Make It Real: Chapter 6

Choi Financial Group and corporations are one of the most prominent business family in South Korea. It is generally controlled by Choi clan under the authority of Choi Monghee. The chairman title in the holding company and subsidiaries can be inherited by one of the owner's son designated by him. The appointment of  young son had raised eyebrows among Board of Directors questioning his ability to manage. Because of the sudden announcement directors held a meeting, examining CFG's son background.

"Minho, the chaebol son is a top honor from Kyonggi Primary School." Director Park Gongchan started. "Consistent with A+ grades, he entered Oxford Academy effortlessly, the seventh ranking secondary school in U.S. He graduated valedictorian from therein and was admitted to the prestige Stanford University's faculty of Accounting. He got Master's degree in Finance later on and obtained Certificate in International Banking and Finance Law. Minho's working experience included as the President of Associated Students of Stanford University. High paid apprenticed of top ranking financial companies like HSBC, Citigroup, Suntrust, and Capital One. His first full-time job was a Marketing Manager in the world's largest global firm, JP Morgan Chase. He was planned to inherit the title of CEO Monghee, on that account his father appointed him as Chairman Sungho's Interim successor."

The board of directors were quiet impressed on the new chairman's background and experience yet still doubtful on how he could do direction and strategy at such young age.

"No doubt his father appointed him testing his ability to lead a company. Yet I'm skeptical that CEO Monghee will give his full trust on Minho. He might soon interfere in his son's decision-making and eventually control Junhee's bank as CFG's wholly owned subsidiary." As said by other directors.

Some gave a nod. "I agree. Without Chairman Sungho, his cousin is trying hard to exercise full power over this company under his son's name."  

The board of directors with the absence of sick chairman were assuming that behind this appointment is a selfish motive by CFG. The possibility of CFG's planning to immerge with Sungho's corporation that has assets of $1 billion, with the intention of obtaining benefits from its profit and more opportunities produced by the company.

Yuri, the part-time model and fashion designer was scheduled to ramp in an annual fashion show in Boston that time. Minho had promise his girlfriend that he will attend the show to support her yet the urgent call made him depart unexpectedly. He wrote a letter and left inside her drawer before going to airport.

Uncle Sungho is seriously ill so they want me to replace him for the meantime. I'll promise to go back. I love you. ~ Minho

She read the letter and threw it outside out of anger. She expected him to come and this is what happened. She lay on her bed frustrated at her situation. If she could only follow him to Seoul and has courage to face his parents but she cannot abandon her career in U.S. Thinking of life without Minho is new to her, she had been dependent on him for almost fifteen years. This uncalled split left her feeling of emptiness and weak whether it's for emotional or financial.

Sungho finally woke up since his surgery. It was mid-night when the mother and daughter visited him inside ICU. His left side body was reportedly paralyzed and had difficulty in speaking. Juniel was in his side gently soothing his father's hand. She held back her tears as she showed him a cheering smile. "Papa you said that you'll help me in Math. Please hurry up, exam will come soon." She asked him prompting his father to recover faster. The father recognized his daughter though he could not utter a single word.

Juniel's tears kept pouring down as she thinks of her father. It was more painful for her to see her loving papa suffering in such condition. She then silently wished to take his illness instead as it is less tolerable for her. Mrs. Hasun who was lying besides Juniel letting her release her depression. However her daughter's unstoppable cry got her affected and so she embraced to calm her. "Don't worry, Papa is fine."

After twelve hours of travel Minho reached Incheon. He was fetched by a corporate's car from the airport and decided to visit his sick uncle first. He needed to talk with Mrs. Hasun too about his goals in their company. He knocked at the VIP room no. 739 hoping to see his aunt first before going to ICU.

Juniel was all alone there sleeping when the sound awakened her. Her mother left early to get some personal things from their house so she thought that her mother just returned."Wait Mama." She said. She did not comb her hair as she hurriedly open the door. It was not Mrs. Hasun but a tall guy with a proportional masculine body showed up. He was wearing a white long sleeve and black jeans with a clean-cut hair. He looks unfamiliar to her.

Juniel was wearing a white cotton nightgown with her tousled hair and sleepy eyes. The girl was just came from sleep that Minho had to say apology. He took off his shades and greeted the girl "Hello. I'm sorry for disturbing you but I need to talk with Aunt Hasun." The man's voice is so deep and husky.

"My Mama is not here." She answered little with a velvet tone.

By her answer and appearance, Minho knew she is Juniel. The adopted daughter of his relative with striking resemblance of an angel. She grew lot prettier now with petite frame and porcelain skin. Her brown bangs flowing freely to her rosy and chubby face.

The girl was standing there unmoving. She clenched her gown thinking of what to say. Normally, she is just timid meeting strangers.

"I see. I'm Choi Minho by the way. So you're Juniel right?" He asked her grabbing her hand to shake it.

"Yes. Ah, Oppa?" Juniel knew Minho as Sulli's brother and her second cousin. She blushed as she remembered him.

"How old are you now?" He asked her.

"16." She answered trying to avoid his contact still.

"Sweet sixteen. You're still baby when I last saw you." He smiled, thinking it would please her.

Juniel was too shy in front of him that it put them in an awkward position. Minho was not sure if he scared her or is it her natural reaction when meeting people. "Can you lead me to your father's room?" He asked her trying to kill the awkwardness between them.

"Yes." She answered, she went to comb her luxurious hair and get her blazer.

Minho watched her from outside. He needed to remind himself that he is actually a visitor when she forgot to let him come in. Juniel's very demure behavior is fun for him yet really painful for her. Being fifteen years in America, he had never encounter such tame girl. He wondered then if she could be able to entertain suitors with such personality.

The two went to ICU ans luckily her father was awake. "Good Morning Papa." She told him with usual gentle tone.

The old man was lying there with his eyes open. It was difficult for him to communicate. IVs on his hand and oxygen tank at the side.

It touched Minho seeing his uncle for the first time after so long. "How are you uncle? This is Choi Minho, your nephew. Do you remember?"

If only Sungho could tell how he feels.

"I'm here to help you in your business. I promise to give my best while you're still recovering. Get better soon Uncle so we can hang out one more time." Minho whispered trough the old man's ears.

With his limited response, Sungho was delighted at this man's presence. Seeing Minho with his family makes him hopeful even if he is lying there.

to be continued...