----Kim Taehyun's Pov
I, Kim Taehyun, stepped into my sleek, black Bentley Continental GT. The engine purred to life as I pulled out of my luxurious villa's gates. My drive to TaeHyun Fashion's headquarters was a short one, but long enough to collect my thoughts.
As I arrived, the guard nodded respectfully. "Good morning, Chairman Kim."
I ignored him, accustomed to the deference.
Upon entering the building, I bypassed the crowded elevators and made my way to my private one. The doors slid open with a soft whoosh, revealing the mirrored walls and polished wood paneling. I disliked sharing this space with anyone, especially the sycophants seeking my attention.
The elevator stopped on the top floor, and I stepped out into my opulent office suite. Ok Ja-Yeon, my secretary, greeted me with an exaggerated smile. Her tight, red dress hugged her curves, and her heavy makeup seemed more suitable for a night club.
"Good morning, Chairman," she cooed, batting her eyelashes.
I raised an eyebrow. Was she preparing for a party or just trying to distract me?
"Any urgent matters?" I asked curtly.
Ja-Yeon hesitated before handing me a folder. "Marketing reports, sir."
Geum La Hui, my marketing manager, had prepared them. Her work was impeccable, unlike Ja-Yeon's inconsistent performance.
I scanned the reports, impressed by La Hui's strategic insights.
"Summon Geum La Hui," I instructed Ja-Yeon.
As I entered my office, I noticed the list of employees I'd decided to let go. Incompetence was an abomination to me; money wasn't an issue, but mediocrity was.
Their severance packages would include three months' pay, generous but unnecessary. I wouldn't tolerate subpar performance.
My gaze wandered to the city skyline. I, Kim Taehyun, was the master of this domain.
People were mere pawns, some worthy of notice, others disposable.
My phone buzzed, breaking my reverie.
"Chairman, the design team awaits your feedback," Ja-Yeon announced.
I nodded, already dismissing the thought of their inferior ideas.
"Send them in. Geum La-Hui, tell her to come in in an hour time."
As they filed in, I scrutinized each face. Who would impress me? Who would disappoint?
My mind was a razor, cutting through the noise, separating genius from garbages.
End of Kim Taehyun's Pov
As the design team filed in, Kim Taehyun's piercing gaze scrutinized each face. He gestured to the first designer, a timid young woman.
"So, Ms...?" he paused, expecting her to fill the silence.
"Park Se-Na, sir," she stammered.
"Ms. Park, your designs lack originality. They're stale, uninspired. Next."
Park Se-Na's face fell as she quickly gathered her materials and exited.
The second designer, a cocky young man, stepped forward.
"Lee Joon, sir. I've created a revolutionary new line—"
"Revolutionary?" Taehyun interrupted, raising an eyebrow. "I see recycled trends and lazy execution. You're not pushing boundaries; you're rehashing the past. Leave."
Lee Joon's confidence deflated as he departed.
Taehyun's gaze swept the remaining team members before settling on the team leader.
"Where is the real creativity? I want to see the best you have. Team Leader, present the main concept yourself. Now."
The team leader, Lee Seung-Ho, stepped forward, his eyes locked on Taehyun.
"Sir, our collection, 'Eclipse,' combines sustainable materials with avant-garde silhouettes, inspired by—"
"Skip the sales pitch, Seung-Ho," Taehyun interrupted. "Show me the designs. Impress me."
Seung-Ho began his presentation, aware that his team's fate hung in the balance.
Seung-Ho began his presentation, confidently guiding Kim Taehyun through the "Eclipse" collection.
"Sir, as you can see, our focus is on sustainable materials, eco-friendly dyes, and innovative textures. This ensemble," he gestured to a striking black and silver design, "features recycled polyester and organic cotton."
Taehyun's eyes narrowed, scrutinizing every detail. He walked around the presentation board, his fingers trailing over the fabrics.
"Impressive, Seung-Ho. The attention to detail is... acceptable."
Seung-Ho smiled inwardly, relieved.
Taehyun continued, "However, I want more daring silhouettes. Push the boundaries. Make it provocative, yet elegant."
Seung-Ho nodded fervently, jotting down notes.
"Yes, sir. We'll revise the designs accordingly."
Taehyun turned to the team. "I want to review the entire collection. Bring me the files and your iPads."
The team scrambled to comply, handing over their devices and files. Taehyun immersed himself in the designs, scrolling through the iPad screens, analyzing every stitch and seam.
"Hmm... this one," he tapped the screen, "needs a more dramatic shoulder. And this fabric... replace it with something more luxurious."
Seung-Ho and his team took furious notes as Taehyun dictated changes.
After reviewing the designs, Taehyun addressed the team.
"Seung-Ho, ensure those two... disappointments I dismissed earlier never set foot in this building again. Their incompetence is a disease I won't tolerate."
Seung-Ho nodded, his expression solemn.
"Yes, sir. I'll take care of it."
Taehyun turned to the team.
"Production needs these designs finalized by next week. I want samples ready for review within three days. Work tirelessly, and don't disappoint me."
The team nodded, eager to please.
With a dismissive wave, Taehyun signaled them to leave.
"Seung-Ho, remain. I have additional instructions."
As the team filed out, Taehyun picked up his phone.
"Ja-Yeon, bring me my coffee. Now."
Ok Ja-Yeon's voice was honey-sweet over the intercom.
"Right away, Chairman."
Moments later, she knocked softly and entered with a steaming cup.
Taehyun didn't look up from his iPad.
"Place it on the desk, Ja-Yeon."
Ja-Yeon set the cup down, her eyes locking onto Taehyun's for a fleeting moment.
"Your coffee, sir. Just the way you like it."
Taehyun raised an eyebrow, taking a sip.
"Not too sugary, Ja-Yeon. You still understand that much."
Ja-Yeon's smile was radiant.
"I'll always remember, Chairman."
Taehyun's gaze lingered on her, a mixture of annoyance and appreciation.
"See that you do. Dismissed."
Ja-Yeon exited, closing the door behind her.
Seung-Ho, still waiting, cleared his throat.
"Sir, regarding the production timeline—"
Taehyun's focus snapped back to Seung-Ho.
"Ensure it's done, Seung-Ho. I don't pay you to make excuses."
Seung-Ho nodded, his expression resolute.
"Yes, sir. We'll deliver."
Taehyun's gaze returned to his iPad, already lost in the world of TaeHyun Fashion.
"Can I see the list of applicants?" Kim Taehyun asked Seung-Ho, his voice firm but intrigued.
"Yes, sir," Seung-Ho scrambled for the file, his hands slightly shaking as he handed it over. "Here, sir."
Taehyun took the file, his eyes scanning the pages.
"Still standing, Seung-Ho?" Taehyun asked, not looking up.
"No, sir. I mean, yes, sir." Seung-Ho hastily corrected, remaining standing, though his legs trembled slightly.
Taehyun's gaze locked onto a familiar face.
"What?" he muttered, his brow furrowing.
"The desperate golddigger," he sneered, tapping the file. "This one. Seung-Ho, pick ten people, including this woman. I'll handle the interviews myself."
Seung-Ho's eyes widened, but he nodded.
"Yes, sir."
"Dismissed," Taehyun waved his hand.
Seung-Ho bowed hastily and exited, still trembling.
Kim Taehyun leaned back in his rocking chair, closing his eyes. His mind wandered to his complicated family history.
His grandfather, Kim Ha-Joon, had always favored him, but Taehyun's decision to leave the family business, Starlight Entertainment, had created tension.
At 23, Taehyun had boldly ventured out, fueled by his passion for fashion. He worked tirelessly, learning from tailors in small factories, and eventually built his own empire.
Now, TaeHyun Fashion was a global powerhouse, but the distance between Taehyun and his family remained.
His stepmother, Ji Sui-Hui, and stepbrother, Kim Tae-Ho, had never accepted him as part of their family. They saw him as a traitor, but his full story will be told with time.
Taehyun's thoughts drifted to his grandfather's attempts to reconcile. He had sent emissaries to Taehyun's company, but Taehyun's secretary, Ja-Yeon, had discreetly dismissed them.
The sound of his own heartbeat brought Taehyun back to the present.
He reopened his eyes, focusing on the file still clutched in his hand.
The woman from Daehan Corporation's lobby caught his attention again.
Why was she applying to TaeHyun Fashion?
Curiosity piqued, Taehyun leaned forward, his eyes narrowing.