64 : The Chosen CEO

People inside the conference room began whispering upon hearing Director Cho's words. Mrs. Dubois's company was such a huge asset to the expansion of their AI department. If they were to sign a contract with them, they would be the first in the country to launch gadgets with extremely advanced technology! To lose these investors would be such a pain!

"I don't mean to be nosy but I heard CEO Lee here arrived earlier than expected of his schedule in France." Director Cho said. "It was part of his itinerary to convince Mrs. Dubois and if I remember correctly, he was set to meet her right after his contract signing with Pierre."

Min Jae's eyes narrowed on Director Cho. He looked at the man intently but Director Cho could care less. Obviously, he was sucking up to the chairman. The director's behavior wasn't new to him anymore. Min Jae was already used to this man's criticisms as he would always be the one opposing his decisions. Nevertheless, he respected him.

Beside Director Cho, another man spoke. Scoffing, he looked at Min Jae disapprovingly. "Let's not forget that this young man right here had also tainted the image of our company. What will the people say if they hear about the rumors that circulated in this office building? The HR might've handled it now but they can't keep it forever!"

With that, almost everyone in the conference room was expressing their own opinions. Now that someone began exposed the topic they dreaded talking about, they could now freely talk about it. Majority of them spoke of criticisms that added fuel in the fire. The room was in a frenzy until Chairman Lee decided to take action and call everyone's attention.

"Silence!" He exclaimed. "Are you all dogs? Our purpose for meeting is to discuss company matters! Not personal issues or grudges!" The old man warned. Everyone fell silent. However, Director Cho was still adamant to speak.

"Chairman Lee, you've treasured this company for so long. We feel the same way too. I'm just worried that if things like this could happen now, what more in the future?" Director Cho persuaded.

Lee Jung Il clasped his hands under his chin. Letting out a sigh, he asked Director Cho without looking in his direction. "Then what do you propose?" Lee Jung Il took this opportunity to quickly land a glance towards his son's direction.

"I am proposing the dismissal of CEO Lee." Director Cho frankly suggested. Because of this, the room was in an uproar once again. The elders liked this idea very much. The young CEO was too much of a risk taker! If he one day runs out of luck, where would that leave their company?

On the other hand, there were still people against Min Jae's dismissal. Sure he made decisions that were sometimes against what the board wanted. But in the end, his actions still resulted on a positive note--often leaving the company at greater advantages than before. And for the few people who are aware of these things, they recognize Min Jae's potentials. How could they let go of such a capable CEO?

"Dismissal?" Kang Suk Ju shot up from his chair. "Is it not enough that he managed to lead us smoothly through this year despite all the setbacks? We even exceeded our goals for crying out loud! Chairman Lee, please carefully consider your judgement." He said, glaring at Director Cho and his peers.

The rest of the board members kept their mouth shut, afraid to suddenly involved in all the mayhem. After hearing Suk Ju speak, they all turned to look at Chairman Lee and waited for his verdict. Finally, after a few minutes of silence, he replied. "What do you have to say for yourself, CEO Lee?" The old man asked.

Min Jae was given the chance to defend himself. And so, all eyes drifted from Chairman Lee over to him. Min Jae sighed and cleared his throat. His slender fingers searched through the computer's files and after a single click, the presentation on the board changed. "First of all, I have already secured our contract with Mrs. Dubois a month ago before I even arrived to France." He revealed and the surprised board members couldn't hide their reactions.

Min Jae showed pictures as proof that he had indeed signed a contract already with the French businesswoman. "She visited our country a month ago and of course, the competition was tough. Regardless, I went to her with our proposal and even to my astonishment, she agreed right away." He explained.

Secretary Yoo felt relieved when Min Jae finally disclosed this matter. He was surprised and in awe when Min Jae first told him about this too, but he understood why he had to keep it. The board definitely didn't like him doing things they were doubtful of and similarly, this case required them to risk. Secretary Yoo produced a manila folder and handed it over to Min Jae.

"Here's the original copy of the contract." Min Jae said before making his way to place the document on the table. "For years we have been the pioneer in the business industry..." He quoted. "If we are to remain where we are, we simply have to do what we do. But if we're to aim higher and achieve greater goals, we'd have to grab every opportunity and make the best out of them."

The meeting concluded without Min Jae being dismissed. Once again, he has proven that he was indeed worthy to lead the company. Majority of the board members were pleased with his performance thus, this plan to dismiss him backfired on the elders. Today's meeting proved that he wasn't just the chairman's son. He was the chosen CEO, capable of bringing the empire to greater heights.

Everyone left one by one after the meeting had been adjourned. Before leaving himself, Kang Suk Ju first approached Min Jae and tapped him on the shoulder. "You sly bastard!" He whispered. "I didn't think you actually had something like this up your sleeves. If I had known, I wouldn't have bothered speaking for your stupid a**!" Suk Ju joked.

Min Jae scoffed. "Don't worry, my a** will be forever grateful to you." He retorted.

Secretary Yoo suddenly appeared in between their conversation. After apologizing for his intervention, Secretary Yoo turned to Min Jae. "Mr. Lee, the chairman wants to see you right now."

He announced.