Make It Real: Chapter 7

Minho and Juniel went back to the VIP room, Mrs. Hasun was already there arranging bouquet of assorted flowers in the base that was given for his husband.

"Mama..." Juniel called her mother's attention as they entered the room.

"Oh... Minho!" She knew her nephew would visit as said by his mother. The boy became more matured now with his well-built and tanned body.  Minho came closer and they hugged "Long time no see. How are you?" She asked him with a cheerful smile.

"I'm good auntie. I just came back as my father sent me."

"I'm glad that you accept it despite of your new job. I have so much hope now that you're here." She said it while gently tapping his face. Minho smiled as he missed the warm reception of his auntie when he was away. "Oh, so both of you already know each other?" She asked them thinking Minho and Juniel were still young when they separated.

The gaze transferred to the girl who was standing quietly at the side.

"Yes auntie. Juniel has grown prettier now." His compliment turned her to a blushing kid again. "I'm sure boys would swoon over her."

"I hope so but your cousin is too unconfident around people." The mother shook her head yet smiling. It is her daughter's natural trait being shy and too quiet. Some people even mistook her as snob when she is just introvert.

"I know." It is Minho's impression of her and now he understand why.

"Angel darling, can you give your oppa a hot drink?" Hasun asked her daughter and the girl nodded. "After that, prepare for your school."

"Yes Mama." She answered softly.

Each sat on a redwood chair facing each other, between is a classy coffee table. While, Juniel went to the small kitchen area of the hospital room preparing some instant coffee for her cousin.

"Thank you Auntie, for giving me enough trust to lead your company. I feel honored being appointed at this age. Despite of lacking experience, I'll do my best to serve your family and Junhee's Bank." He told her humbly.

"No problem. I feel really grateful having you with us through this hard time. I could not think of any one to rely on other than your family. I'm also thankful to your father for helping me now that I'm too old and incapable of handling our business." Mrs. Hasun who was thirty years Vice President for JSB's Human Resources Group had passed her duty to the next-in-line.

"I promise to continue uncle's mission as to have one of the most admired banking company in SK. The possibility of opening more branches overseas and launching stores at some parts of Asia such as Japan and Taiwan. Also, providing more services to our individual depositors and to strengthen our competitive advantage using state-of-the art technology to aid our team in managing our customer's money.

"Good. I love this idea and I know you will succeed."

Juniel went back handling a small rounded tray with hot coffee and a home-made cake she did.

"Thanks." Minho bowed to her after he received the drink she offered. Juniel managed to put a slight smile and depart immediately to get ready for school.

"What level is Juniel now?"

"Third year high school."

"Seven more years and she'll inherit her father's position."

"I'm afraid no. It's not that I don't trust my daughter but she rather bake cake than calculate liabilities and assets."

"Why? She doesn't have interest with business?"

"Yes. We did everything to impose that  on her, it just making her more pressured."

"If that so, who will lead JSB in the future?" Sungho and Hasun were being in retirement age, however the problem is who would sustain their independent company if Juniel has no potential? Minho's responsibility with JSB is just temporary as he has to succeed the CFG's executive position.

"Before her father got stroke, I already talked to him about this. We're thinking of immerging JSB with CFG in the future. We have to trust its parent company to secure our shares and assets as well as Juniel's future." The mother was referring to Juniel's inheritance when they die.

"That would be a good option. This could also save time and money for both companies. That merges might do better with international competition." Minho who has ambition of expanding their business globally is now thinking the advantages of the possible emerge.

Juniel was ready to go wearing her elite uniform, while Minho then decided to leave with her as he had to meet the directors. The daughter kissed her Mama goodbye as she normally does before departing.

The two entered a crowded elevator, Minho let his cousin enter first and he followed. The tiny space made him hard to turn his back thus making them facing each other. Juniel could really smell the strength of his perfume as their bodies were adjacent to each other. It was her first time to be so close to a guy that even if he was her cousin, it made her strangely shivers inside.

Minho volunteered to take his cousin to the school as her papa who is her personal driver is still sick.

"Sir, how is Chairman Sungho?" The driver asked his new boss.

"He's recovering now yet it might take him longer to regain his condition." Minho aswered.

"It saddened us when we heard he got stroke. Chairman is too kind and generous as his wife, we really wish him to see him healthy again though it might impossible for his age."

"Well, this circumstance push him to take break from all these stresses."

"Yes. And we're lucky to have you Sir as his substitute. I heard from one of director that you have great background and reputation. We'll support you as we did to Chairman Sungho."

"Nice to hear that. Thank you." The young chairman felt quiet overwhelmed witht he response.

Junel was listening at the back when she found out that Minho is the successor of her father. It made her happy at the same time upset to herself. She blamed herself again for not being smart to succeed her father yet she felt glad as her cousin took the responsibility instead. She thinks that Minho will not disappoint her family unlike what she is doing.

When they reached Kyonggi School for girls. Juniel thanked her oppa and went down from the car.

"Juniel don't normally mingle with people." Said by the driver.

"I know. I remember when she was little, Aunt Hasun is overprotective of her. She might developed feelings of isolation too." Minho told him.

"She could be the heir of her company but her lacking skill is preventing her. Her parents are too old to cover up her weakness. I'm sorry Sir but I'm quiet cynical about her future unless she'll marry an equally rich guy."

Minho then remembered fifteen years ago when his Aunt Hasun wanting a marriage deal for him and Juniel as early as that. He was still young then and she was baby. He rebuke that idea thinking that it was a joke. Though business marriage is a trend with them but without love, it is just a waste.

Minho went directly to Junhee Savings Bank Building  located in Seoul. Before he will start, he wanted to meet the Board of Directors about his goals and plans. The company welcomed their chairperson with celebration to his surprise. They provided him a convenient and spacious office to fit his activities and plans. Everyone expressed their full support and high hope for the new chairman.

to be continued...