Daehan Corporation's towering skyscraper dominated Seoul's financial district. Its sleek glass façade reflected the city's vibrant energy, while its modern architecture exuded sophistication.
Inside, Director Choi Yoon-Ah's office epitomized elegance. Soft lighting illuminated the spacious room, adorned with contemporary art pieces and lush greenery. A stunning cityscape view unfolded beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Yoon-Ah, poised in a cushioned chair, scrutinized Min-Soo.
"Are you sure this artist will do a good job?" she asked.
Min-Soo smiled confidently.
"I know her very well. She'll exceed your expectations. I want to give you a gift."
Yoon-Ah raised an eyebrow.
"A gift for me?"
Min-Soo winked.
"For our love."
Yoon-Ah's cheeks flushed as Min-Soo sipped his coffee.
"I'll be right back before the event starts," he said.
He kissed her cheek, and Yoon-Ah smiled.
Their love story began two years ago in the United States. Coincidence or fate, they enrolled in the same business course, becoming fast friends.
As their friendship blossomed into romance, Yoon-Ah knew she'd found her soulmate.
Now, after a year together, Yoon-Ah longed to introduce Min-Soo to her father.
"Father will love you," she often said.
Securing a job at Daehan Corporation would solidify their future.
Min-Soo, aware of Yoon-Ah's plans, reassured her.
"Leave that to me. I'll make sure to impress him."
Yoon-Ah's eyes sparkled.
"I know you will."
As Min-Soo exited the office, Yoon-Ah's thoughts drifted to the artist.
"Yoon Ji-Hyun... I've heard of her... But where?"
A knock on the door interrupted her reverie.
"Director Choi, the artist has arrived."
Yoon-Ah's eyes narrowed.
"Send her in."
Ji-Yoon bowed gracefully, her hands clasped together.
"Annyeonghaseyo, Director Choi. I'm Yoon Ji-Hyun, the artist."
Yoon-Ah nodded, her expression expectant.
"Welcome, Miss Yoon. Please get ready. You'll be drawing me today."
Ji-Yoon's eyes widened, but she swiftly composed herself.
"As you wish, Director Choi."
The staff who escorted Ji-Yoon in bowed and departed at Yoon-Ah's discreet signal.
Ji-Yoon unfolded her easel, carefully arranging her art materials.
Canvas, pencils, paints, and brushes lay organized.
"Please sit comfortably, Director Choi," Ji-Yoon said.
Yoon-Ah settled into her favorite cushioned chair.
"Relax, and I'll capture your beauty," Ji-Yoon assured.
With skilled hands, Ji-Yoon began mixing paints on her palette.
Titanium white, yellow ochre, and burnt sienna blended harmoniously.
She started sketching Yoon-Ah's delicate features.
"Your skin is radiant, ma'am," Ji-Yoon observed.
"Thank you," Yoon-Ah replied, smiling.
As Ji-Yoon painted, curiosity got the better of her.
"Is it your birthday, ma'am?" Ji-Yoon asked.
Yoon-Ah's smile turned arrogant.
"My boyfriend is gifting me this portrait. He wants to capture my beauty."
Ji-Yoon's brush strokes paused.
"He must love you dearly," Ji-Yoon said.
"I do," Yoon-Ah declared.
Ji-Yoon's eyes locked onto Yoon-Ah's.
"Congratulations, ma'am. I'm happy for you."
With renewed focus, Ji-Yoon continued painting.
Her brush danced across the canvas.
Colors merged, capturing Yoon-Ah's essence.
As the portrait took shape, Ji-Yoon's thoughts strayed.
Who was this boyfriend?
Someone special, undoubtedly.
Ji-Yoon finished the portrait, her mind drifting to her own boyfriend, Min-Soo, whom she had longed to see. A spark of jealousy flickered, but she composed herself.
"This is her life, why envy?" Ji-Yoon thought.
"Director Choi, the portrait is complete," Ji-Yoon announced.
Yoon-Ah's eyes widened.
"Wow! I love it! It looks wonderful!"
As Yoon-Ah admired the portrait, Ji-Yoon overheard her mutter.
"How did Min-Soo know you'd do a good job?"
Ji-Yoon's curiosity piqued.
"Min-Soo?" she wondered.
"Thank you," Yoon-Ah said, blowing kisses to the portrait.
"The money will be handed over to you downstairs."
"Thank you, ma'am. I'm glad you like it," Ji-Yoon replied.
As Ji-Yoon packed her art materials and bowed, Yoon-Ah made a call.
Just then, a knock came at the door.
"Come in," Yoon-Ah chimed.
Assuming it was the staff, Ji-Yoon bowed without looking up.
But as she raised her eyes, her heart skipped a beat.
Min-Soo stood before her, smiling.
That familiar scent wafted through the air.
"Min-Soo Oppa?" Ji-Yoon wondered.
Overjoyed, Ji-Yoon rushed toward him, arms open.
But Yoon-Ah intervened.
"What are you doing? This is my boyfriend!" Yoon-Ah protested.
Ji-Yoon froze, confusion etched on her face.
"Min-Soo, I waited for you twice at the airport, but you never showed up. When did you return?" Ji-Yoon asked.
Min-Soo's smile faltered.
"Ji-Yoon, I—"
Yoon-Ah's eyes narrowed, her voice icy.
"Do you know her?" she asked Min-Soo, her gaze shifting between them.
Min-Soo hesitated, his eyes darting around the room.
"Well, no... Our house help's daughter. I knew her that way," he stammered.
Ji-Yoon's face contorted in shock, her eyes wide with disbelief.
The lie stung, piercing her heart like a dagger.
Min-Soo had hidden his true identity from Yoon-Ah.
He had abandoned Ji-Yoon, his girlfriend of three years.
For Yoon-Ah's wealth and influence.
"You're denying me?" Ji-Yoon's voice trembled, her words barely audible.
"I'm your girlfriend!" she exclaimed.
Yoon-Ah's expression turned cold, her lips curled in disgust.
"Who is this woman, Min-Soo?" she repeated.
Min-Soo's tone turned insolent, his words cutting deep.
"Do you have mental problems? Can't differentiate between friendship and relationship?"
"When were we ever in a relationship?" he sneered.
Ji-Yoon's heart shattered into a million pieces.
The truth hit her like a ton of bricks.
Min-Soo had dumped her.
For Yoon-Ah.
The thought seared her mind, burning her soul.
"Get out!" Yoon-Ah spat.
"I'll spare you because you once knew Min-Soo."
"Take your pay and never show yourself here again."
Ji-Yoon's legs trembled beneath her.
Each step felt heavy.
Weak.
She couldn't speak.
The staff approached, his voice gentle.
"Ma'am, this way."
Ji-Yoon followed, silent tears streaming down her face.
As she left the office, her heart lay shattered.
In pieces.
Her world crumbled around her.
The event hall of Daehan Corporation buzzed with excitement. The cream of Korea's corporate elite gathered, eager to celebrate Daehan's 40th anniversary.
Kim Tae-Hyun, CEO of "TaeHyun Fashion Empire" (THE), made an entrance. Confidence oozed from his pores, accompanied by arrogance. Ten years ago, he founded THE, now Korea's largest fashion company.
Other notable CEOs and directors arrived:
1. Lee Sung-Min, CEO of Samyoung Electronics, a leading electronics manufacturer.
2. Park Ji-Ho, Director of Hana Bank, one of Korea's largest financial institutions.
3. Cha Do-Kyun, Chairman of Koryo Group, a conglomerate with diverse interests in construction, energy, and hospitality.
4. Jung Min-Jae, CEO of JMJ Investments, a prominent investment firm.
5. Shin Hyun-Joo, Director of Shin Industries, a textile and manufacturing giant.
Conversations flowed as they exchanged greetings and business cards:
"Congratulations, Director Choi," Tae-Hyun said, shaking Yoon-Ah's hand.
"Thank you, CEO Kim. Your success with THE is inspiring," Yoon-Ah replied.
Sung-Min approached, smiling. "Tae-Hyun, I see you're still Korea's fashion king."
Tae-Hyun chuckled. "And you're still leading the electronics charge, Sung-Min."
Ji-Ho joined the conversation. "I'm impressed by Daehan's growth. Your father's vision is remarkable, Yoon-Ah."
As the guests mingled, Choi Jae-Ho, Yoon-Ah's father, took the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests,
Welcome to Daehan Corporation's 40th-anniversary celebration!
I'm honored you accepted our invitation.
Tonight, we gather to celebrate four decades of excellence.
Our company's growth wouldn't be possible without your support.
Thank you for your partnership and friendship."
The audience applauded as Jae-Ho continued.
"Tonight, we'll recognize outstanding achievements.
And forge new connections.
Let's raise our glasses.
To Daehan Corporation's continued success!
To our valued partners!
To the future!"
Glasses clinked, and champagne flowed.
The evening's festivities began.
Tables of four seated the guests:
Table 1: Tae-Hyun (THE), Yoon-Ah (Daehan), Sung-Min (Samyoung Electronics), and Ji-Ho (Hana Bank).
Table 2: Do-Kyun (Koryo Group), Min-Jae (JMJ Investments), Hyun-Joo (Shin Industries), and other prominent business leaders.
The evening promised intriguing encounters, strategic alliances, and perhaps, new rivalries.