AAE -- For Better For Worse

Part 3 -- Chapter 06

by LoveCR2

edited by All-About-AAE

 

 

"Next on the agenda is our Asia Pacific expansion," Vice President John White addresses the Board of Directors.

 

He looks to the attendant at the door. "Have Director Yoon come in."

 

 

The door opens and Hyung-Chul enters and walks to a podium at the end of the long conference table.

 

"Good morning, I'm Hyung-Chul Yoon, Director of Asia Pacific Programming," he introduces himself. "Six months ago, we completed a marketing analysis on the interest for our product in this region. Since then we have initiated negotiations with broadcast, satellite, and cable providers in five countries. We are also in the process of identifying potential providers in another five countries.

 

"The folders in front of you contain details of our progress to date. I'll go over the financial impacts first, and then open the floor for questions..."

 

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

After the Board meeting concluded, John White met with Hyung-Chul in his office for a follow-up. The two men, mates since Cambridge, talk candidly and at ease with each other.

 

"You did well, for your first time before the Board," John observes, "There were some who had questioned bringing you on-board, but I think their concerns were settled today."

 

"The Directors here are more perceptive and involved than the typical Board in Seoul," Hyung-Chul remarks. "I'm used to having less direct pushback, and fewer questions."

 

"All that matters is their vote for funding to see this through," John points out. "We have until the Board meeting next month to respond any remaining questions. Let me know if you need additional staff."

 

"I'll make do with the existing team," Hyung-Chul decides on the spot. "There isn't time to bring new people up to speed."

 

"That makes sense, " John nods. "I appreciate the effort you gave to this initiative, it won't go unrewarded."

 

"I'm just thankful that you gave me the opportunity, and satisfied that you approve of my work," Hyung-Chul demurs. "But I would like to take a short holiday once we put this to bed, if that's possible."

 

"Of course!" John approves without a second thought. "You've burnt the candle at both ends these past few months, and put in 110%. I'm sure you could use a break."

 

"It's not so much for me, but for my wife," Hyung-Chul clarifies his request. "I was hoping that visiting her father might help her."

 

"Going back to Seoul? I don't want to pry, but if you need more time off for family matters, just ask."

 

"Thanks for your generous offer and concern, but I'm not sure how much time I need."

 

"How is your father-in-law? Is he recovering?"

 

"He's out of the hospital, but his condition is frail, and he is wheelchair bound. The doctors have doubt he'll fully recover," Hyung-Chul provides the details, grateful for a chance to unburden himself to a sympathetic ear. "So his sister closed her restaurant here and went back to care for him."

 

"Are they still going to try him?"

 

"The DA put him on house arrest for now, until he recovers enough to stand trial. The evidence is purely circumstantial, but Huh Young-Mi makes a sympathetic surviving relative, so the DA thinks he can win. I've hired private investigators to look for evidence to exonerate him."

 

"How is Sun-Mi handling it?"

 

"Not well. Though some time ago Sun-Mi had completely recovered from the stillbirth, her doctor said she is probably just having postpartum depression. But it's been six months now, and still her condition isn't better, so I'm getting worried. Since her release from the hospital, Sun-Mi seldom goes out from our home, even to church, and she often stays in bed all day."

 

"Have you gone for counseling?"

 

"Sun-Mi refuses. She insists there's nothing wrong with her mind. So we don't talk about it any more. Since she's not a danger to herself, I can't force her into treatment."

 

"Well, I hope things work out. Let me know when you want to take that time off," John says as he rises from his chair. "I'd invite you for a pint later, but we both have wives to go home to." He extends his hand.

 

Hyung-Chul stands, and the two men shake.

 

"Again, good job today."

 

"Thanks, see you tomorrow."

 

 

Leaving John's office, Hyung-Chul is headed down the corridor, back to his own office, when his mobile ringtone announces a call. He takes the phone from his jacket, flipping it open to answer.

 

"Yes, father?"

 

"It's just as we expected. Kim, with the backing of the Board, announced a new stock issue today. Ostensibly, he wants to raise funds for the proposed new facilities in Ilsan," Hoe-Jang reports the latest development on the company's internal political battle. "But his unstated purpose was to dilute the existing stock value and strengthen his hold on the Company."

 

"I heard," Hyung-Chul replies. "What did you decide to do?"

 

"We couldn't stand by and let him get away with it," his father described the Board's minority response. "So we garnered enough support to call a special meeting for another vote."

 

Hyung-Chul concludes, "That means we're headed for a proxy fight. Do you think you have a chance?"

 

"We lost last time because Director Yoo withheld his support," Hoe-Jang provides the background. "This time he's open to a compromise, but we need your approval to complete any deal."

 

His father's unusual ambiguation raises Hyung-Chul's curiosity."What kind of compromise?"

 

"You'll know, soon enough," Hoe-Jang replies without answering the question. "I just wanted to give you a heads-up. I'll ring off now."

 

 

Seconds after the call cuts off, Hyung-Chul's mobile rings again.

 

"It's me," he tells the caller. "What is it?"

 

Sun-Dal tersely replies, "I'm in London. Let's meet..."

 

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

After work, Hyung-Chul and Sun-Dal meet for drinks at a pub near the BBC offices.

 

Immediately on sitting down at the bar, Hyung-Chul notices the wedding band on Sun-Dal's left hand.

 

"Congratulations," he claps his friend on the shoulder. "I wish you and Joo-Hee the best, sincerely."

 

"Thanks. I heard about your wedding, too, and the baby," Sun-Dal replies. "I'm sorry for your loss. I wish circumstances right now were different."

 

"I understand," Hyung-Chul concurs. "Me, too."

 

 

"How's my old drinking buddy?" Sun-Dal moves on to a more pleasant subject. "It's been too long."

 

"You came all the way to London, just to share one with me?" Hyung-Chul jokes.

 

"Not exactly. Did your father call?"

 

"Just before you," Hyung-Chul confirms. "Now, tell me straight -- what's going on with Director Yoo?"

 

"Your father has agreed to set aside his differences and work together, to retain their stakes in the company," Sun-Dal informs him, "but they also need you to buy into the agreement, too."

 

Hyung-Chul is incredulous. "Joo-Hee's father expects me to cooperate with him, after all the trouble he's brought to Sun-Mi and me?"

 

"Technically you don't have to interact with him at all," Sun-Dal clarifies. "It's with Joo-Hee. And I'll vouch for her, that she had nothing to do with her father's actions."

 

"You expect me to believe that?"

 

"After you left with Sun-Mi, Joo-Hee stood up for herself and put her foot down. First she declared we were going to marry, and then she threatened to cut her father off if he didn't stop in his vendetta. Fortunately for everyone, he caved and recanted his vow of retribution," Sun-Dal reveals the unexpected twists. "You won't be bothered by him again, as long as you stay away from the country and MBS."

 

"You mean, if I willingly submit to self-imposed exile," Hyung-Chul retorts ironically. "And if I don't?"

 

"The District Attorney's decision to delay prosecution of Jin Gwi-Sung can be rescinded at any time," Sun-Dal states the consequence matter-of-factly. "All it would take is a word from Joo-Hee's father."

 

"Since when is holding hostages a part of recanting?"

 

"What do you expect? It's not as if you had no complicity in what happened," Sun-Dal backs his wife's efforts. "Just be happy that Joo-Hee went out on a limb for you, too, and Sun-Mi."

 

Admitting that Sun-Dal has a point, Hyung-Chul softens his aggrieved stance. "Give Joo-Hee my thanks. What does she need? Just my proxy statement?"

 

"No, the agreement requires you to hand over control of the shares in your mother's family trust, by making her the sole trustee."

 

"Why would I do that?"

 

"Because of what you're about to hear, a secret not to be repeated," Sun-Dal answers solemnly.

 

"What secret?"

 

"When you went off to London, after breaking your engagement with Joo-Hee, you left something behind with her -- a son."

 

 

"Huh!?" Hyung-Chul gapes at Sun-Dal, disbelieving, "Did I hear that right?"

 

"Yes, it's true. You and Joo-Hee have a son."