Chapter 2: Busy Schedules

6 Years After Graduation...

Gwon Jiwoo's Point Of View

JIWOO: I'm doing fine thank you very much... I don't need that much rest! Cmon! I can do a lot of things in 6 months! What am I supposed to do if I'm not working?!

JAE: that is what you'll be finding out Jiwoo. Have a life outside work! Man, please. You've been hospitalized twice in a month already! How are we supposed to chill knowing that you're disregarding your health?

XIFENG: Jae's right... How are you supposed to function well at work if you keep on doing that? And how are we suppose to work properly if we constantly worry about your health? Please, Jiwoo, Listen to us. We know how hardworking you are. You don't need to prove it to us, everyone knows it! So please, just rest.

JIWOO: fine... I'll rest, for 6 days then I'll be back.

JAE: it's 6 months Jiwoo, not 6 days.

JIWOO: no! 6 months is like forever! I've got plenty of things to do... I have to follow up with 5 restaurants that's on construction right now and a few manual checks in one of our resorts!

XIFENG: leave that to us... I for one, have very light tasks on my table, I am very much free the whole 6 months since I've finished most financial documents and some internal audits.

JIWOO: no, I have to be sure, I need to do it myself.

XIFENG: (gasping) are you fucking doubting MY capabilities, Jiwoo?! How dare you! FINE! if you want to die working! Then be my guest! I just want you to know I won't watch you suffer from your treatment... I quit, I'd rather be just a normal person trying to prove to you everything doesn't revolve around money! I'll give you a week to find a replacement for me, I'll quit whether you want me to or not. Goodbye Mr. CEO

I was dumbfounded by what Xifeng said, I was in no way doubting her! Cmon, she's a genius! Ughhh...

JAE: I've never seen her this angry before Jiwoo. You really pulled that last string of patience in her. I hope you're happy... I think she's serious this time. Tsk, seriously is your work is more important than us? Moreover your health?

JIWOO: no... Jae, of course not! I'm sorry, it's just, I can't leave you know... 6 months is too much. It's half a year of having nothing to do Jae. You know me, I... I'm not that kind to linger around aimlessly. Time is of the essence. We are a huge company now, and we need to be alert at all times. The other will try to bring us down if we aren't assertive. We...

JAE: We? Are you sure about that? Coz I know I love the company as much as you do. But I'm not that into power-grabbing or aiming for something higher than what we are now. It's alright to have constant goals, but to put your health on the line? I'm sure we... By that, I mean me and Xifeng value our life more, more than anything in this world.

JIWOO: but...

JAE: don't... I just want to let you know I'm not quitting like Xifeng did... I'll be here constantly reminding you what you're doing to yourself, that it is worthless. I'll be in my office if you need to talk about important matters only, over the phone... Be well... SIR

And with that, a loud bang on my door. I can't believe they'll fuss over this. Fuck! 6 months is fucking long for heaven's sake! What am I gonna do with that 6 months?! I'll die of boredom faster! Aaaarrrrhhhhhgggg! This is frustrating!

I only need a week at most, of rest... Then I'll fully recover. Damn, tsk... what to do? Hmmm

Ahhh... Maybe they'll brush it off tomorrow, it was a stressful day after all. I'll just make sure to eat at the right time in order for me not to pass out again... I'll just go home for now and rest a bit, I still have to finish these papers tomorrow morning.

The next day...

It's been a whole day and none of those two even talked to me. Are they really serious about quitting?? Maybe they still need time. I know both of them won't abandon me. They're my best friends for God's sake.

After 3 days...

June 20, 2018

GWON JIWOO

Chairman, CEO

Hearthfire Summit Enterprise

HSE bldg., Yongdongdaero,

Gangnam District, Seoul

South Korea

Dear Chairman Gwon,

I would like to inform you of my inevitable resignation as the Chief Financial Officer of the Financial Department of Hearthfire Summit Enterprise, effective one week from today, June 20, 2018.

I appreciate the opportunity you gave me during my tenure at Hearthfire.

Please let my secretary know what assistance you require during the transfer. Have a nice day and God Bless!

(Signature)

Mao Xifeng

Former CFO of HSE

...

...

...

FUCK!

JIWOO: (calling Xifeng over the phone) arrrhhhhgggg pick up!

After a few tries, she picks it up. finally!

JIWOO: Xifeng! What the hell???

(Female voice): uhm good morning Chairman Gwon, this is Angela speaking... Boss Mao can't answer her phone right now, hmmm she's on a meeting with the team...

JIWOO: meeting?? What meeting?

ANGELA: hmmm about some paperwork. Uhhh she's delegating a few tasks to them before she leaves...

JIWOO: fuck! I'm coming over! Don't tell her!

I cut off her call and went straight to her office, she is on the 10th floor while mine is on the 16th while Jae is on the 5th. We each manage 5 floors. (Yes there is no 13th floor)

I rushed towards her office never minding the people who avoided me along the way... I was furious that she even sent me a resignation letter!

Stupid stupid Xifeng!

I barged in her office door just in time for them to finish their meeting... Everyone greeted me with a bow and left the conference room as fast as they could. They know I was angry, and they don't want to see me angry...

I shouted at Xifeng while she still sits on the head chair.

JIWOO: what the hell is wrong with you!

XIFENG: me? Nothing... I was just giving them their last tasks from me.

JIWOO: I don't care! Why are you resigning?!

XIFENG: I already told you the reason... Do you want me to put it on paper? If you want... I'll ask Angela to retract what I sent you earlier and change it with a more, honest explanation.

JIWOO: fuck... Please Xifeng. Don't do this to me

XIFENG: you want me to stop caring about you?Well, that is fine with me as well...

I looked at her shocked and irritated at the same time. I am the best debater in our university. I won several medals because of my arguing skills. But Xifeng is on a whole different level. If I'm savage? she's the worst.

She stood up without looking at me and was about to leave the room when...

JIWOO: fine! Ok! I'll take the vacation leave for fucks sake. But Xifeng... 6 months is too much. Can it be just a month tops?