Kang Jiwoo stood at the top of the sleek skyscraper, looking out over the vibrant cityscape. The wind played with his perfectly styled hair, exposing the sharp angles of his face. His tailored suit fluttered behind him, highlighting his slender frame. Below, the neon lights of Seoul twinkled like stars against the darkening sky. Jiwoo's gaze narrowed, his mind wandering to the next challenge facing the Kang Group. His thoughts drifted back to the long hours spent analyzing financial reports, negotiating contracts, and solving problems. Although exhausted, he found comfort in the solitude of the rooftop, away from the watchful eyes of his employees and the expectations of the public.

As Jiwoo lost himself in thought, the quiet of the rooftop contrasted sharply with the hustle and bustle of the city below. Suddenly, the tranquility was disrupted by the buzz of his phone. With a resigned sigh, he pulled out his device and checked the screen. Another urgent message from the marketing department. His thumb lingered momentarily before responding swiftly, dismissing the query with a few curt sentences. The interruption, though minor, left an undeniable imprint on Jiwoo's mood. He turned away from the city view, returning to the shadows of the building, his footsteps echoing off the glass walls.

Stepping into the elevator, Jiwoo was enveloped by the familiar scent of polished leather and freshly waxed floors. The sudden shift from the cool night air to the warm, enclosed environment made his skin prick with awareness. He straightened his tie, the fabric smooth against his skin, and ran a quick hand through his hair, restoring order to the stray strands. As the doors closed, Jiwoo felt the weight of his responsibilities bearing down upon him. The elevator whirred to life, whisking him away to the thirty-fifth floor, the epicenter of the Kang Group's operations.

The elevator came to a stop on the thirty-fifth floor, and the doors slid open, revealing a bustling office. The air was alive with the murmur of voices, the shuffle of papers, and the faint aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting from the break room. Jiwoo emerged from the elevator, his eyes scanning the crowded hallway. His presence caused a stir among the employees, who whispered amongst themselves, speculating about the reason behind his visit. Despite the commotion, Jiwoo remained unfazed, his expression stoic and detached. He strode confidently through the throng, his destination the private suite reserved exclusively for the CEO.

As Jiwoo approached the entrance to his private suite, two imposing wooden doors loomed before him. Intricate designs etched into the surface depicted scenes from ancient Korean myths, casting eerie shadows against the fluorescent lighting. With a swift push, Jiwoo swung the doors open, stepping into the inner sanctum of the Kang Group. Inside, the atmosphere transformed dramatically - the noise and chaos of the outer office giving way to a serene oasis. The spacious room was dominated by a majestic mahogany desk, its surface gleaming with a subtle sheen. Behind the desk stood a towering windowpane, offering a panoramic view of the city skyline.

Seated at his desk, Jiwoo settled into the plush leather chair, adjusting the position to align perfectly with the symmetry of the room. He reached forward, pressing the intercom button. "Choi Hana, connect me with Lee Tae-kyung," he instructed, his voice calm and authoritative. While awaiting the call, Jiwoo opened a drawer and extracted a cup of black coffee from the thermos, kept chilled especially for him. Lifting the cup to his lips, he took a slow sip, savoring the rich flavors. As he set the cup down, his gaze fell upon the stack of documents piled high on his desk, awaiting review.

Jiwoo delved into the paperwork, scrutinizing each page intently. Financial reports from various subsidiaries vied for his attention alongside proposals for new ventures and memos detailing ongoing projects. His fingers flew across the keyboard, typing out responses to emails with lightning speed. The efficiency of his actions belied the intensity of his focus, driven solely by the pursuit of excellence. Suddenly, the intercom beeped, signaling the arrival of Lee Tae-kyung on the line. "Answer," Jiwoo commanded, his voice steady despite the hint of fatigue creeping into his voice.

With a crisp click, the intercom sprang to life, filling the room with the warm tones of Lee Tae-kyung's voice. "Good morning, Chairman Jiwoo," He greeted, his deference evident in the polite address. Jiwoo's grip on the receiver tightened marginally as he listened attentively to Lee's report on the state of the Kang Group's investments abroad. His brow furrowed, reflecting the depth of his concentration. "See to it that our interests are protected," he instructed, his tone firm yet controlled. "Any sign of weakness will be exploited by our competitors."

Jiwoo hung up the receiver, turning his attention to the mountain of paperwork awaiting his signature. The documents ranged from routine contracts to complex merger agreements, each requiring his meticulous scrutiny. His pen danced across the pages, leaving trails of ink in its wake. As he worked, his mind wandered briefly to the rooftop, longing for the solitude and fresh air he had enjoyed mere hours ago. Yet, duty bound him to the task at hand, and he plunged back into the sea of paperwork, determined to emerge victorious against the tide of responsibility.

As the hours passed, Jiwoo's focus never wavered, his dedication to detail unwavering. Eventually, the sun began its descent toward the horizon, painting the city skyline in hues of crimson and gold. The shadows cast by the setting sun stretched across the office, reaching out like tentative fingers. In the silence of his suite, Jiwoo sensed the approaching twilight, his instincts urging him to complete the tasks at hand before the day succumbed to darkness. With renewed vigor, he attacked the remaining pile of documents, signing off on each with a flourish.

As the last rays of sunlight faded beyond the horizon, Jiwoo finally pushed aside the stack of documents, satisfied with the day's accomplishments. His gaze drifted out the window, drawn to the glittering expanse of the city. The endless stream of cars flowing along the highways cast long shadows across the urban landscape, while the towering skyscrapers stood sentinel, guarding the metropolis. The distant hum of traffic blended with the faint strains of music drifting from the street performers in the park below, creating a symphony of sound that filled the night air.

The peaceful ambiance of the night stirred something within Jiwoo, a fleeting moment of introspection amidst the whirlwind of his daily routine. He leaned closer to the window, peering out into the darkness, his breath misting against the glass. Lost in thought, he pondered the vastness of the city, its inhabitants going about their lives oblivious to the machinations of the Kang Group. His reverie was short-lived, however, as the soft chime of the intercom shattered the tranquility. "Chairman Jiwoo, this is Secretary Choi speaking," the gentle voice announced, breaking the spell of the night. "We have received word from the Public Relations Department regarding a potential issue with one of our brands. Would you care to hear the details?"

Jiwoo's hand hovered over the intercom button, weighing his options carefully. After a brief moment of deliberation, he pressed the button, connecting him directly with Secretary Choi. "Speak freely, Secretary Choi," he directed, his voice firm and decisive. "What nature of issue affects our brand?"

Secretary Choi hesitated momentarily before delivering the news. "It appears that Hanmi Cosmetics, one of our subsidiary companies, is facing allegations of using expired ingredients in their skincare products. The matter is currently under investigation by the Korea Food and Drug Administration." She paused, choosing her words cautiously. "While we believe the claims are baseless, we fear the negative publicity could harm our reputation and impact sales."

Jiwoo's expression remained impassive as he absorbed the information. His mind raced with possible scenarios, considering both the immediate consequences of the scandal and its long-term implications. "Inform Lee Tae-kyung of the situation immediately," he ordered. "I expect a comprehensive crisis management strategy within the hour."

Without waiting for further discussion, Secretary Choi nodded briskly and terminated the connection. Jiwoo watched the intercom screen flicker back to life, displaying the usual array of messages and reminders. His thoughts turned inward, analyzing the potential fallout from the Hanmi Cosmetics debacle. Should the allegations prove true, the repercussions would extend far beyond the confines of the cosmetics division, tainting the Kang Group's reputation as a whole. Jiwoo's determination hardened; he would not allow a single misstep to tarnish the legacy of his family's empire.

As the minutes ticked by, Jiwoo's anticipation grew. His expectation of a swift resolution was rooted in the expertise of Lee Tae-kyung, whose public relations wizardry had salvaged numerous crises throughout the years. While awaiting the PR chief's response, Jiwoo busied himself reviewing the quarterly projections for Kang Electronics, another key subsidiary of the group. His scrutiny revealed a promising uptrend in sales figures, attributed largely to the successful launch of their latest smartphone model. Although pleased with the results, Jiwoo recognized the need for continued innovation and strategic planning to maintain the company's edge in the competitive electronics market.

Just then, the intercom chimed once again, announcing the return call from Lee Tae-kyung. Jiwoo swiftly answered, eager to receive the PR chief's assessment of the Hanmi Cosmetics situation. "Lee Tae-kyung, what do you propose we do to mitigate the damage from these false accusations?" Jiwoo asked curtly, dispensing with pleasantries.

Lee Tae-kyung cleared his throat nervously before launching into his analysis. "Chairman Jiwoo, I've studied the allegations thoroughly. Based on my findings, I firmly believe that Hanmi Cosmetics did not violate any regulations. To counteract the adverse publicity, I suggest we release a statement affirming our commitment to quality and safety, while simultaneously conducting an independent audit of our manufacturing processes."

Jiwoo listened attentively to Lee Tae-kyung's recommendation, weighing the pros and cons of the proposed action. After a momentary pause, he rendered his verdict. "Execute Lee Tae-kyung's plan immediately," he instructed Secretary Choi over the intercom. "Draft a statement emphasizing our dedication to consumer welfare and schedule an audit of Hanmi Cosmetics' facilities. Inform me of any developments."

With the crisis management plan set in motion, Jiwoo shifted his focus to the Kang Group's future prospects. He spent the remainder of the evening poring over industry forecasts and researching emerging trends in technology and commerce. His goal was twofold: to stay abreast of market dynamics and identify opportunities for expansion. As the hours slipped away, the city outside transformed into a kaleidoscope of color and light, its energy palpable even behind the closed doors of Jiwoo's private suite. Finally, exhausted by the demands of the day, Jiwoo rose from his chair and stretched languidly, extending his arms overhead until the fabric of his shirt strained against his shoulders. With a quiet sigh, he returned to his desk, scribbling notes on the margins of the reports scattered before him. His handwriting was neat and precise, mirroring the orderliness of his mind. As the clock struck ten PM, marking the end of another marathon work session, Jiwoo sealed the fate of the documents, either approving them with a quick signature or dispatching them to relevant departments for further review. Satisfied with the progress made during the day, he called for the elevator, ready to surrender to the allure of sleep and let tomorrow bring its own set of challenges.

The elevator whisked Jiwoo away from the frenetic pace of the office, carrying him down to the subterranean parking garage where his car awaited. The vehicle, a sleek black sedan with tinted windows, gleamed in the fluorescent lighting of the garage. Its engine purring smoothly, the sedan navigated the winding ramps leading out of the underground facility and onto the bustling streets of Seoul. As the city whizzed by in a blur of neon lights and shadowy silhouettes, Jiwoo relaxed against the leather seatback, allowing the rhythmic flow of traffic to soothe his frayed nerves.

As the sedan cruised through the city, Jiwoo gazed out the window, mesmerized by the ever-changing tapestry of Seoul's nightlife. Street vendors hawked their wares, enticing passersby with fragrant street food and exotic trinkets. Couples strolled hand in hand, pausing occasionally to admire the glittering facade of a high-rise building or the tranquil beauty of a moonlit park. The air was alive with music and laughter, casting a spell of enchantment over the city.

Despite the seductive charm of the city, Jiwoo's thoughts drifted back to the office. He mentally replayed the events of the day, reevaluating every decision and strategizing ways to improve upon them. Though the Hanmi Cosmetics scandal weighed heavily on his mind, he remained confident in the measures taken to mitigate its impact. As the sedan approached the intersection of Gangnam-daero and Yeoksam-ro, the headlights cast long shadows across the pavement, illuminating the faces of pedestrians hurrying to and fro. Suddenly, the driver slammed on the brakes, narrowly avoiding a collision with a speeding taxi. The abrupt halt jolted Jiwoo forward, causing him to clutch the armrest tightly. His heart racing, he took a few deep breaths to regain composure.

The near miss left Jiwoo shaken, but the skilled driver quickly regained control, steering the sedan deftly around the errant taxi. As they continued driving, Jiwoo noticed a group of revelers spilling out of a bar onto the sidewalk. The boisterous crowd caught his attention, reminding him of the countless nights he had missed out on socializing due to his demanding workload. Though tempted by the idea of joining them, duty-bound responsibility kept him anchored in the solitude of his sedan.

The sedan eventually broke free from the congestion, entering a stretch of road where the buildings seemed less crowded and the lights less intense. The reduced glare allowed Jiwoo to notice the stars twinkling above, a celestial showcase dimmed only by the urban glow. Lost in contemplation, he failed to register the approaching turnoff for his neighborhood until the driver's polite announcement brought him back to reality.

With the sedan veering onto the quieter roads of his residential district, Jiwoo felt the weariness of the day bearing down on him. His eyelids drooping, he rested his head against the windowpane, letting the gentle motion of the car lull him toward sleep. Before drifting off entirely, he instructed the driver to play some soothing music, hoping to ease his transition into rest.

The melodic strains of a classical piano piece filled the sedan, weaving a sonic tapestry that harmonized with the rhythm of the city outside. As the last notes faded into silence, Jiwoo slipped into a state of half-sleep, his consciousness suspended between wakefulness and dreams. The tranquility was short-lived, however, as the sudden jolt of the sedan coming to a stop snapped him awake. Rubbing his temples, Jiwoo peered out the window, recognizing the familiar contours of his apartment complex.

Jiwoo emerged from the sedan, stretching lazily as he breathed in the crisp evening air. The coolness invigorated him, chasing away the lingering fatigue of the day. With a swift movement, he reached back into the car, gathering his belongings before closing the door behind him. As the sedan pulled away, Jiwoo watched its taillights disappear into the darkness, leaving him alone beneath the imposing silhouette of his apartment tower.

Stepping into the lobby, Jiwoo was greeted by the friendly smile of the security guard stationed behind the reception desk. "Good evening, Chairman Kang," the guard said respectfully, bowing low. Jiwoo acknowledged the greeting with a polite nod, then proceeded toward the elevator bank. As the lift ascended, the soft chime announcing each passing floor served as a reminder of the long climb ahead, both literally and figuratively.

As the elevator soared upward, Jiwoo's gaze wandered to the polished marble walls, reflecting the soft glow of the cabin lights. The ascent was smooth and quiet, save for the occasional ping announcing the arrival at each floor. Finally, the elevator halted on the topmost floor, opening onto a plush corridor lined with lavish furnishings and expensive artwork. Jiwoo stepped out, his footsteps echoing against the walls as he made his way to the penthouse apartment.

Unlocking the door to his penthouse apartment, Jiwoo entered a domain that was both familiar and isolating. The spacious living area, with its cream-colored couches and matching rug, seemed to swallow him whole, accentuating the silence that pervaded the space. He tossed his keys onto the entryway table, the metallic clatter reverberating throughout the empty halls. With a weary sigh, Jiwoo trudged into the bedroom, seeking refuge beneath the sheets.

Jiwoo undressed quickly, shedding his formal attire for a pair of comfortable pajamas. After brushing his teeth and washing his face, he climbed into bed, sinking into the soft mattress. Pulling the blankets close, he closed his eyes, allowing the exhaustion of the day to envelop him. His breathing slowed, and soon he drifted into a dreamless slumber, the stresses of his waking life momentarily forgotten.

Though Jiwoo slept soundly, his body betrayed signs of turmoil. His fists clenched involuntarily, and his breathing quickened, hinting at the subconscious anxieties plaguing his mind. Despite these physical manifestations, his face remained serene, reflecting the rest his sleep afforded, free from the burdens of the day.

Hours passed, and Jiwoo's sleep remained uninterrupted, a rare blessing given the hectic nature of his existence. Eventually, the first light of dawn began creeping into the sky, painting the horizon in hues of pink and gold. The gentle illumination seeping through the penthouse windows cast a peaceful ambiance throughout the apartment, contrasting sharply with the turmoil that typically characterized Jiwoo's waking hours.

As morning broke, Jiwoo stirred, his chest rising and falling steadily. He woke refreshed, ready to tackle another demanding day. Stretching lazily, he extended his arms above his head, arching his back gracefully. With a final yawn, he swung his legs over the side of the bed, planting his feet firmly on the ground. He stood, stretching once more, before padding barefoot into the bathroom.

Inside the expansive bathroom, Jiwoo turned on the faucet, letting the warm water flow freely. He waited patiently for the temperature to stabilize before stepping underneath the spray of water. The gentle caress of the liquid against his skin was almost therapeutic, melting away the residue of fatigue from the previous day. After rinsing off, he wrapped himself in a plush towel, rubbing it vigorously against his skin.

Following his refreshing bath, Jiwoo entered the private gym nestled within his penthouse apartment. The mirrored walls reflected the array of equipment, casting multiple images of himself across the room. With a purposeful stride, he approached the treadmill, selecting a high-intensity interval training program designed to maximize fat burn and cardiovascular endurance. As he jogged, the rhythmic thump of his feet against the belt echoed throughout the room, mingling with the hum of machinery. After completing his cardio session, Jiwoo transitioned to strength training, lifting weights and performing bodyweight exercises to tone his physique. Satisfied with his workout, he exited the gym, eager to prepare for the day ahead.

Following his grueling workout, Jiwoo stepped under the showerhead, letting the warm spray wash away the sweat and grime from his exertions. The water cascaded down his body, soothing his muscles and quieting the lingering tension in his chest. For a few moments, he stood still, eyes closed, allowing the steady stream to ground him — a small ritual of calm in a world that often felt too loud.

Once he was clean, he dried himself off with a fluffy towel. Moving to the sink, he brushed his teeth thoroughly and washed his face. The familiar motions brought a strange sense of control, and by the time he looked up into the mirror, he felt ready — or at least willing — to face whatever the day had in store.

With his hygiene rituals complete, Jiwoo ventured into his closet, scanning the array of suits, shirts, and ties. Selecting a navy-blue blazer and matching trousers, he carefully draped the jacket over his shoulders, securing the buttons with a swift motion. Next, he picked out a crisp white shirt, tucking it into his waistband and fastening each button with precision. Finally, he chose a patterned silk tie, wrapping it around his neck and adjusting the knot until it hung perfectly aligned with the collar of his shirt. Once fully attired, he admired himself briefly in the mirror, satisfied with his reflection before heading downstairs to the kitchen.

Descending to the kitchen, Jiwoo found the atmosphere transformed overnight. The shadows and silence of the previous evening had lifted, replaced by the soft clatter of the simmering stove and the warm glow of the refrigerator light spilling gently across the tiled floor. The familiar scent of breakfast — eggs, toasted bread, and jasmine tea — welcomed him like an old friend.

His housekeeper had already come and gone, leaving a quiet feast waiting for him on the counter: steamed eggs, crispy bacon, grilled mushrooms, and golden slices of toast arranged neatly. Jiwoo filled his plate generously and made his way to the dining table.

For a moment, he simply sat, letting the warmth of the room settle around him. Then, with a fork and knife in hand, he began eating, savoring each bite. The flavors were simple but rich — enough to ease him gently into the day.

As Jiwoo ate, he scanned the headlines of the newspaper, catching up on the latest business news and trends. The front page featured a prominent article on the Hanmi Cosmetics scandal, highlighting the public outcry against the use of expired ingredients. Jiwoo's lips tightened as he read the report, relieved that his team had swiftly implemented measures to mitigate the crisis. After finishing his meal, he pushed the plate aside, reaching for his phone to check for urgent messages.

Sipping his jasmine tea, Jiwoo scrolled through his emails and messages, responding promptly to inquiries from various department heads and business partners. His attention was drawn to a message from Lee Tae-kyung, updating him on the progress made in resolving the Hanmi Cosmetics debacle. According to Lee, the company had issued a public apology, recalled affected products, and launched an internal probe to prevent similar incidents. Satisfied with the update, Jiwoo typed out a brief response, thanking Lee Tae-kyung for keeping him informed.

With his correspondence attended to, Jiwoo set his phone aside, turning his thoughts to the day's schedule. First on his agenda was a visit to his father in the VIP ward of the private hospital where he lay recuperating. The elder Kang Hyunsoo's declining health had necessitated Jiwoo's premature ascension to the helm of the Kang Group, a responsibility he bore with stoic dedication.

—————————————————————————

Kang Jiwoo walked down the long, sterile hallway of the VIP ward, his footsteps echoing against the tile floors. Reaching his father’s room, he pushed open the door, revealing a space filled with the steady beeps of medical equipment and the faint aroma of disinfectants. Kang Hyunsoo lay in bed, his frame looking small beneath the array of machinery surrounding him. Jiwoo sat on the chair beside the bed, taking his father’s hand in his own.“Dad,” he whispered softly, “how are you holding up?”

Kang Hyunsoo paused, taking a shallow breath before answering, his eyes meeting Jiwoo’s with a flicker of reassurance. “I’m holding up, son. Better now that you’re here.”

Kang Hyunsoo smiled weakly, his eyes clouded by fatigue and medication. “Jiwoo, my son,” he whispered, his breath shallow and labored. “I regret that fate has forced you to bear the weight of the Kang Group at such a tender age.”

Jiwoo squeezed his father’s hand reassuringly. “Don’t worry, Dad. I’ll make sure the Kang Group continues to thrive.” He paused momentarily, searching for words to lighten the mood. “And I promise I won’t mess things up too badly.”

Kang Hyunsoo chuckled faintly, pleased by his son’s optimism. As he spoke, his gaze drifted away, lost in thought. “Jiwoo, success isn’t about avoiding failure. It’s about learning from failures and rising above them. Every setback is an opportunity to grow stronger and wiser.” He turned back to look at Jiwoo, a gentle smile playing on his lips. “Believe in yourself, son. You have the heart of a true leader.”

Jiwoo’s face lit up with joy as he heard his father speak. He leaned forward, placing his hand on top of his father’s, giving it a gentle squeeze. His voice trembled slightly, betraying the depth of his emotion.“Dad… hearing you say that means so much to me.”

As Kang Hyunsoo continued speaking, Jiwoo found himself overcome with a mixture of sadness and gratitude. Seeing his once-strong father reduced to a mere shadow of his former self broke his heart. He gently massaged his dad’s arm, hoping to bring some comfort to the frail body.“Dad, don’t worry about anything. I’ll handle everything.”

Kang Hyunsoo’s smile faltered, and he closed his eyes briefly, struggling against the exhaustion consuming him. Jiwoo watched anxiously, worried about the toll his illness was taking on his dad. He reached out, lightly tracing circles on his dad’s palm with his finger, offering silent reassurance.“Stay strong, Dad. Fight this.”

Kang Hyunsoo opened his eyes slowly, his gaze softening as it met Jiwoo’s. “You’ve grown up so well,” he murmured. “There were times I doubted myself as a father, but seeing the man you’ve become…” His voice trailed off, emotion catching in his throat. Jiwoo shook his head gently, giving his dad a small, affectionate smile.“You were never alone in this, Dad. And I’m who I am because of you.”

Jiwoo's words brought a faint glow to his father's cheeks, and Kang Hyunsoo's breathing seemed to ease ever so slightly. Noticing the shift, Jiwoo quietly scooted closer in his chair and wrapped his arms around his father's waist, pressing his cheek lightly against him. His touch was careful, almost reverent—like he feared even the smallest pressure might cause pain.

He stayed there for a moment, eyes closed, listening to the rhythm of his father's breathing. "You know..." he began softly, his voice low and steady, "I hope I make you proud every single day, Father."

Then, as if trying to chase away the heaviness in the air, Jiwoo tightened his arms around his father’s waist. He buried his face into his father’s side like a child holding onto something irreplaceable, letting the silence linger for a moment longer.

It was a side of Jiwoo that rarely surfaced—one he only ever showed to the people he was truly, deeply close to. This softness, this vulnerability, was something few ever got to witness.

“You’re going to be around for a long time, Dad,” Jiwoo said, his voice steady yet filled with an underlying tenderness. “I need you here to see me get it right… to watch me grow old, maybe even meet the grandkids. I swear, they’ll probably give you more headaches than I ever did, but that’s what family is for, right?”

Jiwoo held his breath for a beat, savoring the stillness, the warmth, the quiet comfort only a parent’s presence could offer. He inhaled deeply—his father’s scent, tinged with the sharpness of antiseptic and the faint earthiness of old cologne, grounded him.

As he exhaled, he spoke just above a whisper, the words gentle but unwavering.“I promise, Dad. I’ll find happiness… and when I do, I’ll share every bit of it with you.”

Kang Hyunsoo’s eyes softened as he looked down at Jiwoo, feeling the weight of the unspoken bond between them. His heart swelled with something close to pride and love, something that had been buried beneath years of worry and distance. He placed his hand gently on Jiwoo’s back, offering the comfort of a steady presence.“Jiwoo…” His voice was rough, but there was warmth in it, something that hadn’t been there in a long time. “You’ve already made me proud. Watching you grow, watching you become the man you are… that’s all I could ever ask for.”

Jiwoo’s arms tightened once more, and his father didn’t pull away, instead holding him just as tightly. The years of fatherly love, regret, and hope melded into the quiet, peaceful moment. There was no need for more words. In that simple, shared silence, they both understood everything.

“Just don’t make me wait too long for those grandkids, alright?” Kang Hyunsoo added, his voice softening to a teasing tone as he pulled Jiwoo slightly closer.

Jiwoo let out a quiet chuckle, the sound muffled against his father’s side. It wasn’t loud or forced—just a soft, genuine sound that carried warmth, almost like the echo of a child who still found safety there.“I’ll take care of it, Dad. Don’t worry,” he murmured, his voice low and steady.

With a reluctant sigh, Jiwoo disentangled himself from his father’s grasp, releasing the warm embrace they shared. He stood tall, straightening his suit jacket with a slow, practiced motion. His fingers brushed the creases from his sleeves as he glanced back at the hospital bed. His father was already drifting into light sleep again, the slow rhythm of his breath rising and falling in sync with the heart monitor’s steady beeps. The softness in Jiwoo’s gaze lingered only a second more.

“I’ll get going now, Dad. Take care of yourself,” he murmured quietly. “I’ll call when I’m free.”

He didn’t wait for a response—he didn’t need one. The room felt warmer than before. More peaceful.

Jiwoo turned, stepping toward the hallway, the hush of rubber-soled shoes on the tile blending with the faint hum of hospital life around him. By the time he reached the elevator, his expression had shifted, like a curtain drawing closed over a stage—serene, unreadable.

The cold morning air wrapped around him like silk as he exited the hospital. His car was already parked at the curb, the same sleek black sedan that had carried him from boardroom to boardroom countless times. The driver gave a small bow and opened the door without a word. Jiwoo slid inside.

The scent of leather and faint cologne greeted him, familiar and unchanging. As the car merged into traffic, Jiwoo leaned his head slightly against the seat’s cushion, eyes half-lidded but awake. He didn’t pull out his phone. He didn’t open a laptop. Instead, he watched the city slide past the window in silence.

The sun was just beginning to break past the taller buildings, casting streaks of orange and pale gold across the skyline. Vendors were setting up street stalls. Students hustled past in uniforms. A busker with a violin stood near an underpass, drawing out a low, haunting melody that filtered through the glass. Jiwoo’s mind drifted. Dad looked stronger today. His hands weren’t as cold… His fingers unconsciously curled slightly, as if remembering the texture of his father’s palm. Then the moment passed.

Kang Group headquarters greeted him with its usual rhythm—fast, clean, and clinical. His assistant, Ms. Choi, was waiting in the executive lobby, tablet in hand.“Morning schedule?” she asked.

“Board meeting at nine, press review rescheduled for Thursday. You have a call pending with the Seoul legal team, and we just received an urgent audit report from the brand division.”

“Push the call to noon. I’ll go over the audit during the drive to the media branch.”

Her eyes flicked up. “The media branch?”

Jiwoo gave a small nod. “It’s been a while. I’ll do a walk-through.”

She didn’t question it further. She knew better than to ask twice.

The board meeting proceeded with smooth precision. Reports on performance, upcoming projects, market trends. Jiwoo nodded at each, occasionally interjecting with questions too sharp, too specific to be anything but the result of deep familiarity.

“We’re behind on the ad contract renewals for Q2,” he said, eyes flicking to a marketing exec who suddenly paled. “See to it that it’s finalized by Friday. No exceptions.”

“Yes, Chairman Kang.”

“And I want the R&D update by noon today.”

“Yes, sir.”

By 10:15 AM, he was back in the car, headed toward the Kang Group Media Division. This building was different—glass panels curved like a wave, surrounded by a small courtyard with benches and a rooftop café. It was meant to encourage creativity. Flexibility. Chaos, to some extent. Jiwoo didn’t visit often. Just enough to remind people he might appear at any moment.

The car rolled to a smooth stop at the front entrance. Jiwoo stepped out; his polished shoes clicked against the entrance tiles as the sliding doors parted with a quiet whoosh.

Near the far side of the lobby, chaos unfolded. A young man—badge clipped to his lapel—juggled an overstuffed tote, a phone pinched between ear and shoulder, and a cardboard tray with two iced coffees. He made it three steps before disaster struck. The phone slipped. He lunged for it—but the tray tipped, the lid popped off, and cold coffee splashed across his shirt.

“Oh no—nonono—” he gasped, twisting sideways, trying to catch the tray—but his foot caught on the bag strap, and down he went with a thud, the tray clattering beside him.

He froze on the floor, one knee bent awkwardly, the phone wedged under his leg, coffee pooling around his elbow.

“Okay,” he muttered. “It’s fine. It’s not hot. Cold brew. It’s fine.”

He tried to reach for a napkin—but the tray slid under a bench. He rocked forward too far; his glasses slipped off. Then he hit his head on the edge of a plant pot trying to stand.

Jiwoo watched this… spectacle unfold with what could only be described as silent fascination. His expression was unreadable—eyes slightly wider than usual, the corner of his mouth lifted just a fraction.

Where did they find this one?