Ch170 - [Side Story] Working Dad (2)
Jeong-o spoke calmly but pointedly.
“Think about the karma you’ve built up. When you talk to the employees, your eyebrows are always furrowed by 0.5 cm. Who would feel comfortable talking to you?”
But soon she became emotional.
“Do you think, as your wife, that the employees will come to me and only say nice things about you? No. They ask me to relay messages to you. They want me to tell you not to make them sit next to each other while editing project proposals, not to just throw out random instructions with incomprehensible drawings, and not to glare at the man sitting next to me in the meeting room.”
Before she knew it, Jeong-o had become the company’s sounding board. She listened to the employees’ grievances, soothing those who needed comfort… Of course, it hadn’t been easy for her either.
So she let Bo-ram be. Even though it had only been two days, it felt good to hear nice things about her husband.
Ji-heon was surprised. He had never realized the effort Jeong-o had put into hiding her struggles.
“Is that why people say Ji-heon is coming to the company just to follow Lee Jeong-o?”
…But that was true, and he had no rebuttal. The only reason he came to Max Planning was to protect Jeong-o.
His main job was merely a side task.
Having expressed herself clearly, Jeong-o advised, “Now go back to headquarters.”
“Why, why is the conversation turning that way?”
Ji-heon stumbled over his words, flustered.
“This is for your future. Now go back to headquarters.”
“How is that for my future? I know my future best.”
“Then work hard. Don’t waste your time following me around.”
Ji-heon felt wronged. It seemed his wife couldn’t see how busy he was.
“Do you think I’m not working hard? I finish all my tasks and then follow you.”
“A leader shouldn’t relax just because their tasks are done. You should look for other things to do.”
Am I relaxing? Do you think I’m just playing around?
I put in only 70% of my energy into work, but since meeting you, I’ve been pouring in 80%.
Can’t you see my effort?
However, Jeong-o’s response was cold.
“If you can’t focus on your work because you’re worried about me, it’s really better for you to go back to headquarters.”
With that, Jeong-o turned away.
.*. *. *. *. *. *.
Being a leader is a lonely position. Even when frustrated, one must work.
Ji-heon went to the conference room ahead of a competitive presentation meeting. Jeong-o had already arrived and was reviewing the products with the production team members. As Ji-heon entered, everyone greeted him, but Jeong-o didn’t even glance his way.
Keep it up.
With narrowed eyes, Ji-heon shot a glare at Jeong-o before taking a seat.
Once everyone had gathered, the team leader of the planning team stood up to begin the briefing.
“‘You Are Yours’ is a childcare product brand launched by ‘AiPoom’ three years ago, which has established itself as a sturdy national stroller brand. It has gained a lot of love for its baby clothes and functional clothing. This year, it has achieved unprecedented success with the development of baby carriers and temperature-sensing bathtubs, and next year, it plans to introduce assembly beds and baby chairs. The products mentioned are set up in front for your review.”
The bidding amount, including production costs, is around 6 billion. It’s quite a scale, so two production teams were assigned.
“Production Team 1 consists of married individuals, while Production Team 2, considering that Assistant Lee Jeong-o is currently raising children and preparing for childbirth, will likely approach things more realistically. If possible, I think it would boost the advertiser’s trust if Assistant Lee presents the production presentation directly… But please don’t feel pressured.”
The planning team leader cautiously suggested, glancing at Ji-heon, who came to work to protect Jeong-o.
Jeong-o nodded enthusiastically.
“I also think it would be best for me to participate in this presentation, at least to attend the PT. If we succeed, it would be a way of showing filial piety before the baby is born.”
Everyone smiled comfortably at Jeong-o’s positive response. In the cheerful atmosphere, opinions flowed freely. Ji-heon also spoke up.
“I really think it would be better for Lee Jeong-o to handle the production presentation.”
Everyone exchanged looks of agreement. They seemed relieved that Ji-heon had made the decision. Jeong-o also revealed her enthusiasm, smiling brightly for the first time in a while. However, everyone was taken aback by Ji-heon’s next words.
“If that’s the case, I’ll handle the planning presentation.”
It felt as if the air had been sucked out of the room. Everyone’s jaws dropped in disbelief.
Only Ji-heon smiled softly, staring intently at Jeong-o as if to say,
“Just wait and see.”
I’m putting in all this effort to be by your side.
After the meeting ended, Jeong-o angrily chased after Ji-heon.
“Why are you presenting?”