DYEH 36🔐

Chapter  36

“We understand that you selected our team based on the proposal we submitted. However, during the final stages, after much deliberation, we had no choice but to change our project topic. We ask for your understanding.”

“Then doesn’t that put your team at a disadvantage compared to the others? Vice President Han Taekyu, what do you think?”

Chairman Han passed the question to Taekyu — not as a father, but as a company executive asking for a professional judgment.

Taekyu didn’t need long to decide.

“It’s true that it’s unfair in terms of consistency.”

He paused briefly, then turned to look at Isu.

“However, seeing how far they’ve made it, it seems fair to say they’ve proven their ability. Why don’t we listen to their presentation first, and decide afterward?”

Then he added a pointed remark toward Isu.

“And of course, your team will have to accept any point deductions for changing your topic.”

Isu replied that she understood. It didn’t matter — she wasn’t afraid of a small penalty. She had no doubt her presentation would be flawless.

“Then, let us begin. Our topic is Shinseong Electronics — demonstrating value beyond household appliances. We analyzed why Shinseong remains second in the industry, and the most common conclusion was its design.”

Isu’s gaze, which had been directed toward the chairman and Taekyu, shifted to another table — where Seohee sat.

Do your best, Han Seohee. I doubt you can do better than me.

Even if she’d borrowed the idea from Seohee, Isu had worked hard to perfect it. Her presentation would be far superior.

She was certain she had stolen Seohee’s topic, and looked forward to seeing her rival’s flustered reaction.

For a brief moment, Seohee’s expression did flicker — but then she turned to Junyoung beside her and started speaking calmly.

Yeah, she must be panicking right now.

Since Seohee’s turn was after hers, and Isu had “stolen” her topic, she would be scrambling for a backup plan. The thought boosted Isu’s confidence even more.

She pressed on energetically with her presentation — but unlike her confident tone, her team members’ faces had gone pale. Behind her, the massive presentation screen displayed a chaotic PowerPoint.

The wrong file had been uploaded — an incomplete draft still full of editing marks.

“Shinseong Electronics should place greater emphasis on design—”

“Hold on a moment, Ms. Han Isu.”

The one who interrupted her was none other than Taekyu. His darkened expression caught her off guard, but she quickly composed herself.

“Yes?”

“You seem very confident, but your preparation looks sloppy.”

“I’m not sure what you mean…”

She glanced back — her team members were frantically typing and clicking. Following their gaze to the screen, she finally realized what had gone wrong.

Even this kind of crisis is a test. Pull yourself together, Han Isu!

Forcing a calm smile, she said, “My apologies. It seems there was an issue during editing. I’ll continue the presentation.”

“No need for the slides — just tell us the main point. What’s your team’s proposed strategy?”

Perhaps because Chairman Han was watching, Taekyu’s tone was even colder.

“I believe Shinseong needs a design revolution. The era where home appliances existed only for their function is over. Even when buying a refrigerator, people now choose the prettier one. If we enhance our brand image with sophisticated and fashionable designs, we can attract more consumers. That’s all.”

Taekyu nodded, then glanced at the chairman. Unlike other presentations, the chairman said nothing and simply observed in silence.

Growing anxious, Taekyu decided to throw her a lifeline — a follow-up question to help her recover.

“Do you really think changing the design alone will attract new customers?”

“Yes. As I mentioned, people no longer buy appliances purely for function. They want pieces that match their furniture and home décor.”

At that, the chairman finally spoke.

“So you’re saying that if we just change our design, Shinseong can become number one in the industry?”

“…Pardon?”

It was a question about confidence — could she guarantee they’d reach the top?

She couldn’t recklessly say yes, but saying no would mean admitting she had no faith in her own plan. She was trapped.

“Enough. Let’s stop here.”

The way he cut her off made it clear what the outcome would be. A bad feeling twisted in her gut.

After bowing, Isu stepped down from the podium. She hid her frustration behind a polite face, but her insides were churning. She shot a cold glare at her team as she sat down.

As long as I do better than Han Seohee, it’s fine. Even if none of us get first place, the contest resets — and then I still have a chance.

While she was calculating her odds, it was finally Seohee’s team’s turn. Naturally, Isu expected Junyoung to present — but to her surprise, Seohee walked up instead.

Isu felt relieved. Even if Seohee had changed lately, she still wasn’t the type to handle public speaking well.

And if their topics overlapped, she’d be even more flustered. Isu sat back to enjoy the show.

Seohee gave a polite bow and stood straight. Her eyes briefly met Isu’s — and a faint, mysterious smile crossed her lips.

Why is she smiling? A wave of unease rippled through Isu’s chest.

“Our team’s topic is strategies to increase customer loyalty while attracting new clients.”

Isu froze. It wasn’t the same topic at all.

What?

Seohee’s lips curved again.

“Design innovation and furniture-like appliances — of course, they’re important. But without a strategy that genuinely motivates customer purchases, it won’t be enough.”

Calmly, Seohee presented her ideas. The slides behind her were clear, concise, and visually polished — the complete opposite of Isu’s messy ones.

Her graceful presentation made Chairman Han’s eyes light up, while Taekyu’s face stiffened. Not only was Seohee’s delivery confident, her proposal itself was strong.

Why on earth did that fool let Seohee take such a good opportunity? And he calls himself the heir to Shinseong? Tsk.

“…That concludes my presentation.”

Chairman Han nodded approvingly.

“It sounds like a plan worth implementing right away. What range of products should the reward program cover?”

“If it’s limited only to Shinseong products, it’ll be difficult to attract new customers. There are also former customers who used to buy from us. If our incentives are strong enough and our quality comparable, they’ll naturally return.”

“So if we follow Team 10’s proposal, Shinseong can become number one?”

Taekyu suddenly interjected, clearly trying to put Seohee on the spot — the same question the chairman had asked Isu.

But Seohee met his eyes without hesitation.

“I’m still a new employee. I don’t think I can confidently guarantee such an outcome.”

“Then should we take that as a lack of faith in your proposal?”

“No. I’m confident that our plan will be effective. I just mean it’s too early for me to predict its full-scale outcome.”

Chairman Han burst out laughing.

“Ha! A wise answer to a foolish question. That’s the kind of confidence I like. It’d be absurd to ask even senior staff to guarantee something like that.”

His words were a subtle rebuke — aimed not only at Isu, who’d fumbled earlier, but also at Taekyu, who had repeated the same mistake. Both had to hide their burning embarrassment.

“Then which product should we pilot this idea on?”

“Smartphones,” Seohee replied.

“Why?”

“They’re the most trend-sensitive and are replaced on a predictable cycle. They’re expensive, but people don’t feel the same burden since the cost is split across monthly plans.”

Chairman Han turned to Taekyu.

“What do you think, Vice President Han?”

It was now Taekyu’s turn to be tested.

“I’ll discuss with the operations team to see if it’s feasible to implement right away.”

“I think we already have our winner,” the chairman said with a satisfied smile. “Anyone disagree?”

No one dared to.
There was no need for further deliberation — the first-place team had clearly been decided.