Chapter 49
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 49
Chapter Title: Relief Pitcher, Lee Hyun-seong
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In the frozen air of the conference room, I strode forward to the podium without a hint of hesitation.
Son Jun-hyeok, caught off guard by my sudden move, tried to block my path for a moment, but I lightly shoved his shoulder aside and took my place at the microphone.
In an instant, every eye in the room locked onto me.
The Japanese buyers' gazes filled with suspicion and disappointment.
Kang Joo-young's eyes, a mix of desperation and faint hope.
The other team members' anxious, curious stares.
Kang Joo-young's eyes, where desperation and faint hope intertwined.
And even Park Mi-na's complex, subtle look.
All of it felt like spotlights pouring down on a stage actor.
First, I bowed politely yet confidently toward Section Chief Tanaka, the eldest among them.
"Section Chief Tanaka, and everyone from the buying team. First off, I sincerely apologize for any concern caused by our inadequate preparations."
At my calm, fluent apology, the icy atmosphere in the conference room thawed ever so slightly.
"It's true that Assistant Manager Son Jun-hyeok's presented data had some errors and shortcomings."
I seized the opening without missing a beat.
"However, I must boldly say that this doesn't undermine the value of the core data we've identified. Would it be alright if I provide some supplementary explanations?"
As I finished speaking, I met Section Chief Tanaka's eyes head-on.
He eyed me appraisingly for a moment, then gave a faint nod, as if intrigued.
"Very well. Let's hear it."
The moment approval came, I linked my laptop and brought up the supplementary materials I'd prepared in advance.
Right next to the data Son Jun-hyeok had shown, my reanalyzed and additionally investigated materials from the past few weeks appeared side by side.
"As you pointed out, Section Chief, there was an error in the sampling for a specific period in Assistant Manager Son's data. But if you look at this analysis of the overall market trends..."
Drawing on my enhanced logic and analytical skills, I acknowledged the errors while methodically explaining why our approach was still more valid.
I visually restructured the complex data and clearly pinpointed the subtle nuances of market psychology and consumer sentiment beyond the statistics.
Even I was surprised at how smoothly the words flowed, with my mind already perfectly organized for the next points.
As my explanation continued, the buyers' stiff expressions, starting with Section Chief Tanaka, began to soften bit by bit.
Suspicion in their eyes gave way to curiosity and focus.
"Regarding Manager Sato's concerns about cultural risks in the promotion method, we're fully aware."
I moved on to the points raised by the young female buyer, Manager Sato.
"It seems Assistant Manager Son's explanation highlighted only the aggressive aspects, leading to some misunderstanding."
Rather than directly refuting Son Jun-hyeok's plan, I framed it as filling in his gaps.
"What we've actually prepared isn't just a straightforward promotion of the product's superiority."
I presented a fresh promotion idea that integrated marketing strategies building empathy through specific subculture codes popular among Japan's younger generation.
It went beyond mere product promotion, offering a far more sophisticated and effective way to build a positive brand image and foster a fandom.
"Ho."
A low murmur of admiration escaped Manager Sato's lips.
Her eyes sparkled with intellectual interest.
"You're Assistant Manager Lee Hyun-seong, right? Such in-depth analysis and fresh ideas. At this level, it more than offsets the risks we were worried about."
"You're too kind."
The atmosphere had completely reversed.
The once-chilly conference room now buzzed with heated discussion and positive anticipation.
The buyers no longer directed questions at Son Jun-hyeok.
All queries came to me, and I answered without missing a beat, drawing them fully into my rhythm.
A glance sideways showed Team Leader Kang Joo-young staring at me in near awe.
Her eyes held relief, surprise, and even a reverence I'd never seen before.
Son Jun-hyeok, meanwhile, kept his head down, unable to lift his face.
I could sense his shoulders trembling faintly with anger and humiliation.
Serves you right.
The meeting ran well past its scheduled time before wrapping up.
The outcome was a resounding success.
"Wow, Assistant Manager Lee! That was incredible. A brilliant presentation."
Section Chief Tanaka was the first to stand, approaching me with a satisfied smile and offering a handshake.
His eyes brimmed with far more trust and goodwill than before.
"I merely placed the final stepping stone on the path Assistant Manager Son had paved."
I deliberately added a comment that seemed to praise Son Jun-hyeok slightly.
Of course, it wasn't sincere.
It was closer to subtly pointing out his deficiencies.
I could feel Son Jun-hyeok's shoulders shrink even more from his corner, head bowed.
Nothing makes a loser feel more wretched than the victor's gracious praise.
"Haha. Assistant Manager Lee, you're humble too."
At my modest demeanor, he let out a hearty laugh.
"I know Assistant Manager Son put in the effort too. Still, what you pointed out earlier was truly impressive."
He gripped my hand firmly once more as he spoke.
"Honestly, I had some reservations about this project at first, but after hearing your explanation today, we're convinced."
I returned a faint smile to Section Chief Tanaka.
"Thank you for saying that. I've steadily studied Japanese market culture, and I'm glad it helped."
Of course, it was a lie, but my self-suggestion-enhanced words instilled absolute trust in him.
"Ah, I see! That explains your exceptional understanding."
Satisfaction spread further across Section Chief Tanaka's face.
"For the project going forward, I'd like to mainly discuss with Assistant Manager Lee. Is that alright?"
"Yes, of course. Feel free to contact me anytime."
"Haha, reassuring. Looking forward to working with you."
"Likewise."
I clasped his hand with a relaxed smile.
Everything was falling into place even more perfectly than planned.
As the Japanese buyers left the conference room with satisfied expressions, an awkward silence hung briefly in the tension-filled space.
The team members eyed each other, still struggling to process what had happened.
Team Leader Kang Joo-young was the first to break the silence.
"...Assistant Manager Lee!"
She practically rushed over to me.
Anyone watching might think she was about to embrace me in overwhelming emotion.
"Really, truly amazing. If it weren't for you, I don't even want to think... It was chilling."
Her eyes sparkled like a child's as she poured out the questions she'd held back.
"How did you come up with that? The data analysis and promotion ideas—when did you...?"
"Calm down a bit first, Team Leader."
"Haa. Haa. Yeah, yeah. Sorry. I got too excited."
Kang Joo-young caught her breath at my words, fanning her face with her hand.
I took the opportunity to enjoy the glimpse of her ample cleavage through her slightly unbuttoned blouse.
"Anyway, you did really well. Assistant Manager Lee."
"You're too kind. I just did what any team member should."
I maintained maximum humility.
"I was wrong. This project should have been yours from the start. I'll report it upstairs right away..."
"Team Leader, we can discuss that later."
I cut her off at the perfect timing once more.
No need to rush things.
Then, from the back, a chill swept in along with the rough sound of the door slamming open.
Turning, I saw Son Jun-hyeok glaring at me with bloodshot eyes.
He said nothing, just fixed me with a venomous stare as if cursing me, before storming out, kicking the door wide.
His retreating back radiated deep humiliation and intense hostility toward me.
The remaining team members finally snapped to, approaching one by one to shower me with praise.
"Wow, Assistant Manager Lee! You're incredible! That presentation was the best!"
"Right! Answering those tough questions without flinching gave me chills!"
Their sudden shift from ignoring or avoiding me was amusing, but I didn't show it, responding appropriately to their compliments.
Being looked up to by others was sweeter than I'd imagined.
Park Mi-na watched the whole scene from a distance with uneasy eyes.
When I shot her a subtle glance, she trembled as if understanding something.
She'd endured patiently and played her role well, so it was time to give her a fitting 'reward' soon.
Back at the office, the atmosphere had completely changed.
Word of what happened in the conference room had already spread like wildfire throughout the floor.
Whispers and sidelong glances followed me everywhere.
"Heard Assistant Manager Lee hard-carried? Convinced the Japanese buyers all by himself."
"For real? What about Assistant Manager Son Jun-hyeok?"
"Totally got crushed. Couldn't even get a word out properly and folded."
"Assistant Manager Lee has some real skills. Thought he was just quiet, but color me impressed."
"Honestly, I hated watching Son Jun-hyeok act all high and mighty. Feels good to see him taken down."
The suspicious, accusatory stares from just days ago had turned to admiration and awe.
Colleagues who'd barely made eye contact now casually offered coffee or asked work-related questions.
Son Jun-hyeok was nowhere to be seen—probably off somewhere to cool his rage.
This had flipped my reputation and solidified my position, but it wasn't over yet.
It was just an intermediate step in the plan.
My ultimate goal was still Kang Joo-young.
As quitting time approached, Team Leader Kang Joo-young stood and gathered the team.
Pride in the successful outcome and warmth toward the whole team radiated from her face, replacing the morning's anxiety.
"Everyone, listen up for a sec!"
Her voice was a tone higher than usual.
"Today, our team successfully wrapped up a very important meeting! Sure, there are still mountains to climb, but we've cleared a major hurdle."
The team erupted in cheers and applause as if they'd been waiting.
"This is thanks to everyone giving their all in their roles, but there's someone who made a particularly huge contribution today, right?"
Kang Joo-young's gaze naturally turned to me.
The team's eyes followed suit in unison.
"Assistant Manager Lee Hyun-seong. You shone in that decisive moment."
A chorus of "Oohs" rose with thunderous applause.
I stood and gave a light nod.
"And!"
Kang Joo-young carried the momentum, announcing the exciting news.
"Head office heard about this great news and is thrilled with the meeting results. They're fully sponsoring a team dinner to celebrate!"
"Ooh!"
"For real? Awesome!"
The unexpected announcement widened eyes around the team.
"Yes. So, clear your schedules for next Friday evening, no matter what. I'll book a fantastic spot."
A bright smile bloomed on Joo-young's lips.
That smile was so alluring, and knowing it was thanks to my achievements sent a thrill through me.
"Team Leader, you're the best!"
"Can't wait for the dinner menu!"
Most of the team cheered excitedly.
Mi-na in the next seat forced a calm expression.
Son Jun-hyeok, who had returned unnoticed, clapped half-heartedly with a forced smirk.
As I watched them quietly, my eyes happened to meet Kang Joo-young's.
That gaze held a deep trust I'd never seen before, along with a subtle heat only I could detect.
I returned a meaningful smile to her.
Next Friday night, what color of moans would that innocent, trusting smile twist into before me?
The time to harvest the fruit was not far off.