Chapter 11:
The skyline of Seoul stretched out before Joon, a breathtaking tapestry of glass and steel that glistened under the morning sun. From the view alone, it was clear: he was at the top.
He glanced around the spacious office, taking in the modern, minimalist décor. The desk was sleek and spotless, save for the nameplate reading CEO Park Joon and a stack of neatly organized papers. A leather-bound planner lay open, the day's schedule meticulously detailed.
Joon's heart raced as he took it all in. He had no memory of climbing this corporate ladder, no idea how he had landed in this life. Yet his body moved instinctively, the weight of authority settling onto his shoulders.
His gaze landed on a small picture frame on the desk. Inside was a photo of himself—this life's self—standing alongside a group of employees, all smiling brightly. He looked younger, less burdened, a glimmer of pride in his eyes.
The knock at the door snapped him out of his thoughts.
"Come in," he said, his voice steady despite the turmoil within.
His assistant, a sharp-eyed woman named Eunseo, stepped in, holding a tablet.
"Good morning, sir. The board meeting is in thirty minutes, and the quarterly financial report is ready for your review," she said briskly. "Also, Mr. Kang from marketing requested a one-on-one to discuss the upcoming product launch."
Joon nodded, his mind already working to keep up. "Thank you, Eunseo. Let's prioritize the board meeting prep for now."
As Eunseo left, Joon stared at the stack of reports on his desk. Numbers and charts swam before his eyes, but his hands moved with practiced ease.
It was a strange feeling, as though he had lived this life long enough for the instincts to take root, even if his memories hadn't.
The board meeting was a baptism by fire. Executives in tailored suits sat around a long table, their eyes trained on Joon as he presented the company's financial standing and strategic goals.
To his surprise, he navigated the discussion with confidence. His words carried weight, and the room hung on his every sentence.
"Impressive as always, CEO Park," said one of the board members, a grizzled man who seemed impossible to please. "Your vision continues to push this company forward."
Joon gave a polite smile, but inside, he felt like an actor hitting his marks.
When the day finally ended, Joon found himself wandering the bustling streets of Seoul. The city was alive with energy, its neon lights casting vibrant reflections on the wet pavement.
He walked aimlessly, trying to process the day. His life as a samurai felt like a distant dream, and the memories of the stage still lingered, their melodies playing softly in his mind.
"Who am I now?" he murmured to himself.
His thoughts were interrupted by the sight of a small street food stall. Drawn by the scent of spicy tteokbokki, he stopped to order a plate.
As he ate, he noticed the vendor watching him curiously.
"You look familiar," the man said, squinting. "Were you on TV? An idol maybe?"
Joon chuckled, shaking his head. "Not anymore."
Over the next few weeks, Joon settled into his new role, learning more about the company and its people.
He discovered that his leadership style was deeply admired. Employees spoke of his fairness, his ability to inspire, and his dedication to fostering a supportive environment.
But as he delved deeper, Joon uncovered cracks beneath the surface. A department head was embezzling funds, and a promising project had been sidelined due to office politics.
Joon acted decisively, addressing the issues with a mix of tact and firmness. His actions earned him respect, but they also drew attention from those who felt threatened by his reforms.
One evening, as Joon worked late in his office, Eunseo brought him a cup of coffee.
"You've been making waves, sir," she said, setting the cup down.
"Good ones, I hope," Joon replied, glancing up.
Eunseo hesitated. "Mostly. But not everyone likes change, especially when it challenges their power."
Joon leaned back in his chair, studying her. "Are you warning me?"
She nodded. "Some people would rather see you fail than adapt to your way of doing things. Be careful."
Her words lingered with him long after she left.
Unlike the physical battles of his past lives, the corporate world required a different kind of warfare—one fought with strategy, diplomacy, and an unyielding resolve.
Joon worked tirelessly, pouring his energy into every challenge. But even as he thrived, he couldn't ignore the emptiness that gnawed at him.
He missed the raw camaraderie of his bandmates, the quiet wisdom of his students, and the genuine connections he had forged in his previous lives.
One day, while visiting a subsidiary company, Joon met a group of young interns. Their enthusiasm reminded him of Haruto's eagerness, and he spent hours mentoring them, sharing his insights and encouraging their ideas.
"You really care about people," one of them said, her eyes shining with admiration.
Joon smiled. "People are the heart of everything. Never forget that."
As Joon began to find purpose in this life, the forces conspiring against him grew bolder. Anonymous threats arrived at his office, and rumors spread like wildfire.
Eunseo urged him to take precautions, but Joon refused to let fear dictate his actions.
"I've faced worse," he told her with a faint smile.
But deep down, he knew this battle wouldn't be easy.