Chapter Five : A Name to Remember

Minji stood backstage, adjusting the cuffs of her crisp white blazer. Her long black hair flowed down her shoulders in elegant waves, framing her sharp yet delicate face. Her formal attire was simple—white blazer over a fitted black dress, heels just high enough to add power to her stance—but the way she wore it made heads turn. Even the professors had paused to compliment her appearance as she passed. But it wasn’t just beauty that made her shine—it was the sheer confidence in her every move.

The seminar was moments from starting. The grand auditorium, normally used for academic conferences, had been transformed into a sleek hall of prestige—golden lights, velvet drapes, and a center stage with a podium adorned by the university’s crest.

Beside her, Professor Han smiled approvingly. “You look perfect, Minji. Confident, calm, radiant. Exactly what we need for this seminar.”

She nodded with a soft smile. “Thank you, Professor. I’ll handle it.”

No nervousness, no hesitation—just certainty. That was Minji Park.

Behind her calm exterior, her mind ran like a precise machine, going over her lines, her speech, her posture. She had prepared every word herself, refusing any pre-written script. She didn’t want to sound rehearsed—she wanted to feel real.

As the door to the main hallway opened, a hush fell over the room. Security entered first—silent, black-suited men with cold eyes. They scanned the room in seconds. Then came a man.

Jinwoo Choi.

Tall. Immaculate in a tailored black suit. His dark eyes scanned the room with the ease of a predator used to power. His hair was slicked back, every step deliberate. He didn’t try to smile. He didn’t need to.

Minji stepped forward as he approached the podium. The moment their eyes met, something shifted in the air—like a silent charge passing between two storms.

She extended her hand with a calm poise. “Welcome, Mr. Choi. I’m Minji Park, science student and anchor for today’s seminar. We’re honored to have you with us.”

For a brief moment, Jinwoo didn’t move. His gaze swept her face—those sharp doe eyes, the slight arch in her brow, the unapologetic confidence.

Then, slowly, he took her hand. “Pleasure is mine, Miss Park.”

His voice—low, velvety—made the hall feel suddenly smaller. It wasn’t just deep. It commanded attention.

Minji gestured toward the stage. “If you’re ready, we can begin.”

He gave a single nod. She took the podium first.

“Good afternoon, everyone,” she began, her voice clear and powerful, echoing across the room. “Today, we welcome a man whose generous annual donations have shaped many of the very labs and libraries we study in. A man known in the corporate world as a visionary, and in the philanthropic world as a silent pillar of change—Mr. Jinwoo Choi.”

Applause followed.

Minji continued, “On behalf of the university, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Mr. Choi for his unwavering support of education and innovation. Today’s gathering isn’t just a seminar. It’s a bridge between vision and action, between what we dream and what we create.”

She paused, her eyes grazing the audience before falling back to Jinwoo. “And now, I invite Mr. Choi to share a few words.”

He stepped up, giving her a passing glance that lingered just a second too long.

Then he faced the crowd.

“Thank you, Miss Park,” he began, his voice smooth like aged whiskey. “Your words are generous. Though I believe the true brilliance lies not in what we donate, but in minds like yours—curious, bold, fearless.”

Minji blinked, caught off guard for the first time.

He continued, “I’ve always believed education is the sharpest blade in a soft war. And this institution has always produced warriors. Scientists, thinkers, rebels. I respect that.”

His words weren’t long, but they hit with precision. When he ended, the applause was even louder.

Minji returned to the stage, her expression composed but her heart beating fast.

“Thank you for those powerful words,” she said, turning slightly toward him. “If time allows, would you be open to a brief Q&A session?”

Jinwoo raised an eyebrow. “Only if you ask the questions.”

A few chuckles scattered the room. Minji smiled, tilting her head.

“Very well,” she said, and took a seat opposite him, a small table between them.

She leaned in, confident. “You’ve built an empire from nothing. What was the first decision that changed your life?”

He met her gaze. “The day I stopped asking for permission.”

The room went still. Even the professors looked intrigued.

Minji didn’t miss a beat. “Interesting. Do you believe control is more important than compassion in leadership?”

He smirked faintly. “Control gets you power. Compassion lets you keep it.”

Her next question was sharper. “Do you believe in fear… or loyalty?”

There was silence.

Jinwoo's gaze darkened. “Fear is more reliable. Loyalty is expensive.”

The words hung in the air.

Minji’s voice was calm. “And what do you fear, Mr. Choi?”

Now he leaned forward, and for the first time, his gaze turned unreadable.

“Not being seen,” he said softly, eyes locked onto hers. “Not being understood. But… I think that fear is fading.”

Her breath caught.

For one terrifying second, it felt like he wasn’t talking to the crowd. Just her.

Before she could speak again, Professor Han stepped forward. “Thank you both for such a brilliant session. Let’s take a short break.”

Minji stood, offering her hand once more. “Thank you for your time, Mr. Choi.”

This time, he didn’t let go right away.

He leaned slightly forward, so close that only she could hear.

“We’re not done, Miss Park. Not even close.”

Then he walked away.

Minji stood still, her heart pounding, the warmth of his voice still lingering in her ears.

And somewhere, deep inside her mind, a whisper echoed:

He saw you.

Not just your smile. Not just your confidence. He saw the you behind the mask.

And in his world, that meant only one thing—

You now belonged to him.

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