Chapter 2: Morning Routine

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.

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