.

From the rear view mirror Xiang Zhe could see his grandmother’s face which was full of joy and corners of his mouth lifted into a smile, his grandmother was holding onto Shan Mei’s hand, not letting go….. It seems like grandma likes Zhen Shan Mei a lot…. Xiang Zhe’s grace shifted onto Shan Mei. This girl is really special….He cannot imagine anyone who would scrape their own traveling plans just for some old ladies who they’ve never met before.

“Its really like that…” Zhen Shan Mei was chatting with grandma and they started laughing.

He looked at the joyous expression on her face and a smile follow on his face, her smile is really very beautiful.

“Xiang Zhe, come over to grandma’s place tomorrow night and I’ll cook red-bean porridge for you”

“I can’t, I need to send someone to the airport”

“Who? Don’t tell me it’s that Song Yu Fen?”

Xiang Zhe gave a weak smile, acknowledging with his silence. Song Yu Fen wanted to go to Europe for a holiday and he has agreed to send her to the airport.

“I can’t see any good in her…. And your father, really, why does he have to insist that you date her…”

“I’m only going send her to the airport; I’ve got nothing going on with her…”

He had gone home for dinner the other day not knowing that Song Yu Fen would be there too. Song Yu Fen mentioned hat she will be going abroad on Saturday and his father had made him send Song Yu Fen to the airport. He was not able to reject.

“It’s not like she doesn’t have a chauffer at home”

“Grandma…”

Embarrassed, Shan Mei looked out of the car window as she listened on to the pair bickering away.

“You’ll have to send Shan Mei home ok!” Standing in front of the gate, Zhang Ru Hua reminded Xiang Zhe again.

“Yes, Ma’am…” Xiang Zhe gave his grandmother a cheeky salute.

“You brat…” Zhang Ru Hua laughed at Xiang Zhe’s tease.

“Grandma…. Remember to prepare the red bean porridge ok! I’ll come over at 8pm sharp to eat the porridge….” Xiang Zhe said with arms around his grandmother’s shoulders.

“I’m not going to cook for this little brat”

“Then I’ll come over to bug you everyday….” Like a little child, Xiang Zhe playfully pestered his grandmother.

“Ok, ok…” Zhang Ru Hua tapped away her grandson’s arms “Send Shan Mei home quickly!”

“Good night Grandma Zhang”

The pair left after seeing Zhang Ru Hua safely into the house.

“Sorry about just now…” In the car, Xiang Zhe said apologetically.

“What about?”

“I’m referring to just now, when I pretended to not to know you in front of my grandmother…” Xiang Zhe scratched his head “Er… My grandmother, when she said wind, it actually meant rain, if she knows that we have known each other previously, I’m afraid that in future, she will bug you to death…” Xiang Zhe said figuratively.

Shan Mei gave a knowing smile “I understand.” So he had good intentions.

“You don’t blame me for being rude do you?”

Shan Mei smiled and shook her head.

Xiang Zhe heaved a sigh of relieve “Thank god, I was worried for the whole evening.”

The car speed along and for a moment, she couldn’t think of anything to say. Shan Mei looked out of the car window and from the glass pane, Xiang Zhe’s side profile was clearly reflected….. She looked at his silhouette and recalled the playful manner when he was with Zhang Ru Hua and a smile slowly appeared on her face.

“What is making you smile?” Xiang Zhe asked

“It’s not like you at all” Somewhat embarrassed, Shan Mei answered as her lips curled.

Xiang Zhe gave a toothy smile “There’s something wrong with the sentence… I’m who I am; is there any likeness and unlikeness?”

“What I meant was, you’ve very different from the Director Yin that I see at Wen Rong.”

“We are each the same, Ms Zhen Shan Mei’s looks today, oh, and the other day in Cheju, is also very different from that Zhen Shan Mei that I see at Wen Rong who is always wearing a serious expression….”

“I won’t look like a consultant if I don’t look serious”

“I won’t look like an Assistant Director if I don’t look serious”

They looked at each other and laughed out loud.

“Thank you for your hospitality this evening.” Shan Mei said.

“Didn’t you also give me a big treat in Cheju? We are equal now”

“No, I still owe you one…” Shan Mei said.

“Oh?” Before Xiang Zhe had the chance to understand, a white envelop appeared before him.

“What’s this?”

“The money is for the breakfast you’ve treated me the other time.”

Xiang Zhe starred at the envelop for a moment and then started laughing.

“What’s so funny?” Shan Mei pouted and asked.

“You’ve intended to hand this to me the other time in the elevator, am I right?”

Shan Mei nodded her head in embarrassment.

“Hey, don’t tell me you’ve been carrying this envelop everywhere you go since the day I treated you to breakfast, did you?”

“It’s all because of you, I don’t like to owe people favors.”

“I’m not going to accept this…. If you feel uncomfortable about it, why don’t you treat me to a cup of coffee when you have a chance next time?”

”So did you mange to go to Saro peak?” Shan Mei asked

She had left behind a note, suggesting him to visit Saro peak for the scenery the following day.

“It was almost mid-night when I finished the whole table of food that you’ve ordered that evening… I was not able to wake up the next day.”

“Really?”

“Really!” Xiang Zhe answered in a straight face : “So as not to disappoint your good intentions, I stayed on to stuff myself with all the food…. Really, you left without a word and I had actually rushed onto the streets to try to get you back….”

“Are you for real?” startled, Shan Mei asked in surprise.

Xiang Zhe grinned.

That hateful man, he was teasing her!

“It was my father’s birthday that day…” Shan Mei said.

“I see….” Xiang Zhe glanced at Shan Mei “So it hadn’t cross your mind to want to have dinner with me then?”

“My responsibility was to bring you to a restaurant that serves tasty food…”

Xiang Zhe interjected “Right…..Playing host and paying the bill as well?”

“That’s right!” Shan Mei nodded

She had not expected that on a personal basis, he is someone who likes to joke.

“I hiked up Sora peak and stayed there for an hour before coming down. The scenery up there was very good and the peach blossoms were also very pretty. Thank you for your recommendation.” Xiang Zhe said.

“I was right wasn’t I?” Shan Mei said.

“You should smile more, your smile is very beautiful.” Xiang Zhe couldn’t help himself and commented.

Shan Mei blushed “It’s easier said than done, you don’t know how stressful work is!”

“Next time when you need to distress, you can go up to Wen Rong’s top floor balcony for a walk, look at the sky, the clouds and the Han River. I guarantee that you’ll feel better.”

“Really?”

“Well, at least it works for me.”

“I’ll give it a try next time…. Do I need an access pass to go up?”

“Regarding this matter…. Just tell them its by my recommendation.”

“Ok….” Shan Mei nodded.

Looking at how serious Shan Mei was, Xiang Zhe couldn’t help but laugh. He was spouting nonsense and she actually bought his story.

“I was just kidding, anyone can go up there.”

Shan Mei glared at Xiang Zhe.

”I heard from Lee Ping that you’re in-charged of planning the merger work between the purchasing unions of Wen Rong and Xing Weng.” Xiang Zhe said.

“Yes.”

“How is it going?”

“Emm…”

He noticed that her smile disappeared.

“It is progressing smoothly?”

Li Ping did hint to him before that the purchasing union at both Ween Rong and Xing Weng are not very co-operative.

“It’s….very smooth.” Shan Mei said

He glanced at her, her emotions are all written out on her face. She’s such an assertive lady.

The success of the merger of the purchasing union will be an impetus to push through the whole M&A project. It seems like he must make phone calls to both the companies COE to express some “concern” on Monday.

Xiang Zhe’s mobile phone rang and it was a call from Song Yu Fen.

“Yu Fen… What is it?”

Xiang Zhe glanced at Shan Mei and his expression changed to become tense.

Yu Fen? Was it the girl that Grandma Zhang mentioned earlier?

“No way, I’m with a friend right now and cannot get away…”

Friend? She looked at him and a subtle feeling welled up in her heart, was that happiness?

“Assistant Director, just drop me at the corner of the road up front, I’ll take the subway home.” She told him after he hang up his phone.

“That won’t do! My grandmother has instructed me….”

She interjected “I’ll tell grandma Zhang that you’d send me home safely.”

“A promise is a promise and besides, it’s not just because of my grandmother’s instructions that I’m sending you home, I am truly sincere and very honored to be given a chance to send you home….” He told her earnestly, afraid that she would not believe his sincerity.

“But, your girlfriend….”

“I’ve said earlier, she is not my girlfriend….” He corrected her. “Also, outside of the office, can you don’t address me as Assistant Director?”

“This…” Shan Mei felt awkward. If she can’t address him as Assistant Director, what does she address him as?

“Besides Assistant Director, you can call be anything….” He smiled and looked at her, “I believe you won’t resort to calling me a dummy or stuffs like that right…”

Shan Mei laughed and said “It’s not like I don’t want my job…”

Her beautiful laughter once again made a ripple in his heart….

He drove on and sent her home, sitting on the vast sky was a moon and it continuously followed the back of his car.

Chapter 6 (Original)

Journey of Love (Ai Qing Zhi Qiu)

Written by Jennifer
Original posted in http://ontv.videoland.com.tw/channel/ai/park/park.asp

Translated by Hindhedeaae

Hyun Chul was already in the meeting room when Sun Mi walked into the room. He was reading some documents intently.
Wen Rong’s board meeting would be held that day. McKinsey would be reporting to the board on the proposed merger plans for the two mobile phone companies. As it had implications on staff employment, the Union had sent its representative to the meeting. For the past few days, Li Ping had gone through each item that might be queried and prepared answers for them. They had practised repeatedly to the extent that Sun Mi and her colleagues were all nervous about the meeting.

“Good morning, DGM.”
Sun Mi greeted Hyun Chul shyly. This was the first time they met since they parted in Jeju…
Hyun Chul looked up. “You are early.” He greeted her with a smile. He had the habit of arriving at the meeting place early before an important meeting.
“We will be using the projector later. Li Ping asked me to come earlier to set up the equipment,” said Sun Mi.
“He should ask a guy to do this,” said Hyun Chul.
“I am the most junior in the company,” explained Sun Mi.
“Don’t ladies have special privileges?”
Sun Mi replied without thinking, “They don’t take me as a lady as far as such tasks are concerned.”
She was startled by her own words. How could she speak to him in that kind of familiar tone! That coincidental encounter in Jeju several days ago seemed to have taken away all her fear of him…

“Are you all prepared?” asked Hyun Chul.
“What?” Sun Mi could not understand him for a moment.
“The meeting later…” He was laughing quietly at her expression.
“Oh… that…” Sun Mi laughed with embarrassment, “don’t worry, Li Ping has been conducting mock practices with us for the past few days.”

Hyun Chul smiled. He was not asking about Li Ping. He was concerned for her.
She was in charge of the merger of the backroom units and the manpower plan. That was the most controversial part of the merger plan. The Union would definitely kick a fuss out of it. Although they had made prior arrangement for Gary and Li Ping to answer the queries of the board and Union, he was worried that she might face direct challenge from the Union due to her age. He had heard some rumours… never mind, he had better not stress her further. Perhaps he was unduly worried.

“Do you need my help?” Hyun Chul pointed at the projector and asked.
Sun Mi declined politely. “It’s alright. I am now the expert in setting up projectors. My colleagues have to consult me instead.”

He did not talk about Jeju, as if they had not met in Jeju at all. That day, she had left him alone to have his dinner. Did he think she was very impolite?

Hyun Chul caught a glimpse of Sun Mi from the corner of his eyes. She was wearing an olive green suit. Her long hair was tied neatly into a bun behind, and she looked very fresh and competent. She looked completely different from her vivacious and cheerful self in Jeju. Hyun Chul could still remember how she pulled at her skirt that day, and he could not help smiling…

Almost all the big wigs of Wen Rong were at the board meeting. This was the first time Sun Mi had the opportunity to see the famous Yun Wen Hao in person. Previously, she had only seen him on TV. There was little resemblance between Hyun Chul and his father. Sun Mi thought that his features might be inherited from his mother. An unexpected figure was the middle-aged man who sat beside her and criticised Hyun Chul at that Wen Rong Group’s investor conference, where she slipped in as Zhao Zhong Cheng’s colleague. The name plate indicated that he was Wen Rong Group’s Deputy Operating GM Cui En Zhong.

Gary and Li Ping presented on the development trend where the big players would grow bigger in the infocomm industry, as well as McKinsey’s merger plan, its feasibility and potential benefits.

The board raised many questions on the merger plan. It appeared that many of the board members were supportive of the merger project, but they were also concerned that their competitors might take advantage of the transition period of the merger, and this could lead to loss of customers.

Hyun Chul summed up in conclusion, “During the transition period of the merger, it is inevitable that customers will be somewhat affected. However, be rest assured, the consultant and I will personally visit all our key customers and ensure that the negative impact to our company is kept to the minimum. Wen Rong’s mobile phone market share has already lagged behind our competitors due to the delay in merger. If we do not act sooner, our market share will drop further. This will compel Wen Rong to re-evaluate its mobile phone business strategy, and re-consider whether we should close this uncompetitive business.”
His words were harsh. Besides stating the facts, his words sounded like a warning. The facial expression of the Union representative who was observing at the side changed.
Sun Mi could not help being worried for Hyun Chul. Why must he take on the role of the bad guy?

“I think DGM Yun has misunderstood the staff and the Union…” Cui En Zhong spoke.
“Yes! The staff and the Union do not totally object to the merger…” The Union representative stood up.
“Then, you are welcome to ask us questions!” said Hyun Chul. The Union representative had spoken as he had expected.

“It is very simple. We only have two questions…” said the Union representative, “firstly, the report talks about the organisation structure after the merger. It has used many local and overseas data as reference to project the manpower need for each department in the new set up. I notice that the headcounts of the various departments were lower than the combined headcounts of the two companies. We would like to know how is the company going to manage the reduced headcount?”

Hyun Chul replied, “I know there are many different rumours circulating internally. I would like to assure everyone here that the company will not force the departments to retrench staff. Based on our initial planning, for those employees who are affected by the reduction in headcounts or restructuring, we will organise job retraining programmes for them, and assign them to the sales division or other companies within the Group based on their ability and inclination. We hope everyone is prepared for this change. If some employees prefer to leave the mobile phone company and not be deployed to another division or company in Wen Rong Group, we will provide appropriate compensation. This is the worst case scenario that our company does not wish to see. Wen Rong values every staff. I will do my best to seek full support of this plan from the board. Is this answer acceptable?”
The Union representative nodded his head.
“What is your second question?”
“Regarding our second question, we think our professional knowledge of the industry is not beneath that of the consultancy firm McKinsey. They do not have a deeper understanding of the industry than us – how the market should be segmented, how the operational process should be carried out smoothly and how much manpower is required. I hope the company will form special project groups comprising senior heads and staff to draft the merger plan. We do not deny McKinsey’s ability, but they might not be successful in every project that they undertake. Take a look at the staff from the consultant team - several of them are quite young, like Miss Jin sitting across, and they have probably just stepped into the job market. Their understanding of the mobile phone industry is really questionable…”

Hyun Chul frowned. As expected, someone had used Sun Mi’s age to attack the plan. He knew the Union’s agenda. They were just trying to get the upper hand and control the merger, so that their own interests were protected. He could understand their thinking, but it would intensify the internal power struggle within the two companies and destroy the compromise reached to date. The merger process would be delayed too. It would not be the outcome he wished to see.

Hyun Chul cast a glance at Sun Mi, who was seated beside Li Ping. He hoped that she would comprehend his difficult position and would not be angry with his subsequent action.

Li Ping cleared his throat and was about to speak when Hyun Chul stopped him.

“I think a person’s ability and his age do not necessarily correlate.” Hyun Chul looked at the Union representative. “President Lee, you are about forty this year, am I right?” He had made an effort to understand the background of the Union. “There are many members who are older than you in the Union, but they recognise and respect your ability, don’t they?” Hyun Chul complimented the Union representative diplomatically. “McKinsey is a professional and reputed company. Their choice of staff is very stringent. For example, Mr Li Ping who is seated across was a very outstanding lawyer before he joined McKinsey Consultancy firm. I knew him when I was working in New York. Although several colleagues who work with Li Ping are quite young, they are very outstanding in both capability and qualifications. They are also professional and committed, and I have learnt much from them when we worked together on the project… I am sorry I have digressed. My point is when Wen Rong engaged McKinsey as consultant, it was not our intention to have them tell us how to raise our skills in manufacturing mobile phones. As President Lee has just said, in terms of skills, none of us is better than all of you here. Wen Rong is taping on McKinsey’s extensive experience and knowledge in the field of consultancy, and relying on their objective analysis and evaluation to help Wen Rong restructure an organisation that has equitable distribution of work load and is efficient, so that Wen Rong can become a world class mobile phone manufacturing company. Many of you here have grown with Wen Rong and have seen it progress from strength to strength. I am sure you and I share the same wish that Wen Rong’s future will be better…”

Sun Mi was filled with admiration for Hyun Chul. Not only did he use reason to convince them, he also touched them with emotions.

“Miss Jin Sun Mi…” Hyun Chul turned to look at Sun Mi.
Sun Mi was startled when she heard her name called.
“Yes…” Sun Mi stood up with slight fear and anxiety.
“I would like you to represent McKinsey Company to say a few words to the Board members and colleagues from Wen Rong. Is that fine?” Hyun Chul tried to sound relaxed. He did not want to add to Sun Mi’s anxiety.
“Yes.” Sun Mi could only agree. Under such circumstances, she could not decline.
“Thank you.”
Hyun Chul was regretful that he did not warn Sun Mi before the meeting. Although Sun Mi tried her best to look calm, he could tell that she was nervous from her flushed face and tightly pressed lips.

Sun Mi quickly ran through all the public relations statements in her mind. The Union had picked her as the target. Hence, Yun Hyun Chul had specifically asked her to respond. She could not fail them. Otherwise, not only would she embarrass herself and the company, it might also screw up Yun Hyun Chul’s plan… Li Ping gave her a pat on the shoulders. Sun Mi smiled wryly.

“Well…” Sun Mi swallowed her saliva. “Ever since my last job interview, I have not spoken before as many senior people…” Sun Mi could feel the cold sweat in her palms.

Sun Mi caught a glimpse of Hyun Chul smiling at her. Hyun Chul’s smile gave her confidence.

“Firstly, I would like to tell a story about a shepherd. Some of you here might have heard of it before…

A shepherd was tending to his sheep in the pasture. Suddenly, a sports car drove into his pasture and stopped beside him. The driver was a well dressed young man.
The young man asked the shepherd, “If I can accurately calculate the total number of sheep that you possess, will you give me one for free?”
The shepherd took a glance at the numerous sheep behind him and agreed reluctantly.
The young man took out his notebook and camera phone, honked at the sheep to make them move and then used GPS, wireless connection, and remote database and formula to compute the number. Finally, he printed out a five-page report.
The young man submitted the report and said confidently, “You have 2587 sheep.”
The shepherd could not understand the report. He said, “You have one more sheep in the total number, but it is already very accurate. You can choose any of the sheep for your reward.”
The young man said, “In that case, I will choose a small one.”
The young man caught one of the sheep and put it in his car.
The young man continued, “Can I make a guess of …”
The shepherd interrupted him, “Wait a minute. Now, let me make a guess of your profession. If I guess it correctly, you will return me the sheep in the car.”
The young man agreed, “Certainly.”
The shepherd said without hesitation, “You are a management consultant from a consultancy firm.”
The young man was very pleased. “You are right. I am a management consultant with Arthur Anderson. How did you know?”
The shepherd replied, “It is easy. Firstly, you came uninvited to propose a deal to me; secondly, you made my sheep feel unsettled; thirdly, you used a complicated process to tell me what I already know. Although there was a small mistake, you made me pay for it; fourthly, you continue to propose new deals to me; and finally, you do not understand the nature of my job or industry, because the “sheep” that you caught is my shepherd dog, and not a sheep.”
………
Laughter could be heard around the room.
Sun Mi stole a glance at Gary and Li Ping and was relieved. Thank goodness, both of them were smiling. She took a shot at the consultant profession openly. She was worried that they were not pleased…

“I believe Gary and Li Ping would totally disagree with the last few statements made by the shepherd. However, I have to admit that this story has some truth in it. A consultant cannot know everything. We are always learning. Every company has its own unique culture and every industry has its special attributes. We cannot apply a standard formula on different companies. Hence, we have to spend long hours talking to your various departments, so as to better understand how your company differs from other companies and develop a plan that is suitable for you. If we do not have your help, we might end up like the young man in the story – we caught a shepherd dog, and not the sheep.”

“Well done! Sun Mi,” Li Ping complimented her softly.

“Thank you, Miss Jin Sun Mi. You do speak very well…” Hyun Chul gave her a smile. Her performance was beyond his expectations. He had worried about her unnecessarily.
Sun Mi smiled shyly. She could not speak well. It was a sudden inspiration when she recalled the joke that her professor for business management shared with her class during lectures. She was actually very nervous.

“Chairman, can we take a vote on this agenda item?” Hyun Chul asked his father who was the Chairman. He wanted to take the opportunity to obtain the board’s approval for the project.
When Yun Wen Hao was about to announce to proceed with the voting for the item, Cui En Zhong raised his hand.
“Chairman, I have a suggestion…” said Cui En Zhong.
“Please proceed,“ said Yun Wen Hao.
“McKinsey is presently the consultant for the proposed merger between Wen Rong and Xing Han. I think they should have a fair understanding of how these two companies work. I would like to suggest that McKinsey participate in the joint procurement exercise between Wen Rong and Xing Han, and help to reduce the procurement costs of the two companies based on their expertise. We can also take the opportunity to let the Board and fellow colleagues enjoy some of the early benefits of the merger. The timing will also be better when DGM Yun proposes this item for voting then, and I believe staff’s reaction will reduce dramatically too.” Cui En Zhong covered all grounds in his speech.
Hyun Chul was displeased. It was obvious that Cui En Zhong’s aim was to delay the project.
“Well said…” “Agree…” Cui En Zhong’s suggestion received support from the majority of the board members present.
“Yun DGM?” Yun Wen Hao turned to his son.
“Well…” Hyun Chul was hesitant. He could not make a decision unilaterally. His contract with McKinsey did not include participation in procurement.

“Mckinsey is willing to provide additional services to an important client like Wen Rong for free.” Gary agreed to Wen Rong’s request after discussion with Hyun Chul.

After the meeting, Hyun Chul approached Sun Mi and said, “Your performance this morning was great, Miss Jin Sun Mi.”
Sun Mi forced a smile. She could not feel happy at all. Li Ping had just assigned her the mammoth task of coordinating the joint procurement exercise for Wen Rong and Xing Han. She had a headache the moment she thought about having to work with the procurement departments of Wen Rong and Xing Han again. The two department heads were not only uncooperative, but also slow in releasing information. She had a hard time dealing with them based on her past encounter.

“I am sorry. I should have warned you before the meeting.” He apologised to her.
“Don’t you think you are taking a big risk? I might screw up your plan.”
“I have confidence in you.”
“Is that so?”
“The tougher the situation, the better is your performance. When we had our weekly progress meeting, you were eloquent and convincing.” The shepherd story that she told achieved an unexpected impact.
Sun Mi’s eyebrows were knitted. Was he teasing her about her helplessness in their other encounters?
“You are very brave to tell the shepherd story in front of your boss. Aren’t you afraid that Gary might fire you?” said Hyun Chul jokingly.
Sun Mi pouted, “Of course I was afraid. How are you going to compensate me if I lose my job?”
“I will offer you a job in Wen Rong immediately,” said Hyun Chul
Sun Mi waved her recordable pen at him and replied mischievously, “I have taped down your promise. You cannot go back on your words now…”
“Don’t worry. This invitation is valid for life.” Hyun Chul said without hesitation.
“Valid for life?” Sun Mi looked at Hyun Chul and said with a smile, “Are you serious - this is like giving me a blank cheque.”
How could she think he was joking!
“Hey, I am serious. I am sincere with my invitation.” Hyun Chul explained hastily.
“…”
Sun Mi started to blush for no apparent reason. “Thank you for your invitation.”

In a moment, the atmosphere became a little strange.
“Er… I should be the one saying thank you.” Hyun Chul felt somewhat awkward.
What was happening to him? He had been exposed to all kinds of situations. How could he be easily embarrassed in front of a lady?

“What are you two discussing?” Li Ping’s appearance saved the day.
“I was just extending my thanks to Miss Jin Sun Mi for being a great help at the meeting,” said Hyun Chul.

“Sun Mi, can you come over for a while?” Her colleague called her.
“I need to go over to help out…” Sun Mi left quickly with much relief.

“What do you think? Our Miss Jin Sun Mi is quite good.”
“She is indeed good.” Hyun Chul smiled and looked towards Sun Mi’s direction. He saw her conversing with a young man called Zheng Wen Sen with a bright smile on her face. He was suddenly envious of Zheng Wen Sen…

- End of Chapter 6 -

Chapter 6

Journey of Love (Ai Qing Zhi Qiu)

Translated by Hindhedeaae

Hyun Chul was already in the meeting room when Sun Mi walked into the room. He was reading some documents intently.

Wen Rong’s board meeting would be held that day. McKinsey would be reporting to the board on the proposed merger plans for the two mobile phone companies. As it had implications on staff employment, the Union had sent its representative to the meeting. For the past few days, Li Ping had gone through each item that might be queried and prepared answers for them. They had practised repeatedly to the extent that Sun Mi and her colleagues were all nervous about the meeting.

“Good morning, DGM.”

Sun Mi greeted Hyun Chul shyly. This was the first time they met since they parted in Jeju…

Hyun Chul looked up. “You are early.” He greeted her with a smile. He had the habit of arriving at the meeting place early before an important meeting.

“We will be using the projector later. Li Ping asked me to come earlier to set up the equipment,” said Sun Mi.

“He should ask a guy to do this,” said Hyun Chul.

“I am the most junior in the company,” explained Sun Mi.

“Don’t ladies have special privileges?”

Sun Mi replied without thinking, “They don’t take me as a lady as far as such tasks are concerned.”

She was startled by her own words. How could she speak to him in that kind of familiar tone! That coincidental encounter in Jeju several days ago seemed to have taken away all her fear of him…

“Are you all prepared?” asked Hyun Chul.

“What?” Sun Mi could not understand him for a moment.

“The meeting later…” He was laughing quietly at her expression.

“Oh… that…” Sun Mi laughed with embarrassment, “don’t worry, Li Ping has been conducting mock practices with us for the past few days.”

Hyun Chul smiled. He was not asking about Li Ping. He was concerned for her.

She was in charge of the merger of the backroom units and the manpower plan. That was the most controversial part of the merger plan. The Union would definitely kick a fuss out of it. Although they had made prior arrangement for Gary and Li Ping to answer the queries of the board and Union, he was worried that she might face direct challenge from the Union due to her age. He had heard some rumours… never mind, he had better not stress her further. Perhaps he was unduly worried.

“Do you need my help?” Hyun Chul pointed at the projector and asked.

Sun Mi declined politely. “It’s alright. I am now the expert in setting up projectors. My colleagues have to consult me instead.”

He did not talk about Jeju, as if they had not met in Jeju at all. That day, she had left him alone to have his dinner. Did he think she was very impolite?

Hyun Chul caught a glimpse of Sun Mi from the corner of his eyes. She was wearing an olive green suit. Her long hair was tied neatly into a bun behind, and she looked very fresh and competent. She looked completely different from her vivacious and cheerful self in Jeju. Hyun Chul could still remember how she pulled at her skirt that day, and he could not help smiling…

Almost all the big wigs of Wen Rong were at the board meeting. This was the first time Sun Mi had the opportunity to see the famous Yun Wen Hao in person. Previously, she had only seen him on TV. There was little resemblance between Hyun Chul and his father. Sun Mi thought that his features might be inherited from his mother. An unexpected figure was the middle-aged man who sat beside her and criticised Hyun Chul at that Wen Rong Group’s investor conference, where she slipped in as Zhao Zhong Cheng’s colleague. The name plate indicated that he was Wen Rong Group’s Deputy Operating GM Cui En Zhong.

Gary and Li Ping presented on the development trend where the big players would grow bigger in the infocomm industry, as well as McKinsey’s merger plan, its feasibility and potential benefits.

The board raised many questions on the merger plan. It appeared that many of the board members were supportive of the merger project, but they were also concerned that their competitors might take advantage of the transition period of the merger, and this could lead to loss of customers.

Hyun Chul summed up in conclusion, “During the transition period of the merger, it is inevitable that customers will be somewhat affected. However, be rest assured, the consultant and I will personally visit all our key customers and ensure that the negative impact to our company is kept to the minimum. Wen Rong’s mobile phone market share has already lagged behind our competitors due to the delay in merger. If we do not act sooner, our market share will drop further. This will compel Wen Rong to re-evaluate its mobile phone business strategy, and re-consider whether we should close this uncompetitive business.”

His words were harsh. Besides stating the facts, his words sounded like a warning. The facial expression of the Union representative who was observing at the side changed.

Sun Mi could not help being worried for Hyun Chul. Why must he take on the role of the bad guy?

“I think DGM Yun has misunderstood the staff and the Union…” Cui En Zhong spoke.

“Yes! The staff and the Union do not totally object to the merger…” The Union representative stood up.

“Then, you are welcome to ask us questions!” said Hyun Chul. The Union representative had spoken as he had expected.

“It is very simple. We only have two questions…” said the Union representative, “firstly, the report talks about the organisation structure after the merger. It has used many local and overseas data as reference to project the manpower need for each department in the new set up. I notice that the headcounts of the various departments were lower than the combined headcounts of the two companies. We would like to know how is the company going to manage the reduced headcount?”

Hyun Chul replied, “I know there are many different rumours circulating internally. I would like to assure everyone here that the company will not force the departments to retrench staff. Based on our initial planning, for those employees who are affected by the reduction in headcounts or restructuring, we will organise job retraining programmes for them, and assign them to the sales division or other companies within the Group based on their ability and inclination. We hope everyone is prepared for this change. If some employees prefer to leave the mobile phone company and not be deployed to another division or company in Wen Rong Group, we will provide appropriate compensation. This is the worst case scenario that our company does not wish to see. Wen Rong values every staff. I will do my best to seek full support of this plan from the board. Is this answer acceptable?”

The Union representative nodded his head.

“What is your second question?”

“Regarding our second question, we think our professional knowledge of the industry is not beneath that of the consultancy firm McKinsey. They do not have a deeper understanding of the industry than us – how the market should be segmented, how the operational process should be carried out smoothly and how much manpower is required. I hope the company will form special project groups comprising senior heads and staff to draft the merger plan. We do not deny McKinsey’s ability, but they might not be successful in every project that they undertake. Take a look at the staff from the consultant team - several of them are quite young, like Miss Jin sitting across, and they have probably just stepped into the job market. Their understanding of the mobile phone industry is really questionable…”

Hyun Chul frowned. As expected, someone had used Sun Mi’s age to attack the plan. He knew the Union’s agenda. They were just trying to get the upper hand and control the merger, so that their own interests were protected. He could understand their thinking, but it would intensify the internal power struggle within the two companies and destroy the compromise reached to date. The merger process would be delayed too. It would not be the outcome he wished to see.

Hyun Chul cast a glance at Sun Mi, who was seated beside Li Ping. He hoped that she would comprehend his difficult position and would not be angry with his subsequent action.

Li Ping cleared his throat and was about to speak when Hyun Chul stopped him.

“I think a person’s ability and his age do not necessarily correlate.” Hyun Chul looked at the Union representative. “President Lee, you are about forty this year, am I right?” He had made an effort to understand the background of the Union. “There are many members who are older than you in the Union, but they recognise and respect your ability, don’t they?” Hyun Chul complimented the Union representative diplomatically. “McKinsey is a professional and reputed company. Their choice of staff is very stringent. For example, Mr Li Ping who is seated across was a very outstanding lawyer before he joined McKinsey Consultancy firm. I knew him when I was working in New York. Although several colleagues who work with Li Ping are quite young, they are very outstanding in both capability and qualifications. They are also professional and committed, and I have learnt much from them when we worked together on the project… I am sorry I have digressed. My point is when Wen Rong engaged McKinsey as consultant, it was not our intention to have them tell us how to raise our skills in manufacturing mobile phones. As President Lee has just said, in terms of skills, none of us is better than all of you here. Wen Rong is taping on McKinsey’s extensive experience and knowledge in the field of consultancy, and relying on their objective analysis and evaluation to help Wen Rong restructure an organisation that has equitable distribution of work load and is efficient, so that Wen Rong can become a world class mobile phone manufacturing company. Many of you here have grown with Wen Rong and have seen it progress from strength to strength. I am sure you and I share the same wish that Wen Rong’s future will be better…”

Sun Mi was filled with admiration for Hyun Chul. Not only did he use reason to convince them, he also touched them with emotions.

“Miss Jin Sun Mi…” Hyun Chul turned to look at Sun Mi.

Sun Mi was startled when she heard her name called.

“Yes…” Sun Mi stood up with slight fear and anxiety.

“I would like you to represent McKinsey Company to say a few words to the Board members and colleagues from Wen Rong. Is that fine?” Hyun Chul tried to sound relaxed. He did not want to add to Sun Mi’s anxiety.

“Yes.” Sun Mi could only agree. Under such circumstances, she could not decline.

“Thank you.”

Hyun Chul was regretful that he did not warn Sun Mi before the meeting. Although Sun Mi tried her best to look calm, he could tell that she was nervous from her flushed face and tightly pressed lips.

Sun Mi quickly ran through all the public relations statements in her mind. The Union had picked her as the target. Hence, Yun Hyun Chul had specifically asked her to respond. She could not fail them. Otherwise, not only would she embarrass herself and the company, it might also screw up Yun Hyun Chul’s plan… Li Ping gave her a pat on the shoulders. Sun Mi smiled wryly.

“Well…” Sun Mi swallowed her saliva. “Ever since my last job interview, I have not spoken before as many senior people…” Sun Mi could feel the cold sweat in her palms.

Sun Mi caught a glimpse of Hyun Chul smiling at her. Hyun Chul’s smile gave her confidence.

“Firstly, I would like to tell a story about a shepherd. Some of you here might have heard of it before…

A shepherd was tending to his sheep in the pasture. Suddenly, a sports car drove into his pasture and stopped beside him. The driver was a well dressed young man.

The young man asked the shepherd, “If I can accurately calculate the total number of sheep that you possess, will you give me one for free?”

The shepherd took a glance at the numerous sheep behind him and agreed reluctantly.

The young man took out his notebook and camera phone, honked at the sheep to make them move and then used GPS, wireless connection, and remote database and formula to compute the number. Finally, he printed out a five-page report.

The young man submitted the report and said confidently, “You have 2587 sheep.”

The shepherd could not understand the report. He said, “You have one more sheep in the total number, but it is already very accurate. You can choose any of the sheep for your reward.”

The young man said, “In that case, I will choose a small one.”

The young man caught one of the sheep and put it in his car.

The young man continued, “Can I make a guess of …”

The shepherd interrupted him, “Wait a minute. Now, let me make a guess of your profession. If I guess it correctly, you will return me the sheep in the car.”

The young man agreed, “Certainly.”

The shepherd said without hesitation, “You are a management consultant from a consultancy firm.”

The young man was very pleased. “You are right. I am a management consultant with Arthur Anderson. How did you know?”

The shepherd replied, “It is easy. Firstly, you came uninvited to propose a deal to me; secondly, you made my sheep feel unsettled; thirdly, you used a complicated process to tell me what I already know. Although there was a small mistake, you made me pay for it; fourthly, you continue to propose new deals to me; and finally, you do not understand the nature of my job or industry, because the “sheep” that you caught is my shepherd dog, and not a sheep.”

………

Laughter could be heard around the room.

Sun Mi stole a glance at Gary and Li Ping and was relieved. Thank goodness, both of them were smiling. She took a shot at the consultant profession openly. She was worried that they were not pleased…

“I believe Gary and Li Ping would totally disagree with the last few statements made by the shepherd. However, I have to admit that this story has some truth in it. A consultant cannot know everything. We are always learning. Every company has its own unique culture and every industry has its special attributes. We cannot apply a standard formula on different companies. Hence, we have to spend long hours talking to your various departments, so as to better understand how your company differs from other companies and develop a plan that is suitable for you. If we do not have your help, we might end up like the young man in the story – we caught a shepherd dog, and not the sheep.”

“Well done! Sun Mi,” Li Ping complimented her softly.

“Thank you, Miss Jin Sun Mi. You do speak very well…” Hyun Chul gave her a smile. Her performance was beyond his expectations. He had worried about her unnecessarily.

Sun Mi smiled shyly. She could not speak well. It was a sudden inspiration when she recalled the joke that her professor for business management shared with her class during lectures. She was actually very nervous.

“Chairman, can we take a vote on this agenda item?” Hyun Chul asked his father who was the Chairman. He wanted to take the opportunity to obtain the board’s approval for the project.

When Yun Wen Hao was about to announce to proceed with the voting for the item, Cui En Zhong raised his hand.

“Chairman, I have a suggestion…” said Cui En Zhong.

“Please proceed,“ said Yun Wen Hao.

“McKinsey is presently the consultant for the proposed merger between Wen Rong and Xing Han. I think they should have a fair understanding of how these two companies work. I would like to suggest that McKinsey participate in the joint procurement exercise between Wen Rong and Xing Han, and help to reduce the procurement costs of the two companies based on their expertise. We can also take the opportunity to let the Board and fellow colleagues enjoy some of the early benefits of the merger. The timing will also be better when DGM Yun proposes this item for voting then, and I believe staff’s reaction will reduce dramatically too.” Cui En Zhong covered all grounds in his speech.

Hyun Chul was displeased. It was obvious that Cui En Zhong’s aim was to delay the project.

“Well said…” “Agree…” Cui En Zhong’s suggestion received support from the majority of the board members present.

“Yun DGM?” Yun Wen Hao turned to his son.

“Well…” Hyun Chul was hesitant. He could not make a decision unilaterally. His contract with McKinsey did not include participation in procurement.

“Mckinsey is willing to provide additional services to an important client like Wen Rong for free.” Gary agreed to Wen Rong’s request after discussion with Hyun Chul.

After the meeting, Hyun Chul approached Sun Mi and said, “Your performance this morning was great, Miss Jin Sun Mi.”

Sun Mi forced a smile. She could not feel happy at all. Li Ping had just assigned her the mammoth task of coordinating the joint procurement exercise for Wen Rong and Xing Han. She had a headache the moment she thought about having to work with the procurement departments of Wen Rong and Xing Han again. The two department heads were not only uncooperative, but also slow in releasing information. She had a hard time dealing with them based on her past encounter.

“I am sorry. I should have warned you before the meeting.” He apologised to her.

“Don’t you think you are taking a big risk? I might screw up your plan.”

“I have confidence in you.”

“Is that so?”

“The tougher the situation, the better is your performance. When we had our weekly progress meeting, you were eloquent and convincing.” The shepherd story that she told achieved an unexpected impact.

Sun Mi’s eyebrows were knitted. Was he teasing her about her helplessness in their other encounters?

“You are very brave to tell the shepherd story in front of your boss. Aren’t you afraid that Gary might fire you?” said Hyun Chul jokingly.

Sun Mi pouted, “Of course I was afraid. How are you going to compensate me if I lose my job?”

“I will offer you a job in Wen Rong immediately,” said Hyun Chul

Sun Mi waved her recordable pen at him and replied mischievously, “I have taped down your promise. You cannot go back on your words now…”

“Don’t worry. This invitation is valid for life.” Hyun Chul said without hesitation.

“Valid for life?” Sun Mi looked at Hyun Chul and said with a smile, “Are you serious - this is like giving me a blank cheque.”

How could she think he was joking!

“Hey, I am serious. I am sincere with my invitation.” Hyun Chul explained hastily.

“…”

Sun Mi started to blush for no apparent reason. “Thank you for your invitation.”

In a moment, the atmosphere became a little strange.

“Er… I should be the one saying thank you.” Hyun Chul felt somewhat awkward.

What was happening to him? He had been exposed to all kinds of situations. How could he be easily embarrassed in front of a lady?

“What are you two discussing?” Li Ping’s appearance saved the day.

“I was just extending my thanks to Miss Jin Sun Mi for being a great help at the meeting,” said Hyun Chul.

“Sun Mi, can you come over for a while?” Her colleague called her.

“I need to go over to help out…” Sun Mi left quickly with much relief.

“What do you think? Our Miss Jin Sun Mi is quite good.”

“She is indeed good.” Hyun Chul smiled and looked towards Sun Mi’s direction. He saw her conversing with a young man called Zheng Wen Sen with a bright smile on her face. He was suddenly envious of Zheng Wen Sen…

Chapter 7