AAE -- Twists of Fate

Part 1 -- Chapter 10

by LoveCR2

edited by All-About-AAE

 

 

Hyung-Chul steps into CREAM Cake House with Sun-Dal. The café is nearly empty at this hour.

 

"I think you're making a mistake," Sun-Dal says quietly. "You could be adding gasoline to the fire."

 

Hyung-Chul nods. "Perhaps. But I promised Sun-Mi I'd set the record straight." The memory of her voice lingers -- 'We're just friends, and have never been more than that.' The words settle heavily in his heart.

 

 

They approach a corner table where three reporters -- two men and a woman -- are seated. The reporters stand with polite nods.

 

Hyung-Chul greets them with a measured smile. "Good evening. Thank you for coming."

 

He reaches out to the nearest man for a handshake.

 

"I'm Kim Sang-Hyuk," the man says.

 

The other man extends his hand. "Kim Sun-Hyung."

 

The woman reaches across the table. "Yang Ji-Sun. It's a pleasure."

 

 

Everyone sits. A waiter arrives.

 

"Wine for everyone," Hyung-Chul orders. "The house Merlot."

 

"Yes, Director," the waiter replies and walks away.

 

"Your call surprised me," Sang-Hyuk says. "I thought you would file complaints."

 

"Litigation doesn't serve anyone's purpose," Hyung-Chul responds evenly. "It's better to correct misinformation with facts."

 

The reporters exchange questioning glances.

 

 

The waiter returns with a bottle and goblets. He pours the wine, emptying the bottle.

 

"Thank you," Hyung-Chul says, then raises his glass. "To the truth."

 

Five goblets meet with a soft clink of crystal.

 

 

Sun-Hyung leans forward. "What misinformation are you referring to, Director?"

 

"What you heard from one of our staff was incorrect," Hyung-Chul explains. "It came from a false rumor."

 

"Are you denying you have a relationship with Announcer Jin?" Ji-Sun asks.

 

"No. We met at Cambridge years ago, and were close friends before we both joined MBS. But I deny having a romantic relationship with Announcer Jin, or choosing her as the next News At Nine anchor. MBS follows a strict, merit-based process, and I am not on the selection committee."

 

Sang-Hyuk crosses his arms. "Why should we believe you? You've been spotted at restaurants alone with Announcer Jin. And even if you're not on the decision team it doesn't mean someone in your position has no influence."

 

"If you did a thorough investigation, you'd know that I've had dinner with most of my announcers at one time or another," Hyung-Chul states. "I admit, though, because of our past friendship, I've seen Announcer Jin more often than the others."

 

Ji-Sun tilts her head. "But if she is just a friend, why such an extraordinary effort to deal with it personally? You could have just issued a press release."

 

"This isn't only about Announcer Jin. This is about my integrity as a leader," Hyung-Chul retorts, his voice gaining a sharp, authoritative edge. "What example does it set for my company, and for society, if charges of nepotism go unchallenged?"

 

Ji-Sun lifts an eyebrow. "I appreciate the candor, Director, but I need independent verification. I don't want to print a corporate whitewashing effort."

 

"Those are fair points." Hyung-Chul nods once, his voice even again. "Since it is impossible for me to prove a negative, I want to offer an opportunity for you to do your own investigations. Announcer Jin has agreed to give you exclusive interviews. You're also invited to sit in on the anchor selection board so you can see for yourself the process we follow."

 

Sun-Dal blurts, "But --"

 

A single sideways glance from Hyung-Chul silences him. "We have nothing to hide."

 

Sun-Hyung's brow creases. "Such a generous offer must come with a catch, Director Yoon."

 

"The only catch, if you want to call it that," Hyung-Chul replies, "is that you agree to retract the false stories you printed and publish the facts. As journalists, isn't that your primary motive -- exposing the truth?"

 

The reporters do not answer, their eyes fixed on their notebooks.

 

"I hope we understand each other." He stands. "I have subsequent engagement. News Team Manager Kim Sun-Dal will fill you in on the details and answer any further questions. It was good meeting you."

 

 

As Hyung-Chul walks off, Sun-Dal passes a thin folder to each of the reporters. "These include the available dates and times for interviews, and a full bio of Announcer Jin. I will email the board schedule tomorrow."

 

His gaze sweeps the table. "Before we continue, let me assure you... Director Yoon is serious about retractions. He will use every legal and corporate resource to protect his employees from lies and defamation." He pauses, narrowing his eyes. "Do I make myself clear?"