Chapter 17
Chapter 17
Write and Live (1)
Thanks to the solid foundational data, I was able to complete the draft report for the eco-friendly plastic container project in just a few days.
‘Of course it wouldn’t be normal if I was constantly grilling the team every day but lacked sufficient data.’
Previously, I hadn’t paid much attention to other teams because I was busy with my own work. But after observing this team leader, things became clear.
A team leader like him couldn’t stand sitting at a desk doing work; he was always out and about. The person who actually drove the work was Manager Seong Min-woo. The eco-friendly plastic container project we had taken from Team 2 was also being handled practically by Manager Seong.
While reviewing Team 2’s data, a few doubts arose. The report stated that the project was halted due to lack of feasibility because of cost issues. But when I looked at the actual content, there was only a single quotation from an outsourcing company.
For an accurate evaluation, it’s standard practice to request quotes from at least three suppliers.
‘Why didn’t they get comparative quotes? Did the other companies say material changes weren’t possible?’
That was entirely plausible. If the outsourcing company wasn’t exclusively producing Iljin Group products, changing the plastic material could be a sensitive issue.
For this project, we had to use Iljin Chemical’s patented biodegradable plastic, which naturally made the raw material more expensive than regular plastic. In addition, adjustments in production processes might be required depending on the material, and quality control would need extra attention for a new product.
If the volume were sufficient, it wouldn’t be a big issue. But for small batches, hesitation was understandable.
‘Better check with Manager Seong before contacting the suppliers.’
I decided it was wise to preemptively identify any potential issues before moving forward. So, I went straight to Manager Seong Min-woo.
“Manager Seong.”
“Oh, Deputy Kang. Team Leader isn’t at his desk right now.”
“I know. Could you spare a moment? I have a quick question.”
“Me?”
“Yes, just a moment, please.”
We found a corner in the company lobby café. Since we weren’t close, I figured a relaxed setting would get better answers.
“Do you know that the eco-friendly plastic project you handled last year is now under our team’s responsibility?”
Seong Min-woo’s face twisted slightly at my question.
“Uh… yeah…”
“Looking through it, it seems you put a lot of preparation into this project.”
“Phew… yeah, I did.”
He sighed first, which suggested there was some story behind it.
After a brief pause, he finally spoke.
“You know, Deputy Kang, eco-friendly projects often get scrapped.”
True enough. Moreover, it wasn’t the main product—just disposable containers to maintain food shape. Executives at the time probably didn’t see a need to produce such costly eco-friendly items. I, however, could foresee positive consumer reactions.
I asked a few questions regarding points that had puzzled me in the report. But Manager Seong responded only with short, clipped answers—implicitly unwilling to elaborate.
I sensed he was hiding something. But what?
Seong Min-woo kept sipping coffee, seemingly worried I might ask more questions. Even when his cup was almost empty, he lingered.
To avoid wasting more time, I asked the point that made the least sense to me.
“The quotation you received for the feasibility study—it didn’t include the company contact or the person in charge. Could you tell me which company it was from?”
At this, Seong’s expression flickered, and he replied,
“I don’t… really remember. Probably that company doesn’t exist anymore. They expanded during the pandemic… Ah, time’s up! I need to finish my work today. Coffee’s good, thanks.”
“Alright. I’ll check again if anything else comes up.”
“Sure, let’s do that.”
He practically ran off when I asked about the supplier.
‘Doesn’t remember… probably gone?’
Something smelled fishy. I decided the project needed to be re-examined from the start.
Noticing his strange attitude, I returned to the office and sent quotation requests to the outsourcing packaging suppliers.
After hitting send, I took a short break when Team Leader Kim called me.
“Deputy Kang, want a smoke?”
“Ah, sure, let’s go.”
I quickly followed him. I lit his cigarette and handed him the lighter, then he asked,
“Don’t you smoke, Deputy Kang?”
“No. I quit to live long and healthy.”
I had over a billion in the bank. If I wanted to spend it all and still live long, I needed to stay healthy first. That’s why I quit smoking.
“Hehe. Right, you’re still young. One more round, huh?”
“I haven’t thought about it yet.”
“Why?”
“I want to succeed first.”
“Good, success. With money, anything is possible.”
“Exactly. You can too, Team Leader.”
“That’s settled then. Marriage? I need money to be a dad for my kids. It’s tight even now.”
Kim’s eyes softened for a moment, thinking of his children.
“I even sent them to study abroad. Even if I couldn’t give much love while working, I shouldn’t be an incompetent father.”
Despite sending over half his salary for their upkeep, he still wanted to save more.
He shook off distractions and asked,
“The meeting next week—will it be the same as last week?”
“You mean, Director Han?”
“Yes. I’m new to female superiors… not sure how to respond.”
Kim looked worried, understandably so—he had seen Team 3’s leader get crushed last week.
“You know the meeting was moved to Tuesday?”
“Yes.”
“That’s because I was told to submit the report by Friday morning, had no choice.”
“So you want to review it in advance.”
“Seems so.”
He sighed and added,
“If we don’t pass the project this month, we might not succeed by year-end. Then our team could fall to third place.”
I remembered what Manager Lee Jung-wan said: this year’s incentives would be based on results. Kim must have heard it when he visited Director Nam.
I didn’t care, but it mattered to Kim. Money was his only link to maintaining his family relationship.
Even if I left, I’d make sure to finish first. Collect a fat incentive. And show Han Se-a.
For a brief moment, I considered telling Kim about what I knew of Han Se-a. But I wasn’t sure he’d believe me.
‘Not yet.’
Han was still quiet. As a lifelong actress, starting a corporate job would be challenging. Even if I had leverage, it wasn’t the time to reveal it. Otherwise, I’d look like a vengeful ex stalking after a divorce.
Until she fully shows her claws, Han Se-a’s identity as Yang Mi-jung stays hidden. When she becomes visibly obsessed with me… that’s the time.
For now, one approach remained.
“I think a diversionary tactic would work best.”
“A diversionary tactic?”
“Yes. Prepare multiple projects that we won’t actually pursue.”
As mentioned before, reporting to the director is just a midpoint check.
“We’ll report the eco-friendly plastic project secretly to Director Nam, while showing Director Han other seemingly impressive projects.”
“But won’t that be caught in the monthly report?”
“So what if it is? We started it a year ago. It was approved by the director, so we just need to convince the VP.”
“Oh!”
This was why I took the scrapped project. I could proceed without passing through Director Bul-yeo-si.
The vitamin dispenser project that should’ve gone to VP Oh Sang-do went to Bul-yeo-si, so giving Oh Sang-do one is only fair. One’s a dud, one’s a hit—but that’s the difference.
Kim’s mouth curved as he understood.
“Good idea. Even if Han approves another project, we can run both simultaneously.”
“Exactly!”
Of course, the likelihood of failure is higher—but I didn’t mention that.
‘No need to preemptively sabotage.’
The eco-friendly container was insurance. Even if other projects fail, we’d be covered.
“I’ve selected a few report-worthy items for backup. You focus on the eco-friendly plastic project.”
“Ha! That’s why I like you, Deputy Kang. Thorough preparation.”
Kim immediately gathered the team for a meeting. I handed out the reports I had prepared after founding the company. Projects meant as shields against Han Se-a’s tantrums, also to prove her judgment isn’t flawless.
For team members joining Zeros Group next year, it was a chance to familiarize them with business operations.
Everything was falling perfectly into place. Smoothly—almost too smoothly.
The preparation of new reports was set with Deputy Seo. The first selected project was CCS, a Carbon Capture Storage system.
Though actively applied overseas for climate crisis mitigation, it was relatively unknown in Korea.
While compiling data, I received a message from Lawyer Jeong Ji-hyun:
Wow. Lawyers in Korea really can do anything.
Knowing I had work, she scheduled it on Saturday. I’d better bring a gift later, since going alone without an introducer would be awkward.
Logging into Watstar, I saw a message from Latte Time. The list categorized Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and Western cuisine—she clearly cared about food.
Restaurants and cafés too. How does she maintain such a slim figure? Amazing.
‘Ah! I forgot to thank her for introducing my channel.’
While texting thanks, Team Leader Kim stood, addressing the team:
“Alright, you need to eat well for a late night. What about daepae samgyeopsal today?”
“Alcohol too?”
“Do you think so? You, a manager, still clueless? Jin, what do you want?”
“Uh…”
Jin trailed off. Kim looked at me.
“Deputy Kang, dining hall again today? You can leave early, so come along.”
“No. Everyone’s busy, I’ll stay late. And I won’t go to the dining hall anymore.”
The team all looked at me in surprise.
I had always tried not to stand out while at the company. Rumors circulated that my celebrity wife divorced me and I got a fat settlement. I tolerated the dining hall, and substituted company coffee for café lattes. Frugal Deputy Kang—that was my company persona.
But now, no need. Yang Mi-jung is completely erased from this world. And wealthy Han Se-a has no reason to intervene in my affairs.
So it’s time to spend. Really spend. With interest exceeding 100 million won a day, why live frugally forever?
“How about Hanwoo beef? My treat.”